Episodes

  • The Scottish Travelers

    The Scottish Travelers
    May 27 2026
    East Tennessee State University scholars Dr. Lee Bidgood and Dr. Thomas Burton discuss the stories and songs of the nomadic group known as the Scottish Travelers.
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    18 mins
  • Dr. Stephen Fritz

    Dr. Stephen Fritz
    May 14 2026
    World War II historian Dr. Stephen Fritz discusses Adolf Hitler's role as military leader.
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    18 mins
  • Scott Simon

    Scott Simon
    May 20 2026
    Our guest is Scott Simon, host of NPR’s “Weekend Edition Saturday.” We discuss his latest book, Ulysses S. Cat and Other Animals I Have Known.
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    18 mins
  • Robert Sorrell

    Robert Sorrell
    May 8 2026
    We take a tour through Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia with Robert Sorrell, author of the book Secret Appalachian Highlands: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure.
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    18 mins
  • Feeding Southwest Virginia

    Feeding Southwest Virginia
    Apr 30 2026
    In this edition of “Vital Voices,” we examine the problem of hunger in Appalachia and what one organization is doing about it. Feeding Southwest Virginia is marking 45 years of service to a region where one child in every five is facing hunger. Our guest is Rachel Garnett with Feeding Southwest Virginia.
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    18 mins
  • Dr. Lawrence Locklear

    Dr. Lawrence Locklear
    Apr 23 2026
    On December 18, 2025, the Lumbee Fairness Act was signed into law, giving full federal recognition to the tribe for the first time. Our guest, Dr. Lawrence Locklear, is an enrolled citizen of the Lumbee Tribe and Director of Southeast American Indian Studies at the University of North Carolina Pembroke.
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    18 mins
  • Roxanne McDaniel

    Roxanne McDaniel
    Apr 2 2026
    In East Tennessee, Roxanne McDaniel is leading a dulcimer revival. We talk with her about the traditional Appalachian instrument and hear some samples of her artistry.
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    18 mins
  • Ron Gonnella

    Ron Gonnella
    Apr 15 2026
    We discuss the life and legacy of Ron Gonnella, one of Scotland's most influential fiddlers. Our guest is Dr. Jane MacMorran, a former United States National Fiddling Champion and Director of Appalachian, Scottish, and Irish Studies at East Tennessee State University.
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    18 mins