Ever wondered what's brewing in the land of Appalachian charm? Buckle up as we journey through the changing landscapes of this region, guided by our expert guests Aaron Renn and Jessie Wall. From the sun-soaked South, attracting folks with its warm weather and proximity to buzzing metropolises, to the Northern parts, diversifying their economy from heavy industry and tourism, we paint a vivid panorama of Appalachia's economic transformation.

Yet, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. The region grapples with a low college degree attainment rate, significantly trailing the national average. The flux in housing demand and the potential surge in costs pose a concern for the existing inhabitants of Appalachia. We also ponder over the impact of out-of-town landownership and the potential for billionaires to privatize large swaths of Appalachia. We discuss policies like taxing non-homestead houses and restricting suburban development, which may prove counterproductive in the long run.

As the conversation veers towards climate change and natural gas policies, we delve into their potential ramifications on Appalachia. We shed light on the fascinating trend of half-back migration and the promising prospects of community college and technical training in the region. Finally, we reflect on the inherent opportunities and challenges that Appalachia presents and express our profound gratitude to Aaron and Jesse for their invaluable insights. So tune in and uncover the intricacies of Appalachia's complex dynamics!

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The Center for Demographics and Policy focuses on research and analysis of global, national, and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time. It involves Chapman students in demographic research under the supervision of the Center’s senior staff.

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This show is presented by the Chapman Center for Demographics and Policy, which focuses on research and analysis of global, national and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time.