SmallTownUSA

SmallTownUSA is putting the “weird” in holiday cheer with this festive episode! Come unwrap some of the most bizarre and little-known Christmas traditions from around the globe. From beating the Christmas log in Catalonia (yes, it’s a thing) to spiderweb-covered trees in Ukraine, no tradition is too strange for these two sleigh-stoppers to tackle. But that’s not all—brace yourself for their irreve...

Today on SmallTownUSA, we’re talking about the ultimate underdog crew: women in American history who did way more than sit in rocking chairs and drink tea. We’re bringing you the legends who invented “don’t mess with me” long before that was a thing, but who aren't getting the credit they deserved. We're talking hardcore heroines that provided financial freedom for their communites, spent decades...

We’re peeling back the eerie origins of Halloween, Scottish-style—where carving pumpkins would’ve gotten you side-eye from a town full of turnip-wielding revelers. Turns out, Scotland’s Halloween celebrations involved veggies that look way scarier than anything you’ll find on a Pinterest board. And let’s not forget Jenny Greenteeth, the local hag of nightmares who perfected drowning people with st...

We're taking a trip down to the bayou to meet New Orleans' most infamous local: the one and only Marie Laveau, the Voodoo Queen herself. Was she a powerful spiritual healer, a feared sorceress, or just the best at running the city’s underground rumor mill? We’re unraveling the life, magic, and myths surrounding the original boss witch who ruled New Orleans with a side of gris-gris and charm. We’ll...

Buckle up, folks, because this week we’re trading small-town gossip for spine-chilling folklore. Get ready for the dark and twisted tale of María Miranda, the so-called "Witch of Guadalupe," and the legendary curse she placed on Josefina Chavez—a curse that ended with murder. Yep, small-town drama just got extra supernatural. We’ll dig into the gritty details of Josefina’s tragic fate, investigate...

We're taking a U-Turn back to season four. What would you do if you were stranded for months on a cold, blizard-ridden mountain top with your family and little to no food? More importantly, who would you eat first? Even more importantly, what part would you eat first? Karmen and Jessica are in California visiting Donner's Pass, where the infamous Donner Party decided to take matters into their own...

We’re driving headfirst into the madness of small-town first days of school, where the struggle is real, and the stories are even realer. First up, we're tackling the epic adventures of back-to-school shopping. Because nothing says "new school year" like parents losing their minds over sold-out unicorn binders and the great quest for the elusive Disney Princess backpack.  We're sharing our own cri...

We're beaming up to Roswell, New Mexico, the quirky little town that's become the unofficial HQ for all things extraterrestrial. Buckle up, Earthlings, because we're about to explore the galaxy's most famous UFO hotspot. Join Jessica and Karmen as they drive into the strange and mysterious world of Roswell, where the residents aren't just waiting for the next big thing—they're waiting for the next...

We’re turning our spotlight on the 4th of July – small-town style. Because nothing says "Happy Birthday, America!" like reckless fireworks, bizarre traditions, and a healthy dose of local craziness. Join Jessica and Karmen as they explore time-honored traditions, from marshmellow fights and frog jumping contests (how exciting), to parades featuring floats that defy all logic and taste. And let's n...

We're packing our bags and heading to the "Waterpark Capital of the World"—Wisconsin Dells. But don’t worry, this isn’t your average splash-and-dash vacation. Think Wisconsin Dells is just water slides and kiddie pools? Think again. We’re talking about attractions so bizarre they make your weird uncle's attic look like a Bed Bath & Beyond. Join Jessica and Karmen as they unravel the story behi...

Happy Mother's Day! We're celebrating women and all mothers at SmallTown this week. Find out how Mother's Day was created and how it strayed away from its original foundations. Grab your fanny pack, slip on your mom jeans, and give your ma' a call for pete's sake. Join Karmen and Jessica in this U-Turn episode and don't miss your exit! Visit us: www.smalltownusashow.com Follow us: Twitter --> h...

We've set our clocks to "April Fools' Standard Time" for this special episode! Join us as we unravel the tangled web of pranks, starting with the age-old question: why do we dedicate a whole day to tom-foolery anyway? Hint: it involves more than just rubber chickens and whoopee cushions. From the legendary spaghetti harvest hoax to the infamous "Left-Handed Whopper," prepare to have your funny bon...

