Appalachia Meets World

Continuing Recovery Month!

In this episode Neil and Will sit down with the Director of Reentry and Employment Services Branch of the Commonwealth of Kentucky - Mr. Aaron Poynter.  Led by Aaron, Kentucky’s Reentry program is getting national attention for its success and rapid adoption.  From a Police Officer to Workforce Development, Aaron has built his career on the backs of Giants who have guided (or pushed) him every step of the way.  Hear him describe the importance of walking alongside individuals as they take their own journey to sustainable employment.  Empowerment, self-worth and purpose are all words he uses to describe the impact of employment on the development of an individual person and how it significantly reduces recidivism. You can hear the passion he has for the work and how he goes about it full tilt everyday.  During recovery month, take a listen to hear what almost everyone is striving for in life - a good job and to be happy.  You might even hear why Neil has a little resentment for our guest and what he thinks about pumpkin flavor ("never in May").  Oh yeah, don't forget about the #AppBiz(s) of the week, Esto and Pollen8/Cafe Appalachia!

Fall Foliage Prediction Map - https://smokymountains.com/fall-foliage-map 

App News:

Prepped to Serve Appalachia (WV) - https://wvhealthright.org/prepped-to-serve-appalachia/ 

ASTRA-CON - www.moreheadstate.edu/academics/colleges/science/engineering-sciences/space-science-center/astra-con/ 

Best Small Towns in Appalachia - www.thetravel.com/best-small-towns-in-the-appalachians-for-a-weekend-retreat/ 

World Chicken Festival - https://chickenfestival.com 

#AppBiz:

Esto Country Store and Cafe - https://estocountrycaferussellsprings.mybistro.online/#google_vignettehttps://www.facebook.com/p/Esto-Country-Store-Cafe-100063457096069/

Pollen8 (Cafe Appalachia) - https://pollen8wv.org

https://cafeappalachia.org 

It's a Rocky Mountain High with the monthly Economic Recovery Corps Fellows "Spin and Chat!"

In this episode, Neil and Will sit down with ERC Fellow Sasha Nelson and Hosts John Bristol with the Routt County Economic Development Partnership and Christine Rambo with the Northwest Colorado Development Council.  As a region that has a history of coal production, there's no surprise they speak about the similarities with their region and region's in Appalachia that are going  through a just transition from coal.  Take a listen as they describe the power of regionalization in their area and economic development in general.  The Hosts organizations have a unique partnership working toward common goals and "sharing" Sasha to build upon their goals.  You might even hear Will's first roller coaster ride (without supervision) and Neil's thoughts on asteroids.  Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz of the week: Long's Pic Pac!

Routt County Economic Development Partnership - https://rcedp.org 

Northwest Colorado Development Council - www.northwestcolorado.org 

Sasha Nelson - https://economicrecoverycorps.org/fellow-information/sasha-nelson/ 

App News:

ARC Annual Conference 2024 - www.arc.gov/event/arc-2024-annual-conference/ 

EKU Appalachian Studies: "Students for Appalachia" - www.easternprogress.com/news/breaking-appalachian-stereotypes-students-for-appalachia/article_a2461810-6557-11ef-8d8e-2bd2e9260b73.html 

Appalachian Collegiate Research Initiative - www.arc.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ACRI-Map.png 

SOAR Annual Summit - https://soar-ky.org/soar-summit24/ 

#AppBiz:

Long's Pic Pac - www.publicnewsservice.org/2024-08-28/energy-policy/what-an-extra-15-000-a-year-means-for-a-rural-kentucky-grocer/a92087-1 

Extra:

Fireball over Appalachia - www.aol.com/news/very-bright-fireball-lights-appalachia-204634190.html 

King's Island - www.visitkingsisland.com 

Rocky Mountain Oysters - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocky_Mountain_oysters 

It's National Recovery Month!

