PODCAST · society
Appalachian Firesides
by T.J. Hensley
Welcome to the Holler. There's a lot that has been said about Appalachia, and the people who call it home. What we want to do through this podcast is to amplify voices, and talk about important issues that are affecting folks' lives. Listen in as T.J. and his contingent of eccentric guests offer their thoughts on everything from politics and history, to film, literature, and probably quite a bit of country music. Sit back, relax, pour yourself a nice, scolding cup of Eight O'Clock Coffee, and enjoy the show!i** My views are my own **
Episodes
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72. School Choice? (with special guest Jason Bailey)
If you live in Kentucky, you've probably heard an earful about Amendment 2, certainly over the last month or so. This week I'm joined by returning friend of the podcast, Jason Bailey, Executive Director of the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy, and we discuss what Amendment 2 is, why it's bad…
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71. The Ultimate Appalachian Podcaster Crossover (with special guests Chuck Corra and "Big" John Isner)
The title says it all. It was such a treat and a honor to be joined by Chuck Corra and "Big" John Isner, co-hosts of the Appodlachia Podcast--we don't believe in monarchy in this holler, but these guys are royalty in my book. Although we are forced to discuss JD Vance, we do so with all of the...
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70. Over in Gloryland (with special guest Zack Hall)
Election year is in full swing across the state and across the country. In that spirit, I had a wonderful conversation with Zack Hall. Zack is the Democratic nominee for the 84th District of the Kentucky House of Representatives. We chat about the deep roots he has in eastern Kentucky, how he got...
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69. Prince John Economics (with special guest Jason Bailey)
It was a treat having Jason Bailey on the show. Jason is the Executive Director of the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy, a nonpartisan, nonprofit group that analyzes and reports on economic conditions in Kentucky. This week we discuss the Kentucky legislature and the Republican efforts to...
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68. Bad Green Tomatoes (with special guest Austyn Gaffney)
I was glad to be joined this week by Austyn Gaffney, who is an independent journalist based in Louisville. Austyn and I discuss their recent article on the downfall of AppHarvest—a name I'm sure many in Kentucky are familiar with—a green agriculture startup that promised good jobs to folks who...
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67. West Virginia's Working Class Candidate (with special guest Zach Shrewsbury)
For the season six leadoff, I'm honored to be joined by Zach Shrewsbury. Zach is a Marine Corps veteran who (as of November 9th) is the presumptive Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in West Virginia. Now that Joe Manchin is finally bowing out, now is the time for working folks in West Virginia…
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66. Marvelous Potential (with special guest Matthew Algeo)
For this season five finale, it was joy to have Matthew Algeo on the show. Matthew is a journalist and author of several books, including "All This Marvelous Potential: Robert Kennedy's 1968 Tour of Appalachia". Matthew and I discussed the inspiration behind his book, the details and motivation…
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65. Let it Shine (with special guest Kim Reeder)
Today's episode is not just a tribute to the wonderful Disney movie "Let It Shine" (which everyone should see at least once in their life), but it's a tribute my guest today, to the wonderful Kim Reeder. Kim is the Democratic nominee for Kentucky State Auditor (if you didn't know that was even an...
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64. Going Green (with special guest Dylan Parsons)
Today, I sit down for a conversation with Dylan Parsons, Vice Chair of the West Virginia Mountain Party, the West Virginia affiliate of the Green Party. He and I discuss the obstacles to progressive politics finding a *real* home in the Democratic Party. We also discuss how the Mountain Party…
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63. Sights to See and Places to Be in Appalachia: the West Virginia Environmental Council
We're trying something a little new this week for our Sights to See episode. Today, we're taking a look at the West Virginia Environmental Council (WVEC) and the work they're doing on behalf of advocating for healthy environments in the mountain state. Keep tuning in on Fridays as we begin to…
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62. The Care Economy, the Change Economy (with special guest Dustin Pugel)
We've got it all in this one: a rhetorical question, ranting about inequality, breaking down a bizarre speech by Marjorie Taylor Greene, and a great discussion with special guest Dustin Pugel, who serves as policy Director for the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy, about the need to invest in...
