Best Appalachian Literature Podcasts (2025)

1
Ep. 38 | Poetry Corner: Raye Hendrix 21:50

2d ago21:50

21:50

In the latest installment of our minisode series, Poetry Corner, Kendra Winchester is joined by poet Raye Hendrix. Things Mentioned After Helene by Blue Ridge Public Radio KY Flood Resources Read Appalachia's Newsletter Books Mentioned What Good Is Heaven by Raye Hendrix Judas Goat by Gabrielle Bates Blue Yodel by Ansel Elkins The Coal Life by Adam…

1
"The Year that Made America" with Tom McMillian 56:45

3d ago56:45

56:45

The untold story of how America's declaration of independence hinged on seven critical months in 1776 and the courageous votes that changed the world forever. This gripping account reveals the precarious path to American independence through a series of pivotal dates that history has nearly forgotten. While July 4th claims the glory, the actual vot…

1
The 1929 Cyclone of Rye Cove, Virginia: Storm, Song, and Suit 19:23

10d ago19:23

19:23

What did you think of this episode? In this episode, we head back to May 2, 1929, when a deadly tornado tore through the small mountain community of Rye Cove, Virginia, claiming the lives of 12 schoolchildren and one teacher and leaving lasting scars on the region. We explore: What happened that spring afternoon in Rye Cove and the impact on the co…

1
Ep. 37 | Poetry Corner: Jim Minick 21:34

16d ago21:34

21:34

In the latest installment of our minisode series, Poetry Corner, Kendra Winchester is joined by Jim Minick. Things Mentioned After Helene by Blue Ridge Public Radio KY Flood Resources Read Appalachia Newsletter Owning It Audiobook Southern Appalachian Writers Cooperative Books Mentioned The Intimacy of Spoons by Jim Minick Blueberry Years by Jim Mi…

1
Upcoming Podcast Guests, Post-Flu Writing, and Postmodernist Literature 37:03

16d ago37:03

37:03

In this episode, Blake discusses some exciting upcoming podcast guests, a foray into a postmodern (in)famous classic, as well as his current fiction project and its most recent updates. Visit: www.charlottewood.com.au To learn more, visit: https://www.blakereichenbach.com/ Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/autho…

1
From the Highlands to the Hollers: Outlander, Scots English and Appalachian Englishes 13:58

24d ago13:58

13:58

What did you think of this episode? Outlander fans will enjoy this episode, where we trace the winding trail of language from the misty Highlands of Scotland to the shaded hollers of Appalachia. Along the way, we unpack double modals like “might could,” trace the evolution of the word highlander and outlander, and reflect on how language becomes a …

1
"Threshold to Valley Forge" with Sheilah Vance 57:03

26d ago57:03

57:03

From December 12-19, 1777, Washington's Army encamped in the towering hills of Gulph Mills, Pennsylvania, fifteen miles from Philadelphia. Known as the Threshold to Valley Forge, the Gulph Mills Encampment is often forgotten or minimized, falling as it did between the more famous military engagements of the Philadelphia Campaign and the well-known …

1
Ep. 36 | Poetry Corner: Amy Le Ann Richardson 31:13

1M ago31:13

31:13

In the latest installment of our minisode series, Poetry Corner, Kendra Winchester is joined by Amy Le Ann Richardson. Things Mentioned After Helene by Blue Ridge Public Radio Executive Order Targeting the IMLS Support Libraries with Libro.fm Books Mentioned Out of Places by Amy Le Ann Richardson Who You Grow Into by Amy Le Ann Richardson Render / …

1
Appalachian Accents and Speech Recognition Technology 16:52

1M ago16:52

16:52

What did you think of this episode? Have you ever tried text to speech with your accent, only to find your message garbled? In this episode of The Talking Appalachian Podcast, we'll explore speech technology and how AI interacts (and doesn't) with the unique accents found across America, including those in Appalachia. We discuss the 30 most misunde…

1
"A Killer at the Door" with Bruce Mowday 53:48

1M ago53:48

53:48

In summer 2023, Chester County, Pennsylvania, was shaken by the daring escape of convicted murderer Danilo Cavalcante. Cavalcante scaled a prison wall, sparking a gripping two-week manhunt. He traversed forests, farmlands, and neighborhoods, evading law enforcement and causing schools to close, businesses to shutter, and streets to empty. pcntv.com…

