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.
Listen on:
Episodes
Friday Jan 13, 2023
Friday Jan 13, 2023
In this episode Neil and Will sit down with automotive researcher Dr. Pengen Chen to discuss building an EV ecosystem for Appalachia. As lead investigator for the initiative "Rural Reimagined", Dr. Chen is focusing on doing just that. Take a listen to find out the specifics of the initiative and the future for electric vehicles in the region. If you live in Appalachia and ever wanted to find out more about electric vehicles - now is your chance! You might even hear Neil give a run down (or lack thereof) of the Golden Globes - or at least his pick to win (almost a week too late). Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz of the week: The Landmark Project!
Rural Reimagined - www.rural-reimagined.com
The Landmark Project - www.thelandmarkproject.com
Department of Energy Clean Hydrogen Hubs: www.energy.gov/oced/regional-clean-hydrogen-hubs
ARC Appalachian STEM Academy: www.arc.gov/arc-oak-ridge-summer-program/
ARC Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy: www.arc.gov/appalachian-entrepreneurship-academy/
Friday Jan 06, 2023
Friday Jan 06, 2023
In this special episode, Neil and Will bring in the New Year with a discussion of their resolutions and a "perfect" toast to start the year off - or "do the dew." As a quick beginning of the year episode, the guys are also joined by one of their past guests to give an update on all the amazing work the guest has been doing and accolades the guest has racked up over the past year. Take a listen to to start the year off right and hear who the special guest might be. "Live Appalachian" and Positivity in 2023!
Friday Dec 30, 2022
Friday Dec 30, 2022
Happy New Years Y'all! What's in a list?? In this episode Neil and Will sit down with Amanda Ellis of Livability Media to discuss what makes a City the most "livable." Hear how some Appalachian cities stack up in comparison to other cities throughout the country, and Neil and Will's opinion on the matter (hint - there's a little biased involved - and a lot of "magic in them mountains"). Take a listen as Amanda dives into what Livability Media does and how economic development and promotion is important for not only attraction but also retention of a cities own lifelong residents. Also, Neil and Will discuss some of the top news items (a lot on the "pop" side - seemingly minus world affairs) over the past year, and how they may or may not matter to them both - and how Neil's "...money don't jiggle jiggle." Don't forget all the #AppBiz(s) over the past year...and the current #AppBiz of the week: Livability.com!
Livability - www.livability.com
Livability Media - www.livabilitymedia.com
Best Places to Live in the U.S. in 2022 - www.livability.com/best-places/2022-top-100-best-places-to-live-in-the-us/
"The great millennial migration that wasn't" - www.vox.com/future-perfect/2022/7/27/23279166/young-adults-moving-sprung-keyser-hendren-porter-census
Sunday Dec 25, 2022
Sunday Dec 25, 2022
Merry Christmas Y'all! Just to celebrate the day, Neil and Will are revisiting "Twas the Night Before (An Appalachian) Christmas!" Enjoy the day and Happy Holidays to ALL!
Friday Dec 23, 2022
Friday Dec 23, 2022
Merry Christmas Y'all! In this special Christmas edition episode, Neil and Will discuss Christmas traditions of old and new. The guys are also joined by a special guest to give a different take on the "12 Days of Christmas." Take a listen as they go "all in" on Appalachian stereotypes, highlighting what a lot of people get wrong about the region. So...sit back, grab a Christmas cookie (or two) and tune in as you enjoy this special time of year. Happy Holidays!
U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree: www.uscapitolchristmastree.com
U.S. Forest Service (USFS) North Carolina: www.fs.usda.gov/nfsnc
Friday Dec 16, 2022
Friday Dec 16, 2022
Happy Hanukkah Y'all! In this episode, to kick of the "Festival of Lights", Neil and Will sit down with Dr. Deb Weiner to discuss the history of Jewish communities in Appalachia, among other things. In writing her book, "Coalfield Jews: An Appalachian History," Dr. Weiner focuses on smaller communities within Appalachia and the misconceptions some have about the diversity of the region. Take a listen as she describes identify formation among the Jewish community within these small towns and the reason for migrating there in the first place. Also, you might even hear about the newly crowned "Olaf of Appalachia." Don't forget about the #AppBiz(s) of the week: Yesod Farm+Table; and Appalachian Cookie Company!!
