Mountain Talk Monday Every Tuesday!

This week on Mountain Talk we explore how black lung looks from right here in Eastern Kentucky. Benny Becker of the Ohio Valley Resource and WMMT brings us 3 pieces. The first is Fighting For Breath where Dr. James Brandon Crum diagnoses a man with black lung. Dr. Crum lives in Pike County and is responsible for getting the Federal Government to begin an investigation into the black lung epidemic in the mountains. The second piece is a recording of Dr. Crum's August 2017 presentation to the Southeast Kentucky Black Lung Association in Whitesburg. The third is an update about the Federal investigation into the black lung epidemic. And last, but certainly not least, we listen to the audio from a short documentary, "Dying Breed" produced during the summer of 2017 by youth at Appalshop's Appalachian Media Institute. We hope you enjoy!

What does poetry have to do with health? How do we talk about health outside the doctor's office? Tune in at 6 PM for tonight's Mountain Talk on EKY HEAL. EKY HEAL is a collaboration between health, arts, and community organizations - with the aim to have our communities take control of their health. Hear about HEAL and initiatives around poetry and fitness that have started because of this work. Guests include (clockwise from top): Emily Hudson, Robert Donnan, Morgan Kirk, Ben Fink, and Sandra Kay.

A recording of our Wednesday, August 9th Mountain Talk with the cast and crew of BETSY! Listen for the scoop on this Kentucky premiere. BETSY! is a Puerto Rican-Appalachian musical developed and written/composed as a collaboration between Roadside Theater: Art in a Democracy from here at home and Pregones / PRTT (Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre) in the Bronx. Join host Elizabeth Sanders as she talks with Lisa Davis of Big Stone Gap, VA; Caridad de la Luz from the Bronx, NY; Rosalba Rolón from Pregones/PRTT; and Ron Short from Roadside

Did you miss the roundtable discussion about Economic Transition in Germany and Appalachia? Well, you're in luck! For this Monday Mountain Talk, we'll have a recording from the July 2017 roundtable. Guests include Dr. Timon Wehnert, an energy expert and researcher based at the Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment and Energy based in Berlin, Germany; Betsy Whaley, Vice President of MACED, and Eric Dixon with Appalachian Citizens' Law Center.

This compelling investigation of the gripping true crimes behind American ballads dispels myths and legends and brings to life a cast of characters—both loathsome and innocent—shadowy history, courtroom dramas, murders, mayhem and music. Book talk by: Richard H. Underwood

Get a insider's look at the Cowan Creek Mountain Music School. It’s a small but close-knit group that gathers here each year—some of the country’s finest old-time musicians, and students of all ages and levels – to celebrate our rich mountain heritage of lively tunes, heart-felt singing, spirited square dancing and storytelling. Whether you’re an absolute beginner or accomplished musician, eight years old or eighty, you’ll have the opportunity to dig deep into the rich repertoire of Kentucky music and gain experience playing with other musicians. Mountain music has been passed down through the generations as young learners listened to and played along with their older family members and neighbors. In keeping with this tradition, Cowan is a school for all ages, with classes taught in call and response, rather than written music, improving both your ear for music, and your ability to join other musicians from the get-go!

The Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) move to repeal Net Neutrality and classification of Broadband Internet as a Title II Telecommunications Service could have significant impact on rural America, where the digital divide is already the largest. In this edition of Mountain Talk, host Mimi Pickering explores potential impacts with economist Roberto Gallardo from Mississippi State University Extension Services and Christopher Mitchell, Director of Community Broadband Networks at the Institute for Local Self-Reliance. We also hear from a 2015 interview with Edyael Casaperalta, representing the Rural Broadband Working Group of the National Rural Assembly, on the 2015 reclassification of broadband as a Title II Telecommunications Service and its potential to reduce the digital divide, increase competition, and protect consumers. Finally, FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn talks about her work on the FCC to increase access and affordability for people of color, low income, and rural communities. Her term at t

In this episode, Dr. Edward Lee Petsonk, a professor of Medicine specializing in Pulmonary and Critical Care at West Virginia University and former leader of the NIOSH Black Lung Program, speaks on the proper diagnosis of black lung disease and navigating applying for related health benefits. In the second half, we revisit the award winning story produced by WMMT's Benny Becker for the Ohio Valley ReSource in collaboration with Howard Berkes of NPR about 38 year old Mackie Branham Jr. and his fight with the worst form of black lung disease.

In this episode, five University of Virginia students in the Master's of Urban and Environmental Planning program report on their assessment of the existing conditions within a roughly one-mile corridor within downtown Whitesburg, Kentucky. The assessment lays out a foundation for Whitesburg to participate in the Environmental Law Institute's BRIGHT program. The students inventory assets and challenges, highlights resources, and offers a palette of design opportunities, and strategies for community directed corridor revitalization.

Art from cultures not included in mainstream America-- Zuni Pueblo,Standing Rock Sioux Reservation, Coeburn VA-- have more in common than one might think. Why do humans create art and why is it important to all our lives? This is just one question that is addressed in this Mountain Talk discussion of art and creativity, as we seek to take back the narrative of our lives in the places we live! Host Kelli Haywood, Kelsie Makae Hale, Ron Short, and Edward Wemytewa converse on the importance of art in representing ourselves and our culture.

