Tom Poland: podcast appearances and interviews

Thomas Mitchell Poland, born on February 4, 1949, is an American writer known for his contributions to magazines and various literary works. He has authored approximately 1,200 features and written a novel titled Forbidden Island ... An Island Called Sapelo, which explores themes of hope and destruction through the lens of mankind's impact on the Earth and efforts to prevent the loss of family. Poland's work often reflects his deep engagement with Southern life and history. He served as the 2011–2012 playwright for Swamp Gravy, Georgia's official folk life drama, and his play Solid Ground depicts the challenges and beauty of farming life in South Georgia. In addition to his plays, he has authored several publications focused on South Carolina and the southeastern United States, including books on regional traditions, roads, and landforms. Among his published works are Save The Last Dance For Me, which discusses the origins of beach music and the shag phenomenon, and Carolina Bays, a study of landforms in South Carolina. Poland resides in Columbia, South Carolina, where he spent 19 years as an adjunct professor at the University of South Carolina's College of Mass Information and Library Studies, sharing his approach to writing. He is a member of the South Carolina Humanities Speakers Bureau, frequently giving presentations on the state’s culture and history. In recognition of his efforts to highlight South Carolina’s heritage, Poland was awarded the Order of the Palmetto by Governor Henry McMaster in 2018.