Best Wvpb Podcasts (2026)

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A Look Back At 2025, Inside Appalachia

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1h ago

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We look back at 2025. We met some fascinating people, like Aaron Dowdy of country rock band Fust. Also, central Appalachia continued to recover from Hurricane Helene. From the beginning, the recovery brought people together. And, we made a trip to Hillbilly Hotdog to take on "The Homewrecker." You'll hear these stories and more this week, Inside Ap…

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Five Faves: 2005 Edition (Special Episode) 2:01:39

2h ago2:01:39

2:01:39

Five Faves: 2005 Edition Executive producer Adam Harris walks us through some of the most memorable sets and performances from his first season with Mountain Stage, twenty short years ago. Tune in to hear The Del McCoury Band, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Lizz Wright, Guy Clark, Nanci Griffith, Odetta and more! https://bit.ly/4sptuc8…

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Encore: Holiday Traditions, Inside Appalachia

2h ago

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This week, we go a-wassailing in Asheville, North Carolina. It’s kind of like Christmas caroling, with a kick. Also, family recipes bring generations together. But what happens when you’ve got grandma’s potato candy recipe, and it doesn’t have exact measurements? And, a new book explores the magical dark side of nature. You'll hear these stories an…

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1,070 - Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, Jack Blocker, Cole Quest & The City Pickers, Courtney Hartman, The Critton Hollow String Band 2:21:01

3d ago2:21:01

2:21:01

This episode was recorded on November 16th, 2025 at the Culture Center Theater in Charleston, WV. The lineup includes Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, Jack Blocker, Cole Quest & The City Pickers, Courtney Hartman, The Critton Hollow String Band. https://bit.ly/451CjinBy West Virginia Public Broadcasting

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Patrick County Urgent Care And Finnamon Buns, Inside Appalachia

6d ago

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When you’re the only doctor in a rural mountain county, you’ve got to think ahead to keep your practice going. Also, a West Virginia baker draws on her Finnish heritage to make a different kind of cinnamon roll. And, if you bought a live-cut Christmas tree this year, there’s a good chance it came from Appalachia. You'll hear these stories and more …

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Us & Them: America’s Civil Rights Champion 51:59

7d ago51:59

51:59

Many people know Thurgood Marshall as the first African American U.S. Supreme Court justice, however, first he had a long and distinguished career with the American Civil Liberties Union and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. On this episode of Us & Them, Trey Kay hosts a community conversation highlighting Thurgood Marshall’s legacy and sharing excerpt…

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Lou Turner And Little Jimmy Dickens, Inside Appalachia

14d ago

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A poet and musician draws inspiration from a distant family connection to the Grand Ole Opry’s Little Jimmy Dickens. Also, for 15 years, a Virginia library has been hosting a weekly Dungeons & Dragons game for teens. It can get wacky. And, a taxidermist in Yadkin County, North Carolina found her calling before she could drive a car. You’ll hear the…

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Us & Them: 2025 — Changing Definitions, Upending Institutions 20:21

16d ago20:21

20:21

As we count down to the end of 2025, Us & Them host Trey Kay looks back at the year’s whirlwind of actions and reactions. Each week presented fresh moves in the agenda President Donald Trump outlined during his campaign. First it was a reshaping of the federal government from Elon Musk’s efficiency department, which slashed budgets and agencies and…

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Encore: The Love Of Competition, Inside Appalachia

26d ago

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One thing about Appalachians: we can get competitive. We’re proud of our local food. Love a good hunt. And enjoy competition with friends. We learn the rules and celebrate our victories. But there’s more to competing than just winning or losing. In this show, we’ll also meet competitors who are keepers of beloved Appalachian traditions. In This Epi…

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1,069 - Hannah Cohen, Lera Lynn, Boulevards, Amy Millan, and Oyo 2:07:37

25d ago2:07:37

2:07:37

This episode was recorded on November 11th, 2025 at the People's Bank Theatre in Mariette, Ohio. The lineup includes Hannah Cohen, Lera Lynn, Boulevards, Amy Millan, and Oyo. https://bit.ly/445zyvTBy West Virginia Public Broadcasting

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Our Common Nature With Yo-Yo Ma, Inside Appalachia

29d ago

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Our Common Nature is a new podcast from WNYC. It features cellist Yo-Yo Ma and producer Ana González, as they explore America and talk to folks like West Virginia coal miners. We follow Yo-Yo and his team as they venture into Appalachia. And we talk with González about meeting people where they are. You'll hear these stories and more this week, Ins…

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1,068 - SHADOWLANDS feat. John Raymond & S. Carey, TAE & The Neighborly, Ken Yates, Damn tall Buildings, Erin McKeown 2:19:56

1M ago2:19:56

2:19:56

This episode was recorded on October 19th, 2025 at WVU's Canady Creative Arts Center in Morgantown, WV. The lineup includes SHADOWLANDS feat. John Raymond & S. Carey, TAE & The Neighborly, Ken Yates, Damn tall Buildings, Erin McKeown. https://bit.ly/3M4ZkdjBy West Virginia Public Broadcasting

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Us & Them Encore: Who’s Going To Take Care Of Maw Maw? 52:05

1M ago52:05

52:05

We’re an aging nation. Today 16% of Americans are over 65. In the next few decades that will double as the youngest Baby Boomers move into old age. But in West Virginia, that future is now. It’s the third oldest state in the nation and more than 20% of its residents are over 65. At the same time, West Virginia’s birth rate is low because young peop…

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Rising Health Insurance Rates And Cipher, Inside Appalachia

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The cost of health insurance is going up in 2026. Millions of people are faced with sticker shock. Also, a mountain farmer kept an encrypted diary for years. It’s unclear whether he would have wanted that code to ever be cracked. And, a beloved West Virginia hot dog restaurant closed in 2018. An annual tribute sale gives people a chance to relive i…

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1,067 - Craig Finn & The Band of Forgiveness, East Nash Grass, Deb Talan, Nicki Bluhm, and Two Runner 2:22:34

1M ago2:22:34

2:22:34

This episode was recorded on October 12th, 2025 at the Culture Center Theater in Charleston, WV. The lineup includes Craig Finn & The Band of Forgiveness, East Nash Grass, Deb Talan, Nicki Bluhm, and Two Runner. https://bit.ly/3XJq7hPBy West Virginia Public Broadcasting

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Encore: True Stories Behind Folk Heroes, Runaway Trains And Murder Ballads, Inside Appalachia

2M ago

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This week Inside Appalachia, we’re talking about traditional ballads - how they tell stories and connect us to the past. These old tunes can mean so much. They can tap into difficult emotions and give feelings space to be heard. Some songs may even be too uncomfortable to sing. In this special episode with guest co-host, ballad singer Saro Lynch-Th…

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Us & Them: The Mythology Of Crime Stats 42:04

1M ago42:04

42:04

America’s crime rates have prompted President Donald Trump to deploy federal agents and National Guard troops in a handful of major cities. On this episode of Us & Them, host Trey Kay looks at what data and statistics can really tell us about the level of violence in our country. Crime continues to be one of the defining issues for the Trump admini…

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1,066 - Jim Lauderdale & The Game Changers, Aaron Lee Tasjan, Lilly Hiatt, Joachim Cooder, and Woodbine 2:26:14

1M ago2:26:14

2:26:14

This episode was recorded on October 5th, 2025 at the Culture Center Theater in Charleston, WV. The lineup includes Jim Lauderdale & The Game Changers, Aaron Lee Tasjan, Lilly Hiatt, Joachim Cooder, and Woodbine. https://bit.ly/4qXuRhhBy West Virginia Public Broadcasting

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Appalachia’s Population Problem, Inside Appalachia

2M ago

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Central Appalachia is known for exporting coal. But it’s losing people, too. Also, folk singer Ginny Hawker grew up singing the hymns of the Primitive Baptist Church, but she didn’t think of performing until she got a little boost from Appalachian icon Hazel Dickens. And, the chef of an award-winning Asheville restaurant was shaped by memories of g…

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Five Faves: Kathy Mattea Edition (Special Episode) 1:57:45

2M ago1:57:45

1:57:45

This week’s broadcast of Mountain Stage is a Five Favorites edition featuring a collection of favorite sets from 2023, chosen by our host Kathy Mattea. This special episode includes performances by Jason Isbell, Catherine Russell, Karla Bonoff, The High Kings, and Jennifer Hartswick Band. https://bit.ly/3LokYcs…

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Encore: Halloween, Inside Appalachia

2M ago

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Just in time for Halloween, a suite of spooky tales to make your skin crawl. Also, tales of the supernatural. And, ghost stories galore. You'll hear these stories and more this week, Inside Appalachia. In This Episode: Mike Allen And “The Button Bin” Molly Born And The Spooky Old Tunnel A Ghost Story Another Ghost Story Spiritualism And Mediums Pum…

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1,065 - The Baseball Project, The Minus 5, Bob Mould, Chris Stamey, Loose Cattle 2:18:03

2M ago2:18:03

2:18:03

This episode was recorded on September 28th, 2025 at the Culture Center Theater in Charleston, WV. The lineup includes The Baseball Project, The Minus 5, Bob Mould, Chris Stamey, Loose Cattle. https://bit.ly/4hvWHNnBy West Virginia Public Broadcasting

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The Secret Astronomers And Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle, Inside Appalachia

