Appalachia Meets World

Appalachia Meets World Episode 64 - From Napa to Appalachia with Rex Stults

In this episode Neil and Will sit down with Rex Stults of the Napa Valley Vintners (THE Authority on the Napa Valley Wine Region).  Rex shares the importance of place and regional identity in the wine industry and how it matters - LOCATION MATTERS.  He also describes what makes the Napa Valley region unique to wine making and how the industry compares in Napa with the wine regions of Appalachia.   As a follow up to Beer and 'Shine', take a listen as Rex describes the importance of cultivating an industry and building a reputation on quality and your own regional assets.  As only a couple of Kentucky boys can the conversation may also shift from wine to bourbon, if only for a minute.  We also want to take a moment to share our thoughts and prayers for the flood victims and communities of Eastern Kentucky.  #EasternKYStrong 
Napa Valley Vintners: www.napavintners.com
Wine Origins Alliance: www.origins.wine 
Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund (Official State Portal):  www.secure.kentucky.gov/FormServices/Finance/EKYFloodRelief 
Appalachian Crisis Fund: www.appalachianky.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1170
Eastern Kentucky Strong (Flood Relief) T-Shirt: www.newfrontierbrand.com/products/appalachia-strong-tee?fbclid=IwAR2zATJUn43lwadPtyx9WzLYahEbo_KnHIQIJa9ySYOg_VhvBxtcbSUT1d8
 

Appalachia Meets World Episode 63 - Appalachian Craft Brew (and ’Shine’) with Oscar Wong

In this episode Neil and Will touch (and taste) on the heritage of 'spirits' in Appalachia, as well as the craft brew industry that has taken hold in the region.  The guys had the pleasure of sitting down with Oscar Wong, the "Godfather" of Beer in Appalachia and founder of Highland Brewing, the first craft beer brewery in the "Craft Beer Capital of America."  Aside from the beer, they discuss the economic impact it has had on the region.  Oscar explains how it all started, what the future holds for the local brewery and how he will forever be Appalachian.  Take a listen, you might even hear the guys thoughts (and tastes) on White Lightning, what it was like growing up "dry" and one (or two) references to 'Ol Uncle Popcorn.  Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz(s) of the week: Tim Smith's Climax Moonshine; Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine; Junior Johnson's Midnight Moon; Troy and Sons Platinum; Stillhouse Clear Corn Whiskey; Bill Elliott's Moonshine; George Dickel White Corn Whisky; and Popcorn Sutton's Tennessee White Whiskey!   
Highland Brewing: www.highlandbrewing.com 
Tim Smith's Climax moonshine: www.timsmithspirits.com 
Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine: www.olesmoky.com 
Junior Johnson's Midnight Moon: www.juniorsmidnightmoon.com 
 Troy & Sons Platinum: www.ashevilledistilling.com 
Stillhouse Clear Corn Whiskey: www.stillhouse.com 
Bill Elliott's Moonshine: www.dawsonvillemoonshinedistillery.com 
George Dickel White Corn Whisky: www.georgedickel.com 
Popcorn Sutton's Tennessee White Whiskey: www.popcornsutton.com 

Appalachia Meets World Episode 62 - Reading in The Mountains (Ola Pigman and Kevin Coolidge)

