Appalachian Shine

The Appalachian Mountains are among the oldest on Earth—and perhaps among the most mysterious. In this episode of Appalachian Shine, host J.C. journeys deep into the hills and hollers to uncover ten of the strangest things ever found in Appalachia. From glowing lights floating above North Carolina's Brown Mountain to abandoned coal towns reclaimed by the forest, hidden moonshine tunnels, unexplain...

On this episode of Appalachian Shine, we sit down to talk with Kathy Stewart about the upcoming Clinch River Days Festival and everything visitors can expect during the three-day celebration. From live music and local vendors to family activities and events happening all across town, we explore how this festival brings together the spirit, culture, and community of Southwest Virginia. If you love...

Tonight on Appalachian Shine, we travel into the mountains of Letcher County to explore the story of Jenkins, Kentucky—a town that didn’t grow slowly over generations, but appeared almost overnight with the coming of coal and the railroad. We begin long before Jenkins had a name, when this land was shaped by Native movement, dense forest, and the quiet rhythm of Appalachian life. Then, almost all...

In the early morning hours of February 26, 1972, a wall of black water tore through a narrow Appalachian hollow in Logan County—erasing communities, taking lives, and leaving behind a silence that still echoes today. The Buffalo Creek Mine Disaster wasn’t just a tragedy—it was a moment that changed families, reshaped a region, and raised questions that have never fully settled. But history doesn’t...

In this episode of Appalachian Shine, we explore the origins and enduring legacy of Barbourville—one of the oldest towns in eastern Kentucky. Founded in 1799, Barbourville helped bring structure and stability to the Appalachian frontier, serving as the heart of Knox County through its earliest days. From pioneer settlement and early leadership to its strategic role during the Civil War, we uncover...

Once known across the region as Little Las Vegas, Middlesboro was a town of bright lights, coal money, gambling halls, and contradictions—nestled deep in the Appalachian Mountains. In this episode of Appalachian Shine, we explore the full story of Middlesboro from its ambitious founding in the late 19th century to its wild boomtown years, its crackdowns and coal decline, and its enduring reinventi...

In this episode of Appalachian Shine, we explore how invention in the mountains didn’t come from laboratories or corporations—but from necessity. From the steamboat tested on the Potomac near Shepherdstown, to wire rope forged in Pennsylvania coal country, to moonshine stills refined in hidden hollers, Appalachia quietly helped build the modern world. With stories of overlooked inventors, unnamed...

As the calendar flips from one year to the next, Appalachia has never greeted midnight quietly. In this special episode, we journey into the hills and hollers to uncover ten powerful moments that unfolded on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, when history, hardship, and hope collided. From Civil War battles igniting in the frozen dark, to the birth of a new Appalachian state at the stroke of midni...

When winter settles into the Appalachian hills, life slows in a way that invites reflection, connection, and quiet peace. In this intimate episode of Appalachian Shine, we travel through small towns and mountain communities—from Tazewell County and Richlands to Abingdon, Bristol, Pikeville, and beyond—exploring how winter reveals the soul of Appalachia. Through gentle storytelling and familiar pla...

In this special Thanksgiving edition of Appalachian Shine, Cyrus Alderwood explores how the holiday took shape in the hollers and ridges of Central Appalachia. From early frontier gatherings to church-centered traditions, Depression-era community meals, and modern family celebrations, this episode uncovers the rich, heartfelt history behind a uniquely Appalachian Thanksgiving. Warm, reflective, an...

One year after Hurricane Helene tore through the heart of Appalachia, the scars on the land remain — but so do the stories of strength, compassion, and neighborly love that rose from the floodwaters. In this deeply personal episode of Appalachian Shine, we reflect on how our communities have rebuilt, one act of kindness at a time. From front porches to food banks, from church basements to muddy dr...

Deep beneath the Appalachian hills, the coal mines once roared with life — and death. In this Halloween special, Appalachian Shine host J.C. Schweingrouber explores the eerie legends of haunted coal towns and the ghostly whispers that miners swore they heard in the dark. From the Knocking Man of Kaymoor Mine to the Widow’s Lantern of Harlan County, these chilling tales reveal how memory, superstit...

