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
![Appalachia Meets World Episode 160 - A Twist on the Appalachian Dumpling](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/11669066/Yellow_and_Orange_Illustrative_Kids_Family_Podcast_Cover_1__fry6db_300x300.jpg)
23 hours ago
23 hours ago
In this special episode Neil and Will reveal a story published by West Virginia Public Broadcasting. Immigrants were a major part of forming what we now know as Appalachia. The guys venture into Wheeling West Virginia to bring a story to life that has been part of the culture in Wheeling for over 100 years. Take a listen as they describe the twist on the Appalachian Dumpling - "The Pierogi!" You might even hear about Neil's favorite olympic sport. Also, don't forget the #AppBiz of the week: Pierogi Plus!
Pierogi Story: West Virginia Public Broadcasting (hit "Listen" to hear the audio) - https://wvpublic.org/a-ukrainian-church-in-wheeling-is-preserving-heritage-through-the-making-of-pierogies/
App News:
Appalachian Leadership Institute Graduates - www.arc.gov/news/40-fellows-graduate-from-the-appalachian-leadership-institute-2024/
Americorps in Appalachia - https://americorps.gov/newsroom/press-release/biden-harris-administration-announces-new-americorps-project-spur-economic
Hip Hop in Appalachia (a curation) - https://qcnerve.com/hip-hop-in-appalachia/
#AppBiz:
Pierogi Plus - https://pierogiesplus.com
![Appalachia Meets World Episode 159 - ERC Fellow (and Host) "Spin and Chat" (in Appalachia) with Gaby Seltzer and Bret Sweet](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/11669066/Yellow_and_Orange_Illustrative_Kids_Family_Podcast_Cover_1__fry6db_300x300.jpg)
Friday Jul 19, 2024
Friday Jul 19, 2024
It's the monthly Economic Recovery Corps Fellow "Spin and Chat!"
In this episode, Neil and Will sit down with the ERC Fellow Gaby Seltzer and surprise guest Bret Sweet of the City of Antioch, CA. This is the first interview with a Fellow and their Host! Hear them both describe the ERC process and their reasoning behind deciding to pursue the path of Fellowship...from both perspectives. You'll hear some challenges, but also the instant impact they are seeing from the tasks being performed, but also from the capacity building opportunity that the ERC Fellowship affords. Take a listen as they display their passion for the area and how their work is making a difference...while getting a glimpse into what makes them tick and their apparent fascination with food - and Cracker Barrel. You might even hear Neil's opinion on an iconic moment (sad but true) in American History...and some Appalachia books you can read - other than "Hillbilly Elegy." Also, don't forget the #AppBiz(s) of the week: Idly Dosa Cafe; and CoBiz Richmond!
Gaby Seltzer (and ERC Project) - https://economicrecoverycorps.org/fellow-information/gaby-seltzer/
Bret Sweet - https://bretsweet.com
City of Antioch - www.antiochca.gov
App News:
ARC Chartbook - www.arc.gov/about-the-appalachian-region/the-chartbook/
Rare Earth Elements (in Appalachia) - https://apnews.com/article/rare-earth-elements-clean-energy-national-security-7a4aee1c88dad6543b6f67f22f0580aa
10 Books to Read after "HE" - https://people.com/10-appalachian-books-to-read-after-hillbilly-elegy-8678815
#AppBiz:
Idly Dosa Cafe - www.dosa.company
CoBiz Richmond - www.cobizrichmond.com
![Appalachia Meets World Episode 158 - "Pastology" in Appalachia with Claudean Oakley](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/11669066/Yellow_and_Orange_Illustrative_Kids_Family_Podcast_Cover_1__fry6db_300x300.jpg)
Friday Jul 12, 2024
Friday Jul 12, 2024
In this episode Neil and Will sit down with Claudean Oakley a past nursing director, naturalist and wellness expert that has written a book "Pastology", about not letting your past predict your future. More specifically, it was an opportunity for her to remind Appalachians, they are becoming highly esteemed; they appreciate their surroundings, culture, past history and embrace opportunities to grow. In a time when a lot of Appalachian Authors are writing about the natural beauty, poverty or coal mining - this book takes a different reflection, specifically on the past. Take a listen as Claudean describes her own past and how she took insight from viewing cadavers, among other things. In addition, some like it hot - that would be Neil and Will - and it's someone's bday! Also, don't forget the #AppBiz of the week: Love is Real Wellness Cafe!
