Best Wvpb Podcasts (2025)

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Cicadas, Wild Mushrooms And Sinkholes, Inside Appalachia

37m ago

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Cicadas are emerging again. They’re an important food source for wildlife — and even some people. Also, morel mushrooms are a forager’s delight, but don’t shortcut cleaning them. We follow along with mushroom hunters and talk to a chef. And, sinkholes can cause a lot of damage. But they’re also fascinating. You'll hear these stories and more this w…

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1,056 - Eric Bibb, Moira Smiley & The Rhizome Quartet, Twisted Pine, The McCrary Sisters, and Yasmin Williams 2:33:58

3d ago2:33:58

2:33:58

This episode was recorded on May 4th, 2025 at Canady Creative Arts Center in Morgantown, WV. The lineup includes Eric Bibb, Moira Smiley & The Rhizome Quartet, Twisted Pine, The McCrary Sisters, and Yasmin Williams. https://bit.ly/3Fsk1NqBy West Virginia Public Broadcasting

1
Appalachian Prison Book Project, Inside Appalachia

7d ago

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The Appalachian Prison Book Project has been sending books to incarcerated people for nearly 20 years. Its most popular book is the dictionary. Also, the Seeing Hand Association brings together people who are visually impaired to learn the craft of chair caning. And, crossing a river by ferry can be a special experience, and hard to come by. On the…

1
Us & Them: 100 Days And A Lot To Discuss At Our Dinner Party 52:00

9d ago52:00

52:00

During his first months in office, President Donald Trump has issued about 150 executive orders and is taking action on the very issues he promised during the campaign. There’ve been dramatic changes in immigration in the form of mass deportations despite concerns over a lack of due process. The administration continues to make good on moves to cut…

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The Kingdom Of The Happy Land, Inside Appalachia

14d ago

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The setting for a new novel is a communal society founded by freed people in North Carolina. It was a real place called The Kingdom of the Happy Land. Also, when a West Virginia pastor got assigned to a new church, some folks tried to warn him. And, the online world of Appalachian memes — and what they tell us about folks who live here. You'll hear…

1
ENCORE: True Stories Behind Folk Heroes, Runaway Trains And Murder Ballads

22d 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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1,054 - Al Stewart, Livingston Taylor, Sweet Honey In The Rock, The Nighthawks, and Cristina Vane 2:29:27

23d ago2:29:27

2:29:27

This episode was recorded on April 6th, 2025 at Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas, VA. The lineup includes Al Stewart, Livingston Taylor, Sweet Honey In The Rock, The Nighthawks, and Cristina Vane. https://bit.ly/4lWtFIyBy West Virginia Public Broadcasting

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Us & Them: Carpe Sonum — Celebrating 10 Years of Us & Them with the Dead Podcasters Society 41:19

24d ago41:19

41:19

For this episode of Us & Them, host Trey Kay celebrates the tenth anniversary of the podcast with the young members of Marshall University’s Dead Podcasters Society, a club that is dedicated to artistic expression and following one’s passions, much like the fictional group in the 1989 film Dead Poets Society. The event becomes a master class on pod…

1
Red Onion Prison, NIOSH And The Mountain Laurel Festival, Inside Appalachia

28d ago

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Officials are scrutinizing a supermax prison in Wise County, Virginia, after inmate complaints and a visit by a state lawmaker. Also, laid-off federal workers warn the Trump administration’s mass firings could make a big difference for coal miners. And, every year, the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival stages a formal dance. Organizers rely on a ma…

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1,053 - Loudon Wainwright III, Janiva Magness, John Ellison & Joe Beard, Dan Navarro, and Ali McGuirk 2:22:04

1M ago2:22:04

2:22:04

This episode was recorded on March 21st, 2025 at Kodak Hall in Rochester, NY. The lineup includes Loudon Wainwright III, Janiva Magness, John Ellison & Joe Beard, Dan Navarro, and Ali McGuirk. https://bit.ly/4jxGpUBBy West Virginia Public Broadcasting

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Coal And Coal Miners, Inside Appalachia

1M ago

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Some politicians and coal operators call themselves friends of coal, but one journalist says they don’t seem to be friends of coal miners. Also, what not to do if you get poison ivy. And, pepperoni rolls were a staple in the coal mines. But public schools might be why they caught on. You'll hear these stories and more this week, Inside Appalachia. …

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Us & Them: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion — Its History And The Efforts To Erase It 52:00

1M ago52:00

52:00

For decades, polls have shown most Americans believe equal opportunity in the workplace is beneficial and laws like the 1964 Civil Rights Act worked to achieve that goal. More recently, the effort has included voluntary diversity, equity and inclusion programs - known as DEI. On this episode of Us & Them, host Trey Kay looks at changing social and …

