Breaking Beans

On this episode of Breaking Beans, Kendra sits down with Tanner Horton, a bandmember of the viral Appalachian band, The Creekers. Tanner discusses how the band was formed, how being from a small town in Eastern Kentucky shapes the band's sound, how surreal the rise in their popularity has been, and more!

On this episode of Breaking Beans, Kendra is once again joined by Emily, and the two discuss some of the most controversial topics in Appalachia: stereotypes and misconceptions of the area and culture. Kendra and Emily discuss education, poverty, substance use disorders, and more and how these heavy topics relate to Appalachia. A new Appalachian phrase of the week is introduced and you'll even...

On this episode of Breaking Beans, Kendra reflects on the life of her Granny Rowena, a huge inspiration for the podcast, who passed away a few weeks prior to recording. She shares memories, stories, and discusses the legacy of who Granny was and the love she freely gave to others around her.

On this episode of Breaking Beans, Kendra is joined by one of her hometown best friends, Emily Davidson, to give their own top 10 things to do in Eastern Kentucky. What was originally meant to be a summer bucket list, this list of EKY gems can be done all year long. Emily also introduces a new Appalachian phrase of the week.

On this episode of Breaking Beans, Kendra is joined by John Maggard, the host of the War Daddy and Sandlin Shred mountain bike races in Hyden, Kentucky. Listen in as John shares why he wanted to bring a race to this area, how the community has been so instrumental in its success, and the unique characteristics of the race itself. John also shares TWO new Appalachian phrases of the week. Link to Wa...

On this episode of Breaking Beans, Kendra is joined by Monica Gibson to discuss the February 2025 flooding across Appalachia. Monica is a resident of Leslie County, Kentucky, and has been personally affected as her home has been inaccessible due to high water covering roads for over two weeks, causing dozens of people to be trapped in the Confluence and Dryhill communities of Leslie County. Monica...

On this episode of Breaking Beans, Kendra tells the tragic love story between Roseanna McCoy and Johnse Hatfield, as well as highlights some distinct moments of the Hatfield and McCoy feud. A new Appalachian phrase of the week is also introduced.

On this episode of Breaking Beans, Kendra is joined by AnnDraia Bales, an Eastern Kentucky native who is an Appalachian food connoisseur. Listen in as AnnDraia shares memories and inspirations surrounding Appalachian dishes, her favorite meals, and discusses her very own cookbook, Recipes from the Holler. A new Appalachian phrase of the week is also introduced.

On this episode of Breaking Beans, Kendra sits down with the team of Mary Breckinridge's Wendover, a National Historic Landmark that function as an inn and community hub for the people of Leslie County, Kentucky. Listen in as Joel Brashear, Amy Pennington Brudnicki, and Michael Claussen discuss the significance of the property and what it has to offer, Ms Breckinridge's story, and discuss recent e...

Join Kendra as she shares Appalachian Christmas memories submitted by Breaking Beans listeners and her own Christmas memories. Merry Christmas everyone!

On this episode of Breaking Beans, Kendra is joined by her brother Eric, an avid hunter to discuss hunting in Appalachia. Listen in as they discuss how he began hunting, his memorable experiences, and why hunting is an important part of the Appalachian culture.

As winter draws closer, we are reminded of the old ways and signs used to predict how harsh or how mild the winter will be. On this episode of Breaking Beans, Kendra is joined by her mom, Peggy Barger, to discuss some of these signs and what they say about this year's winter. Peggy also shares a few fond winter memories of her childhood in Eastern Kentucky. A new Appalachian phrase of the week is...

In this episode of Breaking Beans, Kendra begins the episode discussing traditional Appalachian Thanksgiving practices and the spirit of generosity of Appalachians. She is later joined by India Kirstein to discuss Enrich, a nonprofit with the mission of providing employment and additional support services to people with alternative resumes in Madison County, Kentucky. A new Appalachian phrase of t...

On this episode of Breaking Beans, Kendra is joined by an anonymous guest (with a little moonshining experience) to answer some burning questions about moonshine in Appalachia. You'll hear some moonshine history, the mechanics of moonshine, and a few fun stories from our guest of honor. Kendra also introduces a new Appalachian phrase of the week, picked by this episode's guest.

On this episode of Breaking Beans, Kendra recaps her weekend spent back in Eastern Kentucky attending her family's reunion and her hometown's fall festival. You'll even hear from some of her family that were interviewed at the reunion. Kendra also introduces a new Appalachian phrase (or in this case, maybe just a word) of the week! Fill out the google form below: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/...

On this episode of Breaking Beans, Kendra is joined by Matthew Sparks and Olivia Sizemore, the creators and co-authors of Haint Country, a spooky collection of Appalachian folklore tales. They discuss the motivation and making of the book, the importance of the project, and how Haint Country celebrates the region. Our hearts are broken for those affected by Hurricane Helene. Please consider donati...

On this episode of Breaking Beans, Kendra is joined by her dad, Don Barger, to discuss modern-day coal mining. Together, Kendra and Don discuss his coal mining career, the mechanics of coal mining, and the lifestyle of a coal miner. Kendra also introduces a new Appalachian phrase of the week. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdgH1OIdLJOBr2bDdfOmUIPUMBuJctAu4r3ZFc-_maBoA1gZQ/viewform?usp=sf...

On this episode of Breaking Beans, Kendra tells the story of The Battle of Blair Mountain, a lesser-known, but important event in Appalachian history. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdgH1OIdLJOBr2bDdfOmUIPUMBuJctAu4r3ZFc-_maBoA1gZQ/viewform?usp=sf_link

Grab a mess of beans and start breaking while you join Kendra for the pilot episode of Breaking Beans! She will discuss family life in Appalachia, what to expect for future episodes, and more. See the google form below: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdgH1OIdLJOBr2bDdfOmUIPUMBuJctAu4r3ZFc-_maBoA1gZQ/viewform?usp=sf_link