In this episode Will and (minus) Neil sit down with the "Beattyville Hillbillies!" Donnie Benton and Teresa Mays are the founders of the Backwoods Moonshine Museum in Appalachia Kentucky - a stop on the "Moonshine Trail." While the Bourbon Trail is often thought of when thinking Kentucky, the Moonshine Trail is more on the Appalachian side of the s…

Sorry for missing last week...we had a few technical (and timing) difficulties...but, like BBN (and poltergeist) - WE'RE BACK!! In this episode, Neil and Will throw it back to their favorite Appalachian Food episode of all time, with the "King of Country Ham" - Allan Benton! We also discuss the Appalachian Appetizer Final Four and who was crowned t…

In this episode Neil and Will throwback to a previous "food" episode with Melissa Booth Hall of the Southern Foodways Alliance (SFA). First though, they spend some time breaking down the Sweet Sixteen of Appalachian Appetizers! The Final Four has been set, take a listen to find out what has made the list. The guys also talk about how food is a unit…

In this episode, AMW sits down with Mark Hendricks a photo journalist who recently completed a stunning book dedicated to the Appalachian Mountains. In the book - "The Central Appalachians - Mountains of the Chesapeake", Mark dedicates almost a decade of his life to document the amazing aspects of one of the most diverse mountain ranges in the worl…

In this episode, Neil and Will sit down with Molly Hemstreet the Co-Executive Director of the Industrial Commons - reviving the historic textile district in North Carolina one social enterprise at a time. The Industrial Commons founds and scales employee owned social enterprises and industrial cooperatives, and support frontline workers to build a …

In this episode Neil and Will sit down with Dana Kuhnline, a senior program director for Reimagine Appalachia - a broad and inclusive coalition of individuals and organizations based in Appalachia. Hear from Dana as she describes what Reimagine Appalachia is all about and how there efforts are making an impact on the region. While the word "reimagi…

It's Cookie Season Ya'll! In this episode and in celebration of Women's History Month, Neil and Will sit down with Lynne Fugate the CEO of the Girl Scouts of the Appalachians. It's not just about the cookies - hear her talk about the impact the organization makes on young girls and communities. Then take some time and try all the cookies and figure…

It's March, so that means one thing - no, it's not the start of spring - no, it's not daylight savings time (spring forward) - it's getting into "March Madness." In light of the upcoming tournament we are just having a throwback episode this week - with an Appalachian born coaching phenom that came from the mountains and has been on the career coll…

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…

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 peopl…

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 de…

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 leader…

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…

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 Appalac…

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 2…

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 appetiz…

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 co…

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 h…

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…

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.…

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!Autor: Appalachia Meets World

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 beco…

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 t…

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…

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…

"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, da…

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 ou…

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 …

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 n…

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 im…

"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 …

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 no…

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 o…

It's football time in the mountains! Neil is like a kid in a candy store, or this time of year for him is like "waking up on Christmas Morning." Sit back and gear up for our annual football episode to kick off the season! In this episode, Neil and Will sit down with back-to-back State Champion (which makes 4 total) and legendary Head Coach of the P…

We're back (sorry for the hiatus)!! In this episode, Neil and Will sit down with Equine Artist and "Rockstar" Jamie Corum. Jamie discusses her passion for Art, especially Equine Art, and what got her involved in the first place. Hear her talk about the place she grew up and how it drew her back many years later (as we like to say, "there's somethin…

"Challenging the Appalachian narrative, one story at a time!" In this episode, Neil and Will sit down with the Appalachian, the Filmmaker, the Writer and Storyteller - Elon Justice. Upon working on her graduate school thesis, she came to the realization that "stories - Appalachian stories - have power." Understanding the perceptions that were often…

In this episode Neil and Will sit down with Brian Milam, Sports Director for WKYT (a CBS affiliate). Brian flexes his Kentucky high school sports IQ while explaining how the "mountains" have transformed his career. While local news in rural areas has struggled in the new digital age, Brian describes the importance of building trust while reporting …

