71 episodes
Appalachian Firesides T.J. Hensley
-
- Society & Culture
Welcome to the Holler. There's a lot that has been said about Appalachia, and the people who call it home. What we want to do through this podcast is to amplify voices, and talk about important issues that are affecting folks' lives. Listen in as T.J. and his contingent of eccentric guests offer their thoughts on everything from politics and history, to film, literature, and probably quite a bit of country music. Sit back, relax, pour yourself a nice, scolding cup of Eight O'Clock Coffee, and enjoy the show!i
** My views are my own **
-
70. Over in Gloryland (with special guest Zack Hall)
Election year is in full swing across the state and across the country. In that spirit, I had a wonderful conversation with Zack Hall. Zack is the Democratic nominee for the 84th District of the Kentucky House of Representatives. We chat about the deep roots he has in eastern Kentucky, how he got started in public service, and his priorities in serving the folks of eastern Kentucky. Zack is a great person to talk to, a great candidate, and a great advocate for the mountains and the people who live there. I've included links below to follow along with Zack's campaign, and to get involved! I hope you all enjoy this one!
Zack's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/zackforky
Zack's Instagram page: @zackhall54
Zack's Twiter page: @ZackForKy -
69. Prince John Economics (with special guest Jason Bailey)
It was a treat having Jason Bailey on the show. Jason is the Executive Director of the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy, a nonpartisan, nonprofit group that analyzes and reports on economic conditions in Kentucky. This week we discuss the Kentucky legislature and the Republican efforts to implement what Jason and I call Prince John economics, not nearly as fun as Robin Hood economics, singing animals and all. I hope you all enjoy this episode, and check out the resources below to voice your opinions and concerns to your legislator here in Kentucky!
KY Center for Economic Policy website: https://kypolicy.org/
KYCEP 2024-26 Budget Report: https://kypolicy.org/the-money-is-there-kentucky-budget-preview-2024-2026/
Contact Your Legislator in KY
- State Senate: https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators/senate
- State House: https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators/house-of-representatives -
68. Bad Green Tomatoes (with special guest Austyn Gaffney)
I was glad to be joined this week by Austyn Gaffney, who is an independent journalist based in Louisville. Austyn and I discuss their recent article on the downfall of AppHarvest—a name I'm sure many in Kentucky are familiar with—a green agriculture startup that promised good jobs to folks who needed them, but who didn't deliver on those promises. At the center of Austyn's article, and our conversation, is the worker and their family, and how a good economy and a good green economy are not as separated as some may wish us to believe. I had a great time talking with Austyn, and I hope you all enjoy as well!
Austyn's Article on AppHarvest: https://grist.org/agriculture/appharvest-indoor-farming-morehead-kentucky/
Austyn's Website: https://www.austyngaffney.com/ -
67. West Virginia's Working Class Candidate (with special guest Zach Shrewsbury)
For the season six leadoff, I'm honored to be joined by Zach Shrewsbury. Zach is a Marine Corps veteran who (as of November 9th) is the presumptive Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in West Virginia. Now that Joe Manchin is finally bowing out, now is the time for working folks in West Virginia to send someone to D.C. who will *actually* fight for them. Zach and I had a great discussion about his campaign and how he will advocate for workers across West Virginia. If you all are interested in learning more about Zach's campaign, be sure to check out his website and social media accounts that I've included below. I hope you all enjoy!
Zach's Campaign Website: https://www.shrewsburyforsenate.com/
Zach's X : @zachshrewsbury
Zach's Instagram: @zachs4senate
Zach's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shrewsburyforsenate
Zach's. TikTok: @shrewsbury.for.senate -
66. Marvelous Potential (with special guest Matthew Algeo)
For this season five finale, it was joy to have Matthew Algeo on the show. Matthew is a journalist and author of several books, including "All This Marvelous Potential: Robert Kennedy's 1968 Tour of Appalachia". Matthew and I discussed the inspiration behind his book, the details and motivation of RFK's trip to the mountains, and how the challenges which face Appalachia and other communities (both now and then) can be addressed through empathy, solidarity, and compassion. I hope you all enjoy, and stay tuned for season six, coming soon!
Matthew's website: https://www.malgeo.net/ -
65. Let it Shine (with special guest Kim Reeder)
Today's episode is not just a tribute to the wonderful Disney movie "Let It Shine" (which everyone should see at least once in their life), but it's a tribute my guest today, to the wonderful Kim Reeder. Kim is the Democratic nominee for Kentucky State Auditor (if you didn't know that was even an office, don't worry, I first learned about it a year ago). Kim is a friend and mentor of mine, she's a former tax lawyer and high school teacher, and I had a great discussion with her about her life, her experience as an attorney, and what she would want to accomplish as Kentucky Auditor. I hope you all enjoy this episode, and be sure to check out the links below to learn more about Kim and her campaign.
Kim's Campaign Website: https://kimforkentucky.com/
Kim's Campaign TikTok page: https://www.tiktok.com/@kimforkentucky
Kim's Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/kimreederky/?hl=en
Kim's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/KimforKentucky