APPALACHUHHHHH...

Here are my thoughts about "hillbilly." Just me, on The Porch, talking about everything from the word to the festival, from the stigma to the new documentary. Just a short chat for your ride down the holler.*Three clips from the film "hillbilly" (now available on iTunes) were used in this episode: Silas House (Author), Roger May(Photographer), and Kate Fowler (Appalachian Media Institute).*Song playing under Elizabeth Catte quote: "Country Girl" by Carolina Chocolate Drops*Outro: "Hillbilly Bone" by Blake Shelton ft. Trace Atkins

HAPPY HOLLERWEEEEN! I rode my broom over to Whitesburg, Kentucky this month, to chat with Letcher County teacher Tyler Watts. Things got a little spooky: WITCH is how I knew I was in the right place. He is taking his passion for his community outside of the classroom, allowing his students to be a part of the town's beautification. (In the coolest way ever? You be the judge!) Shoot your emails and comments to Appalachuhhhhh@Gmail.com. *Closing Song: "Appalachia" by Flatland Tourists*

Historian, author and Appalachian advocate Elizabeth Catte joined the show to discuss the region and how her work is contributing to a more inclusive Appalachian narrative. Check out What You Are Getting Wrong About Appalachia and 55 Strong. Also: Be on the lookout for her upcoming book, Pure America.Follow Catte on Instagram and Twitter @elizabethcatte. Then, head over to her website: http://www.elizabethcatte.com!Don't forget to leave a review/rating on Apple Podcasts! Follow the show @Appalachuhhhh on all of the platforms. Email the show at Appalachuhhhh@gmail.com!*Closing Song: Appalachia, The Riverside*

Check out my coffee shop chat with Foundation for Appalachian Advancement President J.C. Schweingrouber. Hear us talk about the region, the foundation and some of the things Eastern Kentucky is already doing to move the narrative forward! Check out the foundation's website (SupportAppalachia.org) and follow the foundation on Facebook (Foundation for Appalachian Advancement) and Twitter (@SupportAppalachia). Follow the show (@Appalachuhhhhh) wherever you partake in social media rituals.Send your thoughts, questions, marriage proposals and concerns to Appalachuhhhhh@gmail.com.*Closing Song: Closing Time, Semisonic*

I took a trip to the my alma mater, University of Pikeville, to speak with a mass media class about podcasting. While I was there, I had the class tell me what it's like to be a college student in Central Appalachia - which turned into a sort of live show. We had a blast talking about what it means to be Appalachian (and it was even more fun to know I wasn't being graded this time around.) Thank you to the students and to COM Queen Chandra Massner! More excitement is coming soon, so don't forget to rate/review! Stalk the show on all platforms @Appalachuhhhhh and send emails/questions/concerns to Appalachuhhhhh@Gmail.com.*Closing Song: Goin' Back to Pikeville, Nicholas Jamerson (Also a UPike alumnus.)*

Poor Octavia Hatcher, buried alive in her prime. In this bonus episode, check out my fictional short spook based on an actual town legend from my hometown (Pikeville, Kentucky). And hear me try to change my voice to become an old man. Please don't call the podcast police! I'm GIVING THE (10) PEOPLE WHAT THEY (think they) WANT. Facebook, Instagram and Twitter: @Appalachuhhhhh Email: Appalachuhhhhh@Gmail.com

Oh, I guess you're here for my birthday party! Glad you could make it! Due to scheduling conflicts, my planned interview didn't pan out. So, in order to get back on track after missing last month, I decided to upload my own story. Better than nothing ... right? I'll make it up to you next month! Please rate and review. It's ALL I want for my birthday. Follow me: @Appalachuhhhhh on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Email: Appalachuhhhhh@Gmail.com*Closing Song: Autobiography, Ashlee Simpson*

I dropped into Pike County's youth drop-in center, The Sapling Center, to speak with Angie Bush and Matt Habern. We talked about the center, its five other locations across the region, and how they're working with the future of Appalachia (its youth) to change the Appalachian narrative. Visit the center on Facebook to stay informed on its outreach! Follow the show on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. For questions, or to inquire about booking a spot on the show, email Appalachuhhhhh@gmail.com.

I spoke with the City of Pikeville's Administrative Economic Development Director Elizabeth Thompson last week. We got to chat about her Appalachian story, the future of Appalachia, and what role economic development plays in making that future a reality. Also, UHHHHH... shop local! Follow the city's progress on Facebook. *Closing Song: Make it Home, Juliana Hatfield*

I dropped by the University of Pikeville to chat with program director and assistant professor of Film and Media Arts, Andrew Reed, about filmmaking from an Appalachian perspective and UHHHHH... much more. Here, we dive into the potential future for Appalachians, as well as the current issues that threaten that future. To follow Andrew's projects, check out his Twitter @AndrewDaleReed, or look him up on Facebook and Youtube. Follow the show on Twitter or Facebook, @Appalachuhhhhh, to keep up-to-date on upcoming episodes! For questions and comments, shoot me an email: Appalachuhhhhh@Gmail.com.

Friend and fellow podcast host, Alex Flanigan, takes the country roads all the way back to Morgantown, W.Va., to provide you with her Appalachian narrative, in the first episode of Appalachuhhhhh... You can find Alex on Twitter @Modern_Minstrel and check out her weekly podcast The Cryptid Keeper (@CrypKeepPod). Follow the show on Twitter or Facebook, @Appalachuhhhhh, to stay up-to-date on upcoming episodes. *Closing Song: Country Roads (cover), Chris Tomiln*

Welcome to Appalachuhhhhh... a safe space for the ideas and stories that hide within the Appalachian mountains. This is just an intro episode, so don't go in expecting much! I will be back soon with the first episode, but wanted you to know the project is still moving forward!