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Travel | True Crime | History
Hi! I'm Marilyn. After traveling with my family to all 50 states, I am fascinated by the stories this country has to tell. The good ones and the bad ones. The Viva America podcast won’t just share the morbid, terrifying and haunting stories of this nation, but the inspirational, wholesome and inspiring stories as well. Balance is good. Join my son, Cameron, and I as we reflect on the places that we have visited and share stories that fascinate us. Or horrify us. Or inspire us. Or fill us with despair. Or make us want to head out on another adventure.
Hi! I'm Marilyn. After traveling with my family to all 50 states, I am fascinated by the stories this country has to tell. The good ones and the bad ones. The Viva America podcast won’t just share the morbid, terrifying and haunting stories of this nation, but the inspirational, wholesome and inspiring stories as well. Balance is good. Join my son, Cameron, and I as we reflect on the places that we have visited and share stories that fascinate us. Or horrify us. Or inspire us. Or fill us with despair. Or make us want to head out on another adventure.
18 Episodes
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One of the country’s newest national parks on the coast of Lake Michigan, Indiana Dunes National Park is a great spot for families to enjoy some time together. For one family, back in 2013, they could have never imagined the nightmare their family would endure. Join us as we tell the fairly recent story of a boy that was swallowed into the dune and some of the lessons scientists have learned since.
The organization we are highlighting this episode is:
Save the Dunes - Established in 1952, the mission of Save the Dunes is to protect and advocate for the Indiana dunes, Lake Michigan, and the surrounding natural areas for the betterment of the environment and the people who live, work, and recreate in Northwest Indiana.
Organization Website: https://savedunes.org/
BECOME A PATREON HERE: https://www.patreon.com/vivaamerica
Our sources for this episode are:
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/mystery-why-dangerous-sand-dune-swallowed-boy-180953404/
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/indiana-sand-dune-trapped-boy-remains-closed-3-years/
https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-miracle-mount-baldy-met-20140914-story.html
https://www.nps.gov/indu/learn/news/newsreleases.htm
https://historydaily.org/sand-dune-swallows-child-freakish-phenomenon-nearly-claims-boys-life
https://www.kokomotribune.com/news/nation_an_world_news/all-involved-agree-sand-dune-rescue-a-miracle/article_4d8b207c-ed73-50b0-b572-f2b58ab6735e.html
The Pacific Northwest is one of the most beautiful parts of our country. But many who travel there, don't venture farther north than Seattle. But the San Juan Islands are not to be missed. Join us this week as Cameron shares the story how their existence as part of the US is related to a murdered pig and a German Kaiser. We also sneak in a few stories about the Manassas Castle - considered one of the most haunted places on the West Coast. Enjoy!
There’s something for everyone in today’s episode. If you plan to check Mississippi off of your travel list, this episode has some awesome ideas for you. We visit the Natchez Trace itself, a 444 mile scenic drive that almost no one knows about - Rocky Springs - a ghost town that you can visit to this day, Windsor Mansion - today known as Windsor Ruins (for a reason) and the very mysterious place known as Witches Dance.
The organization we are highlighting this episode is:
Fuller Center Bike Adventure - building a better world one house at a time. They host a bike race where participants bike all 444 miles of the Natchez Trace!
Organization Website: https://www.fullercenterbikeadventure.org/natchez/
BECOME A PATREON HERE: https://www.patreon.com/vivaamerica
Our sources for this episode are:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natchez_Trace
https://www.legendsofamerica.com/ms-windsorruins/
https://www.legendsofamerica.com/ms-witchdance/
We have probably all heard of the Bermuda Triangle, but join us this episode to explore what makes it legendary. From its sheer size and scope to all the things that make it unimaginably unique. The triangle is the final resting place to many.
This murder actually takes places JUST beyond the boundaries of the Acadia National Park. Leslie Spellman had never hiked alone. What a cruel twist of fate that she would be dead within 24 hours of doing so for the first time. Though her dog with the red bandana makes it out alive, to this day Leslie’s murder remains a mystery.
The organization we are highlighting this episode is:
Friends of Acadia preserves, protects, and promotes stewardship of the outstanding natural beauty, ecological vitality, and distinctive cultural resources of Acadia National Park and surrounding communities for the inspiration and enjoyment of current and future generations.
