Appalachian Livin'

Brad Davis and Caitlyn Ware are responsible for the movement From Below: Rising Together for Coalfield Justice. They originally began as an immersive experience in McDowell County, WV. However, when Brad asked his congregation to help neighbors across the county line, whose water had recently been poisoned, a woman in the back laughed out loud and said, “our water has been bad for years”. This moment sent them down a path filled with water distributions and legislative sessions.Most recently, McDowell County, was featured on an episode of 60 Minutes. The original story was about “affordability” and the “birthplace of foodstamps”, but Brad negotiated with the producers to make sure that they told the story of the people. Water IS the biggest issue, because Water IS Life. If we don’t have water, we can’t eat, work or anything else. Our state government is not doing right by their people and Caitlyn is one of our biggest advocates, when it comes to legislative policy and crunching the ACTUAL numbers for these water projects that are making their way into a few bills this session. She is also aware of the bills with good ideas that have not gone anywhere during this 2026 Legislative session.This is just a couple of the things that we touched on in this 2 hour conversation about our home, the place that is worth saving, West Virginia

Paige Reiring on The Life of Mother JonesLindsay and Elise met Paige in person, for the first time, the day we filmed this episode. She brought her, aptly described, emotional support Ax. As we have expressed before, we love Mother Jones and aspire to have the same grit and charisma that she had. Paige embodies the image that mother jones portrayed in public. As Paige goes through Mother Jones’ life with us, we tend to Fan Girl over Mother Jones and how she handled thugs like Baldwin-Felts and anyone she came into contact with, friend or foe. She was revered and coined as “The Most Dangerous Woman in the World”.Goals.This was such a fun episode to record, we laughed and fantasized about what kind of woman Mother Jones really was and if she would have liked us or not. Anyways, Paige is a one of a kind woman and I am so proud that she likes us here at Appalachian Livin’. You can follow her here on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@runoutofwit

On this episode of Appalachian Livin’, we talk to Maria Gunnoe via video call. Maria is a well known as a local advocate from Boone County, West Virginia. Her family has lived in they West Virginia Mountains for generations. So, of course, she comes from a long line of coal miners. During this episode we talk about our collective experiences as local, environmental advocates in an extraction state. We talk about our love for the mountains and the choices of living here, that we all have to make. We recorded this before the holidays, so keep that in mind. Thanks os much for listening!!Maria Gunnoe’s Honors and AppearancesIn 2005, Gunnoe received the Environmental Courage Award from the West Virginia Environmental Council.[4]In 2006, Gunnoe received the Callaway Award for her organizing efforts in her southern West Virginia community.[11]In 2007, she also received the David Vs. Goliath Award from the Rainforest Action Network.[4]In 2009 Gunnoe received the Goldman Environmental Prize, which is the second time an environmentalist has been awarded a Goldman Prize for fighting coal mining operations in West Virginia. In 2003, Julia Bonds won a Goldman for opposing the controversial practice of mountaintop removal in Appalachia.[1][12]In October 2012, Gunnoe received the University of Michigan's Wallenberg Medal, and was the first person to receive the award for environmentalist work.[3][8]

The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are theri own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts. This podcast should not be considered a professional news service.The content is for entertainment and informational purposes only. Accuracy and completeness are not guaranteed. We are regular folks, having a regular conversation. We hope that you join us.This week on Appalachian Livin’, we took a break from the serious stuff and just had some, much needed, fun and laughter. We sat down with Derek Bolt, a fellow Pineville native, to swap stories and laughs about growing up in the coalfields of southern West Virginia in the 1990s. Derek shares what it was like coming from a family who were heavy into the local politics during our childhood—his dad served as a Magistrate—and how that shaped his upbringing in a small town where everybody knew everybody.True to his roots, Derek even showed up bearing gifts and brought us some authentic coal scrip he picked up from a local gem, Village Antique and Things, which sparked even more memories and laughs. We also dive into Derek’s adventures beyond the white water rapids of the Appalachian mountains, to guiding trips out in Colorado, and how those experiences shaped him. We also chatted about the similarities and the differences between the two mountain ranges. Lindsay goes into her trip out to Indiana where she met some really cool people and vendors at the farmers market in Lafayette, Indiana. Shout Out to these awesome local businesses.https://www.artwithahappyheart.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooRowtF29S_xdIFsW8L0Pk0x45u-3dzbEEh2Zl4nlbj_HRRRnCgoldgraycatherbs.comstudiogreen557.comcronebydesign.comThis episode is packed with nostalgia, humor, and a lot of good-natured storytelling—easily one of the funniest episodes we’ve had so far. We hope you join us and enjoy!! Please like, follow or leave a review, we greatly appreciate the listeners!!

