Appalachian Firesides

If you live in Kentucky, you've probably heard an earful about Amendment 2, certainly over the last month or so. This week I'm joined by returning friend of the podcast, Jason Bailey, Executive Director of the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy, and we discuss what Amendment 2 is, why it's bad for almost *every* student, teacher, parent, and taxpayer across the state, and that the decision about...

The title says it all. It was such a treat and a honor to be joined by Chuck Corra and "Big" John Isner, co-hosts of the Appodlachia Podcast--we don't believe in monarchy in this holler, but these guys are royalty in my book. Although we are forced to discuss JD Vance, we do so with all of the criticism and humor that makes talking about JD Vance worthwhile. This was such a fun conversation, and I...

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 grea...

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 a...

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...

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...

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...

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 a...

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...

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 hop...

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...

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: htt...

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...

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); to...

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 Ri...

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 t...

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 hi...

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...

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 ho...

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...

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, w...

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 grea...