Shows
Stories of AppalachiaThe Lost Town of Mortimer, North CarolinaA once thriving lumber and mill town in the mountains of western North Carolina, Mortimer rose fast, becoming prosperous…until it was washed away twice in massive flooding events.
Shortly after a 1916 wildfire burned large tracts of timberland in the mountains, two hurricanes struck the area back to back, causing historic floods not seen again in the area until Helene in 2024, nearly wiping out the town.
The people of Mortimer made a comeback driven by textile work and the CCC, until a final blow came from another flood in 1940. Today little remains of Mortimer along Wil...
2025-12-2700 minStories of AppalachiaA Christmas Morning Disaster: The 1882 Millboro, Virginia Train Wreck
This week Steve and Rod tell the story of a Christmas morning that ended in heartbreak instead of celebration.
In 1882, a passenger train and a freight engine collided near Millboro, Virginia, killing six crewmen and scalding the lone surviving passenger. How this tragedy occurred, the story of the men who paid the price along with that of the injured passenger, is another one of the Stories of Appalachia.
If you enjoy our stories, be sure to subscribe so you never miss a new episode. You’ll find us on your favorite podcast app....
2025-12-2000 minStories of AppalachiaThe Long-Haired Red-Bearded Beast of Georgia: John Pemberton GatewoodJohn Pemberton Gatewood was a notorious Confederate bushwhacker/guerrilla leader.
Born in Fentress County, Tennessee, in 1844, Gatewood’s life took a dark turn after a Union attack on his family led him to abandon the Confederate army and become a guerrilla fighter. Leading his own unit in north Georgia and known as the long-haired, red-bearded beast, Gatewood was driven by his thirst for revenge after the brutal assault on his family.
John Pemberton Gatewood, a figure whose story is another one of the Stories of Appalachia.
If you like our stories, be sure to su...
2025-12-1300 minStories of AppalachiaMoonshine, Murder, and Legend: The Story of Lewis RedmondMajor Lewis Redmond’s story sounds like it comes from a 19th century dime novel. He was a Carolina moonshiner, an outlaw and, thanks to actually being in some of those dime novels after the Civil War, a folk hero.
His killing of a U. S. Marshal led to a life on the run across North and South Carolina, making Redmond a legend. Today we tell his story.
Be sure to follow the Stories of Appalachia podcast on your favorite podcast app so you never miss a tale from the mountains.
2025-12-0600 minStories of AppalachiaEmma Gatewood’s Walk in the WoodsIn 1955, at the age of 67, Emma Gatewood became the first woman to solo thru-hike the Appalachian Trail, from Springer Mountain in Georgia to the top of Mt. Katahdin in Maine. In this episode, Steve and Rod tell the story of her remarkable journey from a childhood in rural Ohio, through years of hardship and abuse, to the day this grandmother stepped onto the trail with nothing but a sack, a shower curtain, and an iron will. Her hike captured America’s attention, inspiring generations of hikers.
It’s another one of the Stories of Appalachia.
Subs...
2025-11-2900 minStories of AppalachiaGreed, Gold and Deception in Cocke County TN: The 1909 Murder of A. J. Slagle
In 1909, a Johnson City businessman named A.J. Slagle was lured by promises of buried Spanish gold hidden in a Cocke County house. What began as a desperate bid to recover from business losses ended in a murder, the body tossed into the French Broad River.
Join Steve and Rod as they tell a true story of greed, deception, and a treasure that never existed, a case that shocked East Tennessee and became another one of the Stories of Appalachia.
Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss any of our Stor...
2025-11-2200 minStories of AppalachiaThe Death of Jack Allen: The Hillsville Aftermath
Four years after the Hillsville courthouse shootout shocked Virginia, another one of the Allen brothers met a violent end. Jack Allen, brother of Floyd Allen, and once a constable in that Carroll County courtroom, was shot and killed in 1916 at a roadhouse near Mt. Airy, North Carolina. His killer, 24-year-old Will McCraw, claimed self-defense and was acquitted.
But the story doesn’t stop there.
McCraw may not have been a stranger to Jack Allen’s family and some believe he was nudged into the confrontation by men with unfinished business from Hillsville.
In...
2025-11-1516 minStories of AppalachiaThe Confederate Exodus: The Story of Ezekiel Pyles And The Confederados
After the Civil War, thousands of defeated Confederates refused to live under the Union flag. Instead, they packed up their families and headed for new lives in South America in a Confederate exodus from the United States.