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61. Sights to See and Places to Be in Appalachia: Appalachian Caverns
This week, we're taking a look at the Appalachian Caverns showcaves in Blountville, Tennessee. Special thanks to listener and friend of the podcast, JD for suggesting this location (along with Backyard Terrors Dinosaur Park that we covered last week). I hope you all enjoy learning about this…
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60. SCOTUS & UPS: Gotta Listen When the Union Talks (with special guest Alexandra Bradbury)
The words of Pete Seeger never lose their power or prescience. I'm joined today by Alexandra "Al" Bradbury, who is a journalist and editor for the publication Labor Notes. Al and I discuss recent Supreme Court rulings (though one that wasn't as covered by mainstream news as others) and where…
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59. Sights to See and Places to Be in Appalachia: Backyard Terrors Dinosaur Park
This week we have a listener-submitted suggestion for our Sights to See series! Special thanks to friend of the podcast JD for suggesting Backyard Terrors Dinosaur Park, located in Bluff City, Tennessee! Tune in to hear about Appalachia's own little slice of Jurassic prehistory, and check out…
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58. Appalachian Dream (with special guest Cody Howard)
This one is a real treat. I am joined this week by my good friend, Cody Howard. Cody is a musician and recording artist based in Harlan County. He's put out some great music, and just came out with his first full length album last summer, called "Appalachian Dream". It's a wonderful album and I…
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57. FDR’s Tree Army (with special guest Jonathan Alter)
I'm so excited for y'all to hear this one. I am joined once again by noted author, columnist and returning friend of the podcast, Jonathan Alter. I last spoke to Jon about his book — my favorite book on FDR and the New Deal — "The Defining Moment: FDR's Hundred Days and the Triumph of Hope". In...
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56. Sights to See and Places to Be in Appalachia: The Asheville River Arts District
This week we're traveling to the state of North Carolina, and the beautiful city of Asheville, to the River Arts District. This vibrant neighborhood features several locations to appreciate and engage in the creative spirit which permeates throughout the Appalachian region. I hope you all enjoy...
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55. The Land of Appalachia: Past, Present & Future (with special guest Dr. Tim Griffith)
This week, I talk with Dr. Tim Griffith, who is a professor of Biology at Georgetown College and Director of Georgetown's Science Honors Program. Dr. Griffith and I discuss the geological and ecological features of central Appalachia and how those characteristics of the land makes this part of…
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54. Sights to See and Places to Be in Appalachia: Hubbard House Underground Railroad Museum
Located in Ashtabula, Ohio, this museum was converted from a house used to secretly hide and transport enslaved people from the southern states as they journeyed to escape from bondage. At a time when we must keep having conversations around the lasting legacy of slavery and the continuing...
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53. Promoting Rural Health in Appalachia and Beyond (with special guest Julia Mattingly)
I'm so glad to be joined this week by my good friend Julia Mattingly. Julia just finished her Bachelors in Rural Health and Public Policy and will soon begin her PhD program in the same field at George Washington University! Not only has Julia been researching issues related to rural health, but...
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52. Sights to See and Places to Be in Appalachia: Fuzzy Duck Coffee and CoffeeTree Books
This is one of my favorite places in the world, in one of the best towns that you'll find in Appalachia. The Fuzzy Duck Coffee Shop and CoffeeTree Books (or just the Fuzzy Duck if you prefer), is an amazing place to find good coffee, good books, and good people — just three of the many things…
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51. Appalachia in the International Arena (with special guest Dr. Gui Silva)
It wouldn't be a true season of Appalachian Firesides without some unexpected publishing delay, now would it? Thank you all so much for your grace in my not publishing last week. I think we should be on track for the rest of the season. I am so excited to bring you all this discussion I had with...
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50. Sights to See and Places to Be in Appalachia: Blue Ridge Music Center
For this first installment of our Sights to See series for season five, we're taking a look at the Blue Ridge Music Center in Galax, Virginia. Here you can learn about and experience the rich musical traditions of Appalachia! Be sure to visit their website below, and I hope you all enjoy learning...
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49. The Appalachian Prison Book Project (with special guest Lydia Welker)
Here's our lead off for season five! I am so glad to bring to you all my conversation with Lydia Welker, who volunteers as the Digital Communications Coordinator for the Appalachian Prison Book Project (APBP). Lydia and I discuss how this organization gets reading material to incarcerated folks...
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48. May Day Special: The Success and Failures of New Deal Labor Law (with special guest Professor Ahmed White)
We've made it to the Season 5 Finale! Thank you all so very much for your continued support, in however you support the show. I'll be taking a bit of a break for a few weeks as I finish up everything with College, but we'll be back on near the beginning of the summer. In recognition of today as…
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47. Sights to See and Places to Be in Appalachia: Oak Mounds
One aspect of life in Appalachia which is often overlooked is that of Indigenous history and Indigenous influences on the land and the people who now live here. That's why I wanted to highlight Oak Mounds in Clarksburg, West Virginia. When we take the time to learn about what was left behind by…
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46. Fighting for the Right to Breath (with special guest Courtney Rhoades)
Don't worry folks, I'm still kicking. After an unexpected hiatus (you'll hear all about it in the intro), we are back with our regularly scheduled programing! For today's episode, I was thrilled to be joined by Courtney Rhoades from the Appalachian Citizens Law Center based out of Whitesburg,...
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45. An Ode to the Tennessee Three
It's just me today. This episode is pretty unordinary, but as Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "This is no ordniary time". With all that has gone on in Tennessee these past couple of weeks, I wanted to discuss those matters on the podcast. I ramble a little, and might repeat myself from time to time,...
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44. Rednecks, Blair Mountain, and Appalachian Labor History (with special guest Kenzie New-Walker)
Y'all are in for such a treat. As you all can probably tell by now, I make a *big* deal about the importance of labor history to the wider story of Appalachia. I do this not only because I'm interested in this intersection of history, but because you really can't give a full and authentic image…
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43. Sights to See and Places to Be in Appalachia: Greenbrier State Park
This week, we're continuing our trend of exploring those states that, although they aren't typically associated with Appalachia, are nonetheless a part of the region. Located in Boonsboro in Maryland, Greenbrier State Park offers a lot of fun outdoor activities, and does so in a majestic and...
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42. Emerging from the Shadow of the Valley (with special guest Bobi Conn)
This week, I am so honored to be joined by celebrated Kentucky author, Bobi Conn. Bobi has written two books—her memoir, In the Shadow of the Valley and a recently published novel, A Woman in Time — and is working on publishing a third book. Bobi and I had a great discussion about her memoir, her...
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41. Sights to See and Places to Be in Appalachia: Tremblay Apiaries
This week, we're traveling to the quintessential Appalachian state: New York! I know, we don't often make that connection, but New York is still a part of the geographic, political, and cultural Appalachian community, and we appreciate all of our neighbors there, including Alan Tremblay, the…
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40. Defending the Public in Appalachia (with special guest "Big" John Isner)
If you had told me a year and a half ago that this episode would air, I would not have believed you. This week I am honored to be joined by THE Big John Isner, exemplary Appalachian, former co-host of the Appodlachia Podcast, and currently working as a no-nonsense Public Defender in West…
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39. Sights to See and Places to Be in Appalachia: the Museum of Appalachia
Surprise! I've been thinking on how I can improve the show for you all, and I had an idea. With a pretty hefty backlog of interviews left to publish, it would be at least a couple of months before I got them published, and that just will not do. And so, from now on, our full-length episodes will…
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38. Y'all Means All, Part 3: Creating an Authentic Image (with special guest Julie Rae Powers)
For our final conversation with some of the contributors of Y'all Means All, I was glad to speak with Julie Rae Powers. Julie Rae is a photographer with deep roots in Appalachia who is doing some amazing work to magnify the voices of folks who have often been left out of the conversation about…
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37. Sights to See and Places to Be in Appalachia: White Whale Book Store
Tune in this week to hear all about the White Whale Bookstore, located in the Paris of Appalachia: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I also give a preview about how the Sights to See series will be expanded upon in later episodes. I hope you all enjoy! White Whale Bookstore: https://whitewhalebookstore.com/
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36. Y'all Means All, Part 2: Plant Time with Kendall (with special guest Kendall Loyer)
I know I know, y'all are probably thinking, "Teej, what the heck, you said you would have a regular schedule from now on, what gives?". Well my friends, I also said I would cut back on coffee and go to the gym every day this year. In any case, thank you all so much for your graciousness, and I do...
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35. Outrunning the Worried Man Blues (with special guest Aaron Leonard)
I'm honored to be joined on the podcast this week by Aaron Leonard, journalist and author of several books, including The Folk Singers and the Bureau: The FBI, the Folk Artists, and Suppression of the Communist Party USA. In this book, Aaron details the careers of several prominent folks singers…
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34. Sights to See and Places to Be in Appalachia: Cathedral Caverns State Park
Welcome to the first episode of our "Sights to See and Places to Be in Appalachia" series for Season 4. On these episodes, I highlight a location in the Appalachian region that's worthy of a visit if you're from the area, if you've never been, if you want to plan a trip here or if you're ever…
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33. Y'all Means All, Part 1: Creating Space for People to Thrive (with special guest, Dr. Beck Banks)
After an unexpected and avoidable gap in publishing, we're back on track! I apologize for not putting out an episode of Sights to See last Monday, we'll be back with that series next week. For this week however, I am *so* excited to be bringing you all a conversation with Dr. Beck Banks, one of…
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32. Read Appalachia and the Power of Literature (with special guest Kendra Winchester)
We're back for Season 4! As we start this new season, I'm so excited to keep bringing you all more conversations with folks from all over Appalachia and maybe even beyond. I still want this to be a place where people are empowered to tell their own stories, and we will still be exploring all of…
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Welcome to the Holler
Here's a little taste of the antics to come!
