“We do not just keep and collect things. We trouble ourselves to repurpose, create, and invent things just to carry, a little easier, those stories we cannot live without.” —Kendra Greene
In this episode of Deviate, Rolf speaks to the directors of two very different museums — Dawn Hammat of the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum & Boyhood Home in Abilene, Kansas, and Greg Long of Long’s Collectible Showplace & Gift Shop in Salina, Kansas (0:00); what people are drawn to in a given museum, and how a kind of nostalgia drives what people look for there (5:30); the ways all museums change and adapt over time, and how museums can surprise their visitors (12:00).
Notable Links:
The Deviate theme music comes from the title track of Cedar Van Tassel’s 2017 album Lumber.
Note: We don’t host a “comments” section, but we’re happy to hear your questions and insights via email, at deviate@rolfpotts.com.
Life-changing travel experiences: China and Mongolia with my parents
Why dinosaurs matter (also: Rolf fact-checks the dino book he wrote at age 7)
What Matt Green discovered by walking every single street in New York City
A personal history of being a lifelong pro-sports fan (Super Bowl special)
The power of small choices across decades: The Sgt. John Monk story
Chris Guillebeau on goals, writing books, and travel as alt-university
How to balance a life of artistic ambition with sanity and happiness
Indonesia: An argument for (and essential tips on) traveling the archipelago
Why Noah Baumbach’s “Kicking & Screaming” might be the best movie ever
Deviate Christmas Special: Celebrating the Sears Wish Book [Rebroadcast]
Bonus: On the therapeutic uses of reading classic literature and scripture
What narrative therapy is, and how it can make your life feel more coherent
America’s most solemn historical sites rarely offer an honest take on history
Author Alex Banayan on seeking mentors for life (and writing) guidance
On the under-appreciated reality of revelry, sex, and misadventure in travel
The world’s cheapest destinations, and why (besides savings) they’re great
Paul Theroux on aging, slow travel, and the inherent complexity of Mexico
Bonus: Storytelling for the screen: A lecture from the Paris Writing Workshop
Benjamin Percy on how comics and movies teach the best lessons about telling stories
Why travel guidebooks still matter (and how to best use them on the road)
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Concrete Pastures Podcast
The Atlas Obscura Podcast
Points Talk with the Travel Mom Squad
Amateur Traveler Travel Podcast
Exploring the National Parks