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 Sep 08, 2023
Friday Sep 08, 2023
Energy Cooperatives are not only an important energy provider in smaller, more rural communities, they are a fixture in place making and community development within the communities they service. In this episode, Neil and Will sit down with Brent Jackson, the Member Relations Manager for Jackson Energy Cooperative. As an energy cooperative, it's not beholden to its shareholders but is owned by the community - more specifically, "members" of the cooperative. Find out about the principles that all cooperatives abide by and why its important for their operations and the communities they typically embed themselves in. Take a listen and hear Brent discuss the community programs Jackson Energy utilizes to drive economic development and to stay true to their mission - to improve the quality of life for its members in Southeastern Kentucky. You might even hear Neil's pick for the next Parrot Head Ambassador (I think you can probably guess who) - or hear reference to a new song called "Step On A Pop Top." Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz of the Week: The Grove Marina!
Jackson Energy Cooperative - www.jacksonenergy.com
Operation RoundUp - www.jacksonenergy.com/operation-roundup
Touchstone Energy Cooperatives - www.touchstoneenergy.com
NRECA America's Electric Cooperatives - www.electric.coop/
App News:
Healing Appalachia - www.healingappalachia.org
ARC Annual Conference - www.arc.gov/event/arc-2023-annual-conference/
ARC Appalachia Envisioned Road Show: Stop #5 - www.arc.gov/event/stop-5-building-community-leaders-and-capacity/
HUD Hope VI Main Street NOFO - www.hud.gov/program_offices/spm/gmomgmt/grantsinfo/fundingopps/fy2023_hopevi
ACC The Green Bank for Rural America - https://appalachiancommunitycapitalcdfi.org/oa-program/green-bank-for-appalachia-energy-communities-and-underserved-rural-america/
#AppBiz:
The Grove Marina - www.grovemarina.com
Tribute Songs:
"Come Monday" - Jimmy Buffett
"Margaritaville" - Jimmy Buffett
"A Pirate Looks at Forty" - Jimmy Buffett
Friday Sep 01, 2023
Friday Sep 01, 2023
A SMALL TOWN NEVER FORGETS!!
In this episode, Neil and Will sit down with Deb Brown and Becky McCray, co-founders of Save Your Town! With a focus on smaller communities, they believe small towns can be saved by their own people using their own resources. As small town experts, their organization combats community challenges and specializes in low or no cost solutions, ones that will work in even the tiniest of towns. Hear them talk about the recently released "Survey of Rural Challenges: and find out what were some of the most surprising things they learned during the process. Take a listen and discover some best practices that small towns throughout the country (and in Appalachia) are deploying to improve their communities - who knows, you may even have the inclination to "Save Your Town!" You might even hear Neil's thoughts on wearing white and the question of why we don't work on Labor Day. Also, don't forget the #AppBiz of the week: Tionesta Market Village and Matt's Happy Cow BBQ!
Deb Brown: Building Possibility - https://buildingpossibility.com/
Becky McCray: Small Biz Survival - https://smallbizsurvival.com/
Save Your Town - https://saveyour.town/
App News:
Renewable Energy Jobs Are Coming To Appalachia (Mother Jones) - www.motherjones.com/politics/2023/08/renewable-energy-jobs-are-coming-to-appalachia/
The Potential to Convert Toxic Waste in Appalachian Coal Mines - https://nationworldnews.com/the-potential-to-convert-toxic-waste-in-appalachia-coal-mines-into-valuable-resources/
Fracking Counties in Appalachia are Shedding Jobs - www.ehn.org/fracking-job-loss-2664305050.html
Festival Guide - https://festivalguidesandreviews.com/west-virginia-festivals/
The Connect Act - https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/3216?s=1&r=1
SOAR Summit - https://soar-ky.org/summit/
ARC Appalachian Research Teaching Initiative - www.arc.gov/acri/
#AppBiz:
Tionesta Market Village - www.marketvillage-tionesta.com/index.html
Matt's Happy Cow BBQ - https://happycowbbq.wixsite.com/mattshappycowbbq
Friday Aug 25, 2023
Friday Aug 25, 2023
It's football time in the mountains! Neil is like a kid in a candy store, or this time of year for him is like "waking up on Christmas Morning." Sit back and gear up for our annual football episode to kick off the season!
In this episode, Neil and Will sit down with back-to-back State Champion (which makes 4 total) and legendary Head Coach of the Pikeville Panthers, Coach Chris McNamee. A multiple time Coach of the Year Awardee, Coach McNamee has sustained a tradition at Pikeville that is a gold standard for the mountains - and currently #1 in the WYMT Mountain Top 5 (and top 15 in the State of Kentucky overall). Hear him talk about his roots, how the mountains draw him in and the focus he puts into coaching and more importantly teaching the kids in the community of Pikeville. While athletics isn't the only thing, it can bring a community together and may be even more important for a small town. Take a listen and find out how "sometimes your the windshield and sometimes your the bug!" You might even hear a bit of nostalgia from Neil and Will and get another recommendation from Neil - back to back weeks, it has to be a record! Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz of the week: Broken Throne Brewing!