In this episode, Neil and Will sit down with Dr. Daniel Moore and Sarah Laurel, two experts on chronic hepatitis C (HCV) and the link to injection drug use.  While not from the region, they speak specifically about the health effects of this in Appalachia.  Leading into National Recovery Month in September, the numbers of this disease are staggering.  Approximately 2.4 million Americans are living with HCV, with cases more than doubling over the past ten years with the opioid epidemic exacerbating the rise. Today, it is estimated that 50% of people who inject drugs are also living with HCV.  Hear Dr. Moore and Sarah speak on the importance of education and outreach as approximately 40% of people living with it are totally unaware they have it.  Take a listen as they advocate for interventions and the possibility of elimination...does that mean there is a cure?  Listen and find out!  You might even hear Neil's jealousy as it pertains to a another brother duo from the "big city."  Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz(s) of the week: Reintegrate Appalachia; and Dirty Girl Coffee!

Savage Sisters Recovery - www.savagesisters.org 

App News:

The "Scruffy Little City" of Knoxville, TN - www.cnn.com/travel/knoxville-tennessee-best-towns-america/index.html 

Hydrogen Hub Opening - www.ideastream.org/environment-energy/2024-08-26/appalachian-hydrogen-hub-opens-some-question-if-it-will-bring-clean-energy 

Healing Appalachia - https://healingappalachia.org

AppBiz:

Reintegrate Appalachia - www.reintegrateappalachia.org

Dirty Girl Coffee - www.dirtygirlcoffee.com 

It's the most wonderful time of the year...it's football time in the Mountains!  You can smell it in the air!

In our annual kickoff to football episode, Neil and Will sit down with an icon in High School Mountain Football lore - Coach John Hines.  In a turn of events of the past year, Coach Hines left a storied tradition he built in one small community in Appalachia to now lead another mountain community - in hopes they to can make it to the "promise land" of Kroger Field (or Commonwealth Stadium as some would say)!  He'll explain why the change of scenery and what gives him motivation to keep coaching.  He'll share with the guys the significance of sport on small town communities and how it just hits a little different in Appalachia.  Take a listen as he goes into his own career and how, if given the chance, he would still be playing the game he still most passionately loves.  If you're a fan of football, or just small town community in general, he speaks to the heart of all Appalachians - and wears "a big hat."  You might even hear Neil explain why one person may be the reason for an entire sport to be "cancelled."  Also, don't forget the #AppBiz of the week: Martin's (Truck Parts/Peterbilt)!  

Oh yeah - don't forget to pick up the DVD!!

Coach John Hines/SL Touchdown Club - www.sltouchdownclub.com 

Coach John Hines DVD: www.championshipproductions.com/cgi-bin/champ/p/Football/Johnny-Hines-Building-a-Championship-3-4-Defense-for-High-School-Football_FD-04681.html 

App News:

ACC The Green Bank for Rural America - https://greenbankforruralamerica.org 

Jean Hall Passing - https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/betty-jean-hall-advocate-paved-women-enter-coal-112963910 

ARC ARISE (Tourism) - www.arc.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2024.08-ARISE-Project-Snapshot-WVU.pdf 

ARC ARISE (Aviation) - www.arc.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024.07-ARISE-Project-Snapshot-Ohio-University.pdf 

www.perrytribune.com/news/ohio-university-s-voinovich-school-gets-funding-for-aviation-upgrade-in-appalachian-counties/article_df8e65fa-598c-11ef-943e-3b9626e2f06e.html 

Absenteeism in Appalachia KY - www.bgdailynews.com/news/educating-kentucky-what-happens-when-kids-stop-coming-toschool/article_43b0212c-5ade5b29afb2d445bbf49748.htmlutm_source=bgdailynews.com&utm_campaign=%2Fnewsletters%2Fheadlines%2F%3Fdc%3D1723726863&utm_medium=email&utm_content=read%20more    

#AppBiz:

Martin's Truck Parts/Peterbilt - www.martinspeterbilt.com 

In this episode - it's totally different! (Sorry for the hiatus last week - a bit of a reprieve for the end of summer)

This episode is not like the others...Neil and Will get the tables turned and become the interviewees.  Mick flips the script and allows the listeners to get to know Neil and Will a little better and see how they think in general, and about each other.  Being on the other side of the mic isn't always easy, but take a listen as Neil and Will get personal and describe the importance of place on the decisions in their life.  

