A quick note before we start.

It's important to keep in mind that sometimes houses that appear to be abandoned may not

actually be abandoned, and their owners may be experiencing circumstances that we don't

know about.

Please always exercise caution, not just for your own safety, but for the respect of others.

These buildings and these spaces represent the history of this country, where we've been,

where we are, and where we are headed, and the things that we have done to each other.

Blake Files is the host of abandoned, the All-American Ruins podcast, a multimedia travel

log, where this artist, activist, adventurer, and self-proclaimed loudmouth recounts his

experiences exploring abandoned spaces across the United States, and he takes the listener

along for the journey.

He asks critical questions about our history and culture, about community, capitalism,

the environment, and mental health, while encouraging people to activate their imaginations

as a tool for healing.

As an abandoned building obsessive myself, I had the best possible time talking to this

kind, wise, weirdo, a new, true twin flame for me, for sure.

Together, we ask questions about what our deep love of these American ruins means, how

it all relates to queerness, to addiction and recovery, to politics and capitalism, and

we discuss how these spaces can help us re-cultivate the empathy we need in order to find a vital

solidarity.

I'm your host, Chelsea Weber-Smith, and this is American HISTORY.

Hey Blake, thank you so much for coming on the show to talk about probably my favorite

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