Appalachia Meets World

In this episode Neil and Will sit down with author and thru-hiker Derick Lugo to discuss his journey along the Appalachian Trail (AT) as well as how the trail drives tourism for many small towns along the way.  Since completing the AT eleven years ago, Derick's life path has changed from a city dweller who knew little about hiking to an outdoor evangelist.  As a prolific storyteller, Derick speaks about some of his trail stories and what he feels his role is in helping to educate people about the trial, hiking and the outdoors in general.  Take a listen as "Mr. Fabulous" (we'll let him explain) gives his perspective on the Appalachia region, both before and after his thru-hike, and how he identifies with the region as a whole.  Though he may continue to hike many trails throughout his life, he'll never forget his "first love" - the AT!  You might even hear how the "Tenman" and "Tonto" would do on the AT and how (or if) Neil would survive without a bathroom.  Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz(s) of the week: Southern Threads Boutique; Damascus Outfitters; Appalachian Heritage Distillery; and the Damascus Brewery!

Derick Lugo - www.dericklugo.com 

"The Unlikely Thru-Hiker: An Appalachian Trail Journey" - www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/43570679 

AppNews:

ARC Appalachian Leadership Institute - www.arc.gov/leadership/ 

Appalachian Sustainable Development (ASD) - www.asdevelop.org 

ASD Breaking News - www.asdevelop.org/news/appalachian-sustainable-development-expanding-staff-to-provide-more-direct-resources-and-services-to-smaller-scale-farmers-and-producers/ 

Trail Days - www.visitdamascus.org/traildays.html 

Damascus,  VA: "Trail Town USA" - www.damascus.org/ 

#AppBiz(s):

Southern Threads Boutique - www.facebook.com/southernthreadsllc

Damascus Outfitters - www.damascusoutfitters.com/ 

Appalachian Heritage Distillery - www.ahddamascus.com 

The Damascus Brewery - www.thedamascusbrewery.com 

Laurel Cove Music Festival June 9th and 10th!!  In this episode, Neil and Will sit down with Jon Grace the Bell County Tourism Director and Organizer of the Laurel Cove Music Festival.  In its 4th year, while the festival continues to grow it still keeps the small town family identify it has formed from the start.  As festival season is off and running in Appalachia, hear how festivals serve as an opportunity to attract visitors and highlight the assets of the region.  Take a listen as Jon describes his passion for the region and how this Music Festival just hits a little different - bringing in people from all over the country.  As discussed in the episode, the 2023 lineup showcases local, region and even national talent in one of the most beautiful natural venues in all of the country (or at least that's what Will suggests - he may be a little biased) - "The Red Rocks of Appalachia."  You'll also hear a sampling of music throughout the episode from performers that are part of the lineup this year!  Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz of the week: Riverside Market and Grill!

Bell County Tourism - www.bellcountytourism.com/ 

Laurel Cove Music Festival - www.laurelcovemusicfestival.com 

#AppBiz

Riverside Market and Grill - www.facebook.com/people/Riverside-Market-Grill/100086752601854/?paipv=0&eav=AfbDuxXM4rerh4Rw4tKv8F-b4iAtOwlF7jSykyeFHGDeJhZmM81YEzAIuNIuRRPVKgY&_rdr 

AppNews:

Rural Partners Network - www.rural.gov 

ARC awards $500,000 at the Rural Partners Network meeting - www.arc.gov/news/arc-awards-nearly-500k-to-help-five-appalachian-kentucky-area-development-districts-apply-for-more-federal-funds/ 

Rural Partners Network Forum in West Virginia - www.arc.gov/event/rural-partners-network-resource-partners-forum/ 

Appalachian Festival - www.appalachianfestival.org/ 

Taste the Nation with Travis Melton: "Padma and the Beanstalk" - www.hulu.com/series/taste-the-nation-with-padma-lakshmi-53d48a66-d254-4e4f-89a1-277ec6c57368 

36 hour Itinerary in Asheville, NC (New York Times) - www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/05/04/travel/things-to-do-asheville.html 

Hood Huggers International - www.hoodhuggers.com 

National Travel and Tourism Week - www.ustravel.org/events/national-travel-and-tourism-week 

Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival - www.kmlf.org 

Music on the episode (from Laurel Cove Music Festival Lineup):

The Local Honeys - "High on a Mountain"

49 Winchester - "Russell County Line"

The Red Clay Strays - "Good Godly Woman"

Cole Chaney - "Back to Kentucky"

In this episode, Neil and Will sit down with Luke Glaser.  As a Hazard, KY City Commissioner, Luke not only personally went through the recent devastating floods in Eastern Kentucky, he has been part of the process of recovery - something he and his colleagues have had to learn as they go.  Hazard, KY in Perry County was one of the hardest hit areas when the flood came in late July.  The devastation and initial recovery was a national news story for weeks.  As those weeks have passed and the cameras are now gone, the recovery and need of support is only just beginning.  Take a listen to hear Luke express what recovery efforts are still needed and in immediate demand in the area.  In addition, as we celebrate "Teacher Appreciation Week", hear Luke's passion for his students as a high school teacher in Hazard.  You might even hear about Neil's "Practical" luck and Will's recent journey to a special place in Appalachia.  Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz(s) of the week: France's Diner and the Barter Theater!

Luke Glaser - www.lukeglaser.com 

#AppBiz:

France's Diner -  www.facebook.com/Francesdiner/ 

The Barter Theatre - www.bartertheatre.com 

App News:

Demon Copperfield by Barbara Kingsolver - www.pulitzer.org/winners/barbara-kingsolver 

100 Days of Appalachia: "When the Water Goes Down" (documentary) - www.100daysinappalachia.com/2023/02/when-the-water-goes-down-eight-months-later-eastern-kentucky-is-still-healing/ 

Teacher Appreciation Week (National Education Association) - www.nea.org/TAW 

It's Derby Week!  In this episode Neil and Will sit down with Keith Gabbard, CEO of the People's Rural Telephone Cooperative or PRTC in McKee, KY.  It doesn't matter where you live, in this day and age everyone deserves an equal opportunity at broadband access.  PRTC is delivering just that in one of the more rural and underserved areas in the country - in turn making Jackson County one of the most connected small communities in the nation.  Putting "connectivity over profit" PRTC has become a best practice in how you can transform a community by being a "doer" and providing opportunity where there once was none.  Take a listen as Keith describes what (and how) PRTC has done in this slice of Appalachia and how much it has benefited the residents in the place he has always called home.  Keith believes what PRTC is doing is similar to the quote from his favorite PIRATE - " If you have a chance to accomplish something that will make things better for people coming behind you, and you don't do that, you are wasting your time on the Earth."  You might even hear Neil and Will's picks for the Derby and how they unexpectedly celebrate Cinco de Mayo in the  process.  Also, don't forget the #App Biz(s) of the week: Paris Signs;  and Annie's Flooring and Commercial Services - and find out why we are celebrating them on THIS WEEK!       

People's Rural Telephone Cooperative - https://prtcnet.org/ 

Kentucky Derby (Official Site) - www.kentuckyderby.com/ 

#AppBiz:

Paris Signs - www.parissigns.com 

Annie's Flooring and Commercial Cleaning Services - www.anniesflooring.com 

National Small Business Week (and award winners) - www.sba.gov/national-small-business-week 

Appalachian News: 

Rural Action Receives USDA Funding - https://ruralaction.org/news/2023/usda-funding-will-support-appalachian-farms-and-food-businesses/ 

Rural Partners Network - www.rural.gov/ 

Rural Partners Network and Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation Forum (Pineville, KY) - www.arc.gov/event/rural-partners-network-community-forum-in-pineville-ky/ 

Heritage Ohio and Buckeye Hills Regional Council Workshop (Downtown Revitalization) - www.eventbrite.com/e/financial-tools-incentives-for-downtown-revitalization-workshop-tickets-607595152457 

In this episode Neil and Will sit down with Chris Worman, founder of Connect Humanity - a nonprofit working with communities to build the internet infrastructure and skills they need to participate fully in a digital society.  As part of an ARC funding grant, Connect Humanity has been tasked to bridge the digital divide in Appalachia, specifically to 50 undeserved communities throughout every sub-region of Appalachia.  Take a listen as Chris describes the important work Connect Humanity does through the world, but more importantly the plans they have for digital equity in Appalachia.  There's a lot of federal funding that will be coming available for communities throughout the country, find out how Connect Humanity will help communities throughout Appalachia plan for capturing this funding and bridging the digital divide.  You might even hear Chris's affinity for meatballs and Neil's week long tribute to his favorite Appalachian of all time - honestly, it might be verging on an obsession.  Also, don't forget the #AppBiz of the week: National Broadband Resource Hub!

