The Talking Appalachian Podcast

Amy D. Clark
  • 4.9 (34)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Talking Appalachian is a podcast about the Appalachian Mountain region's language or "voiceplaces,"  cultures, and communities. The podcast is hosted by Dr. Amy Clark,  a Professor of Communication Studies and  Director of the Center for Appalachian Studies at the University of Virginia's College at Wise. The podcast is based on her 2013 co-edited book Talking Appalachian: Voice, Identity, and Community. Her writing on Appalachia has appeared in the New York Times, Oxford American Magazine, Salon.com, on NPR, and Harvard University Press blog. She is also founder and director of the Appalachian Writing Project, which serves teachers, students, and the communities of the central Appalachian region.

  1. 2D AGO

    Crystal Wilkinson on writing to the bone, and spoken dialect as a "revolutionary act"

    What did you think of this episode? We're revisiting Season One and an episode with the legendary Crystal Wilkinson, author of Praise Song for the Kitchen Ghosts (which was published after this episode aired) and other works. Crystal discusses her journey from trying to erase her Appalachian accent to embracing it as an essential part of her identity and craft. She calls her native dialect her "mother tongue" and describes the revolutionary act of allowing her "tongue to rest in its normal state." Crystal reads several powerful poems featuring her grandparents' voices: "Black Rapunzel" about her mother's struggle with schizophrenia"The Water Witch" series: poems in her grandfather's voice about wisdom, land, and literacy"Old Tobacco": a love letter to Kentucky's tobacco heritageCrystal Wilkinson, a recent recipient of a Writing Freedom fellowship ,  is the award-winning author of  Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghosts, a national-bestselling culinary memoir, Perfect Black, a collection of poems,  and three works of fiction—The Birds of Opulence , Water Street and Blackberries, Blackberries. She is the recipient of an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Poetry, an O. Henry Prize, an Academy of American Poets Fellowship, a USA Artists Fellowship, and an Ernest J. Gaines Prize for Literary Excellence. She has received recognition from the Yaddo Foundation, Hedgebrook, The Vermont Studio Center for the Arts,  The Hermitage Foundation and others. Her short stories, poems and essays have appeared in numerous journals and anthologies including most recently in  The Atlantic, The Kenyon Review, STORY, Agni Literary Journal, Emergence, Oxford American and Southern Cultures.  She was Poet Laureate of Kentucky from 2021 to 2023. She currently teaches creative writing at the University of Kentucky where she is a Bush-Holbrook Endowed Professor and Director of the Divsion of Creative Writing. Her memoir Heartsick is forthcoming from Crown.  Ivy Attic CoJewelry from coal, river glass, and discarded books handcrafted in the central Appalachian MountainsDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show *Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and review the podcast (if you like it)! *Support the show by sharing links to episodes on social *Subscribe to support the podcast on the Facebook Talking Appalachian page, or here at our Patreon page to get bonus content: Talking Appalachian Podcast | Covering the Appalachian Region from North to South | Patreon *Follow and message me on IG, FB, YouTube: @talkingappalachian *To sponsor an episode or collaborate: talkingappalachianpodcast@gmail.com or message me at the link here or on social. Unless another artist is featured, acoustic music on most episodes: "Freight Train" written by Elizabeth Cotten and performed by Landon Spain

    49 min

  2. FEB 5

    Mamaw's Story: Hear Her Oral History in Her Own Words (Quoted in the Atlantic)