Organization Website: https://friendsofacadia.org/
BECOME A PATREON HERE: https://www.patreon.com/vivaamerica
Our sources for this episode are:
Death in Acadia: And Other Misadventures in Maine's National Park By Randi Minetor
https://www.darkdowneast.com/episodes/lesliespellman
https://www.foxbangor.com/news/item/48570-asticou-azalea-garden-1977-murder-still-unsolved/
https://books.google.com/books?id=FjaPDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA107&lpg=PA107&dq=leslie+spellman+red+bandana&source=bl&ots=HT9rdOGg_5&sig=ACfU3U3kMleIDguWigkgBtH2Wcl89KRx4A&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiZ_tvNnoX2AhVLSTABHTquALMQ6AF6BAgYEAM#v=onepage&q=leslie%20spellman%20red%20bandana&f=false
https://murderpedia.org/male.H/h/hicks-james.htm
We decided to invite Adam and Lexie onto the podcast today to give their perspective about the stories we have shared and the trips we have been on. Get to know our family a little better with today's episode. Enjoy!
The Grand Canyon is one of our country’s most popular National Parks and even one of the 7 natural wonders of the WORLD. When I heard about the mid-air collision of 2 passenger planes in 1956 I was shocked that I had never heard of it. This episode dives in to the tragedy thanks to Mike Nelson, one of the family members of an unfortunate soul aboard one of the planes that day.
The organization we are highlighting this episode is:
Organization description: Grand Canyon Conservancy is the official nonprofit partner of Grand Canyon National Park and has been supporting the Grand Canyon for over 90 years. Their vision consists of 3 main points. They want to see:
A precious natural and cultural resource that is forever safeguarded.
Indigenous people and connected communities who are thriving.
Memorable experiences that welcome, ground, invigorate, and inspire.
Organization Website: https://www.grandcanyon.org/
BECOME A PATREON HERE: https://www.patreon.com/vivaamerica
Our sources for this episode are:
https://www.nps.gov/grca/index.htm
The book - “We are going in” by Mike Nelson - more info here: https://wearegoingin.com/
The City Museum in St. Louise, Missouri is a playground for all ages. Today we share the result of Bob Cassily's eccentric vision as well as his mysterious death. Thanks for joining us on this adventure.
Sources for this episode are:
https://www.citymuseum.org/about-us/history/
https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/city-museum-founders-widow-believes-her-husbands-death-in-2011-was-murder/article_08e16daf-b457-507d-9a38-9a7bccbad21c.html
If you think of sandy beaches, flip flops and sunshine when you think of Florida, this episode is for you. We visit Cayo Costa State Park where visitors can camp in one of Florida’s most natural settings. Throw in how this place connects to Key West and legends like Jimmy Buffet and you’ve got quite and adventure!
The organization we are highlighting this episode is Singing for Change
Turning good vibes into good deeds. Singing for change supports nonprofit organizations, large and small, that provide compelling opportunities for individuals to discover their power to make a difference.
Organization Website: https://www.singingforchange.org/about-us
BECOME A PATREON HERE: https://www.patreon.com/vivaamerica
Our sources for this episode are:
https://www.floridastateparks.org/CayoCosta
https://cabbagekey.com/dining/
https://www.wanderwoman.ca/cabbage-key/
https://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/wm12P29_Jimmy_Buffett_Captain_Tonys_Saloon_Key_West_FL
https://www.news-press.com/story/life/food/2020/03/31/cabbage-key-donates-6-000-plus-fallen-dollars-covid-19-charities/5087116002/
If you have never heard of the Central State Hospital in Milledgeville, GA… well today is the day. Once the largest mental hospital in the world, it’s history is astonishing and still mostly a secret today. Join us for a horrible dive into the past of this hospital and the history of mental health itself.
