Appalachia Meets World

It's football time in the mountains!  Neil is like a kid in a candy store, or this time of year for him is like "waking up on Christmas Morning."  Sit back and gear up for our annual football episode to kick off the season!

In this episode, Neil and Will sit down with back-to-back State Champion (which makes 4 total) and legendary Head Coach of the Pikeville Panthers, Coach Chris McNamee.  A multiple time Coach of the Year Awardee, Coach McNamee has sustained a tradition at Pikeville that is a gold standard for the mountains - and currently #1 in the WYMT Mountain Top 5 (and top 15 in the State of Kentucky overall).  Hear him talk about his roots, how the mountains draw him in and the focus he puts into coaching and more importantly teaching the kids in the community of Pikeville.  While athletics isn't the only thing, it can bring a community together and may be even more important for a small town.  Take a listen and find out how "sometimes your the windshield and sometimes your the bug!"  You might even hear a bit of nostalgia from Neil and Will and get another recommendation from Neil - back to back weeks, it has to be a record!  Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz of the week: Broken Throne Brewing!

Pikeville Panthers - www.maxpreps.com/ky/pikeville/pikeville-panthers/football/ 

Pikeville Panther Football on "X" (or twitter, or whatever it's called) -  https://twitter.com/PikevilleHSFB?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor 

Pike County Bowl - www.wymt.com/2023/08/15/38th-annual-pike-county-bowl/

App News:

West Virginia University Budget Deficit - https://mountainstatespotlight.org/2023/08/08/wvu-budget-cuts-deficit-faculty-layoffs/ 

Appalachian State Expansion - https://today.appstate.edu/2023/08/21/hickory 

Appalachian Fair - www.appalachianfair.com 

#AppBiz:

Broken Throne Brewing (and Restaurant) - www.brokenthronebrewing.com 

We're back (sorry for the hiatus)!!  In this episode, Neil and Will sit down with Equine Artist and "Rockstar" Jamie Corum.  Jamie discusses her passion for Art, especially Equine Art, and what got her involved in the first place.  Hear her talk about the place she grew up and how it drew her back many years later (as we like to say, "there's something magic in them mountains").  Her art has a way of showing the "soul" of the horse which she credits to her many years of riding.  Take a listen as she describes the life of an Equine Artist and how she came from a small farm in Appalachia dreaming of owning her own horse someday, to drawing some of the most iconic athletes (horses) in the sporting world today!  You might hear Neil's new recommendation and the real reason we took a few week hiatus (it wasn't a vacation to say the least)!  Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz of the week: Feed and Seed!

"Ohana" - Maui Strong! 

Jamie Corum Art - www.jamiecorumequineart.com 

App News:

"Read Your Way Through Appalachia" with Barbara Kingsolver - www.nytimes.com/2023/08/09/books/barbara-kingsolver-appalachia-books.html 

Appalachia Regional Commission "Ready Nonprofits" Grant Award - www.arc.gov/news/arcs-ready-nonprofits-awards-623996-to-25-nonprofit-organizations-across-the-appalachian-region/ 

Appalachia Regional Commission Annual Conference (Ashland, KY) - www.arc.gov/event/arc-2023-annual-conference/ 

King Coal - www.kingcoalfilm.com/screenings 

USDA Pocket Guides (Inflation Reduction Act Funding) - www.rd.usda.gov/inflation-reduction-act/ira-pocket-guides#:~:text=The%20Inflation%20Reduction%20Act%20included,and%20making%20climate%2Dsmart%20investments.

Christian Appalachian Project and Appalachian Service Project Awarded Grant to Build Homes - www.christianapp.org/node/9966 

#AppBiz:

Feed and Seed - www.feedandseedsc.com 

"Challenging the Appalachian narrative, one story at a time!"  In this episode, Neil and Will sit down with the Appalachian, the Filmmaker, the Writer and Storyteller - Elon Justice.  Upon working on her graduate school thesis, she came to the realization that "stories - Appalachian stories - have power."  Understanding the perceptions that were often laid upon her accent and geographical upbringing, through her studies and work she wanted to find a way to "tell stories that smash stereotypes, uplift unheard voices, and give an honest, nuanced glance into what it means to be from the mountains" - hence the Appalachian Retelling Project was born.  Take a listen as Elon describes how media can play a role in exploiting an entire region and in turn how media can play a role in changing those generational misconceptions.  Local media, local stories are as important to tell from within as they are to share with others.  You might even hear Elon's (not so secret) love of "Hillbilly Days" (If You Know You Know) and Neil's thoughts on his one recommendation of the year as well as some that are having "a bad day."  Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz of the week: CANE Kitchen!

