The Oklahoma Today Podcast

For fifty years, the Tulsa-based nonprofit organization Up With Trees has been beautifying the community with thousands of trees planted annually. They not only put the tree in the ground, they are committed to the care of that tree for its entire life. On this week's Oklahoma Today Show, Up With Trees Executive Director Steve Grantham talks about the history and logistics of organizing Up With Trees' efforts to extend the city's canopy. Also on this week's episode, the editors discuss their favorite places in Oklahoma to go for a walk, and in podvents brings spring color with an exciting Holi event. You won't want to miss it!

Do heroes still exist? We can think of one. Oklahoma Today editor-in-chief Nathan Gunter reflects on his personal upbringing in Western Oklahoma and the inspiration he took from Thomas P. Stafford, the NASA astronaut who was born in the same town he grew up in. Today visitors to Weatherford, Oklahoma, can check out the Stafford Air and Space Museum, a loving tribute to the history of aviation and Stafford's work to advance scientific and cross-cultural understanding. Also on this week's show, the editors keep the Western Oklahoma love going by listing off some of their favorite places to eat there. And podvents dare us to follow the red brick road. You won't want to miss it!

Celebrating its twenty-fifth year, the annual Momentum art exhibition by the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition showcases the work and talents of artists under thirty. Attending is always the best opportunity to learn about up-and-coming artists and add to your personal art collection. This year's Momentum is March 27-28 at Yale Theatre in Oklahoma City's Calle Dos Cinco Historic Capitol Hill district. On this week's episode of The Oklahoma Today Show, we spoke with two of the show's three spotlight artists—Kayla Marie Anley and Mack Brim—about their work in this year's event. Also on this week's show, the editors discuss their favorite works of public art in Oklahoma, and podvents is here for the arrival of the spring season. You won't want to miss it!

Ever visit the zoo and think, "Wow, I wish I could stay here the whole day." Well now you really can! Just book a stay at OKC Zoo's new Baobab Lodge, a fabulous new glamping overnight in the heart of the Exhibition Africa area. Wake up to the sound of lion roars and giraffes greeting the morning sun. Best of all, those who stay get exclusive access to the zoo grounds for a few hours before and after close. It's the kind of stay the builds the memories of a lifetime. Also on this week's episode, the editors share which other Oklahoma overnights they think include an amazing view, and podvents provides us with Paddy's Day plans. You won't want to miss it!

There's not much like Oklahoma's Big Meat Run. Thousands of growling ATVS and off-roading vehicles descend upon Disney, Oklahoma, and the South Grand Lake Recreation Area for a truly one of a kind event. Organizer JT Taylor joins the show to set the scene for this weekend of rock scaling, mud flinging, and outdoor community fun to celebrate Oklahoma springtime. Also on this week's episode, the editors discuss what they are looking forward to this spring season and podvents gives some serious shine to a tasty mollusk. You won't want to miss it!

It's a great time to visit the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City! On this week's episode of the Oklahoma Today Show we caught up with David Davis, chief curatorial officer at the museum, to hear about their new exhibition Route 66: From Trails to Truck Stops, on display now through May 3. This beloved hub of culture and history actually sits on Route 66 itself, and a good amount of the Western story is tied up with the Mother Road. In addition to the Route 66 exhibit, guests can also stop in to see The Cowboy: An Immersive Journey, a 360 treat for the senses developed by the team responsible for the Immersive Van Gogh experiences. Also on this week's episode, the editors discuss some of their favorite places in Oklahoma to get a steak (there are a lot to choose from) and podvents keeps the coals burning with a cool Dutch oven event. You won't want to miss it!

Beverly Whitcomb has long had a fascination with antique and vintage dolls, but has not always had a place to display them. Then she got a job at the historic Fred and Addie Drummond Home in Hominy, and now she has a place to display her antique German, French, and American Girl dolls dating as far back to the U.S. Civil War. Ben travelled out to Hominy to see Beverly's collection firsthand—even making a few new friends in the process. Also on this week's episode, the editors share what other old things they really admire. And in podvents is touching me, touching you! You won't want to miss it!

