On Tuesday, April 18^th, Kaleidoscope will feature a Live Podcast event for The Strange South podcast, hosted by Patrice Anderson, Marleah Blades, and Courtney Peppers. This free event is open to JSU alumni, faculty, staff, and students, as well as the community, and will take place at the Ernest Stone Performing Arts Center at 7:00 pm. 

Patrice Anderson is an Adjunct Instructor of Foundations for the Department of Art and Design. According to Anderson, The Strange South has been described as “a haunted chicken coop for your soul.” She and Blades started the podcast in December of 2019 as friends just swapping stories of Southern folklore, ghosts, bizarre events, and unique people in a down-to-earth format. A year later, they added a third friend, Courtney Peppers, who specializes in making Southern libations, and they have been having fun learning a lot about the South ever since. 

Can you tell us about this event and The Strange South podcast?

According to Anderson, “One thing about our storytelling is that we keep our subject matter private from each other. We genuinely enjoy being surprised and entertained with our listeners when we record (Plus, we are not good enough actors to feign shock, horror, or delight with each new tale).”

What are you most looking forward to with this event?

“We love recording the podcast with a live audience. The energy is so great; afterward, we enjoy mingling, meeting people, and hearing their tales and stories.”

Are there any other details about the event you want to be included?

“One thing about the show and some of the subject matter is that it is not for kids. College students, yes. Under 17, no. The Strange South Podcast is your time (and ours) to hang out with friends and have a good time listening to stories about the South and having fun. You can visit our website at thestrangesouth.com or find us on any of your favorite podcast apps if you want to listen before the show!”

How long have you been working at JSU?

“I have been an adjunct faculty member at JSU since 2018.”

What courses are you currently teaching at JSU? Which is your favorite?

“This semester I am teaching Digital Literacy for Artists and Designers, Creative Thinking, and Graphic Design Technologies for Dual-Enrollment. I love them all!”

What is your favorite part of your job?

“My favorite part of the job is the people! Art and design students especially! I love their energy and the ideas they bring to the classroom and their projects. I love seeing a student I taught starting out in Digital Literacy go through the program and land great jobs right out of school.”

What is your favorite thing about the Art department?

“Again, the people are by far, the best thing about JSU’s Department of Art and Design. I don’t think a lot of people realize how outstanding the faculty are. They are all highly talented, hardworking, and just good humans.”

Do you have any ongoing projects or academic activities you’d like to share?

“Currently, teaching four classes and podcasting every week uses much of my time. However, I always have my hands-on multiple projects. I am working with my co-hosts, Marleah and Courtney, to push The Strange South Podcast’s brand into merchandise and possibly a few book publications. And, of course, more live shows!”

What advice would you give to a student of yours?

“Learning is hard, messy, and uncomfortable, and you may not be that great at it…at first. Be curious, persistent, and willing to learn anyway.”