One of them was Ezekiel B. Pyles, a young man from the mountains of north Georgia, who rode with General John Hunt Morgan’s raiders, fought across East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia and was captured at the Battle of Kingsport before becoming part of Jefferson Davis’ guard as he fled Richmond at the end of the Civil War.
2025-11-0800 minStories of AppalachiaThe 1925 Asheville Sessions: The Spark Before the Bang
In August 1925, two years before the famed Bristol Sessions, Ralph Peer and Okeh Records set up a temporary studio on the rooftop of Asheville’s brand-new Vanderbilt Hotel.
Over ten sweltering days, local musicians cut sixty test records, capturing the raw sounds of traditional Appalachian ballads, banjo tunes, and old songs. Though often overlooked, these Asheville sessions lit the spark that would explode two years later in Bristol, igniting the Big Bang of country music.
If you’ve not done so already, be sure to subscribe to the Stories podcast on Spreaker, Spotify, Appl...
2025-11-0100 min
Stories of AppalachiaTenth Anniversary Special: Two Tales from the Dark Side of AppalachiaThis Halloween marks 10 years of stories from Rod and Steve; to mark the holiday and our tenth anniversary, we’re going to take you deep into the dark side of Appalachia with two chilling tales from southwest Virginia. First, Steve tells the story of three strange sisters who ran girls’ schools in Murfreesboro and Christiansburg—women whispered to be linked to evil spirits and who eventually faced justice for a terrible crime. Some say their spirits still haunt the ground where their school stood in Christiansburg over a hundred years ago. Then, Rod shares the legend of two c...
2025-10-2520 minStories of AppalachiaTenth Anniversary Special: Two Tales from the Dark Side of Appalachia
This Halloween marks 10 years of stories from Rod and Steve; to mark the holiday and our tenth anniversary, we’re going to take you deep into the dark side of Appalachia with two chilling tales from southwest Virginia.
First, Steve tells the story of three strange sisters who ran girls’ schools in Murfreesboro and Christiansburg—women whispered to be linked to evil spirits and who eventually faced justice for a terrible crime. Some say their spirits still haunt the ground where their school stood in Christiansburg over a hundred years ago.
Then, Rod shares the lege...
2025-10-2522 minStories of AppalachiaTwo Men and a Plane: The Drug Smuggler Who Fell Out Of The Sky
We’ve told hundreds of stories about Appalachia, but few are as bizarre as the night a Kentucky drug smuggler named Andrew Thornton II fell to his death during a smuggling run over south Knoxville, Tennessee back in 1985. Join Steve and Rod as they tell the incredible story of a decorated police officer and practicing lawyer who led a double life as a major drug smuggler and the connections between this run and an incident with a black bear in north Georgia that would eventually inspire a well-known Hollywood movie.
Be sure to subscribe to th...
2025-10-1800 minStories of AppalachiaJellico's Darkest Day: The Explosion That Rocked AppalachiaIn this episode, we tell the harrowing story of the Jellico explosion, a catastrophic event that shook the town of Jellico, Tennessee, on September 21, 1906. What began as a normal morning quickly turned into chaos when a shipment of 11 tons of dynamite detonated, leveling the downtown area and leaving the community in ruins. Join Steve Gilly and Rod Mullins as they tell the story of Jellico’s darkest day. Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast app to catch all our stories.You can also support our storytelling journey and access exclusive content by becoming a p...
2025-03-2917 minStories of AppalachiaBallads from the Mountains: The Life and Legacy of Jean RitchieToday we tell the story of Jean Ritchie, the "Mother of Folk." Born in the small town of Viper, Kentucky, Jean captivated audiences worldwide, influencing legends like Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash along the way. Join Steve and Rod as they tell the story of her remarkable life, from her roots in the mountains to her role in the folk revival of the mid-20th century. Be sure to subscribe to the Stories podcast on your favorite app to catch all our episodes. You can also support our storytelling journey and gain access to exclusive content by...
2025-02-1519 minStories of AppalachiaAle 8 One, Appalachia's Homegrown Soda LegacyDiscover the fascinating story of Kentucky's unique soft drink, "Ale 8 One," in this episode of Stories of Appalachia. Join Steve and Rod as they tell the history of this Appalachian soda, which has been a staple in Eastern Kentucky since 1926. From its origins in northern European ginger recipes to its modern-day variations like Cherry Ale-8 and Ale-8 Salsa, this episode uncovers the rich heritage and ongoing legacy of Kentucky's only native soft drink. Be sure to subscribe to catch all our stories, available on your favorite podcast app. You can also support our storytelling journey and...
2025-02-0115 minStories of AppalachiaThe Himlerville Experiment: Appalachia's Only Miner-Owned Coal TownThere was once a coal company in Appalachia that was owned not by wealthy investors but by its employees, in a cooperative enterprise. And the houses in the company’s coal camp were owned by the miners as well, most of whom were Hungarian immigrants on the Kentucky side of Tug Fork. Join Steve and Rod as they tell the fascinating history of Himlerville, a unique coal mining town in Appalachia founded by a visionary Hungarian immigrant coal miner named Martin Himler. Discover how Himlerville's miners were not only workers but also shareholders, creating a revolutionary model for coal...
2024-11-2312 minStories of AppalachiaAppalachia's Ginseng KingGinseng is a plant with a rich history and high demand in Asia, which brought buyers to Appalachia, home to an American version of this much desired root. This week, Rod and Steve tell the story of a man who made his fortune gathering, processing and selling ginseng in the mountains of North Carolina 150 years ago. Don't miss this episode of Stories of Appalachia. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on your favorite podcast app or on our YouTube channel to catch all our stories. Thanks for listening!
2024-11-1616 minStories of AppalachiaThe Legend of John Henry, The Steel Drivin' ManIn this episode, we tell the fascinating tale of John Henry, the legendary steel-driving man of Appalachia. Join Steve and Rod as they explore the story of this American folk hero, a man of strength and determination who is said to have stood against the power of machines during the industrial revolution.From the Big Bend Tunnel in West Virginia to the comic book adaptations in the 21st century, John Henry's story is woven into the fabric of American culture. Don't miss this episode of Stories of Appalachia.Be sure to subscribe to our podcast, available...
2024-11-0912 minStories of AppalachiaWhen the Mountains Drowned: The Great Flood of 1916In this episode, we revisit the catastrophic summer of 1916, when two hurricanes unleashed unprecedented destruction on the mountains of western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee, an event with eerie similarities to the recent devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.Rod and Steve also tell you of the connection between this event and the tale of Mary the elephant, hanged in Erwin for killing her handler in Kingsport that same year. This story highlights the determination of the Appalachian people in the face of overwhelming adversity.Don't miss this compelling episode of Stories of Appalachia. Be su...
2024-10-2614 min
The Grip ShowFeat Meet Invitational 2024 (ft. Alex Guiha and Chaz Strange)This competition was hosted by Alex Guiha in Sleepy Hollow, NY. The competition was made up of the following events: Mash Monster Gripper Close, Drill Rod Reverse Steel Bend, 2 Hand Euro Pinch, Marcy 45 Hub (Max weight), and a Thomas Inch Dumbbell/Blob combo lift. The events were based more around feats of strength than the sports standard competition lifts which makes this a very unique and exciting competition to check out!
2024-10-0950 minStories of AppalachiaWings Over Appalachia: The John Paul Riddle StoryThis week we tell the story of a man from Pike County, Kentucky, who made his mark in aviation history. Join Steve Gilly and Rod Mullins as they tell the story of John Paul Riddle, from his humble beginnings in Appalachia to his pioneering contributions to aviation. His passion for flight led him to become a daredevil barnstormer, a co-founder of the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and a key figure in training pilots during World War II.Listen to the Stories podcast on Spreaker, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or on your favorite podcast app. Don't forget to subscribe for more ta...
2024-06-2916 min
Stories of AppalachiaBeneath the Lakes: The Lost Communities of Loyston and ButlerThis week on the Stories podcast, we tell the story of two Appalachian towns, Loyston and Butler, that were submerged beneath TVA lakes but refused to disappear. Join Steve Gilly and Rod Mullins as they recount the fascinating tales of these communities that were dramatically transformed by the Tennessee Valley Authority. Listen to the audio version of the Stories podcast on Spreaker, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform. Don't forget to subscribe on YouTube for more tales from the heart of Appalachia.You can also support our storytelling journey and access exclusive content by b...
2024-06-2214 min
Stories of AppalachiaGranny Dollar, The Cherokee Matriarch of Lookout MountainJoin Steve Gilly and Rod Mullins as they tell the story of Nancy Emmeline Callahan Dollar, affectionately known as Granny Dollar. This Cherokee matriarch lived on Lookout Mountain near Fort Payne, Alabama, and became a legendary figure in her community. Born in 1826, Granny Dollar's life was a rich tapestry of Cherokee heritage, history, and survival. Listen to the Stories podcast on Spreaker, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or on your favorite podcast app. Don't forget to subscribe for more tales from the heart of Appalachia.You can also support our storytelling journey and access exclusive content by becoming a...
2024-06-1512 minStories of AppalachiaThe Saltville Massacre: A Tale of Courage and CrueltyThis week on the Stories podcast, we tell of the harrowing events of the first Battle of Saltville and its tragic aftermath. Join Steve Gilly and Rod Mullins as they recount the significance of Saltville's salt mines during the Civil War, a resource as valuable as gold for preserving food. We also shed light on a lesser-known but profoundly impactful event involving the brave soldiers of the Fifth US Colored Cavalry. These newly formed African American troops, composed mainly of formerly enslaved men, faced not only the enemy but also prejudice and abuse from their own ranks. Despite t...
2024-06-0809 minStories of AppalachiaThe Mystery of the Beale TreasureIn this week’s episode of Stories of Appalachia, we tell the captivating tale of the Beale Treasure—a story that has fascinated treasure hunters and cryptographers for well over a century. Join Steve Gilly and Rod Mullins as they share the story of the mystery surrounding a massive cache of gold, silver, and jewels allegedly buried in Bedford County, Virginia, worth over $63 million today. Listen to the Stories podcast on Spreaker, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform. Don't forget to subscribe for more stories from the heart of Appalachia. You can also support our...
2024-06-0114 minStories of AppalachiaA Bristol Millionaire's Tragic End In New OrleansIn this episode of the Stories podcast, we tell a crime story involving a wealthy heir from Bristol, Tennessee/Virginia, whose life ended tragically in New Orleans. James Mahoney, a man of many talents and pursuits, found himself entangled in a web of mystery and murder that has intrigued many for decades. Join Steve Gilly and Rod Mullins as they tell the story of the bizarre case of Mahoney's murder in a French Quarter hotel room. This is a tale you won't want to miss. Listen to the Stories podcast on Spreaker, Spotify, Apple Pod...
2024-05-2513 minStories of AppalachiaA Cherokee Murder That Hastened The Trail of TearsIn this episode of Stories of Appalachia, we tell the story of the prelude to the infamous Trail of Tears—the murder that inflamed Cherokee tensions and provided the legal framework for the tragic forced relocation of the tribe from the southeast to what’s now Oklahoma. Join Rod Mullins and Steve Gilly as they unravel the complex tale of Jack Walker Jr., a Cherokee man caught in the crossfire of a nation's strife and the murky politics that led to a pivotal moment in American history. Listen to the Stories podcast on Spreaker, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your...
2024-05-1817 minStories of AppalachiaWhen The Whirlwind Came: The 1929 Tragedy at Rye Cove, VirginiaIn this episode of Stories of Appalachia, we tell the story of one of the most devastating natural disasters to strike southwest Virginia: the Rye Cove cyclone of 1929. A day that began like any other would end in tragedy as a powerful tornado tore across the community of Rye Cove, leaving death and destruction in its wake. Listen as Steve Gilly and Rod Mullins recount the terrifying moments when a monstrous F2 tornado descended upon the small community of Rye Cove, Virginia, demolishing the school and claiming the lives of 12 children and one of their teachers. Be...
2024-05-1116 minStories of AppalachiaThe Story of the Humming Bird Car: An Appalachian Innovation on Wheels!In this episode of Stories of Appalachia, we tell the remarkable tale of Talmadge Judd, a backyard innovator from Kingsport, Tennessee, whose vision and mechanical abilities led to the creation in 1945 of the Humming Bird, an automobile far ahead of its time. With no blueprints, Judd built the Humming Bird in just four months—a subcompact marvel that boasted impressive fuel efficiency and a sleek design decades ahead of its time. Join Steve Gilly and Rod Mullins as they tell another one of the Stories of Appalachia! Listen now on Spreaker, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audib...
