Maggie Dillow is the founding member of the Post-apocalyptic Poets for a Pre-apocalyptic World, Her work as a writer and educator has been supported by the Tiny Spoon Residency, the National Women's History Museum, and the National Enodwment of the Humanities. She has her MFA from Hollins University and teaches in Southwest Virginia.

Catherine the Great is a project by Catherine Backus that primarily exists as a repository for her feelings. Her sad songs have drawn numerous accolades, including 1st place at the Merlefest Chris Austin Songwriting Contest, 4th place at the Rocky Mountain Folks Festival Songwriter Showcase, and finalist in the Bernard/Ebb Songwriting Awards. Over the course of her career, she’s shared stages with folks like Molly Tuttle, Kim Richey, Willie Watson, and Ben Sollee.

My guests include: Doc McClintock, a trans woman folk singer songwriter from Roanoke, Virginia who’s music focuses on addiction loss and working class struggle, she’s joined by Alaina Crackoviack on fiddle; Chanell Burnette is a poet, author and she has the unique perspective of recently being released from a Virginia Appalachian Prison after 19 years incarcerated; And Solar Hex is an experimental cellist, harmonium player and old time songstress.

Chanell Burnette is a newly returning citizen to Roanoke after serving 19 years in an Appalachian Virginia prison. She is a mother to two, and a grandmother to three. She is an author and her mission is to bring awareness to the suffering endured behind bars in hopes that people will remember our shared humanity.

Doc McClintock is a folk singer-songwriter born and raised in Roanoke, Virginia. Her songwriting is deeply influenced by her experience living on the fringes of rural Appalachia with a focus on addiction, loss, queerness and working class struggle. She ignites a fusion of rowdy traditional Appalachian string music and introspective folk.

My guest this week is Stephen Davies, a comedy rap artist best known for his work with the cult-favorite group Illbotz and his father-son duo, Knuckleheadz, alongside his son Jackson. Off the stage, Stephen has spent the last 25 years as an activities director and administrator in nursing homes.Drawing from decades of real-life experience, Stephen recently released Granny’s Got a Fart Gun—a collection of hilarious and heartwarming stories from the nursing home. It’s a laugh-out-loud celebration of humanity, aging, and the unexpected moments that make life unforgettable.

Elsa Howell is a roots and Old Time inspired singer-songwriter from Roanoke, VA. We dive into her debut EP, Eyes Wide.

Amelia Empson is an Indie Americana and roots singer-songwriter from Christiansburg, VA. We discuss the caveats of playing saw and her album, Overalls and Lingerie.

Adria Accomando is a young adult and new adult fiction author who recently published her first novel, Violets Gray.

Jason Long is a Virginia History teacher and roots based, rock inspired singer-songwriter. He shares the difficult year that pushed him to move to Nashville to pursue his dreams.