The Oklahoma Today Podcast

Jaksot

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  Season 7, Episode 35: Theatre Crude brings fringe theatre back to Oklahoma City 16.09.2026 24min

  It's back! The Oklahoma Today Show loves the Theatre Crude fringe festival, and we're continuing our preview coverage for another year. Theatre Crude is Oklahoma City's only fringe theatre festival, bringing a variety or unique, original, and sometimes one-off small productions through the city. Check their schedule because there truly is something for everyone. This year's performance venues for Theatre Crude are Project 3810 and Perpetual Motion Dance. Theatre Crude co-founder Adam Brand joins the show from Perpetual Dance to give us a taste of this year's event. Also on this week's show, the editors discuss what activities they are looking forward to in the coming fall season, and podvents steers you toward the best place for arts this week in southwestern Oklahoma. You won't want to miss it!
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  Season 7, Episode 33: Mark Rodgers welcomes high school football back to Oklahoma 01.09.2026 33min

  Football is back in Oklahoma! High school teams across the state recently kicked off the 2026 season. Who are the teams to watch for? Who are the future stars on the field now? And what are the gameday environments you have to see for yourself? Oklahoma television and radio personality Mark Rodgers, also the longtime publisher of the Oklahoma Pigskin Preview magazine, joins the Oklahoma Today Show to break down what to expect for the 2026 season. Also on this week's show, the editors reminisce on their own Oklahoma high school sports traditions, and podvents has your plans for Labor Day weekend. You won't want to miss it!
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  Season 7, Episode 32: Going behind the glass at Boom Town Creamery in OKC 25.08.2026 29min

  Since 2022, Boom Town Creamery has been churning out some of the best small-batch frozen confections in Oklahoma City. And in a summer this hot, it’s never been a better time to visit. Boom Town founder Angela Muir is this week’s guest on the Oklahoma Today Show, talking about her inspiration for the business and all the thought behind their popular gourmet flavors. She even tries to teach Ben how to scoop like a Boom Town pro, although we’re not sure he’s ready for the big-time just yet . . .   Also on this week’s show, the editors imagine their own dream sundaes over a scoop of Boom Town’s award-winning Madagascar Vanilla, and podvents is as good as gold—black gold! You won’t want to miss it!
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  Season 7, Episode 31: New OKC restaurant Le Parisien is a buttery oasis of French cuisine 03.08.2026 29min

  Have you tried escargot before? Our host Ben hadn't . . . until he came to visit Alain Jeu at his new Oklahoma City restaurant Le Parisien. The iconic French snail dish stands out on the menu, but it is just one item on a long list of rich and cheesy creations right off the cobblestone streets of Paris. Ben gives it a taste test and learns more about what brought Jeu, a Los Angeles-based Frechman, to Oklahoma to start a restaurant. Also on this week's episode, the editors share some of their other favorite international eats across the state, and podvents takes us to Rush Springs in honor of the state vegetable (fruit?). You won't want to miss it!
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  Season 7, Episode 30: The Holba' Pisachi' Native Film Festival brings film agency talents to Sulphur 27.07.2026 28min

  Fans of the 2022 installment of the Predator film franchise Prey will not want to miss this year's Holba' Pisachi' Native Film Festival in Sulphur. The festival, now in its eleventh year at the Chickasaw Cultural Center, brings both producer Jhane Myers and lead actress Amber Midthunder to southern Oklahoma for the screening of the film. In addition to Prey, the film festival will present a variety of documentary, short, and feature film screenings August 7-8 inside the Anoli' Theater. Film professional panels and mixers will also make the event valuable to those interested in learning more about the film industry. Fran Parchcorn, the Chickasaw Cultural Center's director of special events, joins this week's show to give more details on this must-see Oklahoma film event.Also on this week's episode, the editors discuss the ways they seek refreshment on a hot summer day, and podvents is off to see the Wizard. You won't want to miss it!
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  Season 7, Episode 29: OKC's Oishii Express is bringing a new, original concept to fast food 21.07.2026 16min

