The setting for a new novel is a communal society founded by freed people in North Carolina. It was a real place called The Kingdom of the Happy Land.

Also, a Tennessee writer, musician and playwright talks about his collaborations and ability to capture a sense of place.

And, the online world of Appalachian memes — and what they tell us about folks who live here.

You’ll hear these stories and more this week, Inside Appalachia.

This week Inside Appalachia, we’re talking about traditional ballads – how they tell stories and connect us to the past. 

These old tunes can mean so much. They can tap into difficult emotions and give feelings space to be heard. Some songs may even be too uncomfortable to sing.

In this special episode with guest co-host, ballad singer Saro Lynch-Thomason, we explore songs about lawbreaking folk heroes, runaway trains and murder ballads.

All the stories in this episode were produced as part of our Folkways Reporting Project, a partnership with West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s Inside Appalachia and the Folklife Program of the West Virginia Humanities Council.

We’ve recorded more than 150 stories for this project. Visit wvpublic.org to see them all.

This week, officials are scrutinizing a supermax prison in Wise County, Virginia, after inmate complaints and a visit by a state lawmaker.

Also, a laid-off federal worker warns the Trump administration's mass firings could make a big difference for coal miners.

And, every year, the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival stages a formal dance. Organizers rely on a manual that’s been passed down for generations.

Some politicians and coal operators call themselves friends of coal, but one journalist says they don’t seem to be friends of coal miners.

Also, what not to do if you get poison ivy.

And, pepperoni rolls were a staple in the coal mines. But public schools might be why they caught on. 

You’ll hear these stories and more this week, Inside Appalachia.

This week, we head to the woods for a master class in foraging for wild mushrooms.

And the woman behind the popular TikTok account “Appalachian Forager” makes jam from pawpaws and jewelry from coyote teeth.

We also visit the Alleghany Highlands, where mountain maple syrup traditions are changing with the times.

You'll hear these stories and more this week, Inside Appalachia.

A new book looks into the toxic legacy of a huge industrial disaster in Tennessee.

Also, rock climbing gear wears out. But it can still live on as art.

And, an eastern Kentucky pharmacist serves vegan food for the holidays.

You’ll hear these stories and more this week, Inside Appalachia.

Rock climbers with disabilities have found a home in Kentucky’s Red River Gorge, which offers some pumpy crags.

Also, climbers have also been working to make West Virginia's New River Gorge more inclusive.

And, a master craftsman, who makes one of a kind whitewater paddles, remembers some advice.

You’ll hear these stories and more this week, Inside Appalachia.

Aaron Dowdy of alt country band Fust took an outside path to becoming a songwriter.

Also, egg prices are up. Some folks are talking about raising backyard chickens.

And, Helvetia, West Virginia’s old world Fasnacht festival continues to grow, in part because of an online video game. Organizers are OK with it.

You'll hear these stories and more this week, Inside Appalachia.

During a pandemic, where do you give birth? 

Also, we’ll have the story of a family that cultivated an heirloom tomato in West Virginia. It took a lot of work. 

And, a musical tradition brought people together — even when they couldn’t gather in person.

You’ll hear these stories and more this week, Inside Appalachia.

It’s been five years since the COVID-19 lockdowns. An album made during that time is getting a re-release on vinyl.

Also, a Kentucky tattoo artist practices traditional tattooing and traditional music. He says they’re not too different.

And, what keeps people so fascinated with cryptids?

You’ll hear these stories and more this week, Inside Appalachia.