One mic. Two hosts. A Universe of Stories.
Southerners just have a special way of spinning a yarn and, in doing so, impart culture, history, and important life lessons. Stories connect us, build bridges of understanding, and spark vital conversations. They do not simply entertain – they are a means of giving the best of ourselves to one another.
Join hosts Melissa Ford Thornton and Justin L. Newman as they venture out to share their own stories and catch those of others.
Ease On Down That Lonesome Road (Holy Smokes! Death Can Be Weird)
Alabama native and "Watcher From The Shadows" Vicki Hallman Robb takes hosts Melissa Ford Thornton and Justin L. Newman on a humorous romp through her family's uniquely Southern perspective when dealing with the inevitability of death (and everything before and after) between the lines of her story "Ease On Down That Lonesome Road."
Joined by her sister, Becky Scheinert, Vicki shares insights on unusual final wishes, fun send offs, and poignant signs from beyond the veil - while former Alabama Game Warden Thad Holmes discusses HOLY SMOKE, the unique business he co-founded with his friend and colleague, Clem Parnell.
A company which offers clients the opportunity to go out with a bang...
...literally.
Come on in. Join the wake..
Death can be weird..
Original Theme Song by Allen Ambrose (https://music.apple.com/us/artist/william-allen-ambrose/1843021950) (Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/artist/4PwBPk9Yp6udmIjMzV1wJE?si=477ae77aa4e0418a), YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBjYOtzOKsD73IY5371gzdw))
Cover Art by Sam Mitchell (https://www.instagram.com/blood.sweat.type?igsh=MW5na3A1eW4zcmsxZg==) (2026)
Written, Produced, and Hosted by Melissa Ford Thornton (https://www.facebook.com/share/1ECbcu4xAF/) & Justin L. Newman (https://www.facebook.com/share/1BTD3Fe2gr/?mibextid=wwXIfr) (2026)
Visit Our Website / Submit Your Story: www.kudzustorycatchers.com (http://www.kudzustorycatchers.com)
Follow Us on Facebook: Kudzu StoryCatchers (https://www.facebook.com/share/1D2kCwQNuL/)
Instagram: Melissa Ford Thornton (https://www.instagram.com/mo.thornton626?igsh=MXA4M2t6bnd4Z2Zjeg==)
Substack: Melissa's Substack (https://substack.com/@melissafordthornton?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=204vl5) / Justin's Substack (https://open.substack.com/pub/justinlnewman)
Proud Member of ScribeSouth (https://scribesouth.com/)
9 Oct 2026
Grandma’s Ghost (And Jeffrey): Spooky Story Season
The episode is dedicated to Master Storyteller Kathryn Tucker Windham - who wrote the classic 13 Alabama Ghosts & Jeffrey that has enthralled readers of all ages.
Hosts Melissa Ford Thornton and Justin L. Newman explore the cultural significance of ghost stories particularly in the South. Grandma's Ghosts, a true story told by Karen Kirkpatrick, underscores the power of love and family bonds in life and beyond.
Original Theme Song by Allen Ambrose (https://music.apple.com/us/artist/william-allen-ambrose/1843021950) (Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/artist/4PwBPk9Yp6udmIjMzV1wJE?si=477ae77aa4e0418a), YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBjYOtzOKsD73IY5371gzdw))
Cover Art by Sam Mitchell (https://www.instagram.com/blood.sweat.type?igsh=MW5na3A1eW4zcmsxZg==) (2026)
Written, Produced, and Hosted by Melissa Ford Thornton (https://www.facebook.com/share/1ECbcu4xAF/) & Justin L. Newman (https://www.facebook.com/share/1BTD3Fe2gr/?mibextid=wwXIfr) (2026)
Follow Us on Facebook: Kudzu StoryCatchers (https://www.facebook.com/share/1D2kCwQNuL/)
Instagram: Melissa Ford Thornton (https://www.instagram.com/mo.thornton626?igsh=MXA4M2t6bnd4Z2Zjeg==)
Substack: Melissa's Substack (https://substack.com/@melissafordthornton?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=204vl5) / Justin's Substack (https://open.substack.com/pub/justinlnewman)
Proud Member of ScribeSouth (https://scribesouth.com/)
24 Aug 2026
Making Your Mark - Part 2: Out Of Silence, Creativity Sparks
In this episode, hosts Melissa Ford Thornton and Justin Newman explore stories of creative perseverance.: Malli Lusk - a young jewelry maker who uses instinct and Pinterest to build her craft - Keilee Terry, who has successfully run a character entertainment business for ten years despite early age-related skepticism. Finally, they share the journey of Alex Gibson, a deaf chemical engineer turned filmmaker whose work gained recognition from Stephen King. The episode emphasizes that passion, professionalism, and community support are essential for turning early creative sparks into lasting legacies.
