Melungeon Voices

Katya Faris, MA ethnomusicology, MA Jyotisha/Vedic Astrology, is from Hindustan, Indiana, and is a certified Jyotishi, or sidereal Vedic astrologer, Middle Eastern dance artist and music producer, Tarot practitioner, and Master level Reiki healing practitioner.  Part of her heritage is “Black Dutch” Melungeon, Cherokee and Choctaw.

In this episode, Heather Andolina, Board President of the Melungeon Heritage Association, speaks with Katya about Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), its symptoms, and possible connections to the Melungeon people, as well as Katya’s personal journey in learning about her own mixed-ancestry through genetic testing, connection to the Trail of Tears, as well as how her ancestry influences her work in Jyotisha Vedic Astrology, music, and dance.

Melungeon Voices is produced by Lis Malone (www.lismalone.com) and presented by the Melungeon Heritage Association. For more information please visit them on the web at www.melungeon.org to learn more and become a member.

Mike Richards and Tim Webb are long-time friends turned music collaborators.

Mike Richards is a Dove award-winning songwriter and award-nominee. He has produced two albums which charted in Billboard magazine. He founded the Bluegrass Gospel group, The Chigger Hill Boys and Terri, and he co- wrote “Face to Face,” with Amazing Grace which propelled the act to number one on inspirational music charts. Although the bulk of his work is centered in the world of religious music, he has written music for movies and television and has had songs recorded by mainstream artists.

Tim Webb has worked in the pharmaceutical industry most of his life, but he is also a songwriter. He is a Melungeon descendant from Middle Tennessee, and now lives in Nashville. He’s been married for thirty years to his wife Beth, with three children and two grandchildren.

In this week’s episode, we explore the origins of Appalachian and bluegrass music and the possible connections to the Melungeon people, as well as feature for the first time on this podcast, a live musical performance.

Melungeon Voices is produced by Lis Malone (www.lismalone.com) and presented by the Melungeon Heritage Association.  For more information on the MHA visit them on the web at www.melungeon.org.

Ramona Moore Big Eagle is an award winning and internationally renowned motivational speaker, storyteller, cultural educator, consultant, and workshop facilitator. She is president and CEO of Dare to Soar Enterprises, an organization she formed in 1991 to empower people of all ages and across all walks of life to become more effective communicators.

In this episode, Heather Andolina (Melungeon Heritage Association Board President) speaks with Ramona about her Afro-Indigenous ancestry, the significance of storytelling in native communities, and the importance and traditions of storytelling.

Melungeon Voices is produced by Lis Malone (www.lismalone.com) and presented by the Melungeon Heritage Association.  For more information on the MHA visit them on the web at www.melungeon.org.

Last, but certainly not least, we present a compelling discussion with one of our prominent speakers from this year’s MHA Union Conference. Dr. Arwin Smallwood is Professor and Chair of the Department of History and Political Science at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in Greensboro. His research primarily focuses on the relationships between African-American, Native-American, and Europeans in Eastern North Carolina during the Colonial and early Antebellum period. Wrapping up our second podcast season, in this final episode, Dr. Smallwood and I go into detail on the interrelation between European, African, and Indigenous people. Or to those who attend the this year’s virtual MHA Conference, the interrelation between the Lost Colony of Roanoke, the Tuscarora people, and the Melungeon people.

Presented by The Melungeon Heritage Association

Hosted by Heather Andolina

Produced by Lis Malone

Lauren Magnussen is a Production Editor at Mascot Books. She has a B.A. in English from the College of William and Mary and is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in English Literature. She worked in Academia and professional theatre before transitioning to her dream job in book publishing.In this week’s episode, Lauren and I discuss her extensive research and discoveries on the Melungeon people.

Presented by The Melungeon Heritage Association

Hosted by Heather Andolina

Produced by Lis Malone

Onur Kaya is a Professor at Burdur Mehmet Akif  Ersoy, located in Burdur, Turkey. He has written several published articles and papers, as well as presented at many Academic conferences. The Melungeon people are one of his main research areas and the subject of his PhD thesis. In this episode, Onur joins Heather from his home country of Turkey, to share his extensive research on the surprising, Turkish-Melungeon connection.

Presented by The Melungeon Heritage Association

Hosted by Heather Andolina (MHA Board President)

Produced by Lis Malone (www.breakingdishes.org)

William Isom II is a native of Hamblen County, Tennessee. He's the director of community outreach for East Tennessee PBS, and is the director of the Black in Appalachia Project. During this episode, William shares what it’s like to be multi-ethnic and black in Appalachia, how it is connected to the Melungeon people, and how it inspired the growth of the Black in Appalachia Project.

Presented by the Melungeon Heritage Association (www.melungeon.org)

Hosted by Heather Andolina (MHA Board President)

Produced by Lis Malone (www.breakingdishes.org)

LaTonya Beatty is an avid Genealogist, blogger, and family Historian. She has been researching Genealogy for almost twenty years. She holds an Associate’s Degree in Art, and is the author of two books and is currently working on a new children’s book. In today’s podcast, Tonya shares little known facts about the Quakers, the Underground Railroad, and Free People of Color.

Presented by the Melungeon Heritage Association; Hosted by Heather Andolina, MHA Board President; Produced by Lis Malone, Creator & Host of "Breaking Dishes" Podcast.

Jake Richards grew up and currently lives in East Tennessee. He is the author of two books, one published just a few of months ago. Jake writes about his Melungeon and Cherokee traditions and ancestry, which are on both sides of his family. His Melungeon ancestors came from both Newman’s Ridge and the Pee Dee River migrations. In this episode, Jake shares his fascinating knowledge of Appalachian folklore and magic, as well as some interesting spiritual traditions connected to the Melungeon people.

Presented by the Melungeon Heritage Association; Hosted by Heather Andolina, MHA Board President; Produced by Lis Malone, Creator & Host of "Breaking Dishes" Podcast.

Kimberly Knight earned a Bachelors in Family & Consumer Sciences, and a Masters in Social Work.  She is the Founder and Editor of "The Lux Blog NC" and is the Committee Chair of the Advisory Council for the first Black Indians NC Powwow for the state of North Carolina. She is currently Co-Directing and Co-Producing the upcoming documentary, “Duality: A Collection of Afro-Indigenous Perspectives.” 

In this season’s debut episode of Melungeon Voices, Kimberly discusses her Afro-Indigenous roots, her cultural identity, and latest endeavor in teaching others about her unique ancestry through film.

Presented by The Melungeon Heritage Associan; Hosted by Heather Andolina, MHA Board President; Produced by Lis Malone, Creator & Host of "Breaking Dishes" Podcast