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Prayer cloths are symbols of a deep and widespread faith that has been in Appalachia since its settlement. From simple squares to quilts to shawls, prayers are embedded in the fibers, along with a promise that faith has healing power. Learn about the practice of prayer cloths, the verses that may inspire them, and what they mean for the giver and recipient.

Also in this episode: the little town of Appalachia and its two world records.

The episode on the Science of Prayer with Wall Street Journal columnist Elizabeth Bernstein mentioned in this episode can be found here on YouTube

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Support the show by sharing links to episodes on social or here at our Patreon page:
Talking Appalachian Podcast | Covering the Appalachian Region from North to South | Patreon
Paypal to support the show: @amyclarkspain
Follow and message me on IG, FB, YouTube: @talkingappalachian
To sponsor an episode or collaborate: aclark@virginia.edu
Acoustic music on most episodes: "Steam Train" written by Elizabeth Cotten and performed by Landon Spain

What did you think of this episode?

Those of us who grew up in a "holler" know that they can be deep, dark valleys or winding roads between hills. But did you know holler also refers to yodeling, calling, yelling? And if you've never heard "holler down a rainbarrel" you might be surprised to learn what it means. We'll also explore the Americanism "lightning bug" versus the British "firefly." Finally, hear the delightful poem "Spellcheck" by Kentucky author Anne Shelby, about fighting with technology's determination to standardize our dialects.

Support the Show.

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and review us!
Support the show by sharing links to episodes on social or here at our Patreon page:
Talking Appalachian Podcast | Covering the Appalachian Region from North to South | Patreon
Paypal to support the show: @amyclarkspain
Follow and message me on IG, FB, YouTube: @talkingappalachian
To sponsor an episode or collaborate: aclark@virginia.edu
Acoustic music on most episodes: "Steam Train" written by Elizabeth Cotten and performed by Landon Spain

What did you think of this episode?

We know modern Appalachia isn't isolated, so why do people keep using that word to describe a region that includes 13 states and 25 million people? This episode is a commentary on the origins of isolation (the word and the concept), how that perception became grounded over the years, why it couldn't be more untrue, and how words can have the power to change the resources allocated to Appalachian parts of our states.

Then, I'll tell you about one of my favorite historic places to stay, just along the Appalachian corridor.

Sources: ARC.gov, National Geographic, Blackburn Inn and Conference Center
Documentary mentioned in the episode: The Teacher Exodus

Support the Show.

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and review us!
Support the show by sharing links to episodes on social or here at our Patreon page:
Talking Appalachian Podcast | Covering the Appalachian Region from North to South | Patreon
Paypal to support the show: @amyclarkspain
Follow and message me on IG, FB, YouTube: @talkingappalachian
To sponsor an episode or collaborate: aclark@virginia.edu
Acoustic music on most episodes: "Steam Train" written by Elizabeth Cotten and performed by Landon Spain