Middle of Everywhere Podcast

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Middle of Everywhere

WKMS Launches New National Podcast

by Dixie Lynn, WKMS Corporate Support Manager

Most of us have heard the expression “We live in the middle of nowhere.” While living in a small town many have felt that way in the past, but times have changed. More and more people are moving to rural communities – towns like Murray and Paducah where locally owned businesses and grassroots efforts flourish, and we’re surrounded by hope and opportunity. So, perhaps it’s more appropriate to say small towns and rural communities are in the middle of everywhere.

With this growing trend in mind, WKMS and PRX, (a non-profit media company specializing in audio journalism and storytelling) have launched a new podcast - Middle of Everywhere, sharing big stories from the small places we call home. Rich with examples of tribalism and kinship, skepticism and idealism, defeat and triumph, hosts Ariel Lavery and Austin Carter tell stories of life in rural America, an often overlooked geographic news region. They provide a connection for those who have left, but still identify with small towns, and explore the growing appeal of rural life.

Season One - Stories from Across Kentucky Middle of Everywhere is a production from WKMS. The first season is part of PRX’s Project Catapult which is supported by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Beginning October 26, episodes will be released biweekly, available for download on all podcast platforms and online at middleofeverywherepod.org. You can also see behind the scenes photos online and connect with the podcast on social media @middleofeverywherepod.

Season One features stories from across Kentucky – from a magic healing stone, to a ninth generation farmer battling an insurance company for his beliefs. Ariel and Austin will explore some history of the Bluegrass State, bust some stereotypes, and share what motivates people in these communities.

Project Catapult Project Catapult is an innovative podcast accelerator developed by PRX working in conjunction with public radio stations and with support from the CPB. In fall of 2019, Project Catapult selected six public radio stations from around the country, including WKMS, to participate in a 20-week curriculum.

Austin and Ariel spent time at the PRX Podcast Garage in Boston, Massachusetts, collaborating and learning podcasting skills such as digital content development, cultivating diverse talent, audience engagement, and monetization. WKMS and Middle of Everywhere are part of Project Catapult's third and final round of participants.

WKMS is Murray State University’s National Public Radio Station. With 30,000 weekly listeners, WKMS is an essential provider of trusted news, eclectic music, and civil discourse to an audience in the Four Rivers Region of Western Kentucky, Northwest Tennessee, and Southern Illinois, and to a global digital audience with online streaming at wkms.org.

Ariel Lavery

photo by Christopher McIntosh

Ariel Lavery

Ariel grew up in, and became disenchanted with, suburbia at an early age. Once a transient American, she yearned for rural farm life and has now made a chance landing in small town Murray. She holds a BFA and MFA in Studio Art and also hosts an independent podcast called, Mother’s Project.

“I am driven to collect the stories and histories of rural folk, the people who, in some ways, have the most immediate connection to our history as a country,” explained Ariel.

Austin Carter

photo by Christopher McIntosh

Austin Carter

Austin grew up in Murray and has remained there nearly his whole life. Attending Murray State University, Austin began working at WKMS, the university’s National Public Radio station, as a student intern. Now he is the Operations Director and host of Morning Edition, while also hosting and producing Middle Of Everywhere. When he’s not behind a microphone, Austin enjoys beekeeping, making mead and sourdough bread, and playing music.