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1,052 - MC Taylor Goldsmith Show, Kat Edmonson, Ken Pomeroy, Jonny Fritz, and Scott Mulvahill 2:12:07

1M ago2:12:07

2:12:07

This episode was recorded on March 9, 2025 at the Culture Center Theater in Charleston, WV. The lineup includes The MC Taylor Goldsmith Show (featuring Taylor Goldsmith of Dawes and MC Taylor of Hiss Golden Messenger), Kat Edmonson, Ken Pomeroy, Jonny Fritz, and Scott Mulvahill. https://bit.ly/4iftS6O…

1
Springtime Arrives, Inside Appalachia

1M ago

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We head to the woods for a master class in foraging for wild mushrooms. And the woman behind the popular TikTok account “Appalachian Forager” makes jam from pawpaws and jewelry from coyote teeth. We also visit the Alleghany Highlands, where mountain maple syrup traditions are changing with the times. You'll hear these stories and more this week, In…

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1,051- Larkin Poe, Victoria Canal, Raye Zaragoza, Ron Pope, and Christian Lopez 2:19:19

1M ago2:19:19

2:19:19

This episode was recorded on February 16th, 2025 at the Canady Creative Arts Centerat West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV. The lineup includes Larkin Poe, Victoria Canal, Raye Zaragoza, Ron Pope, and Christian Lopez. https://bit.ly/3RWmKBeBy West Virginia Public Broadcasting

1
‘Valley So Low,’ Climbing Crafts And Vegan Cooking, Inside Appalachia

2M ago

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A new book looks into the toxic legacy of a huge industrial disaster in Tennessee. Also, rock climbing gear wears out. But it can still live on as art. And, an Eastern Kentucky pharmacist serves vegan food for the holidays. You’ll hear these stories and more this week, Inside Appalachia. In This Episode: A Coal Ash Spill And A Labor Justice Fight C…

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1,050- The Headhunters, Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters, David Berkeley, Buffalo Rose, and Crys Matthews 2:14:14

2M ago2:14:14

2:14:14

This episode was recorded on February 2nd, 2025 at the Culture Center Theater in Charleston, WV. The lineup includes The Headhunters, Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters, David Berkeley, Buffalo Rose, and Crys Matthews. https://bit.ly/42AWjHvBy West Virginia Public Broadcasting

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Encore: The Climbing Climate And Paddle Making, Inside Appalachia

2M ago

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Rock climbers with disabilities have found a home in Kentucky’s Red River Gorge, which offers some pumpy crags. Also, climbers have also been working to make West Virginia's New River Gorge more inclusive. And, a master craftsman, who makes one of a kind whitewater paddles, remembers some advice. You’ll hear these stories and more this week, Inside…

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Us & Them: Daniel Johnston — The Troubled Life And Artistic Genius Of West Virginia Music Hall Of Fame Inductee 36:20

2M ago36:20

36:20

Us & Them: Daniel Johnston — The Troubled Life And Artistic Genius Of West Virginia Music Hall Of Fame InducteeBy Trey Kay and WVPB

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1,049 - Oliver Wood, Stephen Wilson Jr., Dar Williams, TopHouse, and Cloud Cult 2:23:54

2M ago2:23:54

2:23:54

This episode was recorded on January 26th, 2025 at the Culture Center Theater in Charleston, WV. The lineup includes Oliver Wood, Stephen Wilson Jr., Dar Williams, TopHouse, and Cloud Cult. https://bit.ly/4hTzT8LBy West Virginia Public Broadcasting

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Fust, The Price Of Eggs And Helvetia’s Fasnacht, Inside Appalachia

2M ago

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Aaron Dowdy of alternative country band Fust took an outside path to becoming a songwriter. Also, egg prices are up. Some folks are talking about raising backyard chickens. And, Helvetia, West Virginia’s old world Fasnacht festival continues to grow, in part because of an online video game. Organizers are OK with it. You'll hear these stories and m…

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Us & Them: Substance Use Disorder — Can You Recover Without A Place To Call Home? 52:00

2M ago52:00

52:00

Reality is more challenging now for people who live at the intersection between substance use disorder, homelessness and the criminal justice system. New laws across the nation echo aspects of the 2024 Safer Kentucky Act, which enhance penalties for violent crimes, drug crimes, shoplifting and carjacking, as well as a ban on public camping. On this…

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1,048 - Kip Moore, Joy Clark, Brad Tursi, Andrew Marlin Stringband, and Matt Mullins & The Bringdowns with guest host David Mayfield 2:22:08

2M ago2:22:08

2:22:08

This episode was recorded on December 8, 2024 at the Culture Center Theater in Charleston, WV. The lineup includes SKip Moore, Joy Clark, Brad Tursi, Andrew Marlin Stringband, and Matt Mullins & The Bringdowns with guest host David Mayfield. bit.ly/4iwypCoBy West Virginia Public Broadcasting