Elon Justice - www.elonjustice.com 

The Appalchian Retelling Project - www.theappalachianretellingproject.com 

App News:

Chef William Dissen's Appalachian and Indian Cuisine - www.forbes.com/sites/claudiaalarcon/2023/07/14/this-southern-chef-adds-an-indian-accent-to-his-appalachian-cuisine/?sh=59aadfc91244

The Market Place Restaurant (Chef William Dissen) - https://marketplace-restaurant.com/chef-william-dissen  

ARC: Appalachian Rises registration, Keynote and Flood Recovery Relief - www.arc.gov/news/arc-federal-co-chair-gayle-manchin-gov-beshear-award-millions-in-flood-recovery-funds-announce-coach-john-calipari-as-keynote-speaker-of-arc-2023-conference-in-ashland-ky/ 

Jeremy Gulban buys Gannett Papers - https://dailyyonder.com/jeremy-gulban-owns-more-former-gannett-papers-than-anyone-he-says-success-is-up-to-communities/2023/07/14/ 

#AppBiz:

CANE Kitchen - https://cane-kitchen.com/ 

Valerie Horn: James Beard Foundation National Leadership Award - www.courier-journal.com/story/life/food/2023/06/12/james-beard-foundation-grants-eastern-kentucky-woman-national-leadership-award/70228432007/ 

In this episode Neil and Will sit down with Brian Milam, Sports Director for WKYT (a CBS affiliate).  Brian flexes his Kentucky high school sports IQ while explaining how the "mountains" have transformed his career.  While local news in rural areas has struggled in the new digital age, Brian describes the importance of building trust while reporting in and about these communities.  Take a listen as he touches on media outlets in Appalachia and how local news and local reporters need to become a part of a community or region in order to truly benefit the people of the area.  You might even hear Neil's thought process when deciding on ice cream flavors, as well as a TV recommendation (he doesn't give many) that he suggest is a sure fire hit!  Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz of the week: WYMT (Mountain News)!  

Brian Milam (WKYT) - www.wkyt.com/authors/brian-milam/ 

App News: 

Ashtabula Collaboration (ARPA Funding) - https://finance.yahoo.com/news/county-communities-together-appalachia-arpa-132000970.html#:~:text=The%20state%20of%20Ohio%20earmarked,County%20Metroparks%20Administrator%20Antoinette%20Swegheimer 

ARC 2023 Annual Conference - www.arc.gov/event/arc-2023-annual-conference/ 

CreatorCon - www.creatorcon.community/ 

New York Times Disbands Sports Department - www.nytimes.com/2023/07/10/business/media/the-new-york-times-sports-department.html 

Northwestern University Letter of Football Troubles (University News) - www.northwestern.edu/leadership-notes/2023/decision-to-relieve-head-football-coach-pat-fitzgerald-of-his-duties.html 

#AppBiz:

WYMT (Mountain News) - www.wymt.com/                                                                                                                               

In this episode Neil and Will sit down with Dee Davis - President of the Center for Rural Strategies, former Executive Director of Appalshop and prolific storyteller.  The majority of his career has been built on utilizing different forms of media to build more prosperous communities.  Dee describes how media has changed throughout his career and how important local news is to a rural community.  Take a listen as he speaks to the historical media portrayal of the Appalachia region and how some of those stereotypes have evolved.  You might even hear about a unique, but legendary starting five and how it went when Neil set the sky of fire.  Also, don't forget about the the #AppBiz of the week: The Mountain Eagle! 

Center for Rural Strategies - www.ruralstrategies.org 

• The Daily Yonder - https://dailyyonder.com/?gclid=CjwKCAjwzJmlBhBBEiwAEJyLuynnmdbICmUjEakdnI2XGye3G-IESFDblCnhEvbbVHTzPndHyjLfzRoCC2YQAvD_BwE 

Appalshop - https://appalshop.org/ 

App News:

Appalachian Triangle - www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/appalachian-triangle-receives-350k-state-153300450.html 

ARISE Grant - www.arc.gov/news/arc-awards-5-2-million-to-create-workforce-and-business-opportunities-across-seven-appalachian-states/ 

Appalachian State University Innovation District - https://today.appstate.edu/2023/06/09/conservatory 

Appalachian Media Institute (Appalshop) - www.amiappalshop.org/ 

#AppBiz: 

