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 days ago
6 days ago
In this episode, Neil and Will sit down with the "Hillbilly Astrophysicist" - Dr. Jeff Bary - a professor at Colgate University and proud Appalachian born and raised in Welch, WV. As an astronomer, Dr. Bary is working to reclaim our connection to the night sky and preserving its darkness for future generations. As an Appalachian, he is working to develop a community interested in the night sky with a specific focus on Appalachia. More specifically, how the night sky plays a fundamental role and impacts one's "sense of place." Take a listen as he describes what a dark sky is and the importance of reducing light pollution and preserving the darkness of the sky for everyone. While economic development is often thought of as growth, dark skies are a unique tourism attraction that focuses on the lack of growth rather than the need for development. You might even hear Neil's feelings on Chestnuts when he was little and how Surfing, Asian Cuisine and Coal Mining are all related (it might surprise you). Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz of the week: Sticky Rice Cafe!
Dr. Jeff Bary - www.colgate.edu/about/directory/jbary
Dark Sky Preservation (Dr. Bary's new work) Website - www.jbary.colgate.domains/darkskies/
The Hillbilly Astrophysicist - https://jbary.wordpress.com/
Spotify "Core Appalachia" Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1GOquV1Q2U7gcc4QzsZxVv
App News:
Opportunity Appalachia Investor Convening - https://appalachiancommunitycapitalcdfi.org/opportunity-appalachia-investor-convening/
Reclaiming Appalachia Coalition: National to Neighborhoods Catalyzing Opportunities in Coal Impacted Communities - https://reclaimingappalachia.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/AML_RAC_report_2023.pdf
Invest Appalachia: Climate Resilience in Central Appalachia: Impacts and Opportunities - www.investappalachia.org/news/climate-analysis-report-launch
USDA Regional Food Business Centers Program (Rural Action) - www.ams.usda.gov/services/local-regional/rfbcp
"American Chestnut Could Return to Appalachia" - https://wvpublic.org/more-than-100-years-later-american-chestnut-could-return-to-appalachia/
Four Star Gazing Hot Spots in the Appalachian Mountains - www.blueridgeoutdoors.com/go-outside/4-of-the-best-night-sky-parks-in-appalachia/
#AppBiz:
Sticky Rice Cafe (Knoxville, TN) - www.stickyriceknox.com/
Bon Appetit Story: Sticky Rice Cafe in East TN - www.bonappetit.com/story/appalachian-tennessee-culinary-road-trip
Friday May 26, 2023
Friday May 26, 2023
In this episode Neil and Will sit down with author and thru-hiker Derick Lugo to discuss his journey along the Appalachian Trail (AT) as well as how the trail drives tourism for many small towns along the way. Since completing the AT eleven years ago, Derick's life path has changed from a city dweller who knew little about hiking to an outdoor evangelist. As a prolific storyteller, Derick speaks about some of his trail stories and what he feels his role is in helping to educate people about the trial, hiking and the outdoors in general. Take a listen as "Mr. Fabulous" (we'll let him explain) gives his perspective on the Appalachia region, both before and after his thru-hike, and how he identifies with the region as a whole. Though he may continue to hike many trails throughout his life, he'll never forget his "first love" - the AT! You might even hear how the "Tenman" and "Tonto" would do on the AT and how (or if) Neil would survive without a bathroom. Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz(s) of the week: Southern Threads Boutique; Damascus Outfitters; Appalachian Heritage Distillery; and the Damascus Brewery!
Derick Lugo - www.dericklugo.com
"The Unlikely Thru-Hiker: An Appalachian Trail Journey" - www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/43570679
AppNews:
ARC Appalachian Leadership Institute - www.arc.gov/leadership/
Appalachian Sustainable Development (ASD) - www.asdevelop.org
ASD Breaking News - www.asdevelop.org/news/appalachian-sustainable-development-expanding-staff-to-provide-more-direct-resources-and-services-to-smaller-scale-farmers-and-producers/
Trail Days - www.visitdamascus.org/traildays.html
Damascus, VA: "Trail Town USA" - www.damascus.org/
#AppBiz(s):
Southern Threads Boutique - www.facebook.com/southernthreadsllc
Damascus Outfitters - www.damascusoutfitters.com/
Appalachian Heritage Distillery - www.ahddamascus.com
The Damascus Brewery - www.thedamascusbrewery.com
Friday May 19, 2023
Friday May 19, 2023
Laurel Cove Music Festival June 9th and 10th!! In this episode, Neil and Will sit down with Jon Grace the Bell County Tourism Director and Organizer of the Laurel Cove Music Festival. In its 4th year, while the festival continues to grow it still keeps the small town family identify it has formed from the start. As festival season is off and running in Appalachia, hear how festivals serve as an opportunity to attract visitors and highlight the assets of the region. Take a listen as Jon describes his passion for the region and how this Music Festival just hits a little different - bringing in people from all over the country. As discussed in the episode, the 2023 lineup showcases local, region and even national talent in one of the most beautiful natural venues in all of the country (or at least that's what Will suggests - he may be a little biased) - "The Red Rocks of Appalachia." You'll also hear a sampling of music throughout the episode from performers that are part of the lineup this year! Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz of the week: Riverside Market and Grill!