1
The Quiet Power of Reflection: A Conversation with Charlotte Wood 50:46

1M ago50:46

50:46

In this episode, Charlotte Wood delves into the inspirations behind her novel "Stone Yard Devotional," exploring themes of faith, nature, and personal upheaval. She discusses the challenges and revelations of writing a deeply personal story set in her Australian hometown during a time of global and personal crisis. Charlotte shares insights into he…

1
"Life, Liberty, and Death on the Appalachian Frontier" with Robert Swift 58:47

2M ago58:47

58:47

Learn about the stories of the men and women who traveled across the mountain ranges and through the valleys that made up the Appalachian region, focusing on the 18th century leading to the American Revolution and events that occurred mainly in Pennsylvania and New York. pcntv.com/donate pcntv.com/membership-signup pcntv.com…

1
Rachel Kitch, Appalachian & Thai Folklore, and... the Omegaverse 40:40

2M ago40:40

40:40

Rachel Kitch is a mixed-race Thai American speculative horror author with a love of writing unsettling, creepy books that still have a spark of light. Rachel has her Masters in Design from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelors from West Virginia University. As a generation 1.5 immigrant, Rachel loves to blend her heritage and incorporate T…

1
"The Soul of Pittsburgh" with Ed Simon 57:53

2M ago57:53

57:53

Pittsburgh contains multitudes. From the decline of the steel industry and the exodus of a vast diaspora of Pittsburghers to its reinvention as a trendy mid-sized metropolis, the ethos of the Steel City remains ever-changing. This project was financed in part by a grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Department of Community and Economic…

1
Talkin' Truth with NYT Bestselling Author of The Glass Castle Jeannette Walls 25:49

2M ago25:49

25:49

What did you think of this episode? Jeannette Walls is hailed as one of the world's most gifted storytellers, and she's been sharing her remarkable story of resilience and redemption with audience since her memoir, The Glass Castle, was published in 2005. The book chronicles her dysfunctional and nomadic upbringing, part of which took place in Welc…

1
Media Literacy, BookTok, and Other Woes for Writers in 2025 45:35

2M ago45:35

45:35

Join host Blake Reichenbach in this thought-provoking episode of the Inkwell Insights podcast, where he delves into the evolving landscape of media literacy and its impact on writers and readers in the digital age. Departing from his usual guest interviews, Blake takes center stage to discuss the significant themes from his recent blog post titled …

1
"Jazz in the Hill" with Colter Harper 53:16

2M ago53:16

53:16

From the 1920s through the 1960s, Pittsburgh's Hill District was the heart of the city's Black cultural life and home to a vibrant jazz scene. In Jazz in the Hill: Nightlife and Narratives of a Pittsburgh Neighborhood, Colter Harper looks at how jazz shaped the neighborhood and created a way of life. This project was financed in part by a grant fro…

1
The Meanings and Mystery of "Melungeon" 16:18

2M ago16:18

16:18

What did you think of this episode? In episode 50, we will talk about the word "Melungeon," its multiple meanings, and the history of a mysterious Appalachian people known as the "lost tribe" (who claim Elvis and Abraham Lincoln among their members.) Appalachian historian Dr. Brian McKnight joins me as we dive into a dark part of Virginia's history…

1
"Into the Cold Blue" with John Homan 58:26

3M ago58:26

58:26

A born daredevil, John Homan joined the Army Air Forces after the attack on Pearl Harbor. By 1944, he was co-piloting a B-24 Liberator over Nazi Germany, raining death and destruction on the enemy. The tale will leave readers staggered by the determination and grit of World War II aviators. This project was financed in part by a grant from the Comm…

1
The Word "Dadgum" and author Silas House on Defeating Accent Bullies "One Word at a Time" 10:31

3M ago10:31

10:31

What did you think of this episode? Listen to find out what word people are replacing with the euphemism "dadgum." Then, author and Kentucky Poet Laureate Silas House reads from his essay "In My Own Country," about how his parents learned to defeat those who were making fun of their accents....one word at a time. Listen to holocaust survivor Yvette…

