Small Town News
409 episodes - English - Latest episode: 7 days ago - ★★★★★ - 16 ratingsWelcome to Small Town News, located at the intersection of hardcore journalism and jelly-filled comedy. Each episode we read articles from small town newspapers from around the United States and use them to inspire improv stories. We've got fireworks filled with rattlesnakes. We've got a parade of painfully bad accents. We've got no idea what states border Michigan. But no matter where the story ends, it's all 100% true. Promise. Check our sources. Seriously.
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Episodes
Tifton, GA - Porch Chat - We Make Music with Our Mouths
April 13, 2024 09:00 - 20 minutes - 13.9 MBSmall Town News--whose headline is it, anyway? @SmallTownNewsImprov
Tifton, GA - We Raffle Off a Pretty Good Slice of Pie, a Ghostbusters Jacket, & a Toy You Can't Play With
April 06, 2024 09:00 - 58 minutes - 40.1 MBWelcome to Tifton, Georgia, "The Friendly City!" Tifton is located in Tift County in southern Georgia. The town and county were named after lumber magnate Henry Harding Tift who established the mill town that ultimately became Tifton. The Georgia Museum of Agriculture is located in the area. It is a 95 acre site consisting of the museum, two 19th century farms, a town and and industrial site. The museum also has the only steam-powered train in regular operation in the state. We hope you ...
Chadron, NE - Back Porch Chat - When a Conversation Goes from John Wilkes Booth to Castration
March 30, 2024 09:00 - 12 minutes - 8.3 MBSmall Town News--whose headline is it, anyway? @SmallTownNewsImprov
Chadron, NE - Being Cold at the Interpretive Zoo Makes Us Cut Down to Brass Tacks
March 23, 2024 09:00 - 52 minutes - 36.2 MBWelcome to Chadron, Nebraska! The town is the seat of Dawes County and is located in the northwest corner of the state near the border with South Dakota. A former fur trading post, the town is home to the Museum of the Fur Trade. In addition to the items you would expect to find at a museum of fur trading, they also have an heirloom garden featuring authentic crops grow by Native Americans in the area. Chadron is also the home of the Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center and Chadron St...
Ada, OK - Porch Chat - 15 Minute Documentaries and Other Things We Watch
March 16, 2024 09:00 - 24 minutes - 16.9 MBSmall Town News--whose headline is it, anyway? @SmallTownNewsImprov
Ada, OK - We Do Stupid Shamefully Because We Have Free Will. Also Godzilla Shows Up.
March 09, 2024 10:00 - 57 minutes - 39.5 MBWelcome to Ada, Oklahoma, a "Small Town with Big Opportunity!" Ada is the county seat of Pontotoc County and is the capital of the Chickasaw Nation. Ada was incorporated in 1901 and grew quickly with the arrival of the railroad. Ada is home to the McSwain Theatre. Originally built in 1920 to show silent films and host Vaudeville shows, the theatre was restored in 2009. Blake Shelton, an Ada native, was a regular performer there before moving to Nashville. We hope you enjoy our visit to...
Geneseo, IL - Porch Chat - From Elvis to Stanley Cups
March 02, 2024 10:00 - 21 minutes - 15 MBSmall Town News--whose headline is it, anyway? @SmallTownNewsImprov
Dr. Jess Renames a Town and We Get Vouchers for a Dental Airbnb
February 24, 2024 10:00 - 53 minutes - 37 MBWe're back with a full episode! This week we are in Geneseo, Illinois...or are we in Genesco? If our steadfast leader Dr. Jess tells us it is spelled Genesco, then that's the new name of the town. This delightful small town is about 150 miles west of Chicago, and has been around for close to 200 years. A main stop on the Grand Excursion, the birthplace of Madame X and the site of a super-cool gingerbread contest, Genesco has tons of history and charm. We hope you enjoy our virtual romp t...