Connect Humanity - www.connecthumanity.fund 

Connect Humanity in Appalachia: Community Application Process - https://connecthumanity.fund/arise/ 

#AppBiz: National Broadband Resource Hub - www.broadbandhub.org 

Appalachian News:

Ramp Article (Pittsburgh Gazette) - www.post-gazette.com/life/recipes/2023/04/10/ramps-wild-leeks-appalachia-pittsburgh/stories/202304030060 

Appalachian HillClimb Series (Backroads of Appalachia) - https://backroadsofappalachia.org/saturday-april-22-is-scca-motorsport-day-in-kentucky/?olink=%2Fnews%2F&otitle=News 

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

Opportunity Appalachia Investor Convening - https://pheedloop.com/OAInvestorConvening/site/home/ 

In this episode Neil and Will have a conversation with Tom Gellrich of the H2-CCS Network and Co-Organizer of the 2023 Appalachian Renewable Natural Gas Conference.  Renewable Natural Gas or RNG is different in that instead of extracting materials from the earth, it is the conversion of waste and other organic materials into energy - combating climate change along the way.  Take a listen as Tom speaks to the RNG Conference and the opportunities in Appalachia in regards to the growing market.  You also might hear Neil's energy for the episode and how he now has justification in regards to his own waste.  Also, don't forget the #AppBiz of the week: New Frontier!

Appalachian RNG Conference 2023 - https://rngconferences.com/product/appalachian-rng-conference-2023/ 

New Frontier - www.newfrontierbrand.com/ 

Reclaiming Appalachia - www.reclaimingappalachia.org 

Diversified Energy and ARCH2 proposal - www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/empire-diversified-energy-to-be-included-in-appalachian-regional-clean-hydrogen-hub-application-to-the-department-of-energy-301799945.html 

Take a listen to a teaser of the upcoming episode on Friday.  We just wanted to get a teaser out to talk a little about the upcoming Appalachian RNG Conference on this Wednesday, April 19th.  Check it out to find out a little more...then check back on Friday for the full episode!  

Appalachian RNG Conference 2023 - https://rngconferences.com/product/appalachian-rng-conference-2023/ 

In Part 1 of the discussion on "Appalachian Health", Dr. Wykoff discusses his book, "Appalachian Health: Culture, Challenges and Capacity."  On this episode, Part 2, Dr. Wykoff discusses overall healthcare challenges and potential opportunities in Appalachia, and the importance of connecting healthcare with economic prosperity and job creation.  Take a listen to the follow up conversation and hear the guys get a little more personal with Dr. Wykoff and the significance of "staying" and making East Tennessee State Universities College of Public Health the "best little college of Public Health in the entire country."  You also might hear about a recommendation of Neil's and what he thinks about fine wine and expensive shoes - not to mention his new tagline for Easter.  Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz of the week: Hazard Coffee Company!

"Appalachian Health: Culture, Challenges and Capacity" - www.kentuckypress.com/9780813155579/appalachianhealth/ 

East Tennessee State University College of Public Health - www.etsu.edu/cph/ 

Hazard Coffee Company - www.hazardcoffeecompany.com 

ARC Appalachian Envisioned Roadshow: Stop #4 - Building Appalachia's Infrastructure: www.arc.gov/event/stop-4-building-appalachias-infrastructure/

ARC Appalachian Leadership Institute - www.arc.gov/leadership/#how_to_apply   

Appalachian Heritage Week: Lees McRae College - www.lmc.edu/about/news-center/articles/2023/appalachian-heritage-celebration-puts-new-twist-on-beloved-annual-event.htm 

Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub (ARCH2) submits multi-state application - www.battelle.org/insights/newsroom/press-release-details/appalachian-regional-clean-hydrogen-hub-submits-multi-state-application-for-the-department-of-energy's-hydrogen-hub 

