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Only in OKlahoma Show

Only in OKlahoma Show

Written by: Harley Covington and Brett Manzer
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Howdy Y'all…just kidding! Welcome to our page. We are the Only in Oklahoma Show, where you can hear about travel and entertainment in the Great State of Oklahoma. Our sole purpose is to shine a light on some of the people, places and stories that make Oklahoma, more than just "OK". In fact, Oklahoma is one of the most underrated travel destinations in the country even by some of the locals. Powered by award winning podcasters (2018 Podcast Award – Society and Culture), Harley C. and Brett Manzer. Tune into the Only in Oklahoma Show to hear interviews, news and reviews about Oklahoma's best restaurants, hotels, festivals, museums, outdoor activities, breweries, rodeos, concerts, casinos, Route 66, and more (literally this list is endless). If it's fun and in Oklahoma, we will be talking about it. We will also be covering some not so topics, like bureaucrats, bridges, toll booths and taxes. If it affects your bottom line or your lake time, we will be cussin' and discussin'. If you are joining us from the Odd Pod, some things never change. Manzer and Harley will be trying to make you laugh while dropping some knowledge about the places we cover. Don't worry, we will still be covering the occasional red-dirt ghost story, cryptid, and UFO conspiracy…as long as it is north of the Red River (BOOMER!). Boots and straps and cowboy hats are optional. Welcome to the Only in Oklahoma Show! Social Sciences Travel Writing & Commentary
Episodes
  • The 100-Square-Foot Mistake & Oklahoma's Most Adorable Small Towns
    Feb 2 2026

    Is it a National Park or a clerical error? In this episode of the Only in OK Show, Brett dives into the hilarious history of Guthrie's "smallest National Park" and explores the most charming small towns across the Sooner State.

    The Typo That Made History: Guthrie's Tiny Landmark

    Did you know Oklahoma is home to the smallest National Park landmark in the country? Well, technically. Located behind the Guthrie Post Office lies a 10x10 patch of land that exists solely because a city clerk in 1907 didn't double-check their math.

    Instead of a "100-foot square" plot (10,000 sq. ft.), the paperwork officially designated it as "100 square feet." Today, this "park" is a cult-favorite roadside attraction complete with:

    • An unofficial "Park Ranger" (Stacey Frazier).

    • A wrought iron fence and the historic Beacon Hill monument.

    • "Don't Feed the Bears" signs—despite the only bears being located in nearby antique shops.

    Exploring the 10 Most Adorable Small Towns in Oklahoma

    After we "hike" through Guthrie, we zoom out to look at the soul of the state. Based on recent rankings from World Atlas, we break down the must-visit spots for your next Oklahoma road trip:

    • The Scenic Superstars: Broken Bow's towering pines and Eufaula's massive shoreline.

    • Healing Waters: The Arbuckle duo of Sulphur and Davis (don't forget the Arbuckle Mountain Fried Pies!).

    • The Cobblestone Charm: Medicine Park, Oklahoma's first resort town.

    • Star Power: Atoka (Reba's Place), Ada (Blake Shelton's stomping grounds), and Pawhuska (The Pioneer Woman & Osage Nation).

    • Culture & History: Hands-on blacksmithing in Grove and the stunning fall foliage of Talihina.

    Links & Resources Mentioned
    • United States Smallest National Park Facebook Page

    • World Atlas: 10 Most Adorable Small Towns in Oklahoma

    • Follow us on Social Media: [Insert your links here]

    Enjoyed the show? If you visit any of these spots, tell them the Only in OK Show sent you!

    #OnlyInOK #OklahomaHistory #SoonerState #OklahomaRoadTrip #ExploreOklahoma #OKPodcasts #TravelOK #OklahomaLife #GuthrieOK #SmallestNationalPark #RoadsideAttractions #TravelOddities #OklahomaHistory #GuthrieGhostWalk #HistoricGuthrie #ClericalError #SmallTownOklahoma #MedicinePark #BrokenBow #ArbuckleMountains #Pawhuska #BeaversBend #TurnerFalls #TalimenaDrive #RebasPlace #ChickasawNation #OsageNation #ArbuckleFriedPies #FriedPies #OklahomaTravel #SmallTownCharm #HiddenGems #OklahomaOutdoors

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    35 mins
  • Forget Big Bend! 🌵 Discover Oklahoma's Secret Desert Wilderness
    Jan 26 2026

    Is Oklahoma hiding a massive desert adventure? 🦬🏜️

    In this episode of the Only in OK Show, we're skipping the 8-hour drive to Texas and heading straight to the Charon Gardens Wilderness Area in the Wichita Mountains. If you've been dreaming of Big Bend's rugged canyons and granite peaks, you won't believe what's waiting for you just west of Medicine Park. From "Crab Eyes" to scrambling up Elk Mountain, we break down why this 5,700-acre gem might actually be better than a National Park.

    After the break, we get serious about safety on Oklahoma roads. 🚔 The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is facing a massive shortage, and they're asking the State Capitol for $25.8 million. We dive into the "Always On" problem, the rural coverage gap, and why nearly 200 missing troopers should matter to every driver in the Sooner State.

    📍 In This Episode:
    • The Big Bend Dupe: Why Charon Gardens is a climber's and hiker's paradise.

    • Wildlife Showdown: Bison & Elk vs. Bears & Lions.

    • The Parallel Forest: Oklahoma's creepiest (and coolest) tree grove.

    • OHP's Big Ask: The $26 million plan to fix the trooper shortage.

    • Rural Reality: What happens when help is hours away?

    🥾 Resources Mentioned:
    • Charon Gardens Permits: Recreation.gov

    • Visit: Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

    • Join the Force: OHP 76th Academy Recruitment

    If you visit any of the spots mentioned in today's show, make sure to tell them the "Only in OK Show" sent you!

    #Oklahoma #WichitaMountains #CharonGardens #OnlyInOK #HikingOklahoma #OklahomaHighway Patrol #OKStateParks #BigBend #Bison #ExploreOK #MedicinePark #OHP

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    51 mins
  • Shawnee's Painted Horses
    Jan 19 2026

    In this episode of the Only in OK Show, we're exploring the "public art gallery without walls" in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Discover the story behind the Painted Horses, a collection of nearly 40 life-sized fiberglass masterpieces scattered throughout the city. We talk about the project's origins with former Mayor Chuck Mills, the impact of the 2023 Shawnee tornado on the herd, and where you can find fan favorites like "Indian Blanket" and "Evening Star." It's the perfect DIY scavenger hunt for your next Oklahoma road trip!

    After the break: We're shifting gears to road safety. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) is launching a major statewide crackdown on distracted driving for the remainder of January 2026. Learn about the new enforcement rules, the $100 fine for holding a phone, and why Col. Joe Williams says putting your phone down is a matter of life and death.

    We're also highlighting the incredible work of Enid SOS (Street Outreach Services), a non-profit dedicated to providing food, shelter, and medical advocacy to the unsheltered community in Enid.

    Resources Mentioned:

    • Find the horse map at VisitShawnee.com

    • Support local outreach at EnidSOS.org

    • Pick up a physical map at the Visit Shawnee office: 2820 N Kickapoo.

    #OnlyInOK #VisitShawnee #ShawneeOK #PaintedHorses #OklahomaRoadTrip #OHP #DriveSafeOK #EnidSOS #OklahomaPublicArt #ExploreOklahoma #Route66Safety

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    29 mins
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