Bell County Tourism - www.bellcountytourism.com/
Laurel Cove Music Festival - www.laurelcovemusicfestival.com
#AppBiz
Riverside Market and Grill - www.facebook.com/people/Riverside-Market-Grill/100086752601854/?paipv=0&eav=AfbDuxXM4rerh4Rw4tKv8F-b4iAtOwlF7jSykyeFHGDeJhZmM81YEzAIuNIuRRPVKgY&_rdr
AppNews:
Rural Partners Network - www.rural.gov
ARC awards $500,000 at the Rural Partners Network meeting - www.arc.gov/news/arc-awards-nearly-500k-to-help-five-appalachian-kentucky-area-development-districts-apply-for-more-federal-funds/
Rural Partners Network Forum in West Virginia - www.arc.gov/event/rural-partners-network-resource-partners-forum/
Appalachian Festival - www.appalachianfestival.org/
Taste the Nation with Travis Melton: "Padma and the Beanstalk" - www.hulu.com/series/taste-the-nation-with-padma-lakshmi-53d48a66-d254-4e4f-89a1-277ec6c57368
36 hour Itinerary in Asheville, NC (New York Times) - www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/05/04/travel/things-to-do-asheville.html
Hood Huggers International - www.hoodhuggers.com
National Travel and Tourism Week - www.ustravel.org/events/national-travel-and-tourism-week
Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival - www.kmlf.org
Music on the episode (from Laurel Cove Music Festival Lineup):
The Local Honeys - "High on a Mountain"
49 Winchester - "Russell County Line"
The Red Clay Strays - "Good Godly Woman"
Cole Chaney - "Back to Kentucky"
Friday May 12, 2023
Friday May 12, 2023
In this episode, Neil and Will sit down with Luke Glaser. As a Hazard, KY City Commissioner, Luke not only personally went through the recent devastating floods in Eastern Kentucky, he has been part of the process of recovery - something he and his colleagues have had to learn as they go. Hazard, KY in Perry County was one of the hardest hit areas when the flood came in late July. The devastation and initial recovery was a national news story for weeks. As those weeks have passed and the cameras are now gone, the recovery and need of support is only just beginning. Take a listen to hear Luke express what recovery efforts are still needed and in immediate demand in the area. In addition, as we celebrate "Teacher Appreciation Week", hear Luke's passion for his students as a high school teacher in Hazard. You might even hear about Neil's "Practical" luck and Will's recent journey to a special place in Appalachia. Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz(s) of the week: France's Diner and the Barter Theater!
Luke Glaser - www.lukeglaser.com
#AppBiz:
France's Diner - www.facebook.com/Francesdiner/
The Barter Theatre - www.bartertheatre.com
App News:
Demon Copperfield by Barbara Kingsolver - www.pulitzer.org/winners/barbara-kingsolver
100 Days of Appalachia: "When the Water Goes Down" (documentary) - www.100daysinappalachia.com/2023/02/when-the-water-goes-down-eight-months-later-eastern-kentucky-is-still-healing/
Teacher Appreciation Week (National Education Association) - www.nea.org/TAW
Friday May 05, 2023
Friday May 05, 2023
It's Derby Week! In this episode Neil and Will sit down with Keith Gabbard, CEO of the People's Rural Telephone Cooperative or PRTC in McKee, KY. It doesn't matter where you live, in this day and age everyone deserves an equal opportunity at broadband access. PRTC is delivering just that in one of the more rural and underserved areas in the country - in turn making Jackson County one of the most connected small communities in the nation. Putting "connectivity over profit" PRTC has become a best practice in how you can transform a community by being a "doer" and providing opportunity where there once was none. Take a listen as Keith describes what (and how) PRTC has done in this slice of Appalachia and how much it has benefited the residents in the place he has always called home. Keith believes what PRTC is doing is similar to the quote from his favorite PIRATE - " If you have a chance to accomplish something that will make things better for people coming behind you, and you don't do that, you are wasting your time on the Earth." You might even hear Neil and Will's picks for the Derby and how they unexpectedly celebrate Cinco de Mayo in the process. Also, don't forget the #App Biz(s) of the week: Paris Signs; and Annie's Flooring and Commercial Services - and find out why we are celebrating them on THIS WEEK!
