Across The Tracks
Society & Culture
About
Two friends who grew up on opposite sides of the tracks in small-town America reconnect to share the stories that shaped them. From childhood memories and hometown characters to careers, travel, and life lessons gathered around the world, they explore how different beginnings led to unexpected common ground. Honest, reflective, and often humorous, this podcast is about friendship, perspective, and the long road from where you started to where life takes you.
Episodes
- Decisions, Decisions, Decisions.
This episode of Across The Tracks reviews the Kentucky Derby and covers several major news events: the Supreme Court's Voting Rights decision, U.S. troop reduction in Germany, a third assassination attempt, the end of Spirit Airline servic…
- A Biblical and Administrative Okey-Doke
This episode of Across The Tracks discusses the merging of religious language and Hollywood, leading to biblical ignorance. It also covers new judicial appointments, the Iranian War, the Oklahoma City bombing, and tributes to an internatio…
- First Lady, Failed Talks, Hip-Hop Losses, & Lunar Leap
This episode covers Melania Trump's recent public visibility, the challenges in U.S.-Iran diplomatic relations, mourning within the hip-hop community, and the significant Artemis II mission to the moon.
- Rescues, Rockets & Respect
Across The Tracks covers political events including Pam Bondi's ousting and rising threats to Iran, alongside space exploration with the Artemis II launch, the rescue of U.S. pilots, and a sports debate concerning Dawn Staley.
- Honors, Hoops, and Headlines.
The episode discusses a UN resolution concerning the Transatlantic Slave Trade, the debate surrounding presidential symbols on US currency, increasing player salaries in the WNBA, and the anticipation for the NCAA Final Four.
- From March Madness to Political Madness
A chaotic week takes center stage: allies push back against Donald Trump, tensions rise from U.S. airports to Cuba, and the frenzy of March Madness collides with shocking headlines involving Robert Mueller and Chuck Norris.
- Power, Progress, and the Price of Respect
The head of the DHS is fired, an Iranian School is bombed, the Federal Government vs. Anthropic AI, Disrespect shown toward fallen soldiers, a hometown friend inducted into the KY High School Basketball Hall of Fame and the death of Waterg…
- The World Is A Ghetto
This episode discusses another senseless war, reflects on the state Of The Union address, U.S. treatment of Cuba, Senate primary race in the state of Texas, and the passing of song writer and performer Neil Sedaka.
- Crumbling legacies & the passing of an Icon
This episode explores the sharp political insights of George Will, examines the developments surrounding Prince Andrew’s arrest, highlights significant Black history milestones from past Olympic Games, and reflects on the life and legacy o…
- American Crossroads: Patriotism, Protest, & Political Pressure
In this episode a Black History moment is covered, Attorney General Pam Bondi testifies in Congress, Olympic athletes are criticized, Gallup Poll pivots and a memorial to Actor Robert DuVall.
- Potpourri '26
In this episode Wayne and Steve discuss what's on their minds (various topics from the week before).
- Legacy, Loss & the Lines Being Drawn
This episode unpacks the Don Lemon arrest and releases, Nicki Minaj's surprising political stance, and the return of 5-year-old Minnesota child. We also mark the start of Black History Month, reflection on legacy and loss with the passing…
- Headlines, History, and Superbowl 60
In this episode we discuss the first female Coast Guard Real Admiral appoint of Zieta Merchant, Hollywood Walk of Fame awardees The Isley Brothers, mathematical Gladys West and The Dukes of September (Fagen, McDonald & Scaggs).
- Prestige, Power & Principles
This episode examines a debate over a secondhand Nobel Peace Prize and tariff threats tied to Greenland, to reflecting on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. might view today's global and social climate. We also turn to the NFL playoffs, asking whe…
- "From the Streets to the Stadium: Politics, Protest & Playoff Dreams"
This episode covers ICE-related shootings in Minnesota and California, U. S . - Iran tensions tied to domestic protests, the NFL playoff picture Teddy Roosevelt's 1908 Grand Canyon designation, and the passing of Bob Weir and Aldrich Ames.
- Venezuela, the Constitution & the passing of a Gospel giant
This episode examines rising tensions involving Venezuela, questions whether the U.S. Constitution still restrains power at home and abroad, and reflects on the passing of gospel legend Richard Smallwood and his enduring spiritual legacy.
- Past Legacies & Present Storms
The 84th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the Navy names an aircraft carrier in honor of World War II hero Dorie Miller, POTUS remarks on Somalian-Americans, National Park service revision of free admittance on MLK day,…
- Crisis, Courtrooms & Cultural Legends
A turbulent week unfolds with National Guardsmen shot, Comey and James indictments thrown out, Trump attacks on women reporters & we memorialize civil rights & musical giants.
- Punked Presidents & Political Pretzels
Politics, contradictions, memorials , and a few Jaw-droppers are all packed into this weeks episode.
- Shutdowns, showdownds, & Soul Classics
In this episode we break down a turbulent week in American life. The Democrats cave to pressure in government funding. We dig into the Epstein files and then pause to honor the lives and legacies of Lenny Wilkens and Michael Ray Richardson…
- Politics, Poverty & Pennants
We start this episode with a Kentucky GOP official's social media post about the Obamas, we cover the suspension of SNAP for millions of Americans, Trump Threatens Nigeria and we end with the Los Angeles Dodgers World Series victory.
- The Spin Cycle
In this weeks Across The Track episode we unpack how money, power, and Chaos collide. We discuss the NBA betting scandals, Trump's destruction of the White House East Wing, and Indiana's possible political reshuffle.
- "From Command to Chaos"
An Admiral steps down, Bolton’s indicted, and the “No Kings” movement grows louder. This week on Across the Tracks, it’s all about power, protest, and perspective.