  The drive-thru sushi, hibachi, and bento box options at Oishii Express in The Village in northwest Oklahoma City is unlike most other roadside options diners have come to expect. The concept by Chef Ling Chi Wong (who also started Takaramono in OKC's Plaza District) opened earlier this year and has been greeted by great fanfare. Particularly popular are their sushi push pops—a clever contraption that features a sushi in a tube with a thin cylinder containing a wasabi-soy sauce mixture. Chef Chi joins this week's show to talk about his inventive new concept and where he plans on taking it in the future.Also on this week's show, the editors give their own million dollar Oklahoma business ideas (Braums, if you're watching, take notes). And podvents tells us where to celebrate the National Day of the Cowboy this year. You won't want to miss it!
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  Season 7, Episode 28: Awesome Tulsa shoe art kicks off Gathering Place's Route 66 celebration 13.07.2026 33min

  With the Summer of Route 66 in full swing, Gathering Place in Tulsa is celebrating the centennial with a different kind of kicks. The Get Your Kicks shoe art competition pits more than twenty local area artists against each other to see who can create the most appealing work of art from a blank white tennis shoe. The results are quite impressive, and currently on display at Gathering Place's boathouse where viewers can vote on their favorite to win a prize for a lucky artist. The shoes will remain on display through July 18, when the large community park will hold its Route 66 Centennial Celebration. Cheryl Christensen, vice president of operations at Gathering Place, joins the Oklahoma Today Show this week to tell us about how the shoe art competition came together and what we have to look forward to at the park's Route 66 celebration this weekend.Also on this week's show, the editors discuss the best places for families to check out during summer vacation, and podvents tells us about not one, but two Oklahoma peach festivals to visit this week. You won't want to miss it!
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  Season 7, Episode 27: MAHT's Kevin Lee is Oklahoma City's newest culinary celebrity 07.07.2026 25min

  For those who have not been to MAHT in Oklahoma City yet, get in line now because there is a wait! Chef Kevin Lee's new American-style steakhouse with Korean flare in the Uptown 23rd District is as delicious as it is popular. Lee became a hot commodity locally with the buzz around the Birdie's Korean-style steakhouse in north Oklahoma City and grew in profile nationally with regular appearances on Food Network shows like Tournament of Champions and Guy's Grocery Games. Chef Lee is our special guest on this week's episode, where he details his long grind to culinary stardom and desire to use his platform to shed light on other good local food.Also on this week's episode, the editors discuss which Oklahoma chef they would like catering for their next party (we can dream, right?!) and podvents let's us know where to celebrate Christmas in July. You won't want to miss it!
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  Season 7, Episode 26: To celebrate America250, Enid Symphony Orchestra prepares a special park performance 29.06.2026 29min

  A longstanding tradition in Enid is the annual July 4 concert by Enid Symphony Orchestra, with gorgeous accompaniment by a spectacular fireworks display. As the nation celebrates the 250th anniversary of the United States' independence from England, the ESO is preparing an extra special production, titled The Night Sousa Came to Town. American composer and conductor John Phillip Sousa, known for his military marches, performed several times in Enid back in the day. Enid Symphony Orchestra's artistic director Douglas Newell joins the Oklahoma Today Show in our home studio this week to talk about the annual July 4 performance and his company's deep connection to the Enid community. Also on this week's show, the editors discuss what Oklahoma attraction they believe every American should see at least once, and podvents lets you know where to spot fireworks this week (there are a lot of options). You won't want to miss it!
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  Season 7, Episode 25: Mary Beth Babcock shows off fantastic finds at Meadow Gold Mack's in Tulsa. 23.06.2026 26min

