I've Gone and Made a Fool of Everyone — E1

01/18/23 • 39 min

2 Listeners

When her daughter Ruby skips town to hop trains, Danelle follows her into the train yard. Yes, there still are hobos, and they live in a secret city filled with unforgettable characters. Train hopping photographer Mike Brodie shows her how to catch a train, and explains why he rides in head-to-toe Gucci.

Want to see Mike? Check out our Instagram @flipturnpods. Have a question or comment, a gripe, or a scoop? Leave us a voicemail – our number’s in the credits.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Want to see Mike? Check out our Instagram @flipturnpods. Have a question or comment, a gripe, or a scoop? Leave us a voicemail – our number’s in the credits.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Previous Episode

Introducing: City of the Rails

When journalist Danelle Morton’s daughter skips town to hop trains, Morton follows her into the train yard, and across America. In City of the Rails, the listener shadows Morton as she travels the country trying to understand what drew her daughter to this life. Her guides are the rail cops, train engineers, and hobos she meets along the way, each of them with their own extraordinary tales of the beauty and brutality of the rails.

City of the Rails’ mother/daughter story unfolds across a landscape of vast open spaces and filthy backstreets as Morton shows us how railroads shaped the modern world - from creating our time zones and QR codes, to the first lobbyists and unions. The story of the rails is the story of America, and through 10 episodes, Morton reckons with our history, and her family history, as she tries what she can to bring her daughter home.

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Next Episode

The Yard — E2

Danelle goes where every hobo winds up at some point. Engineers and conductors show her around the train yard, how it works and why it’s so deadly. Danelle learns how railroads shaped our country, giving us times zones, for a start. The world of the train yard is so frightening, Danelle wonders if hopping a freight train means you’re always riding suicide.

Want to see more from the rails? Follow our Instagram @flipturnpods. Have a question or comment, a gripe, or a scoop? Leave us a voicemail – our number’s in the credits.

Hear more of John Paul Wright's music on Bandcamp, Spotify, and here on his website.

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City of the Rails - I've Gone and Made a Fool of Everyone — E1

Transcript Summary

In this captivating episode titled "I've Gone and Made a Fool of Everyone," the speaker takes us on a journey into the fascinating world of train hopping and the culture surrounding it. The story revolves around the speaker's daughter, Ruby, who has vanished after her high school graduation. Desperate to understand her daughter's choice, the speaker delves deep into the history of railroads and the lives of hobos, discovering a world filled with freedom, danger, and a code of honor. As the speaker follows Ruby's footsteps, they encounter Mike, a seasoned hobo with a wealth of knowledge about train hopping. Together, they explore the hardships, simple joys, and experiences that make this lifestyle both captivating and alluring. With themes of adventure, survival, and a labyrinth of emotions, this episode invites listeners to discover a side of America's history and society often overlooked. Be prepared for adult language and violence while immersing yourself in this gripping narrative. Don't miss out on this intriguing glimpse into the world of train hopping and the mysteries surrounding Ruby's disappearance.

Transcript

Speaker 100:00:03.000

Just a heads up. This episode contains adult language and some violence, so take care while listening. We're almost like cliff Bluff thing looking over like kind of like the east end of the train yard, train yard up on the hill. Let's see, there's the other train line. That's where Amtrak comes in. It's a warm night in northern California and I'm drinking beers on a hill with a hobo named Mike while he waits to hop a train to Kansas City. This tr

I've Gone and Made a Fool of Everyone — E1 Top Questions Answered

What is train hopping?

Train hopping is the act of illegally boarding and traveling on freight trains.

Why do people choose to train hop?

People choose to train hop for various reasons, including seeking a sense of freedom, exploring the country, protesting societal norms, and embracing a free-spirited lifestyle.

Is train hopping a common practice among hobos?

Yes, train hopping is a common practice among hobos, who are often transient individuals or groups with a unique culture and code of honor.

How do train hoppers remain untraceable?

Train hoppers often use aliases or fake identities to remain untraceable while engaging in train hopping.

What types of freight cars are ideal for train hopping?

Freight cars with truck chassis on top, known as "pick with wings," are considered ideal for train hopping as they provide cover and concealment.

What motivated the speaker to explore the world of train hopping?

The speaker's curiosity was sparked by his daughter, Ruby, who ran off to hop trains after her high school graduation.

Who is Mike Brodie and why is he significant in the train hopping community?

Mike Brodie is a well-known hobo who has lived multiple lives on and off the rails. He is significant in the train hopping community for sharing his experiences and offering help and understanding to those searching for missing loved ones.

How do train hoppers view the hardships and discomfort of train hopping?

Some train hoppers view the suffering and discomfort of train hopping as a way to appreciate the simpler aspects of life and find beauty in their experiences.

Is being called a hobo considered an honor among train hoppers?

Yes, being called a hobo is considered an honor among train hoppers as it signifies their involvement in and acceptance by the train hopping community.