SmallTownUSA

SmallTownUSA

Join us as we explore unique small towns across America, unleashing their stories and the peculiar people that live there. SmallTownUSA is hosted by two small town transplants, Karmen and Jessica, who will leave no saga untold.

Episodes

December 3, 2024 6 mins
SmallTownUSA is putting the “weird” in holiday cheer with this festive episode! Come unwrap some of the most bizarre and little-known Christmas traditions from around the globe. From beating the Christmas log in Catalonia (yes, it’s a thing) to spiderweb-covered trees in Ukraine, no tradition is too strange for these two sleigh-stoppers to tackle.

But that’s not all—brace yourself for their irreverent, SmallTown-style rewrite of 'Tw...
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Today on SmallTownUSA, we’re talking about the ultimate underdog crew: women in American history who did way more than sit in rocking chairs and drink tea. We’re bringing you the legends who invented “don’t mess with me” long before that was a thing, but who aren't getting the credit they deserved. We're talking hardcore heroines that provided financial freedom for their communites, spent decades making sure civil and women's right...
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We’re peeling back the eerie origins of Halloween, Scottish-style—where carving pumpkins would’ve gotten you side-eye from a town full of turnip-wielding revelers. Turns out, Scotland’s Halloween celebrations involved veggies that look way scarier than anything you’ll find on a Pinterest board. And let’s not forget Jenny Greenteeth, the local hag of nightmares who perfected drowning people with style.

Karmen and Jessica are diving i...
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October 15, 2024 30 mins
We're taking a trip down to the bayou to meet New Orleans' most infamous local: the one and only Marie Laveau, the Voodoo Queen herself. Was she a powerful spiritual healer, a feared sorceress, or just the best at running the city’s underground rumor mill? We’re unraveling the life, magic, and myths surrounding the original boss witch who ruled New Orleans with a side of gris-gris and charm.

We’ll explore how Marie’s mix of spiritua...
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Buckle up, folks, because this week we’re trading small-town gossip for spine-chilling folklore. Get ready for the dark and twisted tale of María Miranda, the so-called "Witch of Guadalupe," and the legendary curse she placed on Josefina Chavez—a curse that ended with murder. Yep, small-town drama just got extra supernatural.

We’ll dig into the gritty details of Josefina’s tragic fate, investigate María’s mysterious reputation, and—...
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We're taking a U-Turn back to season four. What would you do if you were stranded for months on a cold, blizard-ridden mountain top with your family and little to no food? More importantly, who would you eat first? Even more importantly, what part would you eat first? Karmen and Jessica are in California visiting Donner's Pass, where the infamous Donner Party decided to take matters into their own hands and become cannibals. They t...
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We’re driving headfirst into the madness of small-town first days of school, where the struggle is real, and the stories are even realer. First up, we're tackling the epic adventures of back-to-school shopping. Because nothing says "new school year" like parents losing their minds over sold-out unicorn binders and the great quest for the elusive Disney Princess backpack. 

We're sharing our own cringeworthy first-day stories that wil...
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We're beaming up to Roswell, New Mexico, the quirky little town that's become the unofficial HQ for all things extraterrestrial. Buckle up, Earthlings, because we're about to explore the galaxy's most famous UFO hotspot. Join Jessica and Karmen as they drive into the strange and mysterious world of Roswell, where the residents aren't just waiting for the next big thing—they're waiting for the next big thing to land in their backyar...
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We’re turning our spotlight on the 4th of July – small-town style. Because nothing says "Happy Birthday, America!" like reckless fireworks, bizarre traditions, and a healthy dose of local craziness. Join Jessica and Karmen as they explore time-honored traditions, from marshmellow fights and frog jumping contests (how exciting), to parades featuring floats that defy all logic and taste. And let's not forget the true stars of the sho...
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We're packing our bags and heading to the "Waterpark Capital of the World"—Wisconsin Dells. But don’t worry, this isn’t your average splash-and-dash vacation. Think Wisconsin Dells is just water slides and kiddie pools? Think again. We’re talking about attractions so bizarre they make your weird uncle's attic look like a Bed Bath & Beyond.

