Advertise on podcast: Appalachian Vibes Radio Show

Believe in nothing and experience everything for what it is. That's the main concept behind Joel Beverley's book, In the Absence of Belief. A book that is the antithesis to J.D. Vance's Hillbilly Elegy. Joel was raised in Eastern Kentucky in extreme poverty. His book begs the question, how can we move past the darkness of poverty and the decline of coal? Rather than accepting the narratives that have long defined Appalachia, Joel challenges us to question what we believe, what we've been told, and what might be possible if we were willing to experience this place and ourselves for what we truly are. Learn more about Joel: https://joelbeverly.com/ Find his book: https://joelbeverly.com/#get-your-copy Appalachian Vibes Radio Show from WNCW is listener nominated, you can nominate an artist by emailing Amanda at [email protected].  Appalachian Vibes Radio Show is created and produced by Amanda Bocchi, a neo soul singer-songwriter, multi instrumentalist and journalist hailing from the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia.

Mike Franke is a blues and roots singer-songwriter who has lived and made music in places all across the country, but he’s called Roanoke, Virginia home for quite some time. His song “Do You Have Any Questions” captures an incredibly intimate moment between a father and son; the moments just before his father’s passing, when his Dad asked him if there was anything he wanted to know before he died.  This episode was recorded live at 3rd Street Coffeehouse in Roanoke, VA. June, 6 2026.  Learn more about Mike Franke at https://mikefrankemusic.com/ Appalachian Vibes Radio Show from WNCW is listener nominated, you can nominate an artist by emailing Amanda at [email protected].  Appalachian Vibes Radio Show is created and produced by Amanda Bocchi, a neo soul singer-songwriter, multi instrumentalist and journalist hailing from the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia.

Bob Schmucker, is an author from Joliet, IL, but he's been in Appalachia long enough we consider him a native. Bob shares the story "A Good Friday I'll Never Forget" from the archives of his memory. Bob is the "head cheese" of 3rd Street Coffeehouse in Roanoke, VA.  Learn more about Bob Schmucker: https://tales-that-might-be-true.blogspot.com/ Appalachian Vibes Radio Show from WNCW is listener nominated, you can nominate an artist by emailing Amanda at [email protected].  Appalachian Vibes Radio Show is created and produced by Amanda Bocchi, a neo soul singer-songwriter, multi instrumentalist and journalist hailing from the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia.

Stephen Poplin is a spiritual hypnotherapist, transpersonal astrologer, author, and longtime educator exploring the deeper layers of consciousness. With roots in Virginia and degrees from Old Dominion University, Stephen has taught across the U.S. and Europe, and served as International Director of The Michael Newton Institute for Life Between Lives Hypnotherapy, and spent years in Virginia Beach giving talks at the Association for Research and Enlightenment. Appalachian Vibes Radio Show from WNCW is listener nominated, you can nominate an artist by emailing Amanda at [email protected].  Appalachian Vibes Radio Show is created and produced by Amanda Bocchi, a neo soul singer-songwriter, multi instrumentalist and journalist hailing from the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia.

Emma Jean Oakley is an alt-country and Americana artist blending the heart of ’90s country with rock and pop-punk influence. Her songwriting is earnest and heartfelt, with themes of heartbreak and personal growth. She released her debut EP, “Throw me a Bone” in October 2025.  Learn more: https://emmajeanoakley.com/ Appalachian Vibes Radio Show from WNCW is listener nominated, you can nominate an artist by emailing Amanda at [email protected].  Appalachian Vibes Radio Show is created and produced by Amanda Bocchi, a neo soul singer-songwriter, multi instrumentalist and journalist hailing from the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia.

Maggie Dillow is the founding member of the Post-apocalyptic Poets for a Pre-apocalyptic World, Her work as a writer and educator has been supported by the Tiny Spoon Residency, the National Women's History Museum, and the National Enodwment of the Humanities. She has her MFA from Hollins University and teaches in Southwest Virginia.  You can learn more about Maggie at https://maggiedillow.com/   Appalachian Vibes Radio Show from WNCW is listener nominated, you can nominate an artist by emailing Amanda at [email protected].  Appalachian Vibes Radio Show is created and produced by Amanda Bocchi, a neo soul singer-songwriter, multi instrumentalist and journalist hailing from the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia.

