Welcome to Get a Handle On It—the podcast where motherhood, influencing, and entrepreneurship collide. I’m your host, Lydia Jean: a mompreneur, content creator, and founder of It Girl Agency, where we’ve helped hundreds of creators secure six-figure brand deals and build thriving careers. Each week, I bring you candid conversations, actionable tips, and real stories from moms who are balancing mom life and building their brands. Together, we’ll navigate the messy, rewarding world of influenc ...
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Who was your first pop culture crush? Siri Dahl interviews friends, entertainers, comedians, actors and other folks about town to find out.
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The Avenues is a show where everybody and anybody shares their opinions on hot topics, as well as open their minds to new discussions as they have talks with each other as well as people from all avenues of life to talk about the different directions people take to achieve their end goal and things to note along the journey. So ride with us!
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Welcome to "Stories of Appalachia," the podcast where hosts Steve Gilly and Rod Mullins have been unraveling the captivating history and folklore of the Appalachian region since 2015. Join them as they guide you through mist-covered mountains and winding rivers, exploring the stories that define the heart and soul of Appalachia.
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A podcast where three friends read *all* the books, one book at a time. Join Frances, Dorian, and Rebecca as they discuss one book in depth and chat about their reading. Visit our website at onebrightbook.com Support us by buying books from our shop at https://bookshop.org/shop/OneBrightBook Find us on Twitter at @pod_bright Frances: @nonsuchbook Dorian: @ds228 Rebecca: @ofbooksandbikes Dorian blogs at https://eigermonchjungfrau.blog/ Rebecca writes a newsletter at https://readingindie.subst ...
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“Middle America” is a podcast and radio show using history, storytelling, and music to discuss the world that surrounds us. Narrated by the fictional protagonist Wendell Bauer, episodes give both true history of the Central Illinois area and fictional memoir of a resident. Locally created music complements the stories to provide further emotional impact and insight.Topics discussed by “Middle America” thus far have included Illinois abolitionists, the French origins of the Midwest, philanthr ...
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ART FOR YOUR EAR brings you stories from some of my favorite contemporary artists. When I studied Art History, the best part was, well, the gossip. I loved finding out why artists did certain things, what was going on in their personal lives, and behind-the-scenes details about other artists they knew and worked with. This podcast is exactly that ... inside-scoop stories from the artsiest people I know. You'll hear first-hand from these talented, successful, full-time artists (who also happe ...
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William McClellan Ritter didn’t just cut down trees, he built an empire. In this week’s episode, we tell his story, from Pennsylvania farm boy to head of one of the world’s largest lumber companies. He built railroads, ran coal mines, advised the U.S. war effort in World War I and once gifted $3 million to his workers. But that story also includes …
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Tragedy on the Frontier: The Corbly Family Massacre
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13:16On a quiet Sunday morning in the spring of 1782, Pastor John Corbly and his family were headed for church when he realized he’d forgotten his Bible and turned back alone to get it. That action saved his life when his family was ambushed by Indians. In this episode of the Stories podcast, Steve and Rod tell the chilling true story of the Corbly fami…
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Ana Foxxx crushed on Usher, boy bands, WWE dudes, and was a nerd in high school
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38:34Anna Foxxx is a model, an adult film star, and an absolute legend. Siri Dahl is an adult film star, content creator, powerlifter and activist known for her authentic performances, inclusive content, and strong online presence.By Siri Dahl
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For the girlies who are creatively cooked - this one’s for you. If the thought of making another reel makes you want to vomit, or you’ve been staring at your phone thinking “I literally can’t post, I’m too tired,” welcome. You’re not lazy, you’re not unmotivated… you’re probably just burnt out. And yes, it happens to everyone – myself included. In …
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Ify Nwadiwe had it bad for animated Lydia Deetz
38:03
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38:03Ify Nwadiwe is an comedian, actor, writer, filmmaker, Thot Dad™️. Siri Dahl is an adult film star, content creator, powerlifter and activist known for her authentic performances, inclusive content, and strong online presence.By Siri Dahl
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The Story of Gus McCoig, Appalachia's Little Dillinger
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22:42On this episode of the Stories podcast, we tell the dramatic tale of Gus McCoig, a Jefferson County boy who became one of East Tennessee’s most notorious Depression-era outlaws. McCoig’s story starts with his chance encounter with outlaw Clarence Bunch in a jail cell, followed by their escape and his later capture and conviction for crimes he commi…
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Tennessee’s Gilded Getaway: The Rise and Fall of the Tate Springs Hotel
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12:30Step back in time to the golden era of Appalachian luxury as we explore the rise and fall of Tate Springs, a once-famous resort in Bean Station, Tennessee. Known for its healing mineral spring, lush golf course, and elite clientele, including the Rockefellers and Fords, Tate Springs was the South's hidden gem. Discover how this jewel of East Tennes…
