Appalachia Meets World Episode 122 - Faith in Appalachia with Randy Heady (Religion and Appalachia Part 1)

Religion has been one of the strongest cultural forces in the lives of Appalachians.  Diverse and pervasive, it influences much of what is considered Appalachian both inside and outside of the region. 

In this episode, Neil and Will sit down with Randy Heady of Jackson County, TN.  Randy is a bi-vocational Pastor of New Hope Baptist Church in Jackson County, where he also serves as the Mayor.  Hear Pastor/Mayor Heady talk about the significance of faith in Appalachia and the challenges faced by rural Pastors serving in dual roles on a seemingly full-time basis.  Historically, religion brings a sense of cultural unity to a region that is often misunderstood in just how diverse it really is.  Take a listen as Pastor/Mayor Heady describes that religious mountain identity and how he sees the evolution of it over his lifetime.  You might even hear Neil's favorite Sunday "after church" meal...it's far from traditional, maybe even a bit medicinal.  Also, don't forget the #AppBiz of the week (and how it originated through the church): Solar Holler! 

Jackson County, TN Mayor's Office - www.jacksoncotn.com/countydepartments.php# 

New Hope Baptist Church - www.newhopegainesboro.org/ 

AppNews:

Dark Skies (in Appalachia) Symposium - https://jbary.colgate.domains/symposium/ 

Appalachian Funders Network Philanthropic Asset Scan Webinar - www.appalachiafunders.org/news-resources/appalachia-funders-network-issues-siren-call-to-philanthropy-with-release-of-new-report-your-investments-in-appalachia-can-go-further 

Brad Paisley "Son of the Mountains" EP (Article in Country Now) - https://countrynow.com/brad-paisley-highlights-beautiful-and-painful-stories-of-appalachia-on-preview-of-son-of-the-mountains-album/  

Google Doodle: Appalachian Trail - www.google.com/doodles/celebrating-the-appalachian-trail 

Appalachian Studies Association: 47th Annual Conference (Call for Participation) - www.appalachianstudies.org/2024-conference  

ARC READY LDD's: $1 M Grant Award - www.arc.gov/news/arc-awards-1-million-to-help-appalachian-local-development-districts-access-more-federal-funds-for-regions-communities/  

Fall Foliage Prediction Map - https://smokymountains.com/fall-foliage-map/ 

SOAR 2023 Summit - https://soar-ky.org/summit/ 

Church Recipes (Southern Living) - www.southernliving.com/recipes/church-recipes 

#AppBiz:

Solar Holler - www.solarholler.com/our-story/ 

Additional:

RePlant HUB - https://replanthub.com/ 

RePlant Resources - www.namb.net/church-replanting/resources/