QUEERNECKS

Correction to something Dash said: WYSO isn't affiliated with West Virginia Public Media, but is instead based in Yellow Springs, Ohio.

In this episode, we sit down with Lee Wade, creator of the podcast Translucent on West Virginia Public Radio. Lee shares the inspiration behind starting the show in the midst of rising anti-trans legislation, and how the name Translucent reflects his mission to shine light on trans stories that are too often overlooked.

Lee opens up about his journey as a Black trans person navigating advocacy, mentorship, and grassroots podcast production. He recounts powerful conversations from Translucent, including an emotional interview with a Republican trans woman about restrictive legislation, and a deeply personal exchange with his father following incarceration. Lee’s story highlights the importance of allyship, adaptation, and creating space for trans voices in media.

The episode begins with lighter moments—funny stories about cat fights and candid reflections on students cheating in online learning. We also discuss the ethics of AI, drawing connections to systemic issues like racism and environmental justice. The conversation flows into personal anecdotes about haircuts, tattoos, and cultural identity, exploring how barbershops and body art carry meaning in diverse communities.

Along the way, we spotlight Tudor’s Biscuit World, a beloved Appalachian restaurant known for hearty meals and community impact.

We close by encouraging listener engagement, introducing our new newsletter, and reminding everyone to follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content.

Keywords: trans stories, Black trans voices, Translucent podcast, anti-trans legislation, allyship, Appalachian culture, online teaching challenges, AI ethics, barbershop culture, tattoo stories, Tudor’s Biscuit World, grassroots podcasting, West Virginia Public Radio

Summary

In this engaging conversation, the hosts explore various themes including the spontaneity of their podcast format, listener engagement, academic journeys, gender dynamics in sports, cultural reflections through baseball, childhood outdoor experiences, and valuable life lessons learned from driving. The discussion is rich with personal anecdotes and insights, creating a relatable and thought-provoking dialogue. In this engaging conversation, Beck and Dash explore themes of personal reflection, cultural significance, and the emotional weight of memories tied to holidays and family traditions. They discuss Labor Day and Memorial Day, sharing personal anecdotes that highlight the complexities of grief and trauma. The conversation shifts to the significance of yard sales as a form of community and resourcefulness, before delving into the cultural symbolism of mason jars in Appalachian life. The episode concludes with reflections on family, communication, and the legacies we leave behind.

Takeaways

The show lacks a preview format, leading to spontaneous discussions.

Listener feedback is appreciated and incorporated into the show.

The evolution of language reflects changes in technology and culture.

Academic journeys can be challenging but rewarding.

Gender dynamics in sports highlight ongoing issues of representation.

Baseball serves as a cultural mirror for American society.

Outdoor experiences shape childhood memories and personal growth.

Driving experiences teach valuable life lessons about safety and responsibility.

Personal stories reveal the complexities of identity and upbringing.

Engagement with listeners fosters a sense of community. Labor Day is a celebration of workers' rights and personal milestones.

Memorial Day can evoke strong emotional responses due to personal loss.

Triggers can come from unexpected places, impacting our emotional state.

Yard sales serve as a means of community support and resourcefulness.

Mason jars symbolize tradition, practicality, and Appalachian culture.

Cleaning out a parent's house can lead to a minimalist lifestyle.

Cultural phrases can vary significantly and may confuse others.

The importance of making connections across generations is highlighted.

Humor and storytelling are vital in sharing personal experiences.

The conversation emphasizes the significance of family and shared memories.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Show Philosophy

04:32 Listener Engagement and Suggestions

07:36 Academic Journeys and Challenges

13:21 Representation in Sports and Gender Dynamics

18:14 Cultural Reflections in Baseball

22:10 Outdoor Experiences and Childhood Memories

32:48 Driving Experiences and Lessons Learned

42:13 Celebrating Labor Day and Personal Reflections

43:20 Memorial Day: Personal Trauma and Collective Memory

46:18 Triggers and Unexpected Memories

48:51 The Significance of Yard Sales

01:00:35 Mason Jars: A Symbol of Appalachian Culture

01:14:15 Closing Thoughts and Reflections on Family

tags:

podcast, conversation, academic journeys, sports representation, gender dynamics, outdoor experiences, driving lessons, cultural reflections, listener engagement, personal stories, Labor Day, Memorial Day, trauma, yard sales, Appalachian culture, mason jars, personal stories, family, memories, triggers

This conversation explores a variety of themes, including the quirky culture of Toledo, food safety perceptions, unique funeral customs, driving experiences in the Appalachian region, the impact of weather on daily life, childhood memories, media sensationalism, health remedies, and the cultural significance of Dolly Parton. The hosts share personal anecdotes and reflections, creating a rich tapestry of Appalachian life and community.