The Appalachian Mountains hold more than just natural beauty — they keep secrets, too. For generations, people have whispered about glowing ghost lights, drummers who never left the battlefield, and spirits that rise from the water. In this episode, we share five unforgettable ghost stories from the region, each carrying history, mystery, and chills. Turn down the lights and listen close — the mou...

Take a road trip through the heart of Appalachia as we explore the Top 10 autumn destinations where fiery mountain ridges, hidden byways, and small-town festivals bring fall to life. From world-famous drives like the Blue Ridge Parkway to quirky gems like Kentucky’s Woolly Worm Festival, this episode blends breathtaking scenery with the charm of Appalachian culture. Whether you’re planning a weeke...

In this episode we talk about some of the tales as told and written by Appalachians following the WEP works project under FDR. Jack Tales, Grandfather Tales and some ghost stories! #appalachia #appalachiantales #appalachianstories

Long before settlers arrived in our region this land was home to several native tribes. Let's take a look back through time. Our journey will take us back hundreds of years, long before a cabin was ever built here, to the Native American peoples who knew these mountains as home. We’ll talk about the early settlers, the first governments, the creation of enormous counties like Tazewell, and the key...

In the 1930's FDR implemented the Works Program Administration (WPA). As a part of that program writers were sent to all parts of Appalachia to collect our stories, our traditions, our histories and folklore. Those collected stories today still live on in our region and published at the Library of Congress. Join in and hear about the history of that project right here on Appalachian Shine. And whi...

Peggy Wolfe of Bristol sits down with us to discuss her book "Her Brother's Dog Tags." A heartfelt story that captures that era in American history, the story combines mystery, dealing with grief, honor and tenacity into a page turner that every person and family can relate to.  "Her Brother's Dog Tags" can be found online at Amazon in paperback and Kindle. (Link below) #AppalachianAuthors #Vietna...

We continue our exploration into the importance of the growth of the railroad in our region. It impacted Bristol VA/TN in profound ways making it a cultural and business hub that literally changed the music industry nationwide! Norton, VA grew from just a small settlement on the way to frontier Kentucky into a hub because rail moved due to the rich coal resources in Wise County. But what were the...

Bluefield, WV used to be a major hub in the regions economic and cultural development. In this episode we explore the history of rail on the development of the region and take a trip back in time to Bluefield, WV. #appalachia #railroads #N&W #BluefieldWV #BluefieldStateU

Author Chris Skates stops by to talk about his book, Moonshine Over Georgia. Set back in the 1940's, this story is based on real events that took place in the region and the dangers that his own grandfather was in working as a revenuer.  You can find his work on Amazon.  #moonshine #ChrisSkates #Appalachia #history #Georgia

Appalachia and its frontiersmen played a major role in the Revolutionary War and the independence of America. From the brave settlers pressing westward against the rule of the Crown, to the Overmountain Men who fought furiously against the British at the Battle of Kings Mountain, Appalachians played a pivotal role in the making of America and in our manifest destiny. #Appalachia #BattleofKingsMoun...

In this episode we discuss the history and legendary story of the Bondurant Brothers of Franklin County, Virginia. Also, we look into the history of the Big Six from North Carolina. Both gangs sowed tales of resilience and defiance in the face of law enforcement (even the corrupted ones). This and more in this episode of Appalachian Shine. #Appalachia #moonshine #AppalachianHistory www.supportappa...

Moonshine and whisky has a long history and tradition in these here mountains. From the years after the American Revolution up to now, the history of this illicit craft is fascinating with ties to NASCAR and Hollywood.  #moonshine #appalachia #appalahianhistory #NASCAR #PopcornSutton www.supportappalachia.org DONATE TODAY! 

Have you ever wondered what Thanksgiving was like for the early settlers of Appalachia? It certainly wasn't the amazing spread on our tables today. It has changed much over the years. Also, we talk about the rich history of Damascus, Virginia. #appalachia #DamascusVA #TrailTownUSA #ThanksgivinginAppalachia Foundation For Appalachian Advancement P.O. Box 397 Richlands, VA 24641 www.supportappalachi...