Catherine the Great is a project by Catherine Backus that primarily exists as a repository for her feelings. Her sad songs have drawn numerous accolades, including 1st place at the Merlefest Chris Austin Songwriting Contest, 4th place at the Rocky Mountain Folks Festival Songwriter Showcase, and finalist in the Bernard/Ebb Songwriting Awards. Over the course of her career, she’s shared stages with folks like Molly Tuttle, Kim Richey, Willie Watson, and Ben Sollee.  She performs her song "Bear Creek Prophet", written about the John Hendrix, (1865–1915), fondly remembered as “The Prophet of Oak Ridge,” was a humble Tennessee farmer whose extraordinary visions foretold the bustling city that would one day rise in Bear Creek Valley, a place destined to play a pivotal role in shaping the history during the Manhattan Project. Learn more about Catherine the Great: https://catherinethegreatmusic.com/ Appalachian Vibes Radio Show from WNCW is listener nominated, you can nominate an artist by emailing Amanda at [email protected].  Appalachian Vibes Radio Show is created and produced by Amanda Bocchi, a neo soul singer-songwriter, multi instrumentalist and journalist hailing from the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia.

Novembers theme is reflecting on the idea of home and how we connect to our communities. My guests include Doc McClintock, a trans woman folk singer songwriter from Roanoke, Virginia who’s music focuses on addiction loss and working class struggle, she’s joined by Alaina Crackoviack on fiddle. Her songwriting is deeply influenced by her experience living on the fringes of rural Appalachia with a focus on addiction, loss, queerness and working class struggle. She ignites a fusion of rowdy traditional Appalachian string music and introspective folk.  Learn more: https://soundcloud.com/user-781318670 Chanell Burnette is a poet, author and she has the unique perspective of recently being released from a Virginia Appalachian Prison after 19 years incarcerated. She is a mother to 2, and a grandmother to 3. She is an author and her mission is to bring awareness to the suffering endured behind bars in hopes that people will remember our shared humanity. Learn more: https://www.themarshallproject.org/2023/04/28/i-raised-my-kids-from-prison-im-coming-home-to-a-grandson And Solar Hex is an experimental cellist, harmonium player and old time songstress. Learn more: https://solarhex.bandcamp.com/ Appalachian Vibes Radio Show from WNCW is listener nominated, you can nominate an artist by emailing Amanda at [email protected].  Appalachian Vibes Radio Show is created and produced by Amanda Bocchi, a neo soul singer-songwriter, multi instrumentalist and journalist hailing from the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia.

Chanell Burnette is a newly returning citizen to Roanoke after serving 19 years in an Appalachian Virginia prison. She is a mother to two, and a grandmother to three. She is an author and her mission is to bring awareness to the suffering endured behind bars in hopes that people will remember our shared humanity.   This episode of Appalachian Vibes was recorded in front of a live audience at 3rd Street Coffee House in Roanoke, November 1 2025.  You can learn more about Chanell at https://prisonjournalismproject.org/author/chanell-burnette/ or https://www.themarshallproject.org/2023/04/28/i-raised-my-kids-from-prison-im-coming-home-to-a-grandson Appalachian Vibes Radio Show from WNCW is listener nominated, you can nominate an artist by emailing Amanda at [email protected].  Appalachian Vibes Radio Show is created and produced by Amanda Bocchi, a neo soul singer-songwriter, multi instrumentalist and journalist hailing from the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia.

Doc McClintock is a folk singer-songwriter born and raised in Roanoke, Virginia. Her songwriting is deeply influenced by her experience living on the fringes of rural Appalachia with a focus on addiction, loss, queerness and working class struggle. She ignites a fusion of rowdy traditional Appalachian string music and introspective folk.   Novembers theme is reflecting on the idea of home and how we connect to our communities. This episode of Appalachian vibes was recorded in front of a live audience November 3rd 2025 at 3rd street coffeehouse in Roanoke, Virginia,   Song title "A Place to Rest"  Learn more about Doc at https://www.instagram.com/doc_mcclintock/?hl=en Appalachian Vibes Radio Show from WNCW is listener nominated, you can nominate an artist by emailing Amanda at [email protected].  Appalachian Vibes Radio Show is created and produced by Amanda Bocchi, a neo soul singer-songwriter, multi instrumentalist and journalist hailing from the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia.

