What Dreamers Do

In this episode, Carla Gover is joined by traditional Kentucky music legend and archivist John Harrod to discuss the vital role of women in traditional Kentucky music. Through stories, life experiences, and shared memories, they explore the often-overlooked impact of female musicians in the state and the ways community and place shape traditional music. John Harrod highlights influential women musicians he has known, and discusses the importance of preserving and elevating marginalized voices in the Kentucky music scene.

Topics Covered

• The importance of preserving traditional music and marginalized voices
• Stories and legacies of Kentucky’s women musicians, including Lella Todd, Effie Pearson, Blanche Collier, Emma Lee Dickerson, and others
• The evolution of women’s participation and leadership in traditional music spaces
• Reflections on music, community, local connection, and the joy that shared music brings

Book Listings & Links

• Finding Her Voice: The Saga of Women in Country Music
  Authors: Mary A. Bufwack & Robert K. Oermann
  Purchase on Amazon

This book provides a comprehensive history of women in country and traditional music, including many profiles relevant to the topics discussed.

• Clawhammer Banjo Tradition Bearers
  Author: Maggie Lind
  Find her on IG: @banjomaggie

Additional Resources

• Berea College Sound and Video Archives: Browse the archive
• Cowan Creek Mountain Music School: Learn more
• Appalshop Archives: Explore videos and documentation

Notable Musicians Discussed

• Lella Todd
• Effie Pearson
• Blanche Collier
• Emma Lee Dickerson
• Lily Mae Ledford
• Jean Ritchie
• Cousin Emmy
• Martha Carson (The Amburgey Sisters)
• Molly O’Day
• Dora Mae Wagers
• Lois Short

For more information on these musicians, check the Berea College Traditional Music Archive and the Appalshop archive above.

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Long before Daniel Boone was hired to widen it for the Transylvania Company, the path now known as the Wilderness Road existed as the Warrior's Path — a route traveled for centuries by Cherokee, Shawnee, and other Indigenous nations. In this episode, I follow that trail from Cumberland Gap (just a few miles from where I grew up in Whitesburg, Kentucky) all the way to Lexington, where I live now.

This is a story about music, memory, and what it means to be a tradition-bearer who holds grief and remembrance along with celebration and pride. 

We talk about:

• The history of the Wilderness Road and what it meant for the people who traveled it and the people who were already there
• The Indigenous, African, and European musical traditions that braided together along this trail to create what we now call Appalachian music
• Kentucky fiddlers and banjo players who carried these tunes forward, such as  Estill Bingham, Morgan Sexton, and Dori Mae Wagers
• The Trail of Tears song by Walker Calhoun, and how music carries stories across generations
• Why I named my summer dance camp after this road, and what it means to me personally
• My Appalachian Music and Dance Manifesto — why I dance, who I dance for, and what this tradition means in 2026

Music featured in this episode: Cumberland Gap and other traditional tunes from along the Wilderness Road, courtesy of John Harrod, The Hamblen Collection, JuneAppal Records, and Berea College Special Collections. 

Links mentioned:

• Wilderness Road Dance Camp
• Appalachian Flatfooting & Clogging Academy

What Dreamers Do is hosted by Carla Gover, 8th-generation Kentuckian, traditional musician, Master Artist, and dance educator. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.

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What if the simple act of remembering joy could change the world? 

In this luminous meditation episode of What Dreamers Do, my friend Geoffrey guides us through a meditation that gathers our most tender memories and sends that energy out like a spider's web touching every living thing.

We invite you to get comfortable and settle in for a gentle and uplifting meditation. You are the light. You always were.

Note: We don't recommend doing this meditation while driving. 

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Welcome to a deeply personal and transformative episode of What Dreamers Do. Today, I sit down with my longtime spiritual mentor and friend, Geoffrey Bullington, whose journey from the hills of Eastern Kentucky to the mountains of West Virginia—and through the darkness of trauma, war, and inner struggle—has resulted in a lifetime devoted to helping others heal and awaken.

In this open, raw conversation, Geoffrey shares how pain became his first teacher, leading him through combat in Vietnam, battles with PTSD, and a profound spiritual awakening that forever altered his understanding of creativity, consciousness, and the human soul. Together, we discuss the family patterns that shape us, the addictive cycles of thought and emotion passed down through generations, and practical tools for reclaiming your power and your dreams, regardless of your past.

