Appalachia Meets World

In this episode, Neil and Will sit down with the folks from "Welcoming America" - an organization started to help communities create welcoming policies and share new approaches to inclusion to create and environment where everyone can truly thrive. Hear Rachel Peric and Lola Pak discuss what it means to be a welcoming community and the long term impact it can have on an area. Whether it be human, social or purely economic impact - being more inclusive and welcoming can be empowering component to the overall quality of life in a community. Take a listen to hear how about one week a year when being a welcoming is highlighted and celebrated throughout the world (not just in Appalachia). You might even hear Neil talk about his new resume booster and what you might find mixed in with your fried chicken when you visit his neck of the woods. Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz of the week: The World Chicken Festival!

Welcoming America - www.welcomingamerica.org

Welcoming Week - www.welcomingweek.org

Welcoming Standard - https://welcomingamerica.org/the-welcoming-standard/

AppNews:

Appalachian Community Capital Green Bank - https://appalachiancommunitycapitalcdfi.org/oa-program/green-bank-for-appalachia-energy-communities-and-underserved-rural-america/

Appalachian Funders Network Report - 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

ARC Appalachian Roadshow Stop #5 - www.arc.gov/event/stop-5-building-community-leaders-and-capacity/

#AppBiz:

The World Chicken Festival - www.chickenfestival.com

"Because I wanted to...."

In this follow up episode, Neil and Will sit down with artist, sculpture, writer, author, mentor and coach - Bridgette Mongeon. Hear her discuss a current project she's working on that has a great deal of historical significance to Appalachia, and more specifically the Appalachian Trail. Take a listen as she describes her process of transitioning from the traditional art form of sculpting with clay to a digital process. With pieces that can be seen throughout the world, this project is allowing her to combine her love of hiking with her passion for art. Find out what, or who, the subject of her current work might be and how she has found connection to the piece. You might also hear some of Neil's favorite "Grandma" recipes and why he loves this time of year. Also, don't forget the #AppBiz of the week: Create Appalachia!

Bridgette Mongeon - www.creativesculpture.com

GG Project - www.grandmagatewood.com

Go Fund Me: GG Tribute Statue - www.gofundme.com/f/grandma-gatewood-tribute-statue

Friends of Flight 93 (Memorial Site) - www.flight93friends.org/

Flight 93 Memorial (Park Service) - www.nps.gov/flni/index.htm

AppNews:

ARC Annual Conference 2023 - www.arc.gov/event/arc-2023-annual-conference/

ARC Inspire (Grant) Award Announcement - www.arc.gov/news/arc-awards-nearly-14-million-to-43-projects-supporting-appalachians-recovering-from-substance-use-disorder/

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

Women Warriors Summit 2023 - https://womenwarriorssummit.com/

Grandma's Favorite Gameday Recipes - www.southernliving.com/grandma-favorite-game-day-recipes-7569942

#AppBiz:

Create Appalachia - www.createappalachia.org

Energy Cooperatives are not only an important energy provider in smaller, more rural communities, they are a fixture in place making and community development within the communities they service. In this episode, Neil and Will sit down with Brent Jackson, the Member Relations Manager for Jackson Energy Cooperative. As an energy cooperative, it's not beholden to its shareholders but is owned by the community - more specifically, "members" of the cooperative. Find out about the principles that all cooperatives abide by and why its important for their operations and the communities they typically embed themselves in. Take a listen and hear Brent discuss the community programs Jackson Energy utilizes to drive economic development and to stay true to their mission - to improve the quality of life for its members in Southeastern Kentucky. You might even hear Neil's pick for the next Parrot Head Ambassador (I think you can probably guess who) - or hear reference to a new song called "Step On A Pop Top." Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz of the Week: The Grove Marina!

Jackson Energy Cooperative - www.jacksonenergy.com

Operation RoundUp - www.jacksonenergy.com/operation-roundup

Touchstone Energy Cooperatives - www.touchstoneenergy.com

NRECA America's Electric Cooperatives - www.electric.coop/

App News:

Healing Appalachia - www.healingappalachia.org

ARC Annual Conference - www.arc.gov/event/arc-2023-annual-conference/

ARC Appalachia Envisioned Road Show: Stop #5 - www.arc.gov/event/stop-5-building-community-leaders-and-capacity/

HUD Hope VI Main Street NOFO - www.hud.gov/program_offices/spm/gmomgmt/grantsinfo/fundingopps/fy2023_hopevi

ACC The Green Bank for Rural America - https://appalachiancommunitycapitalcdfi.org/oa-program/green-bank-for-appalachia-energy-communities-and-underserved-rural-america/

#AppBiz:

The Grove Marina - www.grovemarina.com

Tribute Songs:

"Come Monday" - Jimmy Buffett

"Margaritaville" - Jimmy Buffett

"A Pirate Looks at Forty" - Jimmy Buffett

A SMALL TOWN NEVER FORGETS!!

