Appalachia Meets World
Will and Neil are two brothers born and raised in the coal fields of central Appalachia. A podcast about place and perspective, they talk about life in Appalachia and venture outside the region to better understand the negative perceptions of Appalachia and find out how their culture truly compares to the rest of the World.
Episodes
Friday Apr 05, 2024
Friday Apr 05, 2024
In this episode Neil and Will throwback to a previous "food" episode with Melissa Booth Hall of the Southern Foodways Alliance (SFA). First though, they spend some time breaking down the Sweet Sixteen of Appalachian Appetizers! The Final Four has been set, take a listen to find out what has made the list. The guys also talk about how food is a uniter among people, not just in Appalachia but in most cultures. Find out how food is a bit nostalgic for them both - and the best way to cook a roast!
Southern Foodways Alliance - www.southernfoodways.org
#App News:
Startup Appalachian Pitch Competition (SOAR) - https://soar-ky.org/accepting-applications-2024-soar-startup-appalachia-pitch-competition/
Saturday Mar 30, 2024
Appalachia Meets World Episode 146 - "The Central Appalachians" with Mark Hendricks
Saturday Mar 30, 2024
Saturday Mar 30, 2024
In this episode, AMW sits down with Mark Hendricks a photo journalist who recently completed a stunning book dedicated to the Appalachian Mountains. In the book - "The Central Appalachians - Mountains of the Chesapeake", Mark dedicates almost a decade of his life to document the amazing aspects of one of the most diverse mountain ranges in the world. Take a listen as he describes his journey, his favorite photo and what was one of the most dynamic aspects of the mountains! Also, don't forget the #AppBiz of the week: The Benezette Hotel!
Mark Hendricks Photography - www.markhendricksphoto.com
The Central Appalachians: Mountains of the Chesapeake www.schiffermilitary.com/collections/schiffer-new-releases/products/the-central-appalachians
#AppBiz:
The Benezette Hotel - www.benezettehotel.com
Friday Mar 22, 2024
Friday Mar 22, 2024
In this episode, Neil and Will sit down with Molly Hemstreet the Co-Executive Director of the Industrial Commons - reviving the historic textile district in North Carolina one social enterprise at a time. The Industrial Commons founds and scales employee owned social enterprises and industrial cooperatives, and support frontline workers to build a new southern working class that erases the inequities of generational poverty and guilds an economy and future for all. Molly explains how it all started "with some thread" and how she has not only transformed her organization but the Carolina Textile District as well. Take a listen to hear thoughts on social enterprises, cooperatives and the circular economy and how she thinks about the workplace and the future of work in the mountains. You might even hear about Neil's "update." Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz(s) of the week: Opportunity Threads; and The Collection!
The Industrial Commons - www.theindustrialcommons.org
AppNews:
"Interpreting Rural Life: From Appalachia to the World" - https://cas.appstate.edu/news/march-22-documentary-filmmakers-interpreting-rural-life-appalachia-world
The APPY Awards - https://www.facebook.com/theappalachianartsandentertainmentawards/
#AppBiz(s):
Opportunity Threads - www.opportunitythreads.com
Collection - https://createthecollection.com
Friday Mar 15, 2024
Friday Mar 15, 2024
In this episode Neil and Will sit down with Dana Kuhnline, a senior program director for Reimagine Appalachia - a broad and inclusive coalition of individuals and organizations based in Appalachia. Hear from Dana as she describes what Reimagine Appalachia is all about and how there efforts are making an impact on the region. While the word "reimagine" could be taken a number of ways, she describes how the organization is thinking towards the future - a more sustainable and equitable future - while remembering the past and cultural heritage that is so strong in the region. Take a listen as she explains why she is so passionate about the region and the work she has been doing for decades. You might even hear why Neil is so down and out on this day and how he's branching out when it comes to his favorite appetizer! Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz of the week: Appalachian Arts Craft Center!
Reimagine Appalachia - https://reimagineappalachia.org
App News:
Boomers Who Tried to Move to Florida and Ended Up in Appalachia - www.wsj.com/us-news/boomers-retirees-appalachia-georgia-retirement-9bf8e61f?st=696ryi30yypjtv4&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink
Canary in the Coalmines - www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/what-happened-canary-coal-mine-story-how-real-life-animal-helper-became-just-metaphor-180961570/
48C Workshop Charleston, WV - www.arc.gov/event/central-appalachia-§-48c-regional-event/
Appalachian Voices Report Just Transition and Community Engagement - https://appvoices.org/reports/modeling-just-transition-va/
Senator Joe Manchin and "Rugged" WV - www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-leads-effort-to-better-categorize-rural-appalachia-for-federal-education-resources
#AppBiz:
Appalachian Arts Craft Center - https://appalachianarts.net
Extra:
Academy Award Winners - www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2024
Check social this week for the Appetizer March Madness Bracket!
Friday Mar 08, 2024
Friday Mar 08, 2024
It's Cookie Season Ya'll!
In this episode and in celebration of Women's History Month, Neil and Will sit down with Lynne Fugate the CEO of the Girl Scouts of the Appalachians. It's not just about the cookies - hear her talk about the impact the organization makes on young girls and communities. Then take some time and try all the cookies and figure out which one is your favorite, then go vote! Take a listen to find out Lynne's favorite and why she is so passionate about the Girl Scouts and the lessons that are taught far beyond selling the most cookies. You might even hear Neil give his "favorite" pick for the Academy Awards and how his "visit" went last week. Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz of the week: Appalachian Cookie Company!
