The Dunkards of Appalachia: A Story of Faith and Survival
In this episode, we journey back to the mid-1700s to uncover the story of the Schwartzenau Brethren, also known as the Dunkards, who established one of the earliest settlements in the New River Valley...
8 Mar 202516min
Whiskey, Dynamite and Faith: An Appalachian Preacher's Fiery Battle
In this episode of the podcast, we tell the story of Reverend William Riley Rickman, a steadfast preacher who took on the liquor industry in Pocahontas, Virginia. Join Steve and Rod as they tell you a...
1 Mar 202513min
The Battle of Kings Mountain
Today, we tell the remarkable story of the Overmountain men, Appalachian frontiersmen from the far western parts of North Carolina and Virginia. As tensions escalated in the South, these settlers too...
22 Feb 202518min
Ballads from the Mountains: The Life and Legacy of Jean Ritchie
Today 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...
15 Feb 202519min
Revenge on the Frontier: The Tragic Tale of Old Tassel and the Kirk Family Massacre
Old Tassel, a prominent figure among the Overhill Cherokee, was a staunch advocate for peace during a period of conflict between them and the settlers moving into East Tennessee. Despite his efforts t...
8 Feb 202518min
Ale 8 One, Appalachia's Homegrown Soda Legacy
Discover 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...
1 Feb 202515min
Feud and Fury: The Dark Legacy of Bad Tom Smith
By request of one of our listeners, this week we tell the story of Bad Tom Smith, a notorious figure at the very heart of the French-Eversole feud in Kentucky. As he grew up an orphan, he was regularl...
25 Jan 202527min
Chief Nimrod Jarrett Smith: How One Cherokee Leader Changed History
Nimrod Jarrett Smith, born in 1832 near Murphy, North Carolina, was a member of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee who played a crucial role in shaping the tribe’s future. His life was marked by his ded...
18 Jan 202513min