The organization we are highlighting this episode is: NAMI GEORGIA
NAMI Georgia strives to :
advocate at the county, state and national levels for non-discriminatory access to quality healthcare, housing , education and employment for people with mental illness.
educate the public about mental illness.
work to eliminate the stigma of mental illness.
advocate for increased funding for research into the causes and treatment of mental illness.
https://namiga.org/get-involved/donate/
BECOME A PATREON HERE: https://www.patreon.com/vivaamerica
Our sources for this episode are:
https://www.ajc.com/news/state--regional/asylum-dark-past-relived-cycle-ends/uq2OK0dgHCeynhFUGba36O/
https://georgialibraries.omeka.net/s/central-state-hospital/page/the-beginning
http://www.peteearley.com/2019/03/15/the-worlds-largest-mental-asylum-from-the-horrors-of-the-back-wards-to-todays-jails-and-prisons/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5bUS7JMU5s
Lake Tahoe has long been a playground for the rich and famous. More often than not, wealth and fame is a close friend to crime and power. But what really lies behind the legends that the lake is the final resting place those who dared to cross the mob back in the 50’s & 60’s? And that the cold, dark waters have preserved those bodies to the extent that they would be recognizable today? Let’s explore.
The organization we are highlighting this episode is:
Organization description: The League to Save Lake Tahoe protects and restores the environmental health, sustainability and scenic beauty of the Lake Tahoe Basin. We focus on water quality and its clarity for the preservation of a pristine Lake for future generations.
BECOME A PATREON HERE: https://www.patreon.com/vivaamerica
Our sources for this episode are:
https://www.history.com/news/frank-sinatra-mob-ties-fbi-file
https://www.tahoedailytribune.com/news/tahoes-good-fellas/
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jacques-Cousteau
https://snowbrains.com/the-history-of-the-cal-neva-lodge-on-lake-tahoe/
https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2011-aug-09-la-me-missing-diver-20110809-story.html
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Frank-Sinatra/The-Rat-Pack-and-the-mob
https://blog.padi.com/how-deep-can-you-scuba-dive-maximum-depth/
John Brown was a man that believed he knew what was right and what was wrong. And while his views will ultimately land on the right side of history, his methods are what led to his demise.
The organization we are highlighting this episode is: The Harpers Ferry-Bolivar Historic Town Foundation which “unites two towns with a vision of inspiring citizens and visitors alike with our history, beauty, diversity and hospitality. The Foundation’s initiatives focus on the historic preservation, promotion and beautification of our towns for the enjoyment and benefit of all. We seek to preserve the rich history of Harpers Ferry and Bolivar, learn from its people and build upon their legacies.”
Organization Website: https://historicharpersferry.org/
BECOME A PATREON HERE: https://www.patreon.com/vivaamerica
Our sources for this episode are:
https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/john-brown-hanged
https://www.britannica.com/place/Harpers-Ferry
https://www.battlefields.org/learn/civil-war/battles/harpers-ferry
Harper's Ferry by Charles River Editors
http://theresashauntedhistoryofthetri-state.blogspot.com/2011/12/hilltop-house-hotel.html
Today it's an idilic excursion but the tracks we now ride upon came at a very high price.
As many railroads in this country, they were built during a time in history where slavery had been abolished. But the men who labored on these tracks were anything but free and ultimately the victims of a system that made sure it stayed that way. In this episode we explore the incredibly tragic Cowee Tunnel Disaster and discuss the brokenness of the times.
The charity for this show is the Jackson County NAACP which has worked hard to ensure these stories are told and have been working towards getting a historical marker for this tragedy. You can learn more about them at: http://jacksonncnaacp.org/
BECOME A PATREON HERE: https://www.patreon.com/vivaamerica
Our sources for this episode are:
https://smokymountainnews.com/archives/item/26780-the-tears-of-these-poor-men-victims-of-cowee-tunnel-disaster-deserve-recognition
https://smokymountainnews.com/archives/item/10992-1882-cowee-tunnel-disaster-comes-into-21st-century-spotlight
https://www.gsmr.com/events/polar-express/
https://americansall.org/legacy-story-group/civil-war-black-codes-summary-pre-jim-crow-laws
https://www.facebook.com/GaryCardenStoryteller
This episode we are visiting the country's most visited National Park - Great Smoky Mountain National Park. The most accessible hike in this park, Clingman's Dome is full of beauty and history and yes... some awful things too. This episode we explore Clingman's Dome & the disappearance of Trenny Lynn Gibson. When a school field trip turns into a 45 year old unsolved mystery.