Girl Scouts of Southern Appalachians - www.girlscoutcsa.org
The Great Cookie Competition - www.girlscoutcsa.org/en/support-us/fundraising-events/great-cookie-competition.html#:~:text=Introducing%20The%20Great%20Cookie%20Competition!&text=Individuals%20representing%20our%20beloved%20Girl,crowned%20their%20region%27s%20Favorite%20Cookie
The Great Cookie Tasting - www.girlscoutcsa.org/en/support-us/fundraising-events/great-cookie-tasting.html
App News:
48C Workshops - www.energy.gov/indianenergy/events/qualifying-advanced-energy-project-credit-ss48c-central-appalachia-workshop
ARC Arise Award - www.arc.gov/news/arc-awards-nearly-1-7-million-to-multi-state-economic-development-projects-in-northern-and-central-appalachia/
Opportunity Appalachia and Truist Charitable Fund - https://appalachiancommunitycapitalcdfi.org/2024/02/27/appalachian-community-capital-receives-grant-from-the-truist-charitable-fund-for-redevelopment-projects-in-central-appalachia/
#AppBiz:
The Appalachian Cookie Company - https://appcookieco.com
Saturday Mar 02, 2024
Appalachia Meets World Episode 142 - March Madness: An Appalachian Throwback
Saturday Mar 02, 2024
Saturday Mar 02, 2024
It's March, so that means one thing - no, it's not the start of spring - no, it's not daylight savings time (spring forward) - it's getting into "March Madness." In light of the upcoming tournament we are just having a throwback episode this week - with an Appalachian born coaching phenom that came from the mountains and has been on the career college coaching path for a while now. Take a listen as Will and Neil take us back a bit to one of their earliest episodes - and the impact athletics can have on a small town. Also, you might hear about Neil's "decision" and what is in store for him - we'll definitely need an update next week! And the guy's talk Reed Sheppard - check it out and find out who they believe Reed gives his abilities from! Wherever we roam, we'll be "Always Appalachian" - Y'all!
Reed Sheppard: https://theathletic.com/5305993/2024/02/29/reed-sheppard-kentucky-basketball/
Friday Feb 23, 2024
Friday Feb 23, 2024
In this episode, Neil and Will sit down with Emily Hudson the Executive Director and Founder of the Southeast Kentucky African American Museum and Cultural Center (SEKYAAMCC). Born and raised in the hills of Eastern Kentucky, Emily explains what led her away and what eventually brought her back to the place she has always called "home." In light of Black History Month, the SEKYAAMCC is a place that celebrates black history in Appalachia every month (not just one month a year), but more importantly provides a platform to tell the stories of Appalachia that were often overlooked or just unheard. Take a listen as she describes moving for opportunity, finding her identity and why she is so passionate about preserving the past and educating about local history. You might even hear the guys thoughts on the NBA Slam-Dunk Competition - or can we now call it the Appalachian Championship? Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz of the week: D.A.A.D. Distilling!
Southeast Kentucky African American Museum and Cultural Center - www.sekyaamc.org
"Issues and Answers" with Emily Hudson - www.wymt.com/2024/01/16/issues-answers-emily-jones-hudson/
"Soul Miner" by Emily Hudson - www.amazon.com/Soul-Miner-Emily-Jones-Hudson/dp/154561301X
AppNews:
Mac McClung -
"Appalachian Voices" (article) - https://wvdn.com/134245/?fbclid=IwAR1gS_Ejh10jYAEp-11TixgbWL5g1xU6laFItyM55UhSShK0j7K_iASKDMA
Greenbrier Vally Theatre - https://ci.ovationtix.com/35773/production/1188664
Brookings Institute - https://www.brookings.edu/articles/black-wealth-is-increasing-but-so-is-the-racial-wealth-gap/
New Center Marshall University - https://blackbygod.org/articles/civics/african-american-economicdevelopment-at-marshall-university/
#AppBiz:
D.A.A.D. Distilling Article - https://spectrumnews1.com/ky/louisville/news/2023/09/25/daad-distilling-company
D.A.A.D. Distilling Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/DAADdistillingCoLLC
Friday Feb 16, 2024
Friday Feb 16, 2024
In this episode Neil and Will sit down with Alex Weld, the Executive Director of Generation West Virginia - a statewide organization for and by young people who understand that while finding a path isn't easy, it's easier if they navigate the hurdles together. Having several initiatives as a focus, the main goal is to retain and attract young people to the Mountain State. Hear Alex describe those initiatives and how the organization is working to build young capacity and provide opportunities where there once may not have been. You'll hear her passion for the "Country Roads", what kept her there and how she thinks about workforce development. Take a listen while she explains the idea behind the organization and it's plans for the future...of the organization and the State. You might even hear Neil's (and Will's) thoughts on Valentine's Day and a theory about why "his" team fell in the SB. Also, don't forget the #AppBiz(s) of the week: Blue Ridge Bee Company; and Appalachian Furnishings!
Generation West Virginia - www.generationwv.org
AppNews:
The Fall of App Harvest: Inside Appalachia - https://wvpublic.org/the-fall-of-appharvest-inside-appalachia/
Outdoor Rec in Appalachia - https://reason.com/2024/02/10/will-outdoor-recreation-save-appalachia/
West Virginia Governer's School of Entrepreneurship - https://wvde.us/gov-schools/school-of-entrepreneurship/
West Virginia Entrepreneurship Conference - https://www.arc.gov/event/west-virginia-entrepreneurship-ecosystem-conference/
#AppBiz(s):
Blue Ridge Bee Company - www.blueridgebeecompany.com
Appalachian Furnishings - www.appalachianfurnishings.com
Extra:
Later Gator - www.lateralligator.net
Wellsburg, WV
"ALWAYS APPALACHIAN"
Sometimes it takes leaving a place to truly understand how special that place is. It's like it's magic, there's something about the mountains that tend to draw you back in. No matter where you roam or how far away you get, remember to remain "Always Appalachian."