In this episode, Neil and Will sit down with Deb Brown and Becky McCray, co-founders of Save Your Town! With a focus on smaller communities, they believe small towns can be saved by their own people using their own resources. As small town experts, their organization combats community challenges and specializes in low or no cost solutions, ones that will work in even the tiniest of towns. Hear them talk about the recently released "Survey of Rural Challenges: and find out what were some of the most surprising things they learned during the process. Take a listen and discover some best practices that small towns throughout the country (and in Appalachia) are deploying to improve their communities - who knows, you may even have the inclination to "Save Your Town!" You might even hear Neil's thoughts on wearing white and the question of why we don't work on Labor Day. Also, don't forget the #AppBiz of the week: Tionesta Market Village and Matt's Happy Cow BBQ!

Deb Brown: Building Possibility - https://buildingpossibility.com/

Becky McCray: Small Biz Survival - https://smallbizsurvival.com/

Save Your Town - https://saveyour.town/

App News:

Renewable Energy Jobs Are Coming To Appalachia (Mother Jones) - www.motherjones.com/politics/2023/08/renewable-energy-jobs-are-coming-to-appalachia/

The Potential to Convert Toxic Waste in Appalachian Coal Mines - https://nationworldnews.com/the-potential-to-convert-toxic-waste-in-appalachia-coal-mines-into-valuable-resources/

Fracking Counties in Appalachia are Shedding Jobs - www.ehn.org/fracking-job-loss-2664305050.html

Festival Guide - https://festivalguidesandreviews.com/west-virginia-festivals/

The Connect Act - https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/3216?s=1&r=1

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

ARC Appalachian Research Teaching Initiative - www.arc.gov/acri/

#AppBiz:

Tionesta Market Village - www.marketvillage-tionesta.com/index.html

Matt's Happy Cow BBQ - https://happycowbbq.wixsite.com/mattshappycowbbq

It's football time in the mountains! Neil is like a kid in a candy store, or this time of year for him is like "waking up on Christmas Morning." Sit back and gear up for our annual football episode to kick off the season!

In this episode, Neil and Will sit down with back-to-back State Champion (which makes 4 total) and legendary Head Coach of the Pikeville Panthers, Coach Chris McNamee. A multiple time Coach of the Year Awardee, Coach McNamee has sustained a tradition at Pikeville that is a gold standard for the mountains - and currently #1 in the WYMT Mountain Top 5 (and top 15 in the State of Kentucky overall). Hear him talk about his roots, how the mountains draw him in and the focus he puts into coaching and more importantly teaching the kids in the community of Pikeville. While athletics isn't the only thing, it can bring a community together and may be even more important for a small town. Take a listen and find out how "sometimes your the windshield and sometimes your the bug!" You might even hear a bit of nostalgia from Neil and Will and get another recommendation from Neil - back to back weeks, it has to be a record! Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz of the week: Broken Throne Brewing!

Pikeville Panthers - www.maxpreps.com/ky/pikeville/pikeville-panthers/football/

Pikeville Panther Football on "X" (or twitter, or whatever it's called) - https://twitter.com/PikevilleHSFB?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

Pike County Bowl - www.wymt.com/2023/08/15/38th-annual-pike-county-bowl/

App News:

West Virginia University Budget Deficit - https://mountainstatespotlight.org/2023/08/08/wvu-budget-cuts-deficit-faculty-layoffs/

Appalachian State Expansion - https://today.appstate.edu/2023/08/21/hickory

Appalachian Fair - www.appalachianfair.com

#AppBiz:

Broken Throne Brewing (and Restaurant) - www.brokenthronebrewing.com

We're back (sorry for the hiatus)!!  In this episode, Neil and Will sit down with Equine Artist and "Rockstar" Jamie Corum.  Jamie discusses her passion for Art, especially Equine Art, and what got her involved in the first place.  Hear her talk about the place she grew up and how it drew her back many years later (as we like to say, "there's something magic in them mountains").  Her art has a way of showing the "soul" of the horse which she credits to her many years of riding.  Take a listen as she describes the life of an Equine Artist and how she came from a small farm in Appalachia dreaming of owning her own horse someday, to drawing some of the most iconic athletes (horses) in the sporting world today!  You might hear Neil's new recommendation and the real reason we took a few week hiatus (it wasn't a vacation to say the least)!  Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz of the week: Feed and Seed!

