This episode attempts to recreate the warmth surrounding Abe’s artist reception, "With Signs Following, featuring dozens of Abe's paintings that depict characters from the serpent handling faith. Many events described in Alabama Astronaut came alive to the soundtrack of Abe’s field recordings.

Abe's art exhibit is viewable at the Alabama Contemporary Art Center until May 20th. For more information, go here!

When Abe first decided to co-produce a podcast about his music-documenting journey, he approached the serpent handlers and told them of his plans.

Knowing they'd been the subject of ridicule in the past (and that they probably didn't trust him), Abe promised he would send them the podcast before it was ever released.

He said they could have full editorial control.

When he and Ferrill completed a draft worthy of release, Abe sent the podcast to serpent handlers Cody Coots, Cassy Coots, Andrew Hamblin and Taylor Hamblin.

In return, he received a downright humbling text ...

Abe and Ferrill prepare for an interview with Dennis Covington.

Abe lists out the questions, which include a surprising claim about Loretta Lynn and her ­(if true) connection to the serpent handling faith. Also, Abe plans to ask the difficult question: Did Dennis Covington apologize to Old Rockhouse Holiness Church?

After the in-person interview with Covington, Abe hits the road to continue strengthening his relationships with members of the faith. One day, he lands a gig at the world-famous Bluebird Café in Nashville, Tennessee – a sold out show. Abe invites serpent-handling preacher Andrew Hamblin on stage to accompany him on one of Abe’s most personal songs: “Appalachian Farewell.”

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Special thanks goes to:

Shawn Byrne

The Bluebird Cafe

Dennis Covington and the family of Dennis Covington

Andrew and Taylor Hamblin

Cathy Partridge

Elizabeth "Fish" Gibbs

Gregory Coots

Cody and Cassy Coots

Tony Feyer

We also want to express a very special thanks to the The Jacob Hall Memorial Music Grant. Thank you, all! Your help came to us in an extremely crucial time... we will not forget it!