Appalachia Meets World

In this episode Neil and Will talk about their respective Turkey Days and how this year compared to Turkey Days of old. They also recognize three past guests who are at the pinnacle of their respective sport...football in the mountains! Take a listen as Neil gives a preview of the mountains traveling to the flatlands and his predictions all around...you might be surprised as his predictions aren't always from the heart. In recognition of the advent season and twenty five days till Christmas, they guys also start the countdown of twenty five small businesses in Appalachia to check out...check out the AMW IG for more detailed information on the #AppBiz of the day as the countdown starts on December 1st leading up to the holiday!

#AppBiz(s) of the Week (and the first 7 of the countdown):

1: Grazeful LLC (Martinsburg, WV) - www.grazefulwv.com

2: Kinship Goods (Charleston, WV) - www.kinshipgoods.com

3: Holtz Leather Company (Huntsville, AL) - www.holtzleather.com

4: New Frontier (Morehead, KY) - www.newfrontierbrand.com

5: Knotzland (Pittsburgh, PA) - www.knotzland.com

6: Scavenger Forge (Brasstown, NC) - www.scavengerforge.bigcartel.com

7: Coal Country Candles (Hindman, KY) - www.coalcountrycandles.com

Our annual Thanksgiving episode around the dinner table - a place where many stories are told in Appalachia. Take a listen as we give you a little glimpse into our family and the thanks we have this holiday season. Have a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving!

In this episode Neil and Will sit down with Barb Ewing the CEO of the Youngstown Business Incubator (YBI) - the #1 University Affiliated Incubator in the World! Incubators are used to give startup businesses and entrepreneurs needed support in order to drive innovation. With a streamlined focus and a dedication to becoming sustainable, YBI has become one of the most accomplished incubators in the world. Hear from Barb as she describes how it all started and the benefits YBI provides not only to its portfolio companies but to the community and the region as a whole. Take a listen to find out the secrets to success (or the "magic fairy dust") and how other regions can replicate the success of this Appalachian incubator - that dispels misconceptions some might have in regard to tech in Appalachia. Also, you might hear Neil explain the reasoning for having a tree up BEFORE Thanksgiving - and why he was seen as a clown.

Youngstown Business Incubator - https://ybi.org/

App News:

Tech Hubs (Appalachian Focus) - www.arc.gov/news/biden-harris-administration-designates-nine-tech-hubs-and-grant-recipients-in-appalachian-region/

Global Entrepreneurship Week - www.state.gov/global-entrepreneurship-week/

2023 National (Appalachian) Christmas Tree - www.uscapitolchristmastree.com/2023/09/06/monongahela-national-forest-announces2023-u-s-capitol-christmas-tree-tour-schedule/

From China to Appalachia - www.floydcountrystore.com/event/from-china-to-appalachia-2023-11-18

Floyd Country Store (Home) - www.floydcountrystore.com/

#AppBiz:

Fitz Frames - https://fitzframes.com/

YBI Portfolio Companies - https://ybi.org/entrepreneurs/portfolio/

Extra:

Inventors Network KY - www.kyinventors.org/

America Makes - www.americamakes.us/

In this episode Neil and Will just want to honor the men and women who have served - on this Veteran's Day weekend. Thank you for your service and duty to country. Take a listen to hear about some news (or two links) regarding some innovative work regarding Veterans.

Also, the guys wanted to replay how it all started for Appalachia Meets World. A throwback to Episode #1 - "Where You From?" If you have never heard it before, it just gives you a feel for who we are and why we started this whole thing in the first place. Till next time....

Honor Flight - www.honorflight.org

"Soldier's of the Coalfields..." - https://artsandculture.google.com/story/soldiers-of-the-coalfields-the-hidden-stories-of-black-appalachians-in-wwi-reed-college-of-media-innovation-center-at-west-virginia-university/iAWx-LnPzeKWKw?hl=en

Reed College of Media Innovation Center: West Virginia University - https://mediainnovation.wvu.edu/

In this episode, Neil and Will bring back the past. In honor of Neil's favorite holiday, they are bringing back an old episode as an extension of Halloween. If you didn't listen last year, or if you forgot, take a listen to hear about an Appalachian Tourism Experience and a haunting place - The Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum.

Note: This is a repeat episode and a little different than other weeks. See you next week!

Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum - https://trans-alleghenylunaticasylum.com/

In this Halloween episode Neil and Will sit down with Candy Hooten, Director of Operations at the Bell Witch Cavewith a personal family connection to the Cave as well. A lot goes on at the Bell Witch property, one of which is being the most haunted places in the U.S. The story goes - a witch (or spirit) haunted the Bell family starting in 1817 and eventually killed John Bell - the only known killing by a spirit. Hear from Candy Hooten as she gives the background and describes her own personal experiences with the property. Oh yeah, her family also owns the Cave and part of the property. Take a listen as she gives you an idea of what you can do if you visit - if you dare. You might even hear about Neil and Will's favorite Halloween candy and whether or not Neil would spend the night in the Cave (hint: NO). Also, don't forget the #AppBiz of the Week: Hilloween!

The Bell Witch Cave - www.bellwitchcave.com

Paranormal Investigations - www.bellwitchcave.com/paranormal-investigations-tennessee/

The Black Wolf Paranormal - www.facebook.com/people/The-Black-Wolf-Paranormal/100063519762124/

Recent Black Wolf Paranormal Photo at Bell Witch Cave - www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=778806510913334&set=pcb.778806527579999

App News:

ARC POWER Awards - www.arc.gov/news/arc-awards-nearly-54-million-to-advance-economic-diversification-in-appalachias-coal-impacted-communities/

Eastern Kentucky Diabetes Symposium - https://soar-ky.org/eky-diabetes-symposium/

National Geographic "Haunted Appalachia" - www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/appalachian-mountains-ancient-geology-modern-horror-stories

Appalachian Urban Legends - https://heritageherald.com/2023/05/12/appalachian-urban-legends-the-scary-truth/

#AppBiz:

Hilloween - www.hilloweennc.org/

"The history of these music and dance traditions is intertwined with the history of the culture of the (Appalachian) region, and an understanding of one sheds a light on the other." (Hoedowns, Reels and Frolics: Roots and Branches of Southern Appalachian Dance).

In this episode Will and Neil sit down with Phil Jamison, a world renowned musician, dancer and dance caller. A musician first, for multiple decades Phil has also taught and called dances all over the world - with many accolades and two Hall of Fame inductions under his belt. As Phil suggests, you can't have dance without the music and vice versa - further describing what makes dance such a big part of the culture of Appalachia. Take a listen as he speaks on the history of dance in the region, how it has evolved over the years and what makes it so special to him. You might even hear Neil describe his own dance ability (or lack thereof) and what exercise equipment brings back fond memories. Also, don't forget the #AppBiz of the week: Fright Nights (West Virginia)!

Phil Jamison - www.philjamison.com

Green Grass Cloggers - www.greengrasscloggers.com

Hoedowns, Reels and Frolics: Roots and Branches of Southern Appalachian Dance - www.press.uillinois.edu/books/?id=p080814

The New Southern Ramblers - www.blueridgeheritage.com/artist/new-southern-ramblers/

Blue Ridge Music HOF - https://wilkesheritagemuseum.com/blue-ridge-music-hall-of-fame

America's Clogging HOF - www.achf.us/

The Swannanoa Gathering - https://swangathering.com/

Square Dance History Project - https://squaredancehistory.org/

Thomas Maupin (Buck Dancer) - www.arts.gov/honors/heritage/thomas-maupin

App News:

ARCH2 (Hydrogen HUB) - www.arch2hub.com/

Hydrogen HUB "Caution" - https://kentuckylantern.com/2023/10/16/so-many-ways-hydrogen-can-go-wrong-hub-announcements-viewed-with-caution/

Virtual "Opioid Belt" - https://irjci.blogspot.com/2023/10/newly-released-data-reveals-virtual.html

#AppBiz:

Fright Nights (#1 Haunted Attraction in West Virginia) - www.frightnightswv.com

In memory of the passing of Loyal Jones.

In this follow-up episode on religion in Appalachia Neil and Will sit down with Jared Arnett, a pastor, entrepreneur and leader of "Together for the Mountains" - an organization focused on church planting in Eastern Kentucky and with a mission to mobilize a network of Christian leaders to take their faith outside the walls of the church to leave eastern Kentucky better than they found it. Speaking on the diversity of religion in Appalachia, Jared gives his thoughts on the evolution of faith and church in Appalachia and what may be more important than teaching Sunday school. Take a listen as he describes his own personal journey and how faith led him through his work. Also, don't forget the #AppBiz of the week: CREA Company!

