S3 EP2: Mike Richards & Tim Webb

Melungeon Voices

#Society #Melungeon Heritage Association

1:14:43

Artificial intelligence is evolving at an unprecedented pace—what does that mean for the future of technology, venture capital, business, and even our understanding of ourselves? Award-winning journalist and writer Anil Ananthaswamy joins us for our latest episode to discuss his latest book Why Machines Learn: The Elegant Math Behind Modern AI . Anil helps us explore the journey and many breakthroughs that have propelled machine learning from simple perceptrons to the sophisticated algorithms shaping today’s AI revolution, powering GPT and other models. The discussion aims to demystify some of the underlying mathematical concepts that power modern machine learning, to help everyone grasp this technology impacting our lives–even if your last math class was in high school. Anil walks us through the power of scaling laws, the shift from training to inference optimization, and the debate among AI’s pioneers about the road to AGI—should we be concerned, or are we still missing key pieces of the puzzle? The conversation also delves into AI’s philosophical implications—could understanding how machines learn help us better understand ourselves? And what challenges remain before AI systems can truly operate with agency? If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Sign up for our newsletter at techsurgepodcast.com for exclusive insights and updates on upcoming TechSurge Live Summits. Links: Read Why Machines Learn, Anil’s latest book on the math behind AI https://www.amazon.com/Why-Machines-Learn-Elegant-Behind/dp/0593185749 Learn more about Anil Ananthaswamy’s work and writing https://anilananthaswamy.com/ Watch Anil Ananthaswamy’s TED Talk on AI and intelligence https://www.ted.com/speakers/anil_ananthaswamy Discover the MIT Knight Science Journalism Fellowship that shaped Anil’s AI research https://ksj.mit.edu/ Understand the Perceptron, the foundation of neural networks https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perceptron Read about the Perceptron Convergence Theorem and its significance https://www.nature.com/articles/323533a0…

2 years ago 27:58

MP3•Episode home

Mike Richards and Tim Webb are long-time friends turned music collaborators.

Mike Richards is a Dove award-winning songwriter and award-nominee. He has produced two albums which charted in Billboard magazine. He founded the Bluegrass Gospel group, The Chigger Hill Boys and Terri, and he co- wrote “Face to Face,” with Amazing Grace which propelled the act to number one on inspirational music charts. Although the bulk of his work is centered in the world of religious music, he has written music for movies and television and has had songs recorded by mainstream artists.

Tim Webb has worked in the pharmaceutical industry most of his life, but he is also a songwriter. He is a Melungeon descendant from Middle Tennessee, and now lives in Nashville. He’s been married for thirty years to his wife Beth, with three children and two grandchildren.

In this week’s episode, we explore the origins of Appalachian and bluegrass music and the possible connections to the Melungeon people, as well as feature for the first time on this podcast, a live musical performance.

Melungeon Voices is produced by Lis Malone (www.lismalone.com) and presented by the Melungeon Heritage Association. For more information on the MHA visit them on the web at www.melungeon.org.

37 episodes

Melungeon Voices

S3 EP2: Mike Richards & Tim Webb

Melungeon Voices

published 2 years ago

MP3•Episode home

Mike Richards and Tim Webb are long-time friends turned music collaborators.

Melungeon Voices is produced by Lis Malone (www.lismalone.com) and presented by the Melungeon Heritage Association. For more information on the MHA visit them on the web at www.melungeon.org.

37 episodes

#Society #Melungeon Heritage Association

All episodes

Melungeon Voices

1
S5 EP7: Melungeon and Redbone Ancestral Connections 25:23

16 weeks ago25:23

25:23

In this season’s finale episode, MHA Board President Heather Andolina welcomes YouTube creator Danielle Romero and discovers how she found out about her Melungeon and Redbone ancestry, how the two communities are similar, and what inspired her to start her own YouTube channel you’ll want to discover for yourself. Danielle Romero is a YouTube creator and hosts the YouTube channel NYTN where she explores American identity and hidden history. She also delves into her multicultural heritage (both Melungeon and Redbone ancestry) through her documentary series "Finding Lola," uncovering the complex stories of her ancestors in Louisiana. Born in New York, she now lives in Tennessee with her family. Guest contact information: NYTN YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@nytn Social media handle: @ImFindingLola Hosted by Heather Andolina Produced by Lis Malone (Lis Malone LLC) Presented by the Melungeon Heritage Association…

Melungeon Voices

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S5 EP6: At-Risk Populations of Appalachia & Southern U.S. 31:10

17 weeks ago31:10

31:10

In this episode, Heather Andolina welcomes John King to discuss at-risk populations, specifically the poor, homeless, and mixed-ethnic and non-white communities in Appalachia and the Southeastern United States. John also introduces listeners to the conference, Class Con, and why he started the conference and what it's all about. John King is an American Cultural Studies PhD candidate at Bowling Green State University and is a graduate of Berea College with a degree in Popular Culture. He studies at-risk populations with a particular focus on poor and homeless groups in the Southeastern United States. Most recently King was a contributing author for the Soulful Sounds of Derbytown , chronicling the history of black musicians and entertainers in Louisville, Kentucky. John King / Class Con https://www.bgsu.edu/library/classcon.html will be March 14-15, 2025 at BGSU Jerome Library. It is free to present and attend, and will also be available on Zoom. Past presentations can be found in their digital archive: https://scholarworks.bgsu.edu/classcon/ If anyone would like to get updates on Class Con 2025, or to become a member, please email classcon@bgsu.edu Additional information mentioned in the episode: Frederick Murphy's new documentary "The Indelible Appalachians" Social media @historybeforeus Spcial thanks to Kathy Lyday, Vice President of the MHA Hosted by Heather Andolina (MHA President) Produced by Lis Malone (Lis Malone LLC) Presented by the Melungeon Heritage Association…

Melungeon Voices

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S5 EP5: Overcoming Generational Trauma and Melungeon Resilience 35:20

18 weeks ago35:20

35:20

Nae Whitman joins Heather Andolina to talk about her journey in overcoming generational trauma, the resilience of the Melungeon people, her fierce support of the LGBTQIA community, and her future writing, and performing endeavors. Nae Cole Whitman is a writer of essay, travel, fiction, and food, as well as a poet and bon vivant. She has written her first memoir called “Hag,” and is working on her second memoir which will be called, “Factory Girl.” She describes herself as a Melungeon descendant, newly-diagnosed-ADD Bodacious Broad Cisgender Woman and strong LGBT advocate. Someone with an obsession for diners, cool old lamps, belly dancing, road trips, and Tom Jones . She adores brunches which turn into dinners, prefers barefoot picnics to fine dining, and believes biscuits with honey to be a cure-all. Nae is also a DJ and a performer with a one woman show also called, “Factory Girl.” Nae Cole Whitman contact info: www.linktr.ee/houseofnae Social media @houseofnae Find "Hag" on Amazon Additional links mentioned in this episode: Kiran Singh Sirah www.kiransinghsirah.net Social media @kiransinghsirah Hosted by Heather Andolina (MHA President) Produced by Lis Malone (Lis Malone LLC) Presented by the Melungeon Heritage Association…

Melungeon Voices

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S5 EP4: Melungeon & Maroon Communities and the Underground Railroad 32:47