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Austin Archer can't stop thinking about Janine Lindemulder on the cover of Enema of the State
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42:59Austin Archer is an actor, musician, content creator and all around lovely person. Siri Dahl is an adult film star, content creator, powerlifter and activist known for her authentic performances, inclusive content, and strong online presence.By Siri Dahl
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06: The Overachiever’s Guide to Doing Less with Ashley Henson
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43:44
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43:44What happens when the girl who does it all decides to slow down? Her brain screams “Wait, this feels wrong!” Take it from Ashley Henson. She’s been there, but she’s glad she pushed through. Ashley is a former HR exec, full-time mom of five(yes, triplets included), and content creator who managed to build a platform and become a full-time influencer…
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The Thousand Mile Yoyage: The Appalachian Roots of Nashville, Tennessee
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19:39In the winter of 1779, a determined group of Appalachian settlers set out on a thousand-mile journey by river, led by Virginia surveyor John Donelson. Battling disease, starvation, ambushes, and the raw forces of nature, they pushed westward down the Holston River, into the Tennessee River, the Ohio and then up the Cumberland River, all through hos…
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Crystal can't stop thinking about Jean-Claude Van Damme's split in Time Cop (and Jim Lee's X-Men)
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36:30Crystal is a drag artist and DJ based in London, UK. As seen on RuPaul's Drag Race UK Season 1, and more recently known for successfully suing Laurence Fox for defamation. Siri Dahl is an adult film star, content creator, powerlifter and activist known for her authentic performances, inclusive content, and strong online presence. If you are in or a…
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Episode #35: O Pioneers! by Willa Cather
1:06:34
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1:06:34Welcome to One Bright Book! Join our hosts Dorian, Frances, and Rebecca as they discuss O PIONEERS! by Willa Cather, and chat about their current reading. For our next episode, we will discuss The Country of the Pointed Firs by Sarah Orne Jewett. We would love to have you read along with us, and join us for our conversation coming to you in early J…
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Land, Power and a Little Fish: The Tellico Dam Story
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14:26Today we tell the story of the battle over the Tellico Dam, the last major project of the Tennessee Valley Authority. TVA's ambitious plans for the Tellico project included not only a dam and lake but also the development of a brand-new city to be called Timberlake. However, the project faced fierce resistance from landowners who were being forced …
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05. Influencer Myths and Other Lies the Internet Told Us
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18:22Let’s bust some myths, shall we? After 10+ years in the influencer game, I’ve heard it all. Things like: “You have to post 24/7.” “You can’t grow unless you’re everywhere at once.” And honestly? That advice is exhausting. Especially for mom creators trying to juggle it all. Here’s what I wish more motherhood influencers knew: You don’t have to do e…
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The First Tennesseans: William and Lydia Bean
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13:44Nearly twenty years before Tennessee was a state, William Bean built a cabin along the Watagua River and planted roots. In this episode, we tell the story of his journey from longhunter to settler, his friendship with Daniel Boone, and his wife Lydia’s dramatic rescue from execution by Cherokee Beloved Woman Nancy Ward. It’s the story of Tennessee’…
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The Story of Isaac Cline, Appalachia's Weather Man
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14:08This week, Steve and Rod bring you the remarkable story of Isaac Cline, a Tennessee-born son of Appalachia who rose to become one of America’s most respected meteorologists. From his humble beginnings in a two-room log cabin near the Great Smoky Mountains to his fateful role during the Galveston Hurricane of 1900, Cline’s life was marked by groundb…
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First Thirst is a show about our first pop culture crushes.By Alex Steed
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04. Can You Be a Mom Influencer Without Posting Your Kids? Emily Vondy Says Yes
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54:35This week, I’m chatting with my girl Emily Vondy, and we’re getting into the messy, honest, sometimes hilarious reality of being a mom on the internet (without relying on your kids for content). Emily’s built an audience of over a million by being wildly relatable and hilarious, but she’s also chosen to stop showing her kids’ faces online. We talk …
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Episode #34: The Trees, by Percival Everett
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1:10:40Welcome to One Bright Book! Join our hosts Rebecca, Dorian, and Frances as they discuss THE TREES by Percival Everett, and chat about their current reading. For our next episode, we will discuss O PIONEERS! by Willa Cather. We would love to have you read along with us, and join us for our conversation coming to you in late April. Books mentioned: T…
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Standoff in Jefferson County: The Haunting Case of W. B. Johnson
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16:20In this episode of Stories of Appalachia, we tell the story of a shocking event in January 1927 in Jefferson County, Tennessee. That was when a prominent county businessman named W.B. Johnson turned from respected community member to notorious outlaw. This tale unfolds with a fateful meeting involving Johnson, two women, and a tragic dispute that e…
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Jellico's Darkest Day: The Explosion That Rocked Appalachia
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17:53In 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 R…
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In this episode, we tell the inspiring story of the packhorse librarians, a group of determined women who brought literacy and hope to the remote hollers of Eastern Kentucky during the Great Depression. As families struggled to survive, these brave librarians on horses (and mules) navigated rugged terrain to deliver books and educational materials …
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03. The Eve-olution: Getting to Know Our Head of Talent, Eve Hlavatovic
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38:10Tired of fighting to secure brand deals (and to get paid GOOD money for the work you put in)? Say less. Today, I’m bringing in our resident Queen of Negotiation here at ItGirl Agency, Eve, on the show to break down: How to stand on business with brands: Why lowball offers from brands don’t fly at IGA Eve’s secret to badass negotiation (and why she …
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02. The Mom Friend Era: Building Your Village with Brielle Cherie
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46:21It’s easy to feel like the only one struggling. Social media makes it seem like everyone has their perfect mom group chat, their family down the street, their village locked in. But the reality? So many of us are still out here trying to find our people. That’s why I’m sitting down with my friend Brielle Cherie, who went from being a young mom with…
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01. Handle With Care: Balancing Motherhood, Business, and 6-Figure Brand Deals
14:47
14:47
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14:47Get a Handle On It is HERE! In this first episode, I’m your host, Lydia Jean, and I’m spilling the tea on why I started this podcast, what to expect, and my journey as a mompreneur and founder of It Girl Agency. We’re talking: Building community in a gatekeep-y industry Juggling motherhood, business, and influencing The struggles, wins, and behind-…
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The Strange Disappearance of Polly Feltner
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10:35
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10:35In this episode, we tell the strange tale of Polly Feltner, a young woman from Hyden, Kentucky, who vanished in 1897 under mysterious circumstances. What began as a search for a missing person quickly escalated into charges of murder, a frenzy of suspicion and mob justice, targeting an innocent man. As tensions rose and a near-lynching unfolded, th…
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This is going to have to be part one of many, because New York based Mexican sculptor Raul De Lara has way too many good stories ... Pepe the carpenter ghost, for example!By Danielle Krysa
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The Dunkards of Appalachia: A Story of Faith and Survival
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16:11In 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 of Virginia. Join us as we tell the story of this fascinating religious community, their unique beliefs, and the challenges one family of Dunkards fa…
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Episode #33: We Do Not Part, by Han Kang
1:16:50
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1:16:50Welcome to One Bright Book! Join our hosts Frances, Dorian, and Rebecca as they discuss WE DO NOT PART by Han Kang, translated from the Korean by e. yaewon and Paige Aniyah Morris, and chat about their current reading. For our next episode, we will discuss The Trees by Percival Everett. We would love to have you read along with us, and join us for …
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Whiskey, Dynamite and Faith: An Appalachian Preacher's Fiery Battle
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13:36In 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 about Rickman's fervent battle against alcohol in that Appalachian coal mining community. Rickman’s tireless efforts resulted in Pocahontas becoming a …
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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 took a stand against British forces at Kings Mountain, on the South Carolina/North Carolina border. Their bravery in that decisive battle was instrumental…
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Ballads from the Mountains: The Life and Legacy of Jean Ritchie
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19:24Today 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-…
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Welcome to Get a Handle On It—the podcast where motherhood, influencing, and entrepreneurship collide. I’m your host, Lydia Jean: a mompreneur, content creator, and founder of It Girl Agency, where we’ve helped hundreds of creators secure six-figure brand deals and build thriving careers. Each week, I bring you candid conversations, actionable tips…
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Revenge on the Frontier: The Tragic Tale of Old Tassel and the Kirk Family Massacre
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18:18Old 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 to forge treaties and maintain peace and harmony between the two groups, the rise of tensions ultimately led to tragedy for both. The killing of the Ki…
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Episode #32: Mobility, by Lydia Kiesling
1:13:58
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1:13:58Welcome to One Bright Book! Join our hosts Dorian, Frances, and Rebecca as they discuss MOBILITY by Lydia Kiesling, and chat about their current reading. For our next episode, we will discuss WE DO NOT PART by Han Kang, translated from the Korean by E. Yaewon and Paige Aniyah Morris. We would love to have you read along with us, and join us for our…
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Ale 8 One, Appalachia's Homegrown Soda Legacy
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15:16Discover 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 A…
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Feud and Fury: The Dark Legacy of Bad Tom Smith
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27:30By 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 regularly in trouble, until he crossed paths with two powerful rivals, Joseph C. Eversole and B. F. French, an encounter that would shape his life. Be sure to…
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Chief Nimrod Jarrett Smith: How One Cherokee Leader Changed History
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13:37Nimrod 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 dedication to his people during a time of immense change and challenge. As principal chief of the Eastern Band, he guided them to self-government on West…
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Philippi, West Virginia- The First Land Battle of the Civil War
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13:54At the beginning of the Civil War, the small Appalachian town of Philippi, Virginia, now West Virginia, became the site of the first organized land action of the conflict as the Union made a move into Confederate territory. Despite its strategic importance, the battle is sometimes humorously referred to as the "Philippi Races" due to the swift retr…
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Bloody Harlan: W. B. Jones and the Battle of Evarts
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16:59In the late 1920s and early 30s, the coal fields of Harlan County, Kentucky, became the backdrop for one of the darkest chapters in labor history. Known as Bloody Harlan, this tumultuous time saw miners fighting for justice and fair treatment during a time of economic despair and corporate greed. At the heart of this struggle was William B. Jones, …
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On New Year's Eve 1959, the quiet town of Spruce Pine, North Carolina, became the stage for a teenage prank that would put the town in newspapers all around the country. Join us as we tell the story of two local teenagers armed with dynamite bought at the town’s hardware store who decided to ring in the new year with a bang—literally. Be sure to su…
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Episode #31: In Conversation with Rohan Maitzen About Our Most Anticipated Books of 2025
1:20:45
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1:20:45Welcome to One Bright Book! Join our hosts Rebecca, Frances, and Dorian as they discuss their most anticipated books of 2025 with Rohan Maitzen, English Professor at Dalhousie University, critic, and writer of the Novel Readings blog. For our next episode, we will discuss Mobility by Lydia Keisling. We would love to have you read along with us, and…
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The Frontier Trailblazer: Elisha Wallen, Longhunter
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14:25Elisha Wallen was more than just a man of the frontier—he was a trailblazer who left an mark on the region's history. Today we tell the story of this legendary long hunter, a man who traveled alongside Daniel Boone through Southwest Virginia and into Eastern Kentucky. From his beginnings in Prince George County, Maryland, to his adventures across t…
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Nestled in Mingo Hollow, six miles west of Middlesboro, Kentucky, the Quarter House was no ordinary saloon. Its unique position on the Tennessee state line allowed patrons to evade the law by simply stepping across a painted line on the floor. Built like a fortress with heavy railroad timbers and a log stockade, it became a notorious hotspot for ga…
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The Night of Endless Rain: The Flash Flood of 1924
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11:39On the night of June 13, 1924, what appeared to be a summer thunderstorm in Carter County, Tennessee, transformed into one of the most devastating flash floods in the state's history. Join us as we tell the harrowing story of this natural disaster. Be sure to subscribe to the Stories podcast. You’ll find us wherever you get your favorite podcasts o…
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Episode #30: Overstaying, by Ariane Koch
1:11:23
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1:11:23Welcome to One Bright Book! Join our hosts Rebecca, Dorian, and Frances as they discuss OVERSTAYING by Ariane Koch, translated from the German by Damion Searls, and chat about their current reading. For our next episode, we will welcome Rohan Maitzen to the podcast to join us in discussion about the books we are most looking forward to in the new y…
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The Deadliest Show on Earth: The Appalachian Wild West Show Shootout of 1905
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11:39In the summer of 1905, the Wild West came alive in the heart of Appalachia, complete with a saloon, a shootout, and a dramatic train attack. Join us as we tell the wild tale of Texas Bill's Wild West Show, which turned a simple sightseeing trip by their performers into a deadly encounter on the train out of Richwood, West Virginia. This was the kin…
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The Himlerville Experiment: Appalachia's Only Miner-Owned Coal Town
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12:09There 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 Himlerv…
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Ginseng 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 Storie…
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The Legend of John Henry, The Steel Drivin' Man
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12:08In 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 t…
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