In Anniston, an Alabama newspaper attributes a mystery felony to serpent handling preacher Glenn Summerford.

The claim initiates a new quest for podcasters Abe Partridge and Ferrill Gibbs, tipped off about the article by Andrew Hamblin, serpent handling preacher from Gray, KY.

For months, Ferrill and Abe dig into the claim, and in the process discover parts of the Summerford story do not jibe with the media's coverage over the years.

Coloring the way Abe views journalists on the "Snake Beat" is the media's treatment of Andrew and Taylor Hamblin, who, one night, let down their guard for Ferrill and Abe. In a rousing display of trust and acceptance, the two instrumentalists play Ferrill and Abe an incredible version of the faith's most powerful song, Little David Play On Your Harp. It happens late in the night, capping an incredible overnight recording session.

Over the years, Abe Partridge and Ferrill Gibbs have maintained a steady appetite for hunting down songs of the serpent handling people.

New information – courtesy of a serpent handling preacher from Gray, Kentucky – diverted the fellows to an interesting trail.

Abe Partridge, songwriting artist turned prolific documentarian; and Ferrill Gibbs, Murrow Award-winning podcast producer, peel back the "big stinking onion" to see what lies beneath.

Meanwhile, imprisoned serpent handling believer Glenn Summerford still serves a 99 year sentence. Any day now, a fresh parole hearing comes.

Abe and Ferrill's journey began in 2020, with a podcast called Alabama Astronaut. (To start at the beginning, go there.) In 2024, they released a memoir of serpent handling believer Cody Coots, Marked for Life. It's a deep dive podcast into the mind of one serpent handling believer.

Music by Kenosha Kid.
Special thanks to freelance journalist Beth Braden.

This episode attempts to recreate the warmth surrounding Abe’s artist reception, "With Signs Following, featuring dozens of Abe's paintings that depict characters from the serpent handling faith. Many events described in Alabama Astronaut came alive to the soundtrack of Abe’s field recordings.

Abe's art exhibit is viewable at the Alabama Contemporary Art Center until May 20th. For more information, go here!