Picture this: in the quaint corners of Morrice, Michigan, one local resident found themselves overcome with an unusual craving—one for a taste of Kevin Bacon! No, not the Hollywood heartthrob, but a much younger, unsuspecting namesake. Fear not, dear listeners, for the real Kevin Bacon remains as sprightly as ever, twirling in his iconic dance moves. But alas, the same cannot be said for his doppe...

Journey to the small town corners where everyone knows your name, your business, and the color of your underwear before you've even bought them. Join Jessica and Karmen as they play the game of telephone...on steroids. They'll dissect how Mrs. Johnson's lost cat turned into a rumored panther sighting and led to the establishment of a neighborhood watch program, complete with night vision goggles a...

On this day in Black History... Karmen and Jessica discuss many of the lesser known people and important events that took place on February 20th throughout Black History, including those who also fought for disability rights. They get a little spicy when talking about current events, such as the very recent public event involving Neo Nazis in Nashville and the state of where we are today as a nati...

New Philadelphia and Rosewood - One love story and One massacre, small towns that no longer exist. Join Karmen and Jessica in this U-Turn, as they discuss Black History month, the shortest month of the year (yea, we are questioning that too), and share their appreciation for Black Americans who founded small towns shortly after the abolition. Visit us: www.smalltownusashow.com Follow us: Twitter -...

What would you do if you got stuck at the bottom of an outhouse for 3 days? Have you ever heard about the mysterious appearance of Jesus as a shadow on a freezer? What are your feelings about an emotional support snake? These questions may sound bazaar, but not if you're googling Florida man. Take a stroll down south with Jessica and Karmen, as they try not to laugh. Don't miss your exit. Visit us...

Some fungus, a vicious yule cat, Krampus, a pooping log, some original recipe fried chicken, and a visit from your friendly neighborhood witch? These "festive" traditions aren't typically seen on your favorite TV holiday movies. Join Jessica and Karmen in their throwback holiday U-Turn episode,as they talk about these cringe worthy customs. Don't miss your exit. Visit us: www.smalltownusashow.com...

Jessica gets a turn in the spotlight as she talks about her origin story as a Yooper, a nerd, and apparently someone who does not swear (or at least when not under the influence of Karmen). Let's journey behind-the-scenes on what makes this podcast what it is (what is that exactly?) It's part 2 in a celebration of two incredible years of laughter, insights, and unforgettable moments. Tune in as we...

Join us for a special episode as we turn the spotlight on one of our hosts, Karmen, diving deep into her journey and the behind-the-scenes that makes this podcast what it is (what is that exactly?) It's part 1 in a celebration of two incredible years of laughter, insights, and unforgettable moments. Tune in as we share favorite memories and toast to the amazing community that we are a part of. Don...

(Intense music with clock ticking in the background) "Every year, over one man drowns because of ghosts. That's close to 100 deaths in the last 99 years (about 10 per decade). This is because they are very aggressive and territorial, and have a habit of not understanding the concept of meeting in the middle. It's 10 o'clock, do you know where your children are?" This has been a SmallTown public an...

Urban Legends. The things that kept us up at night when we were kids. Or maybe they still do? Jessica and Karmen try to scare each other, sharing some known and some less familiar urban legends from around the country. Then, take a U-Turn back to ther first season visiting Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, where they investigate the urban legend of the Skin Walker. Don't miss your exit (and maybe...

Have you ever visited a grave yard and wondered what that tiny bell next the grave was for? Did you know that the term "grind your bones, to make my bread" could in fact be factual? I've bet you've never heard of the fart that killed 10,000 people. Jessica and Karmen travel through some dark history and get into their fears, as they continue down this road to Halloween. Don't miss your exit. Visit...

Jefferson, Texas. This is one of the oldest, most haunted, towns in Texas. Jefferson is not only one of the most haunted towns, but it boasts a pretty dark history as well. If you're looking for a pieceful night sleep in in this town, you'll need to head down the road...way down. Ain't nobody sleeping in Jefferson, as both hotels brag of being the most haunted. Not even Spielberg himself, could ma...

Labor day. The holiday without a candy. This holiday, unfortunately for dentists, is an important holiday that not very many kids and families celebrate. Follow Jessica and Karmen on this U-Turn and explore the history around the first Monday in September. It turns out, that candy is not the only thing it's missing. Visit us: www.smalltownusashow.com Follow us: Twitter --> https://twitter.com/s...