Victuals And Spider Legs

On this week’s show, we take a sonic journey through Appalachia to explore the history and legacy of its unique foodways.

The Appalachians range from Northern Alabama to Canada, yet when we speak of the people of Appalachia and their food and culture, we're talking about the South.

JEFF GUNN / FLICKR

We begin with Troy Ball, whose hobby as a moonshiner became a means of helping her family survive financial ruin. Troy’s memoir, Pure Heart, tells a very personal story of raising two special needs sons while becoming the first legal female moonshiner in Southern history.

In the heart of Kentucky, there is no drink more synonymous with the region than bourbon whiskey. To demystify this Appalachian spirit, we turn to an expert on the matter, author and historian Fred Minnick.

We also speak with author Ronni Lundy, who helps us break through some of the myths surrounding the isolated Appalachian region. Ronni discusses the intrinsic link between Southern Appalachians and their victuals.