It's still the same Neil and Will though...you can take the guys out of Appalachia, but, you know the rest.  

Stay tuned for part 2!!

This episode is a throwback in honor of the last "Country Music Highway Tribute Show" of the year (put on by Shaping Our Appalachian Region - or SOAR)!!  The final CMH Tribute Show is taking place in Ashland, KY on August 2nd and 3rd!  One of the headliners is an old guest of ours - Corduroy Brown!  If you didn't listen to the episode previously, we got you covered with this throwback!  His style is not typical "Appalachian", but he's Appalachian through and through.  If you're in the Ashland area, or want to drive to check out a FREE show - check him and the other acts out.  For more information, check out the following and take a listen!!

www.cmhtributeshow.com

www.corduroy-brown.com 

In this special episode Neil and Will reveal a story published by West Virginia Public Broadcasting.  Immigrants were a major part of forming what we now know as Appalachia.  The guys venture into Wheeling West Virginia to bring a story to life that has been part of the culture in Wheeling for over 100 years. Take a listen as they describe the twist on the Appalachian Dumpling - "The Pierogi!"  You might even hear about Neil's favorite olympic sport.  Also, don't forget the #AppBiz of the week: Pierogi Plus!

Pierogi Story: West Virginia Public Broadcasting (hit "Listen" to hear the audio) - https://wvpublic.org/a-ukrainian-church-in-wheeling-is-preserving-heritage-through-the-making-of-pierogies/ 

App News: 

Appalachian Leadership Institute Graduates - www.arc.gov/news/40-fellows-graduate-from-the-appalachian-leadership-institute-2024/ 

Americorps in Appalachia - https://americorps.gov/newsroom/press-release/biden-harris-administration-announces-new-americorps-project-spur-economic 

Hip Hop in Appalachia (a curation) - https://qcnerve.com/hip-hop-in-appalachia/ 

#AppBiz:

Pierogi Plus - https://pierogiesplus.com 

It's the monthly Economic Recovery Corps Fellow "Spin and Chat!"

In this episode, Neil and Will sit down with the ERC Fellow Gaby Seltzer and surprise guest Bret Sweet of the City of Antioch, CA.  This is the first interview with a Fellow and their Host!  Hear them both describe the ERC process and their reasoning behind deciding to pursue the path of Fellowship...from both perspectives.  You'll hear some challenges, but also the instant impact they are seeing from the tasks being performed, but also from the capacity building opportunity that the ERC Fellowship affords.  Take a listen as they display their passion for the area and how their work is making a difference...while getting a glimpse into what makes them tick and their apparent fascination with food - and Cracker Barrel.  You might even hear Neil's opinion on an iconic moment (sad but true) in American History...and some Appalachia books you can read - other than "Hillbilly Elegy."  Also, don't forget the #AppBiz(s) of the week: Idly Dosa Cafe; and CoBiz Richmond! 

Gaby Seltzer (and ERC Project) - https://economicrecoverycorps.org/fellow-information/gaby-seltzer/ 

Bret Sweet - https://bretsweet.com 

City of Antioch - www.antiochca.gov 

App News:

ARC Chartbook - www.arc.gov/about-the-appalachian-region/the-chartbook/ 

Rare Earth Elements (in Appalachia) - https://apnews.com/article/rare-earth-elements-clean-energy-national-security-7a4aee1c88dad6543b6f67f22f0580aa 

10 Books to Read after "HE" - https://people.com/10-appalachian-books-to-read-after-hillbilly-elegy-8678815 

#AppBiz:

Idly Dosa Cafe - www.dosa.company 

CoBiz Richmond - www.cobizrichmond.com 

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 

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