Appalachia Meets World

In this episode Neil and Will sit down with Alex Weld, the Executive Director of Generation West Virginia - a statewide organization for and by young people who understand that while finding a path isn't easy, it's easier if they navigate the hurdles together. Having several initiatives as a focus, the main goal is to retain and attract young people to the Mountain State. Hear Alex describe those initiatives and how the organization is working to build young capacity and provide opportunities where there once may not have been. You'll hear her passion for the "Country Roads", what kept her there and how she thinks about workforce development. Take a listen while she explains the idea behind the organization and it's plans for the future...of the organization and the State. You might even hear Neil's (and Will's) thoughts on Valentine's Day and a theory about why "his" team fell in the SB. Also, don't forget the #AppBiz(s) of the week: Blue Ridge Bee Company; and Appalachian Furnishings!

Generation West Virginia - www.generationwv.org

AppNews:

The Fall of App Harvest: Inside Appalachia - https://wvpublic.org/the-fall-of-appharvest-inside-appalachia/

Outdoor Rec in Appalachia - https://reason.com/2024/02/10/will-outdoor-recreation-save-appalachia/

West Virginia Governer's School of Entrepreneurship - https://wvde.us/gov-schools/school-of-entrepreneurship/

West Virginia Entrepreneurship Conference - https://www.arc.gov/event/west-virginia-entrepreneurship-ecosystem-conference/

#AppBiz(s):

Blue Ridge Bee Company - www.blueridgebeecompany.com

Appalachian Furnishings - www.appalachianfurnishings.com

Extra:

Later Gator - www.lateralligator.net

Wellsburg, WV

In this episode Neil and Will sit down with an expert in international connection and well-being, Nathan Ohle, the President and CEO of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). He gives his thoughts on the impacts of economic development in general, but also describes what it means to be an economic developer. He also goes a little deeper on the newly formed Economic Recovery Corps and the transformational impact it could have across the country. Take a listen as he explains the paradigm shift that has occurred in this field of work. You might even hear Neil's pick on the Super Bowl and why appreciates Michigan State fans (and other fans), as long as they are true fans. Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz(s) of the week: SOAR Innovation 2024 Pitch Competition Finalists!

International Economic Development Council - www.iedconline.org

Economic Recovery Corps - www.economicrecoverycorps.org

AppNews:

Barter Theatre Appalachian Festival of Plays and Playwrights - https://bartertheatre.com/appalachian-festival-of-plays-and-playwrights/

ARC Entrepreneurial Office Hours - February 14th

West Virginia Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Conference - www.arc.gov/event/west-virginia-entrepreneurship-ecosystem-conference/

#AppBiz(s):

SOAR Innovation 2024 Pitch Competition Finalists - https://soar-ky.org/startup-appalachia-pitch-competition-finalists/

In this episode, Will, sans Neil, sits down with Dr. Amanda Jo Slone to discuss her new passion project: The Appalachian Way: The Role of Appalachian Identity in Effective Leadership. The project combines her two loves, Leadership and Appalachia. Find out how she thinks about Appalachian Identity and if that is an asset in the development of leaders. Born and raised in the hollers of Pike County, you'll hear her passion for the region and why she chooses to live a good distance from where she works. Take a listen to find out more about her project and the potential impact it could have on not only individuals in Appalachia but in other regions as well. Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz of the week: True Pigments!

Amanda Jo Slone (UPIKE) - www.upike.edu/employees/slone-amanda/

The Appalachian Way: The Role of Appalachian Identity in Effective Leadership - https://sites.google.com/view/theappalachianway/home

App News:

ARC POWER Grant - www.arc.gov/grants-and-opportunities/power/

Opportunity Appalachia - https://appalachiancommunitycapitalcdfi.org/opportunity-appalachia/

The Nature Conservancy (Grant) - www.nature.org/en-us/newsroom/tnc-pa-rkmellon-freshwater-grant/

#AppBiz:

