QUEERNECKS

The hosts touch on everything from rural living to academia mishaps, interwoven with laughter and camaraderie. They discuss the quirky Kentucky Derby horse names game, the significance of food traditions, and the whimsical world of Halloween costumes. Additionally, they introduce listeners to the charming web comic 'Little Bubby Child' and reminisce about the cultural nuances of growing up in Appalachia. This episode celebrates queer creativity, Appalachian resourcefulness, and the joys of community and friendship.

Remember to join us for our Halloween live on Youtube at 8pm! Subscribe to get notifications! https://www.youtube.com/@QUEERNECK

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Remember to join us for our Halloween live on Youtube at 8pm! Subscribe to get notifications! https://www.youtube.com/@QUEERNECK

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And join our discord by joining our Ko-Fi for $2 a month: https://ko-fi.com/queernecksIn this episode of

'Queernecks,' hosts Beck and Dash share personal medical stories and humorous experiences related to medication side effects. Dash talks about his medical modeling stint and various health issues, including cellulitis that landed him in the hospital during graduate school. The hosts reminisce about their encounters in graduate classes, various pranks and vandalism tales from their youth, and delve into a range of topics from women's baseball leagues to film theory, Roy Rogers, and historical Hollywood. They also discuss the societal challenges faced by queer individuals in different spaces, including gyms and dojos. A humorous sponsor segment, 'Mean Ass Barn Cats,' adds to the eclectic mix of conversations. The episode wraps up with plans for a Halloween live broadcast and a potential Christmas party.

Topics:

• Queer podcast
• LGBTQ+ stories
• Rural queer life
• Appalachian queer
• Transgender podcast
• Queer representation
• Queer book club
• LGBTQ+ community
• Queer history
• Queer pop culture
• Queer humor
• Queer identity
• Queer experiences
• LGBTQ+ activism
• Queer Appalachia
• Inclusive podcast
• Queer friendship
• LGBTQ+ education
• Queer media
• Queer voices
• Queer women
• Trans voices
• Rural LGBTQ+
• Queer coming out stories
• Queer literature
• Queer sports
• Queer Halloween
• Queer Christmas
• Queer live show
• Queer podcast YouTube

Pets, queer stylings of the mid-90's, first jobs, and as usual lots of talk about food.

Remember to join us for our Halloween live on Youtube at 8pm! Subscribe to get notifications! https://www.youtube.com/@QUEERNECK

Subscribe to out newsletter for the Queernecks ramble expansion pack: https://substack.com/@queernecks

And join our discord by joining our Ko-Fi for $2 a month: https://ko-fi.com/queernecks

*apologies if you got the version of this file with the glitch on Beck's voice around 5 minute in--it's very brief*

This episode has ghost stories, giggle fits, and get off our lawn! Is that a funeral or just a midwest homecoming?

Remember to join our Ko-Fi if you'd like to financially support us and get access to the Halloween private watch party. https://ko-fi.com/queernecks

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#queer #appalachia #rural

You're invited to our Halloween Live Party!

Have you ever seen the hilariously terrible, offensively affectionate, 1988 self-proclaimed shitty movie Curse of the Queerwolf? It's one of those movies you spend the first 15 minutes trying to decide which slur it's calling you, only to realize it was sticking up for you. If it feels dangerous to go alone, take us with you! Join Queernecks for a watch party on Halloween at 8:00 pm EST. Queernecks is a podcast about growing up queer in Appalachia, hosted by two hilarious cultural studies profs. For access to the Hall-O-Kween Live party join the $2 Broke Tier @ https://ko-fi.com/queernecks

This episode covers memorable birthday stories, struggles with quitting smoking, and reflections on queer culture and celebrity crushes. From discussing the intricacies of dissertation writing to sharing experiences with tattoo art, the hosts provide an intimate and candid look at their lives. Plus, dive into their humorous take on scarecrows as well as insights into Appalachian traditions like forecasting winter using persimmon seeds. Don't miss their chat on favorite horror movies and the challenge of navigating queer identity in a heteronormative world. Tune in for laughter, heartfelt stories, and warm camaraderie.