In this episode Neil and Will hear from Ola Pigman from the Hindman Settlement School, as well as Kevin Coolidge author of the Children's Book Series, "The Totally Ninja Raccoons."  Ola is the director of the Dyslexia program at the Hindman Settlement School.  In addition to (cold) banana pudding, she discusses the mission of the school and the purpose (as well as the importance to the region) of the Dyslexia program in Central Appalachia.  Kevin is a small business owner of the bookstore From My Shelf Books as well as the author of "The Totally Ninja Raccoons."  Yes, a book series about raccoons, but more importantly, a series catered towards reluctant readers.  Take a listen to this two guest episode to hear about the importance of providing young readers in Appalachia the opportunities to learn accordingly and develop reading fundamentals early.  For the simple reason of capacity (and density) issues, the Appalachian region can often fall short when it comes to specialized services.  These two guests provide excellent examples of how leadership can drive specialized programming and opportunities that may otherwise not exist.  Also, Will  may get "diagnosed" himself in the interview, so be sure to check it out.  Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz of the week: From My Shelf Books!
Hindman Settlement School - www.hindman.org
From My Shelf Books - www.wellsborobookstore.com   
"Totally Ninja Raccoons" - www.kevincoolidge.org 
Community Placemaking - www.soar-ky.org/community-placemaking/ 
 
 

Appalachia Meets World Episode 61 - ”Son of Appalachia” Tim Goodin

In this episode Neil and Will sit down with Appalachian singer songwriter (and proud "Pineville-ian") Tim Goodin.  With his recently released acoustic EP - "Son of Appalachia", Tim sings about what he knows and life growing up in the hills and hollers of central Appalachia.  Take a listen as he describes what influences his unique sound and how Appalachian artists before him have paved the way for the talent that is becoming noticed throughout the region.  His genuine lyrics describe both the struggle and the beauty that make up so much of the region - a region he'll always call "home."  You might even hear Neil reference his favorite artist (no big surprise there - "KC") and a recent spiritual experience he had at the theater.  Also, don't forget the #AppBiz of the week: "The Skirted Soldier"!
Tim Goodin -  www.timgoodinmusic.com/ 
Appalachian Gateway Communities Initiative - www.arc.gov/investment/appalachian-gateway-communities-initiative-providing-tools-for-tourism/ 
"Appalachian Blues" - www.folkways.si.edu/magazine-summer-2010-appalachian-blues/african-american-folk/music/article/smithsonian 
The Skirted Soldier - www.skirtedsoldier.com/ 

Appalachia Meets World Episode 60 - Affordable Housing in Appalachia with Jim King of Fahe

Fahe (or "Bono" of the affordable housing space in Appalachia) is building the American Dream!  In this episode Neil and Will sit down with Jim King of Fahe to discuss all things affordable housing in Appalachia.  As a follow up to the urban perspective on affordable housing, Jim brings a rural perspective and talks about the incredible work that Fahe does in the region.  Take a listen as Jim describes the significance of Fahe's member organizations and how the people of Appalachia ultimately drive positive outcomes.  Stick around to hear about Fahe's upcoming Housing Forum on July 21st as well as their Annual Meeting in September.  You might even hear about Neil's "booming" weekend and how at times he had to take cover, as well as the phenomenon that has a beaver for a mascot.  Don't forget about the #AppBiz of the week: Appalachia (Clayton) Homes!
Fahe: www.fahe.org
Fahe Housing Forum (Virtual) - July 21st at 2 PM EST: www.fahe.org/fahe-housing-forum/ 
Fahe Annual Meeting - September 20th-22nd in Kingsport, TN: www.fahe.org/annual-meeting-2022/ 
Appalachia (Clayton) Homes: www.myappalachiahome.com/
Studio Appalachia: www.design.uky.edu/studio-appalachia/ 
The Happy Place Ghost: www.studiopbj.com/projects/the-happy-place-a-ghost-story 
Buc-ee's: www.buc-ees.com/ 

Appalachia Meets World Episode 59 - ”Venture Forward” Appalachia with Maryam Haque

In this episode Neil and Will sit down with Maryam Haque, the Executive Director of Venture Forward.  Venture Forward is poised to "drive the human capital, culture, values and narrative of venture capital to promote a strong and inclusive community that will fuel the economy of tomorrow."  As a follow to the conversation with 3 Roots Capital, they dive a little deeper into the significance of venture capital and advancing a more diverse, equitable and inclusive (DEI) ecosystem.  Take a listen as Maryam describes what Venture Forward is doing in the DEI space and how that correlates with the rural landscape of Appalachia.  The guys ultimately think it's equally important to think about geographical underserved areas when thinking about DEI in venture capital.  You might even hear Neil's secret ingredient for pancakes and how once a year he tries to "light the woods on fire."  Don't forget the #AppBiz of the week: The Sequoyah Fund! 
Venture Forward: www.ventureforward.org/ 
National Venture Capital Association: www.nvca.org 
Invest Appalachia: www.investappalachia.org/ 
Example VC Firms focusing on DEI
The Sequoyah Fund (#AppBiz):  www.sequoyahfund.org/
Cross Culture Ventures: www.macventurecapital.com/
DiverseCity Ventures: www.diversecityv.com/
Kapor Capital: www.kaporcapital.com/
Backstage Capital: www.backstagecapital.com/
Pride Fund 1: www.pride.vc/
Chattanooga Renaissance Fund: www.chattanoogarenaissancefund.com/
Hatteras Ventures (Pisgah Fund): www.pisgahfund.com/fund/ 
Redhawk VC: www.redhawkvc.com/
OTHER SHOW NOTES
The Daily Yonder - "How Appalachia is Growing its Outdoor Economy through Collaborations and Capacity Building": www.dailyyonder.com/how-appalachia-is-growing-its-outdoor-economy-through-collaborations-and-capacity-building/2022/06/29/ 
State Small Business Credit Initiative: www.home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/small-business-programs/state-small-business-credit-initiative-ssbci
BACON GREASE PANCAKES! www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/bacon-fat-pancakes-9368888
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Appalachia Meets World Episode 58 - Appalachian ”Venture” with Grady Vanderhoofven

In this episode Neil and Will have a conversation with Grady Vanderhoofven, a venture capital expert with 3 Roots Capital (a CDFI providing equity financing and loans in Appalachia) and several other venture funds focused in the Appalachian region.  Data shows that venture backed companies have by in large driven job creation in the country over the last several decades.  Discussion includes the importance of venture capital to the overall economy and the challenges associated with providing capital in rural areas.  Take a listen as Grady talks about his work, inclusion of rural areas and the significance of supporting businesses where they are - much like the importance of place.  You also might hear about Neil's obsession with water (or cleanliness) and how he has big hopes of a shower speaker some day - one can only dream!  Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz of the week: Appalachian Investors Alliance!
3 Roots Capital: www.3rootscapital.org
Meritus Ventures: www.meritusventures.com
TennesSeed Fund: www.tennesseedfund.com
"Appalachia's Burden" (of UK ACTION Program): www.appalachiasburden.com
 

Appalachia Meets World Episode 57 - The ”Pa Wilds” of Appalachia with Ta Enos

In this episode Neil and Will sit down with Ta Enos, CEO of the PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship.  Take a listen as the "Center" goes beyond just promoting the PA Wilds region to advancing outdoor rec as an economic driver.  Ta describes the importance of place and partnerships and how the region works together to grow the outdoor economy in the highly rural PA Wilds region.  A place and a movement, the PA Wilds region is so much more as Ta leads the Center's innovative efforts to diversify the economy and drive sustainability throughout the 13 county region.  Congratulations are also in store for the region becoming a finalist for the Build Back Better Regional Challenge!  You might even hear about a "Krunch" found in the region and how Neil really feels about phones and social media.  Also, don't forget the #AppBiz of the week: Allegheny Outfitters! 
PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship:  www.pawildscenter.org/
Pennsylvania Wilds: www.pawilds.com
PA Wilds Cooperative: www.WildsCoPA.org
Build Back Better Regional Challenge - PA Wilds: www.pawildscenter.org/bbbrc/
#AppBiz - Allegheny Outfitters: www.alleghenyoutfitters.com/
King Krunch - Triple Krunch Munch: www.kingkrunch.com/product/triple-krunch-munch/