2M ago

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A new novel about two girls and an astronomy textbook draws inspiration from one of the quietest places in West Virginia. Also, author Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle talks about growing up as part of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. And, a Kentucky tattoo artist practices traditional tattooing and traditional music. He says they’re not too differ…

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Us & Them Encore: The Housing Struggle 52:00

2M ago52:00

52:00

America’s housing shortage continues to put affordable homes out of reach for people across the country — from small towns to big cities. While West Virginia has the nation’s highest level of homeownership overall, many residents still struggle to find something that works for their budget. In fact, nearly 140,000 West Virginians spend more than 30…

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1,064 - Chuck Prophet & His Cumbia Shoes, The SteelDrivers, Basia Bulat, The Wildwoods, and Taylor Rae 2:24:56

2M ago2:24:56

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This episode was recorded on September 21st , 2025 at the Canady Creative Arts Center in Morgantown, WV. The lineup includes Chuck Prophet & His Cumbia Shoes, The SteelDrivers, Basia Bulat, The Wildwoods, and Taylor Rae. https://bit.ly/3Wmpn1EBy West Virginia Public Broadcasting

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Mothman, Bridge Day And Washboards, Inside Appalachia

2M ago

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We explore the story of the first Mothman sightings, as written by a small-town journalist in 1966. Also, every year, hundreds of people celebrate Bridge Day by parachuting from the 876-foot-tall New River Gorge bridge. But not just anyone can do it. And, the Columbus Washboard Company used to make washboards for laundry. Now, people use them to ma…

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1,063 - Robert Randolph, Carolyn Wonderland, Patty Larkin, and Nellie McKay 2:27:28

2M ago2:27:28

2:27:28

This episode was recorded on August 24th, 2025 at the Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center in Clarksburg, WV. The lineup includes Robert Randolph, Carolyn Wonderland, Patty Larkin, and Nellie McKay. https://bit.ly/472AlQdBy West Virginia Public Broadcasting

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The Year After Hurricane Helene, Inside Appalachia

3M ago

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It’s been a year since Hurricane Helene barreled into central Appalachia. The storm caused floods and landslides. The disaster changed the shape of rivers. It also took lives and upended entire communities, but from the beginning, the recovery brought people together. Also, country music’s Rob McNurlin grew up with traditional music in Eastern Kent…

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Us & Them Encore: The Fight For The Youth Vote 37:32

3M ago37:32

37:32

This episode first aired in 2023, focusing on the strategies to motivate young voters and we’re sharing it again in the wake of the Sept. 10, 2025, assassination of Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA. Kirk, a renowned conservative youth organizer, was shot and killed during a campus event at Utah Valley University. Nothing divides Americans…

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1,062 -Vanessa Collier, Margaret Glaspy, Matt Andersen, Amythyst Kiah, and Ron Sowell 2:35:02

3M ago2:35:02

2:35:02

By West Virginia Public Broadcasting

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‘Disposable,’ Accessible Climbing And Memes, Inside Appalachia

3M ago

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1,061 - Rhonda Vincent, Neal Francis, Otis Gibbs, Cathy Fink, Marcy Marxer, Chao Tian: From China to Appalachia, and Dawn Landes 2:33:22

3M ago2:33:22

2:33:22

This episode was recorded on July 20th, 2025 at the Culture Center Theater in Charleston, WV. The lineup includes Rhonda Vincent, Neal Francis, Otis Gibbs, Cathy Fink, Marcy Marxer, Chao Tian: From China to Appalachia, and Dawn Landes. https://bit.ly/4nPfG8dBy West Virginia Public Broadcasting

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Encore: The Grand March And A Year After A Denied Abortion, Inside Appalachia

3M ago

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For nearly a century, the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival has staged a formal dance. Organizers rely on a manual that’s been passed down for generations. Also, abortion is illegal in most cases in Tennessee. So, what happens after a birth? A photographer followed one mother for a year. And, new prisons are touted as a way to bring jobs to former …

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1,060 - Kelly Willis, Sierra Green & The Giants, John Doyle & Michael McGoldrick, Sarah Klang, Craig Bickhardt & Michael G. Ronstadt 2:21:10

3M ago2:21:10

2:21:10

This episode was recorded on June 22nd, 2025 at the Culture Center Theater in Charleston, WV. The lineup includes Kelly Willis, Sierra Green & The Giants, John Doyle & Michael McGoldrick, Sarah Klang, Craig Bickhardt & Michael G. Ronstadt. http://bit.ly/3KE3tUQBy West Virginia Public Broadcasting

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Us & Them: A Fresh Look At America’s Origin Story 52:00

3M ago52:00

52:00

As the United States prepares to mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, attention is focused on the relevance of the American Revolution to our country today. The new episode of Us & Them spotlights a recent community event at Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, W.Va with host Trey Kay and three top historians to talk abou…