The Cornbelt Chronicles

Katie tells Rachel about Oscar Micheaux, one of the most prolific filmmakers of all-black films from 1918 to 1950. Not only was he a filmmaker, but he was also a railroad worker, farmer, frontiersmen on the South Dakota prairie, novelist, director, and so much more. 

Katie and Rachel continue their discussion of the history of African American migration in the midwest, focusing on the patterns of travel, political organization, and culture that created predominantly black cities in the American midwest. They also discuss the policies that led to redlining and briefly touch on the lives of current African immigrants to the midwest who choose to settle in rural areas.

Katie and Rachel break down and discuss the history of black midwesterners moving to the region and forming powerful communities that impact the culture and landscape of the midwest today.

Max Asman joins Rachel and Katie again to tell us about Iowa City, its history, and the story of Burch the Bear, who was UI's first mascot (and a real bear).

Katie and Rachel are joined again by their friend Max Asman to talk about Iowa City, the first capital of Iowa and current home to the University of Iowa.

Katie and Rachel are joined by friend Max Asman to discuss the regional cuisine of the midwest, with all its unique pairings and flavors. 

Katie and Rachel discuss Jack Trice, the first black student-athlete at Iowa State University, and his death on the football field.

Katie and Rachel are joined by a special guest to discuss youth development programs in agriculture like 4-H and FFA. What are they? Who can join? Nick Thompson, Katie's younger brother, and club president of a local FFA chapter answers all the questions!

Rachel and Katie discuss the creation and eventual destruction of the Des Moines chapter of the Black Panther Party. 

Katie and Rachel learn about the violence that broke out in Kansas during the 1850's over the fate of Kansas as a free state or slave state.

The Church of Latter-Day Saints organized and carried out a mass migration across the midwest during the mid-1800s, forever shaping the landscape and future of those areas. 

Join Katie and Rachel as they discuss the time that McDonald County in Missouri tried to secede from the United States.

No history this time! Katie and Rachel get goofy and rank every midwestern state in order of how much they like them.

Annie Oakley might have become famous for her time in the American West, but she was an Ohio native with her roots right here in the midwest. Born as Pheobe Ann Mosey, she went on to become the most prolific sharpshooter of her time. Listen as Katie tells Rachel all about Little Miss Sure Shot.

On this special Halloween episode, Katie tells Rachel the gruesome story of a family of eight, murdered in their beds. On June 9th, 1912, the Moore family of Villisca, Iowa was brutally killed with an axe in a crime that has never been solved.

Rachel and Katie discuss the Iowa State Fair, including their personal experiences, some unbelievable facts, and the bizarre history of the Grandstand entertainment.

Rachel tells the story of Kate Shelley, the Iowa woman who saved 200 lives, and Katie and Rachel explain how this podcast came to be.