Best Inspire Appalachia Podcasts (2024)

1
Nathaniel Ledbetter: From Humble Roots to Speaker of the House 31:58

1d ago31:58

31:58

I was honored to have Alabama Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter on the podcast recently. He has a big title and tremendous responsibility across the entire state, but just a few minutes into our conversation, one thing became clear — this is a man who remembers where he came from and who has a deep love and respect for people from all walks …

1
The Mountain Grrl Exp/Holler Girl 1:16:05

1d ago1:16:05

1:16:05

The Mountain Grrl Experience & Holler Girl Music Festival celebrate Appalachian women in all their forms. The focus of these events along side Oasis Farms and Greenhouse17 is to provide information, resources and a healing atmosphere for attendees and musicians. In this very special episode, Mewz explores the mission and atmosphere of these events,…

1
Charles McNair: South Alabama Writer Lives High in the Andes 35:07

26d ago35:07

35:07

Writer Charles McNair Lives High in the Andes, but His Roots are in South Alabama My conversation with Charles McNair felt a little like a family reunion as we connected many dots in our common roots. It was fascinating to learn how a boy from South Alabama wrote his way to being a Pulitzer-prize nominee, continues to write, and now resides a bit s…

1
Grace Pettis: Living Her Life Down To The Letter 33:45

1M ago33:45

33:45

Singer/songwriter Grace Pettis talks about her new album "Down To The Letter" with Fred Hunter. --- Grace's music is described as a little bit of folk, a little bit of country/Americana, and a whole lot of soul. Grace is the winner of many of the nation’s most prestigious songwriting contests, grants, and residencies, including NPR’s Mountain Stage…

1
Goodbye Jarfly; Brittany Avery Mullins; 1:05:25

1M ago1:05:25

1:05:25

Jarfly Brewery closed it's door this year, Daniel Stroud and Cody Lee Meece share their memories and the story of Jarfly. New Artists Alert: Brittany Avery Mullins; her live performance and interview from Mtn. Grrl Experience. An new song by James Reed, that should be on your self care playlist. Plus, find out which local radio stations are giving …

1
Pierce Pettis: This Traveling Troubadour Is Right Where He Wants to Be 1:06:27

2M ago1:06:27

1:06:27

Throughout his career as a performer, songwriter, and recording artist, Fort Payne native Pierce Pettis has been inside the hurricane they call the music business. But he is also an outsider, never achieving the often sought-after goal of world fame — and for that, he is grateful. Through his work with Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, PolyGram Publishin…

1
Damon Johnson is Grateful for his Rock and Roll Life 1:01:13

2M ago1:01:13

1:01:13

Let me tell you, I would not have imagined when I left Fyffe High School in 1971 that five decades later I’d be sitting on my sofa watching a guy from Geraldine playing guitar with Lynyrd Skynyrd on the network’s New Year’s Eve special. Damon Johnson finds it equally unbelievable that he is THAT guy. “I’ve had a lot of memorable gigs in my life, Da…

1
Jerry Ellis is a Writer and Spiritual Traveler 1:13:48

3M ago1:13:48

1:13:48

When I called Jerry Ellis a man of letters, he liked that so much he asked me to repeat it. But I really wasn’t kidding. The Fort Payne native and graduate of The University of Alabama has written nine books. His inaugural book, about walking the Trail of Tears, was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award. I will call this interview …

1
Cynthia Stinson: The Innkeeper Found Unexpected Roots in Mentone 30:43

3M ago30:43

30:43

After winding up Alabama 117 from Valley Head in DeKalb County, you arrive at a four-way intersection in the town of Mentone. On your right is the most charming calling card you can imagine: the Mentone Inn, nestled against a backdrop of trees and lush landscaping, with an almost irresistible wrap-around porch. Stepping inside is like getting a big…

1
Russell Gulley: Giving the Gift of Art in Many Forms 1:33:06

3M ago1:33:06

1:33:06

Sometimes you don’t realize how much your senses absorb when you’re growing up, but you find out later how those experiences shaped you. Russell Gulley grew up on Southern gospel and shape note music. His mother was very conscious of how much music and art can enrich lives. Russell sought a career in rock and roll, but later paid his mother’s gift …

1
Mewz: Laurel Cove Preview w John Grace/ Ali Blair wins Live Music Society grant for Berea KY/Local Music 46:21

3M ago46:21

46:21

New Episode: Laurel Cove Music festival is one of Kentucky’s fastest growing festivals, and we’ve got the interview with John Grace, Co founder of the festival. He tells us how the festival got its start, what to expect from this year’s sold out event, and how to get your hands on tickets for next year. Ali Blair, Co Owner of Rebel Rebel Studio & L…

