Best Appalachian Literature Podcasts (2025)

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S8E4: Stories Worth Remembering w/ Kelley St. Germain 33:09

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2d ago33:09

33:09

On today's episode of The Mountain Spirit podcast, filmmaker and cultural preservationist Kelley St. Germain shares how storytelling became a mission to protect Appalachian heritage. Kelley is the founder of Germain Media, LLC and Appalachian Memory Keepers. Tune in for a powerful reminder of why these stories matter—and why they must be preserved.…

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S8E3: Literacy as a Lifeline w/ Geraldine Bard 38:33

8d ago38:33

38:33

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Dr. Geraldine Bard, co-founder of Project FLIGHT, a groundbreaking literacy initiative that has placed over 3 million books into the hands of children and families across the globe. From Buffalo to Micronesia, Dr. Bard shares how her mission to promote literacy as a tool for equity, peace, and opportunity…

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Ep. 44 | Poetry Corner: Glenis Redmond 20:43

13d ago20:43

20:43

In the latest installment of our minisode series, Poetry Corner, Kendra Winchester is joined by Greenville Poet Laureate Glenis Redmond. Things Mentioned Read Appalachia Newsletter Books Mentioned The Song of Everything by Glenis Redmond Over Yonder by Glenis Redmond A Dangerous Heaven by Jo Angela Edwins Letters to Karen Carpenter: And Other Poems…

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Haint Blue, Ghost Walking in the Low Country, and The Disappearing -R in Appalachian Accents 15:05

14d ago15:05

15:05

What did you think of this episode? From mountain mists to coastal marshes, the American South is rich with stories that blur the line between weather, superstition, and the supernatural. In this episode, we explore the colorful world of Appalachian weather lore: old sayings and signs used to predict snow long before the weatherman came on the radi…

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S8E2: Leading Change In Appalachia w/ Robin Gabbard 32:33

15d ago32:33

32:33

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Robin Gabbard, President of the Mountain Association, to explore her lifelong dedication to Appalachia and her vision for building a new economy in Eastern Kentucky. From her early days at LKLP Community Action to leading one of the region’s most impactful nonprofits, Robin shares stories of resilience, i…

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Episode #76: Family Secrets Come to Light with Hiram Johnson 1:03:01

20d ago1:03:01

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Books and Brews: the place where beer and literature meet! Hiram Johnson is retired law enforcement officer, currently teaching criminal justice as an adjunct, a father, author and creator. His book Reason to Fight: a search or truth is a surprising tale of a family mystery. We talked about the event that landed his grandmother in prison for murder…

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S8E1: From Nurse to Nation-Builder w/ Tiffany Sturdivant 35:17

23d ago35:17

35:17

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Tiffany Sturdivant, a former nurse turned powerhouse cultural leader and Executive Director of Appalshop. From her roots in Mississippi community activism to her current work preserving Appalachian voices, Tiffany shares her journey of transformation, resilience, and radical care. She leads with heart and…

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Ep. 43 | Leigh Ann Henion 37:40

28d ago37:40

37:40

Kendra Winchester talks to Leigh Ann Henion, the author of Night Magic: Adventures Among Glowworms, Moon Gardens, and Other Marvels of the Dark. Things Mentioned Read Appalachia Newsletter Books Mentioned Night Magic: Adventures Among Glowworms, Moon Gardens, and Other Marvels of the Dark by Leigh Ann Henion River of Earth by James Still Dive Right…

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Books and Brews #75: UFOs with Dona Masi 1:02:56

1M ago1:02:56

1:02:56

Dona Masi is a writer and editor whose short fiction and articles are used in reading and writing assessments throughout the United States. Her articles on several subjects have appeared in several newspapers. She is also a playwright, and two of her plays were performed at the Provincetown Theater Company. In her writing she loves bringing relatab…

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Dog Days, the Signs, and More Summer Lore 26:56

1M ago26:56

26:56

What did you think of this episode? *This updated episode first aired on July 3, 2024* Dog Days are upon us in Appalachia, stretching from July 3rd to August 11, but what does this 16th century phrase mean? Many of us in Appalachia have heard that dog days means avoiding swimming, touching bare feet to the morning dew, and taking care to avoid snak…

