Mountain Talk WMMT/Appalshop

Our region is notorious for our long standing tradition of telling stories, whether they be fiction or based on our own lives and experiences. And we at WMMT and Appalshop are big on making sure these oral histories are recorded, archived, shared and kept alive for the future generations to listen and learn from. This week’s Mountain Talk features a full length CD created by Alda Smith of South Carolina. The CD blends together the stories of his grandfather, Shelah Laws, with the music he loved to sing. The collection is titled Memories and Melodies of Appalachia: Shelah Lafayette Laws. Tune in to jump back to 1965 and hear this piece of Appalachian history.

In this two-part episode, Lloyd Tomlinson from the West Virginia Mine Museum in Matewan gives context surrounding the company towns in West Virginia at the time of the Wine Wars and how racism and classism played a role in the camps. Then, Doris Fields (aka Lady D, West Virginia's First Lady of Soul) gives insight into her own experience in a Black coal mining family.

Join us today on Mountain Talk for a Valentine's Day special. Come along with WMMT's Téa Wimer as we explore three different mountain love stories for this annual Valentine's-themed episode. First, we'll talk with Cara Ellis, president of Pikeville Pride, who touches on loving and feeling loved amidst chronic illness and learning how to listen. Next, we'll talk with Honey May, who lives in Alum Creek, WV and called in from the West Virginia state Capitol to discuss what it takes to make a loving marriage last. Our third interview is a couple very familiar to WMMT's listeners already! We spoke with Warren and Renee Collins Cobb,producers and hosts of Overtones LIVE. They initially met and dated when they were teenagers, but didn't fall in love and get married until over 30 years later. Together, we'll be exploring topics such as feeling cared for in our communities, compromise, therapy, and more than anything-- each subject believes passionately in "learning to be alone" before falling in love.

As plans are being discussed for new energy in Virginia, Central Appalachians from the Southwest corner of the state want to ensure that they have autonomy and authority when it comes to the industries that will define their region. Small modular (nuclear) reactors are a popular topic of conversation for politicians outside of SWVA, but grassroots non-affiliate organizers and environmental non-profits have joined together to ensure the people know just what these SM(n)Rs may entail for our future. The bulk of these recordings are from a town hall meeting held on October 25 of 2023 in Norton, VA. Other interviews have been conducted during the listening sessions happening almost daily presently in SWVA.

February is Black History Month and Eastern Kentucky is ready to celebrate! On Friday, February 2nd, a Black History reading took place at Read Spotted Newt in Hazard, KY. People gathered to see friends old and new, have some snacks, and share the work of our favorite black authors. The readings included some from classic historical poets such as Gwendolyn Brooks, local artists like Emily Jones Hudson, and even some original work by Dee Parker! Tune in to enjoy some poetry and learn about these talented artists.

Healthcare in Appalachia can be hard to navigate. With a lack of resources and transportation, many people rely on affordable healthcare options such as ARH and MCHC to receive care.
An upcoming potential change in policy could result in a rise in private medical facilities within Eastern Kentucky. Appalshop's Madison Buchanan spoke with Dalton Hatfield, Director of External Affairs at ARH, to discuss what this change could mean and how it may affect our communities.