Here it is y'all, the final installment of season two. I think that I've grown and improved quite a bit over the last year since I started the podcast; I hope that it's been an enjoyable experience for you all, and I hope that I've done my part in authentically showing y'all what Appalachia is like, in all of its complexity and beauty. I know that I still have room to improve, but I can't thank y'all enough for the support you've given me, and I'm looking forward to the rest of the journey ahead. I'm joined this week by Dr. Ron Roach, who is the head of the Appalachian Studies Department at East Tennessee State University. Dr. Roach and I had a wonderful conversation about the origins of Appalachian studies dating all the way back to the 1800s, and we discuss how the practice of studying Appalachia can be used to address stereotypes and misconceptions about the region, and how studying Appalachia can help to improve the quality of life for the folks who live here; I hope y'all enjoy this episode! As you'll hear, I'll be stepping back from the podcast for a bit to study and prepare for the LSAT (I greatly appreciate your all's prayers and well-wishes in that!), but I'll be be back in a month or so with a whole bunch of new content for y'all. Until next time, friends. Y'all be good now!
