Appalachia Meets World

In this episode we're having a throwback Friday (while Neil's on vacation) to commemorate the Juneteenth holiday.  It's a throwback with DeJuana Thompson as she talks about the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute that enlightens each generation about civil and human rights in Appalachia and beyond.  It works to explore our common past and work together in the present to build a better future.  They stand strong as THE CORNERSTONE of the civil rights story, a living memorial with an ongoing mission.  Take a listen... Birmingham Civil Rights Institute - www.bcri.org

In this monthly Economic Recovery Corps (ERC) Fellow "Spin and Chat," Neil and Will sit down with George Williams - someone who calls overseas home just as much as the states and current Fellow in Cleveland Ohio.  Hear from George as he describes his role with the Fund for our Economic Future - a creative space for philanthropic funders and civic leaders to explore what matters and implement what works to achieve equitable economic growth, emphasizing systemic, long-term change.  He also speaks about the challenges not only in Northeast Ohio, but with the Fellowship as well as the best parts and the reason this work resonates so deeply with his secret to success.  "Oh, the places you'll go" - take a listen to George speak to his background, his travel desires and the real reason he chose the Host community in Cleveland - the empowerment of making an impact had something to do with it.  You might even hear about Will's "smelly" problem or Neil's solution to get rid of it - there's nuances involved here.  Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz of the week: R&R Fly Fishing! Economic Recovery Corps - www.economicrecoverycorps.org Fund for Our Economic Future - https://thefundneo.org  App News: The Appalachian Fair - www.appalachianfair.com  ETSU Center for Rural Health Research (ARISE) - www.etsu.edu/etsu-news/2024/06-june/crr-arc-arise-grant.php  ARC Conference Registration (Open June 17th) - www.arc.gov/event/arc-2024-annual-conference/  #AppBiz: R&R Fly Fishing - https://randrflyfishing.com

This is a "Fall Back Friday" episode celebrating the Laurel Cove Music Festival that is happening this weekend (June 7th and 8th)...if you're near Pineville, KY definitely check it out (although it's sold out this year)!  This episode is from last year with Jon Grace, the Bell County Tourism Director and Organizer of the Festival.  Take a listen (it you didn't last year) to hear more about the festival and the area in general...and hear about what some refer to as the "RED ROCKS OF APPALACHIA" - the Laurel Cove!!!! The Laurel Cove Music Festival (2024) - www.laurelcovemusicfestival.com

In this (different) episode you'll hear a piece from "Inside Appalachia" about the Grand March of the 2023 Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival.  You'll also hear an acceptance speech from an "Honorary Director" of the 2024 Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival - it might give you an idea of just how people from the community feel about the KMLF.    We've spoken before about the importance of festivals in small town Appalachia.  This episode is no different, highlighting one of our favorite festivals of all time.  We may be biased, but it really is "something everyone should experience at least once."   Till next time... "Inside Appalachia" (Folkways Report) - https://wvpublic.org/ball-gowns-curtsies-and-a-queen-pineville-kentucky-hosts-elaborate-dance-tradition-with-polish-roots/

Readin, Rightin, Route 23!! THE COUNTRY MUSIC HIGHWAY! In this episode Neil and Will sit down with Kirsten Wilburn and Kristin Brown Norman of Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR) to talk about the Country Music Highway - or Route 23!  Kentucky's Country Music  Highway has produced more stars per square mile than any stretch of roadway in the world.  These two individuals are in charge of putting together a tribute show(s) that not only celebrates those stars of the past, but the future stars as well.  It's important for a region to recognize and celebrate its assets and in Eastern Kentucky there are no better assets than the people.  Hear Kirsten and Kristin talk about the upcoming tribute shows and why SOAR decided to put them together in the first place.  It's more than just the music, however, the locations and entrepreneurial activity is just as important to highlight and support - there's "magic in them mountains," something the guys are reminded of time and time again.  Take a listen to hear what The Country Music Highway is all about and why Route 23 has made and continues to make a significant impact in the region.  You might even hear Neil give his take on the Top 5 Appalachian Songs and why he has decided he needs "to get out more - or add to his list."  Also, don't forget the #AppBiz(s) - or in this case #AppTown(s) - of the week: Russel, Louisa and Ashland - KY! Country Music Highway Tribute Shows - www.cmhtributeshow.com  Spotify Playlist 2024 Country Music Highway Tribute Shows - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/76cHcI7cx46D2MA4EwNIc3?si=ef281937614c4d75  County Music Highway Museum - https://paintsvilletourism.com/us-23-country-music-highway-museum-2/  SOAR - www.soar-ky.org  App News: Invest Appalachia Fund - https://investappalachia.org/ia-fund-closes-35m/  Virginia Tech Hydrogen Future in Appalachia - https://news.vt.edu/articles/2024/04/a-hydrogen-future-seeks-sustainable-energy-and-economic-growth-f.html#:~:text=Category%3A%20research-,A%20hydrogen%20future%20could%20offer%20sustainable%20energy%20and%20economic%20growth,new%20economic%20and%20job%20opportunities Appalachia's Stalled Revival - https://thespectator.com/topic/appalachia-stalled-revival-development/  Seven Geological Wonders in Appalachia - https://appvoices.org/2024/05/09/seven-wonders/ INSIDE APPALACHIA on WVPB - https://wvpublic.org/podcasts/inside-appalachia/  5 Songs of Appalachia - https://americansongwriter.com/5-songs-that-will-remind-you-of-growing-up-in-appalachia/  #AppBiz(s): Russell - www.russellky.net   Louisa - www.cityoflouisa.org       -Lawrence County Tourism Commission - https://visitlcky.com  Ashland - www.ashlandky.gov       -Visit AKY - https://visitaky.com  EXTRA:  Miguel's Pizza (Red River Gorge) - www.miguelspizza.com  MUSIC (in episode, in order): 1) Readin' Rightin' Route 23 - Dwight Yoakam 2) Shake the Frost - Tyler Childers 3) Fishin' in the Dark - Nitty Gritty Dirt Band 4) Roll That Rock - Bobby and Teddi Cyrus 5) Long Haired Southern Hippie - Joe Clark 6) Till the Bitter End - Johnathon Cox 7) Those Were The Days - Cory Michael Harris  8) You'll Never Leave Harlan Alive - Patty Loveless

It's almost FESTIVAL SEASON in Appalachia!!! In this episode Will and (sans) Neil sit down with Pineville Schools.  Through the Innovative Approaches to Literacy (IAL) Program Samantha North and Shannon Elliott applied for a grant through the Smithsonian Institute to allow a group of students to produce a documentary about the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival (the oldest festival on record in the Commonwealth of Kentucky).  Speaking to nostalgia for the guys, here how Shannon and Samantha guided the students, not only through the process but through the significance of the festival itself.  For a lot of people from Pineville the KMLF is more than just a festival, it's a sense of belonging, a sense of place.  Take a listen to hear what it now means to Shannon and Samantha and how that carried over to the students.  It proved to provide a sense of purpose for the students, one that they could learn to appreciate where they're from.  Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz(s) of the week (for Youth Apprenticeship Week): DataSeam; and Cornett Farm Fresh! Smithsonian Museum on Main Street - https://museumonmainstreet.org  "When the Mountain Laurel Blooms: Embracing Tradition in Pineville, KY" - https://museumonmainstreet.org/content/when-mountain-laurel-blooms-embracing-tradition-pineville-kentucky  Mountain Lion News - www.youtube.com/@Mtnlionnews/videos  Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival - www.kmlf.org  App News: Mother's Day (in Appalachia) - www.history.com/topics/holidays/mothers-day  Foxfire Mother's of Appalachia Book: Article (Garden and Gun) - https://gardenandgun.com/articles/why-foxfire-still-resonates/  Appalachian Sustainable Finance Hub Launch Event - www.heartlandfinancehub.org/launch?emci=20b528c3-a908-ef11-96f3-7c1e521b07f9&emdi=ea000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000001&ceid=%7B%7BContactsEmailID%7D%7D  ARC Arise $1.7 Million - www.arc.gov/news/arc-awards-nearly-1-7-million-to-grow-workforces-in-cybersecurity-infrastructure-and-housing-capacity-across-six-appalachian-states/  Youth Apprenticeship Week - https://blog.dol.gov/2024/05/06/youth-apprenticeship-week-is-here  Festival (State) Guide - https://festivalguidesandreviews.com  #AppBiz: DataSeam - www.kydataseam.com  Cornett Farm Fresh - www.cornettfarmfresh.com

In this inaugural (and monthly)  Economic Recovery Corps (ERC) Fellow "Spin and Chat," Neil and Will sit down with Mick Thornton - a self described builder of things and current Fellow in San Juan County, Utah.  In a previous episode (episode 139) Nathan Ohle, President and CEO of the International Economic Development Council, explained the purpose of the ERC - as described on the website - "a new collaborative initiative designed to accelerate recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic in distressed communities and regions throughout the U.S. by connecting organizations with the talent and capacity needed to advance new ways of doing economic development that promote economic resilience and transformative change."  It connects a Fellow to a Host community in order to build capacity and drive transformative change.  Mick Thorton is one of those Fellows!  Hear from Mick as he describes why he applied and all about his project in San Juan, UT - and how challenges there (and other regions) are much more similar to challenges in Appalachia than they are different.  You'll also hear about Mick's background, what he hopes to accomplish and maybe a little about the "adventure" he and his family have been on the two years prior to accepting the fellowship - in the end, it's about the people!  As a former Pastor and Radio Host, those learned skills for Mick have seamlessly been adapted to the ever expanding (and new) field of economic development - or as Mick describes, a field built on connections.  Take a listen to get a true understanding of why Mick does what he does - and how the region he works in is better for it.  You might even hear Neil and Will talk about the "greatest two minutes in sports" - or why Neil has turned his back on the unofficial drink of Kentucky.  Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz of the week: Horse Soldier! Learn about the Fellow: https://economicrecoverycorps.org/fellow-information/rev-mick-thornton-b-a-m-div/  Learn about the Host (San Juan County, UT) Project: https://economicrecoverycorps.org/projects/  Mick's Minute - www.micksminute.com  The Good Talk (App) - www.thegoodtalkapp.com  App News: Connect Humaniy/Microsoft IDEA Fund in Appalachia - https://connecthumanity.fund/idea-fund-partnership-microsoft/  Ohio Grant for Recreational Opportunities and Quality of Life in Appalachia - https://governor.ohio.gov/media/news-and-media/transformative-154-million-investment-in-appalachian-downtowns-and-destinations#:~:text=The%20%24154%20million%20will%20be,where%20these%20opportunities%20have%20not PBS Docuseries Episode 2 on Appalachia with Amythyst Kiah (article) - www.johnsoncitypress.com/living/arts-entertainment/amythyst-kiah-to-be-featured-in-new-pbs-docuseries/article_8010291e-023f-11ef-8c53-2731d0dc7c32.html  PBS Docuseries Episode 2 "The Express Way with Dule Hill" - www.pbs.org/video/appalachia-dbxwz4/   SOAR Country Music Highway Tribute Show(s) - www.cmhtributeshow.com  SOAR Country Music Highway Tribute Show Facebook Page - www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558753064401  #AppBiz: Horse Soldier - https://horsesoldierbourbon.com  Extras: The Round Robin Bar ("Mint Julep Bar") in DC - https://washington.intercontinental.com/food-drink/round-robin-bar/  The Mint Julep (Official Kentucky Derby Recipe) - www.kentuckyderby.com/recipes/drinks/woodford-reserve-mint-julep/  Music: "Achy Breaky Heart" - Billy Ray Cyrus "Up" (Mick's Choice) - Forrest Frank "Black Myself" - Amythyst Kiah

In this episode Will and (minus) Neil sit down with the "Beattyville Hillbillies!"  Donnie Benton and Teresa Mays are the founders of the Backwoods Moonshine Museum in Appalachia Kentucky - a stop on the "Moonshine Trail."  While the Bourbon Trail is often thought of when thinking Kentucky, the Moonshine Trail is more on the Appalachian side of the state and speaks to the rich heritage and history moonshine has in Appalachia.  Take a listen as Donnie and Teresa talk about starting the museum and their history with the spirit...not to mention their stint on "Moonshiners."  AMW has spoken before about the importance of festivals in small town Appalachia; hear from the "Beattyville Hillbillies" as they talk about a fairly new (in its fourth year) festival that the history of moonshine has brought to their small town.  You might even hear Donnie speak of "knowing a guy that knows a guy."  If nothing else, check 'em out - as they admit, it's truly in the backwoods!  Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz(s) of the week: Barrel House Distilling Company; Regeneration Distilling Company; Kentucky Mist Distillery; Kentucky Mountain Moonshine; and Pauley Hollow Distillery! Backwoods Moonshine Museum - www.backwoodsmoonshinemuseum.com  Moonshine Trail - www.moonshinetrail.com  The Beattyville Hillbillies - www.facebook.com/p/Donnie-Teresa-The-Beattyville-Hillbillies-Backwoods-Moonshine-Museum-100039862821268/  Beattyville Bourbon and Moonshine Festival - www.beattyvillebourbonandmoonshinefest.com  App News: Solar for All Program (KY) - https://kentuckylantern.com/briefs/kentucky-to-receive-62-million-to-expand-solar-energy-access-to-low-income-households/  ARC READY Local Governments Initiative - www.arc.gov/news/arc-selects-90-local-governments-to-receive-no-cost-training-access-to-funding-through-ready-local-governments-initiative/  #AppBiz(s): Barrel House Distilling Company - www.barrelhousedistillery.com  Regeneration Distilling Company - www.regenerationdistilling.com  Kentucky Mist Distillery - www.kentuckymist.com  Kentucky Mountain Moonshine - www.kentuckymountainmoonshine.com  Pauley Hollow Distillery - www.pauleyhollowdistillery.com  Extra: The Bobcat Dairy Bar - www.facebook.com/thebobcatdairybar/  Brenda's BBQ Smoke Shack - www.facebook.com/BrendasSmokeShack/

Sorry for missing last week...we had a few technical (and timing) difficulties...but, like BBN (and poltergeist) - WE'RE BACK!! In this episode, Neil and Will throw it back to their favorite Appalachian Food episode of all time, with the "King of Country Ham" - Allan Benton!  We also discuss the Appalachian Appetizer Final Four and who was crowned the 2024 Champion - definitely "one shining moment!"  No sleepers here, there were definitely some blue bloods in the mix!  Take a listen to find out which appetizer was crowned the fan favorite!  We also talked about a few upcoming App News items, check 'em out in the notes below!   Till next time remember to be - "Always Appalachian!"   Grandma Gatewood One Act Play: https://lorainpalace.com/emma-gatewood-are-you-out-of-your-bloomin-mind-sunday-may-19th-at-200-pm-15/  https://www.morningjournal.com/2024/04/08/nathan-perry-chapter-fundraiser-to-feature-one-act-play-on-emma-gatewood/  ARC Appalachian Leadership Institute (deadline for applications is June 1st!!) - www.arc.gov/academies-and-institutes/leadership/  ARC Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy - https://www.arc.gov/academies-and-institutes/aea/  ARC Appalachian STEM Academy - https://www.arc.gov/academies-and-institutes/stem/

In this episode Neil and Will throwback to a previous "food" episode with Melissa Booth Hall of the Southern Foodways Alliance (SFA).   First though, they spend some time breaking down the Sweet Sixteen of Appalachian Appetizers!  The Final Four has been set, take a listen to find out what has made the list.  The guys also talk about how food is a uniter among people, not just in Appalachia but in most cultures.  Find out how food is a bit nostalgic for them both - and the best way to cook a roast!   Southern Foodways Alliance - www.southernfoodways.org  #App News: Startup Appalachian Pitch Competition (SOAR) - https://soar-ky.org/accepting-applications-2024-soar-startup-appalachia-pitch-competition/