Appalachia Meets World

In this special episode, Neil and Will bring in the New Year with a discussion of their resolutions and a "perfect" toast to start the year off - or "do the dew."  As a quick beginning of the year episode, the guys are also joined by one of their past guests to give an update on all the amazing work the guest has been doing and accolades the guest has racked up over the past year.  Take a listen to to start the year off right and hear who the special guest might be.  "Live Appalachian" and Positivity in 2023!  

Happy New Years Y'all!  What's in a list??  In this episode Neil and Will sit down with Amanda Ellis of Livability Media to discuss what makes a City the most "livable."  Hear how some Appalachian cities stack up in comparison to other cities throughout the country, and Neil and Will's opinion on the matter (hint - there's a little biased involved - and a lot of "magic in them mountains").  Take a listen as Amanda dives into what Livability Media does and how economic development and promotion is important for not only attraction but also retention of a cities own lifelong residents.  Also, Neil and Will discuss some of the top news items (a lot on the "pop" side - seemingly minus world affairs) over the past year, and how they may or may not matter to them both - and how Neil's "...money don't jiggle jiggle."  Don't forget all the #AppBiz(s) over the past year...and the current #AppBiz of the week: Livability.com!   

Livability - www.livability.com 

Livability Media - www.livabilitymedia.com 

Best Places to Live in the U.S. in 2022 - www.livability.com/best-places/2022-top-100-best-places-to-live-in-the-us/   

"The great millennial migration that wasn't" - www.vox.com/future-perfect/2022/7/27/23279166/young-adults-moving-sprung-keyser-hendren-porter-census 

Merry Christmas Y'all!  Just to celebrate the day, Neil and Will are revisiting "Twas the Night Before (An Appalachian) Christmas!"  Enjoy the day and Happy Holidays to ALL!  

Merry Christmas Y'all!  In this special Christmas edition episode, Neil and Will discuss Christmas traditions of old and new.  The guys are also joined by a special guest to give a different take on the "12 Days of Christmas."  Take a listen as they go "all in" on Appalachian stereotypes, highlighting what a lot of people get wrong about the region.  So...sit back, grab a Christmas cookie (or two) and tune in as you enjoy this special time of year.  Happy Holidays!  

U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree: www.uscapitolchristmastree.com 

U.S. Forest Service (USFS) North Carolina: www.fs.usda.gov/nfsnc

Happy Hanukkah Y'all!  In this episode, to kick of the "Festival of Lights", Neil and Will sit down with Dr. Deb Weiner to discuss the history of Jewish communities in Appalachia, among other things.  In writing her book, "Coalfield Jews: An Appalachian History," Dr. Weiner focuses on smaller communities within Appalachia and the misconceptions some have about the diversity of the region.  Take a listen as she describes identify formation among the Jewish community within these small towns and the reason for migrating there in the first place.  Also, you might even hear about the newly crowned "Olaf of Appalachia."  Don't forget about the #AppBiz(s) of the week: Yesod Farm+Table; and Appalachian Cookie Company!!

Dr. Deb Weiner: www.deborahweiner.com 

"Coalfield Jews: An Appalachian History":  www.press.uillinois.edu/books/?id=p073359 

Yesod Farm+Table: www.yesodfarm.org

Appalachian Cookie Company: www.appcookieco.com 

ARC Summer Programs (Entrepreneurship and STEM) Application Deadline is February 4th): www.arc.gov/news/arc-accepting-applications-for-summer-study-programs-in-entrepreneurship-and-stem-for-regions-middle-and-high-school-students-4/ 

Rural Reimagined: Building an EV Ecosystem for Appalachia: www.rural-reiagined.com

"Appalachian Christmas": www.wbir.com/video/life/holidays/appalachian-christmas/51-df564a87-3770-4b63-a000-41b020a3cbfd 

In this episode Neil and Will talk "new economy" with the non-profit advocacy group Appalachian Voices.  Take a listen as they sit down with Robert Kell (New Economy Program Manager) and Autumn Long (Appalachian Solar Finance Fund Director) to discuss building a generative and equitable economy in the region.  They'll define the idea behind the New Economy Program and how solar is fast becoming a priority for their organization and for the region.  Started in 1997, they remained focused on bringing people together to protect the land, air and water of Central and Southern Appalachia.  In addition, you might even hear Neil's thoughts on the new to be state food of West Virginia, and how long is too long for  a "hot turning wheel."  Also, don't forget the #AppBiz of the week: Appalachian Voices...and shout outs to "New Roots Community Farm", "Kinship Goods" and the "Swamp Rabbit Cafe!"  

Appalachian Voices: www.appvoices.org  

Appalachian Solar Finance Fund: www.solarfinancefund.org 

Appalachian Voices Front Porch Blog: www.appvoices.org/frontporchblog/ 

Appalachian Collegiate Research Initiative (formerly Appalachian Teaching Project): www.arc.gov/acri/ 

Appalachian Voices Listening Sessions Article: www.appvoices.org/2022/12/02/va-task-force-listening-sessions/ 

Pepperoni Roll: www.pastemagazine.com/food/fast-food/history-pepperoni-roll-appalachia/ 

New Roots Community Farm: www.newrootscommunityfarm.com/ 

Kinship Goods: www.kinshipgoods.com 

Swamp Rabbit Cafe: www.swamprabbitcafe.com 

In this episode Neil and Will sit down with Geoff Marietta to talk about Investing in the 606.  Invest 606 is a non-profit business accelerator with a mission to catalyze business growth in Eastern Kentucky by connecting entrepreneurs with the resources they need to succeed today and grow tomorrow.  Take a listen as Geoff describes how he got to the 606, why he now calls it home and why building an entrepreneurial culture and network is important for the area.  A person that wears many hats, he is passionate about the mountains, making a difference in his community and providing opportunities for the amazing ideas and talent in the 606…he may even have a favorite (or two dozen) place(s) for you to check out in the 606!  Also, Neil might suggest the secret to fighting disease...it might surprise you.  Don't forget the #AppBiz of the week: Do Good Brands!

Invest 606: www.invest606.org 

The Harlan County Beer Company: www.harlancountybeer.com 

Moonbow (Pineville, Harlan and Williamsburg): www.kentuckymoonbow.com 

Do Good Brands: www.dogoodbrands.biz

Appalachian Teaching Project: www.arc.gov/appalachian-teaching-project/ 

East Kentucky High School Pitch Competition/Starter Labs: www.invest606.org/starter-labs

Happy Thanksgiving Y'all!!  In this special Turkey Day episode, Neil and Will take on the age old tradition of storytelling in Appalachia, at the place most stories are matured - the dinner table.  The guys take you into a little part of their Thanksgiving and family, with a post turkey conversation.  In the 2nd annual AMW Thanksgiving tradition, take a listen as they talk place, family tradition and most importantly laugh and share a moment with each other that will last a lifetime.  As Neil suggests, the dinner table is his favorite place and where stories are told and conversations had in the good times and the bad.  Come share a moment and give thanks!      

For Global Entrepreneurship Week (and Entrepreneurship Month) Neil and Will step outside Appalachia directly into another mountain range.  The guys sit down with a Certified Entrepreneurship Development Professional (EDP) and expert in Entrepreneurship Led Economic Development, Zach Barker.  He describes the challenges of entrepreneurship and the similarities among entrepreneurs in different (mountain) regions.  Take a listen as he gives his thoughts on building a culture of entrepreneurship in a community and his advice to all entrepreneurs - it ain't what you think (#mentalhealthcare)!  Also, Neil talks about his allegiance as a "Swifty" and the correct way to say "oil."  Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz of the week: Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy and Refill Vibes!

Startup Support Center: www.startsupported.com/ 

Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy: www.arc.gov/appalachian-entrepreneurship-academy/ 

Refill Vibes: www.refillvibes.com 

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

Building Resilient Economies in Coal Communities Initiative: www.eda.gov/communities/Building-Resilient-Economies-in-Coal-Communities-Initiative/ 

New Frontier Quarter Snap Pullover: www.newfrontierbrand.com/collections/fleece/products/fleece-1-4-snap?variant=39579651244102 

Thank you for all that have and continue to serve on this Veteran's Day!  In this episode, Neil and Will sit down with Appalachian Creative and Artrepreneur Kellene Turner.  She discusses her work/art throughout Appalachia, her murals, and the process she goes through as she immerses herself in the communities to become a local.  You will hear how important art is to her personally and how it can transform a community and often the first thing thought of to help revitalize a small town.  Take a listen to what drives her, her connection to place and how we can make the "KT Mural Trail" a reality!  You might even hear what Neil would do if he won the lottery (hint - it has something to do with an Island and a country singer) and what drew him to actually watch an award show...or at least a little of it.  Also, don't forget the #AppBiz of the week: Peace Gardens and Market! 

Kellene Turner Artwork and Website: www.KelleneTurner.Art 

Peace Gardens and Market (Asheville, NC): www.urbanpeacegardens.org 

"Briteshade: Flying Fortress" - Tribute to B-17 Flying Fortress bomber pilots and crew who fought in WWII (song leading into Kellene Turner interview): www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYME8EL_fD4 

Create Appalachia - Where Art Meets Business: www.createappalachia.org 

Indigenous Appalachia (WVU Art in the Libraries): www.exhibits.lib.wvu.edu/exhibits/indigenous-appalachia 

Nitelite - Treyton Blackburn - Comic Book (UK Art Museum): www.finearts.uky.edu/art-museum/events/comic-book-launch-and-conversation-nitelite-treyton-blackburn 

"Small Towns with Big Art Scenes in the South" - Garden and Gun (Jenny Stubbs): www.gardenandgun.com/articles/small-towns-with-big-art-scenes-in-the-south/ 

"My Wetumka: A Picture Book Love Story" - Jenny Stubbs: www.marketshoppes.com/products/my-wetumpka-book-6399e 

"9 Best Small Towns in the U.S. for Art Lovers" - Travel and Leisure: www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/small-art-towns-in-the-us 

Certified Arts Communities - West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History: www.wvculture.org/agencies/arts/certified-arts-communities/ 

Thriving Downtowns: An Investment Playbook for Rural Appalachia: www.locusimpactinvesting.org/file_download/inline/b085fa59-b22e-4df0-8cd8-1624222379d9