Appalachian Shine

Bluefield, WV used to be a major hub in the regions economic and cultural development. In this episode we explore the history of rail on the development of the region and take a trip back in time to Bluefield, WV. #appalachia #railroads #N&W #BluefieldWV #BluefieldStateU

Author Chris Skates stops by to talk about his book, Moonshine Over Georgia. Set back in the 1940's, this story is based on real events that took place in the region and the dangers that his own grandfather was in working as a revenuer.  You can find his work on Amazon.  #moonshine #ChrisSkates #Appalachia #history #Georgia

Appalachia and its frontiersmen played a major role in the Revolutionary War and the independence of America. From the brave settlers pressing westward against the rule of the Crown, to the Overmountain Men who fought furiously against the British at the Battle of Kings Mountain, Appalachians played a pivotal role in the making of America and in our manifest destiny. #Appalachia #BattleofKingsMountain #nativetribes #RevolutionaryWar

In this episode we discuss the history and legendary story of the Bondurant Brothers of Franklin County, Virginia. Also, we look into the history of the Big Six from North Carolina. Both gangs sowed tales of resilience and defiance in the face of law enforcement (even the corrupted ones). This and more in this episode of Appalachian Shine. #Appalachia #moonshine #AppalachianHistory www.supportappalachia.org Donate Today!

Moonshine and whisky has a long history and tradition in these here mountains. From the years after the American Revolution up to now, the history of this illicit craft is fascinating with ties to NASCAR and Hollywood.  #moonshine #appalachia #appalahianhistory #NASCAR #PopcornSutton www.supportappalachia.org DONATE TODAY! 

Have you ever wondered what Thanksgiving was like for the early settlers of Appalachia? It certainly wasn't the amazing spread on our tables today. It has changed much over the years. Also, we talk about the rich history of Damascus, Virginia. #appalachia #DamascusVA #TrailTownUSA #ThanksgivinginAppalachia Foundation For Appalachian Advancement P.O. Box 397 Richlands, VA 24641 www.supportappalachia.org To help our mission, can you pay it forward $20 today? Thank you!

Who doesn't love the story of Sgt. York, an American legend and hero. We talk about his bravery and work in his Tennessee community after his return from WWI. Also, an update as to what we've been doing in the community.  #Appalachia #VeteransDay #SgtYork #grattitude

Rachel Nestor, a member of the Randolph County Community Arts Council, joins us today from Elkins, West Virginia to talk about all that is going on at the Arts Center. From the amazing exhibits, to arts classes and the history of the very unique building where the magic takes place, Rachel takes us through all the great work being done at the Arts Center by the locals.  Make sure to visit them online! #TheArtsCenter #RandolphArtsCenter #ElkinsWVA #art #appalachia

Halloween is upon us in a few weeks and it looks like people around the region are excited for the coming holidays already. In this episode we talk about a couple of legends and spooky stories. What Halloween traditions do you have?  We also pay tribute to an Appalachian author and dear friend, Addie Davis. She will be missed.  #AddaLeahDavis #Appalachia #Halloween #AppalachianTraditions #PutnamCounty

Beth from Back of the Dragon in Tazewell, VA stops by to talk about their upcoming events, the brewery, the shop and one of the best scenic drives in Southwest Virginia. Also, 32 miles, over 400 curves and 3,500 ft in elevation...this is a drive you'll want to make this autumn.  Also, on 8/24 is the benefit ride for Deputy Hunter Reedy who was killed in the line of duty. Make sure to support this effort on Saturday! #BackoftheDragon #scenicdrive #scenicvirginia #TazewellCounty #DeputyHunterReedy #appalachia

Kate Brandes is an author and scientist, having spent her professional career working in geology. She recently wrote The Promise of Pierson Orchard, a suspense novel set in a small town, something she relates to on a personal level. Her newest novel, Stone Creek, is available on Amazon in August. You can pre-order now! Visit her website at www.katebrandes.com.  #Appalachia #books #KateBrandes www.supportappalachia.org

Marshall Adesman from the Exchange Place in Kingsport stops by to talk about the working farm that is a blast from the past, right out of the 1800's! Tours available, and we talk about some really cool history surrounding the property. #ExchangePlace #Kingsport #Tennessee #DanielBoone

George Ella Lyon, Kentucky Poet Laureate, author and musician joins us to share her story growing up in Harlan, KY and her journey into the craft and world of poetry.  #GeorgeEllaLyon #poets #Appalachia #HarlanKY 

Dale Hall has spent a lifetime working in conservation. His love of nature and our environment began in Harlan, KY where he grew up. He later became the head of Fish and Wildlife under President George W. Bush and finished up his career as CEO of Ducks Unlimited. He stops by to share his story and his two books that talk about his journey from the mountains to making a difference in conservation on a national level.  #DaleHall #conservation #HarlanKY #Appalachia

Appalachian book and magazine publisher, Janie Jessee of Jan Carol Publishing in Johnson City, TN stops by to talk about the 20th anniversary of Voice Magazine For Women and the writers and creative minds of her publishing company here in Central Appalachia.  #appalachia #JanCarolPublishing #appalachianmagazine #voicemagazine 

There is so much fascinating history that happened in Central Appalachia. Near the cozy town of St. Paul you'll find a historical marker that shows the approximate location of Moor's Fort. Who was Moore and why was this fort built here? We dive into the 1770's along the Clinch River in this episode of Appalachian Shine. #St.Paul #RussellCounty #WiseCounty #DanielBoone #MooresFort #AppalachianHistory

In this episode we talk about the history of Hazard, KY. Also, what creatures are lurking out there in our mountains? #HazardKY #Kentucky #SWVA #MotherGooseHouse #appalachiantrail #mountainmonsters #mothman #bigfoot 

Here's our top 10 suggestions for your reading pleasure. It's important to support your local writers, and here are some great reads for the coming new year.  #appalachianbooks #appalachianwriters #demoncopperhead 

We are blessed with amazing history in our region. During the Civil War many battles were fought in our region on both sides of the conflict. Today we talk a little about the Saltville Massacre and recommend a few books about the Civil War in our region.  Also, a special thanks to A! Magazine for the Arts for highlighting our podcast in their latest edition. We greatly appreciate you and all of our listeners.  https://aamearts.org/magazine/article/appalachian-shine-promotes-the-regions-culture/20231030190502835 www.supportappalachia.org #Appalachia #CivilWar #SaltvilleVA #Saltville 

Take a drive through these gorgeous mountains and take in all the fall colors. Don't forget to take photos!! And be sure to share with us.  Also, what's coming up soon for the FAA.  #appalachia #appalachian #fallcolors #fallfoliage #DavisWV #fallhikes www.appalachianbackroads.com  

In this episode we continue our Appalachian Storyteller series with Adda Davis, who we all dearly called "Addie." She's a McDowell County, WV native now living in Russell County, VA. She is a retired elementary school teacher and counselor and spends her time in many authors' guilds around the region, including the Appalachian Authors Guild. You can follow her online at her website https://addaleahdavis.com/index.html.  #AddaLeahDavis #appalachia #appalachainauthor

What is your vision for the future of our region? What would you like to see in regards to tourism and economic development? How about having educational videos and literature available to learn the rich history of our region and about our importance in the development of this great nation? That is something we asked ourselves when we set up the FAA. And now we ask you to share in our vision and goals.  This episode is a brief history of Appalachia and why it is important to promote our culture and history, and to reach out and help others when we can.  #Appalachia #Appalachianhistory #AppalachianPride #AppalachianTrail #giving

West Virginia is home to countless festivals and good times during the summer months. We talk about a few of them in this episode and we highlight the upcoming events of Clinch River Days in St. Paul, VA.  #WestVirginia #Appalachia #festivals #summerfun #StPaulVA #ClinchRiverDays

Author Russell W. Johnson stops by today to talk about his upcoming book, The Moonshine Messiah, and read from his short story that landed him the coveted Pearl S. Buck Award! Moonshine Messiah is set to release on Friday May 26th. You can find his work on Amazon and on his website, www.russellwjohnson.com. #MoonshineMessiah #appalachia #books www.supportappalachia.org 

There are several events worth attending going on all around our region in the months of April and May.  Writers Day--Spring Fling w/ the Appalachian Authors Guild Redbud Festival--Honaker, VA Numerous events around Abingdon, VA! #Honaker #Abingdon #Bristol #appalachia #appalachian

Angel Mefford, victim advocate from Family Crisis Services in Norton, VA joins us to talk about the upcoming 5K Run in Big Stone Gap to bring awareness and raise funds to help victims of domestic violence in our region. #appalachia #domesticabuse #operationhelpinghand www.supportappalachia.org   https://www.raceentry.com/races/fcss-a-5k-in-their-shoes-race-for-sexual-assault-awareness/2023/register

Celeste Parsons, author of Wait Until I Grow Up and editor of Nelsonville From A to Z joins us to talk about her first children's book and read from both. We also discuss her work with Stuart's Opera House in Nelsonville. With 85,000 miles on the bike under her belt since 2000, she is working on another book highlighting her travels across the bike trails of America with her husband.  #CelesteParsons #MondayCreekPublishing #biketrails #Nelsonville #StuartsOperaHouse

Dr. Lewis joins us to talk about her journey through dealing with ongoing health issues and being in multiple nursing homes. She also shares a bit about her career in journalism and communication, as well as her years growing up in Bluefield, WV at the Hotel Thelma. #Appalachia #HotelThelma #GreenBook #BluefieldWV #DrCarolynLewis

Every once in a while the Appalachian Authors Guild publishes an anthology of short stories, poems and essays by members. Today's highlighted story is South Holston Blues. Also, an update on Operation Helping Hand and our next dropoff in March.  #Appalachia #SouthHolstonLake #AppalachianAuthorsGuild #OperationHelpingHand www.supportappalachia.org

Linda joins us today to read excerpts from her books of poetry and nonfiction. Linda is an award winning author with over 40 books to her credit. You can find her work on Amazon and online at her website www.lindasbooksandangels.com.  #appalachia #author #poetry

There are many reasons for supporting the local arts. 1. It builds onto our rich culture. 2. It can serve to educate and entertain all age groups. (Have you  read some of the amazing books by regional authors?) 3. It is a proven driver for tourism. 4. It inspires young minds. 5. It can help local businesses. 6. Supporting art in Appalachia gives a voice to our artists to teach  others about our history and culture, to open minds not just in  Appalachia but anywhere art from this region is able to travel. #appalachia #CorbinKY #SOAR-KY #arts www.supportappalachia.org

I love this time of year. Our best wishes to you and yours during this wonderful season.  #Christmas #Appalachia  www.supportappalachia.org  

At the turn of the century the smallest town in Tennessee was formed for the sole purpose of distilling whisky! This is one of the countless fun stories from our regional history. Only in Appalachia! The story of Lovely City, TN. #Appalachia #whisky #EastTennessee #LovelyCity #history www.supportappalachia.org We would love your support and donation. 

Talk about bad timing, they commissioned the building of South Holston Dam in December of 1941. That's the same moth the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. Construction was delayed, over 300 families had to be relocated...and over 500 graves!!! #Thanksgiving #appalachia #SouthHolstonLake

Appalachia is well known and loved for its folklore, superstitions, and legends. In this episode we talk about strange legends and superstitions of Appalachian Christmas! #appalachia #holidays #thanksgiving #Christmas www.supportappalachia.org

Steven James, award winning best selling author of 18 books, joins us on the podcast to talk about his latest work, his podcast, and the art of telling a great and worthy story.  #StevenJames #bestseller #books #scifi #fantasy #adventure www.stevenjames.net

Amity Lane and Erica Hall join us to talk about the coming renovations for the historic library, the rich history of the building, and the Mad Hatter Dinner happening next week in support of the library.  #Richlands #historicbuilding #library #TazewellCounty #FriendsOftheLibrary www.supportappalachia.org

A brief discussion of our history. #DanielBoone #Rhythm&Roots #Bristol #NASCAR #CommunityChurchatBristol #OperationHelpingHand #homeless #Appalachia

Visit our Facebook page for a link to resources on how to donate and volunteer to help the victims of the severe flooding in our region. Also, we are asking for donations to help us build our coffers for helping out folks in future floods/natural disasters. This is a major priority. 

