Episodios

  • The 1919 Torrent, Kentucky Nitro Explosion

    The 1919 Torrent, Kentucky Nitro Explosion
    Sep 6 2025
    In 1919, a nitroglycerin explosion near Torrent, Kentucky, killed four men and leveled a factory. Today we tell the story of that tragedy and the explosive history of oil well “torpedoes” in Appalachia.

    It’s another one of the Stories of Appalachia. Be sure to subscribe to the Stories podcast if you haven’t done so already.

    You’ll find us wherever you get your favorite podcasts.
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    19 m
  • Christopher Gist and the Opening of Appalachia

    Christopher Gist and the Opening of Appalachia
    Aug 30 2025
    In 1750, surveyor Christopher Gist set out to explore the wilderness of what’s now Southwest Virginia, Eastern Kentucky, and West Virginia. Hired by the Ohio Company, Gist mapped the Appalachian frontier and discovered coal. He also guided a young George Washington, becoming an important figure in the French and Indian War. Join us as we tell the story of Christopher Gist, another one of the Stories of Appalachia.

    If you’ve not done so already, subscribe to the Stories podcast wherever you get your favorite podcasts.

    Thanks for listening!
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    13 m
  • Bloody Vengeance in Appalachia: The Battle of Dug Hill/The Officer House Massacre

    Bloody Vengeance in Appalachia: The Battle of Dug Hill/The Officer House Massacre
    Aug 23 2025
    In March 1864, Union Colonel William B. Stokes and his cavalry were ambushed at Dug Hill, in Tennessee, leaving dozens of his men dead. Enraged, Stokes led a brutal raid on William and Cynthia Officer’s home, where Confederate soldiers, including their son John, were staying. Six were killed, and the family narrowly escaped destruction thanks to the courage of one of their slaves, Uncle Abe.

    This week we tell of the brutality of the Civil War, a story of vengeance, survival, and the high cost of that war in Appalachia.

    You can subscribe to the Stories podcast at Spreaker, Audible, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your favorite podcasts.

    Thanks for listening.
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    17 m
  • The Rhea County Spartans: The South's All-Female Cavalry Unit

    The Rhea County Spartans: The South's All-Female Cavalry Unit
    Aug 16 2025
    In the final years of the Civil War, a group of young women in Rhea County, Tennessee, made American history as the only known all-female cavalry unit: the Rhea County Spartans. Born from loyalty to their Confederate fathers, brothers, and sweethearts, they rode sidesaddle into history, carrying supplies, letters, and, according to some accounts, intelligence for the Confederate cause.

    As Union forces swept through East Tennessee, these women defied the odds, and the rules, to keep their mission alive. But in April 1865, just days before Lee’s surrender, Union Captain John Walker made them his personal target, arresting sixteen Spartans in a dramatic march through cold rain and mud. What happened next surprised everyone, including their captors.

    In this episode, Rod and Steve tell the story of the rise, arrest, and legacy of the Rhea County Spartans. You’ll hear how wartime loyalties split communities, how women stepped into unconventional roles, and how one small group of women from East Tennessee left a mark on Civil War history.

    Perfect for fans of Civil War history, Appalachian heritage, and untold stories of women in wartime.

    Be sure to subscribe to the Stories podcast wherever you get your favorite podcasts.

    Thanks for listening!
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    16 m
  • The Kentucky Longhunter, Henry Skaggs

    The Kentucky Longhunter, Henry Skaggs
    Aug 9 2025
    In this episode, we tell the story of Henry Skaggs, one of the legendary Kentucky longhunters of the 18th century and his remarkable journey from his early days in Maryland to his time as an explorer and hunter on the Appalachian frontier.

    Discover how Henry explored the wilderness, including his encounter with the infamous Harpes, America's first known serial killers. Hear tales of his daring exploits, including with other notable frontiersmen like Daniel Boone.

    Be sure to subscribe to catch all our stories, available on your favorite podcast app.

    Thanks for listening!
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    16 m
  • Mountains, Moonshine and Mutiny: WW1 Desertion in North Carolina

    Mountains, Moonshine and Mutiny: WW1 Desertion in North Carolina
    Aug 2 2025
    In 1918, the mountains of North Carolina erupted in quiet rebellion. Dozens of young men dodged the World War I draft, hiding in the backcountry with help from friends and family. When a deadly shootout left two men dead on a remote mountain road, Governor Thomas Bickett launched an unprecedented campaign to bring the deserters in, using not just raids and arrests, but public persuasion designed to get these men to turn themselves in, no questions asked.

    And it worked.

    It’s another one of the Stories of Appalachia.

    Be sure to subscribe to the Stories podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you don’t miss a single one of our stories.

    Thanks for listening!
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    15 m
  • Michael Stoner, Legendary Longhunter of Appalachia

    Michael Stoner, Legendary Longhunter of Appalachia
    Jul 26 2025
    In this episode we tell the story of Michael Stoner, a German-born frontiersman, longhunter, and close companion of Daniel Boone. From his early days in Pennsylvania to brutal battles like Blue Licks and Boonesborough, to his final expedition up the Missouri River, Michael Stoner was the definition of Appalachian exploration and settlement, making his story one of the Stories of Appalachia.

    Be sure to subscribe to the podcast if you haven't done so already. You'll find us on Spreaker, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible and on our YouTube channel.

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    27 m
  • The Assassination of William Taulbee

    The Assassination of William Taulbee
    Jul 19 2025
    On February 28, 1890, a long-simmering feud turned deadly in the halls of the U.S. Capitol.

    Former Kentucky Congressman William P. Taulbee was shot on the marble stairs by journalist Charles Kincaid after years of personal and political conflict. In this episode, Steve and Rod tell the story of the events that led to the murder and the ghostly legend said to haunt the Capitol to this day.

    If you’ve not done so already, please subscribe to the Stories podcast on your favorite podcast app.

    Thanks for listening!
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    13 m