00:00 Welcome to Queernecks

00:27 Birthday Memories

01:17 Quitting Smoking Struggles

03:41 Continuing the PhD Journey

07:24 Fall Vibes and Horror Movies

12:51 First Crushes and Celebrity Admiration

19:39 The Persistence of Print Media

20:17 Trivia Enthusiasts Unite

21:05 Celebrity Crushes and Queer Experiences

25:14 Cultural Appropriation and Queer Culture

30:30 Therapy and Mental Health

34:54 Appalachian Weather Predictions

37:14 Car Talk and Personal Stories

40:13 Podcast Wrap-Up and Announcements

Join our Ko-fi for access to the discord https://ko-fi.com/queernecks

Beck and Dash discuss dissertations and therapy. They delve into conversations about favorite movies, including horror films and the cultural impact of the first R-rated movies they watched. The hosts also reflect on queer representation in media, sharing personal anecdotes about their early encounters with LGBTQ+ visibility on television. They discuss mid-century and modern depictions of queer characters and the societal impact of these representations. The episode also touches on the cultural significance of Mountain Dew in Appalachia and introduces quirky elements like chickens and roosters. The hosts conclude with plans for a community watch party and encourage listener engagement through email and social media.

00:00 Introduction to Queernecks Podcast

00:17 Deciding on the Program

00:35 Academic Challenges and Dissertation Talk

03:23 Therapy Program Experiences

06:10 Horror Movies and Childhood Memories

15:54 Stephen King and Apocalyptic Shows

20:27 Queer Representation

20:31 Early Encounters with Queer Representation

21:21 Impact of Queer Representation in Media

22:25 Personal Stories and Reflections

26:33 Addiction and Recovery

27:59 The Role of Television in Shaping Culture

33:38 Mountain Dew: A Cultural Icon

38:56 Upcoming Events and Community Engagement

42:13 Closing Remarks and Farewell

Beck and Dash welcome Willie Edward Taylor Carver Jr., a celebrated teacher and author, as their special guest. Willie discusses his experiences as Kentucky's Teacher of the Year in 2022, his published book 'Gay Poems for Red States,' and the societal challenges he's faced as an openly queer teacher in rural Kentucky. The conversation explores themes of Appalachia's resilience, the impact of regional and identity politics on education, and the importance of diverse representation. The episode also features humorous anecdotes about cultural quirks, such as gas station chicken and county fairs, while highlighting the intersections of Appalachian and queer identities. Finally, the podcast touches on the necessity of expanding diverse voices in media and literature.

Check out Willie's book Gay Poems for Red States (2023) and pre-order his novel Tore All To Pieces https://www.booksamillion.com/product/9781985903708

In the vibrant tapestry of identities, the intersection of queerness and regional heritage presents a unique perspective. Willie, a storyteller with roots steeped in Appalachian culture, offers a profound insight into how this region has shaped his sense of identity. For him, the term "queer" extends beyond sexual orientation or gender identity, weaving in aspects of his Appalachian upbringing.

When Willie speaks about being queer, he's touching on a broader idea than one might initially assume. He explains, "When somebody says he's Queer, they often mean he's different and we're aware of it." This reflection echoes a universal truth: queerness is about embracing one's differences and the perceptions they generate in the world. For Willie, being queer means living openly, acknowledging the distinctiveness that sets him apart.

In his narration, Willie makes an intriguing declaration: in the acronym LGBTQIA, the 'A' stands for Appalachia, alongside its other connotations. This symbolizes the integration of his geographical roots into his identity, a declaration of pride in where he comes from and how it has informed his worldview. It's not just Appalachian landscapes or folklore that define him, but the way these elements have played into his experiences of queerness.

Growing up Appalachian, Willie learned resilience early on—lessons that resonate with his queer identity today. He speaks candidly about facing pushback, not just for being queer, but for his Appalachian background. His response: "Go do it on purpose." This mantra encapsulates a rebellious embrace of identity, suggesting that authenticity is found in turning perceived negatives into points of pride.