1
Mewz Special Report: Local Supply Chains: Farm to Table 8:59

3M ago8:59

8:59

Inspired by a recent report on Independent restaurants and the global supply chain, I took a visit to the Farmers Market in Slade Kentucky to see how a shorter supply chain can benefit small business and consumers alike. Also airing soon on WEKU/NPR. Special Thanks Dario Ventura The Red River Gorge Farmers Market Slade KY Heather Graham, University…

1
59. Wandering Waters Paddle Quest with Sammy Zambon, Virginia State Parks 35:38

3M ago35:38

35:38

“Our goal for Wandering Waters is to get people out and exploring our parks, either on a stand up paddle board, a kayak, or a canoe and seeing our parks from a different perspective. You can go to a park like Hungry Mother and hike up to the top of Molly's Knob and get that giant panoramic scenic view. But then you can come back down and either ren…

1
58. Virginia’s Adventure Towns: Urbanna's River Life - Fishing, Crabbing, Boating, Camping & Paddling with Rivah Sistah 49:38

4M ago49:38

49:38

“For us to get to Grey’s Point campground, we had to pass through Urbanna. So one day I made a left just to explore and I was like, 'Wow! It’s so beautiful!' The boats and the waterfront, dining and nice houses. It’s this vibe that you just have to experience for yourself.” – Rivah Sistah Patricia Clement Welcome to the charming port town of Urbann…

1
Greg Fowler: A Musical Meteor Brought Him to Alabama 1:01:07

4M ago1:01:07

1:01:07

As a young DJ at his dream job in Myrtle Beach, Greg Fowler repeatedly read an ad encouraging people to visit The Bowery to hear a group who, at that time, was known as Wild Country. Little did he know that spark would change his life, eventually intertwining his path with that of the most successful band in country music history — ALABAMA. Read th…

1
Beth Cowan Drake: Inspiring Photographers To Open Their Eyes To The World Around Them 44:05

4M ago44:05

44:05

Beth Cowan Drake loves outdoor photography and astrophotography, and she loves inspiring other people to explore their world through the camera lens. Through her exemplary work and her incredibly popular Alabama The Beautiful Facebook group, Beth shines a spotlight on our beautiful state and the breathtaking skies above us.…

1
Chance Gray: Taking the Road by the Horns and Achieving His Dreams 38:49

4M ago38:49

38:49

Chance Gray definitely feels like he's home as merchandise manager for recording artist Jason Isbell. The Fyffe, Alabama, native travels the country and the world with whom he considers the greatest songwriter of our era. To get there, he paid his dues by working hard and proving his dedication to the job at hand for artists as varied as Larry the …

1
Mewz: Elvie Shane: New Album Damascus Out April 19th. 33:07

4M ago33:07

33:07

As a native of small-town Kentucky whose influences range from Dwight Yoakam and Steve Earle to classic rock, Gospel, R&B and hip hop, Wheelhouse Records’ Elvie Shane has emerged as a country star with his heart on his sleeve – and as a champion of those with their name on a patch. Breaking out with the Platinum certified Number One single, “My Boy…

1
57. Walk Ride Paddle: A Life Outside with Senator Tim Kaine 39:06

4M ago39:06

39:06

"Everybody has a favorite place in Virginia like a trail, a sunset, a beach, a lake, or a river. Everyone has a place that's special to them and everyone is invested in trying to make sure that it's there for their kids and their grandkids. And that's such a unifier. When you're on the trail with people, you're not talking about politics, you're ta…

1
Mewz: Van Winkle & The Spirits 47:44

5M ago47:44

47:44

The eclectic southern sounds of Van Winkle and The Spirits on this episode of Mewz. Mewz is: Crystal Jones Producer / Host Justin Flannery Editor Special Thanks to Jettlane Recording The Kentucky Arts Council The National Endowment for the Arts Master Musicians Festival Support the Show. Tickets to Festival of the Mewz at mewzfest.com…

1
Mewz Special Interview: Dr. Craig Wright : Yale University: On Listening to Music 29:49

5M ago29:49

29:49

NOTE: AUDIO BEGINS AT :30 I recently worked a feature for public radio about the duration of song lengths changing and how it would affect the way we listen to music. For Mewz listeners, I'm sharing the full conversation here. Dr. Craig Wright is the author of Listening to Music, in it's 8th edition and teaches a class on listening that you can fin…

