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.
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Episodes
6 hours ago
6 hours ago
In this episode Neil and Will sit down with Rachael Rankin, a lifelong educator in the Appalachian region and current Junior High and High School Principal of the Newton Falls Exempted Village School District in Trumbull County, OH. As an educator passionate about innovation in the classroom, Principal Rankin discusses the integration of Artificial Intelligence, or AI, in her own school system and what it has meant for her District and the Teacher's that serve the school system there. Take a listen as she talks about how fast moving the world of AI in education is and how important it was for her to implement AI policies. With ChatGPT being only the tip of the iceberg, there are many AI technologies that can be used by not only students but specific for teachers as well. Hear how she navigates the ethical dilemmas with AI in the classroom and what she recommends for school districts that are dealing with the ever changing AI environment in education. You might even hear Neil's stellar performance in predicting the winner's from last week and how he might use ChatGPT going forward. Also, don't forget the #AppBiz(s) of the week - the next seven businesses in our countdown to the 25 Days of (an Appalachian Small Business) Christmas!
Newton Falls Exempted Village Schools - www.nfschool.org
App News:
The Santa Train (CSX) - www.csx.com/index.cfm/community-investment/csx-in-service/events/santa-train-2023/
The Santa Train (Facebook Page) - www.facebook.com/santatrain/
Appalachian Collegiate Research Initiative (ACRI) - www.arc.gov/news/arc-hosts-130-appalachian-college-and-university-students-at-community-research-symposium/
#AppBiz(s) of the Week (and the next 7 of the countdown to (Appalachian Small Business) Christmas:
8. Charis Winery (Cumberland, MD) - www.chariswinery.com/
9. Hill and Holler (Cumberland, KY) - www.hollernothollow.com
10. Blenko Glass Company (Milton, WV) - www.blenko.com
11. Holl's Chocolate (Vienna, WV) - www.holls.com
12. Thomas Spake Studio (Chattanooga, TN) - www.thomasspakestudios.com
13. Boomstown and Company (Johnson City, TN) - www.boomstownandco.com
14. Base Camp Printing Company (Charleston, WV) - www.basecampprinting.co
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Extras/Tools/Apps:
FOR STUDENTS AND ALL
ChatGPT - www.openai.com
Photomath - www.photmatch.com
Tome - www.tome.app
Readwise - www.readwise.io
Ghost Write - www.ghostwrite.rip
FOR TEACHERS:
Diffit - www.diffit.me
Magic School - www.magicschool.ai
Eduaide - www.eduaide.ai
Class Companion - www.classcompanion.com
Friday Dec 01, 2023
Friday Dec 01, 2023
In this episode Neil and Will talk about their respective Turkey Days and how this year compared to Turkey Days of old. They also recognize three past guests who are at the pinnacle of their respective sport...football in the mountains! Take a listen as Neil gives a preview of the mountains traveling to the flatlands and his predictions all around...you might be surprised as his predictions aren't always from the heart. In recognition of the advent season and twenty five days till Christmas, they guys also start the countdown of twenty five small businesses in Appalachia to check out...check out the AMW IG for more detailed information on the #AppBiz of the day as the countdown starts on December 1st leading up to the holiday!
#AppBiz(s) of the Week (and the first 7 of the countdown):
1: Grazeful LLC (Martinsburg, WV) - www.grazefulwv.com
2: Kinship Goods (Charleston, WV) - www.kinshipgoods.com
3: Holtz Leather Company (Huntsville, AL) - www.holtzleather.com
4: New Frontier (Morehead, KY) - www.newfrontierbrand.com
5: Knotzland (Pittsburgh, PA) - www.knotzland.com
6: Scavenger Forge (Brasstown, NC) - www.scavengerforge.bigcartel.com
7: Coal Country Candles (Hindman, KY) - www.coalcountrycandles.com
Friday Nov 24, 2023
Friday Nov 24, 2023
Our annual Thanksgiving episode around the dinner table - a place where many stories are told in Appalachia. Take a listen as we give you a little glimpse into our family and the thanks we have this holiday season. Have a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving!
Friday Nov 17, 2023
Friday Nov 17, 2023
In this episode Neil and Will sit down with Barb Ewing the CEO of the Youngstown Business Incubator (YBI) - the #1 University Affiliated Incubator in the World! Incubators are used to give startup businesses and entrepreneurs needed support in order to drive innovation. With a streamlined focus and a dedication to becoming sustainable, YBI has become one of the most accomplished incubators in the world. Hear from Barb as she describes how it all started and the benefits YBI provides not only to its portfolio companies but to the community and the region as a whole. Take a listen to find out the secrets to success (or the "magic fairy dust") and how other regions can replicate the success of this Appalachian incubator - that dispels misconceptions some might have in regard to tech in Appalachia. Also, you might hear Neil explain the reasoning for having a tree up BEFORE Thanksgiving - and why he was seen as a clown.
Youngstown Business Incubator - https://ybi.org/
App News:
Tech Hubs (Appalachian Focus) - www.arc.gov/news/biden-harris-administration-designates-nine-tech-hubs-and-grant-recipients-in-appalachian-region/
Global Entrepreneurship Week - www.state.gov/global-entrepreneurship-week/
2023 National (Appalachian) Christmas Tree - www.uscapitolchristmastree.com/2023/09/06/monongahela-national-forest-announces2023-u-s-capitol-christmas-tree-tour-schedule/
From China to Appalachia - www.floydcountrystore.com/event/from-china-to-appalachia-2023-11-18
Floyd Country Store (Home) - www.floydcountrystore.com/
#AppBiz:
Fitz Frames - https://fitzframes.com/
YBI Portfolio Companies - https://ybi.org/entrepreneurs/portfolio/
Extra:
Inventors Network KY - www.kyinventors.org/
America Makes - www.americamakes.us/
Friday Nov 10, 2023
Friday Nov 10, 2023
In this episode Neil and Will just want to honor the men and women who have served - on this Veteran's Day weekend. Thank you for your service and duty to country. Take a listen to hear about some news (or two links) regarding some innovative work regarding Veterans.
Also, the guys wanted to replay how it all started for Appalachia Meets World. A throwback to Episode #1 - "Where You From?" If you have never heard it before, it just gives you a feel for who we are and why we started this whole thing in the first place. Till next time....
Honor Flight - www.honorflight.org
"Soldier's of the Coalfields..." - https://artsandculture.google.com/story/soldiers-of-the-coalfields-the-hidden-stories-of-black-appalachians-in-wwi-reed-college-of-media-innovation-center-at-west-virginia-university/iAWx-LnPzeKWKw?hl=en
Reed College of Media Innovation Center: West Virginia University - https://mediainnovation.wvu.edu/
Friday Nov 03, 2023
Friday Nov 03, 2023
In this episode, Neil and Will bring back the past. In honor of Neil's favorite holiday, they are bringing back an old episode as an extension of Halloween. If you didn't listen last year, or if you forgot, take a listen to hear about an Appalachian Tourism Experience and a haunting place - The Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum.
Note: This is a repeat episode and a little different than other weeks. See you next week!
Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum - https://trans-alleghenylunaticasylum.com/
Friday Oct 27, 2023
Friday Oct 27, 2023
In this Halloween episode Neil and Will sit down with Candy Hooten, Director of Operations at the Bell Witch Cave with a personal family connection to the Cave as well. A lot goes on at the Bell Witch property, one of which is being the most haunted places in the U.S. The story goes - a witch (or spirit) haunted the Bell family starting in 1817 and eventually killed John Bell - the only known killing by a spirit. Hear from Candy Hooten as she gives the background and describes her own personal experiences with the property. Oh yeah, her family also owns the Cave and part of the property. Take a listen as she gives you an idea of what you can do if you visit - if you dare. You might even hear about Neil and Will's favorite Halloween candy and whether or not Neil would spend the night in the Cave (hint: NO). Also, don't forget the #AppBiz of the Week: Hilloween!
The Bell Witch Cave - www.bellwitchcave.com
Paranormal Investigations - www.bellwitchcave.com/paranormal-investigations-tennessee/
The Black Wolf Paranormal - www.facebook.com/people/The-Black-Wolf-Paranormal/100063519762124/
Recent Black Wolf Paranormal Photo at Bell Witch Cave - www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=778806510913334&set=pcb.778806527579999
App News:
ARC POWER Awards - www.arc.gov/news/arc-awards-nearly-54-million-to-advance-economic-diversification-in-appalachias-coal-impacted-communities/
Eastern Kentucky Diabetes Symposium - https://soar-ky.org/eky-diabetes-symposium/
National Geographic "Haunted Appalachia" - www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/appalachian-mountains-ancient-geology-modern-horror-stories
Appalachian Urban Legends - https://heritageherald.com/2023/05/12/appalachian-urban-legends-the-scary-truth/
#AppBiz:
Hilloween - www.hilloweennc.org/
Friday Oct 20, 2023
Friday Oct 20, 2023
"The history of these music and dance traditions is intertwined with the history of the culture of the (Appalachian) region, and an understanding of one sheds a light on the other." (Hoedowns, Reels and Frolics: Roots and Branches of Southern Appalachian Dance).
In this episode Will and Neil sit down with Phil Jamison, a world renowned musician, dancer and dance caller. A musician first, for multiple decades Phil has also taught and called dances all over the world - with many accolades and two Hall of Fame inductions under his belt. As Phil suggests, you can't have dance without the music and vice versa - further describing what makes dance such a big part of the culture of Appalachia. Take a listen as he speaks on the history of dance in the region, how it has evolved over the years and what makes it so special to him. You might even hear Neil describe his own dance ability (or lack thereof) and what exercise equipment brings back fond memories. Also, don't forget the #AppBiz of the week: Fright Nights (West Virginia)!
Phil Jamison - www.philjamison.com
Green Grass Cloggers - www.greengrasscloggers.com
Hoedowns, Reels and Frolics: Roots and Branches of Southern Appalachian Dance - www.press.uillinois.edu/books/?id=p080814
The New Southern Ramblers - www.blueridgeheritage.com/artist/new-southern-ramblers/
Blue Ridge Music HOF - https://wilkesheritagemuseum.com/blue-ridge-music-hall-of-fame
America's Clogging HOF - www.achf.us/
The Swannanoa Gathering - https://swangathering.com/
Square Dance History Project - https://squaredancehistory.org/
Thomas Maupin (Buck Dancer) - www.arts.gov/honors/heritage/thomas-maupin
App News:
ARCH2 (Hydrogen HUB) - www.arch2hub.com/
Hydrogen HUB "Caution" - https://kentuckylantern.com/2023/10/16/so-many-ways-hydrogen-can-go-wrong-hub-announcements-viewed-with-caution/
Virtual "Opioid Belt" - https://irjci.blogspot.com/2023/10/newly-released-data-reveals-virtual.html
#AppBiz:
Fright Nights (#1 Haunted Attraction in West Virginia) - www.frightnightswv.com
"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."