True Pigments - www.truepigments.com

In this episode the guys are taking a break...but, not before they take a moment to talk about the legendary Appalachian himself - "Phil!" Take a listen to find out a little more about Phil and all that revolves around him...but don't get mesmerized by the music and hope that it doesn't play on a loop day, after day, after day, after day, after day, after day, after day, after day.....Happy Candlemas!

www.groundhog.org

In this episode an Appalachian native shares her life journey of strength after trauma. Brandi Cox's recently released memoir, "In Better Hands An Appalachian Memoir of Healing and Grace," follows a story of sorrow, growth and understanding ultimately finding peace after abandonment, adoption and grief. Hear from Brandi as she describes how Appalachia has shaped her into the person she is today, and how the resiliency she learned growing up has carried her throughout her life. Take a listen to hear her explain what she hopes others can gain from reading her memoir and how she broke through generational curses to live her best life. Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz of the week - Watauga Butchery!

Brandi Cox - www.brandicoxauthor.com

App News:

ARC Ready Local Governments - www.arc.gov/ready/localgovs/

ARC Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy - www.arc.gov/academies-and-institutes/aea/

ARC Appalachian STEM Academy - www.arc.gov/academies-and-institutes/stem/

Opportunity Appalachia - https://appalachiancommunitycapitalcdfi.org/opportunity-appalachia/

Opportunity Appalachia Launch Webinar (Information) - www.arc.gov/event/opportunity-appalachia-2024-launch-webinar/

#AppBiz:

Watauga Butchery - www.wataugabutchery.com/

It's 2024 Appalachia! In this episode Neil and Will celebrate the beginning of the new year with their favorite episode from 2023! They also welcome a surprise guest to help them bring in the new year - a guest that won't let Neil get a word in otherwise. Take a listen to find out who the special guest is and what episode was the guys favorite in 2023! Here's to a Happy and Healthy 2024 Appalachia! Wherever you may roam, remember to be "Always Appalachian!"

Happy New Year Countdown! In this episode, Neil and Will recap 2023 in a way you might not have thought of...it's become one of their favorite parts of the episodes, something that has taken on a life of its own. They really just want to use this episode to wish everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year! Take a listen, you might hear a favorite appetizer (or two)...you might even hear Neil's favorite movies of 2023, or maybe not. It's been a good year, Neil and Will are looking forward to 2024 and what lies ahead! Happy New Years (in a few days) Appalachia!

App News:

EDA Recompete (Pilot) Program - www.eda.gov/funding/programs/recompete-pilot-program

Recompete Program Finalists Press Release - www.eda.gov/news/press-release/2023/12/20/biden-harris-administration-announces-22-recompete-pilot-program

SOAR Recompete Program Finalist - https://soar-ky.org/soar-selected-as-u-s-economic-development-administration-eda-recompete-pilot-program-finalist/

In this episode, Neil and Will celebrate Christmas with the new and the old! It's AI vs AMW - you choose which you prefer...from Neil and Will's perspective it's the human element that - "just means more." Merry Christmas y'all and to y'all a good night! Also, don't forget about #AppBiz(s) of the week - the final 4 (or 5) businesses in the final countdown to the 25 days of (an Appalachian Small Business) Christmas!

#AppBiz:

22. Studebaker Metals (Braddock, PA) - www.studebakermetals.com

23. Wander North Georgia (Clayton, GA) - www.wandernorthgeorgia.com

24. Bales Farms ( Mosheim, TN) www.balesfarmstn.com

25. Flux Bene (Pittsburgh, PA) - www.fluxbene.com

25. Rolling Pepperoni (Pittsburgh, PA) - www.rollingpepperoni.com

In this episode Will and Neil (or maybe not) sit down with the "Outlaw Scientist" (as coined by AMW) Dr. Savannah Thais, an expert on Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). As a follow up, Dr. Thais defines what AI is and how it is part of our everyday life. Her research goes beyond the data to focus on how AI impacts society and how we can use AI for social good. Hear her talk specifically about her research in Appalachia and why she focused on the area. Take a listen as she explains if regulation is needed in AI and what we should think about when thinking about the future of AI in Appalachia and beyond. Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz(s) of the week - the next seven businesses in our countdown to the 25 Days of (and Appalachian Small Business) Christmas!

Dr. Savannah Thais - https://datascience.columbia.edu/people/savannah-thais/

App News:

ARC Ready Non-Profits - www.arc.gov/news/more-than-995000-awarded-to-40-appalachian-organizations-via-arcs-ready-nonprofits-initiative/

ARC Appalachian STEM Academy - www.arc.gov/academies-and-institutes/stem/

ARC Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy - www.arc.gov/academies-and-institutes/aea/

#AppBiz(s) of the Week (and the next 7 of the countdown to (Appalachian Small Business) Christmas:

15. East Wheeling Clay Works (Wheeling, WV) - www.eastwheelingclayworks.com

16. Cottonwood Handmade (Boone, NC) - www.cottonwoodhandmade.com

17. Bloom (Garrison, KY) - www.bloom-candles.com

18. ZZZ Box Mattress (Hickory, NC) - www.zboxmattress.com

19. Dresden and Company (Dresden, OH) - www.dresdenandcompany.com

20. Appalachian Botanical Company (Ashford, WV) - www.appalachianbotanical.com

21. Pollinates Honeyworks (Belmonst, OH) - www.pollinateshoneyworks.com

In this episode Neil and Will sit down with Rachael Rankin, a lifelong educator in the Appalachian region and current Junior High and High School Principal of the Newton Falls Exempted Village School District in Trumbull County, OH. As an educator passionate about innovation in the classroom, Principal Rankin discusses the integration of Artificial Intelligence, or AI, in her own school system and what it has meant for her District and the Teacher's that serve the school system there. Take a listen as she talks about how fast moving the world of AI in education is and how important it was for her to implement AI policies. With ChatGPT being only the tip of the iceberg, there are many AI technologies that can be used by not only students but specific for teachers as well. Hear how she navigates the ethical dilemmas with AI in the classroom and what she recommends for school districts that are dealing with the ever changing AI environment in education. You might even hear Neil's stellar performance in predicting the winner's from last week and how he might use ChatGPT going forward. Also, don't forget the #AppBiz(s) of the week - the next seven businesses in our countdown to the 25 Days of (an Appalachian Small Business) Christmas!

Newton Falls Exempted Village Schools - www.nfschool.org

App News:

The Santa Train (CSX) - www.csx.com/index.cfm/community-investment/csx-in-service/events/santa-train-2023/

The Santa Train (Facebook Page) - www.facebook.com/santatrain/

Appalachian Collegiate Research Initiative (ACRI) - www.arc.gov/news/arc-hosts-130-appalachian-college-and-university-students-at-community-research-symposium/

#AppBiz(s) of the Week (and the next 7 of the countdown to (Appalachian Small Business) Christmas:

8. Charis Winery (Cumberland, MD) - www.chariswinery.com/

9. Hill and Holler (Cumberland, KY) - www.hollernothollow.com

10. Blenko Glass Company (Milton, WV) - www.blenko.com

11. Holl's Chocolate (Vienna, WV) - www.holls.com

12. Thomas Spake Studio (Chattanooga, TN) - www.thomasspakestudios.com

13. Boomstown and Company (Johnson City, TN) - www.boomstownandco.com

14. Base Camp Printing Company (Charleston, WV) - www.basecampprinting.co

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Extras/Tools/Apps:

FOR STUDENTS AND ALL

ChatGPT - www.openai.com

Photomath - www.photmatch.com

Tome - www.tome.app

Readwise - www.readwise.io

Ghost Write - www.ghostwrite.rip

FOR TEACHERS:

Diffit - www.diffit.me

Magic School - www.magicschool.ai

Eduaide - www.eduaide.ai

Class Companion - www.classcompanion.com