Novel Shares Story Of Historical Black Kingdom In Western North Carolina

Following the American Civil War, a group of freed people fled violence and bought land in Western North Carolina. In the summer of 1873, these people formed a Black communal society they named “The Kingdom of the Happy Land.” A new novel tells a story set in the kingdom, both in the past and in the present day. It’s titled, “Happy Land.” Host Mason Adams spoke with its author, Dolen Perkins-Valdez.

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Podcast – Inside Appalachia

Arts & Culture Bill Lynch +, May. 16, 2025

The Kingdom Of The Happy Land, Inside Appalachia

This week on Inside Appalachia, the setting for a new novel is a communal society founded by freed people in North Carolina. It was a real place called The Kingdom of the Happy Land. Also, when a West Virginia pastor got assigned to a new church, some folks tried to warn him. And, the online world of Appalachian memes — and what they tell us about folks who live here.

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Arts & Culture Bill Lynch +, May. 09, 2025

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

This week, 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.

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Arts & Culture Bill Lynch +, May. 02, 2025

Red Onion Prison, NIOSH And The Mountain Laurel Festival, Inside Appalachia

This week, officials are scrutinizing a supermax prison in Wise County, Virginia, after inmate complaints and a visit by a state lawmaker. Also, laid-off federal worker warns the Trump administration’s mass firings could make a big difference for coal miners. And, every year, the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival stages a formal dance. Organizers rely on a manual that’s been passed down for generations.

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Arts & Culture Bill Lynch +, Apr. 25, 2025

Coal And Coal Miners, Inside Appalachia

This week, some politicians and coal companies call themselves friends of coal, but one journalist says they don’t seem to be friends of coal miners. Also, what not to do if you get poison ivy. And, pepperoni rolls were a staple in the coal mines. But public schools might be why they caught on.

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Arts & Culture Bill Lynch +, Apr. 18, 2025

Springtime Arrives, Inside Appalachia

This week on Inside Appalachia, we head to the woods for a master class in foraging for wild mushrooms. And the woman behind the popular TikTok account “Appalachian Forager” makes jam from pawpaws and jewelry from coyote teeth. We also visit the Alleghany Highlands, where mountain maple syrup traditions are changing with the times.

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Arts & Culture Bill Lynch +, Apr. 11, 2025

'Valley So Low,' Climbing Crafts And Vegan Cooking, Inside Appalachia

This week on Inside Appalachia, a new book looks into the toxic legacy of a huge industrial disaster in TN. Also, rock climbing gear wears out. But it can still live on as art. And, an eastern KY pharmacist serves vegan food for the holidays.

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