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Ep. 42 | Denali Sai Nalamalapu 40:38

1M ago40:38

40:38

Kendra Winchester talks to Denali Sai Nalamalapu, the author and illustrator of Holler: A Graphic Memoir of Rural Resistance. Things Mentioned Read Appalachia Newsletter Books Mentioned Holler: A Memoir of Rural Resistance by Denali Sai Nalamalapu Ash’s Cabin by Jen Wang Heavyweight by Solomon J. Brager Guest Info Denali Sai Nalamalapu is a climate…

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Tiffany Williams: Singer, Songwriter, and Appalachian Dialect Coach 37:16

2M ago37:16

37:16

What did you think of this episode? A coal miner's daughter, granddaughter, and great-granddaughter from Eastern Kentucky, Tiffany Williams followed her dreams of singing and songwriting to Nashville. I knew her first as a writer and linguist, specializing in Appalachian dialects, a background that she continues to use in her work as a dialect coac…

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Ep. 41 | Frank X Walker 49:14

2M ago49:14

49:14

Kendra Winchester talks to Frank X Walker, the author of Load in Nine Times. Things Mentioned Read Appalachia Newsletter Books Mentioned A is for Affrilachia by Frank X Walker, Illustrated by upfromsumdirt Load in Nine Times by Frank X Walker The Big Smoke by Adian Matejka Guest Info The first African American writer to be named Kentucky Poet Laure…

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Barbara Kingsolver on Writing and the Recovery Center Built by Demon Copperhead 1:03:08

2M ago1:03:08

1:03:08

What did you think of this episode? *This episode originally aired August 1, 2024* Barbara Kingsolver's novel just keeps on giving: this month she opened the Higher Ground Women's Recovery Residence in my home county of Lee (VA) because, as she says in this episode, what Demon needed most was his mother. In this episode, the eastern Kentucky native…

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Books and Brews #74: Sci-fi and More with Bill McSciFi McCormick 1:02:27

2M ago1:02:27

1:02:27

Books and Brews: the place where beer and literature meet! Bill McCormick is an award-winning and critically acclaimed author of several novels, graphic novels, and comic book series, and has appeared in numerous anthologies. He began writing professionally in 1986 for the Chicago Rocker Magazine in conjunction with his radio show on Z-95 (ABC-FM) …

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The Ballad of Falling Rock and Author Jordan Dotson 37:16

2M ago37:16

37:16

What did you think of this episode? The Ballad of Falling Rock is one of the best novels I've read this year, so I was fortunate to be able to interview its author, Jordan Dotson. Listen in as we talk about his inspiration for the novel (which began with a snow day and no electricity) and the family stories that helped form the historical context f…

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Ep. 40 | The Talking Appalachian Podcast 46:41

3M ago46:41

46:41

Kendra Winchester talks with Dr. Amy Clark, the creator of The Talking Appalachian Podcast. Things Mentioned The Talking Appalachian Podcast Talking Appalachian is a podcast about the Appalachian Mountain region's voiceplace (its words and accents) and other aspects of its culture, such as literature, lore, and locale. Hosted by Dr. Amy Clark, an a…

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Kendra Winchester of the Read Appalachia Podcast and the Books that Made Us 42:54

3M ago42:54

42:54

What did you think of this episode? This week, I'm collaborating with another podcaster, Kendra Winchester, from Appalachian Ohio. She hosts and produces the award-winning Read Appalachia podcast. Naturally, we're talking about books and authors, but also the way language shaped us, and how we grew into an understanding of what it means to be Appal…

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S7E6: Rethinking Rural Housing w/ Wendy Smith 38:03

3M ago38:03

38:03

When the country faced a housing crisis in 2008, Kentucky was already immersed in it. Affordable and reliable housing in rural communities is facing many challenges, with countless homes needed to be built on an inadequate budget. Facing this rural housing crisis head-on is Wendy Smith, the Deputy Executive Director of Housing Programs at Kentucky …

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"No Longer Subjects of the British King" with Shawn McGhee 58:41

3M ago58:41

58:41

When news reached Parliament of the Boston radicals' destruction of the Royal East India Company's tea, it passed the Coercive Acts, a collection of punitive measures designed to rein in that insubordinate seaport town. The Coercive Acts unleashed a political firestorm as communities from Massachusetts to Georgia drafted resistance resolutions cond…

