Rachel’s News 
This is the page where I note my thoughts about matters concerning radio production, folklore, cultural sustainability, and what I’m currently working on, as well as general musings regarding life as a folklorist/radio producer.
Celebrating Carousels
7 May, 2016
One of the highlights of my 2015 was riding on the glorious Carol Ann Carousel in Cincinnati. This beautiful example of craftsmanship was made in Mansfield, Ohio, at the world’s largest maker of wooden carousels. Read more
Introducing the Columbus Folklorists’ Circle
8 January, 2016
I wanted to introduce visitors to this site the Columbus Folklorists Circle discussion group (CFC) which myself and several OSU-based colleagues formed over the summer. We now meet every six weeks or so to discuss an issue that is current/relevant/otherwise of interest to those of us who reside in folklore world. It’s primarily aimed at anyone who identifies as a folklorist – or folklore-friendly – in the Columbus area (i.e. not just those who are affiliated with OSU). Read more
Texas Folklife’s 2015 “Stories from Deep in the Heart” Summer Institute
12 July, 2015
I’ve just returned home after spending the past week as the Guest Instructor at Texas Folklife‘s 2015 “Stories from Deep in the Heart” Summer Institute. Read more
Elkmont Interpreted
10 July, 2015
A couple of years ago, I was part of a team of folklorists who worked on the Elkmont Oral History Project. Read more
New Radio Documentary on Early Kentucky Women Musicians
27 June, 2015
Earlier this week, my latest feature – Banjo Pickin’ Girls and Fiddlin’ Women – was broadcast on Australia’s Radio National in their Earshot strand. Read more
The Way of the Croissant
9 May, 2015
I’ve just completed a wonderful spring semester at Ohio State, where I’m in the first year of a PhD in Folklore. I made this presentation for the final class of an excellent course on Tradition (led by Dr Ray Cashman). It’s taken my croissant obsession to the next level. Read more
Death Valley Wilderness – Radio Documentary
5 March, 2015
A radio documentary I made last year from Death Valley is now available to listen to at PRX. It was part of a short series called Untrammelled that marked 50 years since the Wilderness Act was put in place. Read more
Nevada’s Hidden Stories: Combat Paper Nevada
11 November, 2014
Nevada’s Hidden Stories is a partnership between my former employer – Nevada Humanities – and Reno Public Radio. It’s an occasional series which I produce that aims to shed light on the unique people, places, and communities which make the Silver State home.
Nevada’s Hidden Stories: Lost City Farm
27 September, 2014
Even though I’m no longer an employee of Nevada Humanities, I’m still making some radio pieces for them which air on KUNR, Reno’s Public Radio station as part of the Nevada’s Hidden Stories series. Read more