1
56. Let’s Go Adventures - Camping, Hiking, Kayaking, Fly Fishing, Archery, and Orienteering with Diego Riffle and Sarah King, Virginia State Parks 39:43

4M ago39:43

39:43

“Sarah and I want folks to gain some confidence recreating in the outdoors, especially in our Virginia State Parks, and gain some knowledge on how to recreate safely. That's our big two takeaways. Making sure folks can leave our programs feeling confident enough to do it on their own or tag along with their friends and try to share those experience…

1
New Epis7ode 3/10/24: Atomic Midnight: New EP Hightened State 29:25

6M ago29:25

29:25

Lexington Kentucky based rock group Atomic Midnight discuss rebranding, (formerly Aloha Cowboy) and the new release. For everything Kentucky Music and tickets to our events Mewzkycom.wordpress.com Special Thanks Jettlane Recordings Richmond Ky The Kentucky Council for the Arts The National Endowment for the Arts Atomic Midnight Bash on the Branch P…

1
55. Appalachia’s Greatest Conservation Story: Elk Restoration in Southwest Virginia with Jackie Rosenberger, Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, and Avery Rose, Breaks Interstate Park 1:01:13

5M ago1:01:13

1:01:13

“For almost 200 years we didn't have this native animal. It was because of volunteers and people like Jackie with Virginia DWR and their combined efforts with Breaks Park who worked together to restore the area that elk have returned. Visitors are amazed at how big and how majestic the animal is. It's like an entire rainbow of emotions - excitement…

1
New Episode: 3/1/24 ; Lance Rogers Album Release; Too Late for Flowers 23:17

6M ago23:17

23:17

Mewz hung out with Lance Rogers in Berea Ky on the eve of his album release. We talk about the process of the latest project, the upcoming UK tour and hear a song from the new album, 'An American Way'. Album Release Experience for Too Late for Flowers April 13 2024 Black Box Media Berea Ky mewzkycom.wordpress.com for tickets Special thanks to: Kent…

1
Appalachian Art & Identity: An Interview with Matthew Sidney Parsons 55:57

6M ago55:57

55:57

In this episode of "What Dreamers Do," host Carla Gover welcomes poet, songwriter, and renaissance man, Matthew Sidney Parsons. Born in Kentucky and raised in West Virginia and Tennessee, Parsons now resides in Eastern Kentucky on a family homestead, where he draws inspiration from the natural surroundings and his ancestral heritage in his creative…

1
54. Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases: Protecting Yourself in the Outdoors with Dr. Holly Gaff, Old Dominion University 1:00:24

6M ago1:00:24

1:00:24

“As part of the change in economy, we reforested the eastern part of the United States. We have a lot of forests now that are about 100 years old. As the trees came back, the deer came back, as the deer came back, the ticks came with them. And then the pathogens, of course, come along for the ride as well. I think about it from an ecology perspecti…

1
The Evolution of a Kentucky Clogger: Interview with Dancer Steven Smith 49:36

6M ago49:36

49:36

Join host Carla Gover in her conversation with veteran Kentucky clogger (and professional psychologist) Steven Smith in this episode of What Dreamers Do. Carla and Steven also discuss the nuances of different dance styles, the importance of creativity in everyday life, and the challenges of teaching traditional dance styles that are similar yet dif…

1
53. Virginia’s Adventure Towns: Farmville with Mayor Brian Vincent 1:03:36

7M ago1:03:36

1:03:36

“There's a real excitement about Farmville, a steady progression, where we sit on this cusp of what we all think is an opportunistic moment for Farmville to shine. It's a great place to live, work, and recreate. That is our new tag for the town and I think it fits us well.” – Mayor Brian Vincent Welcome to Farmville in the heart of central Virginia…

1
Mewz (AVITM) Bearded Man Music Festival (2021) Interviews: The JRE 11:15

7M ago11:15

11:15

Mewz is in its seventh year on the Kentucky music scene, we've seen some bands come and go. This band recognized me when I took a seat in the audience! It was a hint at the supportive network of creators I'd be introduced over the coming years. The JRE are no longer a performing act. However, you can catch Erin Grace and namesake Jeff Richey in The…

1
Mewz (AVITM) Bearded Man Music Festival (2021) Interviews: Brett Noland Band 1:54

7M ago1:54

1:54

Bearded Man was really good time, Bobby and Angel love music and it shows it every detail of an event at Growing Stones Camp Grounds. It's also a lovely place to camp and rock climb if that's your interest. I recorded a series of five interviews at Bearded Man, look for them here on Buzzsprout. Mewz is made possible in part by The Kentucky Arts Cou…

