Appalachia Meets World

Appalachia Meets World

Will and Neil are two brothers born and raised in the coal fields of central Appalachia. A podcast about place and perspective, they talk about life in Appalachia and venture outside the region to better understand the negative perceptions of Appalachia and find out how their culture truly compares to the rest of the World.

Episodes

March 22, 2024 44 mins

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 new southern working class that erases the inequities of generational poverty and gu...

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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 "reimagine" could be taken a number of ways, she describes how the organization is thinking...

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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 out which one is your favorite, then go vote!  Take a listen to find out Lynne's f...

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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 college coaching path for a while now.  Take a listen as Will and Neil take us back a bi...

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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 Black History Month, the SEKYAAMCC is a place that celebrates black history in App...

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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 people to the Mountain State.  Hear Alex describe those initiatives and how the organizat...

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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 deeper on the newly formed Economic Recovery Corps and the transformational impact it...

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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 leaders.  Born and raised in the hollers of Pike County, you'll hear her passion for the ...

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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, after day, after day, after day.....Happy Candlemas!  

www.groundhog.org 

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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 Appalachia has shaped her into the person she is today, and how the resiliency she learne...

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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 2023!  Here's to a Happy and Healthy 2024 Appalachia!  Wherever you may roam, remem...

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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 appetizer (or two)...you might even hear Neil's favorite movies of 2023, or maybe not.  I...

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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 countdown to the 25 days of (an Appalachian Small Business) Christmas!  

#AppBiz:

22...

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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 how we can use AI for social good.  Hear her talk specifically about her research in...

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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 Intelligence, or AI, in her own school system and what it has meant for her Distric...

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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...you might be surprised as his predictions aren't always from the heart.  In recog...

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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!  

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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 become one of the most accomplished incubators in the world.  Hear from Barb as she des...

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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 throwback to Episode #1 - "Where You From?"  If you have never heard it before, it...

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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 episode and a little different than other weeks.  See you next week!    

Trans Al...

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