American Road Trip Talk

“It’s a bird. It’s a plane. It’s Superman!” The saga continues with the premiere of the latest iteration of The Man of Steel. There have been numerous films depicting the heroics of the most famous superhero of them all. Frequent contributor Karl Petry joins us with a survey of the films that have carried the legend forward. American Road magazine has featured drive-in movie theaters in multiple i...

Happy Independence Day! Join guest host Matt Shea for a survey of July 4th celebrations in Puget Sound and Western Washington. Large or small, there is a venue you and your loved ones are sure to enjoy. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Fallon, Nevada is known as the "Oasis of Nevada" due to its fertile agricultural land and vibrant community, despite being located in a desert environment. It's also famous for Naval Air Station Fallon, which plays a significant role in the city's identity and economy. Additionally, Fallon is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities. Civic leaders Jane Moon and Pam Yost are ou...

The DSA-2000 project, what will be the world’s most powerful radio telescope, is being built by the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) outside of Ely, NV. Chosen because White Pine County hosts some of the darkest skies in visible light, the area also offers some of the darkest skies in radio wavelengths. This year, they have partnered with the Northern Nevada Railway to provide Caltech...

“History Comes Alive" 2025 is a summer program from June 6 through August 9 in Springfield, Illinois, bringing the city's history to life through interactive events, reenactments, and costumed interpreters. Visitors can meet characters like Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd, learn about their lives, and participate in historic activities at locations like the Lincoln Home and the Old State Capitol. Fo...

Want to get far away from the noise and haste of daily life on your next vacation? Isle Royale National Park is a great destination for those seeking unspoiled beauty and unhurried adventure in the wild. Our guest is Jim DuFresne, a Michigan travel and outdoor expert who has been writing on where to go and what to do in the Great Lakes State for over 30 years. Encore presentation originally publis...

Twenty-eight federally recognized tribes stretch across Nevada. These tribes are all unique, with traditions that span many generations. But like the intricate strands that form a beautiful basket, these tribes are one, and their culture is strong and tightly woven together. Ben Rupert, representing Nevada’s Indian Territory leadership team, joins us to share his expertise and experiences in servi...

Western Washington is ready to honor the courageous men and women who gave their lives to defend and protect America in wartime. Again this Memorial Day weekend, gratitude, pride and love are the hallmarks of commemoration. Regular contributor Matt Shea joins us in studio for a detailed survey of sites and events held throughout the region. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Calif...

In late September of 2024, Hurricane Helene struck, reaching Category 4 intensity in the Big Bend region of Florida and making landfall as a Category 4 storm. As it moved inland, Helene weakened to a post-tropical cyclone over Tennessee. One of the hardest hit areas was Pigeon River, stretching across North Carolina and East Tennessee. The welcome news is that the region is coming back better than...

Tony Clemente aka Tony from Jersey has worked on all manner of cars for decades. His word is his bond and his skill is legendary. Ask the legions of drivers who trust him with their classics. To them, he is family. Everyone should have a Tony to count on but how many do? As you plan your 2025 summer road trip, remember the advice you hear in this episode and you will collect fond memories instead...

Hurricane Helene severely impacted the Appalachian Trail, requiring extensive efforts to clear downed trees, repair infrastructure, and restore impacted areas. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC), along with partner organizations like the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service, is leading the recovery efforts, with significant volunteer and professional saw crews assisting with cleanup....

The Pony Express was a fast mail service operating from 1860 to 1861 that used relays of horse-mounted riders to deliver mail between St. Joseph, Missouri, and Sacramento, California in about 10 days. It was a significant means of communication before the advent of the transcontinental telegraph. Ron Bell, poet and raconteur of this short-lived but critical time when storm clouds of Civil War were...

