Appalachia Meets World

Appalachia Meets World Episode 158 - "Pastology" in Appalachia with Claudean Oakley

In this episode Neil and Will sit down with Claudean Oakley a past nursing director, naturalist and wellness expert that has written a book "Pastology", about not letting your past predict your future.  More specifically, it was an opportunity for her to remind Appalachians, they are becoming highly esteemed; they appreciate their surroundings, culture, past history and embrace opportunities to grow.  In a time when a lot of Appalachian Authors are writing about the natural beauty, poverty or coal mining - this book takes a different reflection, specifically on the past.  Take a listen as Claudean describes her own past and how she took insight from viewing cadavers, among other things.  In addition, some like it hot - that would be Neil and Will - and it's someone's bday!  Also, don't forget the #AppBiz of the week: Love is Real Wellness Cafe!
App News:
ARC ARISE - www.arc.gov/news/arc-awards-nearly-1-6-million-to-expand-outdoor-tourism-and-sustainable-aviation/ 
ARC Chartbook - www.arc.gov/about-the-appalachian-region/the-chartbook/ 
#AppBiz:
Love is Real Wellness Cafe - www.facebook.com/loveisrealwellness/ 
Extra:
Boone's Ridge - https://boonesridge.com 

Appalachia Meets World Episode 157 - Nostalgia and "Lightning Bugs" in Appalachia with Lynn Faust

In this episode Neil and Will sit down with Lynn Faust a self trained expert on Fireflies...or Lightning Bugs as she prefers to keep it - some would even say she's the "Lightning Bug Lady."  From caring for her children in her 30's in a cabin in Elkmont Tennessee to being one of the most reputable firefly experts in the world, Lynn's passion has taken her throughout the Appalachians and beyond.  It's her passion for those mountains and the Appalachian region that shines through the most.  Hear from Lynn as she describes how her passion for lightning bugs grew (slowly) and how she got to where she is today.  She further explains the science behind synchronization and how even the darkness can be mind blowing.  Ever wonder if you can ever catch the synchronization and where to even look?  Take a listen to find out some of Lynn's favorite locations to see the synchronous fireflies and how your own backyard can be just as magical.  A mason jar with holes in the lid can quickly take me back to my childhood - chasing fireflies - hear Lynn explain that experience is overwhelming at any age.  Her book, "Fireflies, Glow-Worms and Lightning Bugs" was one of the first comprehensive firefly guides that DIDN'T just belong in the children's section at your local library.  Lynn's expertise and sheer enthusiasm  for nature and lightning bugs "lights" up this magical epsisode...sit back and let her explain.  You might even hear about Neil's annual explosion and hear some sound from a "Reed" experience Neil and Will went through on vacation last week...oh yeah, the guys took a little hiatus last week - a much needed vacation with the family.  Also, don't forget the #AppBiz of the week: New River Gorge Eco Tours!  
Lynn Faust - https://ugapress.org/author/lynn-frierson-faust/ 
"Fireflies, Glow-Worms and Lightning Bugs" - https://ugapress.org/book/9780820348728/fireflies-glow-worms-and-lightning-bugs/ 
App News:
Healing Appalachia - https://healingappalachia.org 
Country Music Highway Tribute Show in Louisa, July 12-13 - https://soar-ky.org/cmh/ 
Museum of Appalachia Annual Independence Day Anvil Shoot - www.museumofappalachia.org/independence-day/ 
#AppBiz:
New River Gorge Eco Tours - www.newrivergorgeecotours.com 
Extra:
Reed Sheppard Draft Day - www.cbssports.com/nba/news/reed-sheppard-to-rockets-with-no-3-pick-in-nba-draft-2024-kentucky-freshman-standout-lands-in-houston/ 
Mic'd Up - www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1602245000349376 
 

Appalachia Meets World Episode 156 - Throwback Juneteenth Celebration in Appalachia

In this episode we're having a throwback Friday (while Neil's on vacation) to commemorate the Juneteenth holiday.  It's a throwback with DeJuana Thompson as she talks about the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute that enlightens each generation about civil and human rights in Appalachia and beyond.  It works to explore our common past and work together in the present to build a better future.  They stand strong as THE CORNERSTONE of the civil rights story, a living memorial with an ongoing mission.  Take a listen...
Birmingham Civil Rights Institute - www.bcri.org 

Appalachia Meets World Episode 155 - ERC Fellow "Spin and Chat" (in Appalachia) with George Williams