19 weeks ago32:47

32:47

Heather Andolina welcomes Dr. Kimberly Cheek to examine the Tribal connections to the Underground Railroad in North Carolina and Virginia, how maroon and Melungeon communities helped and supported African Americans with Freedom-Seeking, and delve a little into Dr. Kimberly Cheek’s own mixed ethnic ancestry. Dr. Kimberly M Cheek is an Adjunct Lecturer at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, and has over twelve years of experience teaching undergraduate students. She also has grant writing experience and has served on three grant committees. Dr. Cheek's historical areas of focus include Race and Empire, Transnational black politics and radicalism, as well as U.S. Foreign policy during the Cold War. Her teaching areas are Global History, Ancient History, United States History, African American History, and Modern European History. Dr. Cheek's research interests are 19th century African American intellectuals, late 19th and early 20th century European imperialist activity in West Africa and Central Africa, African and African American anti-colonial and liberation movements, African American global civil rights activism during World War II and the period of European colonialism in Asia and Africa, the early period of the Cold War, as well as the African American Press during World War II and the Cold War. For more information on Dr. Kimberly M Cheek visit www.ncat.edu Visit the new MHA online store and order your merchandise today! https://melungeon.org/shop/ Hosted by Heather Andolina (MHA Board President) Produced by Lis Malone (Lis Malone Media) Presented by the Melungeon Heritage Association To learn more visit www.melungeon.org The information and opinions expressed in this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the MHA.…

Melungeon Voices

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S5 EP3: Discovering Melungeon & Indigenous Ancestry 17:33

20 weeks ago17:33

17:33

In this episode's discussion, Heather Andolina invites Chief Deanna Wood-Priddy to sharing her discovery of her Melungeon heritage, what inspired her to write a book about her life story, and how she became Chief of a Tribal nation. Chief Deanna Wood-Priddy is the mother of two beautiful daughters, and has been married twelve years to her childhood sweetheart. She is an author, singer, songwriter, minister, Chief, mother and wife, and Banana Dee to her grandchildren. She is the author of the book, “Unraveled and Made Whole Again,” and is working on making her book into a movie. Chief Deanna, is a regional Chief of the Tsalagiyi Ngvadi Texas Cherokee Tribal Nation. Links from this episode: Chief Deanna Wood-Priddy Facebook: ⁠www.facebook.com/deanna.priddy⁠ To purchase her book "Unraveled And Made Whole Again": Amazon: ⁠Amazon.com: Unraveled - And Made Whole Again: 9781647737504: Priddy, Deanna Wood: Books⁠ Frederick Murphy Website: www.historybeforeus.com Social Media Handle: @historybeforeus Kimberly Knight Website: www.theluxblognc.com Social Media Handle: @blackindiansnc Beverly Scarlett Website: www.indigenous-memories.com Social Media Handle: @indigenousmemories Ramona Moore Big Eagle Website: www.ramonamoorebigeagle.com LaTonya Beatty Website: www.Saponigirl76.blogspot.com Hosted by Heather Andolina (MHA Board President) Produced by Lis Malone (Lis Malone LLC) Presented by The Melungeon Heritage Association To learn more visit www.melungeon.org The information, views and opinions expressed in this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the MHA.…

Melungeon Voices

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S5 EP2: "Generations: An Indigenous Exhibit" 33:40

21 weeks ago33:40

33:40

In this episode Heather Andolina (MHA Board President) talks to organizers Simone El Bey, Joanna Henry, and Brooke Gibbons about an all new exhibit called “Generations: An Indigenous Exhibit,” a collaboration exhibit with The Cain Center for the Arts, the Melungeon Heritage Association, the Catawba Cultural Center, and others, in bringing this unique exhibit to the public from November 12th, 2024 through January 11th, 2025. For information visit www.cainarts.org or follow their social media accounts using the handle @caincenterforthearts to learn more. SIMONE EL BEY serves as the Visual Arts and Education Director at Cain Center for the Arts in Cornelius, North Carolina. As part of her role, Simone curates two gallery spaces, oversees a multitude of adult and youth education programs, and leads the center’s community impact initiatives. JOANNA HENRY is an ArtPop Street Gallery alum and the Artist Development Specialist for the Catawba Indian Nation. Her work analyzes Afro Caribbean and African American culture, its connections, and the positioning of a black woman as the author, reclaiming the narrative through her compositions in the process. Visit www.jhenrystudios.com⁠ and ⁠www.catawbaculture.org⁠ or follow her on social media under @jhenrystudio and @catawbaculture handles. BROOKE GIBBONS is currently the Director of Impact and Sustainability at ArtPop Street Gallery and serves as an advisor for The Organization for the Democratization of the Visual Arts, a Berlin-based group, working on the framework for the Certification of Equality and Diversity for Art Institutions. Follow her on social media @brookeisfarout to learn more. Hosted by: Heather Andolina (MHA Board President) Produced by: Lis Malone (Lis Malone Media) Presented by: The Melungeon Heritage Association For more information visit them on the web at www.melungeon.org…

Melungeon Voices

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S5 EP1: Southern & Appalachian Folk Medicine 52:32

22 weeks ago52:32

52:32

For the Season 5 debut episode, Heather Andolina (MHA Board President) is joined by Lindsay Kolasa and Phyllis Light to discuss Southern and Appalachian folk medicine, what Southern and Appalachian folk medicine is, its origins, and the connections to the Melungeon people. Phyllis D. Light is a fourth-generation herbalist and healer and has studied and worked with herbs, foods, and other healing techniques for over 30 years. Her studies in Traditional Southern Folk Medicine began in the deep woods of North Alabama with lessons from her grandmother, who’s herbal and healing knowledge had its roots in her Creek/Cherokee heritage. She has a master’s degree from the University of Alabama in Health Studies, and has experience in both clinical and private settings including working in integrative medical clinics in Birmingham and Huntsville, Alabama. In addition to herbalism and nutrition. Currently, she is the director of the Appalachian Center for Natural Health and continues to maintain an active private practice and consults with clients and offers health educational classes for businesses. Phyllis is also the author of “ Southern Folk Medicine, Healing Traditions from Appalachian Fields and Forests". Lindsay Kolasa is an Herbalist and Social Services worker, and due to a health crisis that began in 2001, has followed a long and winding path of healing, breakthroughs, and insights. She has dealt with trauma and recovery, the microbiome, trans-generational trauma, biodiversity, and tending the fractures in various forms of modern relationships. This journey has taken her to places such as the mountains of Western North Carolina, to the Pontic Steppe of Ukraine, to the coast-lands of California, and to the red clay hills of Eastern Mississippi. With 10 years of social service work and another 10 plus years of working with clients through her Herbalism practice, Lindsay has assisted a number of people in revealing deep and lasting shifts in their lives. She describes her work is trauma-informed and soul-based, utilizing tools such as narrative medicine and compassionate inquiry, creating a container of presence, curiosity, and insight in her practice. For more information on our guests use the links below: Lindsay Kolasa Website: www.lindsaykolasa.com Facebook Page @Lindsay Kolasa Phyllis D. Light Website: www.phyllisdlight.com Link to Purchase Books: Books on Herbal Healing by Phyllis D Light – Phyllis D. Light Hosted by Heather Andolina Produced by Lis Malone (Lis Malone Media) Presented by the Melungeon Heritage Association For more information please visit www.melungeon,org . * The information contained in the episode is not intended to be medical advice. Please consult your physician, medical professional, or herbal expert before trying any natural or herbal remedies, supplements, or treatments on your own. The information, opinions, or expressions provided do not necessarily represent those of the Melungeon Heritage Association.…

Melungeon Voices

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S4 EP7: Dr. Jose Pimienta-Bey 40:09

1 year ago40:09

40:09

Dr. Jose Pimienta-Bey is a tenured Associate Professor of African & African American Studies and General Studies at Berea College in Kentucky for the past fifteen years. Pimienta-Bey's primary research interests include Moorish History, “Black”/African Psychology, Comparative Religious Studies, and African American Social and Political Thought. He is the author of numerous publications, including Othello’s Children in the “New World”: Moorish History and Identity in the African American Experience (2002) and “Laboring Within the Mind Fields of Global White Supremacy” which appears in The Osiris Papers: Reflections on the Life and Writings of Dr. Frances Cress Welsing (2019) edited by Raymond A. Winbush and Denise L. Wright. In this season's final episode, Heather and Dr. Pimienta-Bey explore the legal and cultural relevance of Melungeons and Moor identities within U. S. History. The Melungeon Voices Podcast is presented by the Melungeon Heritage Association (MHA), hosted by Heather Andolina (MHA Board President), and produced by Lis Malone ( Lis Malone LLC ).…

Melungeon Voices

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S4 EP6: Scott Withrow 24:06

1 year ago24:06

24:06

Scott Withrow is an author, editor, history teacher, as well as a park ranger for the National Park Service. Scott was President of the Melungeon Heritage Association for five years and is the current President Emeritus of the Melungeon Heritage Association. Scott is the editor, as well as an author, of one of the essays in the book, “Carolina Genesis,” which is a compilation of essays about mixed-heritage people, and available on Amazon (link below). In this episode, Heather Andolina and Scott discuss the founding of the Melungeon Heritage Association, and the ambiguity of mixed heritage and racial identity. Links referenced in this episode: Carolina Genesis, available on Amazon here: https://a.co/d/0hcN0b1 William Isom & the Black-in-Appalachia Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/black-in-appalachia/id1524089550 Melungeon Voices Podcast is presented by the Melungeon Heritage Association (MHA), hosted by Heather Andolina (MHA Board President), and produced by Lis Malone ( Lis Malone LLC ).…

Melungeon Voices

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S4 EP5: Melinda Trueblood Stimpson 18:57

1 year ago18:57

18:57

Melinda Trueblood Stimpson is Roma, Native, Jewish, queer, and autistic, and they recently realized that they might be a Melungeon descendant, but is still in the process of researching their Melungeon ancestry. Melinda is a scientist, consultant with a co-operative called Ludar Animal Behavior, and is the director of an animal 501c3 non-profit called Adopt Ohio. They work in community healthcare, especially for the Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ communities. Their current fields of study in academia are neuroethology and neurodecolonization. They are currently working on their social work license and plan to go on to medical school. In this episode, Heather Andolina and Melinda discuss the possible connections of the Romani/Roma people to the Melungeon people, as well as highlight the diversity and inclusivity within Appalachia. Links referenced in this episode: Melinda Trueblood Stimpson: https://linktr.ee/RomaniScientist The Melungeon Voices podcast is presented by the Melungeon Heritage Association (MHA), hosted by Heather Andolina (MHA Board President), and produced by Lis Malone ( Lis Malone LLC ).…

Melungeon Voices

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S4 EP4: Aaron Collins 31:01

1 year ago31:01

31:01

Aaron Collins is an amateur genealogist and researcher. He graduated from Virginia Tech with a Bachelor of Science in Sociology, and minor in Appalachian Studies. He served twelve years in the US Army reserves. Earlier this year, Aaron started his own business, Lefthanded Guy Upholstery and Woodworking. Aaron is a descendant of “Old” Benjamin Collins via his maternal grandfather. He spent his formative years visiting his Mamaw and Papaw in Sneedsville, TN. Additionally, Aaron is on the Board of Directors for the Vardy Community Historical Society in Sneedsville, TN. Aaron lives with his husband and two dogs in Knoxville, TN. In this episode, Aaron and Heather discuss Melungeon ancestry, the Melungeon settlement of Vardy Valley/Newman’s Ridge, and how one can research their own Melungeon heritage. For more information on the Vardy Community Historical Society visit them on the web here: https://www.vardymuseum.org/?mibextid=Zxz2cZ Melungeon Voices is presented by the Melungeon Heritage Assocation , hosted by Heather Andolina (MHA Board President) and produced by Lis Malone ( Lis Malone LLC ).…

Melungeon Voices

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S4 EP3: Joshua Outsey 33:27

1 year ago33:27

33:27

Joshua Caleb Daniel Outsey, has been an actor, both on stage and on television. He is also a dedicated Community Organizer and hip-hop recording artist and performer. Joshua is a co-founder of “ Socially Equal Energy Efficient Development” (SEEED) in Knoxville, TN. For over a decade, he has worked as an advocate for racial equality and economic and environmental justice in and around urban and rural Appalachia. He continues to promote diversity and inclusion through his artistic performance and creative writing. Currently, Joshua is a new employee on the archive team at Appalshop. He has been researching and documenting the history of Black Churches throughout Central and South Central Appalachia. He lives in Big Stone Gap, VA with his wife, Terran Young, and their daughter, Eden. In this episode, Josh and Heather talk about Appalshop, and the non-profit SEEED, and these organizations' importance in elevating diverse and inclusive Appalachian voices for change. Melungeon Voices is presented by the Melungeon Heritage Association, hosted by Heather Andolina (MHA Board President), and produced by Lis Malone ( Lis Malone LLC ). Visit them on the web at www.melungeon.org to learn more! * This episode is dedicated in memory of Doris "Jill" Carson. Links to organizations referenced in this episode: The Appalchian African-American Cultural Center ( AAACC): https://www.aaaculturalcenter.org Appalshop: https://appalshop.org/ Appalshop Archive Spotlight: https://appalshop.org/news/appalshop-archive-spotlight-documenting-black-churches-in-appalachia Virginia Organizing/SAMS: https://virginia-organizing.org/ https://www.samsva.org/ Kaleb NFI: https://www.instagram.com/kaleb_nfi/ https://youtu.be/982wLmyVEbs Socially Equal Energy Efficient Development (SEEED) in Knoxville, TN: https://www.seeedknox.org/…

Melungeon Voices

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S4 EP2: Dr. Kathy Lyday 36:00

1 year ago36:00

36:00

Professor Emerita, Dr. Kathy J. Lyday , has taught first-year writing, linguistics, grammar, the history of the English language, American literature, Introduction to Literature, literature of the Holocaust, and Appalachian literature at Elon University for 41 years. Her research interests include Appalachian authors, Melungeons in literature, Holocaust literature, and language use in society. Dr. Lyday has been a member of the Melungeon Heritage Association since 1994 and is the current board Vice-President. She is the co-author of two historical novels and is currently researching the third book in the series. In this episode, Heather and Kathy examine the author, Will Allan Dromgoole, and why she is perceived as a controversial figure within the Melungeon community. Melungeon Voices Podcast is presented by the Melungeon Heritage Associatio n, hosted by current board President Heather Andolina , and produced by Lis Malone ( Lis Malone LLC ). For more information visit www.melungeon.org…

Melungeon Voices

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S4 EP1: Kiran Singh Sirah 40:54

1 year ago40:54

40:54

Kiran Singh Sirah is a speaker, folklorist, storyteller, peace-builder, and past president of the International Storytelling Center (ISC) and producer of the world-renowned National Storytelling Festival. Prior to his appointment at ISC, Kiran helped establish a number of award-winning arts, cultural, and human rights programs in numerous countries. Sirah is regularly asked to provide keynote lectures, workshops, and trainings for such entities as the Smithsonian Institution, the U.S. State Department, Department of Defense, Library of Congress, and the United Nations, and has worked in and in collaboration with projects in Colombia, Brazil, Palestine, Israel, South Sudan and Uganda. Kiran firmly believes storytelling not only enriches lives, but also holds the key to building a better world. In this season's debut episode, Heather and Kiran discuss the significance of storytelling in Appalachia and Melungeon communities, as well as the importance of storytelling and the importance of sharing our own experiences and stories. Visit Kiran Sirah on the web at www.kiransinghsirah.net Special thanks to The Lair House in Mt. Vernon, KY for hosting the MHA's 2023 Annual Union Conference, and the Limestone Grill & Bar for catering the Author Event! Melungeon Voices Podcas t is presented by the Melungeon Heritage Association (MHA), hosted by Heather Andolina , MHA Board President, and produced by Lis Malone ( Lis Malone LLC ).…

Melungeon Voices

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S3 EP7: Dr. Melissa Carver 27:30

2 years ago27:30