Middle of Everywhere Pod

25/10/2023

12/07/2023

Excited to announce that we won another first place PMJA award for our series The Story of Tanasi! Have you listened yet?

30/06/2023

A western Tennessee hospital announced last week that it would suspend medical services related to pregnancy and childbirth later this year.

“Over half of the rural hospitals in the country have already been forced to make this decision, so while this is very unfortunate, it has become almost the rule in rural America and not the exception,” the hospital CEO said.

In our episode "Angles in a Desert," we learn how OB deserts are plaguing rural America, and how one community in rural Indiana is using an innovative program to help expectant mothers. Listen online at middleofeverywherepod.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

A western Tennessee hospital announced last week that it would suspend medical services related to pregnancy and childbirth later this year.

27/06/2023

In our episode “Conjuring Nancy” we talk with writer Tamara Dean about her essay “Safer Than Childbirth,” a historic look at abortion access in America and how dangerous pregnancy and childbirth were, and still are, for some women.
https://www.middleofeverywherepod.org/episodes/conjuring-nancy

A year after the Supreme Court abortion ruling, advocates say it is “more dangerous and more deadly” to be pregnant in Tennessee

23/06/2023

In "Becoming Me" we hear from 2 transgendered Kentuckians about what it's like living in states that recently passed anti-trans legislation.
https://www.middleofeverywherepod.org/episodes/becoming-me

The news this week from VUMC in Nashville will undoubtedly have a big impact on individuals seeking gender affirming care.

Medical center releases medical records, including those of transgender minors, to Tennessee Attorney General

22/06/2023

Women and girls in rural communities across the United States are being forever changed by substance misuse. Sadly, it’s a story with which many are becoming increasingly familiar. In this episode we hear from a former substance misuser who shares a solution that helped change her life, and how her past struggle with substances is now a required background for her becoming a care provider to women trying to stay sober.
🎧 Listen to "The Beautiful Cherry Tree..." here or on any podcast platform.
https://www.middleofeverywherepod.org/episodes/the-beautiful-cherry-tree-from-the-depths-of-despair

13/06/2023

As part of our season on women's access to healthcare in rural communities, we're sharing an episode from our first season, where we hear from Ms. Betty Dobson, Executive Director of the Hotel Metropolitan in Paducah, KY. While rehabilitating the historic Black hotel, Betty was diagnosed with MS. She shares with us what that was meant for her at the time and how her condition changed.
🎧 Find "Re-Release: Welcome to the Hotel Metropolitan" on our website middleofeverywherepod.org or on any podcast listening platform.

22/05/2023

“The maternal mortality crisis continues to impact the country. The U.S. has the highest number of pregnancy-related death of any developed nation.”

One of our recent episodes explores this topic from a historic standpoint.
Listen to “Conjuring Nancy” here: https://www.middleofeverywherepod.org/episodes/conjuring-nancy

Why is it still so dangerous to give birth in America?

17/05/2023

Last week, we published an episode that looks into a solution to poor maternal fetal outcomes in rural areas. The program is so common sense it's hard to understand why more communities aren't implimenting programs like this one! Listen to Angels in a Desert wherever you get podcasts.

31/03/2023

Would you be surprised to learn that women in the 1800s used abortion as a means of birth control?

In this episode of Middle of Everywhere, we learn about the sometimes surprising history of women’s reproductive health from writer Tamara Dean as she discusses her essay “Safer Than Childbirth." https://www.middleofeverywherepod.org/episodes/conjuring-nancy

16/03/2023

Many thanks to the Murray State University Department of English and Philosophy for inviting MOE host Ariel Lavery to speak at their brown bag “lunch & learn” series today! Great group of engaged MSU students, faculty, and staff!

16/03/2023

Some 136 rural hospitals closed between 2010 and 2021, according to the American Hospital Association. About 600 hospitals are currently at risk in the U.S., according to a January report from the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform.

More rural hospital closures could be on the horizon in California and around the country.

15/03/2023

15/03/2023

The rest of Season 3 is coming soon! Listen now for a snapshot featuring some of the voices we'll hear from in coming episodes. Stay tuned! The next full length episode comes out Wed, March 29th.

14/03/2023

Host Ariel Lavery is honored to have recently been part of a panel discussion on bodily autonomy with Attica Scott and Charlotte Goddard. Thanks to the Murray State University Gender Equity Caucus for hosting!

01/03/2023

In honor of Women's History Month, WKMS' Femme Fridays return every Friday in March starting at 11 am. Alien Lanes and Datebook host Melanie A. Davis will share an eclectic mix of women-led music, from 1920s blues to driving '80s pop to local artists currently working in our region (and lots in between). Hope you can tune in!

WKMS' installment of Femme Fridays in celebration of Women's History Month returns this March. Tune in Fridays at 11 am to hear an eclectic mix of women in music from the last century.

04/02/2023

When baby Barrett was born with a surprise cleft lip, mother Sam was not emotionally phased.

“However, Brian on the other hand…” Sam’s husband, Brian, did not take it as well. And little did they know that Barrett’s healthcare needs would only increase exponentially.

This family has a lot of experience dealing with providers and health insurance, which has largely shaped their attitudes toward policies in this country.

Listen now to hear their whole story!

01/02/2023

It's here!!

Our first episode of season 3 dropped this morning. It's a great introduction to the rest of the season and gets our brains juiced for what's to come.

Have you ever considered using your body to pay for your family's needs? Have you ever walked away from the doctor's office feeling like you didn't quite get what you needed? Have you ever felt like healthcare is just too darn expensive?!

Listen on middlleofeverywherepod.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

27/01/2023

Phil Pister was a biologist who singlehandedly saved a rare fish from extinction by walking through the desert at night with two buckets in his hands.

This amazing story reminds us of our tiny friend, the snail darter ❤️

Phil Pister, a biologist who singlehandedly saved a rare fish from extinction by walking through the desert at night with two buckets in his hands, has died at 94.

17/11/2022

🩺It's National Rural Health Day and we're taking part in this opportunity to thank rural healthcare providers, organizations, and cooperatives.
🎙Middle of Everywhere Season 3 will share stories of women's healthcare in rural communities. If you have a personal story that you'd like to share, please reach out by emailing [email protected].

03/11/2022

Middle of Everywhere listener Steven proudly wearing his podcast t-shirt today! Thank you for the support!! We love our listeners ❤

19/09/2022

Did you listen to The Story of Tanasi series? Did you get swept up in the voices and memories of people who fought to save their valley and the endangered fish that lived there?

Carolyn Ritchey was a central figure in our reporting on this story. And she is soon to be publishing a book about her life growing up in a family trying to protect their little valley of paradise.

"Even though my family was politically sabotaged more than 40 years ago, I feel emotionally compelled to share our story: a farmer's story of strength, intelligence, conviction and perseverance."
- Carolyn Richtey

29/08/2022

What a tragic loss of the clubhouse at Tellico Village! Ariel was familiar with this building having walked all around the property to get images of the lake. We are very sorry for the destruction of this fire and for anyone who has been adversely affected by it.

https://www.wate.com/news/loudon-county-news/clubhouse-total-loss-after-fire-in-tellico-village/

A well-known golf clubhouse is destroyed after a kitchen fire in Tellico Village.

22/08/2022

Ariel travelled last week for an interview and got to the rental car location late in the day. Turns out, arriving late is worth it because she got an upgrade to a sporty little Miata. Baby Calliope thought it was pretty great too. Unfortunately, she could only enjoy it parked in the driveway. 😄🚗

Stay tuned to find out more about what's coming for our third season!

05/08/2022

We had a great time at WKMS Party at the Arboretum in Murray last night! It's so nice to see all the folks who support local public radio. ❤️

25/07/2022

We are proud to announce that Middle of Everywhere has received another award for the Public Media Journalists Association! 🎉🥈2nd place for our episode “Black Overseer of a Confederate Monument.” Episode link here:
https://www.middleofeverywherepod.org/episodes/a-black-overseer-of-a-confederate-monument

23/07/2022

How many of y'all made it out to your local farmers market this weekend? I bet it was hot!

How are y'all handling the heat in your small rural communities or big urban jungles? Are you out gardening? Frequenting the local watering hole? Going back home to mooch on mom's air-conditioning? 🥵😅 Let us know and tag us!

19/07/2022

Listen this week on WKMS during Sounds Good to hear the full second season! Brush up before our listening party next week! 😎