Merlin’s Barn Podcast

This week’s episode takes us to Sparta, Wisconsin where Matt discovers the somewhat horrifying birthplace of so many roadside fiberglass sculptures. Tasia & Merlin introduce us to Mr. Ed’s Elephant Museum & Candy Emporium. Tune in as we explore roadside America attractions of the past and present. We even discuss Muffler Men/Paul Bunyan sculptures and Uniroyal Girls. Weirdly elephants keep appeari...

Follow along with Merlin as he tries to keep up with Matt, his ball of red yarn and box of thumbtacks. From Russian-American linguists of WW2 to forest fire management to pre-colonial shipbuilding, an imported fungus and thrice recycled wood becoming a picture frame. But there's more, lots more; there's sword swallowers, a turn of the century cupboard and even wood rats! American Chestnut Trees: T...

Merlin tells stories of adventures in keeping his old beetles and Buses running, and times he has had to prove his own existence. There will surely be a follow up to this episode with more old VW stories from friends and family as well. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit merlinsbarn.substack.com/subscribe

A continuation of Episode 3: Places we call home. Matt, Merlin and Tasia discuss the wonder of a place called Sideshow Gelato. This is a bittersweet episode. Near Lincoln Square in Chicago you must visit them soon, Sideshow closes at the end of December. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit merlinsbarn.substack.com/su...

Join Merlin, Matt and Tasia as we discuss pubs, diners, shops and more that were and are homes away from home. Please drop us an email to share your stories of favorite places that we can revisit in another episode. Episode 4 will continue this discussion and focus on Sideshow Gelato in Chicago. 4 will air Dec 3rd. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or g...

Hear about the Morse museum of Warren NH, why Warren has a rocket in the center of town, plus other New England stories such as the Sheriff who could never decide what car to drive, and how a hotel was lost in a lake. The Morse Museum Story Redstone Missile Warren NH This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit merlinsbarn.su...

A ramble about our connections with tools, and characters we have met who keep the old ways going. From the Amish to two old men and a sawmill. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit merlinsbarn.substack.com/subscribe