Recovery After Hurricane Helene, Inside Appalachia

Hurricane Helene devastated central Appalachia and disrupted the lives of people in recovery.

Also, in West Virginia, fur trapping continues, even in the 21st century.

And, baseball is America’s past-time. One league is making the game more inclusive.

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

In This Episode:

• Substance Use Recovery After Hurricane Helene
• Pittsburgh Researcher Moves To China After Trump Cuts
• The Tao Of Fly Fishing Rods
• W.Va. Fur Trade In The 21st Century
• The Sweet Taste Of Syrup In Virginia And W.Va.
• The Homewrecker Returns To Hillbilly Hotdogs
• Baseball Field In Tennessee Accommodates Players With Disabilities

Substance Use Recovery After Hurricane Helene

It’s been a year-and-a-half since Hurricane Helene ravaged central Appalachia, especially western North Carolina. The storm upended communities, including support for people living with addiction and behavioral health issues.

Blue Ridge Public Radio’s Katie Myers has been exploring how people are still recovering. 

Pittsburgh Researcher Moves To China After Trump Cuts

As the Trump administration cuts federal science funding, people in research hubs like Pittsburgh are wondering how or if that shift might reshape their communities.

WESA’s Glynis Board spoke with one researcher and his family about their recent decision to move to China.

The Tao Of Fly Fishing Rods

Most of the time, athletes welcome technical innovations in sports equipment. Gone are the days when folks ran marathons in Converse sneakers. And you don’t hear basketball players pining for short shorts. But some fly fishermen still prefer to do things the old-fashioned way. In 2023, Folkways reporter Zack Harold took us to the Elk River to meet Lee Orr of the 304 Rod Company. 

W.Va. Fur Trade In The 21st Century

People have long trapped animals for their hides.  

In North America, Europeans swapped iron tools, cookware and whiskey for animal skins. The pelts were part of a lucrative business that lasted well into the latter part of the last century. In fact, trapping was one of Appalachia’s first industries. 

These days, fur trappers struggle to earn a living. The fashion industry has largely turned away from fur. Still, some trappers in West Virginia have adapted or found new careers using their particular skills. A few years back, Folkways reporter Lauren Griffin brought us this story.

The Sweet Taste Of Syrup In Virginia And W.Va.

Highland County, Virginia and its neighboring counties in West Virginia are some of the southernmost areas in the U.S. where you can make maple syrup. Making maple syrup has become tradition in these communities, but producers are experimenting – both out of curiosity and out of necessity. In 2023, Folkways reporter Clara Haizlett visited the Alleghany Highlands.

The Homewrecker Returns To Hillbilly Hotdogs

Last summer, producer Bill Lynch traveled to Hillbilly Hotdogs in Lesage, West Virginia. It’s a local institution and a tourist attraction. In 2024, the hotdog stand’s signature menu item suddenly became unavailable. But the “Homewrecker” has now returned. Bill went to the hotdog stand to take the homewrecker challenge: eating the three-pound hotdog in less than 12 minutes.

Baseball Field In Tennessee Accommodates Players With Disabilities

You can find a baseball field in most communities, but some diamonds are rarer than others. Like a “Miracle Field.” A baseball facility that can accommodate players with disabilities. WPLN’s Cynthia Abrams reports that these fields are a growing trend across the country.

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Our theme music is by Matt Jackfert. Other music this week was provided by Hello June, Tim Bing, Tim and Dave Bing, Joe Dobbs and the 1937 Flood, Dinosaur Burps and John Inghram. 

Bill Lynch is our producer. Abby Neff 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 Editors Chris Julin, Nicole Musgrave and Jennifer Goren. Special thanks to our guest editors this week, Whitney Henry-Lester and Amy Pedulla.

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

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Inside Appalachia is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting.