Appalachian Firesides: Recent Episodes
T.J. Hensley
Welcome to the Holler. There's a lot that has been said about Appalachia, and the people who call it home. What we want to do through this podcast is to amplify voices, and talk about important issues that are affecting folks' lives. Listen in as T.J. and his contingent of eccentric guests offer their thoughts on everything from politics and history, to film, literature, and probably quite a bit of country music. Sit back, relax, pour yourself a nice, scolding cup of Eight O'Clock Coffee, and enjoy the show!
Election year is in full swing across the state and across the country. In that spirit, I had a wonderful conversation with Zack Hall. Zack is the Democratic nominee for the 84th District of the Kentucky House of Representatives. We chat about the deep roots he has in eastern Kentucky, how he got started in public service, and his priorities in serving the folks of eastern Kentucky. Zack is a great person to talk to, a great candidate, and a great advocate for the mountains and the people who live there. I've included links below to follow along with Zack's campaign, and to get involved! I hope you all enjoy this one!Zack's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/zackforkyZack's Instagram page: @zackhall54Zack's Twiter page: @ZackForKy
It was a treat having Jason Bailey on the show. Jason is the Executive Director of the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy, a nonpartisan, nonprofit group that analyzes and reports on economic conditions in Kentucky. This week we discuss the Kentucky legislature and the Republican efforts to implement what Jason and I call Prince John economics, not nearly as fun as Robin Hood economics, singing animals and all. I hope you all enjoy this episode, and check out the resources below to voice your opinions and concerns to your legislator here in Kentucky!
KY Center for Economic Policy website: https://kypolicy.org/
KYCEP 2024-26 Budget Report: https://kypolicy.org/the-money-is-there-kentucky-budget-preview-2024-2026/
Contact Your Legislator in KY
- State Senate: https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators/senate
- State House: https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators/house-of-representatives
I was glad to be joined this week by Austyn Gaffney, who is an independent journalist based in Louisville. Austyn and I discuss their recent article on the downfall of AppHarvest—a name I'm sure many in Kentucky are familiar with—a green agriculture startup that promised good jobs to folks who needed them, but who didn't deliver on those promises. At the center of Austyn's article, and our conversation, is the worker and their family, and how a good economy and a good green economy are not as separated as some may wish us to believe. I had a great time talking with Austyn, and I hope you all enjoy as well!
Austyn's Article on AppHarvest: https://grist.org/agriculture/appharvest-indoor-farming-morehead-kentucky/
Austyn's Website: https://www.austyngaffney.com/
For the season six leadoff, I'm honored to be joined by Zach Shrewsbury. Zach is a Marine Corps veteran who (as of November 9th) is the presumptive Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in West Virginia. Now that Joe Manchin is finally bowing out, now is the time for working folks in West Virginia to send someone to D.C. who will actually fight for them. Zach and I had a great discussion about his campaign and how he will advocate for workers across West Virginia. If you all are interested in learning more about Zach's campaign, be sure to check out his website and social media accounts that I've included below. I hope you all enjoy!
Zach's Campaign Website: https://www.shrewsburyforsenate.com/
Zach's X : @zachshrewsbury
Zach's Instagram: @zachs4senate
Zach's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shrewsburyforsenate
Zach's. TikTok: @shrewsbury.for.senate
For this season five finale, it was joy to have Matthew Algeo on the show. Matthew is a journalist and author of several books, including "All This Marvelous Potential: Robert Kennedy's 1968 Tour of Appalachia". Matthew and I discussed the inspiration behind his book, the details and motivation of RFK's trip to the mountains, and how the challenges which face Appalachia and other communities (both now and then) can be addressed through empathy, solidarity, and compassion. I hope you all enjoy, and stay tuned for season six, coming soon!
Matthew's website: https://www.malgeo.net/
Today's episode is not just a tribute to the wonderful Disney movie "Let It Shine" (which everyone should see at least once in their life), but it's a tribute my guest today, to the wonderful Kim Reeder. Kim is the Democratic nominee for Kentucky State Auditor (if you didn't know that was even an office, don't worry, I first learned about it a year ago). Kim is a friend and mentor of mine, she's a former tax lawyer and high school teacher, and I had a great discussion with her about her life, her experience as an attorney, and what she would want to accomplish as Kentucky Auditor. I hope you all enjoy this episode, and be sure to check out the links below to learn more about Kim and her campaign.
Kim's Campaign Website: https://kimforkentucky.com/
Kim's Campaign TikTok page: https://www.tiktok.com/@kimforkentucky
Kim's Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/kimreederky/?hl=en
Kim's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/KimforKentucky
Today, I sit down for a conversation with Dylan Parsons, Vice Chair of the West Virginia Mountain Party, the West Virginia affiliate of the Green Party. He and I discuss the obstacles to progressive politics finding a real home in the Democratic Party. We also discuss how the Mountain Party hopes to be the political voice for progressives in the Mountain State. Also, tune in to my intro to hear a surprising (or maybe a not so surprising) revelation on my political future...
WV Mountain Party: https://mountainpartywv.net/ TJ's op ed on Kentucky Fried Politics: https://www.kentuckyfried.com/op-ed-i-understand-why-many-kentuckians-have-left-the-democratic-party-because-so-have-i/
We're trying something a little new this week for our Sights to See episode. Today, we're taking a look at the West Virginia Environmental Council (WVEC) and the work they're doing on behalf of advocating for healthy environments in the mountain state. Keep tuning in on Fridays as we begin to look at more advocacy groups in the region. I hope y'all enjoy!
WVEC website: https://wvecouncil.org/
We've got it all in this one: a rhetorical question, ranting about inequality, breaking down a bizarre speech by Marjorie Taylor Greene, and a great discussion with special guest Dustin Pugel, who serves as policy Director for the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy, about the need to invest in Kentucky's childcare system (See the link below for Dustin's article that we discuss). I hope you all enjoy!