App News:
ARC ARISE - www.arc.gov/news/arc-awards-nearly-1-6-million-to-expand-outdoor-tourism-and-sustainable-aviation/
ARC Chartbook - www.arc.gov/about-the-appalachian-region/the-chartbook/
#AppBiz:
Love is Real Wellness Cafe - www.facebook.com/loveisrealwellness/
Extra:
Boone's Ridge - https://boonesridge.com
![Appalachia Meets World Episode 157 - Nostalgia and "Lightning Bugs" in Appalachia with Lynn Faust](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/11669066/Yellow_and_Orange_Illustrative_Kids_Family_Podcast_Cover_1__fry6db_300x300.jpg)
Friday Jul 05, 2024
Friday Jul 05, 2024
In this episode Neil and Will sit down with Lynn Faust a self trained expert on Fireflies...or Lightning Bugs as she prefers to keep it - some would even say she's the "Lightning Bug Lady." From caring for her children in her 30's in a cabin in Elkmont Tennessee to being one of the most reputable firefly experts in the world, Lynn's passion has taken her throughout the Appalachians and beyond. It's her passion for those mountains and the Appalachian region that shines through the most. Hear from Lynn as she describes how her passion for lightning bugs grew (slowly) and how she got to where she is today. She further explains the science behind synchronization and how even the darkness can be mind blowing. Ever wonder if you can ever catch the synchronization and where to even look? Take a listen to find out some of Lynn's favorite locations to see the synchronous fireflies and how your own backyard can be just as magical. A mason jar with holes in the lid can quickly take me back to my childhood - chasing fireflies - hear Lynn explain that experience is overwhelming at any age. Her book, "Fireflies, Glow-Worms and Lightning Bugs" was one of the first comprehensive firefly guides that DIDN'T just belong in the children's section at your local library. Lynn's expertise and sheer enthusiasm for nature and lightning bugs "lights" up this magical epsisode...sit back and let her explain. You might even hear about Neil's annual explosion and hear some sound from a "Reed" experience Neil and Will went through on vacation last week...oh yeah, the guys took a little hiatus last week - a much needed vacation with the family. Also, don't forget the #AppBiz of the week: New River Gorge Eco Tours!
Lynn Faust - https://ugapress.org/author/lynn-frierson-faust/
"Fireflies, Glow-Worms and Lightning Bugs" - https://ugapress.org/book/9780820348728/fireflies-glow-worms-and-lightning-bugs/
App News:
Healing Appalachia - https://healingappalachia.org
Country Music Highway Tribute Show in Louisa, July 12-13 - https://soar-ky.org/cmh/
Museum of Appalachia Annual Independence Day Anvil Shoot - www.museumofappalachia.org/independence-day/
#AppBiz:
New River Gorge Eco Tours - www.newrivergorgeecotours.com
Extra:
Reed Sheppard Draft Day - www.cbssports.com/nba/news/reed-sheppard-to-rockets-with-no-3-pick-in-nba-draft-2024-kentucky-freshman-standout-lands-in-houston/
Mic'd Up - www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1602245000349376
![Appalachia Meets World Episode 156 - Throwback Juneteenth Celebration in Appalachia](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/11669066/Yellow_and_Orange_Illustrative_Kids_Family_Podcast_Cover_1__fry6db_300x300.jpg)
Saturday Jun 22, 2024
Appalachia Meets World Episode 156 - Throwback Juneteenth Celebration in Appalachia
Saturday Jun 22, 2024
Saturday Jun 22, 2024
In this episode we're having a throwback Friday (while Neil's on vacation) to commemorate the Juneteenth holiday. It's a throwback with DeJuana Thompson as she talks about the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute that enlightens each generation about civil and human rights in Appalachia and beyond. It works to explore our common past and work together in the present to build a better future. They stand strong as THE CORNERSTONE of the civil rights story, a living memorial with an ongoing mission. Take a listen...