Willie's story illustrates the power of embracing complex identities and the narratives they foster. By recognizing the multifaceted nature of queerness through an Appalachian lens, we broaden our understanding of what it means to belong to both communities. It reminds us that regional heritage and personal identity are not mutually exclusive but rather intertwined threads that enrich the stories we tell about ourselves.

Through his experiences, Willie invites us all to reflect on the layers of our identities and to celebrate the diverse ways they shape who we are.

00:00 Welcome to Queernecks

00:23 Introducing Willie Edward Taylor Carver Jr.

01:34 Appalachian Identity and Queerness

05:20 Accent and Cultural Misunderstandings

12:22 Challenges in Education

17:19 Advocacy and Resistance

24:45 Transition to Creativity

29:07 Decline of Gay-Straight Alliances

29:38 Resilience and Ingenuity in Appalachia

29:49 Liberation and Identity in Queer Spaces

30:42 Contrasts Between Appalachia and Blue States

33:16 Experiences in Queer Bars

34:33 Jerry Springer and Anti-Racism

37:01 Writing and Representation

43:46 Queer Appalachian Voices

The Wheel of What-Have-You was basically forgotten this episode in favor of some reminiscing and jawing about cultural theory, intersectionality, power and privilege, and why you should never date a graduate student. It was Beck's birthday last week and she came back a blistered lobster, but that only made her funnier. Remember to visit us on social media @queernecks and send us an email if you have a story to tell or idea to share at [email protected].

Subscribe to the newsletter here: https://substack.com/@queernecks

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Birthday Recap

00:50 Sunburn Stories and Swimming Adventures

03:05 Haunted Spaghetti and Food Talk

04:56 Cooking Memories and Recipes

08:35 Homelessness and Bowling Alley Job

15:12 Teaching Challenges and Social Justice

22:43 Hijinks and Childhood Memories

24:02 Childhood Games and Cousin Memories

25:14 Family Dynamics and Growing Up

26:19 Adventures and Mishaps

26:26 Drinking Stories and Party Days

30:16 Gift Giving and Love Languages

33:35 Social Media and Online Presence

38:38 Sponsor

41:51 Noun of Appalachian Interest

45:30 Conclusion and Future Plans

We rambled from grief to TV and movies, with a minor detour into misadventure. Apparently Dash was in a shootout once and didn't even know until the cops told him. As always, Queernecks is fortunate and grateful to the folks who keep listening! If you have a crazy story, drop us a note at [email protected]! But make sure the names and places are changed or the statute of limitations is up ;)

We dedicate this episode to the queer and trans kids, faculty, and staff who are going back to the classroom after too short of a summer off to fully lick the wounds of the past year. Hang in there darlings; you're always just around the corner from the light.

chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Hosts

00:17 Summer Sleep Schedules

00:52 Health Alerts and Smartwatches

01:55 Shannon's Work Injury

03:05 Age and Family History

05:31 True Detective and Streaming Services

06:55 Walking at Night and Police Encounter

12:38 Worst Movies Ever

17:32 High School Memories and Substance Use

22:42 High School Memories and Substance Use

25:05 Cultural Hegemony and Decadence

27:42 Personal Experiences with Medication

32:37 Public Libraries: A Community Treasure

38:45 Appalachian Cuisine: Soup Beans and Cornbread

41:31 Challenges and Triumphs in Education

46:07 Conclusion and Social Media Shoutouts

Welcome back to Queernecks, where glitter meets grit on the front porch. This week, Dash and Beck swap stories about house shoes, high-tech cat litter boxes, small-town characters, and the ways humor keeps Appalachian queer folks surviving and thriving. From food memories to mixtape nostalgia, from local legends to the grit of everyday life, this episode brings the laughter, the camp, and the real talk.

We’re building queer community one holler story at a time—and we want y’all in on it. Got thoughts, local legends of your own, or nouns of Appalachian interest? Drop us a line at [email protected].

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