Laura Harbert Allen

Arts & Culture Bill Lynch +, Nov. 06, 2023

Encore: Wildflowers, Paddle Makers, Turkey Calls — And More Inside Appalachia

This week, we’re airing an encore episode of Inside Appalachia. We'll meet a man who makes wooden turkey calls. We'll also meet people who make wooden paddles by hand and custom-decorate each one, and a man who repairs cuckoo clocks. Finally, we’ll travel to some of the most beautiful spots in Appalachia to find wildflowers, like Dolly Sods and the Canaan Valley of West Virginia.

Continue Reading Take Me to More News

Arts & Culture Bill Lynch +, May. 15, 2023

Encore: True Stories Behind Folk Heroes, Runaway Trains And Murder Ballads

This week on Inside Appalachia, we’re talking about traditional ballads — how they tell stories and connect us to the past. These old tunes can mean so much. They can tap into difficult emotions and give feelings space to be heard. Some songs may even be too uncomfortable to sing.

Continue Reading Take Me to More News

Arts & Culture Laura Harbert Allen, Jun. 20, 2022

Ballads About Train Wrecks Hold Lessons For Modern Life

Starting in the late nineteenth century, trains were everywhere in southern Appalachia. And so were songs about them.

Continue Reading Take Me to More News

Arts & Culture Laura Harbert Allen, Jul. 08, 2021

Sustainably Harvesting Ramps Also Supports Clay County Community

People look forward all year long to the spring ramp collecting season. These days, chefs all over the country use ramps — and experts worry the plants could get over-harvested. For many years, ramps were a hidden gem. What do local communities think? Folkways reporter Laura Harbert Allen brings us this story on this popular — and pungent — food.

Continue Reading Take Me to More News