    What did you think of this episode? This episode grows out of a moment earlier this year, when my great-grandmother’s words appeared in The Atlantic in a January 6 article by Annie Joy Williams on Appalachian speech and memory. But long before her voice was quoted on a national stage, it was part of our family’s oral history, spoken in her accent and in her words. In this episode, I share more of her story. She talks about growing up on the mountain, birch sapping in the spring, and the rituals of courtin’ in a world before cars, phones, or much privacy. These are everyday memories, told plainly, the way people often tell the truth when they’re not performing for an audience. She also reflects on harder chapters: her husband’s (my Papaw's) near-fatal bout with black lung and his time on supply ships during World War II. Her memories remind us how industrial labor and global conflict reached deep into mountain homes. This episode is about what oral history gives us that written records often can’t: a sense of place and voice. It’s a reminder that Appalachian Englishes aren't meant to be “cleaned up” or corrected, but included in a living record of experience. This is the longer story behind the quote in The Atlantic. And it’s one worth hearing. *Though every effort has been made to clean up distortion, you may hear audio interference due to some disintegration of cassette tapes that are about 25 years old.* Ivy Attic CoJewelry from coal, river glass, and discarded books handcrafted in the central Appalachian MountainsDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show *Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and review the podcast (if you like it)! *Support the show by sharing links to episodes on social *Subscribe to support the podcast on the Facebook Talking Appalachian page, or here at our Patreon page to get bonus content: Talking Appalachian Podcast | Covering the Appalachian Region from North to South | Patreon *Follow and message me on IG, FB, YouTube: @talkingappalachian *To sponsor an episode or collaborate: talkingappalachianpodcast@gmail.com or message me at the link here or on social. Unless another artist is featured, acoustic music on most episodes: "Freight Train" written by Elizabeth Cotten and performed by Landon Spain

    22 min

  3. JAN 23

    Listening to Letters: Appalachian Englishes Across a Century

    What did you think of this episode? What did Appalachian English sound like before anyone could hit “record”? In this episode revisit from Season 1, I’m doing a little linguistic time travel using letters instead of audio. I take a close look at two personal letters written nearly a century apart: • one from 1862, during the Civil War, and • one from 1954, written by a woman in Lee County, Virginia On the surface, they’re just everyday letters. But read closely, they’re packed with clues about how people actually spoke. We're using a method called content analysis, which is a fancy name for paying very close attention to spelling, grammar, and word choice. Before audio recording, and before widespread formal schooling, many people wrote the way they talked. That means these letters preserve dialect features we’d otherwise never hear. So, what sticks around? What changes? And what can a pair of ordinary letters tell us about Appalachian speech across nearly 100 years? In this episode, we’ll talk about: How linguists study speech from the past without recordingsWhy “nonstandard” spelling is actually a goldmineAppalachian dialect features that show up again and againWhat language continuity tells us about place, community, and identityVoice work: Brock Davidson (Civil War Soldier) and Addison Hutchison (Lee County woman) Ivy Attic CoJewelry from coal, river glass, and discarded books handcrafted in the central Appalachian MountainsDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show *Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and review the podcast (if you like it)! *Support the show by sharing links to episodes on social *Subscribe to support the podcast on the Facebook Talking Appalachian page, or here at our Patreon page to get bonus content: Talking Appalachian Podcast | Covering the Appalachian Region from North to South | Patreon *Follow and message me on IG, FB, YouTube: @talkingappalachian *To sponsor an episode or collaborate: talkingappalachianpodcast@gmail.com or message me at the link here or on social. Unless another artist is featured, acoustic music on most episodes: "Freight Train" written by Elizabeth Cotten and performed by Landon Spain

    28 min

  4. 12/30/2025

    Appalachia's Old Christmas, New Year's Traditions and Superstitions, and "Untelling"

    What did you think of this episode? In this edited episode revisit,  we talk about Old Christmas (or "Little Christmas) that many Appalachians still celebrate on January 6th. We'll also talk about favorite New Year's foods for luck (like Hoppin' John) and how to avoid bad luck (don't do laundry or sweep.) Then we'll talking about the word "untelling," as in "It's untelling what 2026 will bring, but I hope it's all good things!" Happy Old Christmas and Happy New Year! Ivy Attic CoJewelry from coal, river glass, and discarded books handcrafted in the central Appalachian MountainsDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show *Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and review the podcast (if you like it)! *Support the show by sharing links to episodes on social *Subscribe to support the podcast on the Facebook Talking Appalachian page, or here at our Patreon page to get bonus content: Talking Appalachian Podcast | Covering the Appalachian Region from North to South | Patreon *Follow and message me on IG, FB, YouTube: @talkingappalachian *To sponsor an episode or collaborate: talkingappalachianpodcast@gmail.com or message me at the link here or on social. Unless another artist is featured, acoustic music on most episodes: "Freight Train" written by Elizabeth Cotten and performed by Landon Spain

    7 min

  5. 12/04/2025

    Bless Your Heart: The Journey to Understanding and Embracing Our Appalachian Voiceplaces

    What did you think of this episode? In this episode, I'm joined by an Appalachian artist and fourth-year UVA-Wise student Bailey Lantman who shares her journey of discovering the academic study of her regional dialect and heritage. We talk about the importance of preserving Appalachian voices, the influence of family and regional history on her identity, and the experience of embracing her dialect in various settings (including New York Fashion Week.) Bailey reads her published poem 'Bless Your Heart and Other Acts of Rebellion,' which reflects the inherent literary quality of Appalachian speech. The episode concludes with listener stories about their *voiceplaces and the impact of dialect on their lives. 00:00 Introduction and Poetry 01:49 Bailey's Appalachian Heritage 03:59 Academic Journey and Inspirations 07:06 Appalachian Identity in New York 08:24 Voice Place and Code Switching 17:13 Bailey's Poem: Bless Your Heart 27:12 Listener Responses Share your own voiceplace via audio or email at talkingappalachianpodcast@gmail.com *"Voiceplace" is a word created by Kentucky author George Ella Lyon Support the show *Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and review the podcast (if you like it)! *Support the show by sharing links to episodes on social *Subscribe to support the podcast on the Facebook Talking Appalachian page, or here at our Patreon page to get bonus content: Talking Appalachian Podcast | Covering the Appalachian Region from North to South | Patreon *Follow and message me on IG, FB, YouTube: @talkingappalachian *To sponsor an episode or collaborate: talkingappalachianpodcast@gmail.com or message me at the link here or on social. Unless another artist is featured, acoustic music on most episodes: "Freight Train" written by Elizabeth Cotten and performed by Landon Spain

    33 min

  6. 11/26/2025

    In Conversation with Ron Rash: The Caretaker and Appalachian Narratives

    What did you think of this episode? *This episode first aired in 2023* Bestselling author and Western North Carolinian Ron Rash joins the Talking Appalachian podcast to discuss his latest novel, The Caretaker. Amy explores Rash's extensive body of work, including his contributions to Talking Appalachian (the book), the significance of dialect and voice in his writing, and his fascination with cemeteries and family stories. The conversation delves into the emotional core of Rash's novels, the influence of his Appalachian upbringing, and the profound moments of human connection that shape his storytelling. 00:45 Ron Rash's Contributions and Background 01:28 Discussion on Ron Rash's Works and Achievements 03:12 Ron Rash's New Novel: The Caretaker 05:12 Exploring Themes and Characters in The Caretaker 12:17 The Role of Voice and Dialect in Writing 16:23 The Significance of Work in Fiction 20:58 Excitement for the New Book 21:35 Cemetery Stories and Family Memories 24:17 Gravestones and Their Meanings 26:25 The Corpse Bird and Superstitions 28:40 Writing About Family and Appalachia 29:59 Appalachian Culture and Personal Reflections 32:25 Memories of Tweety Railroad and Family 34:43 Poetry and Personal Loss 38:07 Final Thoughts Ivy Attic CoJewelry from coal, river glass, and discarded books handcrafted in the central Appalachian MountainsDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show *Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and review the podcast (if you like it)! *Support the show by sharing links to episodes on social *Subscribe to support the podcast on the Facebook Talking Appalachian page, or here at our Patreon page to get bonus content: Talking Appalachian Podcast | Covering the Appalachian Region from North to South | Patreon *Follow and message me on IG, FB, YouTube: @talkingappalachian *To sponsor an episode or collaborate: talkingappalachianpodcast@gmail.com or message me at the link here or on social. Unless another artist is featured, acoustic music on most episodes: "Freight Train" written by Elizabeth Cotten and performed by Landon Spain

    40 min

  7. 11/05/2025

    Homer Hickam: From Rocket Boy to Bestselling Writer

    What did you think of this episode? Renowned author of 19 books and former NASA engineer Homer Hickam sits down with me and a few students at UVA's College at Wise to talk about his journey from the coalfields of West Virginia to becoming a celebrated author and esteemed engineer. In this episode, Hickam shares his experiences writing Rocket Boys and other books, the inspiration to write both fiction and nonfiction, and his most memorable projects at NASA.  He also discusses his encounters with industry icons, the challenges and rewards of different genres, and offers practical advice to aspiring writers and engineers. Hickam recalls stories about the making of the ''October Sky'' movie and thoughts on the evolving publishing industry. Support the show *Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and review the podcast (if you like it)! *Support the show by sharing links to episodes on social *Subscribe to support the podcast on the Facebook Talking Appalachian page, or here at our Patreon page to get bonus content: Talking Appalachian Podcast | Covering the Appalachian Region from North to South | Patreon *Follow and message me on IG, FB, YouTube: @talkingappalachian *To sponsor an episode or collaborate: talkingappalachianpodcast@gmail.com or message me at the link here or on social. Unless another artist is featured, acoustic music on most episodes: "Freight Train" written by Elizabeth Cotten and performed by Landon Spain

    47 min

  8. 10/30/2025

    The Last Run: Molasses-Making in the Mountains

    What did you think of this episode? *From the Season 1 Archive* "Molassey," as that smoky, syrupy mixture is known in central Appalachia, is a dying tradition. Appalachians call the process of making molasses a 'stir-off,' and everybody in the community would come by to help or sit around the boiling pan and talk. The word 'molasses' becomes 'lasses' or 'molassey' in the local dialect, a vernacular blend resulting from English, German, and Scotch-Irish migrants who flooded the Appalachian mountains in the 18th and 19th centuries.   Molasses-making was an annual event every October in my family for years, so I'm sharing the process of a molasses 'run' from the podcast archive to talk about why we count it among our favorite memories. Dialect source: Dictionary of American Regional English Ivy Attic CoJewelry from coal, river glass, and discarded books handcrafted in the central Appalachian MountainsDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show *Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and review the podcast (if you like it)! *Support the show by sharing links to episodes on social *Subscribe to support the podcast on the Facebook Talking Appalachian page, or here at our Patreon page to get bonus content: Talking Appalachian Podcast | Covering the Appalachian Region from North to South | Patreon *Follow and message me on IG, FB, YouTube: @talkingappalachian *To sponsor an episode or collaborate: talkingappalachianpodcast@gmail.com or message me at the link here or on social. Unless another artist is featured, acoustic music on most episodes: "Freight Train" written by Elizabeth Cotten and performed by Landon Spain

    8 min
See All (73)

4.9
out of 5
34 Ratings

About

Talking Appalachian is a podcast about the Appalachian Mountain region's language or "voiceplaces,"  cultures, and communities. The podcast is hosted by Dr. Amy Clark,  a Professor of Communication Studies and  Director of the Center for Appalachian Studies at the University of Virginia's College at Wise. The podcast is based on her 2013 co-edited book Talking Appalachian: Voice, Identity, and Community. Her writing on Appalachia has appeared in the New York Times, Oxford American Magazine, Salon.com, on NPR, and Harvard University Press blog. She is also founder and director of the Appalachian Writing Project, which serves teachers, students, and the communities of the central Appalachian region.

Information

  • Creator
    Amy D. Clark
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    73
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Talking Appalachian Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Talking Appalachian Podcast

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