Appalachian RNG Conference - https://rngconferences.com/product/appalachian-rng-conference-2023/ 

"Thriving Business Climate - Retail Growing in Several Eastern Kentucky Downtowns" (Lexington Herald-Leader) - www.kentucky.com/news/business/article272617374.html?mc_cid=ea3cc0ed76&mc_eid=773823b633 

Cafe Lola Bistro (Johnson City, TN) - https://cafelolabistro.com/ 

In this episode Neil and Will were honored to sit down with Dr. Randy Wykoff - one of, if not THE face of rural health in the entire country.  As the founding dean of East Tennessee State's College of Public Health, Dr. Wykoff is on a mission to make ETSU one of the best little College of Public Health in the world.  His recent book (as co-editor) "Appalachian Health: Culture, Challenges and Capacity" speaks to the importance of health's intersection with social, political and economic factors to improve overall mortality in the region.  In this part 1 (of 2), take a listen as Dr. Wykoff dives into the book and discusses the significance of the practice of public health in the region, and all underserved communities.    You might even hear how Neil just might get his Appalachian Card pulled - it may or may not have something to do with "little stinkers."  Also, don't forget the #AppBiz(s) of the week: Appalachian Nursing Academy; and Lindera Farms! 

"If you're having health problems, I fell bad for you son - the region has 99 problems, but this episode ain't one."

"Appalachian Health: Culture, Challenges and Capacity" - www.kentuckypress.com/9780813155579/appalachian-health/ 

East Tennessee State University College of Public Health - www.etsu.edu/cph/ 

Appalachian Nursing Academy (SOAR) - https://soar-ky.org/ana/  

Lindera Farms - www.linderafarms.com 

Appalachian Rises: ARC Annual Conference 2023 - www.arc.gov/news/arc-co-chairs-gayle-manchin-&-kentucky-governor-andy-beshear-announce-2023-arc-annual-conference-location-and-theme/ 

ARC Appalachian Envisioned Roadshow: Stop #4 Community Infrastructure - www.arc.gov/roadshow/ 

West Virginia Ramp Festivals - https://wvexplorer.com/recreation/agritourism/ramp-dinners-festivals/ 

Ramp Tramp Festival (Polk County, TN) - www.ramptrampfestival.com 

StinkFest: The Wild Ramp (Huntington, WV) - https://wildramp.org/event/stinkfest-annual-celebration-of-ramps/ 

Upshur County Public Library 28th Annual Ramp Dinner: An Appalachian Extravaganza (Upshur County, WV) - www.eventbrite.com/e/28th-annual-ramp-dinner-tickets-551725655287 

Rainbows and Ramps (Cherokee, TN) - https://visitcherokeenc.com/events/rainbows-and-ramps/ 

Teach for America Appalachia - www.teachforamerica.org/where-we-work/appalachia 

In this episode it hits close to "home" with Will and Neil.  They sit down with David Ledford the President and CEO of the Appalachian Wildlife Foundation to talk about the current project that is - Boone's Ridge!  Located in the heart of central Appalachia, partially on abandoned mine land, this project is more than just a natural habitat.  Take a listen as Mr. Ledford explains the phased approach of the project and what it will consist of and what impact it will make on the region.  If for nothing else, listen as he describes the anticipated gondola that will be part of the overall area - is something you don't often get to be a part of in this area.  As suggested, it's time to quit planning and talking about "what if" and just doing it!  Also, don't forget the #AppBiz of the week: Sauced!  

Boone's Ridge - www.boonesridge.com 

Sauced - www.saucedcrafted.com 

BRIGHT Kentucky - www.leadershipky.org/programs/bright-kentucky-5/about-bright-kentucky-23/ 

Appalachian Community Grant Program - www.development.ohio.gov/community/governors-office-of-appalachia/appalachian-community-grant-program 

Ohio Round 1 of the ACGP (Press) - www.governor.ohio.gov/media/news-and-media/governor-dewine-lt-governor-husted-announc-first-projects-funded-through-new-appalachian-community-grant-program-03202023 

Blotchy Bass Syndrome (Press) - www.wjhl.com/outdoors-appalachia/have-you-seen-blotchy-bass-while-fishing-in-tennessee-and-virginia/