The Oklahoma Today Podcast

Tito Jackson is a lot of things: an original member of the Motown legends Jackson 5, a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, and father of three talented sons. And now there is one more label he can add to that list: Oklahoman. That's right, for the past year Tito Jackson has been living on several acres out in northeast Oklahoma, and Oklahoma Today was fortunate enough to sit down with Jackson at his new residence for a quick Q&A. In the interview, Jackson shares the reason for his new place of residence, including the Jackson family's surprising connection to the Sooner State. He also shares stories from the early days of the Jackson 5 band and talks about what to expect from his upcoming keynote speaking engagement at the Claremore Museum of History's upcoming Juneteenth celebration, set to take place Saturday, June 15. Also on this week's episode, the editors share who they think should be the next celebrity to move to Oklahoma, and podvents takes us into dad joke territory. You won't want to miss it!

The ding of the bat. The chants from the dugout. The thud of a fastball against the catcher's mitt. There is nothing like a ballgame at the Women's College World Series. It is no secret that the state of Oklahoma loves its softball, and the fact that USA Softball and their Hall of Fame Museum are based in Oklahoma City certainly has something to do with it. The sport is already widely popular, but does it still have some room to grow? USA Softball CEO Craig Cress is the perfect person to answer that question, and he is today's guest for the Oklahoma Today Podcast. Before you take in the rest of the action of this year's World Series, hear what Cress thinks is in store for the sport. Also on this week's show, the editors discuss their favorite memories from childhood summer vacations, and podvents sees Karlie put a special twist on an ice cream rap. You won't want to miss it!

For however many people are on Earth today, it's a drop in the bucket compared to all the insect, spiders, and arthropods that also populate the world around us. There is no avoiding them, so we might as well learn to coexist. When we put our prejudices aside, the lives of these critters can be quite fascinating. There is no one better equipped to spread enthusiasm for bugs than Andrine Shufran, director of OSU Insect Adventure, the Stillwater home to a fascinating menagerie of beetles, centipedes, and so much more. With summer vacation upon us, there is no better time to plan your trip for some hands-on educational encounters. Also in this episode, the editors share their personal favorite bugs, and podvents takes us to Ponca City for a one-of-a-kind mural festival. You won't want to miss it!

This is a special episode of the Oklahoma Today Podcast, because our guest joins the editors' roundtable to speak with us in person. One of the best parts of visiting many of our state parks is a visit to their on-site nature and interpretive centers and a chat with a knowledgeable naturalist. As coordinator of interpretive programs for Oklahoma State Parks, Torie Thompson helps guide and coordinate a lot of the interesting and educational activities these centers engage in all year. So what's going on this summer? Which state park nature center do you need to check out next? These questions and much more will be answered. Also on this week's episode, the editors discuss some of their favorite food products of Oklahoma origin, and podvents will guide listeners through the upcoming Memorial Day weekend. You won't want to miss it.

A full contact sport that requires speed, agility, strength, and plenty of teamwork, roller derby is a sport that wouldn't be for the faint of heart even without the skates. When it comes to Oklahoma, the Twister City Roller Derby is the league to know for fans and players alike. Their 2024 season is already underway with regular meets held at Edmond's Arctic Edge Arena. Those interested can check out the next set of games on May 18. Twister City president Cheyenne RIggs joins the podcast as guest this week to explain the sport to newbies and offer information on how others can get involved in the league. Also on this week's episode, the editors offer up an appetizer in their discussion of the best chips and queso on offer in the state. Plus podvents takes flight in a vintage trimotor. You won't want to miss it!

A pillar of many communities is the local library. They helps us gain vital knowledge, satisfy curiosities, pass the time, and get stuff done. Their importance is felt even more in the summer, when schools are out and students (and their parents) need to find ways to occupy their time. For those in the Tulsa area, the Tulsa City-County Library System offers a variety of programming for all ages, all times of the year. Librarians Ellen Cummings and Laura Raphael join the show to talk about their 2024 summer reading program and other fun things going on at their libraries in the coming months. Also on this week's show, the editors share some of their own favorite libraries to visit, and podvents offers some obscure geography facts. We hope you enjoy!