People's Rural Telephone Cooperative - https://prtcnet.org/
Kentucky Derby (Official Site) - www.kentuckyderby.com/
#AppBiz:
Paris Signs - www.parissigns.com
Annie's Flooring and Commercial Cleaning Services - www.anniesflooring.com
National Small Business Week (and award winners) - www.sba.gov/national-small-business-week
Appalachian News:
Rural Action Receives USDA Funding - https://ruralaction.org/news/2023/usda-funding-will-support-appalachian-farms-and-food-businesses/
Rural Partners Network - www.rural.gov/
Rural Partners Network and Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation Forum (Pineville, KY) - www.arc.gov/event/rural-partners-network-community-forum-in-pineville-ky/
Heritage Ohio and Buckeye Hills Regional Council Workshop (Downtown Revitalization) - www.eventbrite.com/e/financial-tools-incentives-for-downtown-revitalization-workshop-tickets-607595152457
Friday Apr 28, 2023
Friday Apr 28, 2023
In this episode Neil and Will sit down with Chris Worman, founder of Connect Humanity - a nonprofit working with communities to build the internet infrastructure and skills they need to participate fully in a digital society. As part of an ARC funding grant, Connect Humanity has been tasked to bridge the digital divide in Appalachia, specifically to 50 undeserved communities throughout every sub-region of Appalachia. Take a listen as Chris describes the important work Connect Humanity does through the world, but more importantly the plans they have for digital equity in Appalachia. There's a lot of federal funding that will be coming available for communities throughout the country, find out how Connect Humanity will help communities throughout Appalachia plan for capturing this funding and bridging the digital divide. You might even hear Chris's affinity for meatballs and Neil's week long tribute to his favorite Appalachian of all time - honestly, it might be verging on an obsession. Also, don't forget the #AppBiz of the week: National Broadband Resource Hub!
Connect Humanity - www.connecthumanity.fund
Connect Humanity in Appalachia: Community Application Process - https://connecthumanity.fund/arise/
#AppBiz: National Broadband Resource Hub - www.broadbandhub.org
Appalachian News:
Ramp Article (Pittsburgh Gazette) - www.post-gazette.com/life/recipes/2023/04/10/ramps-wild-leeks-appalachia-pittsburgh/stories/202304030060
Appalachian HillClimb Series (Backroads of Appalachia) - https://backroadsofappalachia.org/saturday-april-22-is-scca-motorsport-day-in-kentucky/?olink=%2Fnews%2F&otitle=News
ARC 2023 Annual Conference: Appalachia Rises - www.arc.gov/event/arc-2023-annual-conference/
Opportunity Appalachia Investor Convening - https://pheedloop.com/OAInvestorConvening/site/home/
Friday Apr 21, 2023
Friday Apr 21, 2023
In this episode Neil and Will have a conversation with Tom Gellrich of the H2-CCS Network and Co-Organizer of the 2023 Appalachian Renewable Natural Gas Conference. Renewable Natural Gas or RNG is different in that instead of extracting materials from the earth, it is the conversion of waste and other organic materials into energy - combating climate change along the way. Take a listen as Tom speaks to the RNG Conference and the opportunities in Appalachia in regards to the growing market. You also might hear Neil's energy for the episode and how he now has justification in regards to his own waste. Also, don't forget the #AppBiz of the week: New Frontier!
Appalachian RNG Conference 2023 - https://rngconferences.com/product/appalachian-rng-conference-2023/
New Frontier - www.newfrontierbrand.com/
Reclaiming Appalachia - www.reclaimingappalachia.org
Diversified Energy and ARCH2 proposal - www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/empire-diversified-energy-to-be-included-in-appalachian-regional-clean-hydrogen-hub-application-to-the-department-of-energy-301799945.html
Monday Apr 17, 2023
Monday Apr 17, 2023
Take a listen to a teaser of the upcoming episode on Friday. We just wanted to get a teaser out to talk a little about the upcoming Appalachian RNG Conference on this Wednesday, April 19th. Check it out to find out a little more...then check back on Friday for the full episode!
Appalachian RNG Conference 2023 - https://rngconferences.com/product/appalachian-rng-conference-2023/
"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."