In this episode of The Appalachian Tale Podcast: Deeper In The Holler, host Jimmy Proffitt goes solo again with one of the most unforgettable characters from his Appalachian childhood — a woman named MaryAnn. With wild gray hair, a house with a hand pump at the sink, and a reputation as a fortune teller, herbalist, and granny witch, MaryAnn was unlike anyone else on that little country road in the Shenandoah Valley. Jimmy remembers helping her make lye soap over an open fire, pumping water from the well, and drinking his very first cup of coffee — mostly milk and sugar — at about five years old. He also shares the behind-the-scenes story of writing and photographing Seasoned In Appalachia — including a very memorable morning involving a straw, two cans of beer, and a catfish photo shoot. Plus, the Appalachian Word of the Week, Grandma's untested Milk Chocolate Walnut Bars recipe, a preview of Book Two, and news about an upcoming bluegrass festival book signing.

Topics covered: Appalachian granny witches, mountain folk magic, fortune telling in Appalachia, lye soap making, Shenandoah Valley childhood memories, Seasoned In Appalachia cookbook behind the scenes, Appalachian dialect, milk chocolate walnut bars recipe, bluegrass festivals, Appalachian storytelling and culture.

Here is a link to the playlist https://suno.com/playlist/606530f3-c68d-4f2e-aad2-424be182bc7d