Appalachia Meets World

In this episode, Will and Neil sit down with Austin Caperton to talk about salmon in Appalachia...yep, SALMON IN APPALACHIA!  As the founder of Appalachian Salmon, a state of the art aquaculture facility, Austin discusses his idea, how he got to this point and his vision for the future.  From a life in coal to a future in salmon, the transition seems improbable...but, as Austin describes, the transition may be more seamless than you think.  Take a listen and hear how this environmentally sustainable new industry is making strides in West Virginia, utilizing the assets and land of an old industry to create a new one.  Check out the show notes to learn even more!  Also, Neil will let you in on his "best picture" pick...or, maybe not...Oscars - Grammys; Potatoe - Potato.  Don't forget the #AppBiz(s) of the week: "Appalachian Anglers"; "Mossy Creek Fly Fishing"; "Headwaters Outfitters"; "Saddlebrook Outdoors"

Appalachian Salmon: www.wvsalmon.com/

Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS): www.conservationfund.org/impact/videos/food-videos/1869-what-is-land-based-fish-farming

www.aquacultureid.com/recirculating-aquaculture-system/

Appalachian Anglers: www.appalachiananglers.com

Mossy Creek Fly Fishing: www.mossycreekflyfishing.com

Headwaters Outfitters: www.headwatersoutfitters.com

Saddlebrook Outdoors: www.facebook.com/SADDLEBROOKOD/

In this episode Neil and Will sit down with historian Dr. Luke Manget to talk about the history of Ginseng in Appalachia.  "Sangin" is a cultural heritage unique to the temperate climate and ecological diversity of the Appalachian region.  Among other things, Dr. Manget discusses the unique relationship between the region and the global trade in medicinal plants.  Take a listen as he describes how Appalachia help build the pharmaceutical industry in North America, and how ginseng played a large role in that development.  You might even find out what records Dr. Manget holds (you might be surprised) and how, long ago, he crushed the hearts of the 'Dawgs.  It's a prized possession in Appalachia and it's all things GINSENG in this episode...as we go - Just a "Sangin!" Check it out and don't forget the #AppBiz of the week: Appalachian Herbal Company!

"Ginseng Diggers: A History of Root and Herb Gathering in Appalachia" - University Press of Kentucky - https://www.kentuckypress.com/9780813183817/ginseng-diggers/

Dr. Luke Manget: The Southern Highlander - www.thesouthernhighlander.org 

Appalachian Herbal Company -  www.appalachianherbalcompany.com

In this episode Neil and Will sit down with Ramel "Smooth" Bradley to talk AppHarvest and what the company is doing to create jobs and provide fresh food to Appalachia and the world.  Take a listen as Ramel discusses his role with AppHarvest and how sustainable farming techniques are making Appalachia the Ag Tech capital of the world.  A proud Brooklynite, hear Ramel explain why he also calls Appalachia "home" and how his background and Grandmother has led him to where he is today.  Although not a sponsor, Neil also gives a shout out to his favorite chip (something he has done before) and why no other chip compares.  Check it out and don't forget the #AppBiz of the week: The Museum of Appalachia! 

AppHarvest: www.appharvest.com 

Museum of Appalachia: www.museumofappalachia.org

This episode is the audio version of the Live Episode Neil and Will did from Day 2 of the SOAR Mini-Summit on March 8th in Ashland, KY (the host city of the Summit).  In this episode, Neil and Will sit down remotely with special guest Amanda Brinkman, creator, producer, co-host and star of the hit Emmy nominated show "Small Business Revolution."  An inspiring and renowned speaker, Amanda is a marketing juggernaut and has become a champion for small businesses and downtown revitalization.  Take a listen as she covers elements of main street vibrancy and you might even find out about her favorite holiday and when she starts celebrating.  If you'd like, check out the live video version on the Appalachia Meets World Facebook page!  Will and Neil even discover Amanda is a person after their own hearts - when it comes to appetizers!

This episode is the audio version of the Live Episode Neil and Will did from Day 1 of the SOAR Mini-Summit on March 7th in Ashland, KY (the host city of the Summit).  In the episode, Neil and Will sit down with Brandy Clark from Visit Ashland KY and Erik Hubbard from Backroads of Appalachia.  The Summit was focused on Tourism and Downtown Revitalization and both of these individuals and organizations are driving tourism in the region.  Sit back and take a listen as the guys go live for the first time - or you can check out the live video version on the Appalachia Meets World Facebook page!  You never know what's going to happen live...