The charity for this episode is The Charley Project. The Charley Project profiles over 15,000 “cold case” missing people mainly from the United States. Learn more about them at: https://charleyproject.org/
BECOME A PATREON HERE: https://www.patreon.com/vivaamerica
Sources:
visitmysmokies.com Unsolved Disapperances in the Smokies by Juanitta Baldwin and Ester Grubb
https://investigationsforthemissing.org/blog/f/gone-in-the-smoky-mountains-trenny-gibsons-disappearance
Podcasts interviewing Laura Riste, case specialist
The Tomb Guards at Arlington National Cemetery | At the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the standard remains perfection. We've likely all at least heard of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This episode will share some absolutely fascinating information about the memorial itself and the soldiers who guard it.
The charity for this episode is Wreaths Across America which coordinates wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as at more than 2,500 additional locations. They note that during the holidays, In many homes, there is an empty seat for one who is serving or one who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Learn more about them at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org
Information from this episode came from:
https://tombguard.org/
https://www.oldguard.mdw.army.mil/regiment
https://oldguard.mdw.army.mil/docs/recruiting/tog-recruiting-packet
https://www.memorialdayfoundation.org/memorials/tomb-guard-sentinels.html
https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/71005/10-facts-about-tomb-unknown-soldier
Pocast: Mission Inspire - Episode Seven: Tomb of the Unknown Soldier that is an episode with Gavin McIlvenna, former tomb guard and President of the Society of the Honor Guard for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Mount Marathon in Seward Alaska - The triumph & heartbreak of one of our nation's oldest races.
Seward Alaska is a small but mighty port town in Alaska with a small but mighty mountain which has contributed to the history, culture and even mystery of this town. Join us to hear about the unique individuals and events that have put Seward on the map.
Our charity of the week is:
https://coveycares.org/
Sources:
Mount Marathon: Alaska’s Great Footrace by Millie Spezialy
https://www.adn.com/crime-justice/article/seward-lemaitre-settle-case-missing-mount-marathon-runner-20000/2014/10/15/
https://www.alaskapublic.org/2021/07/09/listen-how-did-this-anchorage-runner-go-missing-in-a-popular-mountain-race/
https://mountmarathon.com/
Angel's Landing is one of the most popular hikes in Zion National Park. It's also one of the most dangerous. This episode tells some of the stories of those who have fallen. At the end of the day, they are just like you or I or anyone else. Their stories allow us to remember them, learn from them and appreciate the wonder that they no doubt also had for Zion National Park.
The organization nominated for a donation from this episode is Camp Chewonki in Maine in memory of Savannah McTague. You can learn more about them here: https://camp.chewonki.org/
Below you can find the various resources researched to share these stories:
https://www.nps.gov/zion/index.htm
https://utah.com/zion-national-park/angels-landing
https://www.thespectrum.com/story/news/2019/11/17/lower-emerald-pools-trail-closure-zion-national-park-update/4226373002/
https://www.facebook.com/savannah.m.mctague
Death in Zion National Park Stories of Accidents and Foolhardiness in Utah’s Grand Circle” by Randi Minetor
https://www.downthetrail.com/exploring-utah/angels-landing-trail-guide-zion-deaths/
https://wgme.com/news/local/maine-woman-who-died-in-national-park-remembered-as-gifted-student
https://www.sltrib.com/news/2018/02/06/angels-landing-trail-in-zion-national-park-is-closed-after-hiker-dies/
https://latimesblogs.latimes.com/outposts/2009/08/angels-landing-update-1.html
https://www.nationalparkstraveler.org/2007/06/st-louis-man-dies-fall-angels-landing
https://www.deseret.com/2006/8/23/19970089/fatal-fall-at-zion-is-investigated
https://archive.sltrib.com/story.php?ref=/utah/ci_3934362
https://www.deseret.com/1989/4/5/18801559/preliminary-autopsy-shows-no-sign-of-foul-play-in-death-of-zion-hiker-br-but-park-service-officials
Viva America Podcast Trailer
Travel | True Crime | History
Hi there! I’m Marilyn. And welcome to the Viva America Podcast. After traveling with my family to all 50 states, I am fascinated by the stories this country has to tell. The good ones and the bad ones. And people are always asking about our adventures and the places we have visited.
The Viva America podcast won’t just share the morbid, terrifying and haunting stories of this nation, but the inspirational, wholesome and inspiring stories as well. Balance is good.
Join my son, Cameron, and I as we reflect on the places that we have visited and share stories that fascinate us. Or horrify us. Or inspire us. Or fill us with despair. Or make us want to head out on another adventure. After all, In the infamous words of Forrest Gump, Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get.
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