In this episode, 84 year-old Huntsville native Rose Battle shares the story of her first job at the Feed & Seed Store in Pratt City, Alabama. At age 15, while helping a customer make his mark, Rose discovered the path to making her own: a lifelong dedication to teaching and addressing disparities in schools. Hosts Melissa Ford Thornton and Justin L. Newman sit down with Rose and explore deeper themes of purpose, passion, and the pursuit of one's dreams.

Original Theme Song by Allen Ambrose (Spotify, YouTube)

Cover Art by Sam Mitchell (2026)

Written, Produced, and Hosted by Melissa Ford Thornton & Justin L. Newman (2026)

Follow Us on Facebook: Kudzu StoryCatchers

Instagram: Melissa Ford Thornton

Substack: Melissa's Substack / Justin's Substack

Proud Member of ScribeSouth

Melissa Ford Thornton and Justin Newman, hosts of the Kudzu StoryCatchers podcast, discuss their debut episode and the significance of storytelling. They share personal stories, including Justin's experience overcoming fear with a unique gift, and Melissa's “vacation” in the Okefenokee Swamp.

Others’ initial impressions of what storytelling means to them are shared in “Found Sound” moments captured by the StoryCatchers on the road, highlighting the transformative power of personal narratives and the importance of sharing them.

Believing that storytelling is one of the most innate human endeavors, the podcast aims to capture and share extraordinary stories by ordinary people, encouraging listeners to reflect on and share their own.

Original Theme Song by Allen Ambrose (Spotify, YouTube)

Cover Art by Sam Mitchell (2026)

Written, Produced, and Hosted by Melissa Ford Thornton & Justin L. Newman (2026)

Follow Us on Facebook: Kudzu StoryCatchers

Instagram: Melissa Ford Thornton

Substack: Melissa's Substack / Justin's Substack

Proud Member of ScribeSouth

The podcast episode explores the culture of dive bars in the South, focusing on spots in both Alabama and East Nashville. Whitney Washington shares her experiences, highlighting the inclusivity and authenticity of dive bars. The episode also touches on the evolution of dive bars, the importance of community, and the challenges of maintaining their character in a changing environment. The hosts, Melissa Ford Thornton and Justin Newman, emphasize the human connection and stories found in these establishments.

Original Theme Song by Allen Ambrose (Spotify, YouTube)

Cover Art by Sam Mitchell (2026)

Written, Produced, and Hosted by Melissa Ford Thornton & Justin L. Newman (2026)

Follow Us on Facebook: Kudzu StoryCatchers

Instagram: Melissa Ford Thornton

Substack: Melissa's Substack / Justin's Substack

Proud Member of ScribeSouth

Happy Birthday, Mo.

The Kudzu Kountdown Begins.

Tick-Tock…