Takeaways

There's always redneckery going on in Toledo.

Candlelight vigils for closed restaurants show community spirit.

Health department violations don't always indicate poor food quality.

Cultural differences in funeral customs can be striking.

Appalachian funerals often lack traditional pageantry.

Driving in the mountains can be a unique experience.

Weather can significantly impact daily life and activities.

Childhood experiences shape our perceptions of weather.

Media sensationalism has evolved with the 24-hour news cycle.

Home remedies often reflect cultural practices.

Chapters

00:00 Redneckery in Toledo

03:49 Community and Mourning

07:33 Funeral Traditions and Personal Stories

12:13 Driving and Vehicle Anecdotes

15:37 Weather and Corn Sweat

16:20 Exploring Local Water Bodies

18:23 Body Image and Vulnerability

20:11 Childhood Memories and Weather Experiences

23:16 Impact of News on Childhood

25:47 Sensationalism in Media and Its Effects

32:11 Military Medicine and Home Remedies

33:35 Dental Health and Insurance Issues

35:06 Childhood Injuries and Remedies

35:45 Redneck Injuries and Survival Stories

42:08 Dolly Parton: A Cultural Icon

47:00 Local Culture and Community Connections

49:20 New Chapter

tags

Toledo, redneck culture, food safety, funeral customs, Appalachian culture, driving stories, weather phenomena, childhood memories, media sensationalism, health remedies, Dolly Parton

This episode contains to adult entertainment because Beck tells a story about the adult entertainment store her parents owned at 12:26. If you don't want to hear the story skip from 12:26 to 14:56.

Dash and Beck reflect on their childhood experiences, the impact of media, and the significance of community celebrations. They share nostalgic memories of Christmas traditions, the evolution of holiday decorations, and their first experiences in queer spaces. The discussion delves into the intersection of queerness and community care, the cultural significance of granny women, and the challenges of navigating identity in rural Appalachia. They also touch on the importance of support systems and resources for those seeking to quit smoking or other vices, emphasizing the need for community and understanding.

Chapters

00:00 Nostalgic Reflections on Childhood and Family Life

07:19 The Impact of Holiday Traditions

13:49 Exploring Queerness in Rural Settings

21:50 First Experiences in Queer Spaces

23:56 Exploring Lavender Relationships

27:39 Marriage and Identity in Appalachia

30:57 Life Expectancy and Health in Appalachia

37:44 Granny Women: Healers of the Community

42:15 Cultural Perspectives on Alcohol and Nutrition

45:11 New Chapter

tags:

childhood, media, community, queer spaces, Appalachia, identity, granny women, food, support

Dash and Beck explore a variety of themes ranging from personal experiences with food and small-town life to the challenges of academia and mental health. They share stories of grief, loss, and the impact of religion on their lives, while also reflecting on queer identity and community. The discussion touches on parenting choices, the role of libraries, and the influence of controversial figures in pop culture. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize the importance of personal growth, community engagement, and the complexities of navigating life as queer individuals.

Takeaways

Food rituals play a significant role in personal memories.

Life in small towns comes with unique challenges and quirks.

Academia can be a struggle, especially with grading and integrity issues.

First-generation students often face additional hurdles in education.

Mental health is crucial for personal growth and well-being.

Grief and loss are complex experiences that shape our identities.

Religious trauma can have lasting effects on individuals.

Cultural reflections on religion reveal diverse experiences.

Food and family traditions are intertwined with identity.

Art and activism often intersect in meaningful ways.

tags:

food, academia, mental health, grief, religion, queer identity, parenting, literature, community, pop culture

Dash and Beck explore various themes including social dynamics, family memories, the experience of Midwestern goodbyes, the lifespan of pets, near-death experiences, and the impact of generational trauma. They share personal anecdotes about their pets, discuss the significance of truth or dare games in their youth, and reflect on how their backgrounds have shaped their perspectives. The conversation highlights the complexities of human-animal relationships and the emotional connections that arise from shared experiences. In this engaging conversation, Dash and Beck explore the complexities of queer identity, family dynamics, and cultural divergence. They share personal anecdotes about their experiences growing up, navigating relationships with their families, and the impact of media representation on their identities. The discussion delves into the role of humor in queer culture and activism, reflecting on historical moments that shaped the community. They also touch on the significance of food and Appalachian culture, particularly the nostalgic tradition of making snow cream. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize the importance of empathy and the absurdity of societal norms, creating a rich tapestry of insights and reflections.

Takeaways

People are actually listening to... this.