Birmingham Civil Rights Institute - www.bcri.org
![Appalachia Meets World Episode 155 - ERC Fellow "Spin and Chat" (in Appalachia) with George Williams](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/11669066/Yellow_and_Orange_Illustrative_Kids_Family_Podcast_Cover_1__fry6db_300x300.jpg)
Friday Jun 14, 2024
Friday Jun 14, 2024
In this monthly Economic Recovery Corps (ERC) Fellow "Spin and Chat," Neil and Will sit down with George Williams - someone who calls overseas home just as much as the states and current Fellow in Cleveland Ohio. Hear from George as he describes his role with the Fund for our Economic Future - a creative space for philanthropic funders and civic leaders to explore what matters and implement what works to achieve equitable economic growth, emphasizing systemic, long-term change. He also speaks about the challenges not only in Northeast Ohio, but with the Fellowship as well as the best parts and the reason this work resonates so deeply with his secret to success. "Oh, the places you'll go" - take a listen to George speak to his background, his travel desires and the real reason he chose the Host community in Cleveland - the empowerment of making an impact had something to do with it. You might even hear about Will's "smelly" problem or Neil's solution to get rid of it - there's nuances involved here. Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz of the week: R&R Fly Fishing!
Economic Recovery Corps - www.economicrecoverycorps.org
Fund for Our Economic Future - https://thefundneo.org
App News:
The Appalachian Fair - www.appalachianfair.com
ETSU Center for Rural Health Research (ARISE) - www.etsu.edu/etsu-news/2024/06-june/crr-arc-arise-grant.php
ARC Conference Registration (Open June 17th) - www.arc.gov/event/arc-2024-annual-conference/
#AppBiz:
R&R Fly Fishing - https://randrflyfishing.com
![Appalachia Meets World Episode 154 - "Fall Back Friday" at the Laurel Cove Music Festival!](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/11669066/Yellow_and_Orange_Illustrative_Kids_Family_Podcast_Cover_1__fry6db_300x300.jpg)
Friday Jun 07, 2024
Friday Jun 07, 2024
This is a "Fall Back Friday" episode celebrating the Laurel Cove Music Festival that is happening this weekend (June 7th and 8th)...if you're near Pineville, KY definitely check it out (although it's sold out this year)! This episode is from last year with Jon Grace, the Bell County Tourism Director and Organizer of the Festival. Take a listen (it you didn't last year) to hear more about the festival and the area in general...and hear about what some refer to as the "RED ROCKS OF APPALACHIA" - the Laurel Cove!!!!
The Laurel Cove Music Festival (2024) - www.laurelcovemusicfestival.com
![Appalachia Meets World Episode 153 - Connecting the Past (Festival) to the Present in Appalachia with the KMLF](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/11669066/Yellow_and_Orange_Illustrative_Kids_Family_Podcast_Cover_1__fry6db_300x300.jpg)
Friday May 31, 2024
Friday May 31, 2024
In this (different) episode you'll hear a piece from "Inside Appalachia" about the Grand March of the 2023 Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival. You'll also hear an acceptance speech from an "Honorary Director" of the 2024 Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival - it might give you an idea of just how people from the community feel about the KMLF.
We've spoken before about the importance of festivals in small town Appalachia. This episode is no different, highlighting one of our favorite festivals of all time. We may be biased, but it really is "something everyone should experience at least once."
Till next time...
"Inside Appalachia" (Folkways Report) - https://wvpublic.org/ball-gowns-curtsies-and-a-queen-pineville-kentucky-hosts-elaborate-dance-tradition-with-polish-roots/
![Image](https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/mc6jtu/67e766fa77d5e61341b29a1d8cedc4e2_1_69d29880-3e57-1c22-d66c-1a5953be257c.jpg)
"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."