Join Jessica and Karmen as they unravel the story behind the most infamous resident of the...
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Happy Mother's Day! We're celebrating women and all mothers at SmallTown this week. Find out how Mother's Day was created and how it strayed away from its original foundations. Grab your fanny pack, slip on your mom jeans, and give your ma' a call for pete's sake. Join Karmen and Jessica in this U-Turn episode and don't miss your exit!

Visit us:
www.smalltownusashow.com

Follow us:
Twitter --> https://twitter.com/smalltownusashw
Inst...
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April 16, 2024 33 mins
We've set our clocks to "April Fools' Standard Time" for this special episode! Join us as we unravel the tangled web of pranks, starting with the age-old question: why do we dedicate a whole day to tom-foolery anyway? Hint: it involves more than just rubber chickens and whoopee cushions.

From the legendary spaghetti harvest hoax to the infamous "Left-Handed Whopper," prepare to have your funny bone tickled (who says that anyway). An...
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March 19, 2024 32 mins
Picture this: in the quaint corners of Morrice, Michigan, one local resident found themselves overcome with an unusual craving—one for a taste of Kevin Bacon! No, not the Hollywood heartthrob, but a much younger, unsuspecting namesake. Fear not, dear listeners, for the real Kevin Bacon remains as sprightly as ever, twirling in his iconic dance moves. But alas, the same cannot be said for his doppelgänger from Morrice.

Join your host...
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Journey to the small town corners where everyone knows your name, your business, and the color of your underwear before you've even bought them. Join Jessica and Karmen as they play the game of telephone...on steroids. They'll dissect how Mrs. Johnson's lost cat turned into a rumored panther sighting and led to the establishment of a neighborhood watch program, complete with night vision goggles and camo gear donated by the local t...
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On this day in Black History... Karmen and Jessica discuss many of the lesser known people and important events that took place on February 20th throughout Black History, including those who also fought for disability rights. They get a little spicy when talking about current events, such as the very recent public event involving Neo Nazis in Nashville and the state of where we are today as a nation. Are we doomed to repeat ourselv...
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New Philadelphia and Rosewood - One love story and One massacre, small towns that no longer exist.

Join Karmen and Jessica in this U-Turn, as they discuss Black History month, the shortest month of the year (yea, we are questioning that too), and share their appreciation for Black Americans who founded small towns shortly after the abolition.

Visit us:
www.smalltownusashow.com

Follow us:
Twitter --> https://twitter.com/smalltownusash...
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January 23, 2024 26 mins
What would you do if you got stuck at the bottom of an outhouse for 3 days? Have you ever heard about the mysterious appearance of Jesus as a shadow on a freezer? What are your feelings about an emotional support snake? These questions may sound bazaar, but not if you're googling Florida man. Take a stroll down south with Jessica and Karmen, as they try not to laugh. Don't miss your exit.

Visit us:
www.smalltownusashow.com

Follow us:
T...
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Some fungus, a vicious yule cat, Krampus, a pooping log, some original recipe fried chicken, and a visit from your friendly neighborhood witch? These "festive" traditions aren't typically seen on your favorite TV holiday movies. Join Jessica and Karmen in their throwback holiday U-Turn episode,as they talk about these cringe worthy customs. Don't miss your exit.

Visit us:
www.smalltownusashow.com

Follow us:
Twitter --> https://twitt...
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December 12, 2023 30 mins
Jessica gets a turn in the spotlight as she talks about her origin story as a Yooper, a nerd, and apparently someone who does not swear (or at least when not under the influence of Karmen). Let's journey behind-the-scenes on what makes this podcast what it is (what is that exactly?) It's part 2 in a celebration of two incredible years of laughter, insights, and unforgettable moments. Tune in as we share favorite memories and toast ...
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November 28, 2023 46 mins
Join us for a special episode as we turn the spotlight on one of our hosts, Karmen, diving deep into her journey and the behind-the-scenes that makes this podcast what it is (what is that exactly?) It's part 1 in a celebration of two incredible years of laughter, insights, and unforgettable moments. Tune in as we share favorite memories and toast to the amazing community that we are a part of. Don't miss your exit! Cheers to two ye...
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