- Peace, Triumph and Growth
The United States VP's visibility concerns, Recent Israeli and Hamas peace agreement, 2025 WNBA Championship, the passing of Diane Kenton and Hometown (E-town) progress & growth.
- "Reunions and Reckonings: From Chicago Streets to the Super Bowl Stage"
This week, we look our nation wrestling with identity and accountability — from sharp words between Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump, and America’s flag officers, to WNBA stars calling out their own leadership for progress long overdue. As Natio…
- Fault Lines
We unpack the latest drama at the US Open, California's Shake-up of its congressional maps, and the heartbreaking school shooting in Minnesota. Plus, the political fight over moving Space Command from Colorado to Alabama, and powerful test…
- Faith, Fairness & Fallout
Trumps thoughts on Heaven, Carnival Cruise Lines new policies, the attack on the Smithsonian Museums and the backlash to the new Cracker Barrel logo.
- To be-or not to be
We break down the Trump-Putin summit and what it means for global politics, spotlight the rise of Black British actors in Hollywood and beyond, and reflect of the life and legacy of Danielle Spencer-beloved for her role as Dee on the TV se…
- Walkouts, Warzones, & Farewells
There's political drama in Texas, Israel's push to control Gaza and a discussion on Yacht Rock.
- You Dropped The Bomb On Me
In this episode we kick things off with memories of our Elizabethtown High School Class of 1975 reunion. We covering the U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. In sports, the Oklahoma City Thunder clinch their first-ever NBA Champio…
- Protests, Parades, and Peril
This episode covers Protests across the country, Trumps military parade, the shooting of Minnesota's legislators, Israeli attack on Iran and the passing of Brian Wilson.
- Schadenfreude
Musk and Trump feud, Job Corp is dissolve, Air Force Academy graduation altered, Ukraine attacks Russia and Coco Gauff wins the French Open Tennis championship.
- "Exit Doge, Enter Rose".
Elan Musk leaves Washington, Peter Rose is reinstated back into Major League Baseball, Trump's obsession with a 747 airplane and the Indiana Pacers advance to the NBA championship series.
- A Nation in Motion and Voices Rising
Coast-to-Coast protest, Corey Booker's Marathon Speech, and Music of the Moment.
- Shadows of Power
Trump targets the Smithsonian Museums, Classified war plans, the administration trying to take over Greenland, the Voice of America being silenced memorials of both Roy Ayers and George Foreman.
- Politics,Tariffs & Tributes
There was a White House Ambush of Ukrainian President Zelensky, Rev. Barber's describes his Vision of America in response to Trump and remembering Angie Stone.
- Shifting Tides
In this episode dive into the cancellation of The ReidOut, the firing of Gen. CQ Brown, and the upcoming February 28 economic boycott. Plus, we analyze the new NBA All-Star Game format and break down the Delta crash in Toronto. Finally, we…
- From the Battlefield to the End Zone
NASA eliminates recruiting black engineers, Super Bowl 59 recap, Mitch McConnell sudden gain of conscience, Elon Musk overshadows Trump in a press conference and the passing of music producer Irv Gotti.
- Power Plays and Backlash
A discussion is held about the current big NBA trade, a Purge of Federal Government employees, the dismantling of US AID organization, Beyonce's Grammy win, the Backlash on Snoop and Nelly's performance at the Trump inauguration.
- Turbulence in America
A discussion about DEI Under Fire, Coast Guard Shake-up, ICE Raises, Airline /Military Tragedies, and the Future Under Trump 2.0
- Echoes of the Past, Shadows of the Present
This episode covers the anniversaries of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, The attack on Pearl Harbor, the passing of the last Buffalo Soldier, the Killing the a healthcare CEO, new leadership in Syria, pardoning of Hunter Biden and more.
- Milestones and Memories
Steve and Wayne capture cultural, sports and career-related topics in this episode offering a dynamic discussion on the new Go-Go museum, the snubbing of Tim Scott and Byron Donald's by Trump, the retirement of Hubie Brown, Geno Auriemma's…
- Cabinet Choices, and a Journey to Justice
This episode explores Trumps cabinet choices, the 15 year sentence of a guardsman for sharing classified documents, the Tyson/Paul 8 round fight and Steve's reflection on his visit to the National Peace and Justice Memorial in Montgomery A…
- Two Guys Reflect
Wayne and Steve navigate the aftermath of Trump's Election and Honor Quincy Jones' Legacy.
- Turbulent Times
In this episode, we dive into tensions that have risen with North Korea's unexpectedly sending troops to Russia, we recap this week in the Presidential election, MLB's World Series and discuss the legend of Fernando Valenzuela pitcher for…
- Silence and Legacy
This episode encapsulates the intense weather event (Hurricane Milton), the political discourse with voters questioning former President Obama's concern about black men's hesitancy of voting and the passing of baseball's Louis Tiant and mu…
- Bad Times And Good Times
This episode covers the first anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel, reflections on the 2024 Vice-Presidential debate, and memorials to John Amos, Kris Kristofferson, Diembae Mutombo, and Pete Rose.
- Union Divide, Controveral Campaigns And Legends Lost
Steve and Wayne discuss a Tumultuous Week in Politics and Pop Culture.
- Clash Of Leaders
Steve and Wayne discuss the Presidential debate between Harris and Trump a Cinematic Milestone, and a farewell to Legends: James Earl Jones & Frankie Beverly.
- From Tragedy To Triumph
Wayne and Steve discuss the Georgian Mass Shooting, Sci-Fi Cinema, the Trump vs. Harris Presidential debate, the WNBA Indiana Fever, the new NFL Season, and Farwell to Sergio Mendes.