Appalachia Meets World

In this episode Neil and Will sit down with the "King of Country Ham", Mr. Allan Benton.  Through his humble nature he talks about his passion for his work and for his Appalachian home.  Take a listen and learn about the power of persistence and how quality makes the maker.  Neil and Will also talk about their Labor Day traditions - AND there might be another win for Kentucky Bourbon.  

www.bentoncountryhams2.com

In this episode Will and Neil sit down with Nancy Bruns of JQ Dickinson Salt-Works.  Nancy discusses the history of salt in Appalachia and what it takes to bring back an entire industry to the region!  Listen for the history, stay to hear about the amazing products of JQ Dickinson Salt-Works.  Also, should you salt your food before you taste it?  Will and Neil's answer might surprise you...or not.

JQ Dickinson Salt-Works: www.jqdsalt.com/

In this episode Will and Neil talk to Melissa Booth Hall of the Southern Foodways Alliance (SFA).  Listen as she discusses the significance of Appalachian cuisine and the importance of storytelling to preserve the history.  She also talks about her days as a "Yellowjacket" and her love of the "Monster Mash."  In addition, Will and Neil debate whether or not to talk about a last meal.  

Southern Foodways Alliance: southernfoodways.org 

#SmokehouseHam, SpoonBread and Scuppernog Wine: Joseph E. Dabney

#Vicutals and AppalachianJourneynwithRecipes: RonniLundy

In this special episode, Neil and Will talk to folks from the Mine Wars Museum in Matewan, WV about the 100th Anniversary of the Battle of Blair Mountain.  Listen for the history and hear about the exciting happenings that are taking place throughout South Western West Virginia for the Centennial Celebration over (and around) Labor Day Weekend!  Don't miss out: Blair100.com.  Also, should Will know Neil's number?  It's debatable... 

www.Blair100.com

www.WVMineWars.org

In this episode, Will and Neil sit down with Brook Smith, a businessman, philanthropist and founder of the Appalachian Impact Fund that is housed in the Foundation for Appalachia Kentucky.  Listen as they discuss the innovative qualities of the fund and the impact it's having on the region.  In addition, Neil has a "layer" and Brook gives a shout out to the "Root Beer Stand!"   

Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky: www.appalachianky.org

Appalachian Impact Fund: www.appalachianimpactfund.org

In this episode Will and Neil sit down with Dr. William "Bill" Turner to discuss his upcoming book, "The Harlan Renaissance: Stories of Black Life in Appalachian Coal Towns."  Listen as Dr. Turner talks about everything from growing up in the cosmopolitan of Lynch, KY to his favorite fishing spot.  Yes, you read that right...the cosmopolitan of Lynch, KY - listen to find out more and to once again dispel some of the misconceptions of Appalachia!

In this episode Will and Neil turn to the scholars as they speak to Dr. Chad Berry, an expert in Appalachian Studies and professor at Berea College.  Dr. Berry's essay, "Appalachia: Who Cares and So What?", speaks directly to the "creation" of Appalachia and how the local is important in learning about the global - or better yet, PLACE MATTERS!  Also, listen to the guys talk about backyard games - straight outta Appalachia!

In this episode Will and Neil talk to Brandon Dennison, the CEO of Coalfield Development in Southwest West Virginia.  His organization is utilizing an innovative approach in rebuilding the Appalachian economy from the ground up.  Listen to this "doer" discuss the inspiring work they are doing in West Virginia and changing lives through entrepreneurial led workforce development.  Also, 'Beeezos', 'Bayzos', 'Potatoe', 'Potato' - Neil and Will debate the "great" space race.

On the episode Will and Neil talk to an eco-tourism enthusiast and local entrepreneur Gary Wayne Cox.  Gary Wayne discusses his new venture, Big Sandy Backroads, established to prove there IS opportunity in the mountains and to highlight the beauty of Central Appalachia.  Also, listen to find out whose birthday you might have missed.

In the follow up episode to Entrepreneurship in Appalachia, Will and Neil talk to Erik Pages, an expert in entrepreneurship development.  He discusses the ins and outs of developing an entrepreneurial ecosystem.  He also speaks of a specific resource for Appalachia ecosystem building,  developed by his firm EntreWorks Consulting.  On a side note, Neil talks about a recent "blow up" he had in his own neighborhood.  Listen and learn!