{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"House of Folk Art","title":"Episode 25 | The Legend of Wade Ledbetter: King of the Pickers","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":1876,"description":"In this episode of House of Folk Art, host Matt Ledbetter sits down with his father, Wade Ledbetter, a seasoned picker who has spent decades knocking on doors, digging through old attics, and uncovering forgotten pieces of folk art and antiques. Wade’s stories range from finding a freezer full of frozen squirrels to unknowingly selling a mourning sampler worth $20,000.This episode is a deep dive into the world of picking—what separates a true picker from a weekend treasure hunter, how to talk your way into the best finds, and the thrill (and heartbreak) of the trade.Chapters00:00 - Cold Open: The Freezer Surprise02:30 - What is Picking?06:15 - Knocking on Doors & Talking Your Way In10:45 - The Risks of Attic Hunting14:20 - The Art of Spotting Value18:50 - The Mary Tannehill Discovery22:30 - The Painting That Got Away26:15 - What Separates a Real Picker from a Weekend Warrior30:00 - Final Thoughts & The Lessons LearnedThe Freezer SurpriseThe episode opens with one of Wade’s strangest discoveries—opening a freezer in a stranger’s home only to find several frozen, unscarred squirrels. It’s a bizarre, almost cinematic moment that perfectly illustrates the unpredictable nature of picking.What is Picking?Wade breaks down the real art of picking—hitting the road with cash in hand, knocking on doors, and convincing homeowners to let you dig through their basements and barns. Unlike estate sales or auctions, this method leads to finds that have never been picked over. The Risks of Attic HuntingNot every pick is glamorous. Wade recounts falling through rotten stairs, knocking himself out on a marble table, and climbing into unstable attics—all for the chance to find something worth keeping. Picking isn’t for the faint of heart, but for those willing to take risks, the rewards can be incredible.The Mary Tannehill DiscoveryOne of Wade’s most infamous picks happened in Warrenton, NC, where he unknowingly walked into the home of folk artist Mary Tannehill. Paintings and...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/V9-9EJUZ9R45flfIBnsuQ4AwapFGe_rYKiVr1IMQwbU/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9zaG93/LzUxNTk0LzE3MTE3/Mzc2MTktYXJ0d29y/ay5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}