  For travelers across Route 66, Meadow Gold Mack's in Tulsa is a must-stop. The twenty-foot-tall Bunyan-esque fiberglass muffler man out front is more than enough reason on its own, but head inside to see a collection of gifts and collectibles both quintessentially Oklahoma and unlike much else you'll encounter along your travels. Owner Mary Beth Babcock, Oklahoma Today's 2011 Oklahoman of the Year, is one of the key personalities to meet along the Mother Road. On this week's episode, we let Mary Beth show us around this shop of wonder with the kind of charm and cool that only she can muster. Also on this week's episode, the editors share their favorite places to check out while in Tulsa, and podvents puts some heat on blacksmithing. You won't want to miss it!
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  Season 7, Episode 24: OKC's Route 66 boutique has watched the Mother Road's renaissance unfold 15.06.2026 34min

  The Oklahoma Today Show is continuing its year-long celebration of the Route 66 centennial with a visit to an Oklahoma City boutique named, simply, Route 66. Owned and managed by Jeanette Koenig, the store inside the 50 Penn Place shopping center has been selling Mother Road and travel themed art and merchandise, among other carefully curated items like soaps and lavender, for years. We spoke with Koenig to gain some insight into the vision behind this fun shop full of character. Stay tuned after the interview to hear about a special Route 66 giveaway!   Also on this week's show, the editors discuss must-play songs on any summer road trip playlist, and podvents lets us know where in Oklahoma we can catch a monster-sized catfish with no rod required. You won't want to miss it!
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  Season 7, Episode 23: Perry's iconic Kumback Lunch celebrates 100 years 08.06.2026 23min

  Much of this show's time and energy this year has been dedicated to honoring the hundredth birthday of The Mother Road, Route 66. This time, we are tipping our cap to a different sort of centennial. The historic Kumback Lunch in Perry observed its triple-digit birthday in April. In its day, the classic diner has seen everything from a legendary visit by Pretty Boy Floyd to the capture of Timothy McVeigh and plenty of community ups and downs. Shae Boschee, who recently purchased Kumback with her husband Scott, joins the show to talk about what the historic milestone means to the Perry community.Also on this week, the editors share some of their other favorite Oklahoma diners, and podvents welcomes the return of deadCenter Film Festival. You won't want to miss it!
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  Season 7, Episode 22: We fried our own onion burgers at El Reno's Sid's Diner 01.06.2026 37min

  The El Reno onion burger is one of Oklahoma's greatest contributions to the American culinary landscape, and no trip down Route 66 is complete without trying at least one. The town of El Reno has no shortage of options, but Sid's Diner is one that is known worldwide for this regional burger variety. Adam Hall, owner of Sid's Diner, joins the show today to teach Ben and I Ate Oklahoma's Greg Elwell (who wrote a great story on the history and present of El Reno's burger culture in the May-June 2026 issue of Oklahoma Today magazine) how to make their very own authentic onion burgers. Also on this week's episode, the editors discuss every burger's best friend: fries, and podvents kicks off its Sunday shoes at the Footloose Festival. You won't want to miss it!
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  Season 7, Episode 19: The Black Wall Street Rally brings rolling thunder to Tulsa 12.05.2026 34min

  Recently named a top national cultural event by USA Today, the Black Wall Street Rally will bring thousands of motorcycles and motorcycle enthusiasts to the Tulsa area. But the event is so much more than just a motorcycle rally—it is a celebration of historic Black Wall Street's endearing entrepreneurial legacy and an opportunity to bring multiple communities together and stronger than ever. Organizer Byron Perry joins the show to let us know about everything that is planned for this new annual favorite, which returns May 14-16.Also on this week's show, the editors imagine which Oklahoma town they'd like to visit on a motorcycle, and podvents keeps an eye on walleye. You won't want to miss it!
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  Season 7, Episode 18: Writer Michael Wallis on the Route 66 centennial, working with Pixar, and stopping to smell the roses 05.05.2026 37min

