Appalachia Meets World

Appalachia Meets World Episode 150 - ERC Fellow "Spin and Chat" (in Appalachia) with Mick Thornton

In this inaugural (and monthly)  Economic Recovery Corps (ERC) Fellow "Spin and Chat," Neil and Will sit down with Mick Thornton - a self described builder of things and current Fellow in San Juan County, Utah.  In a previous episode (episode 139) Nathan Ohle, President and CEO of the International Economic Development Council, explained the purpose of the ERC - as described on the website - "a new collaborative initiative designed to accelerate recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic in distressed communities and regions throughout the U.S. by connecting organizations with the talent and capacity needed to advance new ways of doing economic development that promote economic resilience and transformative change."  It connects a Fellow to a Host community in order to build capacity and drive transformative change.  Mick Thorton is one of those Fellows!  Hear from Mick as he describes why he applied and all about his project in San Juan, UT - and how challenges there (and other regions) are much more similar to challenges in Appalachia than they are different.  You'll also hear about Mick's background, what he hopes to accomplish and maybe a little about the "adventure" he and his family have been on the two years prior to accepting the fellowship - in the end, it's about the people!  As a former Pastor and Radio Host, those learned skills for Mick have seamlessly been adapted to the ever expanding (and new) field of economic development - or as Mick describes, a field built on connections.  Take a listen to get a true understanding of why Mick does what he does - and how the region he works in is better for it.  You might even hear Neil and Will talk about the "greatest two minutes in sports" - or why Neil has turned his back on the unofficial drink of Kentucky.  Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz of the week: Horse Soldier!
Learn about the Fellow: https://economicrecoverycorps.org/fellow-information/rev-mick-thornton-b-a-m-div/ 
Learn about the Host (San Juan County, UT) Project: https://economicrecoverycorps.org/projects/ 
Mick's Minute - www.micksminute.com 
The Good Talk (App) - www.thegoodtalkapp.com 
App News:
Connect Humaniy/Microsoft IDEA Fund in Appalachia - https://connecthumanity.fund/idea-fund-partnership-microsoft/ 
Ohio Grant for Recreational Opportunities and Quality of Life in Appalachia - https://governor.ohio.gov/media/news-and-media/transformative-154-million-investment-in-appalachian-downtowns-and-destinations#:~:text=The%20%24154%20million%20will%20be,where%20these%20opportunities%20have%20not
PBS Docuseries Episode 2 on Appalachia with Amythyst Kiah (article) - www.johnsoncitypress.com/living/arts-entertainment/amythyst-kiah-to-be-featured-in-new-pbs-docuseries/article_8010291e-023f-11ef-8c53-2731d0dc7c32.html 
PBS Docuseries Episode 2 "The Express Way with Dule Hill" - www.pbs.org/video/appalachia-dbxwz4/  
SOAR Country Music Highway Tribute Show(s) - www.cmhtributeshow.com 
SOAR Country Music Highway Tribute Show Facebook Page - www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558753064401 
#AppBiz:
Horse Soldier - https://horsesoldierbourbon.com 
Extras:
The Round Robin Bar ("Mint Julep Bar") in DC - https://washington.intercontinental.com/food-drink/round-robin-bar/ 
The Mint Julep (Official Kentucky Derby Recipe) - www.kentuckyderby.com/recipes/drinks/woodford-reserve-mint-julep/ 
Music:
"Achy Breaky Heart" - Billy Ray Cyrus
"Up" (Mick's Choice) - Forrest Frank
"Black Myself" - Amythyst Kiah

Appalachia Meets World Episode 149 - Backwoods Moonshine Museum (in Appalachia) with Donnie Benton and Teresa Mays