Pikeville Panthers - www.maxpreps.com/ky/pikeville/pikeville-panthers/football/
Pikeville Panther Football on "X" (or twitter, or whatever it's called) - https://twitter.com/PikevilleHSFB?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
Pike County Bowl - www.wymt.com/2023/08/15/38th-annual-pike-county-bowl/
App News:
West Virginia University Budget Deficit - https://mountainstatespotlight.org/2023/08/08/wvu-budget-cuts-deficit-faculty-layoffs/
Appalachian State Expansion - https://today.appstate.edu/2023/08/21/hickory
Appalachian Fair - www.appalachianfair.com
#AppBiz:
Broken Throne Brewing (and Restaurant) - www.brokenthronebrewing.com
Friday Aug 18, 2023
Friday Aug 18, 2023
We're back (sorry for the hiatus)!! In this episode, Neil and Will sit down with Equine Artist and "Rockstar" Jamie Corum. Jamie discusses her passion for Art, especially Equine Art, and what got her involved in the first place. Hear her talk about the place she grew up and how it drew her back many years later (as we like to say, "there's something magic in them mountains"). Her art has a way of showing the "soul" of the horse which she credits to her many years of riding. Take a listen as she describes the life of an Equine Artist and how she came from a small farm in Appalachia dreaming of owning her own horse someday, to drawing some of the most iconic athletes (horses) in the sporting world today! You might hear Neil's new recommendation and the real reason we took a few week hiatus (it wasn't a vacation to say the least)! Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz of the week: Feed and Seed!
"Ohana" - Maui Strong!
Jamie Corum Art - www.jamiecorumequineart.com
App News:
"Read Your Way Through Appalachia" with Barbara Kingsolver - www.nytimes.com/2023/08/09/books/barbara-kingsolver-appalachia-books.html
Appalachia Regional Commission "Ready Nonprofits" Grant Award - www.arc.gov/news/arcs-ready-nonprofits-awards-623996-to-25-nonprofit-organizations-across-the-appalachian-region/
Appalachia Regional Commission Annual Conference (Ashland, KY) - www.arc.gov/event/arc-2023-annual-conference/
King Coal - www.kingcoalfilm.com/screenings
USDA Pocket Guides (Inflation Reduction Act Funding) - www.rd.usda.gov/inflation-reduction-act/ira-pocket-guides#:~:text=The%20Inflation%20Reduction%20Act%20included,and%20making%20climate%2Dsmart%20investments.
Christian Appalachian Project and Appalachian Service Project Awarded Grant to Build Homes - www.christianapp.org/node/9966
#AppBiz:
Feed and Seed - www.feedandseedsc.com
Friday Jul 21, 2023
Friday Jul 21, 2023
"Challenging the Appalachian narrative, one story at a time!" In this episode, Neil and Will sit down with the Appalachian, the Filmmaker, the Writer and Storyteller - Elon Justice. Upon working on her graduate school thesis, she came to the realization that "stories - Appalachian stories - have power." Understanding the perceptions that were often laid upon her accent and geographical upbringing, through her studies and work she wanted to find a way to "tell stories that smash stereotypes, uplift unheard voices, and give an honest, nuanced glance into what it means to be from the mountains" - hence the Appalachian Retelling Project was born. Take a listen as Elon describes how media can play a role in exploiting an entire region and in turn how media can play a role in changing those generational misconceptions. Local media, local stories are as important to tell from within as they are to share with others. You might even hear Elon's (not so secret) love of "Hillbilly Days" (If You Know You Know) and Neil's thoughts on his one recommendation of the year as well as some that are having "a bad day." Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz of the week: CANE Kitchen!
Elon Justice - www.elonjustice.com
The Appalchian Retelling Project - www.theappalachianretellingproject.com
App News:
Chef William Dissen's Appalachian and Indian Cuisine - www.forbes.com/sites/claudiaalarcon/2023/07/14/this-southern-chef-adds-an-indian-accent-to-his-appalachian-cuisine/?sh=59aadfc91244
The Market Place Restaurant (Chef William Dissen) - https://marketplace-restaurant.com/chef-william-dissen
ARC: Appalachian Rises registration, Keynote and Flood Recovery Relief - www.arc.gov/news/arc-federal-co-chair-gayle-manchin-gov-beshear-award-millions-in-flood-recovery-funds-announce-coach-john-calipari-as-keynote-speaker-of-arc-2023-conference-in-ashland-ky/
Jeremy Gulban buys Gannett Papers - https://dailyyonder.com/jeremy-gulban-owns-more-former-gannett-papers-than-anyone-he-says-success-is-up-to-communities/2023/07/14/
#AppBiz:
CANE Kitchen - https://cane-kitchen.com/
Valerie Horn: James Beard Foundation National Leadership Award - www.courier-journal.com/story/life/food/2023/06/12/james-beard-foundation-grants-eastern-kentucky-woman-national-leadership-award/70228432007/
Friday Jul 14, 2023
Friday Jul 14, 2023
In this episode Neil and Will sit down with Brian Milam, Sports Director for WKYT (a CBS affiliate). Brian flexes his Kentucky high school sports IQ while explaining how the "mountains" have transformed his career. While local news in rural areas has struggled in the new digital age, Brian describes the importance of building trust while reporting in and about these communities. Take a listen as he touches on media outlets in Appalachia and how local news and local reporters need to become a part of a community or region in order to truly benefit the people of the area. You might even hear Neil's thought process when deciding on ice cream flavors, as well as a TV recommendation (he doesn't give many) that he suggest is a sure fire hit! Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz of the week: WYMT (Mountain News)!