Dustin's Article: https://kypolicy.org/kentucky-child-care-apocolypse/
This week, we're taking a look at the Appalachian Caverns showcaves in Blountville, Tennessee. Special thanks to listener and friend of the podcast, JD for suggesting this location (along with Backyard Terrors Dinosaur Park that we covered last week). I hope you all enjoy learning about this place, and that you get a chance to visit!
Appalachian Caverns website: http://www.appacaverns.com/
The words of Pete Seeger never lose their power or prescience. I'm joined today by Alexandra "Al" Bradbury, who is a journalist and editor for the publication Labor Notes. Al and I discuss recent Supreme Court rulings (though one that wasn't as covered by mainstream news as others) and where worker organizing and striking goes from here. I hope you all enjoy this one!
Labor Notes website: https://labornotes.org/
Al's Article on Glacier Northwest v. Teamsters: https://therealnews.com/unions-can-still-strike-dont-let-the-supreme-court-tell-you-otherwise
Real News Newtwork: https://therealnews.com/
This week we have a listener-submitted suggestion for our Sights to See series! Special thanks to friend of the podcast JD for suggesting Backyard Terrors Dinosaur Park, located in Bluff City, Tennessee! Tune in to hear about Appalachia's own little slice of Jurassic prehistory, and check out their website below to learn more! I hope y'all enjoy!
Backyard Terrors Dinosaur Park website: https://backyardterrors.com/
This one is a real treat. I am joined this week by my good friend, Cody Howard. Cody is a musician and recording artist based in Harlan County. He's put out some great music, and just came out with his first full length album last summer, called "Appalachian Dream". It's a wonderful album and I had a great talk with Cody about his journey and inspiration as an artist, the process behind making the album, and what's coming up next for him. I hope you all enjoy!
Cody's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realcodyhoward/
Cody's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/codyhowardmusic/
"Appalachian Dream" on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/5Eoq4JNAhOKLHRG0z3H5lb
I'm so excited for y'all to hear this one. I am joined once again by noted author, columnist and returning friend of the podcast, Jonathan Alter. I last spoke to Jon about his book — my favorite book on FDR and the New Deal — "The Defining Moment: FDR's Hundred Days and the Triumph of Hope". In that book, Jon writes a great chapter on the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC); today, we discuss the CCC, their importance in the New Deal, and how what they did can inspire us today to accomplish great things. I hope you enjoy today's episode, and be sure to check out the links below to Jon's website, and to a documentary about the CCC that he references in our talk!
Jon's Website: https://jonathanalter.com/
CCC Documentary: https://vimeo.com/150192017
This week we're traveling to the state of North Carolina, and the beautiful city of Asheville, to the River Arts District. This vibrant neighborhood features several locations to appreciate and engage in the creative spirit which permeates throughout the Appalachian region. I hope you all enjoy learning about this place, and I especially hope you get a chance to visit it yourself!
Asheville River Arts District Website: https://www.riverartsdistrict.com/
This week, I talk with Dr. Tim Griffith, who is a professor of Biology at Georgetown College and Director of Georgetown's Science Honors Program. Dr. Griffith and I discuss the geological and ecological features of central Appalachia and how those characteristics of the land makes this part of the region one of the most biodiverse places in the United States. We also discuss how lessons from the past can inform our present moment in Appalachia, and help us find a way forward in how we care for the land, and ensure the best existence possible for those who live on it. I hope you all enjoy!
Located in Ashtabula, Ohio, this museum was converted from a house used to secretly hide and transport enslaved people from the southern states as they journeyed to escape from bondage. At a time when we must keep having conversations around the lasting legacy of slavery and the continuing inequalities in our country, the Hubbard House represents not only as a place to preserve and remember the history of abolition and liberation, but to do so in a way that connects deeply with the Appalachian region. I hope you all enjoy learning about this place.
I'm so glad to be joined this week by my good friend Julia Mattingly. Julia just finished her Bachelors in Rural Health and Public Policy and will soon begin her PhD program in the same field at George Washington University! Not only has Julia been researching issues related to rural health, but she has helped lead advocacy efforts in supporting and expanding rural healthcare and opportunities in rural healthcare across Kentucky. Julia and I had a great chat about her work, about important issues related to rural health, and how we ourselves can continue to advocate for access to high quality care that we deserve. I hope you all enjoy this one!
This is one of my favorite places in the world, in one of the best towns that you'll find in Appalachia. The Fuzzy Duck Coffee Shop and CoffeeTree Books (or just the Fuzzy Duck if you prefer), is an amazing place to find good coffee, good books, and good people — just three of the many things that make Appalachia a wonderful place to be. I hope you all enjoy learning about this place, and I hope even more so that one day you get a chance to visit it yourself!
Fuzzy Duck Website: https://www.coffeetreebooks.com/
It wouldn't be a true season of Appalachian Firesides without some unexpected publishing delay, now would it? Thank you all so much for your grace in my not publishing last week. I think we should be on track for the rest of the season. I am so excited to bring you all this discussion I had with Dr. Gui Silva, who in addition to being a wonderful person and mentor to myself and many others, is Chair of the Political Science Department at Georgetown College. Dr. Silva and I had a great discussion about the deep and far-reaching connections between Appalachia and the wider world, and how folks in the region and elsewhere can think of our place in a global system. I hope you all enjoy!
For this first installment of our Sights to See series for season five, we're taking a look at the Blue Ridge Music Center in Galax, Virginia. Here you can learn about and experience the rich musical traditions of Appalachia! Be sure to visit their website below, and I hope you all enjoy learning about this amazing place!
Blue Ridge Music Center: https://www.blueridgemusiccenter.org/
Here's our lead off for season five! I am so glad to bring to you all my conversation with Lydia Welker, who volunteers as the Digital Communications Coordinator for the Appalachian Prison Book Project (APBP). Lydia and I discuss how this organization gets reading material to incarcerated folks throughout Appalachia, as well as educational opportunities for incarcerated folks. Along the way, we discuss how the spread of prisons in Appalachia has affected communities and the people who live there, and how we can move towards a future where everyone in Appalachia is treated with the respect and dignity that they deserve. I hope you all enjoy!
Appalachian Prison Book Project Website: https://appalachianprisonbookproject.org/
APBP Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/AppalachianPBP/
APBP Twitter: https://twitter.com/AppalachianPBP
We've made it to the Season 5 Finale! Thank you all so very much for your continued support, in however you support the show. I'll be taking a bit of a break for a few weeks as I finish up everything with College, but we'll be back on near the beginning of the summer. In recognition of today as May Day, International Workers Day and International Labor Day, I thought it would be a great time to share my discussion with Ahmed White, who is a Professor of Law and author of The Last Great Strike: Little Steel, the CIO, and the Struggle for Labor Rights in New Deal America. Professor White and I discuss his book, which shows both the successes and failures of the labor law enacted during the New Deal, and we also discuss how the lessons of that time can be applied to ours. I really hope you all enjoy this season finale, and I look forward to all of the episodes to come!
What is May Day? by Emma Bowman: https://www.npr.org/2022/04/30/1095729592/what-is-may-day-history
Professor White's Website: https://www.ahmedwhite.com/
One aspect of life in Appalachia which is often overlooked is that of Indigenous history and Indigenous influences on the land and the people who now live here. That's why I wanted to highlight Oak Mounds in Clarksburg, West Virginia. When we take the time to learn about what was left behind by the people who were here long before anyone else, we have some context to understand their struggles today, and maybe can get a little closer to finding how we can help elevate them and advocate for their just treatment. I'm still in this process, and I hope it's one that you all will join in with me. I hope you enjoy today's episode!
Oak Mounds, WV: https://wvexplorer.com/attractions/prehistoric/oak-mounds/
Don't worry folks, I'm still kicking. After an unexpected hiatus (you'll hear all about it in the intro), we are back with our regularly scheduled programing! For today's episode, I was thrilled to be joined by Courtney Rhoades from the Appalachian Citizens Law Center based out of Whitesburg, Kentucky. The ACLC is a non-profit law firm that assists folks in the mountains with legal aid relating to health and safety, and they also advocate for policies that ensure that both the land, and the people who live on it, will have a dignified and a healthy future. Courtney is the lead Black Lung Organizer for the ACLC; she and I discussed her work in that field and how she and her colleagues at the ACLC advocate for better health and safety standards and improved benefits for coal miners across the board. If you're interested in learning more about the ACLC and the services they provide, I've included a link in the show notes. I hope you all enjoy!
Appalachian Citizens Law Center Website: https://aclc.org/
It's just me today. This episode is pretty unordinary, but as Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "This is no ordniary time". With all that has gone on in Tennessee these past couple of weeks, I wanted to discuss those matters on the podcast. I ramble a little, and might repeat myself from time to time, but I wanted to say my peace on it. I hope you all enjoy.
Y'all are in for such a treat. As you all can probably tell by now, I make a big deal about the importance of labor history to the wider story of Appalachia. I do this not only because I'm interested in this intersection of history, but because you really can't give a full and authentic image of Appalachia without talking about the labor movement here, and the folks who made it possible. Their struggles not only are central components to our history, but their example shows us what solidarity and determination can do today as workers continue to fight for their basic human rights. I am so honored to be joined this week by Kenzie New-Walker, who is the Executive Director of the West Virginia Mine Wars Museum in Matewan, West Virginia. As you'll hear from Kenzie, the Museum is dedicated to preserving that history of labor organizing in Appalachia; we discuss her role in that, the layout of the Museum and what folks can expect when they visit, as well as the importance of remembering the history of labor organizing in the mountains. This was such a fun interview, and I hope you all enjoy it!
West Virginia Mine Wars Museum website: https://wvminewars.org/
This week, we're continuing our trend of exploring those states that, although they aren't typically associated with Appalachia, are nonetheless a part of the region. Located in Boonsboro in Maryland, Greenbrier State Park offers a lot of fun outdoor activities, and does so in a majestic and diverse environment which captures the beauty of the Appalachian region. I hope you all enjoy learning about the Park, and that you get a chance to visit1
Greenbrier State Park website: https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/western/greenbrier.aspx
This week, I am so honored to be joined by celebrated Kentucky author, Bobi Conn. Bobi has written two books—her memoir, In the Shadow of the Valley and a recently published novel, A Woman in Time — and is working on publishing a third book. Bobi and I had a great discussion about her memoir, her process of writing it, the experiences she drew from, and how she envisions her work as providing a more detailed and nuanced picture of life in eastern Kentucky and Appalachia. Along the way, we discuss the history of the region and how things ended up as they are, and suppose some ways on how we can make the region we love, the best that it can be. This was a wonderful conversation, from start to finish. I hope that you all get a chance to read Bobi's work, and I hope that you enjoy this Monday's episode!
Bobi's Website: https://bobiconn.com/
This week, we're traveling to the quintessential Appalachian state: New York! I know, we don't often make that connection, but New York is still a part of the geographic, political, and cultural Appalachian community, and we appreciate all of our neighbors there, including Alan Tremblay, the owner and operator of the subject of today's episode: Tremblay Apiaries. Alan is an experienced beekeeper who ethically and sustainably produces, packages, and directly sells his own honey and several other naturally based products that I discuss in the episode. I hope you all enjoy and that you get a chance to support Alan and his local business!
Tremblay Apiaries Website: https://www.tremblayapiaries.com/
If you had told me a year and a half ago that this episode would air, I would not have believed you. This week I am honored to be joined by THE Big John Isner, exemplary Appalachian, former co-host of the Appodlachia Podcast, and currently working as a no-nonsense Public Defender in West Virginia. For those who may not know, Public Defenders are attorneys who are tasked with representing defendants in criminal cases who do not have the money to afford private counsel. Working in this field requires a lot of dedication, especially considering how underpaid and overworked many public defenders are. John and I discuss the reality of PD work in Appalachia—along with it's challenges and triumphs—as well as how we might reform the system to make sure that everyone has access to a fundamental, Constitutional right. This was such a fun interview from start to finish, and I hope you all enjoy!
