Appalachia Meets World

Continuing Recovery Month! In this episode Neil and Will sit down with the Director of Reentry and Employment Services Branch of the Commonwealth of Kentucky - Mr. Aaron Poynter.  Led by Aaron, Kentucky’s Reentry program is getting national attention for its success and rapid adoption.  From a Police Officer to Workforce Development, Aaron has built his career on the backs of Giants who have guided (or pushed) him every step of the way.  Hear him describe the importance of walking alongside individuals as they take their own journey to sustainable employment.  Empowerment, self-worth and purpose are all words he uses to describe the impact of employment on the development of an individual person and how it significantly reduces recidivism. You can hear the passion he has for the work and how he goes about it full tilt everyday.  During recovery month, take a listen to hear what almost everyone is striving for in life - a good job and to be happy.  You might even hear why Neil has a little resentment for our guest and what he thinks about pumpkin flavor ("never in May").  Oh yeah, don't forget about the #AppBiz(s) of the week, Esto and Pollen8/Cafe Appalachia! Fall Foliage Prediction Map - https://smokymountains.com/fall-foliage-map  App News: Prepped to Serve Appalachia (WV) - https://wvhealthright.org/prepped-to-serve-appalachia/  ASTRA-CON - www.moreheadstate.edu/academics/colleges/science/engineering-sciences/space-science-center/astra-con/  Best Small Towns in Appalachia - www.thetravel.com/best-small-towns-in-the-appalachians-for-a-weekend-retreat/  World Chicken Festival - https://chickenfestival.com  #AppBiz: Esto Country Store and Cafe - https://estocountrycaferussellsprings.mybistro.online/#google_vignettehttps://www.facebook.com/p/Esto-Country-Store-Cafe-100063457096069/ Pollen8 (Cafe Appalachia) - https://pollen8wv.org https://cafeappalachia.org   

It's a Rocky Mountain High with the monthly Economic Recovery Corps Fellows "Spin and Chat!" In this episode, Neil and Will sit down with ERC Fellow Sasha Nelson and Hosts John Bristol with the Routt County Economic Development Partnership and Christine Rambo with the Northwest Colorado Development Council.  As a region that has a history of coal production, there's no surprise they speak about the similarities with their region and region's in Appalachia that are going  through a just transition from coal.  Take a listen as they describe the power of regionalization in their area and economic development in general.  The Hosts organizations have a unique partnership working toward common goals and "sharing" Sasha to build upon their goals.  You might even hear Will's first roller coaster ride (without supervision) and Neil's thoughts on asteroids.  Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz of the week: Long's Pic Pac! Routt County Economic Development Partnership - https://rcedp.org  Northwest Colorado Development Council - www.northwestcolorado.org  Sasha Nelson - https://economicrecoverycorps.org/fellow-information/sasha-nelson/  App News: ARC Annual Conference 2024 - www.arc.gov/event/arc-2024-annual-conference/  EKU Appalachian Studies: "Students for Appalachia" - www.easternprogress.com/news/breaking-appalachian-stereotypes-students-for-appalachia/article_a2461810-6557-11ef-8d8e-2bd2e9260b73.html  Appalachian Collegiate Research Initiative - www.arc.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ACRI-Map.png  SOAR Annual Summit - https://soar-ky.org/soar-summit24/  #AppBiz: Long's Pic Pac - www.publicnewsservice.org/2024-08-28/energy-policy/what-an-extra-15-000-a-year-means-for-a-rural-kentucky-grocer/a92087-1  Extra: Fireball over Appalachia - www.aol.com/news/very-bright-fireball-lights-appalachia-204634190.html  King's Island - www.visitkingsisland.com  Rocky Mountain Oysters - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocky_Mountain_oysters 