This episode features highlights from the East Kentucky Leadership Conference with keynote speaker Earl Gohl who is the federal co-chair of the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC). You will also hear from Peter Hille the Executive Director of Mountain Association of Community Economic Development (MACED). More than $100 million in new federal funding has been committed to projects serving eastern Kentucky over the past year. These highlights explain how some of it was put to use. Also, from the Ohio Valley ReSource hear some analysis on three ideas that could help mend things in coal country. And, from Homefront Chronicles, hear how one Seattle mother created a safe place for mom's to cut loose and be free. *Music featured in this episode was "Hightop Shoes" by George Gibson from his Last Possum Up the Tree album on the JuneAppal label.

In this episode, learn more about the Mountains of Music Homecoming and the The Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail. Host Kelli Haywood and guest host Rich Kirby from WMMT's Deep in Tradition speak with the MOMH assistant coordinator and professor of Appalachian Studies at ETSU, Ted Olsen on the upcoming 9 days filled with wonderful traditional music and cultural events. Find out more at www.mtnsofmusic.com!

In February, it was made public that white nationalist groups were planning training and rally events in Pike County and Floyd County, Kentucky at the end of April. The response across eastern Kentucky has been largely that these groups are not welcome here. However, there are differences as to what folks believe the response should be. In this episode of Mountain Talk, host Elizabeth Sanders speaks with Ariana Velasquez of Pike County and Patrick Davis of Floyd County who are organizing community responses. ~ Art by Lacy Hale (art created by local artist Lacy Hale in response to the upcoming events)

Did you know Kentucky ranks 2nd in the US for the number of colon cancer cases only behind West Virginia? However, when it comes to deaths from colorectal cancer, we move to number 1! There are lots of factors at play including, our genetics, our environment, our diet, and more. In this episode, host Kelli Haywood talks with Tom Collins of the UK Rural Cancer Prevention Center about how you can beat the odds! Listen today and share the link with a friend.

When people think of Central Appalachia these days, it seems often the next words are "Trump Country", or white working class. Is Central Appalachia homogenized? Are we a diverse group of people? What is the legacy of diversity in the coalfields of Appalachia? Big Sandy Community and Technical College in Prestonsburg, Kentucky is delving in to the answers at their symposium on March 30th from 8:30am - 4:30pm called - The Get Together. In this episode, host Kelli Haywood speaks with Janie Beverly and Greta Slone who are members of the Diversity Committee for the college and helped to put together the events for the symposium. The group talks about diversity in Appalachia and just where we are with that these days.

In this episode, host Kelli Haywood speaks with Justin Allen and Laura Krueger of Kentucky Educational Television (KET) about their recently released hour-long documentary film - Journey to Recovery. The trio discusses the making of the film and various pieces of its content. Journey to Recovery highlights the options for addressing treatment of the opioid addiction crisis facing Kentucky and many other locations in Central Appalachia. The film also illustrates how addiction to opioids in particular changes the brain chemistry creating dependence upon the drug. The film can be viewed online for FREE at http://www.ket.org/opioids/journey-to-recovery/

Host Kelli Haywood and WMMT's Mimi Pickering share two engaging speakers from the 2017 Kentucky Center for Economic Policy Conference - Dr. Kathryn J. Edin from Johns Hopkins University and KCEP Executive Director Jason Bailey. Dr. Edin discusses her book $2.00 a Day: Living on Almost Nothing in America, describing the situations and survival of the nation's poor. 40% of America's $2 a day poor live in Central Appalachia. Then, Jason Bailey gives his "Where We Stand" address, reflecting on Kentucky's economic condition and providing information on current and future state economic policy.

Host Kelli Hansel Haywood speaks with representatives of Appalachian Sustainable Development and the Appalachian Beginning Forest Farmers' Coalition about the possibilities of creating an income from forest farming in Appalachia. They discuss the whys, hows, and whens of cultivating medicinal herbs, edible mushrooms, and more under the forest canopy. The group gives details on upcoming workshops so that you can become involved. Also, highlighted is the progress of creating the Appalachian Harvest Herb Hub in Duffield, Virginia that will allow farmers to clean, dry, package, and potentially sell their product to a worldwide market. www.appalachianforestfarmers.org

Dr. Dustin Anderson DVM of the Animal Wellness Center speaks with host Kelli Haywood about the importance of seasonally appropriate pet care for both indoor and outdoor pets. Dr. Anderson answers questions like - How should I best keep my outdoor dogs and cats warm in the winter months? Do you need flea protection in the winter time? Are those little doggie clothes actually useful or a waste of money? How do I make sure my indoor pets get enough exercise in bad weather? Do dogs and cats tolerate cold weather and heat better than humans do? ... and MUCH more. Listen in for some interesting pet conversation and a few laughs to boot. -photo by Jade Amburgey (Alice the Pink Lady)

January is Radon Awareness Month. Have you ever had your home's radon gas levels tested? Dr. Ellen Hahn Ph.D of the University of Kentucky College of Nursing and Director of the BREATHE Program, stopped by WMMT to speak with host Kelli Haywood about the dangers of radon gas in your home and what you can do to limit your risk. Radon gas is the 2nd leading cause of lung cancer. Listen and learn more.