1
Lara Tupper, Inkwell's Biggest Fanilow, on the Value of Story 49:40

3M ago49:40

49:40

Lara Tupper is the author of three books: Amphibians, a short story collection (Leapfrog Global Fiction Award winner; Leapfrog Press, 2021), Off Island, a fictional re-imagining of Paul Gauguin's travels (finalist, Housatonic Book Award; Encircle, 2020) and A Thousand and One Nights (Harcourt and Untreed Reads, 2015), an autobiographical novel abou…

1
"Them guys," Three Reasons We Will Always Talk Appalachian, and an Excerpt from Lee Smith 11:50

3M ago11:50

11:50

What did you think of this episode? You know the phrases "How do you like them apples?" and "Them's fightin' words!" We'll talk about the Scotch-Irish roots of them for these and those. Then, I'll tell you three of the top reasons why Appalachian speakers won't give up their dialects despite the risk of stigma. Then listen to an excerpt from the es…

1
Dr. V Boykin on Writing Difficult Stories 56:09

3M ago56:09

56:09

Dr. V Boykin's recent book, "Fix Your Face and Watch Your Tone," is a product of her mission to rewrite the narrative for marginalized groups in the workplace through innovative and accessible programming, enlightening one unaware mind at a time. The book is a blend of life anecdotes and extensive research, through which Dr. V offers practical solu…

1
"Here's you a piece of pizza": a common grammar pattern in the South, and Wool as a Verb 6:35

4M ago6:35

6:35

What did you think of this episode? "Here's you a piece of pizza. Where's me some silverware? There's us a table." We'll talk about this common grammar pattern and where it's spoken. Then, we'll switch to the word "wool," a word used as a verb in vernacular southern Englishes since the 19th century, as in, "The little boy is wooling that kitten." R…

1
Feast While You Can authors Mikaella Clements and Onjuli Datta on Writing 42:30

4M ago42:30

42:30

Writing may often be a solo endeavor, but Mikaella Clements and Onjuli Datta prove that writing duos can actually work. Real-life wives, Mikaella and Onjuli have created a writing routine for themselves that works, and have brilliant insights for listeners into what makes for effective collaboration and a productive writing dynamic. Mikaella Clemen…

1
The Best of 2024: Highlights Part 2 31:48

4M ago31:48

31:48

What did you think of this episode? Listen to more of the best clips from 2024's podcast episode, including: Jack Beck talking about the influence of Scots Gaelic; Jane Hicks reading from her book of poetry, The Safety of Small Things; The origins of the word "redneck,"; A conversation with Hillbilly documentary director Ashley York; Adriana Trigia…

1
Christina Lynch, Author of Pony Confidential, on Writing 37:16

4M ago37:16

37:16

Author Christina Lynch joins the Inkwell Insights podcast to discuss her new novel, "Pony Confidential," a one-of-a-kind mystery with heart and humor, and a hilariously grumpy pony must save the only human he’s ever loved after discovering she stands accused of a murder he knows she didn’t commit. Throughout the interview, we discuss how modern wri…

1
The Best of 2024: Highlight Clips from Selected Episodes 26:58

4M ago26:58

26:58

What did you think of this episode? This episode includes highlights from some of the best episodes of 2024, which include: my interview with Pulitzer-winning reporter and memoirist Rick Bragg; a study of two letters written a century apart and their dialect similarities; what I learned about an ancient Pictish language during a visit to Ireland; m…

1
The Dark Side of 50,000 Words: Examining NaNoWriMo 1:00:53

5M ago1:00:53

1:00:53

NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) began in 1999 as a simple creative challenge: write 50,000 words in November. While it started with good intentions and offers some benefits—like building community among writers and providing structure for creative projects—the initiative has significant drawbacks, especially since becoming a formal nonprof…

1
The Christmas Poke, a Hard Candy Christmas, Old Christmas, and Animals Praying at Midnight in Appalachia 20:19

5M ago20:19

20:19

What did you think of this episode? We're exploring some Appalachian Christmas traditions in this episode from The Christmas poke, or treat bag, to the term "Hard Candy Christmas," made popular in a Dolly Parton song. We'll also talk about Old Christmas, its origins, and why people still recognize January 6th as the one true Christmas Day. Support …

