Listen

Description

The sound issues have been fixed, but please know that Maggie is the producer and she lives with brain fog so you get what you get and you giggle when she screws it up, No judging!

Summary- In this episode, Nick and Maggie discuss the complexities of living in a small town, particularly focusing on the cultural and social dynamics of Fitzgerald, Georgia. They explore the town’s history, the significance of the recent No Kings Day, and the challenges of being progressive in a conservative environment. The conversation also touches on broader societal issues such as race, education, and political polarization.

If you’re ever in Fitzgerald make sure to stop by the Blue and Gray museum. Below is the documentary that is shown at the start of the self-guided tour, the portion that made Maggie emotional starts around 11:45.

Marching As One, Fitzgerald GA documentary

Maggie brought up legislation from Gov Kemp. Here is info about it: “The Georgia Senate has approved a measure that would prohibit local school boards and administrators from discriminating “on the basis of race” by promoting or encouraging “divisive concepts” in classrooms. House Bill 1084, known as the “Protect Students First Act,”… would “prohibit schools and local school systems from advocating divisive concepts and ensure that curricula and training programs encourage students and employees to practice tolerance and respect and not judge others based on race,”” (CNN)

The Wild Chicken Festival is central to our local culture. Fitzgerald is known for our wild chickens, check them out here: https://www.fitzgeraldga.org/wild-chickens.html. And our huge chicken statue is one of the hottest controversies in town (we are definitely Team Chicken).

Announcements: OOTB Out of the Boxeys is officially listener-supported!That means if our stories have meant something to you, you can now help us keep the dream going/growing. Your support helps us cover production costs and the behind-the-scenes work that goes into each episode. More than that, it helps seed our next big dream, turning OOTB into a mobile bookstore and creative hub for conversations and connection across South Georgia and beyond.

Thank you to our first supporters, Lydia M., Gina W. , and John L.! We love you!

Out of the Boxeys is a listener-supported podcast. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Nick had 2 things for show and tell this week:

* This adorable baby was thought to be extinct and has reappeared after 30 years.

Vietnamese Mouse-deer rediscovered

* Our current show is Welcome to Derry on HBOmax. If you are a fan of horror/Stephen King, this is a must see.

Maggie shared this Nugget of Wisdom:

“A community is a living organism, it must be nurtured, cared for and loved, or it will die.” - Clayton Jay Jr (Maggie’s Grandfather “Papa”), 1965.

If books are on your holiday shopping list, please consider shopping at OOTB Books & Media, our bookshop .org affiliate link (soon to be mobile bookstore!).

Thank you to Alex Hifi for our adorable jingle. Go support his work at https://www.alexgordonhifi.com/

Keep asking question, and keep living outside thebox. We’ll see yall next time!



Get full access to Out of the Boxeys at outoftheboxeys.substack.com/subscribe