John W. Brown is an author, television anchor, traveler, and storyteller, with a great passion for Missouri's people, places, and historical events. (He prefers not to be called a historian, but we kind of think that's exactly what he is).

In John's words: "People always ask me, you know, why are you so passionate about this state? And to me as I've looked into it from all over, from all across this state, Over all these years, we still have this inferiority complex that, you know, these amazing things only happen on the coast. That's not true. And you cannot read the books that I've written about the people and the famous places and the famous events and not realize there's something special about Missouri.

We were formed at a special time in this country's founding. We were so formative in the way the country grew after that, especially going to the west. And I just want people to realize that it doesn't matter what exit you take off I-70 I-44, 55, you name the highway. You jump off into one of those small towns and there's somebody who did something amazing from every one of those towns and I've kept track of them.

And so I still, whenever I drive across the state, I still talk to my family about, Hey, at this exit right here, the final piece of route 66 happened. At this exit right here, the great John Brown, from Dixon, Missouri, basketball legend he's from here. And so it doesn't matter where I go.

There's amazing stories. And so we need to realize something great has happened here. We have a great pass, but I still also think we have a great future in Missouri."

Listen now!

Communes Part 1: That American Ideal

Show-Me Missouri LifeBy Show-Me Missouri LifeAug 06, 2021