The Mountain Eagle - www.themountaineagle.com/ 

In this episode Neil and Will kick off a series of discussing "Media in Appalachia" with a sit down with Skylar Baker-Jordan, a journalist currently working with 100 Days in Appalachia.  100 Days is working to bring a diverse set of voices into focus throughout the region through media, focusing on news of Appalachia -- but more importantly BY APPALACHIANS.  Skylar discusses the complexities of the region and how important it is for the media to display the diversity that is apparent throughout.  Take a listen as he describes his love for the region - a region that hasn't always "loved him back."  Find out how he is investing his time to better understand  Appalachia in order to become a more knowledgeable voice for the region he has come to represent.  You might even hear about, to Neil's joy, the making of a new Doctor - but in Neil's eyes he was always the king (of the islands).  Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz of the week: Made x Mtns WNC!

In this month, we celebrate Pride in solidarity - but not ONLY in this month (as suggested in the episode - take a listen)!  

100 Days in Appalachia - www.100daysinappalachia.com/

App News:

SOAR Country Music Highway Tribute - https://soar-ky.org/cmh/

"King Coal" WV Premiere - www.wviff.org/king-coal/

Backroads of Appalachia - https://backroadsofappalachia.org/

• Bitlux Sponsors Backroads of Appalachia - www.evaint.com/bitlux-sponsors-backroads-of-appalachia-as-its-official-air-travel-provider/ 

ARC ARISE (grant) - www.arc.gov/arise/ 

Willie Carver Jr on GMA ("Gay Poems for Red States") - www.goodmorningamerica.com/gma3/video/poem-book-inspires-lgbtq-youth-rural-areas-100310246 

James Loveless (official) Obituary - www.pulaskifuneralhome.com/obituaries/james-loveless-2023 

#AppBiz:

Made x Mtns WNV - https://madexmtns.com/

In this episode, Will (and unfortunately not Neil) sits down with Dr. Kathy Bullock, a Professor Emerita of Berea College where she focused on African American Music and Music Theory.  Dr. Bullock explains the musical connections of African American Music and traditional Appalachian Music she came to better understand while she taught in the Appalachian region.  As the Appalachian region can be complex, Dr. Bullock shares her experience moving to the region and her deep sentiments for Berea and the region she has made a home in.  Take a listen as she describes how musical connections occurred throughout the region and how our interpretations of the sound and movements are not all that different.  You might also hear Dr. Bullock's own voice throughout the episode.  Also, don't forget the #AppBiz of the week: John C. Campbell Folk School!

Dr. Kathy Bullock - www.kathybullock.com 

Dr. Bullock's Album: "From My Heart to Yours" (BandCamp) - https://kathybullock.bandcamp.com/album/from-my-heart-to-yours 

Phillip Bullock - www.phillipbullock.com/ 

AppNews:

Opioid Settlement Made Public - www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2023/06/16/1182580973/opioid-settlement-fund-amounts#:~:text=Thousands%20of%20local%20governments%20nationwide,in%20settlements%20from%20national%20lawsuits

Healing Appalachia Lineup -  https://healingappalachia.org/ 

Appalachian Oldest Town to Visit - www.worldatlas.com/cities/8-oldest-founded-towns-to-visit-in-the-appalachians.html

#AppBiz:

John C. Campbell Folk School - www.folkschool.org 

In this episode Neil and Will sit down with a Rural "Evangelist" and policy expert Tony Pipa of the Brookings Institution, to discuss rural policy - or the lack thereof.  Among his many hats, Tony also hosts the podcast "Reimagine Rural" - exploring how investment in rural people and places can lead to increased prosperity.  Take a listen as Tony speaks on the often congested (and confusing) federal programs and why we need federal policy when it comes to the rural landscape.  Rural America has often been overlooked or just flat out forgotten when decisions are being made - Tony's argues it's way past due for the rural voice to have a seat at the table when policy decisions are being discussed and made.  You might even hear why a certain type of deli meat (if you can call it that) reminds Tony so much of "home."  Also, don't forget the #AppBiz of the week: The Heritage!

