Appalachia Meets World

In this episode, Neil and Will sit down with Emily Hudson the Executive Director and Founder of the Southeast Kentucky African American Museum and Cultural Center (SEKYAAMCC).  Born and raised in the hills of Eastern Kentucky, Emily explains what led her away and what eventually brought her back to the place she has always called "home."  In light of Black History Month, the SEKYAAMCC is a place t...

In this episode Neil and Will sit down with Alex Weld, the Executive Director of Generation West Virginia - a statewide organization for and by young people who understand that while finding a path isn't easy, it's easier if they navigate the hurdles together.  Having several initiatives as a focus, the main goal is to retain and attract young people to the Mountain State.  Hear Alex describe thos...

In this episode Neil and Will sit down with an expert in international connection and well-being, Nathan Ohle, the President and CEO of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).  He gives his thoughts on the impacts of economic development in general, but also describes what it means to be an economic developer.  He also goes a little deeper on the newly formed Economic Recovery Corps...

In this episode, Will, sans Neil, sits down with Dr. Amanda Jo Slone to discuss her new passion project: The Appalachian Way: The Role of Appalachian Identity in Effective Leadership.  The project combines her two loves, Leadership and Appalachia.  Find out how she thinks about Appalachian Identity and if that is an asset in the development of leaders.  Born and raised in the hollers of Pike Count...

In this episode the guys are taking a break...but, not before they take a moment to talk about the legendary Appalachian himself - "Phil!"  Take a listen to find out a little more about Phil and all that revolves around him...but don't get mesmerized by the music and hope that it doesn't play on a loop day, after day, after day, after day, after day, after day, after day, after day.....Happy Candl...

In this episode an Appalachian native shares her life journey of strength after trauma.  Brandi Cox's recently released memoir, "In Better Hands  An Appalachian Memoir of Healing and Grace," follows a story of sorrow, growth and understanding ultimately finding peace after abandonment, adoption and grief.  Hear from Brandi as she describes how Appalachia has shaped her into the person she is today...

It's 2024 Appalachia!  In this episode Neil and Will celebrate the beginning of the new year with their favorite episode from 2023!  They also welcome a surprise guest to help them bring in the new year - a guest that won't let Neil get a word in otherwise.  Take a listen to find out who the special guest is and what episode was the guys favorite in 2023!  Here's to a Happy and Healthy 2024 Appala...

Happy New Year Countdown!  In this episode, Neil and Will recap 2023 in a way you might not have thought of...it's become one of their favorite parts of the episodes, something that has taken on a life of its own.  They really just want to use this episode to wish everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year!  Take a listen, you might hear a favorite appetizer (or two)...you might even hear Neil's favori...

In this episode, Neil and Will celebrate Christmas with the new and the old!  It's AI vs AMW - you choose which you prefer...from Neil and Will's perspective it's the human element that - "just means more."  Merry Christmas y'all and to y'all a good night!  Also, don't forget about #AppBiz(s) of the week - the final 4 (or 5) businesses in the final countdown to the 25 days of (an Appalachian Small...

In this episode Will and Neil (or maybe not) sit down with the "Outlaw Scientist" (as coined by AMW) Dr. Savannah Thais, an expert on Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI).  As a follow up, Dr. Thais defines what AI is and how it is part of our everyday life.  Her research goes beyond the data to focus on how AI impacts society and how we can use AI for social good.  Hear her talk...

In this episode Neil and Will sit down with Rachael Rankin, a lifelong educator in the Appalachian region and current Junior High and High School Principal of the Newton Falls Exempted Village School District in Trumbull County, OH.  As an educator passionate about innovation in the classroom, Principal Rankin discusses the integration of Artificial Intelligence, or AI, in her own school system an...

In this episode Neil and Will talk about their respective Turkey Days and how this year compared to Turkey Days of old.  They also recognize three past guests who are at the pinnacle of their respective sport...football in the mountains!  Take a listen as Neil gives a preview of the mountains traveling to the flatlands and his predictions all around...you might be surprised as his predictions aren...

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

In this episode Neil and Will sit down with Barb Ewing the CEO of the Youngstown Business Incubator (YBI) - the #1 University Affiliated Incubator in the World!  Incubators are used to give startup businesses and entrepreneurs needed support in order to drive innovation.  With a streamlined focus and a dedication to becoming sustainable, YBI has become one of the most accomplished incubators in th...

In this episode Neil and Will just want to honor the men and women who have served - on this Veteran's Day weekend.  Thank you for your service and duty to country.  Take a listen to hear about some news (or two links) regarding some innovative work regarding Veterans.  Also, the guys wanted to replay how it all started for Appalachia Meets World.  A throwback to Episode #1 - "Where You From?"  If...

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

In this Halloween episode Neil and Will sit down with Candy Hooten, Director of Operations at the Bell Witch Cave with a personal family connection to the Cave as well.  A lot goes on at the Bell Witch property, one of which is being the most haunted places in the U.S. The story goes - a witch (or spirit) haunted the Bell family starting in 1817 and eventually killed John Bell - the only known kil...

"The history of these music and dance traditions is intertwined with the history of the culture of the (Appalachian) region, and an understanding of one sheds a light on the other." (Hoedowns, Reels and Frolics: Roots and Branches of Southern Appalachian Dance).  In this episode Will and Neil sit down with Phil Jamison, a world renowned musician, dancer and dance caller.  A musician first, for mul...

In memory of the passing of Loyal Jones. In this follow-up episode on religion in Appalachia Neil and Will sit down with Jared Arnett, a pastor, entrepreneur and leader of "Together for the Mountains" - an organization focused on church planting in Eastern Kentucky and with a mission to mobilize a network of Christian leaders to take their faith outside the walls of the church to leave eastern Ken...

Religion has been one of the strongest cultural forces in the lives of Appalachians.  Diverse and pervasive, it influences much of what is considered Appalachian both inside and outside of the region.  In this episode, Neil and Will sit down with Randy Heady of Jackson County, TN.  Randy is a bi-vocational Pastor of New Hope Baptist Church in Jackson County, where he also serves as the Mayor.  Hea...

In this episode Neil and Will sit down with David Shuster, CEO of Horizon Goodwill Industries in Western Maryland - to learn more about the significant impact Goodwill can have on a community - beyond the "thrift."  Hear Dave talk about the workforce development origins of Goodwill and how his particular organization thinks outside the box to feel needed gaps within his region.  Take a listen as h...

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...

"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 ar...

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 t...

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...