The Midwestern goodbye can be confusing.

Pets often have shorter lifespans than we expect.

Near-death experiences can shape our fears.

Truth or dare reveals social dynamics among friends.

Generational trauma impacts life expectancy.

Language evolves as we grow and change.

Unconditional love from pets is profound.

Family memories shape our identities.

Social dynamics influence our interactions. Navigating queer identity often leads to a divergence from family expectations.

Cultural differences can create a sense of isolation within families.

Media representation plays a crucial role in shaping queer identities.

Humor is a vital aspect of queer culture and resistance.

Historical activism has shaped the current landscape of queer rights.

Empathy has diminished in contemporary societal interactions.

Food traditions, like snow cream, connect us to our roots.

Personal growth often involves reconciling past experiences with present identities.

The absurdity of societal norms can be a source of humor and strength.

Queer culture thrives on creativity and resilience.

tags:

Midwestern goodbye, pets, near-death experiences, truth or dare, generational trauma, social dynamics, family memories, life experiences, language evolution, unconditional love, queer identity, family dynamics, cultural divergence, media representation, queer humor, activism, empathy, Appalachian culture, snow cream, personal growth

Dash and Beck discuss a variety of topics ranging from personal experiences with pets during Independence Day celebrations to the complexities of liberalism and racism in America. They share personal anecdotes about their educational journeys, the importance of community spaces, and the beauty of summer memories, including the magic of lightning bugs. The conversation also touches on the role of allies in anti-racism efforts and the need for support in communities facing crises.

Donate to support Appalachia flood relief:

https://www.appalachianky.org/flood/

https://appvoices.org/helene-relief/

https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/kentucky-and-appalachia-flood-relief-fund/

https://www.arh.org/floods

https://mtnways.org/

Takeaways

Pets react differently to fireworks than humans do.

Local events can be a mix of fun and frustration.

Social gatherings often reflect community dynamics.

Online interactions can lead to misunderstandings.

Liberalism can be complex and often misinterpreted.

Racism is a pervasive issue that requires active engagement.

White privilege complicates discussions about class and race.

Allies play a crucial role in anti-racism efforts.

Community support is vital during crises and disasters.

Education shapes our identities and experiences.

Chapters

00:00 Fireworks and Furry Friends: Celebrating the Fourth

04:28 Street Parties and Small Town Shenanigans

08:17 Online Drama: Navigating Social Media Discourse

11:55 The Complexities of Liberalism and Class

15:51 Supporting Communities: Action Beyond Words

19:26 Navigating Identity: Coming Out and Family Dynamics

21:58 Education: From Struggles to Success in Grad School

22:44 The Impact of School Experiences on Identity

27:03 Creating Community: The Need for Non-Bar Spaces

31:07 The Role of Creativity in Education

35:57 Career Aspirations and Friendships

42:41 Summer Adventures and Fond Memories

51:03 New Chapter

tags:

Independence Day, pets, community events, online drama, liberalism, racism, white privilege, anti-racism, education, personal growth, summer memories, lightning bugs

Dash and Beck explore a range of topics from personal academic challenges and the impact of loss to reflections on Pride Month and cultural identities. They share stories about family dynamics, the influence of weather on life, and delve into the complexities of the prison industrial complex. The discussion also touches on ghost stories and personal experiences with loss, culminating in a historical overview of the Hatfield-McCoy feud and its implications for Appalachian identity.

Takeaways

Navigating academic challenges can be deeply personal and complex.

Personal loss can significantly impact one's motivation and mental health.

Pride Month serves as a time for reflection and celebration of identity.

Cultural identities are shaped by regional differences and personal experiences.

Family dynamics often reveal generational stories and histories.

Weather and environment can profoundly affect daily life and mental well-being.

The prison industrial complex is a significant issue in American society.

Ghost stories often reflect personal experiences with loss and memory.

The Hatfield-McCoy feud illustrates the complexities of Appalachian history and identity.

Community and connection are vital in navigating personal and societal challenges.

