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This week, data centers are rapidly expanding into rural parts of Appalachia, and folks say they are having trouble finding information about these projects.  Also, artificial intelligence (AI) is disrupting human art – including fiber arts like crochet.   And, folks are pushing back, like they always have — with song.  You'll hear these stories and more this week, Inside Appalachia.

This week, author Silas House returns with a sweeping new novel. Also, some folks say, you have to fake it 'til you make it, even if you're trying to establish a state park.   And, the story of the first Mothman sightings as written by a small town journalist in 1966. You'll hear these stories and more this week, Inside Appalachia.

This week, ballads tell stories about all kinds of real-life events, but after Hurricane Helene, one group of ballad singers felt some topics were still too raw.  Also, the author of a book on ancient Ohio credits a former grad student with introducing him to the region’s mysterious earthworks.  And, the legacy of Affrilachian poet Norman Jordan includes a summer camp for teens to study their heritage. You'll hear these stories and more this week, Inside Appalachia.

This week, Barbara Kingsolver’s new novel takes on issues of class and classical music.  Also, kudzu warriors band together to fend off invasive plants and take back the land.  And, it’s pawpaw season. But a new bug could be harming the trees. You'll hear these stories and more this week, Inside Appalachia.

Ballroom culture offers LBGTQ folks a chance to be as fabulous as they want to be.  Also, the national media reports on the deaths of notable people, but small, hometown papers add a more personal touch.  And, alpha-gal syndrome takes red meat off the menu, but what about ostrich?   You'll hear these stories and more this week, Inside Appalachia.

This week, it’s not easy to find a place to play hockey in Appalachia, and if you happen to be young and ambitious, it can be harder.  Also, rappers and musicians across West Virginia come together for a song challenge.  And, farmers learn to turn unwanted sheep’s wool into home insulation.  You'll hear these stories and more this week, Inside Appalachia.

One thing about Appalachians, we can get competitive.   We’re proud of our local food. Love a good hunt. And enjoy competition with friends. We learn the rules and celebrate our victories. But there’s more to competing than just winning or losing.  This week, Inside Appalachia, we’ll meet competitors who are keepers of beloved Appalachian traditions.

Encore: Torn All To Pieces And Marina Waters, Inside Appalachia

This week, we remember the one and only Dolly Parton.   Dolly was more than a musician or a celebrity. She used her musical success to help others. She started the Imagination Library, a free book program for children that included some of her favorites, like the Little Engine that Could.   And Dolly’s kindness touched people from all walks of life.   Today, we’re honoring Dolly Parton, Inside Appalachia.

This week, we reflect on Dolly Parton’s passing and her legacy in the region. Also, the Adaptive Climbers Festival at Kentucky’s Red River Gorge feels like home for climbers with disabilities from around the world.   And, a new book spotlights Appalachian plants and encourages readers to get in touch with nature.   You'll hear these stories and more this week, Inside Appalachia.

This week, a new report finds the number of black lung cases is at its highest since the 1970s. The human cost is high.   Also, the author of a new book says reintroducing nearly extinct animals back into the wild can boost damaged ecosystems, but they can't repair them.  And, roadside attractions pay tribute to our enduring fascination with weird.  You'll hear these stories and more this week, Inside Appalachia.

This week, a Japanese Shinto garden took root in Southwestern Virginia because of family connections spanning geography and generations.  Also, in Whitesburg, Kentucky a new mosaic uses recovered objects to honor the town’s people after the flood of 2022.  And, the young adult novel “Verity Vox and the Curse of Foxfire” mixes historical fact with spooky Appalachian folklore. You'll hear these stories and more this week, Inside Appalachia.

This week, having a very specific talent can lead to a dream job. It’s how cartoonist John Rose got his foot in the door to draw the comic strip Snuffy Smith.   Also, there are dos and don’ts for treating poison ivy.  And, a young, old-time musician wants to save her family’s lost ballads. You'll hear these stories and more this week, Inside Appalachia.

This week, a new memoir explores the struggle to stay in Appalachia –and the struggle to leave.  Also, an exhibit in Kings Mountain, North Carolina documents the contributions of the Catawba Nation to the American Revolutionary War.  And grab some sunscreen as we make a visit to the Nelsonville Music Festival in Ohio.  You'll hear these stories and more this week, Inside Appalachia.

This week, after a disaster, can comics help set the record straight?   Also, sifting through Hurricane Helene’s debris, one group tries to reunite keepsakes with their owners, including love letters.  And a cafe in Virginia feeds the hungry and tries to destigmatize homelessness. For its outreach manager, whose brother lived on the streets for years, it’s personal.   You'll hear these stories and more this week, Inside Appalachia.