It's National Recovery Month! In this episode, Neil and Will sit down with Dr. Daniel Moore and Sarah Laurel, two experts on chronic hepatitis C (HCV) and the link to injection drug use.  While not from the region, they speak specifically about the health effects of this in Appalachia.  Leading into National Recovery Month in September, the numbers of this disease are staggering.  Approximately 2.4 million Americans are living with HCV, with cases more than doubling over the past ten years with the opioid epidemic exacerbating the rise. Today, it is estimated that 50% of people who inject drugs are also living with HCV.  Hear Dr. Moore and Sarah speak on the importance of education and outreach as approximately 40% of people living with it are totally unaware they have it.  Take a listen as they advocate for interventions and the possibility of elimination...does that mean there is a cure?  Listen and find out!  You might even hear Neil's jealousy as it pertains to a another brother duo from the "big city."  Also, don't forget about the #AppBiz(s) of the week: Reintegrate Appalachia; and Dirty Girl Coffee! Savage Sisters Recovery - www.savagesisters.org  App News: The "Scruffy Little City" of Knoxville, TN - www.cnn.com/travel/knoxville-tennessee-best-towns-america/index.html  Hydrogen Hub Opening - www.ideastream.org/environment-energy/2024-08-26/appalachian-hydrogen-hub-opens-some-question-if-it-will-bring-clean-energy  Healing Appalachia - https://healingappalachia.org AppBiz: Reintegrate Appalachia - www.reintegrateappalachia.org Dirty Girl Coffee - www.dirtygirlcoffee.com 

It's the most wonderful time of the year...it's football time in the Mountains!  You can smell it in the air! In our annual kickoff to football episode, Neil and Will sit down with an icon in High School Mountain Football lore - Coach John Hines.  In a turn of events of the past year, Coach Hines left a storied tradition he built in one small community in Appalachia to now lead another mountain community - in hopes they to can make it to the "promise land" of Kroger Field (or Commonwealth Stadium as some would say)!  He'll explain why the change of scenery and what gives him motivation to keep coaching.  He'll share with the guys the significance of sport on small town communities and how it just hits a little different in Appalachia.  Take a listen as he goes into his own career and how, if given the chance, he would still be playing the game he still most passionately loves.  If you're a fan of football, or just small town community in general, he speaks to the heart of all Appalachians - and wears "a big hat."  You might even hear Neil explain why one person may be the reason for an entire sport to be "cancelled."  Also, don't forget the #AppBiz of the week: Martin's (Truck Parts/Peterbilt)!   Oh yeah - don't forget to pick up the DVD!! Coach John Hines/SL Touchdown Club - www.sltouchdownclub.com  Coach John Hines DVD: www.championshipproductions.com/cgi-bin/champ/p/Football/Johnny-Hines-Building-a-Championship-3-4-Defense-for-High-School-Football_FD-04681.html  App News: ACC The Green Bank for Rural America - https://greenbankforruralamerica.org  Jean Hall Passing - https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/betty-jean-hall-advocate-paved-women-enter-coal-112963910  ARC ARISE (Tourism) - www.arc.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2024.08-ARISE-Project-Snapshot-WVU.pdf  ARC ARISE (Aviation) - www.arc.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024.07-ARISE-Project-Snapshot-Ohio-University.pdf  www.perrytribune.com/news/ohio-university-s-voinovich-school-gets-funding-for-aviation-upgrade-in-appalachian-counties/article_df8e65fa-598c-11ef-943e-3b9626e2f06e.html  Absenteeism in Appalachia KY - www.bgdailynews.com/news/educating-kentucky-what-happens-when-kids-stop-coming-toschool/article_43b0212c-5ade5b29afb2d445bbf49748.htmlutm_source=bgdailynews.com&utm_campaign=%2Fnewsletters%2Fheadlines%2F%3Fdc%3D1723726863&utm_medium=email&utm_content=read%20more     #AppBiz: Martin's Truck Parts/Peterbilt - www.martinspeterbilt.com   

In this episode - it's totally different! (Sorry for the hiatus last week - a bit of a reprieve for the end of summer) This episode is not like the others...Neil and Will get the tables turned and become the interviewees.  Mick flips the script and allows the listeners to get to know Neil and Will a little better and see how they think in general, and about each other.  Being on the other side of the mic isn't always easy, but take a listen as Neil and Will get personal and describe the importance of place on the decisions in their life.   It's still the same Neil and Will though...you can take the guys out of Appalachia, but, you know the rest.   Stay tuned for part 2!!