Appalachia Meets World

In this episode, AMW sits down with Mark Hendricks a photo journalist who recently completed a stunning book dedicated to the Appalachian Mountains.  In the book - "The Central Appalachians - Mountains of the Chesapeake", Mark dedicates almost a decade of his life to document the amazing aspects of one of the most diverse mountain ranges in the world.  Take a listen as he describes his journey, his favorite photo and what was one of the most dynamic aspects of the mountains!  Also, don't forget the #AppBiz of the week: The Benezette Hotel!

Mark Hendricks Photography - www.markhendricksphoto.com 

The Central Appalachians: Mountains of the Chesapeake www.schiffermilitary.com/collections/schiffer-new-releases/products/the-central-appalachians  

#AppBiz:

The Benezette Hotel - www.benezettehotel.com 

In this episode, Neil and Will sit down with Molly Hemstreet the Co-Executive Director of the Industrial Commons - reviving the historic textile district in North Carolina one social enterprise at a time.  The Industrial Commons founds and scales employee owned social enterprises and industrial cooperatives, and support frontline workers to build a new southern working class that erases the inequities of generational poverty and guilds an economy and future for all.  Molly explains how it all started "with some thread" and how she has not only transformed her organization but the Carolina Textile District as well.  Take a listen to hear thoughts on social enterprises, cooperatives and the circular economy and how she thinks about the workplace and the future of work in the mountains.  You might even hear about Neil's "update."  Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz(s) of the week: Opportunity Threads; and The Collection!

The Industrial Commons - www.theindustrialcommons.org 

AppNews:

"Interpreting Rural Life: From Appalachia to the World" - https://cas.appstate.edu/news/march-22-documentary-filmmakers-interpreting-rural-life-appalachia-world 

The APPY Awards - https://www.facebook.com/theappalachianartsandentertainmentawards/

#AppBiz(s):

Opportunity Threads - www.opportunitythreads.com

Collection - https://createthecollection.com 

In this episode Neil and Will sit down with Dana Kuhnline, a senior program director for Reimagine Appalachia - a broad and inclusive coalition of individuals and organizations based in Appalachia.  Hear from Dana as she describes what Reimagine Appalachia is all about and how there efforts are making an impact on the region.  While the word "reimagine" could be taken a number of ways, she describes how the organization is thinking towards the future - a more sustainable and equitable future - while remembering the past and cultural heritage that is so strong in the region.  Take a listen as she explains why she is so passionate about the region and the work she has been doing for decades.  You might even hear why Neil is so down and out on this day and how he's branching out when it comes to his favorite appetizer!  Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz of the week: Appalachian Arts Craft Center!

Reimagine Appalachia - https://reimagineappalachia.org 

App News:

Boomers Who Tried to Move to Florida and Ended Up in Appalachia - www.wsj.com/us-news/boomers-retirees-appalachia-georgia-retirement-9bf8e61f?st=696ryi30yypjtv4&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink  

Canary in the Coalmines - www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/what-happened-canary-coal-mine-story-how-real-life-animal-helper-became-just-metaphor-180961570/ 

48C Workshop Charleston, WV - www.arc.gov/event/central-appalachia-§-48c-regional-event/ 

Appalachian Voices Report Just Transition and Community Engagement - https://appvoices.org/reports/modeling-just-transition-va/  

Senator Joe Manchin and "Rugged" WV - www.manchin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/manchin-leads-effort-to-better-categorize-rural-appalachia-for-federal-education-resources

#AppBiz:

Appalachian Arts Craft Center - https://appalachianarts.net 

Extra:

Academy Award Winners - www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2024 

Check social this week for the Appetizer March Madness Bracket!

It's Cookie Season Ya'll!

In this episode and in celebration of Women's History Month, Neil and Will sit down with Lynne Fugate the CEO of the Girl Scouts of the Appalachians.  It's not just about the cookies - hear her talk about the impact the organization makes on young girls and communities.  Then take some time and try all the cookies and figure out which one is your favorite, then go vote!  Take a listen to find out Lynne's favorite and why she is so passionate about the Girl Scouts and the lessons that are taught far beyond selling the most cookies.  You might even hear Neil give his "favorite" pick for the Academy Awards and how his "visit" went last week.  Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz of the week: Appalachian Cookie Company!

Girl Scouts of Southern Appalachians - www.girlscoutcsa.org

The Great Cookie Competition - www.girlscoutcsa.org/en/support-us/fundraising-events/great-cookie-competition.html#:~:text=Introducing%20The%20Great%20Cookie%20Competition!&text=Individuals%20representing%20our%20beloved%20Girl,crowned%20their%20region%27s%20Favorite%20Cookie 

The Great Cookie Tasting - www.girlscoutcsa.org/en/support-us/fundraising-events/great-cookie-tasting.html 

App News:

48C Workshops - www.energy.gov/indianenergy/events/qualifying-advanced-energy-project-credit-ss48c-central-appalachia-workshop 

ARC Arise Award  - www.arc.gov/news/arc-awards-nearly-1-7-million-to-multi-state-economic-development-projects-in-northern-and-central-appalachia/ 

Opportunity Appalachia and Truist Charitable Fund - https://appalachiancommunitycapitalcdfi.org/2024/02/27/appalachian-community-capital-receives-grant-from-the-truist-charitable-fund-for-redevelopment-projects-in-central-appalachia/  

#AppBiz:

The Appalachian Cookie Company - https://appcookieco.com  

It's March, so that means one thing - no, it's not the start of spring - no, it's not daylight savings time (spring forward) - it's getting into "March Madness."  In light of the upcoming tournament we are just having a throwback episode this week - with an Appalachian born coaching phenom that came from the mountains and has been on the career college coaching path for a while now.  Take a listen as Will and Neil take us back a bit to one of their earliest episodes - and the impact athletics can have on a small town.  Also, you might hear about Neil's "decision" and what is in store for him - we'll definitely need an update next week!  And the guy's talk Reed Sheppard - check it out and find out who they believe Reed gives his abilities from!  Wherever we roam, we'll be "Always Appalachian" - Y'all!  

Reed Sheppard: https://theathletic.com/5305993/2024/02/29/reed-sheppard-kentucky-basketball/ 

In this episode, Neil and Will sit down with Emily Hudson the Executive Director and Founder of the Southeast Kentucky African American Museum and Cultural Center (SEKYAAMCC).  Born and raised in the hills of Eastern Kentucky, Emily explains what led her away and what eventually brought her back to the place she has always called "home."  In light of Black History Month, the SEKYAAMCC is a place that celebrates black history in Appalachia every month (not just one month a year), but more importantly provides a platform to tell the stories of Appalachia that were often overlooked or just unheard.  Take a listen as she describes moving for opportunity, finding her identity and why she is so passionate about preserving the past and educating about local history.  You might even hear the guys thoughts on the NBA Slam-Dunk Competition - or can we now call it the Appalachian Championship?  Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz of the week: D.A.A.D. Distilling!  

Southeast Kentucky African American Museum and Cultural Center - www.sekyaamc.org

"Issues and Answers" with Emily Hudson - www.wymt.com/2024/01/16/issues-answers-emily-jones-hudson/

"Soul Miner" by Emily Hudson - www.amazon.com/Soul-Miner-Emily-Jones-Hudson/dp/154561301X 

AppNews:

Mac McClung - 

"Appalachian Voices" (article) - https://wvdn.com/134245/?fbclid=IwAR1gS_Ejh10jYAEp-11TixgbWL5g1xU6laFItyM55UhSShK0j7K_iASKDMA 

Greenbrier Vally Theatre - https://ci.ovationtix.com/35773/production/1188664 

Brookings Institute - https://www.brookings.edu/articles/black-wealth-is-increasing-but-so-is-the-racial-wealth-gap/ 

New Center Marshall University - https://blackbygod.org/articles/civics/african-american-economicdevelopment-at-marshall-university/ 

#AppBiz:

D.A.A.D. Distilling Article - https://spectrumnews1.com/ky/louisville/news/2023/09/25/daad-distilling-company 

D.A.A.D. Distilling Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/DAADdistillingCoLLC 

In this episode Neil and Will sit down with Alex Weld, the Executive Director of Generation West Virginia - a statewide organization for and by young people who understand that while finding a path isn't easy, it's easier if they navigate the hurdles together.  Having several initiatives as a focus, the main goal is to retain and attract young people to the Mountain State.  Hear Alex describe those initiatives and how the organization is working to build young capacity and provide opportunities where there once may not have been.  You'll hear her passion for the "Country Roads", what kept her there and how she thinks about workforce development.  Take a listen while she explains the idea behind the organization and it's plans for the future...of the organization and the State.  You might even hear Neil's (and Will's) thoughts on Valentine's Day and a theory about why "his" team fell in the SB.  Also, don't forget the #AppBiz(s) of the week: Blue Ridge Bee Company; and Appalachian Furnishings!

Generation West Virginia - www.generationwv.org 

AppNews:

The Fall of App Harvest: Inside Appalachia - https://wvpublic.org/the-fall-of-appharvest-inside-appalachia/ 

Outdoor Rec in Appalachia - https://reason.com/2024/02/10/will-outdoor-recreation-save-appalachia/ 

West Virginia Governer's School of Entrepreneurship - https://wvde.us/gov-schools/school-of-entrepreneurship/ 

West Virginia Entrepreneurship Conference - https://www.arc.gov/event/west-virginia-entrepreneurship-ecosystem-conference/ 

#AppBiz(s):

Blue Ridge Bee Company - www.blueridgebeecompany.com 

Appalachian Furnishings - www.appalachianfurnishings.com 

Extra:

Later Gator - www.lateralligator.net 

Wellsburg, WV 

In this episode Neil and Will sit down with an expert in international connection and well-being, Nathan Ohle, the President and CEO of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).  He gives his thoughts on the impacts of economic development in general, but also describes what it means to be an economic developer.  He also goes a little deeper on the newly formed Economic Recovery Corps and the transformational impact it could have across the country.  Take a listen as he explains the paradigm shift that has occurred in this field of work.  You might even hear Neil's pick on the Super Bowl and why appreciates Michigan State fans (and other fans), as long as they are true fans.  Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz(s) of the week: SOAR Innovation 2024 Pitch Competition Finalists!

International Economic Development Council - www.iedconline.org

Economic Recovery Corps - www.economicrecoverycorps.org 

AppNews:

Barter Theatre Appalachian Festival of Plays and Playwrights -  https://bartertheatre.com/appalachian-festival-of-plays-and-playwrights/ 

ARC Entrepreneurial Office Hours - February 14th

West Virginia Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Conference - www.arc.gov/event/west-virginia-entrepreneurship-ecosystem-conference/ 

#AppBiz(s):

SOAR Innovation 2024 Pitch Competition Finalists - https://soar-ky.org/startup-appalachia-pitch-competition-finalists/ 

In this episode, Will, sans Neil, sits down with Dr. Amanda Jo Slone to discuss her new passion project: The Appalachian Way: The Role of Appalachian Identity in Effective Leadership.  The project combines her two loves, Leadership and Appalachia.  Find out how she thinks about Appalachian Identity and if that is an asset in the development of leaders.  Born and raised in the hollers of Pike County, you'll hear her passion for the region and why she chooses to live a good distance from where she works.  Take a listen to find out more about her project and the potential impact it could have on not only individuals in Appalachia but in other regions as well.  Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz of the week: True Pigments!

Amanda Jo Slone (UPIKE) -  www.upike.edu/employees/slone-amanda/

The Appalachian Way: The Role of Appalachian Identity in Effective Leadership - https://sites.google.com/view/theappalachianway/home 

App News:

ARC POWER Grant - www.arc.gov/grants-and-opportunities/power/ 

Opportunity Appalachia - https://appalachiancommunitycapitalcdfi.org/opportunity-appalachia/ 

The Nature Conservancy (Grant) - www.nature.org/en-us/newsroom/tnc-pa-rkmellon-freshwater-grant/ 

#AppBiz:

True Pigments - www.truepigments.com 

In this episode the guys are taking a break...but, not before they take a moment to talk about the legendary Appalachian himself - "Phil!"  Take a listen to find out a little more about Phil and all that revolves around him...but don't get mesmerized by the music and hope that it doesn't play on a loop day, after day, after day, after day, after day, after day, after day, after day.....Happy Candlemas!  

www.groundhog.org