This interview is with an awesome Appalachian from Prestonsburg, Kentucky by the name of James Stiltner. In Eastern Kentucky, lots of folks have trail horses,show horses, and the occasional draft horse or mule however, James is a professional driver/trainer in harness racing! The Red Mile is a harness track in Lexington, but there is now a track in Corbin, Kentucky, making it easier for South East Ky, Tennessee, and Virginia to enjoy a day at the track and offer another attraction to our part of...
Aug 19, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Season 3Ep. 21
Hailing from Winchester Kentucky, Trish, lives and breathes music! She retired from teaching music in 2019, but continues to promote up and coming singer songwriters through Heartstrings. It is a show that is very professionally run through Facebook, to showcase singer/songwriters. Trish is also the curator for the Acoustic Guitar Project, Kentucky chapter. It is a great project that is world wide. Each artist will get to spend one week with the guitar that belongs to their chapter, writing and ...
Aug 12, 2023•1 hr 22 min•Season 3Ep. 21
As Summer rapidly comes to a close, and dread sets in for kids returning to class. Bus drivers have to do their yearly update and refresh all the safety guidelines in their minds, to ensure they are being safe when transporting children. In this episode Jason, and Papaw Paul, have a fellow bus driver, Richard Lakes, and Transportation Director, Kathy Spurlock in to talk a little about bus driving and dangers on the road. The bus driver's number one concern is always the safety of the children. T...
Aug 05, 2023•2 hr 4 min•Season 3Ep. 20
Laverne who is a retired school teacher, currently working with the Meals on Wheels program in the local area, spends her spare time making art with something that has been often discarded on small tobacco farms. Tobacco Sticks! Making walking sticks, platters and American flags is a hobby that is great for relaxation and sells. She sells her art in Gatlinburg, TN and in Kentucky as well. Sharing stories of growing up in the Hills of Eastern Kentucky. She tells us of canning, gardening, and a he...
Jul 29, 2023•1 hr 15 min•Season 3Ep. 19
I found no one who could tell me anything about Sheriff Morris's killers in the county where it happened. There is a memorial that sits to the right in front of the courthouse in McKee Kentucky. I have worked a lot of days beside the building as a food vendor and I've walked by the monument countless times. After seeing it several times I had the question "Who killed him?" I asked elected officials,older residents,and fellow historians and no one could tell me anything.So I took it upon myself t...
Jul 28, 2023•13 min
You knew know what is on the next person’s mind. This song is titled Bars. It was written a couple of years ago by Jason and Amy Bowman. Everyone deals with mental issues that are all too often hard to escape. If you feel stuck,find yourself someone to talk to. It may not fix all of your problems but it will help.
Jul 25, 2023•4 min
Brigid McCormack is a student of the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. With a deep love for literature and regional culture, she interviews Jason as part of her research on podcasting and different narratives in Appalachia. You will hear how and why Appalachian Imagination started, thoughts on big cities, Elvis movies, Kissing Cousins, and so much more. Spending her youth adjacent to different big cities, Brigid hasn't had the opportunity to experience much of Appalachia, but has hopes to do ...
Jul 22, 2023•1 hr 23 min•Season 3Ep. 18
Eric chews the fat with Papaw Paul in this episode, talking about grandparents, motorcycles, and Back Roads of Appalachia. If you have spotted some high end cars in our area, Eric has been a big part in bringing those folks into the Appalachian region. In turn they spend money in local businesses and see the beauty of our part of the world. https://backroadsofappalachia.org/ We thank God for all of the wonderful views of the Appalachian Mountains. We thank our sponsors-RX Discount Pharmacy in Mc...
Jul 15, 2023•1 hr 13 min•Season 3Ep. 17
Save The Children is a wonderful program that helps kids to learn to read and retain what they read better. This interview is somewhat different from our regular format, as Papaw Paul sits down and has a conversation with his boss,Tina, from Save The Children about the work they do. Some kids struggle a little more than others and it is quite alright to get a little extra help. They tell stories of helping kids and the progress that is made. A couple things they have studied are The Titanic,and ...
Jul 01, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Season 3Ep. 15
It was a heartwarming experience to see all the fine folks come together June 10th at the Festival of Hope, to contribute to The Jackson County Cancer Fund. There were inflatables, a dunking booth, cake walk, great food, live music, guest speakers, silent auction, and so much more. Mickey,Minnie, and Goofy were in attendance for some cool photo ops. (Pictures will be posted on appalachianimagination.com) The children all had a good time playing,while the adults ate their bellies full, conversed ...
