Dr. Blake Perkins, History professor at ASU-Beebe, talks with Glen and April about his research on the history of "Ozarkers" or rural folk in the Arkansas mountains over the last couple of centuries. He specifically addresses aspects of how these Arkansans have tended to view "outsiders," whether those from state or federal government, from more urban areas, or persons with money and influence. Given the importance of such divisions in understanding polarization in our current society, we felt it helpful to hear his insights, which not only are academic in nature, but also arise in part from his early life being born and raised in rural Arkansas. Blake talks in some detail about both the realities of this culture as well as some myths or stereotypes that don't always correspond to reality. He cites examples of "outsiders" who thrived in the Ozark culture, for example. We also delve into current controversies regarding potential changes in the status of the Buffalo River's national park designation, as well as the recent LEARNS law and its changes that pose some concerns to rural Ozarkers.
#46 John Brummett, prominent and long-time Arkansas journalist & columnist, 8-25-23, Part 1: OTOH Episode 46
#45 Kathy Webb, Little Rock city board member and longtime community activist in hunger, LGBTQ, and other issues, 6-21-23, Part 2: OTOH Episode 45
#44 Kathy Webb, Little Rock city board member and longtime community activist in hunger, LGBTQ, and other issues,, 6-21-23, Part 1: OTOH Episode 44
#43 Lisa McNeir, retired psychologist & Braver Angels Arkansas alliance co-chair, 6-14-23, Part 2: OTOH Episode 43
#42 Lisa McNeir, retired psychologist & Braver Angels Arkansas alliance co-chair, 6-14-23, Part 1: OTOH Episode 42
#41 Nitin Agarwal UA Little Rock Professor and Social Media influence researcher, 7-18-23, Part 2: OTOH Episode 41
#40 Nitin Agarwal, UA-Little Rock Professor and Social Media influence researcher, 7-18-23, Part 1: OTOH Episode 40
#39 2023 Braver Angels National Convention recap with April Chatham-Carpenter & Ray Hanley, 8-11-23, Part 2: OTOH Episode 39
#38 2023 Braver Angels Convention recap with April Chatham-Carpenter & Ray Hanley, 8-11-23, Part 1: OTOH Episode 38
#37 Rebecca Glazier, UA-Little Rock political scientist & Associate Professor, 6-13-23, Part 2: OTOH Episode 37
#36 Rebecca Glazier, UA-Little Rock political scientist & Associate Professor, 6-13-23, Part 1: OTOH Episode 36
#35 Vic Snyder, former AR congressman, 4-25-23, part 2: OTOH Episode 35
#34 Vic Snyder, former AR congressman, 4-25-23, part 1: OTOH Episode 34
#33 Rita Chisum Braver Angels activist 3-8-23: OTOH Episode 33
#32 Rita Chisum Braver Angels activist 3-8-23: OTOH Episode 32
#31 Chris Jones, Democratic Party candidate, Part 2, 2-14-23: OTOH Episode 31
#30 Chris Jones, Democratic Party candidate, Part 1, 2-14-23: OTOH Episode 30
#29 Caroline Stevenson peace activist 1-20-23 Part 2 Episode 29
#28 Caroline Stevenson peace activist 1-20-23 part 1: OTOH Episode 28
#27 Monica Guzman, author and Braver Angels leader, 2-9-23, Part 2: OTOH Episode 27
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