In this episode Neil and Will sit down with David Johnston, a prolific landscape photographer turning pieces of art into NFTs.  As part of his artwork, over a span of 11 years, he has created a collection - "With Love From Appalachia."  In addition to this collection, David discusses landscape photography in general and why he has entered the NFT space.  Listen as he describes what the mountains mean to him and his thoughts on the future of art and NFTs.  Also, Neil and Will talk about their upcoming (first) live episode at the SOAR Mini-Summit on March 7th and 8th at 1 PM - you'uns don't want to miss it!  Don't forget the #AppBiz of the week: Hillbilly Hotdogs!  

David Johnston - www.davidjohnstonart.com 

Hillbilly Hotdogs - www.hillbillyhotdogs.com

SOAR Mini-Summit in Ashland, KY - www.soar-ky.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Soar-Mini-Summit-22-Agenda-Final.pdf

In this special episode, Neil and Will sit down with one of the Ambassadors of the NFT (or non-fungible tokens) community and co-host of the podcast "NFT for Newbies", Heather Parady.   Heather discusses the craze and gives the guys an intro into the world of NFTs (ready or not).  Whether you are from Appalachia or beyond, NFTs (and all that comes along with them) are here to stay and Heather's podcast "NFT for Newbies" is an excellent source to introduce yourself to this space and answer a lot of the questions you might have.  Listen as Heather compliments the guys twang and tries to figure out if Will really does have a Jerry Rice rookie card (arguably co-owned by Neil).  Don't forget the #AppBiz(s) of the week: Laurel County African-American Heritage Center in Laurel County, KY and the Appalachian African-American Cultural Center in Pentington Gap, VA.   

"NFT for Newbies" - https://linktr.ee/nfts4newbies

Laurel County African American Heritage Center - https://www.facebook.com/lcaahc.inc/

Appalachian African-American Cultural Center - https://www.aaaculturalcenter.org/

ARC: Appalachian STEM Academy (deadline to apply March 4th) - https://www.arc.gov/arc-oak-ridge-summer-program/

ARC: Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy (deadline to apply March 4th) - https://www.arc.gov/appalachian-entrepreneurship-academy/

In this special episode, Neil and Will discuss Disney and...why not Appalachia?  With Will making an upcoming voyage to the "happiest place on earth," the guys thought it was on opportune time to discuss the possibilities of making a Disney film based in Appalachia.  Listen as Neil expresses his "love" for the Park(s) and his favorite memory from his family trip.  The story lines seem endless, but a film the guys feel needs to be made...and definitely heard!  Don't forget the #AppBiz of the week - The Snack Shack in Mount Vernon, KY and Benne on Eagle in Asheville, NC!  Take a listen and stick around for the ending jam(boree)!

The Snack Shack: https://www.facebook.com/TheSnackShackLLC/

Benne on Eagle: https://www.benneoneagle.com/

In this episode Neil and Will talk Appalachian identity with Neema Avashia, an Appalachian Author of the new book, "Another Appalachia: Coming Up Queer and Indian in a Mountain Place."  A child of immigrants, Neema discusses her love for Appalachia and how basketball helped her to integrate while trying to form her own identity.  Listen as she discusses how important mentors were for her upbringing, how "neighboring" is just different in Appalachia and how a diversity of voice is important in the region.  She might even solve the age old question of biscuits - Cracker Barrel or Tudor's Biscuit World?  You might even find out who the guys are rooting for in the Super Burrowl!  Don't forget about the #AppBiz of the week: Butcher's Bites.  Take a listen!

Neema Avashia: www.neemaavashia.com

Butcher's Bites: www.butchersbites.com

In this episode Neil and Will sit down with Dr. April Young a professor in the Department of Epidemiology at the University of Kentucky and substance use researcher.  They take the time to discuss substance abuse and harm reduction and make a point to personalize substance use disorder.  Take a listen to hear about her research and what solutions are in place to support the ongoing epidemic that has greatly effected the entire region, in more than one way.  Also, listen to Neil throw out his own research ideas and his ongoing disdain for waiting rooms.  Don't forget about the AppBiz of the week: Black Soil KY

 

Black Soil KY: www.blacksoilky.com