Episodes

Thursday May 12, 2022
This is Gov George Nigh - 4 x Governor of Oklahoma ( Part 2 )
Thursday May 12, 2022
Thursday May 12, 2022
On this episode I chatted with 4 x Gov of Oklahoma, George Nigh.
In 1982 George Nigh became the first Oklahoma governor to be elected to consecutive terms and win a majority of votes in all 77 Oklahoma counties. He is also the only lieutenant governor ever elected governor, and the youngest man ever elected lieutenant governor (1958), and the youngest person ever elected to the state legislature (1950).
George Patterson Nigh graduated from McAlester High School. Upon graduation, he spent a year and a half in the U.S. Navy at the end of World War II. When he returned, Nigh attended Eastern Oklahoma State A&M (now Eastern Oklahoma State College) and earned a B.A. from East Central State Teachers College (now East Central University). He taught history in the local public school and, in 1950 while still a college senior, was elected to Oklahoma’s House of Representatives.
Nigh became lieutenant governor for the first time in 1959 and became governor for a full four-year term for the first time in 1979. He was re-elected as governor in 1982, taking office in 1983. Nigh has served as chairman of the Interstate Oil Compact, the Southern Growth Policies Board, the Industrial Development Commission, and the Tourism and Recreation Commission. He was also a member of the Southern States Energy Board Executive Committee. Nigh has been recognized nationally by the United States Junior Chamber of Commerce as one of America’s Fifty Outstanding Young Men. He is also a recipient of the National Martin Luther King Award, presented by Coretta Scott King.
After he left the office of governor, Nigh served as a consultant to the McGraw-Hill School Division, was director of the J.C. Penney Company, joined the faculty of Edmond’s University of Central Oklahoma, and eventually became its president (1992-1997). Nigh has served on the board of directors for IBC Bank and SONIC, America’s Drive-In.
https://oklahomahof.com/member-archives/n/nigh-george-1989
Donna Nigh bio https://oklahomahof.com/member-archives/n/nigh-donna-2008
This episode is presented by the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. Telling Oklahoma's story through its people since 1927. For more information on the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. Go to www.oklahomahof.com and for daily updates follow them on instagram www.instagram.com/oklahomahof
#thisisoklahoma

Monday May 09, 2022
This is Gov George Nigh - 4 x Governor of Oklahoma ( Part 1 )
Monday May 09, 2022
Monday May 09, 2022
On this episode I chatted with 4 x Gov of Oklahoma, George Nigh.
In 1982 George Nigh became the first Oklahoma governor to be elected to consecutive terms and win a majority of votes in all 77 Oklahoma counties. He is also the only lieutenant governor ever elected governor, and the youngest man ever elected lieutenant governor (1958), and the youngest person ever elected to the state legislature (1950).
George Patterson Nigh graduated from McAlester High School. Upon graduation, he spent a year and a half in the U.S. Navy at the end of World War II. When he returned, Nigh attended Eastern Oklahoma State A&M (now Eastern Oklahoma State College) and earned a B.A. from East Central State Teachers College (now East Central University). He taught history in the local public school and, in 1950 while still a college senior, was elected to Oklahoma’s House of Representatives.
Nigh became lieutenant governor for the first time in 1959 and became governor for a full four-year term for the first time in 1979. He was re-elected as governor in 1982, taking office in 1983. Nigh has served as chairman of the Interstate Oil Compact, the Southern Growth Policies Board, the Industrial Development Commission, and the Tourism and Recreation Commission. He was also a member of the Southern States Energy Board Executive Committee. Nigh has been recognized nationally by the United States Junior Chamber of Commerce as one of America’s Fifty Outstanding Young Men. He is also a recipient of the National Martin Luther King Award, presented by Coretta Scott King.
After he left the office of governor, Nigh served as a consultant to the McGraw-Hill School Division, was director of the J.C. Penney Company, joined the faculty of Edmond’s University of Central Oklahoma, and eventually became its president (1992-1997). Nigh has served on the board of directors for IBC Bank and SONIC, America’s Drive-In.
https://oklahomahof.com/member-archives/n/nigh-george-1989
Donna Nigh bio https://oklahomahof.com/member-archives/n/nigh-donna-2008
This episode is presented by the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. Telling Oklahoma's story through its people since 1927. For more information on the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. Go to www.oklahomahof.com and for daily updates follow them on instagram www.instagram.com/oklahomahof
#thisisoklahoma

Friday May 06, 2022
This is Tanner Hanstein - Ozarka Drinking Water
Friday May 06, 2022
Friday May 06, 2022
On this episode I chatted with Tanner Hanstein from Ozarka Drinking Water. One of Oklahoma's most recognizable brands. Ozarka Drinking Water is family owned and has been serving the metro for 50years. Today we dive into the families history, the business history and what the business is excited about in the future. Ozarka is a huge supporter of the local community and part of the Made In Oklahoma Coalition.
For more information go to www.ozarkah2o.com and www.madeinoklahoma.net
This episode is presented by the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. Telling Oklahoma's story through its people since 1927. For more information on the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. Go to www.oklahomahof.com and follow them on instagram for daily updates www.instagram.com/oklahomahof
#thisisoklahoma