Surprise! I've been thinking on how I can improve the show for you all, and I had an idea. With a pretty hefty backlog of interviews left to publish, it would be at least a couple of months before I got them published, and that just will not do. And so, from now on, our full-length episodes will be published on Monday, and the Sights to See Episodes will come out each Friday! More content for you all, more efficiency for me, and opportunities for more guests, everyone wins! This week, we're exploring the Museum of Appalachia in Clinton, Tennessee. If yo find yourself thinking, "Teej, how have I not heard of this place before?" I can't tell ya, because I've been wondering that myself! Regardless, this looks like an amazing place to visit. I hope you all enjoy this episode, and I hope you get a chance to visit!
Museum of Appalachia Website: https://www.museumofappalachia.org/
For our final conversation with some of the contributors of Y'all Means All, I was glad to speak with Julie Rae Powers. Julie Rae is a photographer with deep roots in Appalachia who is doing some amazing work to magnify the voices of folks who have often been left out of the conversation about what Appalachia is, and how we can make it better. We discuss their contribution to Y'all Means All, and we also have a deep and insightful chat about the power of photography in portraying Appalachia authentically, and how that task has played into the region's history. Julie Rae has a lot of great things in the works right now, be sure to check out their website in the links below to stay up to date on their work, and follow them on social media! I hope you all enjoy this conversation!
Julie Rae's Website: http://www.julieraepowers.com/
Tune in this week to hear all about the White Whale Bookstore, located in the Paris of Appalachia: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I also give a preview about how the Sights to See series will be expanded upon in later episodes. I hope you all enjoy!
White Whale Bookstore: https://whitewhalebookstore.com/
I know I know, y'all are probably thinking, "Teej, what the heck, you said you would have a regular schedule from now on, what gives?". Well my friends, I also said I would cut back on coffee and go to the gym every day this year. In any case, thank you all so much for your graciousness, and I do apologize that I was not able to release an episode of Sights to See last week. From this point on, I do foresee that we will have a regular recording and publishing schedule (but this time, you know, I really mean it). Anyway, I am so thrilled to bring you all my conversation with Kendall Loyer, a scholar, dancer, and contributor to Y'all Means All, which is an anthology dedicated to the experiences of Appalachian folks who are also members of the LGBTQ community. Kendall and I had a great chat about a lot of different topics, including her idea of "plant time" where folks create space and opportunities to think about what makes them who they are and how they can harness that to build a positive community around them. I think that is one of the most important things we can do in trying to understand and love our neighbors, especially so that we can build community and solidarity with folks who, although they appear different from us, may not be so different after all. I hope you all enjoy!
I'm honored to be joined on the podcast this week by Aaron Leonard, journalist and author of several books, including The Folk Singers and the Bureau: The FBI, the Folk Artists, and Suppression of the Communist Party USA. In this book, Aaron details the careers of several prominent folks singers in the U.S., spanning from the 1930s into the 1950s. Aaron and I chat about how the artists he writes about —Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, Burl Ives, Lead Belly, Sis Cunningham and others— had ideas about how to create a better world than the one that they saw before them in Depression-era America. They weren't right about everything, but they weren't trying to push a party line on anyone. As Aaron and I discuss, they were trying to use the art they created to tell about the world they saw gripped by fear and depression, but also to inspire others to join them in making it better. As a result, they were met with repression, surveillance, and persecution. The question of how to end human suffering and create a better world (the same question that these artists were trying to answer), is the same one that poses us, and as Aaron points out, even if history isn't always a straight line of progress, we all are much like the narrator of the song, Worried Man Blues: "we're worried now, but we won't be worried long". This was a great conversation and I hope that you all enjoy!
Aaron's Website: http://www.aaronleonard.net/
Welcome to the first episode of our "Sights to See and Places to Be in Appalachia" series for Season 4. On these episodes, I highlight a location in the Appalachian region that's worthy of a visit if you're from the area, if you've never been, if you want to plan a trip here or if you're ever just passing through. This week, we're beginning our journey in Alabama by taking a look at Cathedral Caverns State Park, located near Woodville, Alabama. Tune in to hear all about this place and the fun things it has to offer for anyone who would like to visit! Follow the link below for all the details you need to plan your visit. I hope you all enjoy!
Cathedral Caverns State Park Website: https://www.alapark.com/parks/cathedral-caverns-state-park
After an unexpected and avoidable gap in publishing, we're back on track! I apologize for not putting out an episode of Sights to See last Monday, we'll be back with that series next week. For this week however, I am so excited to be bringing you all a conversation with Dr. Beck Banks, one of the contributors to the recently-published anthology, Y'all Means All: the Emerging Voices of Queering Appalachia, edited by Zane McNeill. This is a wonderful collection that is empowering so many people to tell their own stories for themselves, and to show how diverse of a place Appalachia truly is. Beck and I chat about how to build communities that are welcoming, filled with love, and that help everyone thrive in their own way, and how we each have a role to play in that process. Over the next few weeks, I'll be publishing interviews I've had with other contributors to Y'all Means All; these are wonderful folks who are doing such important work to create community and solidarity in the mountains and other places, and I am so excited for us to hear their stories. Also, a huge thank you to Zane for connecting me with Beck and the other contributors, and for putting this collection together! Be sure to check the link below to see how you can get a copy for yourself, I hope you all enjoy!