Tony Pipa (Brookings) - www.brookings.edu/experts/anthony-f-pipa/

Reimagine Rural (Podcast) - www.brookings.edu/series/reimagine-rural/ 

App News:

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

Nick Saban's Appalachian Roots (article) - https://yellowhammernews.com/nick-sabans-appalachian-roots-span-from-alabama-to-west-virginia/ 

Eradicating Rural Poverty: The Power of Collaboration - https://nonprofitquarterly.org/series/eradicating-rural-poverty-the-power-of-cooperation/ 

Rural to Rural Partnerships: Leveling the Playing Field to Secure Federal Funding - www.insidephilanthropy.com/home/2023/5/16/rural-partnerships 

#AppBiz:

The Heritage - www.facebook.com/Shamokin.Heritage 

In this episode Neil and Will sit down with Kim Davis, the executive director of "Friends of Southwest Virginia" - a regional organization positioned to develop and coordinate the creative economy in Southwest Virginia (SWVA).  It uniquely works to not only drive tourism in the region, but to also combine infrastructure and economic development within its mission.  While the "Birthplace of Country Music" can seemingly sell itself, take a listen as Kim describes how they utilize the bigger draws to make a sustainable impact on smaller communities throughout the region.  SWVA - the Appalachian part of Virginia has so much to offer, you need to hear for yourself what that is and what you can expect to see if you hike Grayson Highlands State Park - it might be "wild" and it might have something to do with "ponies."  Kim also explains the "why" of what she does and how her passion for the region has been a part of her whole life.  You might also hear Will and Neil's experience (or lack thereof) with the "Moonbow" and Neil's version of the "Appalachian Finger."  Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz of the week: Peking Chinese Restaurant!  

Friends of Southwest Virginia - www.friendsofswva.org

SWVA Cultural Center - https://friendsofswva.org/aboutculturalcenter/ 

SWVA Marketplace ('Round the Mountain') - https://friendsofswva.org/aboutculturalcenter/artisan/ 

App News:

Accelerate West Virginia - https://wvhub.org/apply-for-our-accelerate-wv-program-as-part-of-the-act-now-coalition/ 

Accelerate West Virginia 2023 Communities - https://wvhub.org/2023/05/introducing-the-2023-accelerate-wv-communities/ 

Appalachian Fair - www.appalachianfair.com 

PBS Appalachia Virginia - www.pbsavirginia.org 

#AppBiz:

Peking Chinese Restaurant - www.pekingva.com 

In this episode, Neil and Will sit down with the "Hillbilly Astrophysicist" - Dr. Jeff Bary - a professor at Colgate University and proud Appalachian born and raised in Welch, WV.  As an astronomer, Dr. Bary is working to reclaim our connection to the night sky and preserving its darkness for future generations.  As an Appalachian, he is working to develop a community interested in the night sky with a specific focus on Appalachia.  More specifically, how the night sky plays a fundamental role and impacts one's "sense of place."  Take a listen as he describes what a dark sky is and the importance of reducing light pollution and preserving the darkness of the sky for everyone.  While economic development is often thought of as growth, dark skies are a unique tourism attraction that focuses on the lack of growth rather than the need for development.  You might even hear Neil's feelings on Chestnuts when he was little and how Surfing, Asian Cuisine and Coal Mining are all related (it might surprise you).  Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz of the week: Sticky Rice Cafe!

Dr. Jeff Bary - www.colgate.edu/about/directory/jbary 

Dark Sky Preservation (Dr. Bary's new work) Website - www.jbary.colgate.domains/darkskies/

The Hillbilly Astrophysicist - https://jbary.wordpress.com/ 

Spotify "Core Appalachia" Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1GOquV1Q2U7gcc4QzsZxVv 

App News:

Opportunity Appalachia Investor Convening - https://appalachiancommunitycapitalcdfi.org/opportunity-appalachia-investor-convening/ 

Reclaiming Appalachia Coalition: National to Neighborhoods Catalyzing Opportunities in Coal Impacted Communities - https://reclaimingappalachia.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/AML_RAC_report_2023.pdf 

Invest Appalachia: Climate Resilience in Central Appalachia: Impacts and Opportunities - www.investappalachia.org/news/climate-analysis-report-launch 

USDA Regional Food Business Centers Program (Rural Action) - www.ams.usda.gov/services/local-regional/rfbcp 

"American Chestnut Could Return to Appalachia" - https://wvpublic.org/more-than-100-years-later-american-chestnut-could-return-to-appalachia/ 

Four Star Gazing Hot Spots in the Appalachian Mountains - www.blueridgeoutdoors.com/go-outside/4-of-the-best-night-sky-parks-in-appalachia/ 

#AppBiz: 

Sticky Rice Cafe (Knoxville, TN) - www.stickyriceknox.com/ 

Bon Appetit Story: Sticky Rice Cafe in East TN - www.bonappetit.com/story/appalachian-tennessee-culinary-road-trip