In this edition, we feature a new exhibit at The Hollywood Museum. Iconic Rides: A Drive Through Time brings the past forward with famous cars that were like family friends on shows like The Dukes of Hazzard, Scooby-Doo and The Love Bug. Today, they are nostalgic reminders of what pop culture was like “back in the day.” Geoffrey Mark, The Walking Encyclopedia of Classic Hollywood, is our guest. Se...

In this episode, we visit with Mark Greene, Founder of the Cars Yeah podcast. You've heard Mark on American Road Trip Talk over the years, sharing his passion for cars and car culture. Listen for information about exciting events and places to inspire the automotive enthusiast in you. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-...

The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival 2025 is underway in Washington state and frequent contributor Matt Shea joins us for his annual survey of the venues and activities that have made the monthlong event a great Pacific Northwest tradition. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Amy Beadle, Marketing and Advertising Manager for Visit Springfield, returns with news of upcoming events that demonstrate why the Illinois Capital city is where “History Comes Alive.” The 63rd Annual International Carillon Festival is coming May 22-25, 2025 at the Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon. First held in 1962, the prestigious Festival has earned an unsurpassed tradition of presenting the worl...

An emerging trend in the car collector world features vehicles reimagined by builders who bring famous marques into the 21st century including Mustang, Camaro, Shelby Cobra, Porsche 911, Broncos, Toyota Land Cruisers and others. Instead of building them exactly like they were in the 60s and 70s, these classic beauties have been given entirely new underpinnings. The chassis, drivetrains, engines (g...

Lucas, Kansas is preparing to host APRIL FOOLS-A-PALOOZA, a vibrant local art festival, where the town's artists and organizations come together to showcase their work. This event is held annually on April 1st and features open houses where visitors can meet and interact with artists in their studios. In addition, the Lucas Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting vendor booths at Lucas Community Cente...

Take a ferry ride back in time to Michigan’s Mackinac Island, the car-free destination in the Straits of Mackinac where the Great Lakes Huron and Michigan meet. Here, the streets are lined with Victorian-era buildings, and getting around is by foot, horse-drawn carriage, or bicycle. In 100 Things to Do on Mackinac Island Before You Die, experienced travel writer and photographer Kath Usitalo helps...

Route 66 was decommissioned in 1985 after being replaced by the interstate highway system. Nevertheless, The Main Street of America’s hold on several generations of road-trippers, including people not yet born when the last section of U.S. 66 was bypassed, has endured. Thanks to civic and individual efforts, the legacy of our Mother Road retains its neon glow and monumental status. Joey Madia visi...

Famous cars owned (or driven) by famous people: how could they disappear? An aura of mystery shrouds the fate of some legendary autos; all with a unique story to tell that nevertheless remains incomplete without sure knowledge of their whereabouts. Classic car aficionado Karl Petry guests with strange accounts of phantom rides that may be out of sight but are definitely not out of mind. American R...

For Valentine’s Day, we include a bonus episode for your enjoyment. Suzanne Mitchell joins us as co-host, having discovered towns whose name says it all. Then we acknowledge the Commonwealth of Virginia for their legendary slogan that made marketing history. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

On Valentine’s Day, we turn to our friend and regular contributor Matt Shea for examples of romantic artistic creations to be found at various locations around America. They offer proof that love is all around us if we just know where to look. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

“California, Here We Come!” The Ricardos and Mertzes began their cross-country drive to the Golden State on the January 10, 1955 episode of I Love Lucy. What could possibly go wrong? Suffice it to say, hilarity ensued. This week, Geoffrey Mark aka The Walking Encyclopedia of Hollywood History visits with a trove of information about Lucy, Desi, Fred, Ethyl and one of the most famous road trips in...

This week, we tackle the topic of how to form a mutually trusting relationship with your auto mechanic. Tony Clemente, owner of Silver Lake Auto Service in Belleville, New Jersey is our guest. Tony provides top-flight service to a loyal clientele that puts a premium on his expertise and experience. What does every customer have a right to expect from an automotive service provider and what does a...