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What happens when a NASA engineer trades rocket hardware for the dark, raw reality of 1990s grunge? On this episode of Quick-Fire Quips, author Zach Taylor talks about his gritty debut novel, Rockstar: Echoes (the sequel Rockstar: Mirrors is officially in production!) Hear why he wanted to strip away the showbiz glamour to expose the financial tolls and gender disparities faced by rock icons. Plus, the strict bass fishing superstition he swears by on the water and the change he thinks Alabama needs to make for its future.

Back-to-school season looks a little different for Gannon McNees this year. Instead of heading back to class at the University of North Alabama, he's jamming out on the world stage! The tuba player is the first UNA student to win a spot in the U.S. Navy Fleet Bands. In this episode of Quick-Fire Quips, Gannon talks about how his sister influenced his big brass dreams, the beauty of tuning out the world with cave crawls and why bringing out-of-state ideas can help Alabama’s rhythm move forward.

Remember learning about stalactites and stalagmites on a school field trip? This week on Quick-Fire Quips, we're stepping inside America's most historic cave! Joy Sorensen, President of Majestic Caverns in Childersburg, shares what it was like growing up in a century-long family business. She also claps back at some wild out-of-state stereotypes ("Yes, our teeth come standard!") and recounts a hilarious, real-life cave encounter with her biggest fear: crabs! From local historical preservation and America 250 celebrations, find out why this natural wonder continues to be a crown jewel of Alabama.

Craft tokens, messy dating shows and angel numbers! Sapphic Craftin' is celebrating two years of bringing queer, sober and creative spaces to Mobile. In this episode of Quick-Fire Quips, co-founders Saige and Audrey talk about building chosen family in the South and what they hope to see for the future of the local LGBTQ+ community. Plus, the best analog hobbies—from felt embroidery to sewing— and a shared love for Black Cat Vegan Bakery pastries.

As they age out of the public school system, art programs for adults on the autism spectrum begin to disappear. To break the barriers created by age, Studio by the Tracks in Birmingham has been providing free resources and materials for autistic adults for over 30 years. The non-profit aims to combat misconceptions about adults with autism by providing their artists with a source of income through art.

This week on StoryCorps, Ty Cramer and her spouse Steve Romein discuss their early involvement with the organization called Common Power and how it has impacted their careers and lives.

Pull up a chair! The Shoals Storytelling Festival is almost here. Heartfelt history to tall tales to professional lying will be front and center at The Shoals Theatre starting tomorrow! On this Quick-Fire Quips, Director Leslie McCrory shares why Florence is the perfect backdrop for this ancient art form. Plus, the unique power of the one-stage experience and how a shared laugh turns a room full of strangers into a community.

This week on StoryCorps, Afriye Wekandodis continues her story from last week, shedding light on how and why she created the By The River Center for Humanity in Selma, Alabama.

Today is our one-year anniversary of Quick-Fire Quips! To celebrate, host Baillee Majors sits down with a very special guest: her grandmother, Elaine Carmichael. At 92 years young, she's a retired teacher and principal at Goshen Elementary and former Troy Messenger writer and editor. She shares heartwarming stories of small-town life in Goshen— and offers her timeless wisdom on faith, family and what truly makes a community feel like home.

This week on StoryCorps, Afriye Wekandodis tells the story of how she was called to move to Selma, Alabama where she would become the director of the Ancient Africa, Enslavement and Civil War Museum and the founder of the By The River Center for Humanity.