Steven P New Vs. Data Center Trial attorney and legal advocate, Stephen P New, learned that a massive data center complex and an ammonia plant were approved to begin construction right by his childhood home—where his aging father still lives. Without hesitation, Steve has been preparing for the battle of a lifetime. But this battle isn’t just about political parties and permits, it's about our home and how we decide to leave it for future generations. In perfect Stephen P. New fashion, we get to hear how he plans on saving southern West Virginia from these massive pollution centers. He has discovered that the waters surrounding it is one of the last known habitats of an endangered species, giving him a powerful and unexpected legal angle.As he prepares to sue a web of corporate developers, federal agencies, and political power players, Steve confronts the emotional weight of defending the place that shaped him… and the high-stakes strategy of using environmental law to protect both his family, friends, the fragile ecosystem that we, as appalachians, have come to love and learn to respect and appreciate its power.This podcast is the first of a series where we will be following Steve's quest to hold the powerful accountable—before the land, the communities, and his father’s home are lost forever.

This week on Appalachian Livin’, we’re joined by musician Curtis Lovejoy from Wyoming County, West Virginia. Curtis has been writing songs that speak to what’s really going on in the world right now — some might call it political or protest music, but really, he’s just telling the truth.We kept calling his songs cheeky — they’ve got personality and humor — but behind every line is something real. Curtis performs a few tunes for us, including his newest release “The Scorpion and the Frog” ( you can download it here: https://www.boomplay.com/songs/218582641 ) and a powerful song called “Words,” where we talk about how language carries weight and shapes the world we live in.A little music, a little conversation, and a whole lot of Appalachian truth-telling.#ProtestMusic #TruthInSong #FolkRevival #MusicWithAMessage #SingerSongwriter #AppalachianSound #CurtisLovejoyMusic #TheScorpionOrTheToad #WordsSong #MusicForChange #AppalachianFolk #WVMusicScene #RootsMusic #AppalachianLivin #CurtisLovejoy #WestVirginiaMusic #Appalachia #Storytelling #PodcastInterview #FolkMusic #MountainVoices #AppalachianCulture #WVArtists #IndependentMusic #AppalachianStories #ListenLocal

In this episode of Appalachian Livin’, Lindsay, Elise, and Tom sit down with the Appalachian Oracle—a kindred spirit we first met on TikTok and clicked with instantly. What started as an online friendship has turned into a real-life bond built on shared values and curiosity. The Oracle is working on her dissertation about Appalachian culture, and together we chat about everything from society and people to what makes the Appalachian experience so unique. From traditions and identity to how our region ties into the bigger picture, it’s all on the table in this conversation.

McDowell County’s only been using its new water buffalo for a few months, but it’s already delivering safe drinking water where tap water isn’t. Now Wyoming County is getting its own—thanks to the United Methodist Church Disaster Fund. Pastor Brad Davis explains, step-by-step, how McDowell’s system works, how the water stays safe, and what residents can expect when Wyoming’s buffalo rolls in.

In this episode of Appalachian Livin’, we sit down with Dr. Than Hitt and Mariah Clay from West Virginia Rivers. Dr. Hitt helps put the region’s ongoing water crisis into context from a scientific perspective, breaking down the causes, challenges, and urgency behind the issue. Mariah Clay shares how pollution is affecting Appalachian communities on a daily basis, and what steps are being taken right now. This is a conversation about resilience, action, and protecting the lifeblood of our mountains—our water.

Lindsay, Elise, and Tom go through a debrief, of sorts, of recent events and there was a lot to talk about! From the recent WV DEP Informal Conference in Pineville, WV, to the impending arrival of a Water Buffalo to bring clean water to our friends and neighbors in need, this is one you're not going to want to miss.

We spoke to Derek and Laura Schell from online personal training and nutrition coaching company, Minimalist Gym, about health and wellness in Appalachia and beyond! Join us!

Join us as we talk to a close ally of ours, Pastor Caitlyn Ware. Caitlyn has been an important part in our quest to get clean water to the residents of the Coalfields of West Virginia. Caitlyn is the Co-Creator of the grass roots movement, seeking justice for the land, it's people and their stories.Here is an overview of this organization so you can follow and help in whatever capacity you are able to.About/ Mission/ VisionEducate, immerse, and activate people not native to the southern coalfields regarding coalfield issues Empower, amplify, and collaborate with local coalfield residents and organizations through a regional faith network. Testify to God’s good news for the coalfields From Below: Rising Together for Coalfield Justice aims to educate, immerse, and activate people not native to the southern coalfields regarding coalfield issues while testifying to God’s good news coming from below. We work to empower, amplify, and collaborate with local coalfield residents and organizations through a regional faith network. From Below: Rising Together for Coalfield Justice aims to educate, immerse, and activate people not native to the southern coalfields regarding coalfield issues while testifying to God’s good news coming from below. Based out of McDowell County, WV, From Below is currently engaged in organizing efforts around clean water and wastewater infrastructure in the southern WV coalfields. From Below is also working with EDGE to obtain land to develop a sustainable food system in the county and for community-based economic development. From Below is a partner of the WV Faith Collective. What We Do: Coalfield advocacy, Immersions, Book discussions, Podcasts/Livestreams, Film screenings, Preach and teach the Holler Gospel, Faith-led community organizing, Resource and collaborate with local-led projects and organizations, Build relationships across AppalachiaYou can follow them here:Facebook Group: From Below: Rising Together for Coalfield Justice X: @HollerGospel Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/200611596@N04/albums/ Webpage: https://wvfaith.org/

Matt Deal with "The Deal Break" Podcast asked us to sit down with him and talk about the poisoned water situation in Wyoming County, West Virginia and we were happy to fill him in on the "deal." It's our first podcast collaboration, so go follow "The Deal Break" and Matt Deal on every platform!

Lindsay and Elise sit down with another Mountain Momma, Crystal Good. Crystal is the creator of the black newspaper Black By God The West Virginian. https://blackbygod.org/ Listen as we discuss the treasures in these hills, especially the gold in all of us. Along with the barriers we Appalachian Women face in 2025 and how we need to look to our ancestors for answers. We anticipate that Crystal will be a recurring guest to give us the news from the black appalachian perspective.

Lindsay, Elise and Tom have a frank and honest conversation about the polluted water situation in Wyoming County, West Virginia, right where we should. Right next to Indian Creek. The Cicadas, and Tom, had plenty to say! We recently attended a meeting of folks in the area led by Zachary Shrewsbury and the Blue Feather Initiative, held in Pineville, WV, to spread knowledge and awareness of what is happening here in the County. Our cameras were there as Scientists from West Virginia Rivers passed out water testing kits and told us all what to look out for when we see strange things in our water, both in our tap, and in our creeks and rivers. Members from our community stood up and let their voices be heard, urged other citizens to do the same, and uplifted the people brave enough to speak out.

Are we divinely protected, or was it just not our time to go? Lindsay and Elise dive into past experiences that could have ended very differently. We express our realizations for the need for protective equipment in whatever sport or activity you are doing. Also, don't do drugs!

Lindsay's cousin came in from North Carolina for the night and we decided to play around with the podcast equipment. We do a little ASMR and chatting. Her daughter, Remy, makes an appearance. Then we need to end abruptly because we have to meet her mom at Sterling Drive inn, in Welch. If you know you know!!

We discuss Day 2 of our Toxic Tour of Southern WV where we went to Holly Grove Cemetery, the place where Mother Jones spoke to striking Miners before the Battle of Blair Mountain. Then we were off to Pax, WV, where there is an active Mountain Top Removal Mine, Surface Mine, or Strip Mine. This Coal has been traced as being the same Coal sitting in Curtis Bay, MD, that effects some of our tour crew who live there. We then tell our personal stories and all types of conversations in-between. We touch on a little bit of everything! Enjoy!

We took a group of organizers, college students and effected residents from various industrial complexes. We attempt to narrate the events of the weekend in order and express our perspectives and feelings of everything. It was a very powerful weekend so we need to do this one in 2 parts. This episode is the first half of the trip and where we went on the first day, Friday, April 5, 2025.

Elise, Lindsay and Tom sit down with Rusty Williams to discuss how he became the badass Appalachian Advocate that he is. Our initial intentions for this episode took a slight turn when we discovered that Tom and Rusty seem to have more in common than we had bargained for. We can't wait to have Rusty back so we can discuss so much more.

Lindsay and Elise discuss the importance of unions. Lindsay relives her experience as a coal miner's daughter, whose dad was a union miner that rallied and fought for his right to work.

This episode discusses drug use and addiction in a detailed manner. Listener discretion is advised.Everyone in Appalachia has been impacted by addiction. Every single person has been addicted, knows an addict or is related to someone who has struggled with, or succumbed to addiction.On this episode Lindsay shares her addiction story as an opening to this important topic.

Elise shares her stories with Lindsay and Tom about Larry Gibson, and how he managed to save 50 acres of Kayford Mountain, WV from being blown apart from Mountain Top Removal!Lindsay and Tom express their feelings on their trip to Kayford nearly a decade ago and how we need to go back to see how the landscape has changed.

Welcome to the first episode of Appalachian Livin'!Our hosts Lindsay Riser and Elise Keaton are joined by Tom Riser and University of Pittsburgh student Isabell Darrow for a "getting to know you" chat to kick off the podcast. Ms. Darrow contacted Lindsay and Elise and wanted to do an interview with them after they spoke to her class earlier this year. Since this visit with the class inspired this podcast, we thought it would be fitting to have Ms. Darrow be the first guest!