community

There’s a creative movement growing in Tuscaloosa—and it’s led by women. Janet Vieira, founder of Sawdust & Splinters Makerspace, and Tiffany Amirkhanian of Druid City Makerspace are building spaces where everyone—from beginners to pros—can explore their creativity, learn hands-on skills and feel empowered.

Step into the peculiar world of Butch Anthony, a self-taught artist and maker of oddities, as he sits down with Quick-Fire Quips host Baillee Majors. In this episode, the mastermind behind Alabama's one-of-a-kind Museum of Wonder dives into the stories behind his "bone quilts," garfish curiosities and his famous Drive-Thru Museum in Seale. He also shares his passion for deviled eggs (even if they never make it to the potluck) and his continuing search for a feather from the elusive, possibly not-extinct Ivory-billed woodpecker.

APR Digital Content Reporter Aisha Smith interviews the founder and executive director of The Firehouse Community Arts Center, Eric Wallace, about his unconventional teaching space. Wallace also explains how the Firehouse is fostering a subversive movement in the local music scene.

Forget "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives!" Here's the real dirt from Chef Panini Pete himself. He confesses his secret plane-door-tapping ritual to Quick-Fire Quips host Baillee Majors. Plus, he's not afraid to admit that a little bit of Southern vernacular has rubbed off on him. Peek into the mind of a culinary star who's "fixin' to" prove Alabama is more than just grits and gumbo.

This week on StoryCorps, Allen Bearden, Ed King, and Charlie Morgan tell stories about how being former boy scouts allowed them to improve the communities around them while creating lifelong memories.

Restaurants & businesses in the Magic City are getting a digital dose of fame! Birmingham native and foodie LaDarrius Hutcherson, a.k.a. LHUT, talks with Quick-Fire Quips host Baillee Majors about the power of social media. Plus, hear about his process for crafting creative content— and the collab with Jake's Soul Food Cafe to release his very own LHUT Meal!

Previously on StoryCorps, LaShanda Warren-Barnes reflected on her family's role in her choosing a career in criminal justice. Now she's back to share some of the things she's learned while working in the courthouse.

In this edition of StoryCorps, LaShanda Warren-Barnes talks about her family and how her upbringing helped influence her life's work.

State Senator Robert Stewart sits down at StoryCorps and talks with family friend Gwen Carrington. They discuss what it was like for her growing up in Selma during the civil rights movement and how they can help better the community.

Dan Drinkard is the owner of Seasick Records, an independent record store in Birmingham. Ever wonder what aliens would think of Earth's music? He tells Quick-Fire Quips host Baillee Majors about his extraterrestrial recommendations. Plus, the annual phenomenon that has customers camping outside of his store— and the legend of Alabama Shakes.