1
Looking Back At 2020, Inside Appalachia

2M ago

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During a pandemic, where do you give birth? Also, we’ll have the story of a family that cultivated an heirloom tomato in West Virginia. It took a lot of work. And, a musical tradition brought people together — even when they couldn’t gather in person. You’ll hear these stories and more this week, Inside Appalachia. In This Episode: Become A Dad In …

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1,047 - Stephen Kellogg, Jill Sobule, Mindy Smith, Caleb Caudle & The Sweet Critters, and The David Mayfield Parade 2:30:05

2M ago2:30:05

2:30:05

This episode was recorded on December 1st, 2024 at the Culture Center Theater in Charleston, WV. The lineup includes Stephen Kellogg, Jill Sobule, Mindy Smith, Caleb Caudle & The Sweet Critters, and The David Mayfield Parade, with guest host Conor Knighton. http://bit.ly/3FLIixDBy West Virginia Public Broadcasting

1
‘Don’t Get Dead,’ Tattoos And Cryptids, Inside Appalachia

3M ago

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It’s been five years since the COVID-19 lockdowns. An album made during that time is getting a re-release on vinyl. Also, a Kentucky tattoo artist practices traditional tattooing and traditional music. He says they’re not too different. And, what keeps people so fascinated with cryptids? You’ll hear these stories and more this week, Inside Appalach…

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Us & Them: We The People [But Not So Much] Women 32:18

3M ago32:18

32:18

Many Americans assume the U.S. Constitution guarantees men and women equal rights. But the authors of the Constitution did not consider women as part of ‘We the people.’ In fact, the equal protection clause of the 14th amendment provides far fewer protections for gender as a protected category than it does for race, religion or national origin. In …

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Skeenies Hotdogs And A Stump Story, Inside Appalachia

3M ago

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A beloved West Virginia hotdog restaurant closed in 2018. An annual tribute sale gives people a chance to relive its glory days. Also, a West Virginia town can trace its beginnings to the first place its founders lived — a giant stump. And, a few people still farm the way folks did before tractors — with horses. You'll hear these stories and more t…

1
Encore: Raymond Thompson, Jr. And Agape Rugs, Inside Appalachia

3M ago

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In the 1930s, hundreds of mostly Black workers died digging the Hawks Nest Tunnel. A photographer brings their stories to life. Also, when Jerry Machen began making art from old carpets in Tennessee, his wife Linda wasn’t impressed. And, a new exhibit shares the cultures of Indigenous people who call Appalachia home. You’ll hear these stories and m…

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Us & Them: Black West Virginians With Substance Use Disorder Face unique Challenges 52:00

3M ago52:00

52:00

The Trump administration’s efforts to cut federal spending is targeting a broad range of departments and agencies including the low-income health care program Medicaid. Republican lawmakers want work requirements in place for eligibility. But the scope of Medicaid programs goes beyond direct health care. Many people rely on Medicaid for treatment o…

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Amythyst Kiah, Black Hair Salons And Poetry, Inside Appalachia

3M ago

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This week, we talk with East Tennessee’s Amythyst Kiah. Her new album contemplates the cosmos. Also, hair salons are important gathering places where Black women can find community. And West Virginia poet Torli Bush uses story to tackle tough subjects. You’ll hear these stories and more this week, Inside Appalachia. In This Episode: Amythyst Kiah’s…

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Hare Krishna Kitchens In W.Va., Soul Food And A Musician’s Call To Arms, Inside Appalachia

4M ago

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This week, a Hare Krishna community in West Virginia serves vegetarian food made in three sacred kitchens. Also, an Asheville musician’s latest guitar album is a call to arms. And, we talk soul food with Xavier Oglesby, who is passing on generations of kitchen wisdom to his niece. You’ll hear these stories and more this week, Inside Appalachia. In …

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Us & Them: Housing Options Are Few & Far Between In Appalachia 38:20

4M ago38:20

38:20

Home ownership in America is one of the most common ways to build wealth for future generations. But in Appalachia, West Virginia presents the complexities and nuances of that reality. The Mountain State has the nation’s highest homeownership rate but the second lowest personal income rate. And there’s another reality at work. Much of that housing …

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A Camp For African American Heritage And ‘Holler,’ Inside Appalachia

4M ago

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This week, we visit a summer camp that’s part of the legacy of Affrilachian poet Norman Jordan. Also, during the Great Depression, Osage, West Virginia was a raucous river town. It’s sleepier now, but music is keeping the magic alive. And, the author of an upcoming graphic novel about pipeline fighters has a message for people outside the region. Y…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Wvpb Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen