About this episode

In this episode, hosts Nichole and Evan explore music as a universal language, featuring drummers in Belize and an interview with bluegrass pioneer Ron Thomason.

Is music truly the universal language? And what in the world is the Voyager Golden Record doing floating around in space right now? In this episode of Wild Interest, sibling hosts Nichole and Evan continue their sonic exploration by taking a trip to Belize to sit in with drummers carrying on the African Garifuna tradition as they gear up for the epic "Battle of the Drums!" Then, they chat with bluegrass pioneer Ron Thomason of the Dry Branch Fire Squad about mandolins, guitars, horses, and ho...

People in this episode

Hosts: Nichole, Evan

Guest: Ron Thomason

Topics covered

• music
• cultural traditions
• drumming
• bluegrass
• exploration

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Dry Branch Fire Squad

Books & works: Voyager Golden Record

Places: Belize

More episodes of Wild Interest

• Red Cards & Redheads · April 9, 2026 · 40 min
• Spring Holiday Special · April 5, 2026 · 36 min
• The Shortest (and Sweetest!) Month · February 12, 2026 · 48 min
• What is a New Year? · January 7, 2026 · 43 min
• Rollercoasters & Ziplines · December 3, 2025 · 22 min
• Animal Talk: Paw Two · November 5, 2025 · 50 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Wild Interest podcast page.