5 Aug 2026
Making Your Mark - Part 1: Five Cents Of Burial Insurance
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 (https://music.apple.com/us/artist/william-allen-ambrose/1843021950) (Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/artist/4PwBPk9Yp6udmIjMzV1wJE?si=477ae77aa4e0418a), YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBjYOtzOKsD73IY5371gzdw))
Cover Art by Sam Mitchell (https://www.instagram.com/blood.sweat.type?igsh=MW5na3A1eW4zcmsxZg==) (2026)
Written, Produced, and Hosted by Melissa Ford Thornton (https://www.facebook.com/share/1ECbcu4xAF/) & Justin L. Newman (https://www.facebook.com/share/1BTD3Fe2gr/?mibextid=wwXIfr) (2026)
Follow Us on Facebook: Kudzu StoryCatchers (https://www.facebook.com/share/1D2kCwQNuL/)
Instagram: Melissa Ford Thornton (https://www.instagram.com/mo.thornton626?igsh=MXA4M2t6bnd4Z2Zjeg==)
Substack: Melissa's Substack (https://substack.com/@melissafordthornton?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=204vl5) / Justin's Substack (https://open.substack.com/pub/justinlnewman)
Proud Member of ScribeSouth (https://scribesouth.com/)
6 Jul 2026
Diving In (To Dive Bars)
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 (https://music.apple.com/us/artist/william-allen-ambrose/1843021950) (Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/artist/4PwBPk9Yp6udmIjMzV1wJE?si=477ae77aa4e0418a), YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBjYOtzOKsD73IY5371gzdw))
Cover Art by Sam Mitchell (https://www.instagram.com/blood.sweat.type?igsh=MW5na3A1eW4zcmsxZg==) (2026)
Written, Produced, and Hosted by Melissa Ford Thornton (https://www.facebook.com/share/1ECbcu4xAF/) & Justin L. Newman (https://www.facebook.com/share/1BTD3Fe2gr/?mibextid=wwXIfr) (2026)
Follow Us on Facebook: Kudzu StoryCatchers (https://www.facebook.com/share/1D2kCwQNuL/)
Instagram: Melissa Ford Thornton (https://www.instagram.com/mo.thornton626?igsh=MXA4M2t6bnd4Z2Zjeg==)
Substack: Melissa's Substack (https://substack.com/@melissafordthornton?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=204vl5) / Justin's Substack (https://open.substack.com/pub/justinlnewman)
Proud Member of ScribeSouth (https://scribesouth.com/)
28 Jun 2026
6/26/62 @ 6:26 a.m.
Happy Birthday, Mo.
18 Jun 2026
We, StoryCatchers (Don't Lie For A Living)
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 (https://music.apple.com/us/artist/william-allen-ambrose/1843021950) (Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/artist/4PwBPk9Yp6udmIjMzV1wJE?si=477ae77aa4e0418a), YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBjYOtzOKsD73IY5371gzdw))
Cover Art by Sam Mitchell (https://www.instagram.com/blood.sweat.type?igsh=MW5na3A1eW4zcmsxZg==) (2026)
Written, Produced, and Hosted by Melissa Ford Thornton (https://www.facebook.com/share/1ECbcu4xAF/) & Justin L. Newman (https://www.facebook.com/share/1BTD3Fe2gr/?mibextid=wwXIfr) (2026)
Follow Us on Facebook: Kudzu StoryCatchers (https://www.facebook.com/share/1D2kCwQNuL/)
Instagram: Melissa Ford Thornton (https://www.instagram.com/mo.thornton626?igsh=MXA4M2t6bnd4Z2Zjeg==)
Substack: Melissa's Substack (https://substack.com/@melissafordthornton?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=204vl5) / Justin's Substack (https://open.substack.com/pub/justinlnewman)
Proud Member of ScribeSouth (https://scribesouth.com/)
18 Jun 2026
Teaser
The Kudzu Kountdown Begins.
Tick-Tock…
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
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