In this episode Will and (minus) Neil sit down with the "Beattyville Hillbillies!"  Donnie Benton and Teresa Mays are the founders of the Backwoods Moonshine Museum in Appalachia Kentucky - a stop on the "Moonshine Trail."  While the Bourbon Trail is often thought of when thinking Kentucky, the Moonshine Trail is more on the Appalachian side of the state and speaks to the rich heritage and history moonshine has in Appalachia.  Take a listen as Donnie and Teresa talk about starting the museum and their history with the spirit...not to mention their stint on "Moonshiners."  AMW has spoken before about the importance of festivals in small town Appalachia; hear from the "Beattyville Hillbillies" as they talk about a fairly new (in its fourth year) festival that the history of moonshine has brought to their small town.  You might even hear Donnie speak of "knowing a guy that knows a guy."  If nothing else, check 'em out - as they admit, it's truly in the backwoods!  Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz(s) of the week: Barrel House Distilling Company; Regeneration Distilling Company; Kentucky Mist Distillery; Kentucky Mountain Moonshine; and Pauley Hollow Distillery!
Backwoods Moonshine Museum - www.backwoodsmoonshinemuseum.com 
Moonshine Trail - www.moonshinetrail.com 
The Beattyville Hillbillies - www.facebook.com/p/Donnie-Teresa-The-Beattyville-Hillbillies-Backwoods-Moonshine-Museum-100039862821268/ 
Beattyville Bourbon and Moonshine Festival - www.beattyvillebourbonandmoonshinefest.com 
App News:
Solar for All Program (KY) - https://kentuckylantern.com/briefs/kentucky-to-receive-62-million-to-expand-solar-energy-access-to-low-income-households/ 
ARC READY Local Governments Initiative - www.arc.gov/news/arc-selects-90-local-governments-to-receive-no-cost-training-access-to-funding-through-ready-local-governments-initiative/ 
#AppBiz(s):
Barrel House Distilling Company - www.barrelhousedistillery.com 
Regeneration Distilling Company - www.regenerationdistilling.com 
Kentucky Mist Distillery - www.kentuckymist.com 
Kentucky Mountain Moonshine - www.kentuckymountainmoonshine.com 
Pauley Hollow Distillery - www.pauleyhollowdistillery.com 
Extra:
The Bobcat Dairy Bar - www.facebook.com/thebobcatdairybar/ 
Brenda's BBQ Smoke Shack - www.facebook.com/BrendasSmokeShack/ 
 

Appalachia Meets World Episode 148 - An Appalachian Appetizer Champion (and another Throwback Appalachian Foodways)!

Sorry for missing last week...we had a few technical (and timing) difficulties...but, like BBN (and poltergeist) - WE'RE BACK!!
In this episode, Neil and Will throw it back to their favorite Appalachian Food episode of all time, with the "King of Country Ham" - Allan Benton!  We also discuss the Appalachian Appetizer Final Four and who was crowned the 2024 Champion - definitely "one shining moment!"  No sleepers here, there were definitely some blue bloods in the mix!  Take a listen to find out which appetizer was crowned the fan favorite!  We also talked about a few upcoming App News items, check 'em out in the notes below!  
Till next time remember to be - "Always Appalachian!"  
Grandma Gatewood One Act Play:
https://lorainpalace.com/emma-gatewood-are-you-out-of-your-bloomin-mind-sunday-may-19th-at-200-pm-15/ 
https://www.morningjournal.com/2024/04/08/nathan-perry-chapter-fundraiser-to-feature-one-act-play-on-emma-gatewood/ 
ARC Appalachian Leadership Institute (deadline for applications is June 1st!!) - www.arc.gov/academies-and-institutes/leadership/ 
ARC Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy - https://www.arc.gov/academies-and-institutes/aea/ 
ARC Appalachian STEM Academy - https://www.arc.gov/academies-and-institutes/stem/ 

Appalachia Meets World Episode 147 - Throwback Food and an Appetizer Bracket in Appalachia!

In this episode Neil and Will throwback to a previous "food" episode with Melissa Booth Hall of the Southern Foodways Alliance (SFA).   First though, they spend some time breaking down the Sweet Sixteen of Appalachian Appetizers!  The Final Four has been set, take a listen to find out what has made the list.  The guys also talk about how food is a uniter among people, not just in Appalachia but in most cultures.  Find out how food is a bit nostalgic for them both - and the best way to cook a roast!  
Southern Foodways Alliance - www.southernfoodways.org 
#App News:
Startup Appalachian Pitch Competition (SOAR) - https://soar-ky.org/accepting-applications-2024-soar-startup-appalachia-pitch-competition/ 

Appalachia Meets World Episode 146 - "The Central Appalachians" with Mark Hendricks

In this episode, AMW sits down with Mark Hendricks a photo journalist who recently completed a stunning book dedicated to the Appalachian Mountains.  In the book - "The Central Appalachians - Mountains of the Chesapeake", Mark dedicates almost a decade of his life to document the amazing aspects of one of the most diverse mountain ranges in the world.  Take a listen as he describes his journey, his favorite photo and what was one of the most dynamic aspects of the mountains!  Also, don't forget the #AppBiz of the week: The Benezette Hotel!
Mark Hendricks Photography - www.markhendricksphoto.com 
The Central Appalachians: Mountains of the Chesapeake www.schiffermilitary.com/collections/schiffer-new-releases/products/the-central-appalachians  
#AppBiz:
The Benezette Hotel - www.benezettehotel.com 

Appalachia Meets World Episode 145 - The "Industrial Commons" in Appalachia with Molly Hemstreet

