Appalachia Meets World

In this episode Neil and Will sit down with Dr. Rob Bossarte an expert in the area of mental health and leader of the Appalachian Mind Health Initiative (AMHI).  With much higher rates of depression and suicide in the Appalachian Region and lower access to services, AMHI is an ongoing research study of telemental health services in Appalachia.  Take a listen as Dr. Bossarte discusses the importance of his research as it relates to healthcare access in rural areas as well as mental health wellness and how it is impacted by the Appalachian culture.   You might even hear Neil and Will talk "resiliency" and Neil express his cinematic expertise on Appalachian Film.  Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz of the week: Sweetgrass Granola! 

Appalachian Mind Health Initiative: www.health.wvu.edu/injury-control-research-center/research-projects/appalachian-mind-health-initiative-amhi/ 

Appalachian Mind Health Initiative Phone Number: 1-866-984-AMHI (2644)

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255); www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org 

Mental Health Services Locator: www.samhsa.gov/find-help 

SOAR Mental Health Services: www.soar-ky.org/its-ok-to-ask-for-help-tips-when-coping-with-a-disaster/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Aug-2022-newsletter 

Appalshop Flood Resources (Updated): www.appalshop.org/news/appalachian-flood-support-resources 

SOAR Flood Resources (Updated): www.soar-ky.org/ 

Appalachian Film Series (Ohio University): www.ohio.edu/news/2022/08/athena-cinema-presents-hills-and-hollers-appalachian-stories-film-series 

Sweetgrass Granola: www.sweetgrassgranola.com

It's Week Zero in Appalachia!  In this episode, Neil and Will kick off the start of college football with Freddie Maggard - sports journalist, Kentucky legend and Appalachian through and through.  Freddie talks growing up in the "606" and how football takes on a life of its own in the mountains.  Hear his take on the upcoming season and his pride for Appalachia, its people and the place he calls "home."  Take a listen and you might even get the answer to the age old question - Matt, Drew, Ryan or Shannon the Dude?  Oh yeah, Neil also answers the question of the best condiment of all time - although it might take a little drive to get it.  Check it out and don't forget the #AppBiz of the week: Brownwood Farms!   

Kentucky Sports Radio: www.on3.com/teams/kentucky-wildcats/ 

Depth Chart Podcast: www.on3.com/teams/kentucky-wildcats/news/depth-chart-podcast-kentucky-football-offensive-position-previews/ 

EKY Mutual Aid (Flood Relief): https://twitter.com/ekymutualaid?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor 

KSR Flood Relief: www.kychamber.com/ksrfloodrelief 

Brownwood Farms: https://brownwoodfarms.com/ 

In this episode it's the start of Friday Night Lights in the Appalachia!  Neil and Will sit down with Coach Justin Haddix, a fellow Appalachian and defending State Champ of the Boyle County Rebels.  From the Mountains to the Flat Lands, Coach Haddix continues to cherish his mountain roots as they have shaped his life and career.  Take a listen as they discuss the importance of high school extracurricular activities, specifically football, to community pride and overall support.  There's more to it than just the sport, as is described in Coach Haddix's current teams efforts to support the flood ravaged area of his hometown.  Neil and Will also get into the Coach's spat in the bluegrass and Neil makes claim for the "Applebee's" song to be called the "Wendy's" song instead.  Check it out and don't forget about the #AppBiz of the week: Appalachian Apparel Company!

ARC Appalachian Road Show - Stop #3 Building Appalachian Businesses - Register: www.airmeet.com/e/6215bfe0-f22f-11ec-b84b-13f65d519c45 

SOAR Eastern KY Student Relief Fund: www.soar-ky.org/soar-launches-student-relief-fund/ 

Foundation for Appalachia KY Grants for Small Business, Non-Profits and Social Enterprises (Flood Relief): www.appalachianky.org/flood/ 

The Appalachian Festival (Beckley/Raleigh, WV): www.appalachianfestival.net 

Appalachian Fair (Gray, TN): www.appalachianfair.com 

Appalachian Apparel Company: www.appappco.com 

In this follow up episode on the wine industry in Appalachia, Neil and Will visit the folks of Kent State University of Ashtabula.  Lori Lee and Ed Trebets of the Viticulture (growing of grapes) and Enology (wine making) programs discuss growing an industry in Appalachia Ohio.  Take a listen as they talk about the importance of their programs for economic growth in the region and how Appalachian wine makers  are winning awards on a national level.  As discussed last week, an industry synonymous with California, regional wine makers in Appalachia Ohio are breaking that mold and proving their significance.  Some regional recommendations may also be part of the episode.  Or, who knows, you might even stumble upon a lost safe - go figure.  Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz of the week dedicated to the Flood Relief in Eastern Kentucky. 

Kent State University Ashtabula Viticulture and Enology Programs: www.kent.edu/ashtabula/wine 

Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund: https://secure.kentucky.gov/FormServices/Finance/EKYFloodRelief 

Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky Flood Relief Resources:  www.appalachianky.org/flood/ 

Appalshop Flood Support Resources: https://appalshop.org/news/appalachian-flood-support-resources 

Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR) Flood Relief Resources: https://soar-ky.org/ 

Kentucky Sports Radio (KSR) and the Kentucky Chamber Flood Relief: www.kychamber.com/ksrfloodrelief 

The Mountain Association Flood Relief Resources: https://mtassociation.org/energy/flood-relief-resources/ 

In this episode Neil and Will sit down with Rex Stults of the Napa Valley Vintners (THE Authority on the Napa Valley Wine Region).  Rex shares the importance of place and regional identity in the wine industry and how it matters - LOCATION MATTERS.  He also describes what makes the Napa Valley region unique to wine making and how the industry compares in Napa with the wine regions of Appalachia.   As a follow up to Beer and 'Shine', take a listen as Rex describes the importance of cultivating an industry and building a reputation on quality and your own regional assets.  As only a couple of Kentucky boys can the conversation may also shift from wine to bourbon, if only for a minute.  We also want to take a moment to share our thoughts and prayers for the flood victims and communities of Eastern Kentucky.  #EasternKYStrong 

Napa Valley Vintners: www.napavintners.com

Wine Origins Alliance: www.origins.wine 

Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund (Official State Portal):  www.secure.kentucky.gov/FormServices/Finance/EKYFloodRelief 

Appalachian Crisis Fund: www.appalachianky.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1170

Eastern Kentucky Strong (Flood Relief) T-Shirt: www.newfrontierbrand.com/products/appalachia-strong-tee?fbclid=IwAR2zATJUn43lwadPtyx9WzLYahEbo_KnHIQIJa9ySYOg_VhvBxtcbSUT1d8

In this episode Neil and Will touch (and taste) on the heritage of 'spirits' in Appalachia, as well as the craft brew industry that has taken hold in the region.  The guys had the pleasure of sitting down with Oscar Wong, the "Godfather" of Beer in Appalachia and founder of Highland Brewing, the first craft beer brewery in the "Craft Beer Capital of America."  Aside from the beer, they discuss the economic impact it has had on the region.  Oscar explains how it all started, what the future holds for the local brewery and how he will forever be Appalachian.  Take a listen, you might even hear the guys thoughts (and tastes) on White Lightning, what it was like growing up "dry" and one (or two) references to 'Ol Uncle Popcorn.  Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz(s) of the week: Tim Smith's Climax Moonshine; Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine; Junior Johnson's Midnight Moon; Troy and Sons Platinum; Stillhouse Clear Corn Whiskey; Bill Elliott's Moonshine; George Dickel White Corn Whisky; and Popcorn Sutton's Tennessee White Whiskey!   

Highland Brewing: www.highlandbrewing.com 

Tim Smith's Climax moonshine: www.timsmithspirits.com 

Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine: www.olesmoky.com 

Junior Johnson's Midnight Moon: www.juniorsmidnightmoon.com 

 Troy & Sons Platinum: www.ashevilledistilling.com 

Stillhouse Clear Corn Whiskey: www.stillhouse.com 

Bill Elliott's Moonshine: www.dawsonvillemoonshinedistillery.com 

George Dickel White Corn Whisky: www.georgedickel.com 

Popcorn Sutton's Tennessee White Whiskey: www.popcornsutton.com 

In this episode Neil and Will hear from Ola Pigman from the Hindman Settlement School, as well as Kevin Coolidge author of the Children's Book Series, "The Totally Ninja Raccoons."  Ola is the director of the Dyslexia program at the Hindman Settlement School.  In addition to (cold) banana pudding, she discusses the mission of the school and the purpose (as well as the importance to the region) of the Dyslexia program in Central Appalachia.  Kevin is a small business owner of the bookstore From My Shelf Books as well as the author of "The Totally Ninja Raccoons."  Yes, a book series about raccoons, but more importantly, a series catered towards reluctant readers.  Take a listen to this two guest episode to hear about the importance of providing young readers in Appalachia the opportunities to learn accordingly and develop reading fundamentals early.  For the simple reason of capacity (and density) issues, the Appalachian region can often fall short when it comes to specialized services.  These two guests provide excellent examples of how leadership can drive specialized programming and opportunities that may otherwise not exist.  Also, Will  may get "diagnosed" himself in the interview, so be sure to check it out.  Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz of the week: From My Shelf Books!

Hindman Settlement School - www.hindman.org

From My Shelf Books - www.wellsborobookstore.com   

"Totally Ninja Raccoons" - www.kevincoolidge.org 

Community Placemaking - www.soar-ky.org/community-placemaking/ 

In this episode Neil and Will sit down with Appalachian singer songwriter (and proud "Pineville-ian") Tim Goodin.  With his recently released acoustic EP - "Son of Appalachia", Tim sings about what he knows and life growing up in the hills and hollers of central Appalachia.  Take a listen as he describes what influences his unique sound and how Appalachian artists before him have paved the way for the talent that is becoming noticed throughout the region.  His genuine lyrics describe both the struggle and the beauty that make up so much of the region - a region he'll always call "home."  You might even hear Neil reference his favorite artist (no big surprise there - "KC") and a recent spiritual experience he had at the theater.  Also, don't forget the #AppBiz of the week: "The Skirted Soldier"!

Tim Goodin -  www.timgoodinmusic.com/ 

Appalachian Gateway Communities Initiative - www.arc.gov/investment/appalachian-gateway-communities-initiative-providing-tools-for-tourism/ 

"Appalachian Blues" - www.folkways.si.edu/magazine-summer-2010-appalachian-blues/african-american-folk/music/article/smithsonian 

The Skirted Soldier - www.skirtedsoldier.com/ 

Fahe (or "Bono" of the affordable housing space in Appalachia) is building the American Dream!  In this episode Neil and Will sit down with Jim King of Fahe to discuss all things affordable housing in Appalachia.  As a follow up to the urban perspective on affordable housing, Jim brings a rural perspective and talks about the incredible work that Fahe does in the region.  Take a listen as Jim describes the significance of Fahe's member organizations and how the people of Appalachia ultimately drive positive outcomes.  Stick around to hear about Fahe's upcoming Housing Forum on July 21st as well as their Annual Meeting in September.  You might even hear about Neil's "booming" weekend and how at times he had to take cover, as well as the phenomenon that has a beaver for a mascot.  Don't forget about the #AppBiz of the week: Appalachia (Clayton) Homes!

Fahe: www.fahe.org

Fahe Housing Forum (Virtual) - July 21st at 2 PM EST: www.fahe.org/fahe-housing-forum/ 

Fahe Annual Meeting - September 20th-22nd in Kingsport, TN: www.fahe.org/annual-meeting-2022/ 

Appalachia (Clayton) Homes: www.myappalachiahome.com/

Studio Appalachia: www.design.uky.edu/studio-appalachia/ 

The Happy Place Ghost: www.studiopbj.com/projects/the-happy-place-a-ghost-story 

Buc-ee's: www.buc-ees.com/ 

In this episode Neil and Will sit down with Maryam Haque, the Executive Director of Venture Forward.  Venture Forward is poised to "drive the human capital, culture, values and narrative of venture capital to promote a strong and inclusive community that will fuel the economy of tomorrow."  As a follow to the conversation with 3 Roots Capital, they dive a little deeper into the significance of venture capital and advancing a more diverse, equitable and inclusive (DEI) ecosystem.  Take a listen as Maryam describes what Venture Forward is doing in the DEI space and how that correlates with the rural landscape of Appalachia.  The guys ultimately think it's equally important to think about geographical underserved areas when thinking about DEI in venture capital.  You might even hear Neil's secret ingredient for pancakes and how once a year he tries to "light the woods on fire."  Don't forget the #AppBiz of the week: The Sequoyah Fund! 

Venture Forward: www.ventureforward.org/ 

National Venture Capital Association: www.nvca.org 

Invest Appalachia: www.investappalachia.org/ 

Example VC Firms focusing on DEI

The Sequoyah Fund (#AppBiz):  www.sequoyahfund.org/

Cross Culture Ventures: www.macventurecapital.com/

DiverseCity Ventures: www.diversecityv.com/

Kapor Capital: www.kaporcapital.com/

Backstage Capital: www.backstagecapital.com/

Pride Fund 1: www.pride.vc/

Chattanooga Renaissance Fund: www.chattanoogarenaissancefund.com/

Hatteras Ventures (Pisgah Fund): www.pisgahfund.com/fund/ 

Redhawk VC: www.redhawkvc.com/

OTHER SHOW NOTES

The Daily Yonder - "How Appalachia is Growing its Outdoor Economy through Collaborations and Capacity Building": www.dailyyonder.com/how-appalachia-is-growing-its-outdoor-economy-through-collaborations-and-capacity-building/2022/06/29/ 

State Small Business Credit Initiative: www.home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/small-business-programs/state-small-business-credit-initiative-ssbci

BACON GREASE PANCAKES! www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/bacon-fat-pancakes-9368888