1
"Cradle of Conservation" with Allen Dieterich-Ward 1:00:10

5M ago1:00:10

1:00:10

From the origins of "Penn's Woods" to the controversial practice of fracking, Cradle of Conservation provides the first comprehensive study of Pennsylvania's environmental history. The story starts with forester Ralph Brock at the dawn of the conservation era and continues through the eras of energy production using coal, oil, natural gas, and othe…

1
"Never To Be Forgotten" with Jim McClure 57:12

5M ago57:12

57:12

"Never To Be Forgotten" tells the story of York County Pennsylvania residents just living their lives, building homes, raising families, making things and growing communities. The general history of this south central Pennsylvania county shows - with concise writing and more than 250 pictures - a community that is working hard at getting better - a…

1
"William Trent: Factor of Ambition" with Jason Cherry 57:11

5M ago57:11

57:11

Take a new definitive look through the eyes of a misunderstood backcountry merchant, Major William Trent, who not only overcame obstacles and suffered loss, but whose strong quill and rebellious interactions with future founding fathers Benjamin Franklin, and George Washington, ambitiously helped shape and form the future United States of America. …

1
Graveyards, Famous Houses, and an Inspirational Mailbox in the Middle of Nowhere: Sleepy Hollow to Sunset Beach 28:20

5M ago28:20

28:20

What did you think of this episode? In this places and spaces episode that starts in the northern reaches of the Appalachian plateau, we travel from quaint Sleepy Hollow, New York to the serene sands of Sunset Beach, North Carolina, uncovering stories of history, literature, and connection (in a special little mailbox) along the way. This adventure…

1
The Inevitable AI Episode: Not Everybody is Meant to Be a Writer 39:16

5M ago39:16

39:16

In this episode, I explore the evolving landscape of AI tools and their role in the creativity and publishing. In particular, I discuss this article (https://www.thebookseller.com/comment/craft-and-creativity - needs to be in the show notes) and respond to the claims of a utopia-like future of unihibited creativity that the author seems to purport …

1
Ep. 35 | Poetry Corner: Idra Novey 31:57

5M ago31:57

31:57

In the latest installment of our minisode series, Poetry Corner, Kendra Winchester is joined by Idra Novey. Books Mentioned Soon and Wholly by Idra Novey Take What You Need by Idra Novey Frank: Sonnets by Diane Seuss The Stone Catchers by Laura Leigh Morris Guest Info Idra Novey: Website | Twitter | Instagram --- Show Your Love for Read Appalachia!…

1
Lessons on Craft and Creativity from KAOS 36:48

6M ago36:48

36:48

In this episode of Inkling Insights, I dive into the Netflix series KAOS to explore valuable lessons for writers. Whether you're crafting novels, screenplays, or any form of narrative, you'll gain insights on: Worldbuilding without info-dumping: I break down how KAOS introduces its complex mythology-based world through character actions and perspec…

1
What Do We Mean by 'Directly' and 'Needs Washed'? 9:07

6M ago9:07

9:07

What did you think of this episode? This episode is about a word and a phrase that are still commonly used in the Appalachian region. First, I'll offer a little refresher on what makes up a dialect and how these words fit in. We'll talk about "directly" as in "I'll be there directly" and the phrase needs + a participle (like washed.) Who uses them …

1
Ep. 34 | Testimonies 1:21:56

6M ago1:21:56

1:21:56

In today’s episode of the podcast, Kendra Winchester talks to authors Rae Garringer and Chris Aluka Berry. Books Mentioned Country Queers: A Love Letter by Rae Garringer Affrilachia: Testimonies by. Chris Aluka Berry Salvage the Bones by Jesmyn Ward Bastard Out of Carolina by Dorothy Allison Southernmost by Silas House The Prettiest Star by Carter …

1
Mastering the Craft of Storytelling with Lisa Cron 55:55

6M ago55:55

55:55

In this episode, Blake discusses the profound impact of storytelling with guest Lisa Cron, an expert in the science and function of narrative. Lisa, author of 'Wired for Story,' 'Story Genius,' and 'Story or Die,' elaborates on the biological underpinnings of story and its influence on human behavior. This conversation underscores the necessity for…

1
"Philadelphia: A Narrative History" with Paul Kahan 51:57

6M ago51:57

51:57

Philadelphia is famous for its colonial and revolutionary buildings and artifacts, but Philadelphia existed long before the Liberty Bell was first rung, and its history extends well beyond the American Revolution.This book presents a comprehensive portrait of the city, from the region's original Lenape inhabitants to the myriad of residents in the …

1
Places and Spaces: Edgar Allen Poe's Baltimore Home and a Reading of "The Raven" 13:27

6M ago13:27

13:27

What did you think of this episode? In this "Places and Spaces" episode, we'll mark the October anniversary of Edgar Allen Poe's mysterious death with a visit to Poe's house in Baltimore and the cemetery where he is buried. Then, listen to a haunting reading of "The Raven" (with audio by Brock Davidson.) Special thanks to Brock Davidson for lending…

1
Grave Matters: Appalachian Death Lore, Burial, and Mourning Rituals 22:33

6M ago22:33

22:33

What did you think of this episode? In this chilling episode (just in time for spooky week), SWVA Museum Education Specialist Burke Greear joins me to talk about pre-funeral industry Appalachian customs and superstitions surrounding premonitions, death and burial. We'll explore the roots of terms like "death watch," "sitting up with the dead," "pal…

1
Story Genius, Part II: External Gauntlets & Internal Growth: Story Genius Part 3 Explored 44:53

7M ago44:53

44:53

In this video script, Blake Reichenbach continues his analysis of Lisa Cron's book 'Story Genius' by delving into part three, which focuses on integrating plot with protagonist development. Reichenbach discusses how Cron shifts from character backstory to present action, emphasizing the distinction between plot (sequence of events) and story (chara…

1
Appalachian Reckoning, Hillbillies, and Accents with Anthony Harkins and Meredith McCarroll 41:31

7M ago41:31

41:31

What did you think of this episode? The co-editors of Appalachian Reckoning: a Region Responds to Hillbilly Elegy and the author of Hillbilly: a Cultural History of an American Icon join me to talk about the region's literary response to J.D. Vance's book, the layered meanings of "hillbilly," and why reclaiming accent matters to so many of us. We'l…

1
Beyond Outlining: A Deep Dive into Lisa Cron's Story Genius (Part One) 40:19

7M ago40:19

40:19

In this episode of Inkling Insights, Blake Reichenbach explores key themes and methodologies from Lisa Cron's book, Story Genius. Blake discusses the evolutionary role of storytelling in human survival, debunks common writing myths, and offers practical exercises to craft compelling protagonists and meaningful narratives. This episode covers parts …

1
Appalshop: 55 Years of Telling Appalachia's Stories 35:26

7M ago35:26

35:26

What did you think of this episode? Appalshop was founded in eastern Kentucky in 1969, providing "space for Appalachians to tell their own stories in their own words." Its founding followed the War on Poverty, when Appalachia was put on display for the rest of the world in a way that cemented stereotypical thinking about the region. Since then, it …

1
Inkwell Insights: Where Creativity Meets Life 15:04

7M ago15:04

15:04

In the inaugural episode of Inkwell Insights, host Blake Reichenbach introduces the podcast focused on books, storytelling, creativity, and curiosity. Blake explains the book club format of the show, shares his personal experiences with writing and creativity, and discusses the importance of integrating creativity into everyday life. He reflects on…

1
Ep. 33 | Poetry Corner: Emilie Menzel 28:14

8M ago28:14

28:14

In the latest installment of our minisode series, Poetry Corner, Kendra Winchester is joined by Emilie Menzel. Books Mentioned The Girl Who Became a Rabbit by Emilie Menzel The Book of Frank by Caconrad Sea & Fog by Etel Adnan Whatsaid Serif by Nathaniel Mackey Grief Is the Thing with Feathers by Max Porter Guest Info Emilie Menzel: Instagram | Web…

1
Adriana Trigiani: a Bestselling Author on Books, Movies, Podcasting, and Place 25:56

8M ago25:56

25:56

What did you think of this episode? Adri and I sit down at the Library of Virginia to catch up and talk about writing, The Origin Project, her podcast (You Are What You Read), and ten years since the release of her hometown movie Big Stone Gap. Beloved by millions of readers around the world for her “dazzling” novels, (USA Today) Adriana Trigiani i…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Appalachian Literature Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen