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 ..read more

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 an ..read more

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."  A ..read more

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 upcomi ..read more

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 ..read more

In this episode, AMW sits down with Mark Hendricks a photo journalist who recently completed a stunning book dedicated to the Appalachian Mountains.  In the book - "The Central Appalachians - Mountains of the Chesapeake", Mark dedicates almost a decade of his life to document the amazing aspects of one of the most diverse mountain ranges in the world.  Take a listen as he describes his journey, his favorite photo and what was one of the most dynamic aspects of the mountains!  Also, don't forget the #AppBiz of the week: The Benezette Hotel! Mark Hendricks Photography - www.markhe ..read more

In this episode, Neil and Will sit down with Molly Hemstreet the Co-Executive Director of the Industrial Commons - reviving the historic textile district in North Carolina one social enterprise at a time.  The Industrial Commons founds and scales employee owned social enterprises and industrial cooperatives, and support frontline workers to build a new southern working class that erases the inequities of generational poverty and guilds an economy and future for all.  Molly explains how it all started "with some thread" and how she has not only transformed her organization but the Car ..read more

In this episode Neil and Will sit down with Dana Kuhnline, a senior program director for Reimagine Appalachia - a broad and inclusive coalition of individuals and organizations based in Appalachia.  Hear from Dana as she describes what Reimagine Appalachia is all about and how there efforts are making an impact on the region.  While the word "reimagine" could be taken a number of ways, she describes how the organization is thinking towards the future - a more sustainable and equitable future - while remembering the past and cultural heritage that is so strong in the region.  Tak ..read more

It's Cookie Season Ya'll! In this episode and in celebration of Women's History Month, Neil and Will sit down with Lynne Fugate the CEO of the Girl Scouts of the Appalachians.  It's not just about the cookies - hear her talk about the impact the organization makes on young girls and communities.  Then take some time and try all the cookies and figure out which one is your favorite, then go vote!  Take a listen to find out Lynne's favorite and why she is so passionate about the Girl Scouts and the lessons that are taught far beyond selling the most cookies.  You might even h ..read more

It's March, so that means one thing - no, it's not the start of spring - no, it's not daylight savings time (spring forward) - it's getting into "March Madness."  In light of the upcoming tournament we are just having a throwback episode this week - with an Appalachian born coaching phenom that came from the mountains and has been on the career college coaching path for a while now.  Take a listen as Will and Neil take us back a bit to one of their earliest episodes - and the impact athletics can have on a small town.  Also, you might hear about Neil's "decision" and what is in ..read more