Homelessness in our region is a terrible thing, and something that goes under the radar because it isn't seen as easily as you'd see it in a big city. However, it is a problem and we are doing our part to help with Operation Helping Hand. We'd love your help and support. #Appalachia #homeless #helpinghand #payitforward  www.supportappalachia.org

InfoSecCheck owner Joe Boyd of Haysi talks about the growing need for cyber security and gives us some helpful tips to protect our businesses and to protect ourselves from identity theft.  #Appalachai #cybersecurity

Heather Kime of Big Walker Lookout joins us to talk about the history of BWL, the events happening every weekend, and their life long support of regional arts and artists. BWL is a stop Along the Crooked Road. Amazing live music every weekend! #appalachia #BigWalkerLookout #arts #music #culture

In this episode we talk with Dr. Gary Stratton about the formation of the St. James Medical Fund to help with costs for prescreenings in the region.  #Appalachia #Pikeville #CentralAppalachia #health #prescreening

Upcoming events including the 24th annual Clinch River Fest and summer camps for kids at Clinch River Farms! #Appalachia #summerevents #festivals #StPaulVA #ClinchRiver #ClinchRiverFest

A short Easter message for our listeners and supporters. Have a great holiday and let's all be thankful for our blessings and remember this weekend for the precious meaning for all of us.  #Appalachia #Easter

Appalachia has a unique environment, one that has given rise in recent years to a growing wine industry. Jessee Ring of JBR Vineyards joins us to talk about his journey from Appalachia to Silicon Valley and back before opening his vineyard.  #AppalachianWine #JBRVineyards 

Richard Hudson, owner of Clinch River Farms, joins us to talk about the events held at the farm, and the amazing work done by the nonprofit organizations they fund. Mountain Kids, Inc. and Attitude Arts Academy. From summer camps to after school programs, Mr. Hudson is following a calling. Learn more about what they do by visiting them online and on their social media.  #TazewellCounty #Appalachia #MountainKidsInc #AttitudeArtsAcademy #RichardHudson #ClinchRiverFarms #RichlandsVA

Sara Robinson sits down with us to discuss her memoir as well as her works in poetry about her life, travels, and even about coal mining in Southwest Virginia. Come along for this fascinating conversation about how she went from a chemist in the industry to a poet after retiring. You can catch her on the road this summer at events including the Highlands Festival in Abingdon later on this summer.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfsPNgCUACk #SaraRobinson #SouthernPoet #Appalachia #UVAWise #WiseVA #PoundVA

Connie stops by to discuss her books with us. Among her works are several children's books as well as a devotional for adults. Faith is such an important part of our our way of life here in Appalachia. Connie's works have been inspired by her faith. Her books are available on Amazon and you can follow her on Facebook and Twitter.  #ConnieWohlford #AppalachianAuthors #Christianbooks #childrensbooks 

Damean is a life-long writer from the region that felt his calling to be a writer very early in life. He shares his passion as an English teacher in Russell County, Virginia and has several books to his credit.  He is currently leading seminars in coordination with Southwest Community College and you can sign up for those right now. They run through the next several months.  https://dameanmathews.com/ #Appalachia #AppalachianBooks #AppalachianArts #mystery #gothic #poetry

Marybeth Adkins, Executive Director of the Family Crisis Support Services in Norton, VA joins us to talk about their ongoing work to help the homeless, victims of domestic abuse, and children in need in our region. Unlike large cities where the homeless problem is evident, the problem is largely hidden and mostly misunderstood and unknown in our region. We discuss why that is, the growing rate of domestic violence and the help they provide. You can support them online by visiting www.family-crisis.org #Appalachia #homeless #domesticviolence #childrenservice #familyservices