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31. Tales from the Haunted Hollers, Part 1: Little Green Men and the Intergalactic Moonshine Ring (with special guest Drew)
Here it is, the season three finale on this very spooky Halloween night! I'm joined this week by a returning friend of the podcast, my very good friend Drew. This week, in the spirit of our Halloween season finale, Drew and I shift our conversation from the political to the paranormal. If you've...
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30. Empathy, Direct Action and other lessons from "Vicious Is My Middle Name" (with special guest Kevin Dunn)
This week, I was honored to interview Kevin Dunn, acclaimed author, scholar, documentary film-maker, activist, DIY cultural producer and Appalachian advocate. Kevin and I discussed his upcoming book, Vicious Is My Middle Name, which follows Sydney Vicious Talcott as she moves from Rochester NY to...
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29. Taking On a Broken System (with special guest Matthew Hoh)
I'm so excited to be bringing you all a conversation with another great political candidate running in Appalachia. This week, I'm honored to be joined by Matthew Hoh, who is the Green Party nominee for U.S. Senate in North Carolina. As you'll hear in the interview, Matt and his campaign have…
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28. Healthcare for All, Clean Water, and Good Jobs (with special guest Conor Halbleib)
We're just a little under a month away from Election Day here in the U.S. and for the month of October I'm really excited to be bringing y'all some great conversations with a couple of great political candidates running in Appalachia. This week, I'm joined by Conor Halbleib, who is the Democratic...
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27. Sights to See and Places to Be in Appalachia: the Booth Western Art Museum
While our journey throughout the Appalachian region may not be in person like "Jungle Cruise", it is no less exciting for me and hopefully you all feel the same! This week, we're traveling to the great state of Georgia, and shining a light on the Booth Western Art Museum. From all that I have…
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26. John Dewey, Democracy, and the Power of Ordinary People (with special guest Dr. Roger Ward)
I’m joined this week by Dr. Roger Ward, chair of the Philosophy Department at Georgetown College, and a professor whom I’ve had quite a few classes with. Dr. Ward and I discuss probably one of the most important thinkers in American history, John Dewey. We talk about him for a few reasons, but...
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25. Sights to See and Places to Be in Appalachia: Caesar's Head State Park
I guess if there's a common theme for these past few episodes of Sights to See and Places to Be, it would be this: state parks rock. As we travel to Greenville County, South Carolina, tune in to hear about the majestic scenery around Caesar's Head Park, opportunities for fishing, camping, and...
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24. The Ballad of Kentucky's Campus Organizers, Part 2: University of Kentucky (with special guests Erin Maines and Johnna Warkentine)
HAPPY LABOR DAY! We know that a three-day weekend is great, but what's most important is that we take this time to recognize that it's because of the hard work and sacrifice of workers all throughout our history that brought us not just this weekend but every weekend, not to mention minimum wage,...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to the Holler. There's a lot that has been said about Appalachia, and the people who call it home. What we want to do through this podcast is to amplify voices, and talk about important issues that are affecting folks' lives. Listen in as T.J. and his contingent of eccentric guests offer their thoughts on everything from politics and history, to film, literature, and probably quite a bit of country music. Sit back, relax, pour yourself a nice, scolding cup of Eight O'Clock Coffee, and enjoy the show!i** My views are my own **
HOSTED BY
T.J. Hensley
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Appalachian Firesides have?
Appalachian Firesides currently has 71 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Appalachian Firesides about?
Welcome to the Holler. There's a lot that has been said about Appalachia, and the people who call it home. What we want to do through this podcast is to amplify voices, and talk about important issues that are affecting folks' lives. Listen in as T.J. and his contingent of eccentric guests offer...
How often does Appalachian Firesides release new episodes?
Appalachian Firesides has 71 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Appalachian Firesides?
You can listen to Appalachian Firesides on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Appalachian Firesides?
Appalachian Firesides is created and hosted by T.J. Hensley.
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