2024-04-2714 min
Stories of AppalachiaThe Mendota Gunslinger? The Story of Texas JackToday we tell a story with echoes of the Wild West…along with a twist! We unravel the mysterious life of Jack Vermillion of Mendota, Virginia, a man who many say once walked the dusty streets of Tombstone, Arizona, alongside the legendary Earp brothers. Join hosts Steve Gilly and Rod Mullins as they journey through the tangled tales of a figure many believed to be the notorious Texas Jack Vermillion! Was the Jack Vermillion laid to rest in Mendota the same man who earned his fame in the deserts of Arizona? Subscribe and listen to th...
2024-04-2017 minStories of AppalachiaDeathwind in the Wilderness: The Lewis Wetzel StoryToday we venture into the untamed wilderness of the late 18th-century Appalachian frontier, along the Ohio River. In this episode of Stories of Appalachia, Steve and Rod unearth the life and lore of Lewis Wetzel, a man whose name is etched in the annals of history as a fearless pioneer, frontiersman, and Indian fighter. Join us on a journey through time as we trace Wetzel’s origins from uncertain beginnings to his rise as a formidable force known for his exceptional weapon skills who earned the name “Deathwind.” We’ll recount his harrowing escape from capture at just 13 years old...
2024-04-0612 min
Stories of AppalachiaAppalachian Goliath-The Tale of Tennessee's Strongest ManStep into the world of Appalachian giants with the incredible tale of Joseph Jefferson Copeland, known to all as Big Joe, the strongest man in Tennessee. In this episode of Stories of Appalachia, Steve Gilly and Rod Mullins bring to life the legend of a man whose feats of strength and size became the benchmark for tales of might in the 19th century. Join us as we explore the life of Big Joe. We'll share anecdotes that are as heartwarming as they are jaw-dropping, including a Kentucky challenger who learned the true meaning of strength—not through combat, but...
2024-03-3010 min
Stories of AppalachiaThe Punch Jones Diamond, Appalachia's Hidden GemIn this captivating episode of Stories of Appalachia, we delve into the lucky discovery that forever altered the lives of a father and son in Monroe County, West Virginia. Join Steve Gilly and Rod Mullins as they recount the day in 1928 when a simple game of horseshoes unearthed a treasure that would remain hidden in plain sight for 15 years. Hear the tale of the Punch Jones Diamond, an alluvial gem weighing a staggering 34.48 carats, and its journey from an ordinary backyard to the record books as North America's largest diamond of its kind. But riches and records aside, t...
2024-03-2313 minStories of AppalachiaAppalachian Christmas TraditionsWith Christmas fast approaching, Rod and Steve talk about the history and the folklore behind Christmas in Appalachia...You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, PlayerFM, Spreaker, Audible or on your favorite podcast app, whatever that might be.Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, y'all!
2023-12-2311 min
Stories of AppalachiaThe Flatwoods MonsterDid some Braxton County, West Virginia, kids see a UFO back in 1952? Some folks thought so, especially after locals began exhibiting strange symptoms. Today Steve and Rod tell the tale of the Flatwoods Monster, or the Phantom of Flatwoods, as it was also called. It’s another story that makes up the history of this place we call home.You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Spreaker or on your favorite podcast app.We're on Facebook, YouTube and TikTok @storiesofappalachia and on Twitter and Instagram @storyappalachia.
2023-04-0811 minStories of AppalachiaThe Bombing of the Gouge HomeOn January 7, 1938, a blast rocked the little community of Hampton, Tennessee. After the smoke cleared, the home of Harmon and Pauline Gouge was in ruins, their three daughters lay dead, and Pauline Gouge was in a coma. On this episode of the Stories podcast, Steve and Rod tell the story of this bit of Appalachian history.
2022-09-2407 min
PLANETMULLINS PODCAST-hosted by Rob MullinsJimmy Saxman Roberts from Rod Stewart Band is Rob's guest today.Jimmy Saxman Roberts is the consumate world class saxophone player.Originally from Virgina, USA he established himself in Hollywood and eventually around the world as the premiere Rock/Pop sax player when he got the gig with Rod Stewart more than 30 years ago.In this candid interview from his home studio near LA, he tells his personal story.You can reach Jimmy via his website http://jimmysaxmanroberts.comRob and Jimmy met when the famed China Club All Stars found a home in LA at Barfly on Sunset.Jimmy has released several...
2021-07-011h 05
Stories of AppalachiaGhost Stories 2020/A Look Back Over Five YearsIt's Halloween so Rod and Steve each have a bit of Appalachian folklore for you, in the form of two ghost stories. Stick around after the stories, though, because Halloween is the fifth anniversary of the podcast and we're discussing our favorite episodes over the years. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify, TuneIn, IHeart Radio and on many other podcast apps. Thanks for listening. Happy Halloween...
2020-10-3134 minStories of AppalachiaPicturemanWilliam Richardson Mullins made his living as a photographer in Eastern Kentucky and Southwest Virginia. Starting in the Great Depression, he traveled the mountains taking pictures until, eventually, he had amassed a collection of thousands of photographs that documented life in central Appalachia during the mid 20th century. He also earned the nickname "Pictureman" for his work. Today we tell his story. You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Deezer, RadioPublic, IHeart Radio, Spotify and more. Thanks for listening to our stories of Appalachian history...
2020-06-1311 min
The Massimo ShowLeigh Mullins on Business Ownership and Creating a Game-Changing AppMy real estate broker created a game-changing app! Leigh Mullins has got her head in the game from sports to investments to residential real estate and now inventing and developing an app - the "Uber of Real Estate" app, Zuhaus. Leigh's story offers inspiration and a little kick-in-the-butt for all of us as she offers insight on her journey and advice from the Wyoming girl who is making her dreams come true.
2019-12-0945 minStories of AppalachiaA Soviet Spy in AppalachiaToday, in a retelling of our very first podcast episode, Rod and Steve tell the story of a man who, during the 1930's and 40's, worked at Tennessee Eastman, Holston Defense and in Oak Ridge on the Manhattan Project. He also was a Russian asset who sold information about American weapons to his handlers. The Stories podcast is available, for free, at Apple Podcasts, RadioPublic, Stitcher, Spotify, IHeart Radio, and on most other podcast apps. Thanks for listening and sharing our stories of Appalachian history with your friends.
2019-06-2212 minStories of AppalachiaA Jailbreak in WiseBack in 1923 there was a mass jailbreak from the Wise County jail, led by a member of the Hatfield family. Today Steve and Rod tell you that story. Stories is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, RadioPublic, Spotify and a host of other podcast apps. Follow us for more bits of Appalachian history on our Facebook page @storiesofappalachia and on Twitter @storyappalachia. Thanks for the use of your ears!
2019-01-2610 minStories of AppalachiaBristol Motor SpeedwayWhat started out as a little racetrack in East Tennessee has developed over the years into a world-class sports complex, hosting NASCAR races, college football, remote area medical services, Christmas lights and a whole lot more. Today Rod and Steve tell the story of the Bristol Motor Speedway. You can subscribe to Stories at RadioPublic, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify or on any number of other podcast apps. We're on Facebook @storiesofappalachia and on Twitter @storyappalachia. Thanks for listening to our stories...
2019-01-0522 minStories of AppalachiaMerry Christmas!Rod and Steve are taking this week off to celebrate Christmas, so we're bringing you an encore Christmas episode with letters to Santa and a reading of The Night Before Christmas. Enjoy! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all y'all!
2018-12-2214 minStories of AppalachiaElsieThe city of Kingsport, Tennessee, was a planned community. Built with money from the Appalachian coalfields combined with Yankee expertise, Kingsport was laid out based on towns and cities in New England, with everything planned by the city fathers, which is why it today goes by the name "The Model City." Kingsport was chartered in 1917, but within two years those city fathers discovered that while they could plan and manage their new metropolis, they couldn't plan for the evil that existed in the hearts of men. In 1919 an assault and murder of a young girl occurred there, the first and eve...
2018-09-2909 minStories of AppalachiaThe FuneralOnce upon a time there was a man who was nearing the end of his days on this earth. This man decided he wanted to attend his own funeral while he was still in the here and now, in order to find out what his friends and neighbor had to say about him. And that's exactly what he did. Today Rod and Steve tell you his story. The Stories podcast can be found on the RadioPublic app, Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcatcher. Follow us on Facebook @storiesofappalachia and on Twitter @storyappalachia for even more tales of the...
2018-09-2209 minStories of AppalachiaJohn Fox Jr.The first popular Appalachian writer lived and wrote in his adopted hometown of Big Stone Gap. His works became the biggest selling books of his time and gave birth to the official Virginia state outdoor drama, "The Trail of the Lonesome Pine," which is performed every summer in that southwest Virginia town. Today we tell the story of John Fox Jr. Rod and I thank you for lending us your ears.