In this monthly Economic Recovery Corps (ERC) Fellow "Spin and Chat," Neil and Will sit down with George Williams - someone who calls overseas home just as much as the states and current Fellow in Cleveland Ohio.  Hear from George as he describes his role with the Fund for our Economic Future - a creative space for philanthropic funders and civic leaders to explore what matters and implement what works to achieve equitable economic growth, emphasizing systemic, long-term change.  He also speaks about the challenges not only in Northeast Ohio, but with the Fellowship as well as the best parts and the reason this work resonates so deeply with his secret to success.  "Oh, the places you'll go" - take a listen to George speak to his background, his travel desires and the real reason he chose the Host community in Cleveland - the empowerment of making an impact had something to do with it.  You might even hear about Will's "smelly" problem or Neil's solution to get rid of it - there's nuances involved here.  Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz of the week: R&R Fly Fishing!
Economic Recovery Corps - www.economicrecoverycorps.org
Fund for Our Economic Future - https://thefundneo.org 
App News:
The Appalachian Fair - www.appalachianfair.com 
ETSU Center for Rural Health Research (ARISE) - www.etsu.edu/etsu-news/2024/06-june/crr-arc-arise-grant.php 
ARC Conference Registration (Open June 17th) - www.arc.gov/event/arc-2024-annual-conference/ 
#AppBiz:
R&R Fly Fishing - https://randrflyfishing.com 

Appalachia Meets World Episode 154 - "Fall Back Friday" at the Laurel Cove Music Festival!

This is a "Fall Back Friday" episode celebrating the Laurel Cove Music Festival that is happening this weekend (June 7th and 8th)...if you're near Pineville, KY definitely check it out (although it's sold out this year)!  This episode is from last year with Jon Grace, the Bell County Tourism Director and Organizer of the Festival.  Take a listen (it you didn't last year) to hear more about the festival and the area in general...and hear about what some refer to as the "RED ROCKS OF APPALACHIA" - the Laurel Cove!!!!
The Laurel Cove Music Festival (2024) - www.laurelcovemusicfestival.com 

Appalachia Meets World Episode 153 - Connecting the Past (Festival) to the Present in Appalachia with the KMLF

In this (different) episode you'll hear a piece from "Inside Appalachia" about the Grand March of the 2023 Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival.  You'll also hear an acceptance speech from an "Honorary Director" of the 2024 Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival - it might give you an idea of just how people from the community feel about the KMLF.   
We've spoken before about the importance of festivals in small town Appalachia.  This episode is no different, highlighting one of our favorite festivals of all time.  We may be biased, but it really is "something everyone should experience at least once."  
Till next time...
"Inside Appalachia" (Folkways Report) - https://wvpublic.org/ball-gowns-curtsies-and-a-queen-pineville-kentucky-hosts-elaborate-dance-tradition-with-polish-roots/ 

Appalachia Meets World Episode 152 - A Country Music (Highway) Tribute in Appalachia with Kirsten Wilburn and Kristin Brown Norman of SOAR