Brian Milam (WKYT) - www.wkyt.com/authors/brian-milam/
App News:
Ashtabula Collaboration (ARPA Funding) - https://finance.yahoo.com/news/county-communities-together-appalachia-arpa-132000970.html#:~:text=The%20state%20of%20Ohio%20earmarked,County%20Metroparks%20Administrator%20Antoinette%20Swegheimer
ARC 2023 Annual Conference - www.arc.gov/event/arc-2023-annual-conference/
CreatorCon - www.creatorcon.community/
New York Times Disbands Sports Department - www.nytimes.com/2023/07/10/business/media/the-new-york-times-sports-department.html
Northwestern University Letter of Football Troubles (University News) - www.northwestern.edu/leadership-notes/2023/decision-to-relieve-head-football-coach-pat-fitzgerald-of-his-duties.html
#AppBiz:
WYMT (Mountain News) - www.wymt.com/
Friday Jul 07, 2023
Friday Jul 07, 2023
In this episode Neil and Will sit down with Dee Davis - President of the Center for Rural Strategies, former Executive Director of Appalshop and prolific storyteller. The majority of his career has been built on utilizing different forms of media to build more prosperous communities. Dee describes how media has changed throughout his career and how important local news is to a rural community. Take a listen as he speaks to the historical media portrayal of the Appalachia region and how some of those stereotypes have evolved. You might even hear about a unique, but legendary starting five and how it went when Neil set the sky of fire. Also, don't forget about the the #AppBiz of the week: The Mountain Eagle!
Center for Rural Strategies - www.ruralstrategies.org
The Daily Yonder - https://dailyyonder.com/?gclid=CjwKCAjwzJmlBhBBEiwAEJyLuynnmdbICmUjEakdnI2XGye3G-IESFDblCnhEvbbVHTzPndHyjLfzRoCC2YQAvD_BwE
Everywhere Radio (Podcast) - https://dailyyonder.com/podcasts/everywhere-radio/
Rural Newswire - https://ruralnewswire.org/
Appalshop - https://appalshop.org/
App News:
Appalachian Triangle - www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/appalachian-triangle-receives-350k-state-153300450.html
ARISE Grant - www.arc.gov/news/arc-awards-5-2-million-to-create-workforce-and-business-opportunities-across-seven-appalachian-states/
Appalachian State University Innovation District - https://today.appstate.edu/2023/06/09/conservatory
Appalachian Media Institute (Appalshop) - www.amiappalshop.org/
#AppBiz:
The Mountain Eagle - www.themountaineagle.com/
Friday Jun 30, 2023
Friday Jun 30, 2023
In this episode Neil and Will kick off a series of discussing "Media in Appalachia" with a sit down with Skylar Baker-Jordan, a journalist currently working with 100 Days in Appalachia. 100 Days is working to bring a diverse set of voices into focus throughout the region through media, focusing on news of Appalachia -- but more importantly BY APPALACHIANS. Skylar discusses the complexities of the region and how important it is for the media to display the diversity that is apparent throughout. Take a listen as he describes his love for the region - a region that hasn't always "loved him back." Find out how he is investing his time to better understand Appalachia in order to become a more knowledgeable voice for the region he has come to represent. You might even hear about, to Neil's joy, the making of a new Doctor - but in Neil's eyes he was always the king (of the islands). Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz of the week: Made x Mtns WNC!
In this month, we celebrate Pride in solidarity - but not ONLY in this month (as suggested in the episode - take a listen)!
100 Days in Appalachia - www.100daysinappalachia.com/
App News:
SOAR Country Music Highway Tribute - https://soar-ky.org/cmh/
"King Coal" WV Premiere - www.wviff.org/king-coal/
Backroads of Appalachia - https://backroadsofappalachia.org/
Bitlux Sponsors Backroads of Appalachia - www.evaint.com/bitlux-sponsors-backroads-of-appalachia-as-its-official-air-travel-provider/
ARC ARISE (grant) - www.arc.gov/arise/
Willie Carver Jr on GMA ("Gay Poems for Red States") - www.goodmorningamerica.com/gma3/video/poem-book-inspires-lgbtq-youth-rural-areas-100310246
James Loveless (official) Obituary - www.pulaskifuneralhome.com/obituaries/james-loveless-2023
#AppBiz:
Made x Mtns WNV - https://madexmtns.com/
"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."