Appalachian Memes And Trouble At Greenbank

This week, the online world of Appalachian memes — and what they tell us about folks who live here. 

Also, parts of West Virginia have been radio silent since the 1950s for scientists to monitor the skies. So, what does that mean for first responders in an emergency? 

And winter holidays are here. We’ve got some tips to keep the festivities from going up in smoke.

You’ll hear these stories and more this week, Inside Appalachia.

In This Episode:

• Memes Carry On Appalachian Humor
• Radio Quiet Zone Presents Trouble For Emergency Responders  
• Remembering Poet Nikki Giovanni
• Avoiding Holiday Fire Hazards

Appalachian Memes Mine The Laughs 

Humor runs deep here in Appalachia. Folkways Reporter Madeline Miller brought us a story about two artists who’ve taken holler humor to the digital realm.

Radio Quiet Zone Presents Trouble For Emergency Responders  

Since the 1950s, the federal government has designated parts of two West Virginia counties as a National Radio Quiet Zone. Because of research, television, radio and cell signals near the area are restricted. Ten Virginia and West Virginia counties are asking the government to change that for emergency responders.

Radio IQ’s Roxy Todd has this story.

Remembering Poet Nikki Giovanni

Distinguished poet, educator and long-time Virginia resident Nikki Giovanni died Nov. 9, 2024 at the age of 81.

She was one of the most well-known and acclaimed poets in America and a voice for African Americans and Appalachians. 

We revisit Roxy Todd’s 2022 interview with Giovanni. 

Avoiding Holiday Fire Hazards

The holidays bring people together to celebrate. Which — when paired with cold winter weather — can create the potential for fires.

Mark Lambert, the director of the West Virginia University (WVU) Fire Service Extension, spoke with WVPB’s Chris Schulz about fire safety.

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Our theme music is by Matt Jackfert. Other music this week was provided by Erik Vincent Huey, Charlie McCoy, Javon Jackson and Nikki Giovanni, John Inghram, Dinosaur Burps, June Carter Cash and Larry Rader.

Bill Lynch is our producer. Zander Aloi is our associate producer. Our executive producer is Eric Douglas. Kelley Libby is our editor. Our audio mixer is Patrick Stephens. We had help this week from folkways editor Clara Haizlett.

You can send us an email: InsideAppalachia@wvpublic.org.

You can find us on Instagram and Threads @InAppalachia. Or here on Facebook.

Inside Appalachia is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting.