Listen in as a wonderful, local 'beacon of weirdness' weighs in on connections to nature, Appalachian ephemerals, and two of the world's best plants - ginseng and ramps.

In this episode, Pat Tompkins discusses her unique life living 'off the grid' for decades, and how the history of Appalachia played a part in inspiring her conscientious choices to care for our land and water.

Sources: https://www.ncblueridge.com/great-little-blue-ridge-towns/morganton-mystery-the-brown-mountain-lights https://www.romanticasheville.com/brown_mountain_lights.htm https://www.carolinacountry.com/departments/departments/feature-story/the-mysterious-brown-mountain-lights https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brown_Mountain_lights http://shadowboxent.brinkster.net/brownexplain.html https://wlos.com/news/local/asu-scientists-capture-rare-images-of-wncs-brown-mountain-lights https://www.blueridgeoutdoors.com/features/appalachian-legends/ https://pubs.usgs.gov/circ/1971/0646/report.pdf https://music.apple.com/us/album/legend-of-the-brown-mountain-light/261154690?i=261155510

Chelsea Wilson Thayer is a writer, Christmas tree farmer, mother, and so much more!  Listen in as we discuss her Appalachian-themed children’s book, mountain matriarchs, and cornbread (among other things!).

Andrew Cooper is an educator and family man.  In this episode, he shares his unique perspective on growing up Appalachian, race, and religion.

Allen Cook is a Christmas tree farmer, small businessman, author, and more!  An expert in the outlaws of Appalachian history, Allen shares stories from years long past as well as insights on the ever-present independent spirit of Appalachians even today.