Mountain Stage Podcast
Inside Appalachia tells the stories of our people, and how they live today. The show is an audio tour of our rich history, food, music and culture.
We tell stories from the fault lines that separate Americans. Peabody Award-winning public radio producer Trey Kay listens to people on both sides of the divide.
Human beings are social creatures and the pandemic is taking a toll on all of us in one way or another. It’s also bringing to light just how important human connection is in our lives.This week on Inside Appalachia, we’ll hear from folks who are overcoming these challenges on top of maintaining sobriety and staying on the path to recovery.…
COVID-19 numbers show the pandemic has hit Black and Brown people hard. The coronavirus is about three times more likely to put African-American and Latino people in the hospital and they are twice as likely than whites to die from COVID. The reasons for this disparity are as old as they are complex. Inequities in health care are rooted in the hist…
In this episode of Inside Appalachia, we’re sharing stories about people with passions like poetry, music, or making hot dogs, and have touched others with their dedication to their craft.By Mason Adams, Roxy Todd
Valentine’s Day gets a lot of flack for being sappy, cliche or just a marketing ploy by card and chocolate companies. But we tend to think there is more to it than that. So, for this episode of Inside Appalachia, we asked our listeners for their best Appalachian love stories.By Caitlin Tan, Roxy Todd
Older people are the most vulnerable to COVID-19. That’s a challenge when people in their 60s, 70s and 80s are full time caretakers for grandkids. The opioid epidemic has made more than 2.5 million children nationally part of a ‘Grandfamiliy,’ a household headed by someone over 60. Social distancing isn’t an option when grandparents are tending to …
This week’s episode of Inside Appalachia looks at some of the disparities exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.By Mason Adams, Roxy Todd
It’s been nearly a year since COVID-19 came into our lives. It’s changed everything and forced all of us to stop and reconsider how we live day to day. These considerations and adaptations are something the Us & Them team has carefully explored over the past year. The Story Collider podcast — a show that features people telling true personal storie…
Scratch the surface of most any grassroots movement in Appalachia, past or present, and you’ll find women at its heart. Strong women feature prominently throughout Appalachian history, and they continue to push the region forward today.By Mason Adams, Roxy Todd
The coronavirus has changed everything. People around the globe have spent nearly a year sheltering at home, adhering to restrictions and requirements to avoid the contagious COVID-19. Imagine what that experience is like for someone who’s homeless. If your only option for a warm bed is a group shelter, will you take it - or will you stay on the st…
For some, winter can be a difficult time -- dark and cold. For others, time outside in the winter is a powerful experience. After everything we’ve been through in the past year, getting outside can be one way to help with the stress. Taking a break from social media and the news, getting bundled up and venturing out into nature, even just for five …
I
Inside Appalachia


1
In The Midst of Change, Preservation And Endurance In Appalachia
52:43
52:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:43
How can we hold onto traditions in a world that’s always changing? This week on Inside Appalachia, we explore stories about how our history and culture can help us find answers, and ask questions, about the types of future we want to build.By Mason Adams, Roxy Todd
U
Us & Them


1
Kingwood March Exposed a Raw Seam of Rage
31:40
31:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:40
2020 presented new levels of outrage over police killings of Black and Brown people in this nation. Police killed George Floyd and Breonna Taylor which prompted protests, marches and rallies to denounce racially motivated police brutality. A Black Lives Matter march in Kingwood, West Virginia set up a flash point for that tiny town. Black protestor…
I
Inside Appalachia


1
Looking At Economic Development In Appalachia -- Without Rose-Colored Glasses
50:00
50:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
50:00
In this episode of Inside Appalachia, we’re revisiting some of the stories we have reported about economic development. We’ll hear how these projects are doing today, and how the pandemic has impacted these efforts.By Caitlin Tan, Roxy Todd
I
Inside Appalachia


1
Revisiting Colt And Crystal’s Struggle To Stay: Struggles Lead to Strength in Appalachia
50:00
50:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
50:00
Another look at The Struggle to Stay, an in-depth exploration of young people fighting to the "brain drain" and working to stay in Appalachia.By Caitlin Tan, Roxy Todd
2020 has required a lot from us all. It’s been a year of challenge and adaptation. Us & Them host Trey Kay recalls the line in a holiday classic “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” that says, “we’ll have to muddle through somehow.” None of us had any idea how much muddling 2020 would demand. We’ve faced the pandemic and its consequences and a …
I
Inside Appalachia


1
Food And Family Holiday Traditions, Inside Appalachia
50:00
50:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
50:00
In this week’s episode of Inside Appalachia, we talk about holiday foods. We’ve got recipes for things like cranberry salad, sorghum gingerbread, and pecan pie. But more than recipes, this show is about the power of memory, and tradition.By Caitlin Tan, Mason Adams, Roxy Todd
This special episode features holiday-centric songs performed by artists such as Joan Baez, Kathy Mattea, Loudon Wainwright III, Bruce Cockburn and many more! Support provided by Digital Relativity. https://digitalrelativity.com/By West Virginia Public Broadcasting
This 2016 episode features Iron & Wine, Tift Merritt, Andy Shauf, Todd Burge and Paper Bird. Support provided by Digital Relativity. https://digitalrelativity.com/By West Virginia Public Broadcasting
I
Inside Appalachia


