Emily Blejwas is the executive director of the Alabama Folklife Association. She shares with Fred Hunter how she grew up in Minnesota, moved to her family's native South, and became a student of Alabama. Learn about her fascination with the state's folkways, the book she authored on cooking traditions, and her work with the Folklife Association.…

Rickey West of Fyffe, Alabama, is known nationally for the quality American Bucking Bulls he and his family breed. He also spent a year traveling the country as director of operations for the Professional Bull Riders (PBR), the largest bull riding league in the world. In this conversation with Fred Hunter, you'll also learn that West has a passion …

When we set out to capture the essence of Alabama’s rich culture and traditions on our first podcast road trip for Fred Hunter’s Alabama, we knew there was no better stop than Kathleen Phillips’ kitchen in Gardendale. While some might not recognize her name right away, say “the Grits and Gouda lady,” and you’ll see a spark of recognition. Kathleen …

In this episode of Fred Hunter's Alabama, Fred swaps stories with Sean Dietrich, a columnist, humorist, multi-instrumentalist, and stand-up storyteller known for his commentary on life in the American South. Best known as "Sean of the South," Dietrich shares personal and heartfelt stories of his youth, family, Southern traditions, and life as a wri…

When I sat down to chat with Colleen Duffley of Andiamo Lodge, I knew we were in for a special conversation. Colleen, with her vibrant energy and captivating stories, is the kind of person who thrives on adventure. And now the town of Mentone is a new chapter in her fascinating story. Colleen discovered Mentone in an unconventional way — on a bicyc…

They say the mark of a great song is when you can remember exactly where you were and what you were doing the first time you heard it. That was my experience with the music of a group I’d end up listening to my entire life. Three on a String is made up of the nicest, funniest, most humble guys you’ll meet. The 2023 Alabama Music Hall of Fame induct…

I was honored to have Alabama Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter on the podcast recently. He has a big title and tremendous responsibility across the entire state, but just a few minutes into our conversation, one thing became clear — this is a man who remembers where he came from and who has a deep love and respect for people from all walks …

Writer Charles McNair Lives High in the Andes, but His Roots are in South Alabama My conversation with Charles McNair felt a little like a family reunion as we connected many dots in our common roots. It was fascinating to learn how a boy from South Alabama wrote his way to being a Pulitzer-prize nominee, continues to write, and now resides a bit s…

Singer/songwriter Grace Pettis talks about her new album "Down To The Letter" with Fred Hunter. --- Grace's music is described as a little bit of folk, a little bit of country/Americana, and a whole lot of soul. Grace is the winner of many of the nation’s most prestigious songwriting contests, grants, and residencies, including NPR’s Mountain Stage…

Throughout his career as a performer, songwriter, and recording artist, Fort Payne native Pierce Pettis has been inside the hurricane they call the music business. But he is also an outsider, never achieving the often sought-after goal of world fame — and for that, he is grateful. Through his work with Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, PolyGram Publishin…

Let me tell you, I would not have imagined when I left Fyffe High School in 1971 that five decades later I’d be sitting on my sofa watching a guy from Geraldine playing guitar with Lynyrd Skynyrd on the network’s New Year’s Eve special. Damon Johnson finds it equally unbelievable that he is THAT guy. “I’ve had a lot of memorable gigs in my life, Da…

When I called Jerry Ellis a man of letters, he liked that so much he asked me to repeat it. But I really wasn’t kidding. The Fort Payne native and graduate of The University of Alabama has written nine books. His inaugural book, about walking the Trail of Tears, was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award. I will call this interview …

After winding up Alabama 117 from Valley Head in DeKalb County, you arrive at a four-way intersection in the town of Mentone. On your right is the most charming calling card you can imagine: the Mentone Inn, nestled against a backdrop of trees and lush landscaping, with an almost irresistible wrap-around porch. Stepping inside is like getting a big…

Sometimes you don’t realize how much your senses absorb when you’re growing up, but you find out later how those experiences shaped you. Russell Gulley grew up on Southern gospel and shape note music. His mother was very conscious of how much music and art can enrich lives. Russell sought a career in rock and roll, but later paid his mother’s gift …

As a young DJ at his dream job in Myrtle Beach, Greg Fowler repeatedly read an ad encouraging people to visit The Bowery to hear a group who, at that time, was known as Wild Country. Little did he know that spark would change his life, eventually intertwining his path with that of the most successful band in country music history — ALABAMA. Read th…

Beth Cowan Drake loves outdoor photography and astrophotography, and she loves inspiring other people to explore their world through the camera lens. Through her exemplary work and her incredibly popular Alabama The Beautiful Facebook group, Beth shines a spotlight on our beautiful state and the breathtaking skies above us.…

Chance Gray definitely feels like he's home as merchandise manager for recording artist Jason Isbell. The Fyffe, Alabama, native travels the country and the world with whom he considers the greatest songwriter of our era. To get there, he paid his dues by working hard and proving his dedication to the job at hand for artists as varied as Larry the …