In this episode Neil and Will sit down with Dee Davis - President of the Center for Rural Strategies, former Executive Director of Appalshop and prolific storyteller. The majority of his career has been built on utilizing different forms of media to build more prosperous communities. Dee describes how media has changed throughout his career and how…

In this episode Neil and Will kick off a series of discussing "Media in Appalachia" with a sit down with Skylar Baker-Jordan, a journalist currently working with 100 Days in Appalachia. 100 Days is working to bring a diverse set of voices into focus throughout the region through media, focusing on news of Appalachia -- but more importantly BY APPAL…

In this episode, Will (and unfortunately not Neil) sits down with Dr. Kathy Bullock, a Professor Emerita of Berea College where she focused on African American Music and Music Theory. Dr. Bullock explains the musical connections of African American Music and traditional Appalachian Music she came to better understand while she taught in the Appalac…

In this episode Neil and Will sit down with a Rural "Evangelist" and policy expert Tony Pipa of the Brookings Institution, to discuss rural policy - or the lack thereof. Among his many hats, Tony also hosts the podcast "Reimagine Rural" - exploring how investment in rural people and places can lead to increased prosperity. Take a listen as Tony spe…

In this episode Neil and Will sit down with Kim Davis, the executive director of "Friends of Southwest Virginia" - a regional organization positioned to develop and coordinate the creative economy in Southwest Virginia (SWVA). It uniquely works to not only drive tourism in the region, but to also combine infrastructure and economic development with…

In this episode, Neil and Will sit down with the "Hillbilly Astrophysicist" - Dr. Jeff Bary - a professor at Colgate University and proud Appalachian born and raised in Welch, WV. As an astronomer, Dr. Bary is working to reclaim our connection to the night sky and preserving its darkness for future generations. As an Appalachian, he is working to d…

In this episode Neil and Will sit down with author and thru-hiker Derick Lugo to discuss his journey along the Appalachian Trail (AT) as well as how the trail drives tourism for many small towns along the way. Since completing the AT eleven years ago, Derick's life path has changed from a city dweller who knew little about hiking to an outdoor evan…

Laurel Cove Music Festival June 9th and 10th!! In this episode, Neil and Will sit down with Jon Grace the Bell County Tourism Director and Organizer of the Laurel Cove Music Festival. In its 4th year, while the festival continues to grow it still keeps the small town family identify it has formed from the start. As festival season is off and runnin…

In this episode, Neil and Will sit down with Luke Glaser. As a Hazard, KY City Commissioner, Luke not only personally went through the recent devastating floods in Eastern Kentucky, he has been part of the process of recovery - something he and his colleagues have had to learn as they go. Hazard, KY in Perry County was one of the hardest hit areas …

It's Derby Week! In this episode Neil and Will sit down with Keith Gabbard, CEO of the People's Rural Telephone Cooperative or PRTC in McKee, KY. It doesn't matter where you live, in this day and age everyone deserves an equal opportunity at broadband access. PRTC is delivering just that in one of the more rural and underserved areas in the country…

In this episode Neil and Will sit down with Chris Worman, founder of Connect Humanity - a nonprofit working with communities to build the internet infrastructure and skills they need to participate fully in a digital society. As part of an ARC funding grant, Connect Humanity has been tasked to bridge the digital divide in Appalachia, specifically t…

In this episode Neil and Will have a conversation with Tom Gellrich of the H2-CCS Network and Co-Organizer of the 2023 Appalachian Renewable Natural Gas Conference. Renewable Natural Gas or RNG is different in that instead of extracting materials from the earth, it is the conversion of waste and other organic materials into energy - combating clima…

Take a listen to a teaser of the upcoming episode on Friday. We just wanted to get a teaser out to talk a little about the upcoming Appalachian RNG Conference on this Wednesday, April 19th. Check it out to find out a little more...then check back on Friday for the full episode! Appalachian RNG Conference 2023 - https://rngconferences.com/product/ap…