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The Talking Appalachian Podcast

The Talking Appalachian Podcast

By: Amy D. Clark
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About this listen

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.

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

    Appalachia's Old Christmas, New Year's Traditions and Superstitions, and "Untelling"
    Dec 30 2025

    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 Co
    Jewelry from coal, river glass, and discarded books handcrafted in the central Appalachian Mountains

    Disclaimer: 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
    *Paypal to support the show: @amyclarkspain
    *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: "Steam Train" written by Elizabeth Cotten and performed by Landon Spain
    Show More Show Less
    7 mins
  • Bless Your Heart: The Journey to Understanding and Embracing Our Appalachian Voiceplaces

    Bless Your Heart: The Journey to Understanding and Embracing Our Appalachian Voiceplaces
    Dec 4 2025

    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
    *Paypal to support the show: @amyclarkspain
    *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: "Steam Train" written by Elizabeth Cotten and performed by Landon Spain
    Show More Show Less
    33 mins
  • In Conversation with Ron Rash: The Caretaker and Appalachian Narratives

    In Conversation with Ron Rash: The Caretaker and Appalachian Narratives
    Nov 26 2025

    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 Co
    Jewelry from coal, river glass, and discarded books handcrafted in the central Appalachian Mountains

    Disclaimer: 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
    *Paypal to support the show: @amyclarkspain
    *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: "Steam Train" written by Elizabeth Cotten and performed by Landon Spain
    Show More Show Less
    40 mins
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