Sumter Social

07/09/2025

After a short hiatus this summer, we are back this week with a new episode!

One of the tastiest stories so far, we talk with Mr. Wendell Larkin of Larkin's Family Restaurant. We learn about everything from the stray cats out front to the harrowing experience of being shot during an armed robbery in 2018!

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Podcast · Amanda Gilliland · This is not just a podcast, it’s a love letter filled with stories to the community of the Blackbelt region. Sumter Social” uses storytelling to create a platform for community engagement and appreciation of Sumter County’s heritage. Sumter Social focuses on ampl...

05/21/2025

New episode alert! 🚨

Episode 4 all roads lead through Livingston: Dee Outlaw’s Long history with athletics in Livingston and the legends he’s watched rise to national prominence

In this episode of Sumter Social, host Amanda Gilliland chats with Dee Outlaw — longtime sports fixture, UWA Athletic Director, and proud LU graduate — about his decades-long connection to athletics in Livingston. Dee reflects on his journey from student to Sports Information Director, and now in his leadership role, shaping the next generation of student-athletes.From his personal Mount Rushmore of LU/UWA greats to stories that span generations of student achievement, Dee shares memories showing how deep the roots of community pride run in Sumter County sports. Whether you love college athletics or enjoy hometown hero stories, this episode is a winning listen.This project is supported by the Alabama Humanities Alliance, a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the Alabama Humanities Alliance or the National Endowment for the Humanities.

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05/01/2025

🎬 Watch and 🎧 Listen now! Episode 3: A Story of Brush and Buckshot: Slade Johnston and Macy Watkins share their love for Art, Hunting, and Home in Sumter County is now available on Spotify Apple Podcasts and YouTube!

Slade Johnston — entrepreneur, realtor, and lifelong outdoorsman and Macy Watkins a positive social media influencer, artist, and one of Sumter County’s newest residents sit down with our team together and reflect on the deep traditions of hunting in the Blackbelt region and the unique charm of life in Sumter County.

Check out the links in our Bio to access our show on all platforms available!

04/25/2025

Episode 2, It’s a High School Town, the Student Side of the UCS Story. How School Choice Chose Luke Goldman. is out now on Youtube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts!

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Our Podcast is Sponsored by and Supported by Alabama Humanities Alliance a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the Alabama Humanities Alliance or the National Endowment for the Humanities.

04/17/2025

First episode featuring University Charter School’s story is live now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube! Hear Head of School Dr. JJ Wedgworth and Dr. Matt Johnson Chief Academic Officer for UCS share some cool behind the scenes details about how they ended up bringing school choice to Sumter county!

Sumter Social is supported by the Alliance, a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the AlabamaHumanities Alliance or the National Endowment for the Humanities.”

04/17/2025

The First episode featuring University Charter School’s story is live now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube! Hear Head of School Dr. JJ Wedgeworth and Dr. Matt Johnson Chief Academic Officer for UCS share some cool behind the scenes details about how they ended up bringing school choice to Sumter county!

Sumter Social is supported by theAlabama Humanities Alliance, a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the AlabamaHumanities Alliance or the National Endowment for the Humanities.”

04/07/2025

We’ve been hard at work gathering some of the coolest stories in Sumter County! Our first episodes will be released soon!

04/02/2025

04/02/2025

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