  You can't tell the Route 66 centennial story without talking to Michael Wallis. The Pulitzer-nominated nonfiction writer published Route 66: The Mother Road in 1990, and the start-to-finish guide to the highway is still considered an essential resource. His connection to the Route is so legendary he even earned a role as The Sheriff in the Cars movie when Pixar set out to make its own Mother Road inspired movie. Also on this week's episode, the editors discuss their plans for Mother's Day and podvents takes us through strawberry fields. You won't want to miss it!
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  Season 7, Episode 17: Oklahoma artist Clint Stone celebrates Route 66 (get your print now!) 27.04.2026 40min

  Subscribers to Oklahoma Today have likely already seen our glorious new May-June issue celebrating all things Route 66 during this centennial year. The cover features a fantastic original work by Clint Stone jam-packed with all sorts of landmarks and Easter eggs from the state's stretch of the Mother Road. But it's much more than a magazine cover, it is a print you can treasure forever. A poster insert is included in each copy of the magazine. You can also order your own copy (or several) at OklahomaToday.com. Clint joins us in the studio this week to talk about the work that went into creating this new piece and what about the great open road inspires his creativity. Also on this week's episode, the editors discuss what Oklahoma scenes they think would also make great posters, and podvents pumps us up for Stillwater's annual Calf Fry. You won't want to miss it!
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  Season 7, Episode 16: OKC's Festival of the Arts celebrates 60 years 20.04.2026 33min

  One of Oklahoma City's favorite springtime traditions will celebrate its sixtieth year this week. The Festival of the Arts, organized by Arts Council Oklahoma City, will occupy downtown's Bicentennial Park April 23-26. Thousands of revelers will embark on the area near Civic Center Music Hall to peruse all the art vendor booths, enjoy live music, and sample delicious bites from the many food vendors. Organizers Richard Forshee, Sarah Frank, and Justin Newton join the Oklahoma Today Show to let us know what we have to look forward to for this anniversary year. Did somebody say drone show???Also on this week's show, the editors discuss which foods simply taste better outside on a sunny day, and podvents preps us for the return of Norman Music Festival. You won't want to miss it!
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  Season 7, Episode 15: Meet the Spanish man determined to run the length of Route 66 13.04.2026 31min

  Get ready for an inspiring and one-of-a-kind conversation on the Oklahoma Today Show as we welcome our first-ever international guest, Enric Casacuberta of Catalonia, Spain. Enric is taking on an extraordinary challenge—running the entire length of historic Route 66 over five months—not just for the adventure, but to honor a friend he lost to ALS and to raise awareness and funds for a devastating disease. Recently named an Official Route 66 Centennial Project, “Running for ALS” blends personal purpose with a deep love for one of America’s most iconic highways, all while supporting local communities along the route. In this interview, Enric shares the emotional story behind his journey, what Route 66 means to him, and how this ambitious run aims to make a real difference.Also on this week's episode, the editors ponder on what other aspects of Oklahoma culture they hope we are still celebrating 100 years from now, and podvents gets us partying like it's 1889. You won't want to miss it!
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  Season 7, Episode 14: Love's Travel Stops is introducing new hot food menu items. We tried them. 06.04.2026 26min

  Traditionally, America's great stretches of rural highway have not been a haven for culinary conquest. You grab a soda and a bag of chips or maybe a hot dog from the easy mart and you hit the road again. Well, that norm is starting to change a bit. Fueling stations and truck stops are upping their food game, and those who once maligned the name of "gas station food" are starting to be more open minded. The Oklahoma-based Love's Travel Stops has embarked on a series of limited-time hot food offerings that could be found at their locations—foods like a spicy breakfast burger and a pork sandwich with honey mustard barbecue sauce on a gourmet pretzel bun. We visited Love's Culinary Innovation Center to try out some of these new creations and see if Love's reaches the ever-rising bar of road trip food.Also on this week's episode, the editors share their own go-to snacks for the road, and podvents tells us where to get the freshest German verenika. You won't want to miss it!
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  Season 7, Episode 13: Tulsa's Up With Trees brings greenery and shade to the community 30.03.2026 36min

  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!