Y'all Means All: https://pmpress.org/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1240
We're back for Season 4! As we start this new season, I'm so excited to keep bringing you all more conversations with folks from all over Appalachia and maybe even beyond. I still want this to be a place where people are empowered to tell their own stories, and we will still be exploring all of the wondrous and beautiful places found in the Appalachian region. To lead off season four, I'm honored to be joined his week by Kendra Winchester! Kendra is a Contributing Editor for Book Riot, where she writes about audiobooks and disability literature, and she is the founder of Read Appalachia, which celebrates Appalachian literature and writing. Kendra and I have a great conversation about Appalachian literature, the power behind books, and the importance of advocating for the mountains and the folks who call them home. We also talk about Kendra's new podcast called Read Appalachia, which will be launching just two days from now! I've included the link to Kendra's website in the show notes, where y'all can access her writing, discover recommendations on Appalachian literature, and access the podcast when it releases! I hope y'all enjoy!
Read Appalachia Website: https://www.readappalachia.com/
Here it is, the season three finale on this very spooky Halloween night! I'm joined this week by a returning friend of the podcast, my very good friend Drew. This week, in the spirit of our Halloween season finale, Drew and I shift our conversation from the political to the paranormal. If you've ever heard of the representations or descriptions of aliens from outer space as "little green men", you may not know that this has its roots right here in Kentucky. That's what Drew and I discuss this week, and it's a good time from start to finish. My heart is filled with gratitude for this community. I have met and spoken with some amazing people, I have learned a lot about this region that I love so dearly, and I still have more work to do. Since the beginning of season three in June, Appalachian Firesides has grown more over the past few months than in the entire year and a half since we started, and there is still a lot ahead of us. I'll be signing off for the next couple of months as I get ready for finals, finish law school applications, and celebrate the holidays, but I'll still be hard at work on season four, and I am so excited for all of the great content to come! Y'all be sure to keep following the social media accounts, and tell your friends to get caught up on the podcast during the break! I hope you all enjoy this conversation with Drew, and again, thank you all so much. Until next time, I'll catch y'all next time!
This week, I was honored to interview Kevin Dunn, acclaimed author, scholar, documentary film-maker, activist, DIY cultural producer and Appalachian advocate. Kevin and I discussed his upcoming book, Vicious Is My Middle Name, which follows Sydney Vicious Talcott as she moves from Rochester NY to Beaver Dam NC. Though at first she has some difficulty transitioning to and understanding her new home, she soon finds more to love about Beaver Dam-the place and the people-than she could have imagined. Soon enough, she and her new friends will have to work to band the community together against a new threat to their Appalachian community, and they will do so through direct action in a very "punk" way. This book was an absolute joy to read, from start to finish, and I had a wonderful conversation with Kevin about his writing the book, and a few lessons that he hopes readers of all ages and from all places will take from it. Vicious Is My Middle Name is out on November 15, and is available for pre-order at the links below! I hope you all enjoy the book, and enjoy this week's episode!
Pre-Order Vicious Is My Middle Name: https://regalhousepublishing.com/product/vicious-is-my-middle-name/
Kevin's Website: https://www.kcdunn.com/
I'm so excited to be bringing you all a conversation with another great political candidate running in Appalachia. This week, I'm honored to be joined by Matthew Hoh, who is the Green Party nominee for U.S. Senate in North Carolina. As you'll hear in the interview, Matt and his campaign have faced numerous challenges to even get Matt on the ballot in North Carolina, and whether or not you agree with the ideas that Matt and I discuss, I think that if we want to have a healthy democracy, then we have to make sure that more people can have a voice in making decisions, not just Democrats and Republicans. Matt and I also discuss his stances on a few key issues to his campaign, and a few ideas on how to improve the lives of people across Appalachian North Carolina, and the whole state as well. I've included a link to Matt's Campaign website in the show notes, if you're interested in learning more! I hope you all enjoy!
Matt's Campaign Website: https://www.matt4senate.org/
We're just a little under a month away from Election Day here in the U.S. and for the month of October I'm really excited to be bringing y'all some great conversations with a couple of great political candidates running in Appalachia. This week, I'm joined by Conor Halbleib, who is the Democratic nominee running for Congress in Kentucky's 5th Congressional District, which encompasses almost all of eastern Kentucky. As you'll hear in the interview, Conor's platform boils down to three really important principles: everyone deserves healthcare, everyone deserves clean drinking water, and everyone deserves a dignified job—and that it is a fundamental duty of government to provide for, and protect those rights. Conor and I talk about how he would support those measures in Congress, and how we can invest in people to help make sure that folks in eastern Kentucky have access to the resources they need to live the dignified life that they deserve. I hope you all enjoy!
ALSO, check out these links below ⤵️ to check out Conor's campaign website, or if you're a resident Kentucky and want to check our registration, request and absentee ballot, or need more information about voting and the election!
Conor's Campaign Website: https://conor4kentucky.com/
Kentucky Voter Information: https://vrsws.sos.ky.gov/ovrweb/govoteky
While our journey throughout the Appalachian region may not be in person like "Jungle Cruise", it is no less exciting for me and hopefully you all feel the same! This week, we're traveling to the great state of Georgia, and shining a light on the Booth Western Art Museum. From all that I have seen and read, this place looks like a wonderful location to take in the beautiful artwork and artifacts which bear witness to the important history of the American West, and the rich culture of numerous Indigenous and First Nations communities found throughout the continent. I hope you all enjoy the episode, and I hope you get a chance to visit the Museum soon!
Booth Western Art Museum Website: https://boothmuseum.org/
I’m joined this week by Dr. Roger Ward, chair of the Philosophy Department at Georgetown College, and a professor whom I’ve had quite a few classes with. Dr. Ward and I discuss probably one of the most important thinkers in American history, John Dewey. We talk about him for a few reasons, but probably the most notable is that Dewey’s ideas about democracy are so important to our own time. Dewey believed in democracy as a way to value the worth and experiences of ordinary people, and I think that, with all of the challenges we as human beings are confronting today, that idea is still just as powerful in out time as it was in Dewey's. And, as always, we find ways to relate John Dewey right back to FDR and the New Deal (no need to thank me). We get into all of this in great detail on today’s episode, and I hope you all enjoy!
I guess if there's a common theme for these past few episodes of Sights to See and Places to Be, it would be this: state parks rock. As we travel to Greenville County, South Carolina, tune in to hear about the majestic scenery around Caesar's Head Park, opportunities for fishing, camping, and sight-seeing. From all that I have seen and read, this is a wonderful place to visit with something to offer for everyone. I hope you all get a chance to visit, and I hope you enjoy's today's episode!
Caesar's Head State Park Website: https://southcarolinaparks.com/caesars-head
HAPPY LABOR DAY! We know that a three-day weekend is great, but what's most important is that we take this time to recognize that it's because of the hard work and sacrifice of workers all throughout our history that brought us not just this weekend but every weekend, not to mention minimum wage, unemployment insurance, the abolition of child labor, workers' comp law, paid family and sick leave, the eight-hour day, and so much more. We also know that the struggle to reaffirm and strengthen the rights of workers is still ongoing, but I am hopefully optimistic that, in the words of Pete Seeger and countless other activists, "We shall overcome". In honor of this holiday, I'm featuring my interview with Johnna and Erin, two organizers with the United Campus Workers at the University of Kentucky. We talk about how they each got involved with the Union, the work that they've done and have planned for this coming semester, and if you're a student at U.K. and are interested in joining or even just learning more about the Union, be sure to stick around until the end to hear about how you can get involved! It was great having Erin and Johnna join me on the show, and I hope you all enjoy our conversation!
Continuing our journey across the region as we document and discuss the sights to see and places to be in Appalachia, this week we're traveling to the great state of North Carolina, and visiting the North Carolina Arboretum. This more than 400-acre public space is filled with some of the most beautiful flora found throughout the region, and across the world. On your visit, you can take a serene stroll through the breathtaking gardens to learn about these plants and flowers, go for a great hike on one of many trails to choose from, or you can even take a mountain biking trip! While you're at it, learn about the great American landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead, listen to a musical performance by local artists during ArborEvenings, or view some magnificent artwork by the Vorhees family of noted regional artists. There really is something here for everyone, and I hope that you all get a chance to visit the North Carolina Arboretum!
North Carolina Arboretum Website: https://www.ncarboretum.org/
I'm joined on the podcast this week by one of my favorite authors, Jonathan Alter, who wrote my most favorite book on Franklin Roosevelt and the New Deal (and that's saying something, because I've read A LOT of those). He and I have a wonderful conversation about his book, The Defining Moment: FDR's Hundred Days and the Triumph of Hope, the history behind the book and his process of writing it, the importance of FDR's legacy to the country, and his impact on Appalachia. We also discuss the importance of the idea behind Roosevelt's Presidency, and the New Deal: that the federal government has a responsibility to improve economic and material well-being. That idea was not only powerful then, but as we continue to face severe economic inequality, vanishing opportunity for the working poor, and a moment of great division, that idea of good and active government is important to us today. I hope you all enjoy this episode, and be on the lookout for more material on the New Deal coming soon!
And just like that, summer vacation has come to a close. Between work, the LSAT, and much more podcasting than I was doing this time last year, this summer sure has flown by. By the time you all hear this, I will have moved in to my dorm at college, and have begun my senior year. I hope you all have enjoyed season three so far, and I very much hope that you all enjoy the content to come! This week, for our next installment of the Sights to See and Places to Be in Appalachia, we're traveling to the state of Ohio to highlight Wayne National Forest! This is the only National Forest located in Ohio, and offers a ton of great attractions and activities for any visitor. You can find all of the information you need to plan your visit to Wayne National by visiting the website links below. I hope you all enjoy the episode, and I hope you get a chance to visit!
Also, HAPPY BELATED (by nine days as of today) ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF APPALACHIAN FIRESIDES!
Wayne National Forest Website (US Forest Service): https://www.fs.usda.gov/wayne
Wayne National Forest Website: https://www.waynenationalforest.com/
This week on Appalachian Firesides, we're covering just one of the many sagas that are part of #HotLaborSummer. I'm joined this week by Ayla Gokton, a doctoral student in Counseling Psychology and an organizer with the United Campus Workers Union at the University of Louisville. This is a wall-to-wall union comprised of workers from different backgrounds at the University — UCW has several chapters located in Kentucky and across the country. Ayla and I discuss her experiences organizing with UCW, the initiatives that Louisville's Chapter will be pushing for in the coming semester, and we discuss how the power of organizing is such a powerful tool for workers and everyday people to band together, and advocate for real change that will improve our lives. ALSO, if you are a worker at the University of Louisville (whether you are a student or not), be sure o stick around until the end of the episode to hear Ayla talk about how you can look into joining the UCW at Louisville. And be on the lookout for more great content coming soon! Hope y'all enjoy!
EASTERN KENTUCKY FLOOD RELIEF FUNDS AND RESOURCES:
- https://secure.kentucky.gov/FormServices/Finance/EKYFloodRelief
- https://governor.ky.gov/disaster-response/flood-resources
- https://appalachianky.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1924
- https://appalshop.org/news/appalachian-flood-support-resources
Firstly, I'm sure that many of you have been seeing the heartbreaking news coming out of eastern Kentucky over the past few days with the recent flooding. So many communities in our region have been utterly devastated by these disasters; at least 28 people are confirmed dead, and we likely won't know the full extent of the damage for some time. But people from all across the region, the state, and indeed the country, are stepping up to help relieve, rescue, and rebuild. I've posted a few links above to relief and mutual aid funds and other resources to find out how you can help the victims of these floods, and if you are able, I ask that you would consider donating to these efforts. Thank you all so very much for the support and solidarity that you all are showing eastern Kentucky. For this week's series episode, we're visiting the International Storytelling Center in Jonesborough, Tennessee. I hope you all enjoy.