Tuesday May 03, 2022
This is Bill Price - At War with Corruption
Tuesday May 03, 2022
Tuesday May 03, 2022
On this episode I chatted with Bill Price about his new book, At War with Corruption.
At War with Corruption began as a biography of Bill Price, the U.S. attorney and Republican candidate for high office who spearheaded prosecutions in the most pervasive public corruption spectacle in American history: the Oklahoma county commissioner scandal. Price’s determination to root out the rascals and restore faith in governance branded him as the biggest corruption buster in the state’s history.
Price’s career in law and politics serves as a portal into corruption in Oklahoma. Episodes in that narrative include land swindles (soonerism) at the dawn of Oklahoma history; theft of Native Americans’ property and steamrolling of their cultures that reached a nadir in the Osage murders; the Supreme Court scandal of 1964–65; Leo Winters’ alleged misuse of state taxes (what was the treasurer doing with the people’s money?); Governor David Hall’s trial and conviction on charges of extortion; prosecutions of drug syndicates, Penn Square Bank insiders, and Oklahoma Corporation Commissioners on the take; and the systemic bribery in county governance that inspired this book.
Price shatters the myth that Oklahomans have been uniquely tolerant of, and susceptible to, corruption. He blames structural flaws and inadequate legislation for tempting law-abiding citizens to heed the call of their darker angels. Although Price failed in his gubernatorial and congressional campaigns, he has influenced policy through philanthropies that set a high bar for civic engagement.
At War with Corruption reveals the sinister side of human nature. Yet its intention is not to depress, but rather to uplift and to show what is possible when public servants work together to frame effective laws and promote justice.
Buy the book here: https://www.amazon.com/At-War-Corruption-Biography-Attorney/dp/0984705635
This episode is presented by the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. Telling Oklahoma's story through its people since 1927. For more information on the Oklahoma Hall of Fame go to www.oklahomahof.com and for daily updates follow them at www.instagram.com/oklahomahof
#thisisoklahoma

Saturday Apr 30, 2022
This is Bob Burke - Writer Of The Most Historical Non - Fiction Books EVER
Saturday Apr 30, 2022
Saturday Apr 30, 2022
On this episode I chatted with Bob Burke, born in Broken Bow, Oklahoma, has written more historical non-fiction books than anyone else in history. He earned a law degree from Oklahoma City University and received an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from OCU and a BA in journalism from the University of Oklahoma. Burke’s more than 130 books have won many awards, including three Pulitzer Prize nominations.
Burke is a member of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame, and the Oklahoma Historians Hall of Fame. He is father to Robert, Amy, and Cody, stepfather to Natalie, Lauren, and Calli, and grandfather to Nathan, Jon, Ridge, Fallon, Greyson, Mia, Emerson, Sutton, Charlie, and Cameron. He and his wife, Chimene, live in Oklahoma City where he practices law and writes books.
This episode is presented by the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, telling Oklahoma's story through its people since 1927. For more information on the Oklahoma Hall of Fame go to www.oklahomahof.com and follow them on instagram for daily updates www.instagram.com/oklahomahof #thisisoklahoma

Monday Apr 25, 2022
This is Brian Byrnes - OKC Thunder
Monday Apr 25, 2022
Monday Apr 25, 2022
On todays episode I chatted with Senior VP, Marketing and Sales for the OKC Thunder, My Brian Byrnes. Brian has been a part of the team since its inception here in OKC. His story spans across sports franchises and his Oklahoma story is super fascinating. Brian was on episode 17 back in August of 2018. Linked below: On the episode we talked about what it takes to build an NBA Franchise in a new city. On todays episode we talk about the current name change of the arena and all things current with the OKC Thunder.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-is-oklahoma/id1387331955?i=1000417852270
This episode is presented by the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, telling Oklahoma's story through its people since 1927. For more information on the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. Go to www.oklahomahof.com and definitely follow them on instagram for daily updates. www.instagram.com/oklahomahof
#thisisoklahoma

Wednesday Apr 20, 2022
This is Darci Lynne - Winning America’s Got Talent
Wednesday Apr 20, 2022
Wednesday Apr 20, 2022
On this episode I chatted with Darci Lynne.
Singer / Ventriloquist Darci Lynne is the youngest contestant to ever win NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” garnering over 67M views on AGT’s YouTube and the most votes for a final performance in the history of the show. She won the hearts of America with her sweetheart disposition and undeniable talent. In 2018, she kicked off her national tour selling out her first headlining family friendly show in just six minutes, continually adding shows to meet the overwhelming demand. On the heels of a record-breaking 2019, the gifted Singer/Ventriloquist Darci Lynne has kicked off her 2020 “Fresh Out of The Box” National Tour where she is sharing her passion for performance and bringing her enchanting show from New York to Nevada.
Growing up in Oklahoma, Darci has always been close to her family and relies on their support and encouragement. In her younger years, Darci participated in talent-based pageants to overcome her shyness. She was soon introduced to the art of ventriloquism and decided to try it out for herself. Her hard work, grit and discipline developed from her early days of gymnastics where she practiced thirty hours a week. After only having her first puppet for two weeks, Darci began performing in talent shows in her home state and beyond. She was determined to audition for her first talent show, ultimately leading her to audition for the biggest talent show on television.
The stage is now a platform where Darci can open-up and display her incredible talents for the world to see. Her polished, impeccable skill as a ventriloquist at such a young age is jaw dropping and sure to inspire the next generation to keep the craft alive, but when she sings, her voice leaves her audiences breathless. Darci has performed at the Grand Ole Opry, opened for Fergie at Caesar’s Palace on New Year’s Eve, and starred in her own NBC Christmas Special.
Darci Lynne’s popularity on stage and TV has expanding onto the social media Scene. Her TikTok profile soared from 7K followers on Jan. 16th to an astounding 1M followers and 8.7M total likes in less than 2 weeks. Darci Lynne’s TikTok profile: https://www.tiktok.com/@its_darcilynne
Darci has been seen on “America’s Got Talent,” “America’s Got Talent: Champions,” NBC’s “Little Big Shots,” “Food Networks” kids Baking Championship,” Nickelodeon’s “All That,” “Ellen,” NBC’s “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” and the “Today Show.” For more information visit darcilynne.com
This episode is presented by the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. Telling Oklahoma's story through its people since 1927. For more information on the Oklahoma Hall of Fame go to www.oklahomahof.com and check out their instagram here www.instagram.com/oklahomahof
#thisisoklahoma

Monday Apr 18, 2022
This is Metropolitan School of Dance with Frances Pitts
Monday Apr 18, 2022
Monday Apr 18, 2022
On this episode I chatted with Frances Pitts, Executive Director of the dance school Fran talks about the beginning of the school in the 90's and all of the incredible events and lives the school has transformed since then. You can learn all about the school and its activities here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=163&v=yN7-64Pwu-o&feature=emb_logo
They are performing this Saturday April 23rd Sonic Children's Stage at 5pm.
This episode is presented by the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. Telling Oklahoma's story through its people since 1927. For more information go to www.oklahomahof.com and follow them on instagram here www.instagram.com/oklahomahof #thisisoklahoma

Friday Apr 15, 2022
This is Chip Fudge
Friday Apr 15, 2022
Friday Apr 15, 2022
On this episode I chatted with Oklahoma entrepreneur and car enthusiast Chip Fudge. Chip is a former board member of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame and is a very successful business man in OKC. His hobby is racing and collected some of the worlds rarest cars. So you can guarantee we talked a little cars in this episode.
About:
Chip combined his entrepreneurial experience with a background in collections and subrogation to found CMR in 1988.
A long-time community investor and philanthropist, he serves on the OSU Foundation’s Board of Governors, the NBC Bank Advisory Board, the Oklahoma History Center Advisory Board and the board for Downtown OKC, Inc.
A graduate of Oklahoma State University, Chip earned his bachelor’s degree in pre-law in 1980 and minored in philosophy. He continued his education in graduate-level programs at Harvard University, Northwestern University and the London School of Business.
In his free time, Chip enjoys rooting for the Oklahoma State Cowboys, fly-fishing and collecting and driving vintage motorcycles and racecars in the United States, Mexico and Europe. He also loves traveling the globe with his wife Shannon and spending time with his children and grandchildren.
This episode is presented by the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, telling Oklahoma's story through its people since 1927. For more information on the Oklahoma Hall of Fame go to www.oklahomahof.com and follow them on instagram www.instagram.com/oklahomahof
#thisisoklahoma

Wednesday Apr 13, 2022
This is Okie School of Adventure & Charm
Wednesday Apr 13, 2022
Wednesday Apr 13, 2022
On this episode I chatted with Neil and Alex about their Okie School of Adventure project. Part unschooling, part homeschooling, part virtual schooling - they call it Adventure Learning and invite you to come along and explore the world and make learning fun and engaging. Alex is a bright, creative, adventurous, passionate kid. He also happens to have autism. They homeschool Alex and as part of his education, put an emphasis on experiences beyond traditional classwork.
Check out Alex's YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/c/OkieSchoolofAdventure/about
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OkieSchoolOfAdventure
This episode is presented by the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. Telling Oklahoma's story through its people since 1927. For more information go to www.oklahomahof.com and follow them on instagram www.instagram.com/oklahomahof
#thisisoklahoma