Dolly Parton's America by Lauren Drake

Sad *ss Songs

laurendrake — 2023-10-27 12:07:09 UTC

This episode covers WHY the host wanted to do a podcast on Dolly Parton and introduces the various topics each episode will cover. The bulk of this episode examines her early songs, tragic ballads.

Format

laurendrake — 2023-10-27 12:09:18 UTC

This is similar to RadioLab's structure (which makes sense because Jad Abumrad hosts both series)-- it is a mix of research reporting, interview, and an abundance of diverse sounds. The episode also goes down a series of "rabbit holes" that underscore who Dolly is, where she came from, and why she is so widely beloved.

WHY?

laurendrake — 2023-10-27 12:12:28 UTC

Because why not? Honestly, growing up outside of Tennessee, I knew way more about Dolly's persona than her music. I didn't know a thing about her background. I moved from TX to TN in 2005, and the intense admiration for Dolly here in Tennessee was probably the biggest culture shock of the entire move. Almost 20 years later, I have a first class ticket on the Dolly Train, so knowing more about how she built this empire of success, respect, and admiration.... of course this podcast seems like a great place to start.

I will Always Leave You

laurendrake — 2023-10-27 12:14:28 UTC

What in this episode carries over from the previous episode? (topics, structure, etc.)

Introduction

laurendrake — 2023-10-27 12:15:07 UTC

"script" the intro

-Facts about Dolly's most successful song (but doesn't say title)

-cut to interview re: Dolly & Porter Wagner

"We had a love/hate relationship"- you could never untangle that.

Topic 1 (or more) Why Porter is a Big Deal

laurendrake — 2023-10-27 12:15:18 UTC

Script the topic, if time stamps help, include them. Think about how the format may change (ex: switching speakers, switching from an interview to narration, etc.)

Each topic needs its own post.

MINE

Porter had #1 syndicated show

Robert Orman (historian)-- what Porter's show did and its significance

Marty Stuart (sp?)--his work w/ Porter, "nudie suits"

Dolly- "Porter always dressed in rhinestones"

Evaluate...

laurendrake — 2023-10-27 12:20:14 UTC

What parts of the organization are hard to follow? Which were easiest? WHY?
Is there anything the podcast could have left out?
What additional (or unanswered) questions do you have at the end of this episode?

^You need to answer at least ONE of these bullet points.

Dolly's Early Start

laurendrake — 2023-10-27 12:58:21 UTC

Intro fact: Dolly & Carl Dean married in 1967

Writer Sarah Marsh- Dolly's struggle to make it (She would take discarded room service food. What?!)

Record execs said DP's voice was too high.

single: Dumb Blonde-->leads to TV performance-->Porter Wagner calls--> she will replace "pretty little Norma Jean" (at $60k a year)

Important Context: Women at this time were never headliners

Tennessee Mountain Trance

laurendrake — 2023-11-03 01:59:39 UTC

What production or sound elements carry over from the previous episode? EX: stingers, actuality, ambience, bed, fade, etc.)

Topic & Sound Production

laurendrake — 2023-11-03 02:00:40 UTC

Describe the sound elements used to present a segment of the episode.

You NEED to use time stamps.

You do not have to do the entire episode. Instead, script a full 5 minutes of sound.

EX: 0:0::15-0.0::45-- recording of Dolly's "My Tennessee Mountain Home"

0:3::22- fade out Dolly's interview to Jad's commentary (her interview very soft as bed)

0:3::36- guitar strum in background of Dolly describing her childhood home

0:4::40- windchimes, long pause between Jad's question and Dolly's answer

0:5::20- Dolly mentions "In the Pines" and vintage recording plays between Dolly's own a cappella singing of the song

Evaluate

laurendrake — 2023-11-03 02:03:23 UTC

How did the sound production affect the episode? Conversely, how would its absence affect the episode?
What additional (or unanswered) questions do you have at the end of this episode?
^You need to answer at least ONE of these bullet points.

Neon Moss

laurendrake — 2023-11-17 13:24:48 UTC

How does this episode open and close? What about the openning or closing "sticks" with you once the episode is over?

Patterns...

laurendrake — 2023-11-17 13:29:25 UTC

You've now listened to at least 3 episodes in the series. What common threads run through the series? This could be tag lines, people, structure, or even production elements.

How do these recurring elements contribute toward creating a cohesive series?

Evaluate

laurendrake — 2023-11-17 13:33:51 UTC

Now that you've heard 4 podcast episodes, what about the series as a whole keeps you listening (besides the fact that I've assigned it?) If you aren't enjoying it, how has it failed to meet your expectations?

Dollitics

laurendrake — 2023-12-01 13:25:10 UTC

What sources does the podcast consult for their content?

This could be an interview, a reference made to an outside source, or even audio clips of an event/person. Explain the reason for using the source(s)

In "Dollitics," Abumrad talks to both Jane Fonda and Karen Nussbaum. Both women explain the relevance of Parton's first acting gig in Nine to Five.

What others say...

laurendrake — 2023-12-01 13:25:47 UTC

Find (and link) additional information about this source. Do other people seem to say the same things about this source?

For instance, Jane Fonda was (and for some, still is) a very divisive figure because of her stance during Vietnam.

They way she is incorporated (and by extension, Nussbaum) in "Dollitics" seems to dismiss the division. It is addressed, but Abumraud's questioning suggests a dismissive posture toward her critics.

External Media

laurendrake — 2023-12-08 13:22:44 UTC

Although you can stream Dolly Parton's America on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and probably even spotify, WNYC also has a website for all things related to this series. Each episode is accompanied with a thumbnail of original art; the website also includes a playlist for each week's episode, and a "jolene remix"

The Only One For Me, Jolene

laurendrake — 2023-12-08 13:24:53 UTC

Write a BRIEF summary of the episode.

Explores the impact of Dolly's hit "Jolene" and includes a "4th verse" written by Nadine Hubbs.

Impact...

laurendrake — 2023-12-08 13:26:04 UTC

How does the existence of a website, youtube, or other external media enhance the podcast experience? You could address this in regards to today's episode or the series as a whole.

Double Check

laurendrake — 2024-01-04 13:22:11 UTC

Did you cover at least 5 episodes?

Do your responses address the questions and prompts posed in the example padlet (Dolly Parton's America)?

Have you added images, video, memes, or gifs to make your padlet stand out?

MOST IMPORTANTLY-- Did you post the link to google classroom?