Dr. Deb Weiner: www.deborahweiner.com
"Coalfield Jews: An Appalachian History": www.press.uillinois.edu/books/?id=p073359
Yesod Farm+Table: www.yesodfarm.org
Appalachian Cookie Company: www.appcookieco.com
ARC Summer Programs (Entrepreneurship and STEM) Application Deadline is February 4th): www.arc.gov/news/arc-accepting-applications-for-summer-study-programs-in-entrepreneurship-and-stem-for-regions-middle-and-high-school-students-4/
Rural Reimagined: Building an EV Ecosystem for Appalachia: www.rural-reiagined.com
"Appalachian Christmas": www.wbir.com/video/life/holidays/appalachian-christmas/51-df564a87-3770-4b63-a000-41b020a3cbfd
Friday Dec 09, 2022
Friday Dec 09, 2022
In this episode Neil and Will talk "new economy" with the non-profit advocacy group Appalachian Voices. Take a listen as they sit down with Robert Kell (New Economy Program Manager) and Autumn Long (Appalachian Solar Finance Fund Director) to discuss building a generative and equitable economy in the region. They'll define the idea behind the New Economy Program and how solar is fast becoming a priority for their organization and for the region. Started in 1997, they remained focused on bringing people together to protect the land, air and water of Central and Southern Appalachia. In addition, you might even hear Neil's thoughts on the new to be state food of West Virginia, and how long is too long for a "hot turning wheel." Also, don't forget the #AppBiz of the week: Appalachian Voices...and shout outs to "New Roots Community Farm", "Kinship Goods" and the "Swamp Rabbit Cafe!"
Appalachian Voices: www.appvoices.org
Appalachian Solar Finance Fund: www.solarfinancefund.org
Appalachian Voices Front Porch Blog: www.appvoices.org/frontporchblog/
Appalachian Collegiate Research Initiative (formerly Appalachian Teaching Project): www.arc.gov/acri/
Appalachian Voices Listening Sessions Article: www.appvoices.org/2022/12/02/va-task-force-listening-sessions/
Pepperoni Roll: www.pastemagazine.com/food/fast-food/history-pepperoni-roll-appalachia/
New Roots Community Farm: www.newrootscommunityfarm.com/
Kinship Goods: www.kinshipgoods.com
Swamp Rabbit Cafe: www.swamprabbitcafe.com
Friday Dec 02, 2022
Friday Dec 02, 2022
In this episode Neil and Will sit down with Geoff Marietta to talk about Investing in the 606. Invest 606 is a non-profit business accelerator with a mission to catalyze business growth in Eastern Kentucky by connecting entrepreneurs with the resources they need to succeed today and grow tomorrow. Take a listen as Geoff describes how he got to the 606, why he now calls it home and why building an entrepreneurial culture and network is important for the area. A person that wears many hats, he is passionate about the mountains, making a difference in his community and providing opportunities for the amazing ideas and talent in the 606…he may even have a favorite (or two dozen) place(s) for you to check out in the 606! Also, Neil might suggest the secret to fighting disease...it might surprise you. Don't forget the #AppBiz of the week: Do Good Brands!
Invest 606: www.invest606.org
The Harlan County Beer Company: www.harlancountybeer.com
Moonbow (Pineville, Harlan and Williamsburg): www.kentuckymoonbow.com
Do Good Brands: www.dogoodbrands.biz
Appalachian Teaching Project: www.arc.gov/appalachian-teaching-project/
East Kentucky High School Pitch Competition/Starter Labs: www.invest606.org/starter-labs
"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."