Geneseo, IL - Dr. Jess Renames a Town and We Get Vouchers for a Dental Airbnb
February 24, 2024 10:00 - 53 minutes - 37 MBWe're back with a full episode! This week we are in Geneseo, Illinois...or are we in Genesco? If our steadfast leader Dr. Jess tells us it is spelled Genesco, then that's the new name of the town. This delightful small town is about 150 miles west of Chicago, and has been around for close to 200 years. A main stop on the Grand Excursion, the birthplace of Madame X and the site of a super-cool gingerbread contest, Genesco has tons of history and charm. We hope you enjoy our virtual romp t...
Back Porch Chat - From Airport Etiquette to Disappearing Rabbits
February 17, 2024 10:00 - 17 minutes - 12.2 MBWe are spending one more week on the back porch. Last week a vase full of water and a cat conspired to sabotage the laptop that houses our data. We will be back next week with a full episode. In the meantime, enjoy this back porch chat. Small Town News--whose headline is it, anyway? @SmallTownNewsImprov
Xenia, OH - Porch Chat - Ziplock Bags, Squatty Potties, and Encyclopedias
February 07, 2024 10:00 - 14 minutes - 10.3 MBSmall Town News--whose headline is it, anyway? @SmallTownNewsImprov
Xenia, OH - We Watch a Video About How to Feed Kimchi to Skin Rabbits
February 03, 2024 10:00 - 54 minutes - 37.4 MBWelcome to Xenia, Ohio, "The City of Hospitality!" Xenia is located about 15 minutes from Dayton and has a population of nearly 26,000. The town was founded in 1803 and is the county seat of Greene County. In 1974 Xenia was hit by an F5 tornado during the 1974 Super Outbreak causing major destruction and displacing 10,000 people. The town was featured in a documentary on NBC and was visited by President Richard Nixon. The staff of The Daily Gazette, our source newspaper, won the Pulitze...
Porch Chat - The Chronicles of Zaxby's Grilled Cheese Sandwich
January 31, 2024 10:00 - 8 minutes - 6.01 MBSmall Town News--whose headline is it, anyway? @SmallTownNewsImprov
Back Porch Chat - From Urinal Music to Square Heads
January 27, 2024 10:00 - 30 minutes - 21.1 MBSmall Town News--whose headline is it, anyway? @SmallTownNewsImprov
Gaffney, SC - Porch Chat - Safari Hats Are Hard & Cowboy Hats Are Not
January 24, 2024 10:00 - 2 minutes - 1.81 MBSmall Town News--whose headline is it, anyway? @SmallTownNewsImprov
Gaffney, SC - Andie McDowell Knows that George Is a Lawyer
January 20, 2024 10:00 - 1 hour - 46.3 MBWelcome to Gaffney, South Carolina, "The Peach Capital of South Carolina!" Gaffney is located in northern SC in the Upcountry in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Originally settled in 1804 by Michael Robert Gaffney, the town has three historic districts, the Peachoid, and is close to many hiking trails and other outdoor activities. The town was once called home by actor Andie McDowell and is the final fake resting place of Francis J. Underwood, the fictional President in the Ne...
Collingswood, NJ - Porch Chat - Climbing On Stuff and Jumping Off Stuff
January 10, 2024 10:00 - 7 minutes - 5.44 MBSmall Town News--whose headline is it, anyway? @SmallTownNewsImprov
Collingswood, NJ - We Vote on a Garbage State for the USA
January 06, 2024 10:00 - 55 minutes - 38.1 MBWelcome to Collingswood, New Jersey, "Festival Capital of South Jersey!" Collingswood was founded in the late 17th century by Quakers and was completely dry until 2015. The town is located about 5 miles east of Philadelphia across the Delaware River. Collingswood hosts an amazing number of festivals and events throughout the year. Festivals include the Book Festival, Crafts and Fine Art Festival, Green Day, May Fair, Pride Pop-Up, and many others. We hope your enjoy our trip to Colling...
New Year's Eve Special - Porch Chat - The Story About Why George Isn't Using Ice
January 03, 2024 10:00 - 3 minutes - 2.54 MBSmall Town News--whose headline is it, anyway? @SmallTownNewsImprov
New Year's Eve Special - Back Porch Chat - Biscuits N' Porn N' Litigation
December 30, 2023 10:00 - 24 minutes - 16.7 MBSmall Town News--whose headline is it, anyway? @SmallTownNewsImprov
Crisfield, MD - Porch Chat - George Keeps His Brain Alive with Snacks
December 27, 2023 10:00 - 12 minutes - 8.73 MBSmall Town News--whose headline is it, anyway? @SmallTownNewsImprov
Crisfield, MD - We Bring Crab Testicles and Poop to a Job Interview
December 23, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 42.9 MBWelcome to Crisfield, Maryland, "The Seafood Capital of the World!" Crisfield is Maryland's southernmost town and is located on the Chesapeake Bay. First settled by Europeans in 1663, the town's economic engine has always been seafood. The harvesting and processing of blue crab makes up a large part of the seafood industry in town. Crisfield hosts the Hard Shell Crab Derby, an annual Labor Day weekend festival. 2023's main entertainer was a Neil Diamond impersonator. We hope you enjoy ...
Laramie, WY - Porch Chat - Quack, Quack, Boom!
December 20, 2023 10:00 - 6 minutes - 4.71 MBSmall Town News--whose headline is it, anyway? @SmallTownNewsImprov
Laramie, WY - Herbert Vows to Use Saloon Doors for the First Time
December 16, 2023 10:00 - 49 minutes - 33.9 MBWelcome to Laramie, Wyoming, the "Gem City of the Plains!" Laramie is located in southeastern Wyoming near the Colorado border. The area around Laramie has been inhabited for centuries by Native American tribes and fur traders. The town owes much of its success to its location along the Overland Stage Line and its use as a "Hell-on-Wheels" style town for the Union Pacific Railroad in the late 1860s. Laramie was the quentessential western town boasting a number of brothels and the Bucket ...
Crescent City, CA - Porch Chat - The Young Barber Paradox
December 13, 2023 10:00 - 2 minutes - 1.7 MBSmall Town News--whose headline is it, anyway? @SmallTownNewsImprov
Crescent City, CA - Rural Human Services Turns Helga into a Pretty Woman
December 09, 2023 10:00 - 45 minutes - 31.5 MBWelcome to Crescent City, California, "The Redwood Gate to the Golden State!" Crescent City is located on the coast in the upper northwestern part of California. Because of the shape of the sea floor in the area, the town is prone to experiencing tsunamis. Most of the tsunami events are small, but the Great Alaskan Earthquake of 1964 produced a wave 20 feet tall causing severe damage to the town and harbor. The town is also adjacent to the Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. The park bo...
London, KY - Porch Chat - Bathroom Videos and Bada$z Names
December 06, 2023 10:00 - 2 minutes - 1.88 MBSmall Town News--whose headline is it, anyway? @SmallTownNewsImprov
London, KY - Welcome Back to the Church Potluck, Gabe Kaplan
December 02, 2023 10:00 - 51 minutes - 35.5 MBWelcome to London, Kentucky, home of the World Chicken Festival! London is located in southeastern Kentucky in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. The area provides access to numerous biking and hiking trails in the Daniel Boone National Forest. The town is located near Corbin, the home of the first Kentucky Fried Chicken. The World Chicken Festival is held annually in town to celebrate all things KFC and uses the "world's largest stainless steel skillet" to fry up to 600 chicken...
Jasper, IN - Porch Chat - Fiddle Faddle vs. Cracker Jacks vs. Richard Dreyfuss
November 29, 2023 10:00 - 6 minutes - 4.76 MBSmall Town News--whose headline is it, anyway? @SmallTownNewsImprov
Jasper, IN - Bigfoot and Gabe Look Up "Dictionary" in the Dictionary
November 25, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 45.2 MBWelcome to Jasper, Indiana, "The Nation's Wood Capital!" Located in Southwestern Indiana, Jasper is home to several furniture companies including Mastercraft Cabinets and Kimball International. The town is also the location of the Indiana Baseball Hall of Fame and the annual Jasper Strassenfest. The Strassenfest is a four day celebration between Jasper and Pfaffenweiler, Germany, the town's sister city. We hope you enjoy our trip to Jasper! Small Town News--whose headline is it, anyway?...
Porch Chat - Tedious Sports Watching
November 22, 2023 10:00 - 5 minutes - 4.14 MBSmall Town News--whose headline is it, anyway? @SmallTownNewsImprov
Back Porch Chat - From Taco Tuesday to Muppet Dogs
November 18, 2023 10:00 - 28 minutes - 19.9 MBIt's time to start brining the turkey in preparation for the world champion of eating holidays. The crew has taken a week off from exploring new towns to enjoy a little down time before the big day. In this back porch chat, the guys explore important food topics like what happens to the leftover tortillas after Taco Tuesday? We hope you enjoy! Small Town News--whose headline is it, anyway? @SmallTownNewsImprov
Chillicothe, MO - Porch Chat - AM Cold Medicine vs. PM Cold Medicine
November 15, 2023 10:00 - 5 minutes - 3.73 MBSmall Town News--whose headline is it, anyway? @SmallTownNewsImprov
Chillicothe, MO - Alien Dream Pads Are Best Things Since Unsliced Bread
November 11, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 47.9 MBWelcome to Chillicothe, Missouri, "The Home of Sliced Bread!" Chillicothe began as a farming community in the early 19th century when European Americans began settling in the region. The town's name is Shawnee for "big town." While Chillicothe has never lived up to it's moniker, it is the home of sliced bread. Otto Rohwedder developed the first bread slicing machine, the Rohwedder Bread Slicer, in 1928, and sold the first one to the Chillicothe Baking Company. They began selling sliced b...
Waterville, ME - Porch Chat - The Boys Were Not Invited to Brunch
November 08, 2023 10:00 - 14 minutes - 9.96 MBSmall Town News--whose headline is it, anyway? @SmallTownNewsImprov
Waterville, ME - Life Is a Seaworld and Advertising Is Doomed
November 04, 2023 09:00 - 54 minutes - 37.2 MBWelcome back to Waterville, Maine! We visited Waterville three years ago in our episode Hostile Takeover at Hobos Inc. The Doctor decided there was more to mine from this cool little town. Let's see if we can once again keep from "pulling a Hornberger!" Small Town News--whose headline is it, anyway? @SmallTownNewsImprov
Eufaula, AL - Porch Chat - We Name Weather Events
November 01, 2023 09:00 - 4 minutes - 3.03 MBSmall Town News--whose headline is it, anyway? @SmallTownNewsImprov
Eufaula, AL - Breaking News in the Prison Courtyard
October 28, 2023 09:00 - 50 minutes - 34.7 MBWelcome to Eufaula, Alabama! Eufaula is located in southeastern Alabama along the Alabama-Georgia border. The town is situated along the Chattahoochie River and became a major shipping hub in the 1850s for goods bound for the Port of Apalachicola on the Gulf of Mexico. Shipping by river declined swiftly as rail lines were established in the area after the Civil War. Lake Eufaula, a reservoir created when the river was damned in 1963, is now used primarily for recreation and is known as th...
Las Animas, CO - Porch Chat - George Made Boiled Peanuts
October 25, 2023 09:00 - 10 minutes - 6.97 MBSmall Town News--whose headline is it, anyway? @SmallTownNewsImprov
Las Animas, CO - Flashman Tells Us What to Say
October 21, 2023 09:00 - 49 minutes - 34.4 MBWelcome to Las Animas, Colorado, "The City of Souls!" Las Animas is the county seat of Bent County and is located in southeast Colorado. Las Animas means "the souls" in Spanish. According to one legend, the town is named after a group of conquistadors who died without the last rites sacrament of a priest while exploring the area in the 16th century. The area is home to several important sites including the historic town of Boggsville and the John Martin Reservoir. Bent's Old Fort is a...
Vermillion, NE - Porch Chat - Small Town Chews & Waffle House Side Orders
October 18, 2023 09:00 - 10 minutes - 7.52 MBSmall Town News--whose headline is it, anyway? @SmallTownNewsImprov
Vermillion, NE Part 2 - The Dark Truth About Our Vermillion Episode
October 14, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 42 MBWelcome to Vermillion, Nebraska, "The Town AI Created!" If you're a curious listener who takes the time to learn more about our trip locations each week, you will have discovered that Vermillion doesn't actually exist. Last week's town, town tidbits, and articles were predominantly created by ChatGPT. In this episode we explore the power of AI with Dr. Jess. We hope you enjoy! Small Town News--whose headline is it, anyway? @SmallTownNewsImprov
Vermillion, NE - Porch Chat - The Moral Obligation of "The Price Is Right"
October 11, 2023 09:00 - 5 minutes - 3.89 MBSmall Town News--whose headline is it, anyway? @SmallTownNewsImprov
Vermillion, NE - Nothing Is as It Seems in Vermillion
October 07, 2023 09:00 - 58 minutes - 40.3 MBWelcome to Vermillion, Nebraska! Vermillion is located in southwest Nebraska about 20 miles north of Kansas. The town originally began as a trading post in the early 1860s. The town grew quickly after the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in the area in the late 1860s and was incorporated in 1870. Vermillion is located near Harlan County Lake, a reservoir created when the Republican River was dammed to reduce local flooding. The lake provides opportunities for residents and v...
Sidney, MT - Porch Chat - Herman's Water
October 04, 2023 09:00 - 2 minutes - 1.62 MBSmall Town News--whose headline is it, anyway? @SmallTownNewsImprov
Sidney, MT - We Get Our Agate Rocks Off (Don't Worry We Have a Form for That)
September 30, 2023 09:00 - 57 minutes - 39.6 MBWelcome to Sidney, Montana, "Montana's Sunrise City!" Sidney Montana is located 10 miles west of the North Dakota border and 100 miles south of Canada on the banks of the Yellowstone River. Founded in 1911, The town's major industries are oil and agriculture including the production of sugar beets. Sugar beets are grown in areas to cold for sugar cane to produce white sugar. Midland Sugar Company constructed a sugar beet refinery in town in 1925. The plant closed in early 2023 after nea...
Longboat Key, FL - Porch Chat - Yoko Ono, Performance Art, and the Throat of Michael Douglas
September 27, 2023 09:00 - 17 minutes - 12.1 MBSmall Town News--whose headline is it, anyway? @SmallTownNewsImprov
Longboat Key, FL - We Build an Island Out of Trash for Our Banana Ball Game
September 23, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 45 MBWelcome to Longboat Key, Florida! Longboat Key is located on a barrier island of the same name off the Gulf Coast of Central Florida in Manatee and Sarasota Counties. Longboat Key along with several other barrier islands separate Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Longboat Key was originally inhabited by the Timucuan and Caloosa tribes. The island was sparsely inhabited until the late 1880s when Thomas Mann and his family became the first permanent residents on the island. The town de...
Hamburg, IA - Porch Chat - Guess Those Beans!
September 20, 2023 09:00 - 7 minutes - 5.02 MBSmall Town News--whose headline is it, anyway? @SmallTownNewsImprov
Hamburg, IA - Our Pet Chicken Eats Dirty, Dirty Solo Food
September 16, 2023 09:00 - 52 minutes - 35.9 MBWelcome to Hamburg, Iowa, "The Cornerstone of Iowa!" Hamburg is the most southwestern city in Iowa located on the borders of Nebraska to the west and Missouri to the south. The first settlers to the town thought they were settling in Missouri and only discovered the town was in Iowa when a survey was made when Iowa entered the union in 1846. The town was formally laid out in 1857 and was incorporated in 1867. The town is located at the confluence of the Nishnabotna and Missouri Rivers a...