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 Feb 11, 2022
Friday Feb 11, 2022
In this episode Neil and Will talk Appalachian identity with Neema Avashia, an Appalachian Author of the new book, "Another Appalachia: Coming Up Queer and Indian in a Mountain Place." A child of immigrants, Neema discusses her love for Appalachia and how basketball helped her to integrate while trying to form her own identity. Listen as she discusses how important mentors were for her upbringing, how "neighboring" is just different in Appalachia and how a diversity of voice is important in the region. She might even solve the age old question of biscuits - Cracker Barrel or Tudor's Biscuit World? You might even find out who the guys are rooting for in the Super Burrowl! Don't forget about the #AppBiz of the week: Butcher's Bites. Take a listen!
Neema Avashia: www.neemaavashia.com
Butcher's Bites: www.butchersbites.com
Friday Feb 04, 2022
Friday Feb 04, 2022
In this episode Neil and Will sit down with Dr. April Young a professor in the Department of Epidemiology at the University of Kentucky and substance use researcher. They take the time to discuss substance abuse and harm reduction and make a point to personalize substance use disorder. Take a listen to hear about her research and what solutions are in place to support the ongoing epidemic that has greatly effected the entire region, in more than one way. Also, listen to Neil throw out his own research ideas and his ongoing disdain for waiting rooms. Don't forget about the AppBiz of the week: Black Soil KY
Black Soil KY: www.blacksoilky.com
Friday Jan 28, 2022
Friday Jan 28, 2022
In this episode, Neil and Will sit down with award winning documentary filmmaker Elaine McMillion Sheldon. Better known for her Netflix documentaries "Recovery Boys" and "Heroin(e)", she dives into her overall work, why it's important for her to be in Appalachia and how there are bigger issues to worry about than lazy stereotypes. As a granddaughter, daughter and sister of a coal miner, she also discusses her upcoming documentary, "King Coal", and the immediate need to focus on what's next. You also don't want to miss her West Virginia trivia skills and how she calls a place she has never lived "home." Additionally, find out what Neil thinks of acronyms and "incubators" - it's been a while! Take a listen!
Friday Jan 21, 2022
Friday Jan 21, 2022
In this episode, Neil and Will sit down with Kyle Wilson the founder of "Boom Beans" - supreme coffee and an entrepreneurial program teaching Appalachian youth to launch their own opportunities! An entrepreneur himself, listen as he talks about his strong desire to give back to the place he'll always call "home." While your at it, check out the coffee and help "boom the economy in Appalachia!" Also, depending on where your from find out what might just "hit a little different" and why some of us are digging out this week. Don't forget about the #AppBiz of the week: Boom Beans. Take a listen!
Boom Beans: www.boombeans.com
Awesome Inc: www.awesomeinc.org
Appalachian Regional Commission - Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy (Apply today for summer admission - applications due 3/4/22): www.arc.gov/appalachian-entrepreneurship-academy/
Museum of Appalachia: www.museumofappalachia.org
Friday Jan 14, 2022
Friday Jan 14, 2022
In this last episode of the Appalachian Music series, Neil and Will sit down with singer/songwriter Cody Howard from the "deep dark hills of Eastern Kentucky." Listen as Cody talks about what inspires his writing and how he learned to appreciate where he's from. You might also find out what the difference is between "Maters and Skeeters." Also, Neil will let you in on a new found accessory he has caved on, just in time for this episode! Don't forget about the #AppBiz of the week: Higher Ground in Harlan County. Take a listen!
Higher Ground in Harlan Kentucky: www.highergroundinharlan.com
The music played in this episode, as listed below, was for entertainment and discussion purposes only and recorded by Cody Howard.
Cody Howard - "Bandits"
Cody Howard - "Mine Town"
Cody Howard - "Warsaw"
Robert Gipe/Cody Howard - "Maters and Skeeters"
Cody Howard - "When I Finally Get Around to 'Livin"
Friday Jan 07, 2022
Friday Jan 07, 2022
In this episode Neil and Will sit down with Terrell Benton a virtuoso of the history of music in The Shoals. As the "Hit Recording Capital of the World," The Shoals represents the diversity that is found throughout the Appalachian region. Listen as Terrell describes the Muscle Shoals Sound and the magic that is made in the hallowed halls of the recording studios in the region. As described by the Rolling Stones,"...The Shoals just inspires you to do it differently." Also, find out if Neil kept his doors open for the New Year and his fear of the end of the world. The music played in this episode, as listed below, is for entertainment purposes only and is part of the The Shoals recording history.
Jimmy Hughes - "Steal Away" (first hit recorded at the current location of FAME studio)
Staple Singers - "I'll Take You There"
Arthur Alexander - "You Better Move On"
Aretha Franklin - "Respect"
Percy Sledge - "When a Man Loves a Woman"
R. B. Greaves - "Take a Letter Maria"
The Rolling Stones - "Brown Sugar"
Eddie Hinton - "You Got Me Singing"
Bob Seger - "Old Time Rock N' Roll"
Lynard Skynard - "Sweet Home Alabama"
Recognition:
Muscle Shoals (documentary) - produced by Stephen M. Badger - official website: www.magpictures.com/muscleshoals/
Florence-Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau - www.visitflorenceal.com
Friday Dec 31, 2021
Friday Dec 31, 2021
In this special New Year's episode Will and Neil sit down with legendary long distance hiker Nimblewill Nomad, the oldest man (at 83 years of age) to through hike the Appalachian Trail. While others are making New Year's resolutions, Nimblewill lives them everyday through his hiking accomplishments. Take a listen and hear him discuss his purpose and what keeps him going while on the trail. Also, find out this year's resolution for Will and Neil and what (new) New Year's tradition Neil has planned for the big day.
Nimblewill Nomad: www.nimblewillnomad.com
Friday Dec 24, 2021
Friday Dec 24, 2021
In this special Christmas episode Neil and Will discuss some past traditions and talk of the meaning of "Old Christmas." To highlight the brief and special episode, Neil gives an Appalachian rendition of "Twas the Night Before Christmas." So...sit back, relax, enjoy a hot cup of cocoa and take a listen as Neil tells the tale of "Twas the Night Before AN APPALACHIAN Christmas!" Happy Holidays!
"Old Christmas" Meaning: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Christmas
"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."