Jun 17, 2023•15 min
Tammy has been an educator for the past 32 years, spending 31 of those years in the same classroom. She was Jason's teacher in the early 1990's and has taught a few of his children already with another on his way to middle school. Mrs. Marcum likes structure in the classroom and truly loves what she does for a living. She grew up right beside Highway 421 in Sand Gap Kentucky and everything in life was within an eighth of a mile from her house. Her grandparents,friends,the local grocery,and churc...
Jun 10, 2023•1 hr 13 min•Season 3Ep. 12
Growing up in Breathitt County, Josh now resides just across the line in Owlsey County. He works for the transportation dept. in Jackson Kentucky as an inspector, but as you will hear, he puts his whole heart into creating. Making highlight reels for athletes and musicians alike, Josh is a videographer, photographer, author, musician, and works with Crystal Jones on Mewz in the Mountains podcast. Josh cherishes his family and friends, and the stories folks have shared with him traveling through ...
Jun 03, 2023•1 hr 29 min•Season 3Ep. 11
Chris is a hard working guy,who loves his family,friends,and the community. Jason often refers to Chris as (Banana Hands). It is a running joke between the two of them on the Dial and Deal show on 107.9fm. This episode is full of laughs and true stories! They talk about hog killing,farming,loading hay,tying brothers up, breaking chandeliers, and how much there is to enjoy in the small town life. (Learn how to measure a hogs tail included in this episode) https://youtu.be/Kdxj3cpJZvM Chris recent...
May 27, 2023•1 hr 50 min•Season 3Ep. 10
Cathy is a person, who you will find out, loves the community she lives in and, the work she does for the Jackson County Farmer's Market. She starts off by telling of her father who played in the 1901 Olympics and migrated to the United States from England. Being a very sentimental person she tells of a few of the keepsakes that she keeps tucked away. She also gives us a schedule of things the Farmer's Market has in store for us this year. The Grand Opening will take place June 23rd! It is wonde...
May 13, 2023•1 hr 14 min•Season 3Ep. 8
Keith is a person who a lot of people are familiar with, as he is the CEO of PRTC (People's Rural Telephone Cooperative). The interview starts with Mr. Gabbard sharing the story of his great grandfather migrating here from Syria and working as a traveling merchant. Papaw Paul sits in once again as co-host and it is a real treat to listen to the two of them reminisce about days on the softball field, playing basketball, and eating at Keith's grandmother's house. The history of PRTC is shared in t...
May 06, 2023•1 hr 35 min•Season 3Ep. 7
On this episode, Jason and special guest host, Joss, sit down with Jayme to talk of his life and learn a lot about the guy who is usually behind the scenes bringing you the news. He loves his job and the work he does for the Jackson County Sun (newspaper). In reference to a Clint Eastwood film Jayme says they cover "The good, The bad, and The ugly." note=Jayme and Jason are friends every day of the week other than Tuesdays He shares a funny but terrible story of an accident involving a golf cart...
Apr 29, 2023•1 hr 23 min•Season 3Ep. 6
Brently sat down to talk about his life growing up in Sand Springs KY. He then shares a little about adulthood, mistakes that he has made, and where he is now. Though he wishes he could get a redo for the things that he has done and take back all the wrong, he gives full credit to God for his recovery. Brently's defining of JAIL HOUSE RELIGION was wonderful, and should be taught in every jail and church house, in my opinion. In closing he shares some words of hope for anyone dealing with an addi...
Apr 22, 2023•50 min•Season 3Ep. 5
Born February 5th 1934, Rudolph (Rudy) Hamblin can tell you about childhood in Bull Skin, Ky, and does so in this Special Episode. Rudy and Jason have became friends via the radio show Dial and Deal on 107.9 fm McKee KY. wagoncountry.com Rudy has a a wealth of knowledge on how things used to be. Being born into this world just after the Great Depression there are real life/first hand accounts of how folks in the deep hollers of Appalachia, lived in the 1930's and 1940's. He tells us stories of h...
Apr 18, 2023•59 min
In this episode Jason and guest host Papaw Paul interview Mr. Markaza Johnson. Mark has just moved to Jackson County Kentucky and brings some really good news with him. Being an entrepreneur and wanting to help grow a community he has decided to start a business in the county to benefit its people. Mark is a veteran of the United States Air Force and grew up as a Military kid and has lived all over the world. There are several stories that he shares with us. Some are really funny, some are inspi...
Apr 15, 2023•1 hr 10 min•Season 3Ep. 4
Brody is a small town person who is all about his community. He worked with his local VFD before he was old enough to drive, then later became an EMT, And now works with Emergency Management. He is also a family man who loves his wife and children, and is the associate pastor at Gray Hawk Baptist Church. This episode is full of heart felt and funny stories. He tells all about his life growing up in the mountains, people who have inspired him, wrecking a firetruck, his experience with hog killin,...
Apr 08, 2023•1 hr 40 min•Season 3Ep. 3
Appalachia. To some it is a place of beauty and wonder,that they like to visit.To others it is a wealth of history and knowledge of days gone by. But to us, it is the place we call home. Each individual will have a different story, as with anywhere else, but the Appalachian region is very unique, and unlike any other in the world. We have a history that predates the United States by at least a couple of hundred years and traditions that we hope will last an eternity.The Appalachian Imagination p...
Apr 04, 2023•4 min
Include are segments from last year’s Spring episode. It is still my favorite time of year and I’m sure will continue to be. I encourage everyone to make the best of every day and get outside if you are able to do so. If you don’t have enough property to plant a garden,you can grow a lot of food in flower pots. Though it may seem small at first,the reward of eating something that you have grown will still be great. To sponsor an episode or to become an advertiser email us at appalachianimaginati...
Apr 04, 2023•16 min
This interview with Quentin was recorded in the Jackson County Detention Center. He tells us his story of life, the mistakes he has made,and his goal of a better life after his time is served. He comes from a holler in Leslie County Ky, and now calls Jackson County home "even when he gets out of jail " We thank the JCDC for allowing us to interview and record on location with Q! We thank God for the wonderful world of Appalachia and it's people! We thank our sponsors Living Stone Outreach and WW...
Apr 01, 2023•1 hr 23 min•Season 3Ep. 2
McKee as Paul recalls from his youth. A lot of businesses have come and gone, some have remained, and Paul has watched it all happen since 1951. We thank God for our small towns and the best people on Earth! We thank our great sponsors Living Stone Outreach, WWAG fm wagoncountry.com We thank you for listening and helping Appalachian Imagination to grow! If you want to sponsor and episode or become an advertiser call/text 606-975-1743 or email us at appalachianimagination@gmail.com Remember to st...
Mar 28, 2023•23 min
Danny will be greatly missed. He has put in a lot of work here on Appalachian Imagination and is truly appreciated. You can check out his new podcast that he and Beefy are hosting.. It is titled What's Up World, available on all streaming platforms. https://spotify.link/2fpuTmOGqyb If you would like to sponsor an episode or become an advertiser email us at appalachianimagination@gmail.com or call/text 606-975-1743 Remember to stay humble,be kind, and no matter what, Stay Awesome Appalachia!!...
Mar 24, 2023•3 min
Tammy was a great person to hang out with and interview! She has been a social worker for almost all of her adult life and definitely is a pillar of the community. She is the Yard sale Queen and tells of how it is done. We talk about feeding the cats, her granny, and we even mowed the yard in the episode. We thank our sponsors Living Stone Outreach, and WWAG 107.9 fm McKee, wagoncountry.com We thank God for each and every one of our people and the beautiful place we live in! We thank all of you ...
Mar 18, 2023•1 hr 22 min•Season 2Ep. 23
Here are three previously recorded segments. Included are stories of childhood from Elsie Baker, Carol DeForest, And Randy Hayes. Due to things out of our control, we weren't able to record an episode this week but we thought it would be nice to retouch on some previous episodes. Be sure to go back and listen to the full episodes of each of these wonderful people. We thank our sponsors Living Stone Outreach, and WWAG 107.9fm wagoncountry.com ,You Folks are Fantastic! We thank God for giving us t...
Mar 11, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Season 2Ep. 22
A good ole' sit down conversation with Rodney. Danny was under the weather and had to sit this one out due to the Flu (Prayers for a quick recovery) Rodney and Jason share stories of growing up and talk about a few mischievous things they both did in their younger years "Don't try this at home,type of activities". We thank our sponsors Living Stone Outreach, and WWAG 107.9 fm wagoncountry.com We thank all of you who take the time to listen and share! We thank God for all of our blessings and the...
Mar 04, 2023•1 hr 11 min•Season 2Ep. 21
This is a fine group of young individuals! Mrs. Ashley Gabbard has been the STLP coach for two years now and her group has really gained a lot of momentum. They are working hard to improve upon the community we all live in. Working with The Jackson County Tourism, their fellow students,and doing so many other great things. I'm sure you will gain a feeling of pride when listening to this episode, for the youth in our area. We thank our sponsors WWAG 107.9 fm wagoncountry.com and Living Stone Outr...
Feb 25, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Season 2Ep. 20
In this episode we talk about eating at Granny's house. Everyone's grandmother is always the best cook, just ask anyone. Also included are some recipes from previous guests, so hang out till the end to hear what's on the menu. We always ton thank God for the ability to record and share the lives of Appalachians with the world. We thank our sponsors for helping us keep this thing going WWAG 107.9 fm wagoncountry.com , FFR Fabrication ffrfab.com , and Living Stone Outreach. We also thank everyone ...
Feb 18, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Season 2Ep. 19