This week, I'm joined on the podcast by Peter Canellos, Managing Editor for Enterprise at POLITICO and author of "The Great Dissenter: The Story of John Marshall Harlan, America's Judicial Hero". This book is a page-turner, from start to finish, and Peter tells the fascinating story of John, who was born and raised in Kentucky and served on the U.S. Supreme Court from 1877 to 1911, and Robert Harlan—widely believed to be the son of John's father and an enslaved Black woman—who made a career for himself as a successful businessman and politician. Peter and I discuss a few of the major cases Justice Harlan heard during his time on the Bench, the importance of dissent in the American judicial system, and how Justice Harlan's dissents show that, although we have not always lived up to our ideals of equality and liberty for all, we can make progress towards those goals, and that often times, it only takes one person with the courage of their convictions, to set real change into motion. I hope y'all enjoy!
Peter's Website: https://peterscanellos.com/
Welcome to the fourth installment of the Sights to See and Places to Be in Appalachia series, where I highlight some of the many fantastic attractions, businesses, and landmarks that Appalachia has to offer, and are worthy of a visit from anyone and everyone. This week, we're once again venturing outside of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and over to the Commonwealth of Virginia, to highlight Natural Tunnel State Park! Tune in to hear all of the info you need to get your visit to this beautifully inspiring location started. Also, follow the link below to keep up to date on all of the events happening at Natural Tunnel in the near-future. Hope y'all enjoy!
Natural Tunnel State Park Website: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/natural-tunnel
Welcome back y'all! If you celebrated Independence Day in the U.S. this past week, I hope everything went well. If you haven't yet, be sure to watch both "National Treasure" moves—if not in celebration of the 4th of July, just because they're both amazing films. This week, I am joined by Dr. Stephen Voss, Professor of Political Science at the University of Kentucky. He and I go into a lot of topics: voter turnout in poorer counties, and how that could be addressed, reforms that could make elections more competitive and open to more people, as well as how Democrats could potentially win in eastern Kentucky, and other areas where they haven't faired as well. But at the heart of this episode is the heartbeat of our country itself: democracy. It's abundantly clear that our political system does not work for everyone, but the fact is that we, the people, are the only ones who can change that. If we're really going to call ourselves a democracy, then everyone has to have an equal place at the table. Dr. Voss tells us about different ways of how we can achieve this, but the truth is that our conversation on this episode is just a starting point, the only place that real change can come from is where it has always started, with the people. Hope y'all enjoy!
For our first installment of Sights to See and Places to Be for Season 3 (man, I am killing it with these rhymes, huh?), we're venturing outside of Kentucky and to the great state of West Virginia! This week, I had a chat with Evan, he and his wife own and operate an online business called "Loving West Virginia". They have got some awesome products for sale, from t-shirts and stickers to hats, magnets, and even maps that you can use to track your own adventure across West Virginia. Tune in this week to hear Evan tell you all about how Loving WV got its start, the different products that they feature, some exciting news for Loving WV in the coming year, and about how each of these products are meant to advocate for Appalachia, and the people who love it. This is such a great business to support, and the work that Evan and his wife do for their community is so important, so I hope that y'all will support Loving WV in any way that you can! And for your convenience, I've included the link to their websites and social media pages below! I hope y'all enjoy!
Shop Loving West Virginia: https://lovingwv.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lovingwv/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovingwv/?hl=en
Welcome back friends, this one is a doozy. I'm joined once again in this season three opening act by my very good friend, Andy. In our conversation, we have something for just about everyone: our thoughts on the debate surrounding gun policy in the U.S., UFOs and extraterrestrial life, the Atlantis movie from Disney and the enduring legacy of Phil Collins. I have quite a few ideas for the show going forward, and I'm excited to see where things take us over the course of season three. Most of all, I'm glad y'all are along for the ride! Hope y'all enjoy!
Here it is y'all, the final installment of season two. I think that I've grown and improved quite a bit over the last year since I started the podcast; I hope that it's been an enjoyable experience for you all, and I hope that I've done my part in authentically showing y'all what Appalachia is like, in all of its complexity and beauty. I know that I still have room to improve, but I can't thank y'all enough for the support you've given me, and I'm looking forward to the rest of the journey ahead. I'm joined this week by Dr. Ron Roach, who is the head of the Appalachian Studies Department at East Tennessee State University. Dr. Roach and I had a wonderful conversation about the origins of Appalachian studies dating all the way back to the 1800s, and we discuss how the practice of studying Appalachia can be used to address stereotypes and misconceptions about the region, and how studying Appalachia can help to improve the quality of life for the folks who live here; I hope y'all enjoy this episode! As you'll hear, I'll be stepping back from the podcast for a bit to study and prepare for the LSAT (I greatly appreciate your all's prayers and well-wishes in that!), but I'll be be back in a month or so with a whole bunch of new content for y'all. Until next time, friends. Y'all be good now!
Thank you all so much for tuning in this week for the second episode of our new series, The Sights. to See and the Places to Be in Appalachia. This week, we're highlighting an awesome independent bookstore in Hazard, Kentucky: the Read Spotted Newt. I hope you all enjoy this episode, and more than that I hope you'll pay a visit to the Read Spotted Newt when you get the chance! I've linked the Newt's website below, that way you all can stay up to date on all that Mandi has going on at the store, from the great selection of books and other merchandise, to special guests and events in the coming weeks and months. I hope y'all enjoy!
Read Spotted Newt Website: https://www.readspottednewt.com/
Y'all are gonna love this one! I'm joined this week by Lindsey Branson, Director of Education for the Appalachian Arts Alliance, based in Hazard, Kentucky. The Arts Center is a non-profit organization that seeks to promote artistic expression in Appalachian communities through lessons in voice and instruments, theatre groups and various community programs. I cannot overstate how important the work is that Lindsey and her coworkers are doing to connect folks in Appalachia to art forms that are so important to the culture here. Tune in to hear Lindsey tell y'all about the history of the Arts Center, how she became involved with it, and all that the Arts Center does to nurture the arts in Appalachia—plus some good discussions on Bluegrass and country music! She'll also tell you all about the ways that you can help support the Arts Center and their mission. You can follow the links below to the website and Facebook page for the Appalachian Arts Alliance to learn more! I hope y'all enjoy!