The timeless and action-packed love story of Romeo & Juliet by OKC Ballet will grace the stage at Oklahoma City's Civic Center Music Hall February 20-22, making tickets a great gift to surprise that special someone on Valentine's Day. With music from Sergei Prokofiev and choreography from Devon Carney, this production brings the classic play from William Shakespeare into vibrant kinetic life. OKC Ballet Director of Communications and Development Whitney Cross tells Ben all about this production and what else is in store for the ballet company in 2026. Also on this week's show, the editors give their best date night tips for this Valentine's Week, and podvents gives us all sorts of ideas for where Cupid might make an appearance. You won't want to miss it!

Tulsa-based visual artist Ebony Iman Dallas is releasing her memoir Through Abahay's Eyes this spring—but it's a work that has been decades in the making, if not over the course of her entire life. Dallas grew up without knowing her birth father, or even the true story behind his death. Through a series of unlikely events, she was eventually able to connect with her father's family and embark on a new journey of cultural- and self-discovery. Dallas joins the Oklahoma Today Show this week to talk more about her milestone new literary work and how readers can snag a copy for themselves. Also on this week's episode, the editors think of other Oklahomans with fascinating life stories, and podvents let's us know the best music to play when raising a virtual turnip. You won't want to miss it!

Are you the very model of a modern major general? Probably not, but guests are welcome to pretend for a moment when they go to see Tulsa Opera's production of The Pirates of Penzance at the University of Tulsa's Lorton Performance Center this Friday and Sunday. Sung in English with musical accompaniment from the Tulsa Opera Orchestra, this classic swashbuckling romance and slapstick comedy from Gilbert & Sullivan tells the story of a love-struck former pirate trying to evade his past. Jason Zacher, who portrays the Pirate King in Tulsa Opera's production, joins the show to talk about this can't miss show and how he gets into character as a bureaucratic buccaneer. Also on this week's show, the editors discuss their favorite Mexican and Tex-Mex food options in the state, and podvents tells a tale as old as time. You won't want to miss it!

Historic Route 66 celebrates its hundredth birthday in 2026! This is big news for Oklahoma tourism, as the state hosts more drivable miles of the Mother Road than any other state. It likely won't be the last time you hear about the centennial celebration on our show this year, but we need someone to set us up for the year's long international observance. The perfect person for that job is Rhys Martin, president of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association. Martin joins us in the studio this week to talk about the historical significance of the highway, how and when to celebrate this year, and what we can expect from Route 66 in the future. Also on this week's show, the editors give some advice for those who are trying to stick to their healthy eating goals in the New Year while still supporting local business, and podvents challenges viewers to find Ben out in public. You won't want to miss it!

Pigeons and humans have been in close contact for thousands of years. In fact, pigeons are among the very first birds to be domesticated. There is no doubt that people have formed a special relationship with these birds, and that is especially apparent to anyone who goes to visit the American Pigeon Museum & Library in Oklahoma City. That's exactly what Ben did for this episode, meeting with museum employee Ashlee Mikesell for a quick tour and meet-and-greet with some special live birds. Also on this week's episode, the editors discuss their own favorite museums and educational centers across the state, and podvents wishes a happy eightieth birthday to a music icon. You won't want to miss it!

Ladies and gentlemen, we present to you our inaugural Okie Awards show in its entirety. In lieu of our regular program, here is an event the whole Oklahoma Today team put a lot of hard work into making possible. Held December 11 at the Chicken Shack on Route 66 in Arcadia, this was our award show honoring some of the most Oklahoma things of the year. It was also a good time to look back at some of the things we had done on the show in 2025. If you couldn't make it, you missed a great party, but you can at least enjoy the event virtually on YouTube. Keep an eye out for the Faux-kies—awards that aren't quite official but are a lot of fun!

As the new year approaches, many are thinking about curbing all the holiday excess and starting 2026 off on the right foot. Well, the best way to do just that is with a visit to an Oklahoma State Park for a traditional First Day Hike. Dozens of state parks will be participating—Roman Nose, Great Plains, Lake Murray, and more! Oklahoma State Parks head naturalist Torie Thompson tells us where to go to start the year with activity in nature. Also on this week's show, the editors discuss their New Year's resolutions for 2026, and podvents tells us about Bingo with a twist. You won't want to miss it!