1
Mewz (A Voice in the Mouontains) Season 1 Rewind: Bryan Combs: That One Show 19:55

7M ago19:55

19:55

Bryan Combs is a fellow Breathitt county native and music nerd. We have both had shows on our hometown station WJSN out of Jackson Kentucky. That One Show is a supporter of local musicians and was nominated for an Appalachian Arts and Entertainment Award in 2023. The Podcast is still running with new episodes available on your favorite listening pl…

1
NEW 2024 Mewz S3E1 Manitoba Rock N Rolla 42:38

7M ago42:38

42:38

Mewz met Manitoba at the Bearded Mans Music Festival (2021) at Growing Stones Campground in McKee Ky. They put on a high energy live performance with a 90's feel, and I was instantly hooked. This muy bueno super group even have their own nachos on the menu at Don Senor's in their hometown of Richmond. I hung out with the band in their Richmond stud…

1
Mewz ( A Voice in the Mountains) Season 1 Rewind: Elliot Co Fiddlers Con (2021) 36:46

7M ago36:46

36:46

The Elliot Co. Fiddlers Convention (2021) is a festival dedicated to Old Time Music, that takes place every year, on the 2nd weekend of July in Sandy Hook Ky. Mewz is supported in part by The Kentucky Arts Council The National Endowment for the Arts The Berea Art Council Support the Show. Tickets to Festival of the Mewz at mewzfest.com…

1
Mewz ( A Voice in the Mountains) Steve Middleton: Director: Ruth Hunt Candies: 100 yrs 32:47

7M ago32:47

32:47

Before I made Mewz, I made indie films with a crew called Showhouse Productions. It's still a craft that is dear to my heart and when I was attending a music event, I was introduced to Steve Middleton. Musician with The Ramblers and also a fellow film maker. Steve had just finished a production on a topic also dear to my heart, Ruth Hunt Candies. T…

1
Mewz (A Voice in the Mountains) Season 1 The Venue, Feat. Lance Rogers, Clark Sexton, Daniel Cain, and James Reed. 22:53

7M ago22:53

22:53

Morehead was my home for half a decade, The Venue was the first place to make me feel like a real journalist. Then owners (2021) Damon and Hannah made me feel at home and treated me like a professional, even put a little name tag on my table... and made me a mind blowing bourbon cocktail. It was my 38th birthday, and I was celebrating with some of …

1
Mewz (A Voice in the Mountains) S1E1 : Eddie Jenkins 10:38

7M ago10:38

10:38

Mewz started out under the name A Voice in the Mountains, we were on the morning show with Farron and Scott on WSGS 101.1 out of the Queen City of the Mountains, Hazard Kentucky. The show began as a friendly singing contest among local musicians who hadn't previously been featured on radio. Over one thousand people voted in our first round, and I k…

1
52. Dragon’s Tooth, Cascade Falls, and other gems of the Eastern Divide Ranger District with Ranger Beth Christensen, George Washington & Jefferson National Forests 59:10

7M ago59:10

59:10

“I couldn't be more proud. My staff and I have a lot of pride in taking care of these areas and this landscape, because there are so many things to love and there is so much uniqueness. But part of management is balancing the use these areas receive and trying to figure out ways to work with the public, or work with the partners, or work with a vol…

1
51. Trail of Transformation: Discovering Nature’s Path to Inner Strength and Resiliency with Kevin Conley, Wildland Firefighter and Author of Above the Ashes 49:21

7M ago49:21

49:21

“The best way to describe how I got into this journey is that in the past, I've hiked the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail, and I've done bike tours from Mexico to Canada, and those journeys always gave me faith and they renewed my spirit, and they breathed new life into me. Those challenges always put me in a very positive and happy p…

1
50. Virginia's Adventure Towns: St. Paul with Maddie Gordon, Clinch Life Outfitters 1:10:04

8M ago1:10:04

1:10:04

“My husband and I traveled out west and saw wonderful, amazing sights. My favorite thing was coming back into Southwest Virginia, seeing our mountains and knowing that I was home. It was so beautiful. There's nothing like it being here in the coalfields and the small towns. You know, it's gorgeous out there. But being back here, it's a comfort. I j…

1
49. Hiking Virginia’s Summits with Erin Gifford, Go Hike Virginia 55:39

9M ago55:39

55:39

“One of my favorite things about Virginia summits is I love going up there and being able to stare out, getting lost in the views. Virginia has so many beautiful views - Appalachian Mountain, Shenandoah Mountains, Blue Ridge Mountains - we've got them all and being able to look out at the mountains, out at the farmlands, it's just amazing.” – Erin …

1
Mewz: S3E5 : SADBLACKLAB : Debut album interview 29:09

9M ago29:09

29:09

SADBLACKLAB's much anticipated, self titled debut album is finally available on all platforms. The alternative acoustic trio is Greg McIntosh (guitarist/vocals) Emily Miller (violinist/vocalist) and Ellis Waddell (bass). Prepare to be moved, this trio has recorded an album that you'll want to put on repeat, with its elegant moody melodies, playful …

1
Mewz : S3E4 : EPK's: April Edwards w/ Dreamland Entertainment : FOTR 23 Singer Songwriters 58:10

11M ago58:10

58:10

A Mewz in the Mountains Season 3 Episode 4 Mewz discusses EPK's, The Live Recordings from Festival of the Red Singer Songwriter Rounds Industry Expert: April Edwards: Audio Engineer and Consultant Dreamland Entertainment This Weeks Artists Cass Jones Maggie Noelle : Magnolia Blvd Emily Jamerson Kyle Kelly Ryan Allen : Magnolia Blvd Hunter Flynn Mus…

1
Rhythm & Resistance: An Interview with Matthew Olwell 55:13

11M ago55:13

55:13

Welcome back to "What Dreamers Do," the podcast that explores the power of dreams, creativity, and the human spirit. Today we have a special guest joining us on the show. Please welcome Matthew Olwell, a multi-talented artist, musician, and dancer. In this episode, titled "Rhythm and Resistance," we dive deep into the world of dance, and how artist…

1
Broadside Balladeer: An Interview with English Singer Jennifer Reid 30:59

1y ago30:59

30:59

In this episode of "What Dreamers Do," host Carla Gover sits down with the talented and multipassionate Jennifer Reid, a researcher, presenter, educator, performer and provocateur. In her lovely Northern Accent, we get a glimpse of Jennifer's work, as she takes us on a journey through the various art forms that she uses to highlight working-class i…

1
Mewz: S3E3: Eric Bolander 51:23

1y ago51:23

51:23

The interview with Eric Bolander and a previously unreleased live recording of Eric and These Asshole performing Purple Rain. Special thanks Toadstool Notions Busic Creations Heathers Healing Haven Doug Terry Racing YPK MotorSports; Book your adventure today Support the Show. Tickets to Festival of the Mewz at mewzfest.com…

1
Writing Redemption: An Interview with Bobi Conn 51:08

1y ago51:08

51:08

On this episode of What Dreamers Do, host Carla Gover talks with Appalachian Author Bobi Conn about her work, her writing process, overcoming trauma, and offering a counter-narrative to stereotypical, pop-culture representations of the region. The two friends also riff about their personal experiences with healing and success, encouraging listeners…

1
48. Journey along the James: Paddling, Camping, and Exploring Virginia's Iconic River with Charles Johnson, James River Association 55:30

1y ago55:30

55:30

“The James River runs 340 miles through the heart of Virginia, from the Blue Ridge all the way to the beautiful Chesapeake Bay. The river’s watershed is roughly 10,000 square miles and it supplies drinking water for 2.7 million people. It also provides opportunities to relax, adventure, and enjoy the great outdoors.” – Charles Johnson, James River …

1
47. Ocean Connections: Catching Waves and Conserving Coastlines with Drew White, Coastal Plant Ecology Lab at VCU 56:44

1y ago56:44

56:44

“I've taken a boogie board out in just the tiniest little waves breaking right on the shore and had a blast. I've taken a surfboard out in waves that were almost as tall as I was and had a blast. There’s such a variety of waves that anybody at most any skill level can have a good time in Virginia.” - Drew White, Coastal Plant Ecology Lab at VCU Get…

1
46. Jeep Overlanding with Shawn Van Der Poel and Dawn Creamer, Terra Overland 1:02:56

1y ago1:02:56

1:02:56

“Once those tires hit the dirt, it's a completely different experience. It's about getting out and having a great adventure, freeing your mind, freeing your soul, and reconnecting with nature.” - Shawn Van Der Poel, Terra Overland Imagine yourself behind the wheel of a fully equipped Jeep Wrangler Rubicon designed to conquer any terrain, traversing…

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