Jared Arnett - www.jaredarnett.com

Together for the Mountains - www.togetherforthemountains.com

New Beginnings Fellowship Church - www.nbfc.church/

FaithLife Market - www.faithlifemarket.com/

Dedicated to Loyal Jones:

Loyal Jones (About) - www.berea.edu/centers/loyal-jones-appalachian-center/about-loyal-jones

Loyal Jones Appalachian Center - www.berea.edu/centers/loyal-jones-appalachian-center

App News:

ARC ARISE Grants - www.arc.gov/news/biden-harris-administration-through-arc-awards-20m-to-accelerate-green-textile-manufacturing-green-energy-technology-in-southern-and-central-appalachia/

www.arc.gov/news/biden-harris-administration-through-arc-awards-14-5-million-to-grow-manufacturing-in-green-energy-sectors-workforce-development-opportunities-in-northern-and-central-appalachia/

ARC RFP Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure - www.arc.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Drinking-Water-and-Wastewater-Infrastructure-in-Appalachia-RFP-2023.pdf

#AppBiz:

CREA Company - www.facebook.com/makebluefield/

Religion has been one of the strongest cultural forces in the lives of Appalachians. Diverse and pervasive, it influences much of what is considered Appalachian both inside and outside of the region.

In this episode, Neil and Will sit down with Randy Heady of Jackson County, TN. Randy is a bi-vocational Pastor of New Hope Baptist Church in Jackson County, where he also serves as the Mayor. Hear Pastor/Mayor Heady talk about the significance of faith in Appalachia and the challenges faced by rural Pastors serving in dual roles on a seemingly full-time basis. Historically, religion brings a sense of cultural unity to a region that is often misunderstood in just how diverse it really is. Take a listen as Pastor/Mayor Heady describes that religious mountain identity and how he sees the evolution of it over his lifetime. You might even hear Neil's favorite Sunday "after church" meal...it's far from traditional, maybe even a bit medicinal. Also, don't forget the #AppBiz of the week (and how it originated through the church): Solar Holler!

Jackson County, TN Mayor's Office - www.jacksoncotn.com/countydepartments.php#

New Hope Baptist Church - www.newhopegainesboro.org/

AppNews:

Dark Skies (in Appalachia) Symposium - https://jbary.colgate.domains/symposium/

Appalachian Funders Network Philanthropic Asset Scan Webinar - www.appalachiafunders.org/news-resources/appalachia-funders-network-issues-siren-call-to-philanthropy-with-release-of-new-report-your-investments-in-appalachia-can-go-further

Brad Paisley "Son of the Mountains" EP (Article in Country Now) - https://countrynow.com/brad-paisley-highlights-beautiful-and-painful-stories-of-appalachia-on-preview-of-son-of-the-mountains-album/

Google Doodle: Appalachian Trail - www.google.com/doodles/celebrating-the-appalachian-trail

Appalachian Studies Association: 47th Annual Conference (Call for Participation) - www.appalachianstudies.org/2024-conference

ARC READY LDD's: $1 M Grant Award - www.arc.gov/news/arc-awards-1-million-to-help-appalachian-local-development-districts-access-more-federal-funds-for-regions-communities/

Fall Foliage Prediction Map - https://smokymountains.com/fall-foliage-map/

SOAR 2023 Summit - https://soar-ky.org/summit/

Church Recipes (Southern Living) - www.southernliving.com/recipes/church-recipes

#AppBiz:

Solar Holler - www.solarholler.com/our-story/

Additional:

RePlant HUB - https://replanthub.com/

RePlant Resources - www.namb.net/church-replanting/resources/

In this episode Neil and Will sit down with David Shuster, CEO of Horizon Goodwill Industries in Western Maryland - to learn more about the significant impact Goodwill can have on a community - beyond the "thrift." Hear Dave talk about the workforce development origins of Goodwill and how his particular organization thinks outside the box to feel needed gaps within his region. Take a listen as he elaborates on key partnerships and how an organization with proven success can be multifaceted in its approach...all while staying true to its mountain roots. You might even get a once in a lifetime opportunity to hear Neil break down the "swifty" experience, as well as his favorite cake - which is anything "bundt" normal. Also, don't forget the #AppBiz of the week: Youngstown Flea!

Horizon Goodwill Industries - https://horizongoodwill.org/

AppNews:

SOAR Summit - https://soar-ky.org/summit/

Dark Skies Symposium (and Call for Participants/Papers) - https://jbary.colgate.domains/symposium/

ARC Appalachian Leadership Institute 2023-2024 Fellows - www.arc.gov/news/arc-announces-appalachian-leadership-institute-fellows-for-2023-2024/

Georgia Apple Festival (Ellijay, GA) - www.georgiaapplefestival.org/

BHM26.2 (Birmingham Marathon Weekend) - www.bhm26.2.com

#AppBiz:

Youngstown Flea - https://youngstownflea.com/

Extra:

Nothing Bundt Cakes (non-Appalachian, but Neil's "favorite") - www.nothingbundtcakes.com/?gclid=CjwKCAjwyNSoBhA9EiwA5aYlb9ac6lpipiE_KtqV4DHMNFn_funxAV5S771De3pO2w4Yk6bn9JYYKhoCydYQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds