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 Jun 10, 2022
Friday Jun 10, 2022
In this episode, Neil and Will sit down with brothers Jared and Josh Ravenscraft of the Appalachian Based Clothing Company - New Frontier. From humble beginnings, Jared and Josh discuss how they have grown their brand while remaining truly authentic and genuine along the way. As a couple of heavy weight "doers" from Appalachia, with consistency they've taken a dream and made it a reality and then some. Take a listen as they describe their brand and the region they call home, and why everyone should take notice for what's to come. You might even hear brother Neil spread the Appalachian gospel - while both sets of brothers utilize their platforms to "gas up" Appalachia on the daily. Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz of the week: New Frontier!
New Frontier: www.newfrontierbrand.com
Laurel Cove Music Festival: www.bellcountytourism.com/laurel-cove-music-festival
Workforce Opportunities for Rural Communities (WORC): www.arc.gov/workforce-opportunity-for-rural-communities-worc/
L.I.F.T funding program: www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=akygrants
Friday Jun 03, 2022
Friday Jun 03, 2022
In this episode Neil and Will sit down with Leila Finucane the President and CEO of Victory Housing Inc., an award winning non-profit affordable housing developer in the D.C. area. An expert in the affordable housing and community development space, she explains just how affordable housing is defined and what solutions are being recommended to curb the crisis. Take a listen as she provides a unique urban connection to Appalachia as it relates to affordable housing and what similarities there actually are. She also explains her own personal connections to the Appalachian region. You might even hear Neil rant about the "American Dream" - or how close Appalachia Meets World is to winning a Grammy! Don't forget the #AppBiz(s) of the week: Engle's Drive In (first repeat #AppBiz); and Frontier Housing!
Victory Housing Inc. - www.victoryhousing.org
Engle's Drive In - www.facebook.com/Engles-112686252139141/
Frontier Housing - www.frontierky.org
SOAR Focus Summit: Entrepreneurship and Innovation - www.soar-ky.org/staging/1249/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Focus-Summit-Hazard-Agenda-rv.-5-27-2022.pdf
Check us out on (and leave a review): Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or anywhere you listen to podcasts!
Friday May 20, 2022
Friday May 20, 2022
In this special anniversary episode, Neil and Will celebrate one year of Appalachia Meets World! Take a quick listen as Neil gives a recap of the past year of episodes and as the guys get "researched." We just wanted to take a week to thank the community of listeners - keep sending us ideas and comments, all much appreciated! We're all in on Appalachia and can't wait for what's ahead - stayed tuned and remember to stay Always Appalachian!
Friday May 13, 2022
Friday May 13, 2022
In this episode Neil and Will sit down with Dr. Nathan Vanderford, director of the Appalachian Career Training in Oncology (ACTION) Program. The program offers opportunities for Appalachian undergrads and high school students to learn more about health disparities in Appalachia (specifically in regards to cancer) and gives them a voice to share their own stories with the region. Take a listen as Dr. Vanderford describes his passion for the mountains, the students he mentors and fostering the future of cancer in the region. Hear his own personal experience and where you can read about the experiences of the students - spoiler alert - it's in the student driven book(s): "The Cancer Crisis in Appalachia: Kentucky Students Take ACTION." You might even hear why Neil missed the greatest 2 minutes in sports (it had something to do with a dogg), and what his favorite kitchen dish is. Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz of the week: East Fork Pottery!
Appalachian Career Training in Oncology (ACTION) Program: https://ukhealthcare.uky.edu/markey-cancer-center/research/action
"The Cancer Crisis in Appalachia: Kentucky Students Take ACTION" https://www.kentuckypress.com/9781950690039/the-cancer-crisis-in-appalachia/
Association of Community Cancer Centers (ACCC): https://www.accc-cancer.org/home/news-media/news-releases/news-template/2022/05/10/accc-launches-efforts-to-address-screening-cancer-care-challenges-in-appalachia
University of Pikeville College of Dentistry (News): https://www.upike.edu/transformative-25-million-gift-brings-college-of-dentistry-to-the-university-of-pikeville/
East Fork Pottery: www.EastFork.com
Don't miss the live episode on May 27th at 10:30 AM from the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival! www.kmlf.org
Friday May 06, 2022
Friday May 06, 2022
In this episode Neil and Will sit down with the Federal Co-Chair of the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), Gayle Manchin. She discusses the importance of collaboration throughout the region and the priorities of the ARC. Becoming the first Federal Co-Chair from the only State that is entirely in Appalachia, West Virginia, she understands and has lived the issues of the region and is focused on the future opportunities for Appalachia. Take a listen as she speaks from the heart and talks about the "soul" of Appalachia...you might even hear her display her knowledge of the Wild and Wonderful State. Also, Neil has allergies and Will calls his shot...Happy Derby Eve - Charge It! Don't forget the #AppBiz(s) of the Week: Dogwood Crafters; Tuckaseegee Fly Shop; Dillsboro River Company!
Appalachian Regional Commission: www.arc.gov
Appalachia Envisioned: ARC's 2022-2026 Strategic Plan: www.arc.gov/strategicplan/
Dogwood Crafters: www.dogwoodcrafters.com
Tuckaseegee Fly Shop: www.tuckflyshop.com
Dillsboro River Company: www.northcarolinarafting.com
Friday Apr 29, 2022
Friday Apr 29, 2022
In this episode Neil and Will sit down with the CEO of Eastern KY Pride and KY Wildlands Tammie Nazario, and the Marketing Director Farrah Dobbs. On Earth Day they discuss the importance of environmental education and care and having "PRIDE" in where you're from. Their work with the KY Wildlands initiative brings attention to the natural beauty of the 14,000 square-mile region with the goal of driving economic development. Take a listen to find out how they go about achieving their goals and how EVERYDAY they get to "GAS UP" Eastern and Southern Kentucky! Listen long enough and you might even find out Neil's story about a girl, a rock and a chain. Don't forget about the #AppBiz of the week: Wildcat Adventure and Off Road Park!
Eastern Kentucky PRIDE: www.kypride.org
Kentucky Wildlands: www.explorekywildlands.com
Wildcat Adventure and Off Road Park: www.wildcatoffroadpark.com
ARC Power Initiative: www.arc.gov/arcs-power-initiative
Friday Apr 22, 2022
Friday Apr 22, 2022
In this episode, Neil and Will sit down with the founder or RFD-TV, Patrick Gottsch. Mr. Gottsch breaks down how the network got started and how media has changed since he began. Take a listen as he discusses an important mission of RFD-TV, connecting the rural and urban environments. In a time of division, it's important for the media outlet to bring a diversity of networking to the masses. He also talks about his appreciation for rodeo and the growth of the company, to include "The Cowboy Channel." The guys also debate the idea of an Easter egg "hunt" and how Will got thrown in with the pigs at an early age. Don't forget the #AppBiz of the week: The Appalachian Solar Finance Fund!
RFD-TV: www.rfdtv.com
The Cowboy Channel: www.thecowboychannel.com
Appalachian Solar Finance Fund: www.solarfinancefund.org
Imagining the Indian Documentary: www.imaginingtheindianfilm.org
Friday Apr 15, 2022
Friday Apr 15, 2022
In this episode, Neil and Will follow up on the previous Disney episode and sit down with Barry Cook to talk about "My Peoples." Barry Cook is a legend in the animation industry, along with directing Disney hits like "Mulan," he also wrote the only Appalachian based Disney movie to date, that unfortunately never got made. Barry discusses the history of "My Peoples" and how art played such a prominent role in his life. Take a listen as he talks about the possibilities of "My Peoples" being revived, and Neil shares his thoughts on the issue...spoiler alert, Neil is adamant about this movie happening, as well he should be! Don't forget about the #AppBiz(s) of the week: Patch Animation Studio and the Appalachian Media Institute.
Barry Cook - www.barrycook.film
Barry Cook Stories - www.barrycookstories.com
Studio PB&J - www.studiopbj.com
Disney Lost and Found - Book: Exploring the Hidden Artword from Never-Produced Animation
Dolly Parton NFT - www.welcometodollyverse.com
Redevelopment Institute - www.redevelopmentinstitute.org
International Economic Development Council (IEDC) - www.iedconline.org
Patch Animation Studio - www.patchanimation.com
Appalachian Media Institute - www.amiappalshop.org
Music:
- Ricky Skaggs - "Appalachian Joy"
- Dolly Parton - "Better Days"
"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."