If you’re ready to challenge the limiting beliefs that keep you stuck, discover some of the fascinating science behind how we heal from trauma, and learn how your own self-work can ignite positive change in the larger world, join us for this conversation between old friends. 

And stay tuned: as promised, a powerful guided meditation will be released in the next episode—your invitation to participate in collective healing, creativity, and change.

Note: This conversation contains some real talk about healing from the traumas of war, sexual abuse, and other difficult experiences. It does so in a gentle way, but I wanted you to know in case you have young ones around. 

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Host: Carla Gover

In this episode, Carla Gover shares her behind-the-scenes thoughts about why she created the What Dreamers Do 30-Day Creative Living Challenge, kicking off on April 15th. Carla Gover shares her passion for "creating in public" and explains the power of art and community in counteracting negativity in today's world. She invites listeners to participate in daily creative acts—or just show up and lurk—and to connect on Substack for prompts, mutual inspiration, and sharing.

Through personal anecdotes, favorite books, and inspiring metaphors, Carla Gover explores how small creative or kind acts can ripple out and change the world, and why being a "maker" is an antidote to the darkness we often see in the news and online.

Episode Highlights

• Carla Gover describes how the challenge will foster community and share creativity 00:00:08.
• Why create in public? Carla Gover reflects on the joy and inspiration of sharing behind-the-scenes creative processes and how this connects people 00:00:49.
• Taking back your power: Carla Gover discusses resisting the negativity of social media and choosing to focus on creativity as a positive force 00:02:14.
• The influence of Madeleine L’Engle: Citing "A Swiftly Tilting Planet," Carla Gover explains how small actions can have profound effects on the world 00:05:16.
• Thematic metaphors: Stories about makers, embryology, and the transformation of butterflies serve as inspiration for recreating the world through creativity 00:08:03, 00:09:28.
• Challenge logistics: To participate, visit Carla Gover’s Substack, view daily creative prompts, and share your work or simply follow along 00:12:42.
• Intention: The challenge is about nourishment, connection, and dreaming a better world into being, one creative act at a time 00:14:24.

Links:

Be sure to follow me on substack if you'd like to receive the daily, rather than weekly, challenge emails. 

This is the link to my substack: https://substack.com/@kentuckycarla

OR CLICK HERE TO GO STRAIGHT TO THE SUBSTACK

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Come with me on a track-by-track journey through Kentucky Queen, my first solo project in 15 years, where I share the personal, cultural, and musical roots of each song on the album. My aim for this episode was to share the stories I love to hear when I listen to a songwriter, like influences, inspirations, and anecdotes. I also share some about my process of song selection, and the musicians who helped me bring the songs to life. Whether you’re a new listener or a longtime fan, pull up a chair and settle in for a glimpse behind the scenes of writing and recording. (As well as my favorite weird method for writing songs!) 

Listening/Purchase Links for Kentucky Queen

Join the What Dreamers Do Monthly Membership

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Join host Carla Gover and Kentucky Poet Laureate Silas House as they discuss the creative life. The episode explores the fears and resistance writers face, the importance of honesty in storytelling, and the impact of cultural and religious conditioning on self-expression. Silas shares his journey, experiences, and thoughts on creativity, including his thoughts on representing marginalized groups, collaborating with other artists, and much more. This candid discussion is filled with wisdom, humility, and encouragement for all aspiring artists.

Key Points Discussed:

Fear and Resistance in Writing:

1. The challenges of writer's block and distractions like social media.
2. Importance of honesty and writing stories or poems you want to read.
3. Fear as an engine that drives the creative process.

Cultural and Religious Conditioning:

1. Expressing oneself fully despite cultural and religious backgrounds.
2. Working on a novel addressing strict cultural backgrounds, faith, and desire.

Representation and Responsibility:

1. Importance of representing marginalized groups like gay Kentuckians.
2. Impact of Silas's work on young queer individuals.
3. Being conscientious and authentic on social media.

Impostor Syndrome and Humility:

1. Challenges of feeling inadequate in elite literary settings.
2. Maintaining a down-to-earth attitude despite high-profile connections.
3. Personal validation from readers vs. professional awards.

Balancing Tasks and Self-Care:

1. Juggling various activities using checklists and prioritizing tasks.
2. Importance of self-care and knowing personal limits.
3. Psychological approach to to-do lists and rewarding oneself.

Thoughts on Creativity and Art:

1. Creativity as a constant state of being.
2. Daydreaming as an essential part of the creative process.
3. The complexity and multidimensionality of personal identity.

Projects and Future Works:

1. Upcoming picture book "That Dog Won't Hunt."
2. New novel set in the early 1900s focusing on environmental issues.

Connect with Silas
Website
Instagram
Facebook

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In this episode of "What Dreamers Do," Leonie Dawson, the vibrant and successful artist, writer, poet, and illustrator from Australia, opens up about her unique journey as a creative entrepreneur.

From her time in the Australian government to her inspiring million-dollar online business and Brilliant Biz and Life Academy, you'll discover how Leonie seamlessly blends creativity with business without compromising her values and integrity.

Show Highlights:
 - The beginnings of her career back in the early days of chat and message boards
- Overcoming physical health challenges while flourishing in her business and art
 - Running the Brilliant Biz and Life Academy with 5,000 dedicated members
 - Advocating for integrity and supporting artists and women to take up space and share their art
- Creating invaluable resources and free content on her website
- Leonie's deep admiration for the inspiring artist Sark
- Shifting mindset towards self-worth, imposter syndrome, and joy in creation
- Streamlining business and valuing happiness and work-life balance
- The power of money in creating positive change and redistribution to nonprofits

Tune in to be inspired by Leonie's radical approach to business and creativity,  self-care and motherhood. Discover how she challenges self-doubt and gender limitations, shining a light for people carving their own paths in entrepreneurship and art.
Leonie Dawson is a reminder that success can be cultivated with authenticity, joy, and unwavering dedication.
Leonie Dawson is a self-taught artist, writer, and poet who knew from a young age that she wanted to make a difference in the world through her creativity. Despite growing up in a pragmatic farming family, she pursued her passion and has since become a successful and influential figure in the art and writing community. Leonie's determination and talent have allowed her to achieve her childhood dream of changing the world through her art and words.

Links from the Show
Brilliant Biz & Life Academy
Leonie's Free Resources
Website for the artist SARK

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In this episode of "What Dreamers Do," host Carla Gover welcomes poet, songwriter, and renaissance man, Matthew Sidney Parsons.

Born in Kentucky and raised in West Virginia and Tennessee, Parsons now resides in Eastern Kentucky on a family homestead, where he draws inspiration from the natural surroundings and his ancestral heritage in his creative work.

During the conversation, Parsons and Gover delve into the complexities of living a creative life, balancing multiple passions, and the realities of being an artist who is also a parent. 

Parsons shares insights into his approach to prioritizing his passions and the impact of fatherhood on his music and poetry. The episode also explores Parsons' latest work, including his poetry book "Mountain Roosters," which focuses on his Appalachian identity, toxic masculinity, and the responsibility of shaping the narrative about Appalachia.

The conversation touches on the intersection of art and technology, the ethical considerations surrounding AI, and the challenges and joys of parenting while pursuing a creative career.

You'll also hear an excerpt from Parsons' newest song, "Middle Class," which delves into an exploration of values and class issues in the USA.
Learn about the enriching impact of parenting on creativity and career, and gain valuable insights into finding inspiration in the everyday moments.

Thank you for joining us on "What Dreamers Do," and don't miss out on the chance to engage with Matthew Sidney Parsons and his latest work.

Where to connect with Matt:
@miraclematts on most platforms
Facebook
Instagram
TikTok

Middle Class Song on YouTube

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Join host Carla Gover in her conversation with veteran Kentucky clogger (and professional psychologist) Steven Smith in this episode of What Dreamers Do.

Carla and Steven also discuss the nuances of different dance styles, the importance of creativity in everyday life, and the challenges of teaching traditional dance styles that are similar yet different.  Steve has done it all, from Contemporary Clogging to Flatfooting to Waltz Clog to Buck Dance. Even better, he has released all of his teaching materials free to all on YouTube, which he discusses on the show.

Get ready to be inspired to live your most creative life, and learn more about the history of clogging in the state of Kentucky and beyond!

Steve's YouTube Dance Channel

Steven on Facebook

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