I’m thrilled to announce our first Appalachian Vibes Radio Show LIVE episode! Recorded and filmed October 4, 2025 at 3rd Street Coffee in Roanoke, Virginia, this episode of Appalachian Vibes Radio Show features dark tales and murder ballads on MURDER in the MOUNTAINS!  Amelia Empson opened the evening with her mellifluous voice, delivering traditional murder ballads and songs that reflected her kinship with nature. Adria Accomando, author of Violets Grey, followed with her story The Sighting—a personal account of UFO spacecrafts visiting her hometown as a child. Closing the night, Elsa Howell performed both traditional and original Appalachian murder ballads, blending haunting storytelling with powerful, original songwriting. Learn more about Amelia Empson: https://www.ameliaempson.com/ Learn more about Adria Accomando: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0CHPYGSBZ/allbooks?ccs_id=dbb2c36b-c821-4430-99e6-264ebb548c1b Learn more about Elsa Howell: https://elsahowell.com/ Appalachian Vibes Radio Show from WNCW is listener nominated, you can nominate an artist by emailing Amanda at [email protected].  Appalachian Vibes Radio Show is created and produced by Amanda Bocchi, a neo soul singer-songwriter, multi instrumentalist and journalist hailing from the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia.

Elsa Howell Trio is a roots and Appalachian family band comprised of Elsa Howell (daughter, song-writer, vocalist and guitarist) Chris Howell (Mom and upright bass player) and Isak Howell (Dad who plays a myriad of instruments, but mainly banjo) from Roanoke, Virginia. Our interview and their performance was recorded in front of a live audience October 4 2025 at 3rd Street Coffee in Roanoke, Virginia. In this mini segment they perform the song "Dogs".  Learn more about Elsa Howell: https://elsahowell.com/ To be part of the live audience you can visit 3rd Street Coffee the first Saturday of every month, doors open at 5:30, show at 6! We would love to see you there! Appalachian Vibes Radio Show from WNCW is listener nominated, you can nominate an artist by emailing Amanda at [email protected].  Appalachian Vibes Radio Show is created and produced by Amanda Bocchi, a neo soul singer-songwriter, multi instrumentalist and journalist hailing from the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia.

Mysti Mayhem is a Durham, North Carolina blues singer-songwriter who was mentored by Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Bo Diddley. Through loss, chronic pain, and resilience, Mysti has forged a soulful, healing sound that transforms every stage into a sanctuary.  Learn more about Mysti: https://mystimayhem.com/tour-dates?calendar_page=2 Appalachian Vibes Radio Show from WNCW is listener nominated, you can nominate an artist by emailing Amanda at [email protected].  Appalachian Vibes Radio Show is created and produced by Amanda Bocchi, a neo soul singer-songwriter, multi instrumentalist and journalist hailing from the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia.

Virginia Tech student and recovery advocate Meredith Lane joins me to share her project on incarceration and family connection in Appalachia, featuring conversations with Beckie Rose-Bowman (Calls From Home WMMT), artist/activist Dionte “Taye the Truth” Hall, writer/musician Chanell Burnette, and sociologist Dr. Heidi Williams. Together, their voices reveal resilience and healing across our region. Learn more about the guests:  Meredith Lane; https://instillmindfulness.org/team/lane-meredith/ Beckie Rose-Bowman, (Calls From Home WMMT) https://wmmt.org/projects/restorative-radio Dionte "Taye the Truth" Hall; https://shoutoutatlanta.com/meet-dionte-hall-lyrical-artist-aka-taye-the-truth/ Chanell Burnette; https://www.themarshallproject.org/2023/04/28/i-raised-my-kids-from-prison-im-coming-home-to-a-grandson Dr. Heidi Williams; https://liberalarts.vt.edu/departments-and-schools/department-of-sociology/faculty/heidi-williams.html Appalachian Vibes Radio Show from WNCW is listener nominated, you can nominate an artist by emailing Amanda at [email protected].  Appalachian Vibes Radio Show is created and produced by Amanda Bocchi, a neo soul singer-songwriter, multi instrumentalist and journalist hailing from the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia.

Addie Levy grew up bluegrass — picking mandolin and guitar alongside her musician dad in Radford, Virginia. Now based in Nashville, she’s a full-time touring artist, a powerhouse performer with The Brothers Comatose, and a rising voice in the next wave of Appalachian-rooted music. On this episode of the Appalachian Vibes Radio Show, Addie opens up about life on the road, being married to her high school sweetheart (also a musician), and the joy, grit, and determination it takes to chase your dream with a smile. She’s fun, funny, and fiercely talented — and her journey is just getting started. Appalachian Vibes Radio Show from WNCW is listener nominated, you can nominate an artist by emailing Amanda at [email protected].  Appalachian Vibes Radio Show is created and produced by Amanda Bocchi, a neo soul singer-songwriter, multi instrumentalist and journalist hailing from the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia.