Middle America

1. This first full episode of "Middle America" on January 15, 2019 marks the 339th anniversary of Fort Crevecoeur, one of the earliest European settlements in the American Midwest. Elements of this story set in a seemingly inconsequential small town in a fly-over state found its way into both Leonardo DiCaprio's "The Revenant" and Christian Bale's "Hostiles."

"Middle America&quo...

2. This episode starts to look at historic race and gender relations in Central Illinois through the life and work of the abolitionist Mary Brown Davis. Nat Turner's slave rebellion is discussed to give context (for more consider viewing the 2016 version of "The Birth of a Nation"). The narrator then discusses the idea of what it takes to give of yourself for another or to all.

"Middle America" is ...

3. The Shelton Brothers' Gang is introduced, with a focus on the youngest brother and muscle of the gang, Bernie Shelton. The narrator discusses the differences between fantasy and reality.

"Middle America" is a podcast using history, storytelling, and music to talk about all of the issues and feelings brought on by the world around us. "Middle America" is an access point to everything under the su...

4. Simon Trefzger, Jr.'s journey to America is recalled along with the early happenings at Peoria's Trefzger's Bakery. The narrator discusses the journey a son makes in outgrowing his father's shadow.

"Middle America" is a podcast using history, storytelling, and music to talk about all of the issues and feelings brought on by the world around us. "Middle America" is an access point ...

5. The narrator, Wendell Bauer, continues the story of the early French in Illinois, picking up from episode 1. He also discusses how the names we give to people and things affect what they are.

"Middle America" is a podcast using history, storytelling, and music to talk about all of the issues and feelings brought on by the world around us. "Middle America" is an access point to everything under the sun.  

Music ...

6. Wendell tells the story of how Lydia Moss Bradley built monuments to her lost loved ones, providing Peoria with a park system, a university, a hospital, and more. Wendell also builds a monument of his own for a lost fellow musician.

"Middle America" is a podcast using history, storytelling, and music to talk about all of the issues and feelings brought on by the world around us. "Middle America" is a...

7. Wendell tells the story of Richard Pryor's comedic coming-of-age in Peoria and his leap of faith in heading to NYC. Wendell also discusses his early attempts to tour full time with his college band.

"Middle America" is a podcast using history, storytelling, and music to talk about all of the issues and feelings brought on by the world around us. "Middle America" is an access point to everything under the ...

8. Wendell discusses winter holidays as humanist and atheist while reading pieces by famous 19th century orator Robert Ingersoll.

"Middle America" is a podcast using history, storytelling, and music to talk about all of the issues and feelings brought on by the world around us. "Middle America" is an access point to everything under the sun.

Music in this episode:
Jared Grabb “Christmas Bars (‘Prison Bars’ Xma...

9. Wendell recounts his life events on September 11, 2001 while also discussing the destruction of French Peoria (La Ville de Maillet) during the War of 1812.

"Middle America" is a podcast using history, storytelling, and music to talk about all of the issues and feelings brought on by the world around us. "Middle America" is an access point to everything under the sun.

Music in this episode:
Scouts Honor “Pri...

10.  Wendell discusses the life of the first non-indigenous permanent resident of Chicago, Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, as well as the events leading to his own life inside and outside of Chicago.

"Middle America" is a podcast using history, storytelling, and music to talk about all of the issues and feelings brought on by the world around us. "Middle America" is an access point to everything under the sun.

Music...

11. Wendell discusses Central Illinois's ugly history of white supremacists through the story of Matt Hale and World Church of the Creator.

"Middle America" is a podcast using history, storytelling, and music to talk about all of the issues and feelings brought on by the world around us. "Middle America" is an access point to everything under the sun.

Music in this episode:
Jared Grabb “Prison Bars (Middl...

12. Wendell discusses the woman who sparked the second wave of American feminism, Betty Friedan along with his own domestic depression during a pandemic.

"Middle America" is a podcast using history, storytelling, and music to talk about all of the issues and feelings brought on by the world around us. "Middle America" is an access point to everything under the sun.

Music in this episode:
Sarah & the Underg...

13. Wendell remembers the man who pioneered whiskey distilling in Peoria, starting the trend that would create "The Whiskey Capital of the World" in the late 1800s. Wendell also discusses a painful creative split.

"Middle America" is a podcast using history, storytelling, and music to talk about all of the issues and feelings brought on by the world around us. "Middle America" is an access point to ever...

14. Wendell details some artists and venues from the history of the Peoria, Illinois underground punk music scene including Bloody F. Mess.

"Middle America" is a podcast using history, storytelling, and music to talk about all of the issues and feelings brought on by the world around us. "Middle America" is an access point to everything under the sun.

Music in this episode:
Jared Grabb “Prison Bars (Middle Ame...