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Season 3: "Let's Discuss" Southern and Appalachian Culture with Landon Bryant 38:21

3M ago38:21

38:21

What did you think of this episode? Landon Bryant, author of Bless Your Heart: A Field Guide to All Things Southern and social media sensation @landontalks, launches Season 3 of the podcast. We'll talk about everything from hollers to waspers, Dolly and Loretta, cornbread and poke cakes, the overlap between deep South and Appalachian culture, liter…

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S7E5: How Literature Shapes Us w/ Jessica Cory 33:19

3M ago33:19

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Every culture and region are shaped by the stories told within it. Appalachia has a vast and diverse history, enriched by the unique voices of its people. Jessica Cory, editor of The Appalachian Journal, shares her research, exploring the role of literature in Appalachian identity. Jessica shares stories not often told, exploring complex themes and…

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Books and Brews #73: Monsters & Appalachian Lore Come to Life with Clay Gilbert 1:01:57

3M ago1:01:57

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Books and Brews: the place where beer and literature meet! Clay Gilbert has always believed in the power of the imagination to dissolve differences and forge connections between people. Since 2013, he has published thirteen novels, from science-fiction and horror to YA dystopia and urban fantasy. His works include the science-fiction series Childre…

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S7E4: Preserving the History of Coal Mining w/ Amanda Hughes 26:38

3M ago26:38

26:38

The coal industry has a long history within the mountains of eastern Kentucky. That history is still seen today in places like the Kentucky Coal Museum in Harlan County, Kentucky. Joining our show today is the museum’s curator, Amanda Hughes. We invite you to learn about the hardworking men and women who have shaped our region, the importance of pr…

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Ep. 39 | Wes Browne 1:03:03

3M ago1:03:03

1:03:03

Kendra Winchester talks to Wes Browne, the author of They All Fall the Same and Hillbilly Hustle. Things Mentioned After Helene by Blue Ridge Public Radio KY Flood Resources Read Appalachia Newsletter Chicago Sun-Times Points Fingers for AI Article Debacle Books Mentioned Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez A is for Affrilachia by Frank X Walker, Il…

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S7E3: Finding Your Creativity w/ Callie Northern 34:39

3M ago34:39

34:39

Appalachia's rich musical heritage comes alive with renowned fiddle player Callie Northern! As the Education Director at The Living Arts & Science Center in Lexington, KY, Callie shares her inspiring journey from learning the fiddle to guiding the next generation in the arts. Don't miss this captivating conversation. Learn more about The Living Art…

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Is the Southern Accent Fading? 17:56

3M ago17:56

17:56

What did you think of this episode? Southern accents are in the news again (but they've really never left our hearts and minds). Maybe it was Parker Posey's White Lotus character from North Carolina, who stole hearts with her syrupy vowels that created the latest buzz. But the conversation always leads to: are Southern accents fading? The short ans…

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S7E2: Mastering Public Relations w/ Marc Whitt 36:56

4M ago36:56

36:56

Get ready for an electrifying episode on The Mountain Spirit, with Marc Whitt. Not only is he a public relations guru with nearly four decades of experience, but he is a bestselling author, whose books have topped Amazon's charts and earned numerous accolades. Currently serving as the director of media and strategic relations at the University of K…

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Ep. 38 | Poetry Corner: Raye Hendrix 21:50

4M ago21:50

21:50

In the latest installment of our minisode series, Poetry Corner, Kendra Winchester is joined by poet Raye Hendrix. Things Mentioned After Helene by Blue Ridge Public Radio KY Flood Resources Read Appalachia's Newsletter Books Mentioned What Good Is Heaven by Raye Hendrix Judas Goat by Gabrielle Bates Blue Yodel by Ansel Elkins The Coal Life by Adam…

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S7E1: Insights From An Appalachian Therapist w/ Dale Hamilton 33:41

4M ago33:41

33:41

In the season premiere of The Mountain Spirit podcast, we are honored to hear from Dale Hamilton, a dedicated counselor at CAP's Family Life Counseling Services program. Dale shares invaluable insights on the importance of mental health and the transformative power of counseling in our Appalachian communities. Tune in to hear inspiring stories and …

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"The Year that Made America" with Tom McMillian 56:45

4M ago56:45

56:45

The untold story of how America's declaration of independence hinged on seven critical months in 1776 and the courageous votes that changed the world forever. This gripping account reveals the precarious path to American independence through a series of pivotal dates that history has nearly forgotten. While July 4th claims the glory, the actual vot…

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The 1929 Cyclone of Rye Cove, Virginia: Storm, Song, and Suit 19:23

4M ago19:23

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What did you think of this episode? In this episode, we head back to May 2, 1929, when a deadly tornado tore through the small mountain community of Rye Cove, Virginia, claiming the lives of 12 schoolchildren and one teacher and leaving lasting scars on the region. We explore: What happened that spring afternoon in Rye Cove and the impact on the co…

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Episode # 72: Wild Alaska with Mr. November 1:01:48

4M ago1:01:48

1:01:48

Books and Brews: the place where beer and literature meet! Michael Modzelewski (Mojo-less-key) grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, the son of a famous NFL football player with the Cleveland Browns, Ed “Big Mo” Modzelewski. Michael graduated from Indiana University with a degree in English Literature. He is the author of five books, including INSIDE PASSAGE…

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Ep. 37 | Poetry Corner: Jim Minick 21:34

4M ago21:34

21:34

In the latest installment of our minisode series, Poetry Corner, Kendra Winchester is joined by Jim Minick. Things Mentioned After Helene by Blue Ridge Public Radio KY Flood Resources Read Appalachia Newsletter Owning It Audiobook Southern Appalachian Writers Cooperative Books Mentioned The Intimacy of Spoons by Jim Minick Blueberry Years by Jim Mi…

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From the Highlands to the Hollers: Outlander, Scots English and Appalachian Englishes 13:58

4M ago13:58

13:58

What did you think of this episode? Outlander fans will enjoy this episode, where we trace the winding trail of language from the misty Highlands of Scotland to the shaded hollers of Appalachia. Along the way, we unpack double modals like “might could,” trace the evolution of the word highlander and outlander, and reflect on how language becomes a …

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"Threshold to Valley Forge" with Sheilah Vance 57:03

4M ago57:03

57:03

From December 12-19, 1777, Washington's Army encamped in the towering hills of Gulph Mills, Pennsylvania, fifteen miles from Philadelphia. Known as the Threshold to Valley Forge, the Gulph Mills Encampment is often forgotten or minimized, falling as it did between the more famous military engagements of the Philadelphia Campaign and the well-known …

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Ep. 36 | Poetry Corner: Amy Le Ann Richardson 31:13

5M ago31:13

31:13

In the latest installment of our minisode series, Poetry Corner, Kendra Winchester is joined by Amy Le Ann Richardson. Things Mentioned After Helene by Blue Ridge Public Radio Executive Order Targeting the IMLS Support Libraries with Libro.fm Books Mentioned Out of Places by Amy Le Ann Richardson Who You Grow Into by Amy Le Ann Richardson Render / …

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Appalachian Accents and Speech Recognition Technology 16:52

5M ago16:52

16:52

What did you think of this episode? Have you ever tried text to speech with your accent, only to find your message garbled? In this episode of The Talking Appalachian Podcast, we'll explore speech technology and how AI interacts (and doesn't) with the unique accents found across America, including those in Appalachia. We discuss the 30 most misunde…

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"A Killer at the Door" with Bruce Mowday 53:48

5M ago53:48

53:48

In summer 2023, Chester County, Pennsylvania, was shaken by the daring escape of convicted murderer Danilo Cavalcante. Cavalcante scaled a prison wall, sparking a gripping two-week manhunt. He traversed forests, farmlands, and neighborhoods, evading law enforcement and causing schools to close, businesses to shutter, and streets to empty. pcntv.com…

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Books and Brews #71: Time Travel, Sci-fi and Woodstock with Beth Duke 1:02:46

5M ago1:02:46

1:02:46

Bestselling author Beth Duke's Anywhen is the ultimate outsider story—a young woman yearning to belong across time itself. With universal themes of love, jealousy, sacrifice, friendship, joy, loss, and forgiveness, this genre-defying novel is a story like no other...one that will stay with you long after the final page. Beth read from her latest bo…