Website: https://www.appalachianartsalliance.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/appalartsall/
Y'all, I am so excited to share this new series with you! In these episodes, I'll be sharing with y'all, just some of the many local points of interest from all across Appalachia. This way, I hope that y'all will not only get a glimpse into the real places and real people that make Appalachia such an amazing place to be, but also, if you're ever in the neighborhood and feel so inclined, you can visit these amazing places to see the beauty, diversity, and complexity of Appalachia for your own eyes. For this first installment, I am so excited to be shining a spotlight on one of my favorite places, Moonbow Tipple Coffee and Sweets, located in downtown Harlan, Kentucky. I hope you all enjoy this overview of a great hometown café, and I hope that y'all will pay them a visit the next time you visit Harlan!
In the words of Hank Pym from Marvel's Ant Man, "Yes, I'm still alive". After an unexpected hiatus, I'm back on the podcast with my very good friend Bella. She and I have a great conversation about our home, Appalachia: our love for the region, its history, its culture, and the wonderful people who call it home. We discuss some of the challenges confronting Appalachia, and how we feel that those challenges can best be addressed. Also—as is the right of passage for podcasts such as these—we finally get into the controversy surrounding Ohio Senate candidate and hillbilly wannabe, J.D. Vance, and the horrible book that he wrote. This is just a great episode from start to finish, and I hope y'all enjoy!
It's just me this time, but I promise not to hold y'all for an hour like I usually do. With the State Government preparing to pass a two-year budget for Kentucky, I thought it'd be a good idea to give a quick rundown of the budget proposed by Governor Andy Beshear, and its counterpart offered by the Majority Party in the Legislature. The two are pretty similar in a few ways, but it's the big differences between the two of them that'll make you ask yourself, how would I rather have them spend my money over the next two years?I've already made up my own mind, and I hope that my take on this subject will help y'all reach a conclusion that makes sense to you. Hope y'all enjoy!
Y'all, this one is a heck of a ride. I'm joined this week by my very good friend Drew Hayden, and we discuss a whole bunch of topics. Everything from taxing Jeff Bezos and his golden-laced hot tub, the new Forward Party that's in the works by former Democratic Presidential and NYC Mayor candidate Andrew Yang, how Drew and I feel that we can create a more equitable economy, and we round it out with a scholarly, and not-at-all serious interpretation and discussion of a classic work by the English poet, John Dryden. As you all can imagine, this one is a doozy. Hope y'all enjoy!
Coming in a little late here but, Happy New Year y'all! With a New Year comes new opportunities: to love our neighbors, to expand our horizons, discover what gives our life meaning, but most importantly, this new year brings with it...the opportunity to see The Batman in March. In this episode, I cover some recent news stories in Kentucky: Governor Andy Beshear has raised more than a million dollars in his reelection campaign, and for a brief time, I thought that the guy running against him was an actor from NCIS. Also, a new law will help a lot of folks in Kentucky actually afford their medicine. On a more somber note, with this week marking the first anniversary of the 2021 Capitol Attack, I wanted to pause, reflect on where we are as a country one year later, and talk about where I think we can go, together.
PS: My goal for this year is to upload more than five episodes for this season, and friends...we're getting close! Hope y'all enjoy.
Newly returned from adventuring and back on American soil, in this premier of Season 2, I give y'all a quick recap on what I feel is one of the most important lessons I learned while studying at Oxford— a lesson I feel that we can apply to any circumstance or situation in which we find ourselves. We also hear some updates on the severe storms and tornadoes which struck western Kentucky earlier this month—LINKS TO DONATION AND RELIEF RESOURCES POSTED BELOW. Finally, I list for y'all just a few of the social spending programs included in the President's Build Back Better Act, and how these programs themselves would tremendously help working families, both in Appalachia and across the country...but there's a little more to that last story, and I'm sorry to say that, at least for now, it's a story without a happy ending. The good thing about bad endings though, is that it's in our power to rewrite them.
- Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund:
https://secure.kentucky.gov/formservices/Finance/WKYRelief
- First Lady Britainy Beshear Western Kentucky Toy Drive:
https://governor.ky.gov/toydrive
- Red Cross:
https://www.redcross.org/local/kentucky/get-help/tornado-red-cross-response.html
If I had a dollar for every time that I said "anyway" in this episode...Anyway, remember when I said that I would try to upload every week? Those were the days, huh friends? This time on Appalachian Firesides, I give you all a bit of an update on state and national news—with all of the humor and apprehension that implies—as well as some excellent book recommendations, and a heads up on a new adventure that'll take Teej, in the words of Bilbo Baggins, "There and back again". Hope y'all enjoy!
With Kentucky’s COVID-19 numbers almost as high as Sturgill’s newest album is on the charts, I wanted to talk to y’all about how we got here—specifically, how Governor Beshear has kicked butt, taken names, and shown what a real leader looks like—,what I think will come next, and what we can ALL do to help make things better. I promise, next time I’ll try to cover a subject that’s not as depressing.
Here’s a sneak peek to all of the political rants, history lessons, and rambunctiousness to follow.
Join Andy and I as we discuss Wes Anderson’s masterpiece film, “Fantastic Mr. Fox”, the lessons we’ve learned from it, it’s musical repertoire, and it’s ingenious humor. On a decidedly more melancholic note, we discuss the terrible state of the Coronavirus pandemic in Florida—spoiler alert: we may or may not blame a certain Florida Governor whose name may or may not appear in the title of this episode—the superiority of Gov. Andy Beshear to Ron DeSantis, and the resignation of New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo. We also spend quite a bit of time discussing Willem Dafoe’s filmography, so y’all are in for a wild ride.
In this first outing, I try to lay my cards out on the table, and give you all an idea of who I am, and what I hope to do through this this podcast. And, y’all get a little history lesson for your trouble…you’ll thank me later.