Show Me State Of Mind Begins!
Summary
Host Dan explores roadside attractions, starting with the "Big Tree" in Columbia, Missouri, and the town of Humansville, where he uncovers the history of a local newspaper editor who hosted a bread contest and claimed to be friends with a ghost. After his friend fails to share his enthusiasm for the tree, Dan pivots to Niles, Illinois, to visit the Leaning Tower of Niles. He discusses its origin as a whimsical cover for a water tank built by an HVAC company owner, noting its unique history, including 400-year-old bells and its status as a sister city to Pisa, Italy.
Topics discussed
Intro: Dan's love for 'stupid' things and the Big Tree
The myth of the Big Tree in Columbia, Missouri
History of Humansville: Berries and bread contests
The ghost of Amelia Bower and the Babcock family
Phone call to Nick about visiting the Big Tree
Champion tree rankings and the Big Tree's score
Pivot to Niles, Illinois and the Leaning Tower
Adrian's memories of the Leaning Tower of Niles
The tower's history: Built to hide a water tank
Robert Ilg and the origin of the Ilg Air Park
Ownership changes and the tower's current state
The ancient bells inside the Leaning Tower
Visiting the tower: Bells and the 'holding it up' photo
Sister city status and the tower's whimsical nature
Reflections on Americana and forgotten landmarks
The value of insignificant places and American identity
Chatter: Robert Ilg's legacy and personal anecdotes
The podcast format: 52 states and random cards
Finding meaning in randomness and the Four of Spades
Outro: Embracing cynicism and wonder, credits
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