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S6E6: Faith, Sports, and Appalachia w/ Matt Jones 32:17

5M ago32:17

32:17

[Pre-recorded] Get ready for an exciting episode as we welcome today's guest, Matt Jones, founder and host of Kentucky Sports Radio. During the heart of March Madness, Matt stops by to share his heart for Appalachia. From humble beginnings in Middlesboro, KY to becoming a sports media figure featured on HBO and ESPN, Matt's journey is extraordinary…

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"Life, Liberty, and Death on the Appalachian Frontier" with Robert Swift 58:47

5M ago58:47

58:47

Learn about the stories of the men and women who traveled across the mountain ranges and through the valleys that made up the Appalachian region, focusing on the 18th century leading to the American Revolution and events that occurred mainly in Pennsylvania and New York. pcntv.com/donate pcntv.com/membership-signup pcntv.com…

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S6E5: Exploring Appalachian Arts w/ Robert Daniels 32:56

5M ago32:56

32:56

Get ready for an electrifying episode as we go behind the scenes with Robert Daniels, the Technical Director at the Mountain Arts Center! With over 20 years of experience, Robert has been the driving force behind countless breathtaking performances. Tune in for an inspiring adventure into the world of live entertainment in Appalachia! Find out more…

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"The Soul of Pittsburgh" with Ed Simon 57:53

5M ago57:53

57:53

Pittsburgh contains multitudes. From the decline of the steel industry and the exodus of a vast diaspora of Pittsburghers to its reinvention as a trendy mid-sized metropolis, the ethos of the Steel City remains ever-changing. This project was financed in part by a grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Department of Community and Economic…

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Talkin' Truth with NYT Bestselling Author of The Glass Castle Jeannette Walls 25:49

6M ago25:49

25:49

What did you think of this episode? Jeannette Walls is hailed as one of the world's most gifted storytellers, and she's been sharing her remarkable story of resilience and redemption with audience since her memoir, The Glass Castle, was published in 2005. The book chronicles her dysfunctional and nomadic upbringing, part of which took place in Welc…

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Talking About Home W/ Jeremiah Parsons 32:45

6M ago32:45

32:45

This week's guest is Jeremiah Parsons, Executive Director of Tourism for Paintsville, Kentucky. A native of Floyd County, Jeremiah has been involved in tourism since 2002, starting at Jenny Wiley Theatre as Sales and Marketing Director. Jeremiah is passionate about the arts and education, serving as President and Director of Main Street Players in …

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S6E2: Revolutionizing Public Health w/ Angela Carman 30:22

6M ago30:22

30:22

What does it take to create real change in public health? Angela Carman—researcher, innovator, and community advocate—is on a mission to make an impact. With funding from NIH, CDC, and Robert Wood Johnson, she’s revolutionizing how we implement interventions, engage communities, and improve public health systems. Don’t miss this eye-opening convers…

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Books and Brews #70: Sherlock Holmes Alive Again! with Richard T. Ryan 58:12

6M ago58:12

58:12

A lifelong Sherlockian, Richard T. Ryan is the author of nine Sherlock Holmes novels and currently working on his tenth. He’s also written a well-received murder mystery “Deadly Relations which has been produced twice off-Broadway. He pursued graduate studies at Notre Dame where he majored in medieval literature. Our talk ranged from Knights Templa…

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"Jazz in the Hill" with Colter Harper 53:16

6M ago53:16

53:16

From the 1920s through the 1960s, Pittsburgh's Hill District was the heart of the city's Black cultural life and home to a vibrant jazz scene. In Jazz in the Hill: Nightlife and Narratives of a Pittsburgh Neighborhood, Colter Harper looks at how jazz shaped the neighborhood and created a way of life. This project was financed in part by a grant fro…

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The Meanings and Mystery of "Melungeon" 16:18

6M ago16:18

16:18

What did you think of this episode? In episode 50, we will talk about the word "Melungeon," its multiple meanings, and the history of a mysterious Appalachian people known as the "lost tribe" (who claim Elvis and Abraham Lincoln among their members.) Appalachian historian Dr. Brian McKnight joins me as we dive into a dark part of Virginia's history…