Readin, Rightin, Route 23!! THE COUNTRY MUSIC HIGHWAY!
In this episode Neil and Will sit down with Kirsten Wilburn and Kristin Brown Norman of Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR) to talk about the Country Music Highway - or Route 23!  Kentucky's Country Music  Highway has produced more stars per square mile than any stretch of roadway in the world.  These two individuals are in charge of putting together a tribute show(s) that not only celebrates those stars of the past, but the future stars as well.  It's important for a region to recognize and celebrate its assets and in Eastern Kentucky there are no better assets than the people.  Hear Kirsten and Kristin talk about the upcoming tribute shows and why SOAR decided to put them together in the first place.  It's more than just the music, however, the locations and entrepreneurial activity is just as important to highlight and support - there's "magic in them mountains," something the guys are reminded of time and time again.  Take a listen to hear what The Country Music Highway is all about and why Route 23 has made and continues to make a significant impact in the region.  You might even hear Neil give his take on the Top 5 Appalachian Songs and why he has decided he needs "to get out more - or add to his list."  Also, don't forget the #AppBiz(s) - or in this case #AppTown(s) - of the week: Russel, Louisa and Ashland - KY!
Country Music Highway Tribute Shows - www.cmhtributeshow.com 
Spotify Playlist 2024 Country Music Highway Tribute Shows - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/76cHcI7cx46D2MA4EwNIc3?si=ef281937614c4d75 
County Music Highway Museum - https://paintsvilletourism.com/us-23-country-music-highway-museum-2/ 
SOAR - www.soar-ky.org 
App News:
Invest Appalachia Fund - https://investappalachia.org/ia-fund-closes-35m/ 
Virginia Tech Hydrogen Future in Appalachia - https://news.vt.edu/articles/2024/04/a-hydrogen-future-seeks-sustainable-energy-and-economic-growth-f.html#:~:text=Category%3A%20research-,A%20hydrogen%20future%20could%20offer%20sustainable%20energy%20and%20economic%20growth,new%20economic%20and%20job%20opportunities
Appalachia's Stalled Revival - https://thespectator.com/topic/appalachia-stalled-revival-development/ 
Seven Geological Wonders in Appalachia - https://appvoices.org/2024/05/09/seven-wonders/
INSIDE APPALACHIA on WVPB - https://wvpublic.org/podcasts/inside-appalachia/ 
5 Songs of Appalachia - https://americansongwriter.com/5-songs-that-will-remind-you-of-growing-up-in-appalachia/ 
#AppBiz(s):
Russell - www.russellky.net  
Louisa - www.cityoflouisa.org 
     -Lawrence County Tourism Commission - https://visitlcky.com 
Ashland - www.ashlandky.gov 
     -Visit AKY - https://visitaky.com 
EXTRA: 
Miguel's Pizza (Red River Gorge) - www.miguelspizza.com 
MUSIC (in episode, in order):
1) Readin' Rightin' Route 23 - Dwight Yoakam
2) Shake the Frost - Tyler Childers
3) Fishin' in the Dark - Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
4) Roll That Rock - Bobby and Teddi Cyrus
5) Long Haired Southern Hippie - Joe Clark
6) Till the Bitter End - Johnathon Cox
7) Those Were The Days - Cory Michael Harris 
8) You'll Never Leave Harlan Alive - Patty Loveless

Appalachia Meets World Episode 151 - Behind the "Festival" in Appalachia with Samantha North and Shannon Elliott

It's almost FESTIVAL SEASON in Appalachia!!!
In this episode Will and (sans) Neil sit down with Pineville Schools.  Through the Innovative Approaches to Literacy (IAL) Program Samantha North and Shannon Elliott applied for a grant through the Smithsonian Institute to allow a group of students to produce a documentary about the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival (the oldest festival on record in the Commonwealth of Kentucky).  Speaking to nostalgia for the guys, here how Shannon and Samantha guided the students, not only through the process but through the significance of the festival itself.  For a lot of people from Pineville the KMLF is more than just a festival, it's a sense of belonging, a sense of place.  Take a listen to hear what it now means to Shannon and Samantha and how that carried over to the students.  It proved to provide a sense of purpose for the students, one that they could learn to appreciate where they're from.  Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz(s) of the week (for Youth Apprenticeship Week): DataSeam; and Cornett Farm Fresh!
Smithsonian Museum on Main Street - https://museumonmainstreet.org 
"When the Mountain Laurel Blooms: Embracing Tradition in Pineville, KY" - https://museumonmainstreet.org/content/when-mountain-laurel-blooms-embracing-tradition-pineville-kentucky 
Mountain Lion News - www.youtube.com/@Mtnlionnews/videos 
Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival - www.kmlf.org 
App News:
Mother's Day (in Appalachia) - www.history.com/topics/holidays/mothers-day 
Foxfire Mother's of Appalachia Book: Article (Garden and Gun) - https://gardenandgun.com/articles/why-foxfire-still-resonates/ 
Appalachian Sustainable Finance Hub Launch Event - www.heartlandfinancehub.org/launch?emci=20b528c3-a908-ef11-96f3-7c1e521b07f9&emdi=ea000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000001&ceid=%7B%7BContactsEmailID%7D%7D 
ARC Arise $1.7 Million - www.arc.gov/news/arc-awards-nearly-1-7-million-to-grow-workforces-in-cybersecurity-infrastructure-and-housing-capacity-across-six-appalachian-states/ 
Youth Apprenticeship Week - https://blog.dol.gov/2024/05/06/youth-apprenticeship-week-is-here 
Festival (State) Guide - https://festivalguidesandreviews.com 
#AppBiz:
DataSeam - www.kydataseam.com 
Cornett Farm Fresh - www.cornettfarmfresh.com