A Very OK Podcast

Oklahoma in the 1950s

The post-World War II 1950s in Oklahoma was a coming-of-age era for a state that would celebrate its 50^th birthday in 1957. From transportation to civil rights to the arts and sciences, Oklahoma’s advancement accelerated during this pivotal decade. Former Governor George Nigh joins Trait Thompson and Dr. Bob Blackburn for the entire episode to discuss his recollections of this era and share stories that only he can tell.

The Battle of Honey Springs

The Battle of Honey Springs was the largest and most important Civil War battle in Indian Territory. The battle returned control of Indian Territory to Union forces, and is also significant because the majority of the combatants were Native American and Black. In this episode, Trait Thompson and Dr. Bob Blackburn welcome Adam Lynn, director of the Honey Springs Battlefield historic site, as their special guest to discuss the important events of July 17, 1863. 

 

A Very OK Podcast + BrainBox LIVE Crossover Event

OHS Executive Director Trait Thompson and Dr. Bob Blackburn of the OHS’s A Very OK Podcast and Dr. Sunu Kodumthara of OH’s BrainBox lead a conversation about growing up in Oklahoma from multiple cultural perspectives—featuring special guests Kelli Brooke Haney and Javier Hernandez. This crossover episode was recorded in front of a live audience.

Oklahoma’s Early Aviation History

Since the inception of the aviation age, Oklahomans have made major contributions to the science of flight. In this episode, Trait Thompson and Dr. Blackburn discuss the early days of flight in Oklahoma and the notable Oklahomans such as Wiley Post, James Banning, and the Cessna brothers who left their marks in the history books. They also interview Randy Vierling, a longtime TWA pilot, who tells the story of a harrowing experience he had while piloting an airplane through a storm early in his career.

Soldiers, Ranchers and Outlaws (1866–1907)

After the Civil War, Oklahoma played a major role in cattle ranching and the development of the frontier. Trait Thompson and Dr. Bob Blackburn discuss the people who made an impact during this critical time in history. They are joined by author and scholar Art Burton, who discusses the Buffalo Soldiers, Bass Reeves, and one of Indian Territory’s most notorious outlaws.

Fore! The History of Golf in Oklahoma

In this episode, we explore who brought golf to Oklahoma and where the first courses were located. We also discuss Oklahomans who made their mark in golf course architecture and women’s golf, and an Oklahoman who broke the color barrier in the PGA. Our guest is Steve Carson, Director of Golf at Lincoln Park Golf Course in Oklahoma City, which will be celebrating its centennial in 2022.

 

The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre

The horrific race massacre that took place in Tulsa during the evening and morning hours of May 31–June 1, 1921, still echoes through history. Trait and Bob discuss what happened during those fateful hours and how Oklahoma can begin to heal as the 100^th anniversary approaches. Phil Armstrong, project director for the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission, joins in the discussion.

 

What is Spiro?

Trait and Bob welcome Dennis Peterson, director of the Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center, into the studio to discuss the Mississippian mound-building culture prevalent around Spiro, Oklahoma, from 700 to 1500 CE.

Women In Broadcasting

Welcome to A Very OK Podcast reboot! In this episode, Trait and Bob explore the early days of television broadcasting in Oklahoma—with a special focus on the role of women. They also welcome Joyce Jackson into the studio for an in-depth discussion about her experiences as the first Black woman on one of Oklahoma's local television stations.