Chapters

00:00 Pride Month Reflections and Personal Stories

02:05 Cultural Identities and Regional Differences

06:01 Family Dynamics and Generational Stories

08:06 The Impact of Weather and Environment on Life

11:08 The Prison Industrial Complex and Its Implications

13:55 Ghost Stories and Personal Experiences with Loss

16:45 The Hatfield-McCoy Feud: History and Legacy

01:08:13 New Chapter

tags:

academic challenges, personal loss, Pride Month, cultural identities, family dynamics, weather impact, prison industrial complex, ghost stories, Hatfield-McCoy feud

In this engaging conversation, hosts Dash and Beck explore their experiences growing up queer in Central Appalachia, touching on themes of food, driving culture, education, family dynamics, religion, and the impact of poverty. They share humorous anecdotes and personal stories that highlight the complexities of their upbringing, the challenges they faced, and the resilience they developed along the way. The discussion flows naturally from light-hearted banter about food cravings to deeper reflections on their childhood experiences and the societal influences that shaped their identities. In this engaging conversation, Dash and Beck share personal anecdotes about their driving experiences, family dynamics, and the challenges they faced growing up. They reflect on their friendship over the years, the humor found in cultural experiences, and delve into the significance of the pepperoni roll in Appalachian culture. The discussion is filled with laughter, insights, and a deep appreciation for their roots.

Takeaways

The conversation begins with a humorous take on food cravings and local dining experiences.

Driving culture in Central Appalachia is marked by aggression and a sense of urgency.

Local rivalries and redneck experiences are common themes in small-town life.

Education plays a significant role in shaping personal identities and overcoming challenges.

Family dynamics, including adoption, can profoundly impact one's life trajectory.

Religion often intersects with personal beliefs and identity, leading to conflict and self-discovery.

Navigating poverty and access to education is a recurring struggle for many in the region.

Life choices, such as pursuing higher education, can have lasting effects on family relationships.

Reflections on childhood experiences reveal the complexities of growing up in a unique cultural context.

Consequences of behavior in school can lead to significant life lessons and personal growth. Dash shares a humorous story about getting a speeding ticket as a teenager.

Beck recounts a family incident involving a psych hold and a blizzard.

The friends reflect on their long-lasting friendship and how they've changed over the years.

They discuss the cultural significance of the pepperoni roll in Appalachian cuisine.

Dash humorously describes the challenges of growing up in a rural area.

Beck shares a funny story about a neighbor helping with yard work.

The conversation touches on the bystander effect and personal responsibility.

They reflect on their childhood experiences with food and family dynamics.

Dash and Beck share their thoughts on the importance of community and humor.

The episode highlights the beauty and complexity of Appalachian culture.

tags:

queer culture, Central Appalachia, food, driving, education, family, religion, poverty, personal stories, humor, driving experiences, family dynamics, friendship, cultural reflections, pepperoni roll, Appalachian culture, personal struggles, humor, life changes, anecdotes

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Food Cravings

02:52 Driving and Aggression in Central Appalachia

05:41 Local Rivalries and Redneck Experiences

08:43 Education and Personal Struggles

11:37 Family Dynamics and Adoption

14:15 Religion and Personal Beliefs

17:27 Navigating Poverty and Education

20:11 Life Choices and Their Impact

23:10 Reflections on Childhood and School Experiences

25:56 Trouble and Consequences in School

33:21 Driving Experiences and Early Mistakes

37:35 Family Dynamics and Personal Struggles

40:19 Friendship and Life Changes

41:22 Cultural Reflections and Humor

54:01 Nouns of Interest

We talk about how winter in the holler — the ice that sneaks up on you, the Blizzard of ’93, busted bridges and cornball sled runs — shapes what it means to be queer and Appalachian. I tell stories about walking up that slick run-hill, getting zapped on the line during a storm, and sitting around kerosene heaters while the house smells like wood smoke and Christmas; we laugh about being underdressed and crowdsourcing child care and pantsing through hardships together. We swap tales of first crushes, coming out fears around family and politics, and cutting hair off to finally feel like ourselves, all tied to place and the smells and sounds that stay with you. We also roll out a goofy sponsor bit about the sacred plastic grocery bag full of other plastic bags under the sink and introduce a new segment — Nouns of Appalachian Interest — where we nerd out about the Mothman, Point Pleasant, and the bridge that fell. If you want a mixture of tender memory, redneck ingenuity, dark winter warnings about ice and falling pines, and a heap of offhand queer humor, we’re your two hosts walking you through it. Yee haw the law.

Dash and Beck explore their shared experiences growing up in rural Appalachia, touching on themes of family dynamics, political ideologies, and the humorous challenges of winter life. They reflect on their childhood memories, dating experiences, and the unique aspects of their queer identities in a conservative environment. The discussion is filled with laughter, personal anecdotes, and a deep sense of community. In this engaging conversation, Dash and Beck reflect on their childhood experiences in Appalachia, sharing nostalgic memories of winter, family, and the unique challenges of growing up queer in a rural setting. They discuss the complexities of gender identity and sexual attraction, as well as the impact of societal norms on their lives. The conversation also touches on the Mothman legend, exploring its significance in Appalachian folklore and culture.

Key Takeaways

The importance of local community in rural life.

Humor can be a coping mechanism for difficult experiences.

Navigating family dynamics can be complex, especially regarding political beliefs.

Childhood memories shape our adult identities.

Dating experiences can vary greatly based on personal circumstances.

Winter presents unique challenges in rural areas.

Shared experiences create strong bonds between friends.

The impact of upbringing on political ideologies.

Humor often arises from shared cultural references.

The significance of personal anecdotes in storytelling. The holler culture included unique communication methods like party lines.

Childhood adventures in the snow fostered community and creativity.

Winter smells evoke strong memories tied to family and home.

Growing up queer in Appalachia presented unique challenges and experiences.

Gender identity and sexual attraction are not the same; they are distinct aspects of identity.

Trans experiences in sports highlight the complexities of identity and acceptance.

Nostalgia plays a significant role in shaping our understanding of childhood.

Family connections, especially with cousins, are deeply valued.

Cultural norms around gender can create barriers to self-acceptance.

Folklore, like the Mothman, reflects the rich cultural tapestry of Appalachia.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Local Life

02:50 Humorous Anecdotes and Shared Experiences

05:41 Navigating Family Dynamics and Political Ideologies

11:00 Reflections on Childhood and Growing Up

16:44 Dating Experiences and Relationships

21:33 Winter in the Hills: Challenges and Memories

35:37 Nostalgic Winter Memories

38:22 Childhood Adventures in the Snow

41:05 The Smells of Winter and Family

44:02 Growing Up Queer in Appalachia

48:02 Gender Identity and Sexual Attraction

51:00 Trans Experiences in Sports

53:57 The Mothman Legend and Appalachian Folklore

tags: queer, rural, Appalachian, family, politics, relationships, winter, humor, childhood, community, Appalachia, winter memories, queer identity, trans experiences, Mothman, childhood adventures, gender identity, nostalgia, family, folklore

We kick off holler-style: me and Beck trading the kind of winter stories only folks from the hills really get. I talk about the Blizzard of '93 like it was a fixed point—sled ramps made from vending machine fronts, walking up a corkscrew mountaintop just to get groceries, and that one time I got zapped by lightning while on the phone. Beck holds court on the run versus the holler, the bridge that clanged, and the thousand slips on icy hills. Between laughing about dented Malibus and Geometros with cross-eyed headlights, we get downright tender about smell-memory—the woodstove, propane, coffee—and how those winter smells are tied up with the people we miss. We crack jokes (Yee haw the law!), gripe about being chronically underdressed for the cold, and admit to the ugly, practical stuff: kerosene heaters, empty propane tanks, and the way a mountain storm can take down trees like bombs. If you crave a messy, human, Appalachian take on winter—equal parts goofy and honest—we do the remembering for you.

Takeaways:

• We talked about brutal Appalachian winters — why ice will kill you, how trees explode, and why the Blizzard of '93 stuck in our bones with smells and memory.
• I told stories about coming out, delaying transition because of family and fear, and the long slow work of changing my parent's politics.
• We untangled gender and attraction — I teach women's studies and insist gender identity and sexual attraction are different damn things.
• I laughed about Appalachian resourcefulness — using side-by-sides for plows, neighbors pulling cars, and hoarding plastic bags like treasure under the sink.
• We dove into Mothman lore and how Appalachian weirdness becomes festival culture, shiny statues, and a way to make community out of fear.
• I described working on NCAA trans athlete policy — the brutal reality of HRT timelines, lost eligibility, and rules that got subsequently tightened.
• We reminisced about the smells of winter — wood stoves, propane, coffee and Christmas tied to grandparents and cousins, and how that grief sneaks up.
• I reminded folks we riffed, ran fake ads for plastic bag hoards, and begged y'all to subscribe with our stupid hashtag 'Yeehaw the law'.

Links referenced in this episode:

• instagram.com
• threads.net
• bsky.app
• youtube.com
• amazon.com
• planetfitness.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Instagram
• Threads
• Bluesky
• Planet Fitness
• MCI WorldCom
• Amazon.com
• Fox News
• Coca-Cola
• YouTube
• NCAA

queer Appalachia podcast, LGBTQ Appalachia, rural queer stories, hillbilly queer culture, coming out in rural communities, trans experiences rural Appalachia, trans athletes college policy, Appalachian winter survival, Blizzard of 1993, holler vs run meaning, living in an Appalachian trailer park, mountaintop removal mining impacts, Mothman Point Pleasant WV, Silver Bridge collapse 1967, Appalachian cryptids and folklore, rural dating queer relationships, propane vs kerosene heating Appalachia, Appalachian childhood nostalgia smells, yeehaw the law hashtag, Appalachian queer online community