Appalachia Meets World

In this episode, Neil and Will sit down with President and CEO of Appalachian Community Capital Donna Gambrell.  They discuss, among other things, access to capital in Appalachia and the impact Community Development Finance Organizations (CDFIs) can have on the region.  As part of her organization they also talk about an important initiative, Opportunity Appalachia.  An initiative that is providin...

In this episode Neil and Will sit down with DeJuana Thompson the President and CEO of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.  A self proclaimed "global citizen," Ms. Thompson, born and raised in Birmingham is bringing her own history with the Institute and her forward thinking to the mission - "to enlighten each generation about civil and human rights by exploring our common past and working toget...

When you think of the most diverse Cities (per capita) in all of New York, Western New York doesn't typically come to mind - Jamestown is reshaping that narrative.  In this episode, Neil and Will sit down with the Mayor of Jamestown - Mayor Eddie Sundquist.  Mayor Sundquist, having recently announced his bid for reelection, discusses how diversity and inclusion plays a key role in his administrati...

In this episode Neil and Will sit down with Miss West Virginia and 3rd Runner-Up in the Miss America Pageant, Elizabeth Lynch.  Beyond the "pageantry", however, Ms. Lynch is utilizing her national platform to advocate for Agriculture, more specifically Appalachian Agriculture!  Set to pursue a PhD in Parisitology in the fall, she is currently utilizing her time representing the Appalachian region...

In this episode Neil and Will sit down with the newly elected Appalachian Regional Commission State Co-Chair and Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky - Governor Andy Beshear.  Among other things, looking ahead they discuss the Governor's 2023 goals for Eastern Kentucky and all of Appalachia.  Throughout his administration he has been "punched in the mouth" on multiple occasions not typical of...

In this episode Neil and Will sit down with automotive researcher Dr. Pengen Chen to discuss building an EV ecosystem for Appalachia.  As lead investigator for the initiative "Rural Reimagined", Dr. Chen is focusing on doing just that.  Take a listen to find out the specifics of the initiative and the future for electric vehicles in the region.  If you live in Appalachia and ever wanted to find ou...

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 t...

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...

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)...

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...

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...

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 a...

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...

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 (moun...

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...

Time to "GoWild" Appalachia!  In this episode, Neil and Will sit down with Co-founder of the social media app "GoWild", Brad Luttrell.  GoWild is a free social media community and gear platform for outdoor enthusiasts.  Brad talks about the reason for starting the app and the misconceptions some have about the hunting community in general.  Take a listen as he describes his entrepreneurial journey...

In this special Halloween episode, Neil and Will visit with the folks at the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum.  Take a listen as they hear about the history and the haunting paranormal activity that exists within the walls.  If you dare, find out how you can visit and take your own journey within the walls - one you will never forget.  Neil also reveals his new addition to the annual Halloween bash...

In this episode Neil and Will sit down with John Gage, owner and co-founder of the Appalachian Gear Company.  A textile industry pro, John and his partner Mike Hawkins started the performance apparel company to create a product that had less of an environmental impact.  Turns out they were on to something, made with Peruvian alpaca fibers, their gear is a sustainable alternative to polyester, nylo...

In this episode Neil and Will sit down with maybe one of the most prolific Appalachian Historians, Dr. Ron Eller.  They discuss the history of policy in Appalachia and how the region has transformed (and failed to) over the last several decades.  Take a listen as Dr. Eller also dives into his book "Uneven Ground" and what can be and is being done to forward the region.  He might even answer the qu...

In this episode, Neil and Will follow up (Part 2) with Dr. Lisa Curtin and the students from the Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology at Appalachian State.  While they continue the conversation on mental health issues (primarily access and stigma), they also refreshingly discuss the strengths and opportunities they see in the region.  Take a listen to this follow up discussion and hear from the...

In this episode, Neil and Will sit down with a Doctor and some Future Doctors to discuss Mental Health Care training and focusing on access in Appalachia.  Dr. Lisa Curtin director of the Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology at Appalachian State, a program dedicated to increase mental health care access in rural areas of Appalachia. With a full house, the guys talk with Dr. Curtin and the 2020...

After the cameras have gone, the relief efforts are not forgotten.  In this episode, Neil and Will sit down with Claire Balsley the Director of Disaster Assistance Programs with SBP (originally "St. Bernard's Parish").  Claire talks about SBP's efforts in Eastern Kentucky after the disastrous flooding and how they are trying to dispel some of the misconceptions in order to shrink the time between...

In this episode Neil and Will sit down with proud Appalachian and fellow Eastern Kentuckian Stacie Fugate.  With a focus on the flood relief efforts, they discuss her work with InVision Hazard and the Foundation for Appalachia Kentucky.  Take a listen as Stacie describes her love for cornbread and milk and gives her personal recollection of the floods that ravaged the region.  Through the conversa...

In this episode Neil and Will sit down with singer songwriter Corduroy Brown to discuss, among other things, his music and his mental health advocacy.  Through his music and his platform, Corduroy works to break the stigma often associated with mental health.  Take a listen as he describes his struggles and how he has overcome them, as well as his COVID story...you don't want to miss that one, ser...