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.
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Episodes
Friday Dec 17, 2021
Friday Dec 17, 2021
In this episode, Neil and Will sit down with Alex Miller, a bonafide torch carrying champion of traditional country music. He discusses his ascent from Appalachia to American Idol to gracing the stage at the Ryman Auditorium and with Country Music legends. Listen as he talks about his roots, his inspiration for music and what he had to do before filming his first music video - you might be surprised. Don't forget to check out his new single "Don't Let the Barn Door Hit Ya", and his new Christmas single "That's What Christmas is For." His debut album is to be released in early 2022. Also, in light of the recent tornado that devastated parts of multiple states, Neil and Will share some information for helping those in need.
Alex Miller - www.alexmillercountry.com
Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund - www.teamwkyrelieffund.ky.gov
WFPL Tornado Resources List - https://wfpl.org/heres-how-you-can-help-tornado-victims/
Western Kentucky Toy Drive (DEADLINE DECEMBER 18th!) - https://governor.ky.gov/toydrive
KSR Tornado Relief Fund Powered by the Kentucky Chamber Foundation - www.kychamber.com/ksrtornadorelief
Friday Dec 10, 2021
Friday Dec 10, 2021
In this episode, Neil and Will sit down with John Hallberg to talk about the upcoming opening of the Appalachian Dulcimer Museum. Among other things they discuss the history of the Appalachian Dulcimer and what makes it unique to the region. Also, Neil and Will debate the greatness of what is The Emmet Otter's Christmas Special. Don't forget about the #AppBiz of the week: Appalachian Spirit Folk Instruments. Take a listen!
Appalachian Dulcimer Museum: www.dulcimermuseum.org
Appalachian Spirit Folk Instruments: www.appalachianspirit.com
The Appalachian School of Luthiery: www.appalachianluthiery.org
Troublesome Creek Stringed Instrument Co.: www.troublesomecreekguitars.com
Friday Dec 03, 2021
Friday Dec 03, 2021
In this episode, Will and Neil sit down with seven time Grammy nominee Dr. Ted Olson to talk about the history of Bluegrass, Old Time and Country Music in the Appalachian region. Listen as Dr. Olson discusses the origins of the "Birthplace of Country Music," and how place shapes a sound. He might even give his take on one of Neil's favorites - KC. In addition, don't forget to check out his newly released limited podcast series - "Sepia Tones: Exploring Black Appalachian Music." Also, listen to hear what makes Will "tingle." Don’t forget to check out the App Biz of the week, the Mountain Music Exchange in Pikeville.
Sepia Tones: Exploring Black Appalachian Music - www.buzzsprout.com/1026877/8920127
#AppBiz: Mountain Music Exchange - www.mountainmusicexchange.com
Friday Nov 26, 2021
Friday Nov 26, 2021
On this special Thanksgiving episode, Neil and Will invite you to their table where a lot of special memories have been made. When it comes to storytelling, Appalachia has a rich history of carrying on traditions through this special skill. The place where this skill is often honed is of course around the table. Hear from generations of Appalachians to some that have moved to the area only to now call it "home" as well. Also, is it pe-"caun", PE-"can", or "pee-can"...you decide. Happy Thanksgiving You'uns...and don't forget the appetizers!
Friday Nov 19, 2021
Friday Nov 19, 2021
In this episode, Will and Neil have a chat with Colby Hall the Executive Director of Shaping Our Appalachian Region, or SOAR. Among the many things that SOAR does, during National Entrepreneurship Month Colby discusses the importance of broadband and entrepreneurial development in Eastern Kentucky. Just in time for SOAR's recent release of the "Complete Guide to Entrepreneurship in Eastern Kentucky!" There's a lot of work to be done throughout Appalachia and this organization of "doers" is making major strides in the region. The guys might even get him to explain the moniker - "King" Hall. Take a listen and find out the new App Biz of the week - #NewFrontier.
Shaping Our Appalachian Region: www.soar-ky.org/
Complet Guide to Entrepreneurship in Eastern Kentucky: www.soar-ky.org/entrepreneurship-in-eky/
New Frontier: www.newfrontierbrand.com/
Friday Nov 12, 2021
Friday Nov 12, 2021
In this episode Will and Neil take a back seat to the Directors of Leadership Programs in KY, OH, TN, VA and WV, and leaders in their own right. The guys discuss the importance of leadership and capacity building in Appalachia with Janice Way of Leadership KY; Mark Cappone of Leadership In Appalachia OH; Cathy Cate of Leadership TN; Susan Horne of Lead VA; and Pam Farris of Leadership WV. There was a focus on the building of networks and agreement that a stronger Appalachia = a stronger State altogether! With so much content, this episode called for a longer run without a single mention of Neil's chickens...imagine that! Oh yeah - eat at ENGLE'S! #AppBiz
Leadership KY - www.leadershipky.org
Leadership in Appalachia OH - www.ohio.edu/voinovich-school/academy/appalachia
Leadership TN - www.leadershiptennessee.org
Lead VA - www.leadvirginia.org
Leadership WV - www.leadershipwv.org
Appalachia Envisioned: ARC's 2022-2026 Strategic Plan - www.arc.gov/strategicplan/
Friday Nov 05, 2021
Friday Nov 05, 2021
In this episode Will and Neil talk to an Appalachian inventor and "creator of an industry", Jamie Mosley. Listen as he describes the grind of developing a product and bringing it to market, as well as where his passions lie. Like most entrepreneurs, the ex-NASCAR (or future) driver and classic country music savant had a problem and focused on a solution - the beauty for budding entrepreneurs is that there are "plenty of problems that need to be solved", why not in Appalachia! Also, the guys contemplate how they can get the podcast on a NASCAR hood.
https://smokecrossbar.com/
HBO Vice News
Friday Oct 29, 2021
Friday Oct 29, 2021
Listen to the special Halloween episode of Appalachia Meets World! Will and Neil sit down with paranormal researcher Steve Ward to discuss the Appalachian legend of The Mothman! In addition, Susan Rotante from the Grove Park Inn shares a ghost tale of an infamous guest. Will and Neil will also unveil their Halloween costumes, much to the surprise of each other...find out "who comes first!"
Mothman Museum: www.mothmanmuseum.com/
Grove Park Inn: www.omnihotels.com/hotels/asheville-grove-park
"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."