2018-08-0409 minStories of AppalachiaThe Prestonsburg School Bus TragedyWell, we are pleased to announce that this is our 200th episode of Stories! Rod and I have enjoyed telling the history of Appalachia over the last two and a half years, and look forward to many more years for the podcast. Today, we tell the story of a tragic accident that happened back in 1959 in Prestonsburg, Kentucky, when a school bus ran off the road and into the Levisa Fork. At the time, this was the deadliest bus accident in the world, and still ranks in the top 5. You can subscribe to Stories at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, the RadioPublic app...
2018-05-0509 minStories of AppalachiaThe Confederate TreasuryToday Rod brings us a story about the mystery surrounding the disappearance of the Confederate treasury after the end of the Civil War. You can subscribe to Stories on RadioPublic, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher or on your favorite podcast app. We also have more stories about Appalachia on our website, storiespodcast.net, on Twitter @storyappalachia and on Facebook @storiesofappalachia. Thanks for listening and for sharing our stories with your friends.
2018-04-2110 minStories of AppalachiaThe Legend of Headless AnnieOn this week's podcast, Rod and Steve tell a Harlan County, Kentucky, legend about Headless Annie, a parable about Bloody Harlan. You can subscribe to Stories on RadioPublic, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher or on your favorite podcast app. Like the stories we tell? Then be sure to subscribe to our blog at storiespodcast.net, follow us on Twitter @storyappalachia or like us on Facebook @storiesofappalachia for even more stories about this place we call home. Thanks for listening and sharing us with your friends.
2018-04-0708 minStories of AppalachiaGeorge Washington's Appalachian LandAfter the American Revolution, General George Washington took a trip out west to inspect land he received for his service to the country, land that was located in Appalachian Pennsylvania. And when he got there, he encountered a group of Scots-Irish squatters who had planted a small community there, without his permission. And that set the stage for a dispute. Today on Stories, Steve and Rod tell the story of George Washington's Appalachian land. Thanks for listening. You can subscribe to Stories on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Play or on your favorite podcast app. You can also find us on Fa...
2018-02-1013 minStories of AppalachiaThe Great Appalachian Earthquake of 1897Think you're safe from earthquakes in Appalachia? Think again. On May 31, 1897, the largest earthquake ever recorded in Virginia (and the second largest in the southeastern United States) struck in Giles County, causing severe damage in several Appalachian states. Today Rod and Steve tell the story of the great Appalachia earthquake. You can subscribe to Stories on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Play or on your favorite podcast app. We're on Facebook @storiesofappalachia and on Twitter @storyappalachia. Thank you for the use of your ears!
2018-02-0310 minStories of AppalachiaIra Jackson SeayOn today's episode of Stories, Steve and Rod sit back and listen as Ira Jackson Seay tells his own story of poverty, war, love, moonshining and racing. Be sure to subscribe to Stories at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Feedburner or on your favorite podcast app. Follow us on Facebook @storiesofappalachia and on Twitter @storyappalachia for more bits of Appalachian history. Thanks for listening to our stories...
2018-01-2727 minStories of AppalachiaDaniel Boone, Part ThreeRod and Steve wraps up the story of Appalachian icon Daniel Boone with a look at his last days in Missouri. You can subscribe to Stories at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Feedburner, or on the podcast app of your choice. We have more stories of the history of Appalachia on Facebook @storiesofappalachia and on Twitter @storyappalachia. Come by and follow us. Thanks for listening and sharing us with your friends!
2018-01-2011 minStories of AppalachiaDaniel Boone, Part OneExplorer, long hunter, pioneer, Appalachian icon. All these words describe America’s first national hero, Daniel Boone. Today, Steve and Rod begin telling his story in a three-part podcast series. Thanks for listening. You can subscribe to Stories at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Tune In, or on your favorite podcast app. We’re on Facebook @storiesofappalachia and Twitter @storyappalachia.
2018-01-0617 minStories of AppalachiaThe Bombing at BluefieldThe 1960's were a time of radicalism, with protests, riots, and bombings at institutions of higher learning. And the colleges in Appalachia saw their share of these things, too. There had been protests at Bluefield State College for several years, starting in the mid-60's, over the increasing ratio of white faculty and staff at Bluefield State, led by African American students of the historically black college. This all led to a bombing at the campus over the Thanksgiving break. Today Rod and Steve tell that story. If you'd like to subscribe to the podcast, you can do so at App...
2017-12-3010 min