"Ohana" - Maui Strong! 

Jamie Corum Art - www.jamiecorumequineart.com 

App News:

"Read Your Way Through Appalachia" with Barbara Kingsolver - www.nytimes.com/2023/08/09/books/barbara-kingsolver-appalachia-books.html 

Appalachia Regional Commission "Ready Nonprofits" Grant Award - www.arc.gov/news/arcs-ready-nonprofits-awards-623996-to-25-nonprofit-organizations-across-the-appalachian-region/ 

Appalachia Regional Commission Annual Conference (Ashland, KY) - www.arc.gov/event/arc-2023-annual-conference/ 

King Coal - www.kingcoalfilm.com/screenings 

USDA Pocket Guides (Inflation Reduction Act Funding) - www.rd.usda.gov/inflation-reduction-act/ira-pocket-guides#:~:text=The%20Inflation%20Reduction%20Act%20included,and%20making%20climate%2Dsmart%20investments.

Christian Appalachian Project and Appalachian Service Project Awarded Grant to Build Homes - www.christianapp.org/node/9966 

#AppBiz:

Feed and Seed - www.feedandseedsc.com 

"Challenging the Appalachian narrative, one story at a time!"  In this episode, Neil and Will sit down with the Appalachian, the Filmmaker, the Writer and Storyteller - Elon Justice.  Upon working on her graduate school thesis, she came to the realization that "stories - Appalachian stories - have power."  Understanding the perceptions that were often laid upon her accent and geographical upbringing, through her studies and work she wanted to find a way to "tell stories that smash stereotypes, uplift unheard voices, and give an honest, nuanced glance into what it means to be from the mountains" - hence the Appalachian Retelling Project was born.  Take a listen as Elon describes how media can play a role in exploiting an entire region and in turn how media can play a role in changing those generational misconceptions.  Local media, local stories are as important to tell from within as they are to share with others.  You might even hear Elon's (not so secret) love of "Hillbilly Days" (If You Know You Know) and Neil's thoughts on his one recommendation of the year as well as some that are having "a bad day."  Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz of the week: CANE Kitchen!

Elon Justice - www.elonjustice.com 

The Appalchian Retelling Project - www.theappalachianretellingproject.com 

App News:

Chef William Dissen's Appalachian and Indian Cuisine - www.forbes.com/sites/claudiaalarcon/2023/07/14/this-southern-chef-adds-an-indian-accent-to-his-appalachian-cuisine/?sh=59aadfc91244

The Market Place Restaurant (Chef William Dissen) - https://marketplace-restaurant.com/chef-william-dissen  

ARC: Appalachian Rises registration, Keynote and Flood Recovery Relief - www.arc.gov/news/arc-federal-co-chair-gayle-manchin-gov-beshear-award-millions-in-flood-recovery-funds-announce-coach-john-calipari-as-keynote-speaker-of-arc-2023-conference-in-ashland-ky/ 

Jeremy Gulban buys Gannett Papers - https://dailyyonder.com/jeremy-gulban-owns-more-former-gannett-papers-than-anyone-he-says-success-is-up-to-communities/2023/07/14/ 

#AppBiz:

CANE Kitchen - https://cane-kitchen.com/ 

Valerie Horn: James Beard Foundation National Leadership Award - www.courier-journal.com/story/life/food/2023/06/12/james-beard-foundation-grants-eastern-kentucky-woman-national-leadership-award/70228432007/ 

In this episode Neil and Will sit down with Brian Milam, Sports Director for WKYT (a CBS affiliate).  Brian flexes his Kentucky high school sports IQ while explaining how the "mountains" have transformed his career.  While local news in rural areas has struggled in the new digital age, Brian describes the importance of building trust while reporting in and about these communities.  Take a listen as he touches on media outlets in Appalachia and how local news and local reporters need to become a part of a community or region in order to truly benefit the people of the area.  You might even hear Neil's thought process when deciding on ice cream flavors, as well as a TV recommendation (he doesn't give many) that he suggest is a sure fire hit!  Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz of the week: WYMT (Mountain News)!  

Brian Milam (WKYT) - www.wkyt.com/authors/brian-milam/ 

App News: 

Ashtabula Collaboration (ARPA Funding) - https://finance.yahoo.com/news/county-communities-together-appalachia-arpa-132000970.html#:~:text=The%20state%20of%20Ohio%20earmarked,County%20Metroparks%20Administrator%20Antoinette%20Swegheimer 

ARC 2023 Annual Conference - www.arc.gov/event/arc-2023-annual-conference/ 

CreatorCon - www.creatorcon.community/ 

New York Times Disbands Sports Department - www.nytimes.com/2023/07/10/business/media/the-new-york-times-sports-department.html 

Northwestern University Letter of Football Troubles (University News) - www.northwestern.edu/leadership-notes/2023/decision-to-relieve-head-football-coach-pat-fitzgerald-of-his-duties.html 

#AppBiz:

WYMT (Mountain News) - www.wymt.com/                                                                                                                               

In this episode Neil and Will sit down with Dee Davis - President of the Center for Rural Strategies, former Executive Director of Appalshop and prolific storyteller.  The majority of his career has been built on utilizing different forms of media to build more prosperous communities.  Dee describes how media has changed throughout his career and how important local news is to a rural community.  Take a listen as he speaks to the historical media portrayal of the Appalachia region and how some of those stereotypes have evolved.  You might even hear about a unique, but legendary starting five and how it went when Neil set the sky of fire.  Also, don't forget about the the #AppBiz of the week: The Mountain Eagle! 

Center for Rural Strategies - www.ruralstrategies.org 

• The Daily Yonder - https://dailyyonder.com/?gclid=CjwKCAjwzJmlBhBBEiwAEJyLuynnmdbICmUjEakdnI2XGye3G-IESFDblCnhEvbbVHTzPndHyjLfzRoCC2YQAvD_BwE 
• Everywhere Radio (Podcast) - https://dailyyonder.com/podcasts/everywhere-radio/ 
• Rural Newswire - https://ruralnewswire.org/ 

Appalshop - https://appalshop.org/ 

App News:

Appalachian Triangle - www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/appalachian-triangle-receives-350k-state-153300450.html 

ARISE Grant - www.arc.gov/news/arc-awards-5-2-million-to-create-workforce-and-business-opportunities-across-seven-appalachian-states/ 

Appalachian State University Innovation District - https://today.appstate.edu/2023/06/09/conservatory 

Appalachian Media Institute (Appalshop) - www.amiappalshop.org/ 

#AppBiz: 

The Mountain Eagle - www.themountaineagle.com/ 

In this episode Neil and Will kick off a series of discussing "Media in Appalachia" with a sit down with Skylar Baker-Jordan, a journalist currently working with 100 Days in Appalachia.  100 Days is working to bring a diverse set of voices into focus throughout the region through media, focusing on news of Appalachia -- but more importantly BY APPALACHIANS.  Skylar discusses the complexities of the region and how important it is for the media to display the diversity that is apparent throughout.  Take a listen as he describes his love for the region - a region that hasn't always "loved him back."  Find out how he is investing his time to better understand  Appalachia in order to become a more knowledgeable voice for the region he has come to represent.  You might even hear about, to Neil's joy, the making of a new Doctor - but in Neil's eyes he was always the king (of the islands).  Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz of the week: Made x Mtns WNC!

In this month, we celebrate Pride in solidarity - but not ONLY in this month (as suggested in the episode - take a listen)!  

100 Days in Appalachia - www.100daysinappalachia.com/

App News:

SOAR Country Music Highway Tribute - https://soar-ky.org/cmh/

"King Coal" WV Premiere - www.wviff.org/king-coal/

Backroads of Appalachia - https://backroadsofappalachia.org/

• Bitlux Sponsors Backroads of Appalachia - www.evaint.com/bitlux-sponsors-backroads-of-appalachia-as-its-official-air-travel-provider/ 

ARC ARISE (grant) - www.arc.gov/arise/ 

Willie Carver Jr on GMA ("Gay Poems for Red States") - www.goodmorningamerica.com/gma3/video/poem-book-inspires-lgbtq-youth-rural-areas-100310246 

James Loveless (official) Obituary - www.pulaskifuneralhome.com/obituaries/james-loveless-2023 

#AppBiz:

Made x Mtns WNV - https://madexmtns.com/