Stories of Appalachia

Steve Gilly, Rod Mullins
Stories of Appalachia

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.

  1. 4D AGO

    Kentucky's Packhorse Librarians

    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 to isolated communities where access to the written word was scarce. Joining us for this story is our special guest Nicki Jacobsmeyer, author of "Kentucky's Packhorse Librarians," who shares her insights and research on this remarkable chapter of Appalachian history. Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast app to catch all our stories. You can also support our storytelling journey and access exclusive content by becoming a patron here:  https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/stories-of-appalachia--5553692/support Thanks for listening!

    23 min

  2. MAR 15

    The Strange Disappearance of Polly Feltner

    In 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, the story took a dramatic twist that no one could have anticipated.   Join us as we tell Polly's unique Appalachian story.   Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast app to catch all our stories.   You can also support our storytelling journey and access exclusive content by becoming a patron here: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/stories-of-appalachia--5553692/support Thanks for listening!

    11 min

  3. MAR 8

    The Dunkards of Appalachia: A Story of Faith and Survival

    In 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 faced while trying to create a self-sustaining life in the wilderness.   From their roots in Germany to their journey to Pennsylvania, then on to the New River in Virginia, then finally to the Cheat River in what’s now West Virginia, this family’s story is one of faith, determination, and the harsh realities of frontier life.   Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast app to catch all our stories.   You can also support our storytelling journey and access exclusive content by becoming a patron here: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/stories-of-appalachia--5553692/support Thanks for listening!

    16 min

  4. MAR 1

    Whiskey, Dynamite and Faith: An Appalachian Preacher's Fiery Battle

    In 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 dry town in 1916. However, that victory soon brought an explosive response, putting his family in grave danger.  Be sure to subscribe to catch all our stories, available on your favorite podcast app. You can also support our storytelling journey and access exclusive content by becoming a patron here: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/stories-of-appalachia--5553692/support Thanks for listening, and we'll see you next time!

    14 min

  5. FEB 22

    The Battle of Kings Mountain

    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 in securing America's independence in the Revolutionary War.    Be sure to subscribe to catch all our stories, available on your favorite podcast app. You can also support our storytelling journey and gain access to exclusive content by becoming a patron here:  https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/stories-of-appalachia--5553692/support Thanks for listening!

    19 min

  6. FEB 15

    Ballads from the Mountains: The Life and Legacy of Jean Ritchie

    Today 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-20th century.   Be sure to subscribe to the Stories podcast on your favorite app to catch all our episodes. You can also support our storytelling journey and gain access to exclusive content by becoming a patron here: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/stories-of-appalachia--5553692/support Thanks for listening!

    19 min

  7. FEB 8

    Revenge on the Frontier: The Tragic Tale of Old Tassel and the Kirk Family Massacre

    Old 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 Kirk family by Cherokee warriors led to revenge at the site of a meeting called to discuss peace.   Subscribe to the Stories podcast on your favorite app to stay up to date on all our episodes. You can also support our storytelling journey and gain access to exclusive content by becoming a patron here:    https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/stories-of-appalachia--5553692/support Thanks for listening, and we’ll see you next time!

    18 min

  8. FEB 1

    Ale 8 One, Appalachia's Homegrown Soda Legacy

    Discover 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 Ale-8 Salsa, this episode uncovers the rich heritage and ongoing legacy of Kentucky's only native soft drink.   Be sure to subscribe to catch all our stories, available on your favorite podcast app.   You can also support our storytelling journey and access exclusive content by becoming a patron here: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/stories-of-appalachia--5553692/support Thanks for listening, and we'll see you next time!

    15 min
See All (533)

4.6
out of 5
198 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Steve Gilly, Rod Mullins
  • Years Active
    2015 - 2025
  • Episodes
    533
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Steve Gilly
  • Show Website
    Stories of Appalachia

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