This week, we turned our entire episode over to the question, “What is Appalachia?” With stories from Mississippi to Pittsburgh, we asked people across our region whether they consider themselves to be Appalachian. 

This week, a look back at some of the stories that shaped the show in 2024, like the story of an abandoned Fairmont Brine site in Marion County, West Virginia. It was a common hangout spot, but there’s a hidden danger. 

Also, food deserts are places where it’s hard to find nutritious food. Like disenfranchised neighborhoods in East Knoxville, Tennessee. 

And, not all bamboo is invasive. In fact, there’s a species native to Appalachia.

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

This week, we go a-wassailing in Asheville, North Carolina. It’s kind of like Christmas caroling, with a kick.

Also, family recipes bring generations together. But what happens when you’ve got grandma’s potato candy recipe, and it doesn’t have exact measurements? 

And a new book explores the magical dark side of nature. 

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

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

Also, parts of West Virginia have been radio silent since the 1950s for scientists to monitor the skies. So, what does that mean for first responders in an emergency? 

And winter holidays are here. We’ve got some tips to keep the festivities from going up in smoke.

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

Crossing a river by ferry can be a special experience, and hard to come by. On the Ohio River, a retiring ferry captain passes the torch to his deck hand.

And Hurricane Helene destroyed roads and knocked out power and cell service across western North Carolina. But there was still a way to keep people in touch.

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

Since 1967, Foxfire has been a storehouse of traditional Appalachian knowledge that still helps people today.

It continues to preserve music and history, but part of Foxfire’s heritage has been recording the stories of Appalachian women. 

This week, Inside Appalachia explores Foxfire – its past, present and future.

The chef of an award-winning Asheville restaurant says he was shaped by memories of growing up in West Virginia. 

The Seeing Hand Association brings together people who are visually impaired to learn the craft of chair caning. 

And a West Virginia community grapples with its population of feral cats.

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

Morel mushrooms are a forager’s delight, but don’t shortcut cleaning them.

As flood relief continues from Hurricane Helene — a musician raises money with a song inspired by West Virginia’s 2016 floods.

And, not every pumpkin gets to be a jack-o-lantern. Some are used in science experiments instead.

After Helene, an Asheville guitar maker grapples with how to help her neighborhood when there’s so much need. 

A church in West Virginia is helping turn unwanted guns into garden tools.

And, for writer Wei Tchou, it took leaving her home in East Tennessee to start seeing herself in a new way.   

Rock climbing gear eventually wears out, but it can still live on as art. 

Also, the response to Hurricane Helene shows us some of the best in people. Neighbors are helping neighbors. 

And surfing in West Virginia. Yeah, that’s a real a thing.