In this episode, Neil and Will sit down with Molly Hemstreet the Co-Executive Director of the Industrial Commons - reviving the historic textile district in North Carolina one social enterprise at a time.  The Industrial Commons founds and scales employee owned social enterprises and industrial cooperatives, and support frontline workers to build a new southern working class that erases the inequities of generational poverty and guilds an economy and future for all.  Molly explains how it all started "with some thread" and how she has not only transformed her organization but the Carolina Textile District as well.  Take a listen to hear thoughts on social enterprises, cooperatives and the circular economy and how she thinks about the workplace and the future of work in the mountains.  You might even hear about Neil's "update."  Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz(s) of the week: Opportunity Threads; and The Collection!
The Industrial Commons - www.theindustrialcommons.org 
AppNews:
"Interpreting Rural Life: From Appalachia to the World" - https://cas.appstate.edu/news/march-22-documentary-filmmakers-interpreting-rural-life-appalachia-world 
The APPY Awards - https://www.facebook.com/theappalachianartsandentertainmentawards/
#AppBiz(s):
Opportunity Threads - www.opportunitythreads.com
Collection - https://createthecollection.com 

Appalachia Meets World Episode 144 - "Reimagine Appalachia" with Dana Kuhnline

In this episode Neil and Will sit down with Dana Kuhnline, a senior program director for Reimagine Appalachia - a broad and inclusive coalition of individuals and organizations based in Appalachia.  Hear from Dana as she describes what Reimagine Appalachia is all about and how there efforts are making an impact on the region.  While the word "reimagine" could be taken a number of ways, she describes how the organization is thinking towards the future - a more sustainable and equitable future - while remembering the past and cultural heritage that is so strong in the region.  Take a listen as she explains why she is so passionate about the region and the work she has been doing for decades.  You might even hear why Neil is so down and out on this day and how he's branching out when it comes to his favorite appetizer!  Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz of the week: Appalachian Arts Craft Center!
Reimagine Appalachia - https://reimagineappalachia.org 
App News:
Boomers Who Tried to Move to Florida and Ended Up in Appalachia - www.wsj.com/us-news/boomers-retirees-appalachia-georgia-retirement-9bf8e61f?st=696ryi30yypjtv4&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink  
Canary in the Coalmines - www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/what-happened-canary-coal-mine-story-how-real-life-animal-helper-became-just-metaphor-180961570/ 
48C Workshop Charleston, WV - www.arc.gov/event/central-appalachia-§-48c-regional-event/ 
Appalachian Voices Report Just Transition and Community Engagement - https://appvoices.org/reports/modeling-just-transition-va/  
Senator Joe Manchin and "Rugged" WV - www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-leads-effort-to-better-categorize-rural-appalachia-for-federal-education-resources
#AppBiz:
Appalachian Arts Craft Center - https://appalachianarts.net 
Extra:
Academy Award Winners - www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2024 
Check social this week for the Appetizer March Madness Bracket!

Appalachia Meets World Episode 143 - "The Great Cookie Contest" in Appalachia with Lynne Fugate

It's Cookie Season Ya'll!
In this episode and in celebration of Women's History Month, Neil and Will sit down with Lynne Fugate the CEO of the Girl Scouts of the Appalachians.  It's not just about the cookies - hear her talk about the impact the organization makes on young girls and communities.  Then take some time and try all the cookies and figure out which one is your favorite, then go vote!  Take a listen to find out Lynne's favorite and why she is so passionate about the Girl Scouts and the lessons that are taught far beyond selling the most cookies.  You might even hear Neil give his "favorite" pick for the Academy Awards and how his "visit" went last week.  Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz of the week: Appalachian Cookie Company!
Girl Scouts of Southern Appalachians - www.girlscoutcsa.org
The Great Cookie Competition - www.girlscoutcsa.org/en/support-us/fundraising-events/great-cookie-competition.html#:~:text=Introducing%20The%20Great%20Cookie%20Competition!&text=Individuals%20representing%20our%20beloved%20Girl,crowned%20their%20region%27s%20Favorite%20Cookie 
The Great Cookie Tasting - www.girlscoutcsa.org/en/support-us/fundraising-events/great-cookie-tasting.html 
App News:
48C Workshops - www.energy.gov/indianenergy/events/qualifying-advanced-energy-project-credit-ss48c-central-appalachia-workshop 
ARC Arise Award  - www.arc.gov/news/arc-awards-nearly-1-7-million-to-multi-state-economic-development-projects-in-northern-and-central-appalachia/ 
Opportunity Appalachia and Truist Charitable Fund - https://appalachiancommunitycapitalcdfi.org/2024/02/27/appalachian-community-capital-receives-grant-from-the-truist-charitable-fund-for-redevelopment-projects-in-central-appalachia/  
#AppBiz:
The Appalachian Cookie Company - https://appcookieco.com