Program 760: Sweet Southern Treats; Ben Franklin and Me; Nearby Travels

Get a taste of the hearty, homespun cuisine of the American South from a writer who has documented our nation through the foods we celebrate. Then hear about a man's quest to trace the travels of Ben Franklin — and to uncover the founder's life lessons. And listen in as callers recount meaningful travel experiences close to home in North America.

• Matthew Gavin Frank, author of "The Mad Feast: An Ecstatic Tour Through America's Food" (Liveright)
• Eric Weiner, author of "Ben & Me: In Search of a Founder's Formula for a Long and Useful Life" (Simon & Schuster)

• Matthew Gavin Frank examines a quintessential dish from each of the 50 United States in his book "The Mad Feast: An Ecstatic Tour Through America's Food." Matt teaches creative writing at Northern Michigan University.
• Eric Weiner explores the life of Benjamin Franklin and the example he sets for us in his book "Ben & Me: In Search of a Founder's Formula for a Long and Useful Life."
• Eric hosts writers workshops in the Himalayas.
• Eric Weiner discusses the "Geography of Genius" on Travel with Rick Steves program #750 from April 2024, and the "Geography of Bliss" on program #177a from October 2010.
• Caller Dick from Langhorne, Pennsylvania, documents his RV travels across North America for friends and family on a blog.