1
The Power Of Family And The Resilience Of Youth
50:00
50:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
50:00
If you live in Appalachia, or for that matter, if you’ve ever lived in Appalachia, you are a part of our family. It defines us.By Caitlin Tan, Roxy Todd
This year has tested us in many ways. Restrictions and stay-at-home orders prevent people from sharing familiar traditions and worshiping together. Some say the coronavirus has tested their faith and beliefs. Not only do they mourn those who’ve died, they miss gathering with their congregations, whether it’s in a pew or kneeling on the floor for da…
This 2017 episode features The Mountain Goats, Joe Henry, Nellie McKay and John K. Samson. Support provided by Digital Relativity. https://digitalrelativity.com/By West Virginia Public Broadcasting
I
Inside Appalachia


1
'Let's Get To Work' - Addressing Inequality And Racism In Appalachia
50:00
50:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
50:00
What are communities in Appalachia doing to address racism? The death of George Floyd and others at the hands of police sparked hundreds of demonstrations over the summer, and a national reckoning on police reform and systemic racism. Those conversations are happening here in Appalachia, too.By Mason Adams, Roxy Todd
2021 will offer us all some new beginnings. Political leaders take office with the prospect of a COVID vaccine on the horizon. However, millions of people are reeling from the economic consequences of the pandemic. Millions more are angry over the election outcome. How do we move our democracy forward? Our Us & Them virtual dinner party is back - t…
I
Inside Appalachia


1
Veteran Tells His Story Of Leaving Appalachia, And Why He Came Home
1:40:00
1:40:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:40:00
In this episode of Inside Appalachia, you’ll hear the story of Iraq War veteran Mark Combs. He left Appalachia to become a comedian, trying his luck first in California, then in Colorado. Along the way, homesickness hit Combs especially hard. His story is part of our reporting projec "The Struggle To Stay," which has won national awards.…
This special episode looks back on some of our favorite performances by artists who have received Grammy Awards or Nominations. Songs included by Alison Krauss (2005), Jason Isbell & 400 Unit (2011), Robert Cray Band (2017), Sonny Landreth (2017), Larry Cordle (2012),Randy Newman (1999), Chris Stapleton (2015), The SteelDrivers (2008), The Maverick…
N
NPR's Mountain Stage


This 2019 episode features The Steel Wheels, Kieran Kane and Rayna Gellert, Radney Foster, and Eilen Jewell. Support provided by Digital Relativity. https://digitalrelativity.com/By West Virginia Public Broadcasting
I
Inside Appalachia


1
Working Parents, Childcare Workers and Children Are Struggling, How They Are Finding A Way Forward
50:00
50:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
50:00
Juggling work and child care has never been easy, but it’s gotten even more complicated during the coronavirus pandemic. Our child care system is in crisis.The system was patchwork and threadbare before this year. Working parents in the United States face a lot of pressure. And child care workers are often underpaid, overworked, and undervalued.In …
This is a season when many people turn to family, friends and food. As we enter the end-of-the-year holidays, group celebrations are discouraged to reduce COVID-19 infections. We are in uncertain times, dealing with many things that are out of our control. A contentious election and a global pandemic leave us divided and apart, while searching for …
N
NPR's Mountain Stage


This 2014 episode features Bela Fleck & Abigail Washburn, Kate Miller-Heidke, Janiva Magness, Storyman and Gabriel Kahane. Support provided by Digital Relativity. https://digitalrelativity.com/By West Virginia Public Broadcasting
I
Inside Appalachia


1
Planting Seeds Of Change Inside Appalachia -- Plus New Hosts!
54:19
54:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
54:19
It’s been quite a stressful couple of months for most of us. For this episode of Inside Appalachia, we wanted to slow down, take a breath, and talk about one of our favorite foods — cookies!We'll get some baking tips on a very special kind of cookie, made with local buckwheat and stone ground flour.By Caitlin Tan, Mason Adams, Roxy Todd
N
NPR's Mountain Stage


This 2011 episode features a set from Booker T. Jones, plus sets from Lake Street Dive, Jill Sobule, The Spring Standards, & Kenny White. Support provided by Digital Relativity. https://digitalrelativity.com/By West Virginia Public Broadcasting
I
Inside Appalachia


1
Deep Connections To Family, Music And Land In Spite Of Pandemic
57:07
57:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:07
There is a deep connection among generations that holds steady for many families across central Appalachia. Perhaps it’s a combination of shared struggles and enduring repeated cycles of economic boom and bust. Maybe it’s our deep ties to the land that help bind so many of us to our past — after all, these mountains are among the oldest on the plan…
U
Us & Them


1
Forced Apart: Can Our Economy Rebound Without Reliable, Safe Child Care?
33:15
33:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:15
The coronavirus has divided the world’s workforce into some new categories. White collar workers are remote employees who can do their jobs from home. Blue collar workers are often essential, front-line workers who must show up on the job to keep the supply chain and service industries moving. Essential medical workers keep our hospitals and clinic…
N
NPR's Mountain Stage


This 2016 episode features a set from Hayes Carll, plus sets from Darrell Scott, Parker Millsap, Brennen Leigh and Carrie Rodriguez. Support provided by Digital Relativity. https://digitalrelativity.com/By West Virginia Public Broadcasting