OKMULGEE, Okla. – The College of the Muscogee has hit the airwaves with their new radio/podcast program “Chewin’ the Cud” on KOKL The Brew. The program shares the name with CMN Extension Program Coordinator Chris Azbell’s column published in the first-of-the-month edition of the Mvskoke News. Listeners can catch the new program live on KOKL The Brew on Fridays at 11:00 a.m. (CT). Azbell acts as the program’s main host and is joined by MCN Federal Programs Specialist Shannon McBroom as co-host. Azbell sat down with Mvskoke Media to discuss the new program, as well as this year’s upcoming farmers’ market hosted by the extension department.
The dream of hosting a radio program had been brewing in Azbell’s head for a while. He had previously appeared on KOKL on several occasions over the past 12 years. Although radio has seen a decline in listenership since the Covid-19 Pandemic, Azbell believes it is still a good source for spreading information locally. He cites his inspirations as “The Joe Rogan Experience” and “Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!”.
“They resonate with people,” Azbell said. “We keep our articles going in the newspaper and we have this whole mantra around ‘Chewin’ the Cud’, how it’s the source of information for agriculture for the Muscogee Nation.”
Azbell said the program has already carved out a slate of guests that will be booked over the next couple months. A variety of episode topics featured include traditional ecological knowledge, food as medicine and agribusiness. The show has already featured Second Chief Del Beaver and employees from Environmental Services and the Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
“I want to inspire people to do some things outside their normal activities in life. You can make a difference locally. You can make a difference in the Muscogee economy, vertical integration, diversifying our portfolio outside of gaming. Also reengaging with the language, with traditional ecological knowledge,” Azbell said.
Farmers’ Market
When spring rolls in so too do the changes that come with it, including nicer weather, longer days and outdoor events. A springtime tradition for many is the farmer’s market, like the one hosted by CMN Extension. The annual bimonthly market event is hosted in collaboration with the Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources and Looped Square Meat Co. According to Azbell, this year’s market will see a lot of the same vendors as last year selling art, crafts, plants and produce.
“It’s more than a farmers’ market. It’s about community, making friends and seeing people, old friends and family,” Azbell said.
This year’s market will look a bit different. Unlike last year’s inaugural season, this year will not take a break in June, MCN Festival month. A Muscogee (Creek) chartered community barbeque competition and a band for opening day are in the works as well. Azbell is coordinating with Looped Square to have meat sales coincide with days the farmers’ market is held. The goal is to keep a steady stream of foot traffic.
Farmers’ markets traditionally provide farm-to-table produce options for shoppers. Although grocery bills have gone up tremendously in 2025, Azbell said this year’s market should not see major price hikes from last year.
“It takes a long time for it (inflation) to impact the farmer’s market,” Azbell said. “I don’t think you’re going to see a huge price increase right off the bat. There’s not a lot of input that would drive up the costs.”
One item in particular at this year’s market that will likely be popular: eggs.
“I think you’re going to see a lot of egg folks,” Azbell said. “I think it will be less than the grocery store, but the egg prices may have gone up just because the demand for them is higher. Some of the producers may be selling them at a higher rate this year. I think it’s going to be cheaper than buying them at a store.”
The Brew is broadcasted on 106.3 FM/1240 AM in Okmulgee and the surrounding areas. Their programs can also be streamed on its website, listentothebrew.com. For those who live outside of the broadcast range of KOKL, the “Chewin’ the Cud” program is recorded and can be found on major audio platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, Google Podcasts and iHeartRadio.
The farmers’ market’s first day of the season is April 26. It will be held on the second and fourth Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. The department is still accepting applications for vendors. Azbell said that the market is in need of food truck vendors. For vendor applications, email the CMN Extension Program at extension@cmn.edu or call 918-549-2861.
