Old Gods of Appalachia Podcast Episode Summary
Episode: Family Meeting: Cam & Steve Talk About What’s Next Following Hurricane Helene
Release Date: October 18, 2024
Host/Authors: Steve Schell and Cam Collins
Podcast: Old Gods of Appalachia by DeepNerd Media
In this heartfelt and informative episode, hosts Steve Schell and Cam Collins address their dedicated audience—whom they affectionately refer to as "family"—to discuss the significant challenges and forthcoming changes following the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene on central Appalachia. The episode combines personal anecdotes, updates on the podcast’s production, and calls to action for community support.
1. Introduction and Transition from Patreon to The Holler
Steve Schell opens the episode by announcing a major shift in their subscription model. Previously reliant on Patreon, the duo is transitioning to their own subscription service, The Holler, powered by Supercast. This move is motivated by the discontinuation of Patreon for their show.
"Patreon is going away. We just launched our very own subscription service, the Holler. The Holler is powered by Supercast..."
— Steve Schell [00:00]
The Holler promises benefits such as ad-free episodes, exclusive storylines, and seamless integration with popular podcast apps, addressing previous listener requests for features like Spotify integration.
2. Impact of Hurricane Helene on Central Appalachia
The core of the episode delves into the severe repercussions of Hurricane Helene, particularly in Asheville, North Carolina, and surrounding mountain towns. Both hosts share their personal experiences and the broader community's struggles.
Steve explains the extent of the devastation:
"The fallout from Hurricane Helene left my city of Asheville, North Carolina without power, water and Internet for most of the month of October. Entire sections of the city were underwater..."
— Steve Schell [01:13]
He highlights that over 80% of Asheville is still without potable drinking water, with many residents also lacking power. While his household narrowly escaped physical destruction, the lack of essential services coupled with medical needs has severely disrupted their production capabilities.
3. Delays in Season 5 and Unhallowed Grounds Tour
Due to the hurricane’s impact, Old Gods of Appalachia’s Season 5 release is delayed by two months, now set to premiere on December 5, 2024.
"We regret to announce that the Release of Season 5 of Old Gods of Appalachia is going to be delayed. Season 5 will now premiere on December 5, 2024..."
— Steve Schell [02:32]
Additionally, their Unhallowed Grounds tour dates in Marion, Virginia, and Boone, North Carolina, are postponed to June 2025. Travel disruptions caused by damaged highways, such as I40 and I26, necessitate these changes. The hosts assure fans that all previously purchased tickets will be honored for the rescheduled dates, and refunds are available for those unable to attend.
"We’re Postpone the last two dates of the Unhallowed Grounds tour in Marion, Virginia..."
— Cam Collins [02:32]
4. Fundraising and Relief Efforts
Recognizing the ongoing struggles of their community, Steve and Cam launch several initiatives to support hurricane relief efforts:
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Merchandise Sales: A new t-shirt design featuring the Old Gods logo and the phrase "Helen High Water Came and We're still here" is available on their Teepublic shop, with all proceeds directed to grassroots relief organizations like Beloved Asheville and Rise Irwin.
"Every dollar made on those shirts will go to grassroots Appalachian relief efforts..."
— Cam Collins [04:06] -
Voice Actor Cameos and Music Releases: Voice actors from the podcast, including Steve himself, offer paid cameo services, with 100% of the proceeds aiding hurricane relief. Additionally, a new single titled "Sun Hold Killian Song" by Landon Blood is available on Bandcamp, with all sales supporting relief efforts.
"All of the proceeds raised in the coming months will benefit hurricane relief efforts."
— Steve Schell [03:28] -
Fundraising Campaigns: The hosts emphasize the urgency and sustained impact of Hurricane Helene, aiming to raise over $10,000 through these collective efforts.
"Imagine how much help we could bring to the folks whose lives were impacted by Hurricane Helene just by y'all clicking a few buttons..."
— Cam Collins [05:48]
5. Transition to The Holler Subscription Platform
Steve elaborates on the benefits and logistics of the new subscription service, The Holler. By migrating to Supercast, they aim to provide a more robust and user-friendly experience for their subscribers.
"The Holler opens on Friday, October 25th. That's one week from the day we're posting this."
— Steve Schell [04:57]
Cam adds that Supercast is incentivizing early sign-ups by pledging a dollar for every new subscriber in the first two weeks, leveraging their existing Patreon community of over 11,000 subscribers to maximize support for relief efforts.
"We’re setting up fundraising efforts of our own. For example, hit the show notes of this post to see all the voice actors..."
— Cam Collins [05:48]
They reassure Patreon users that the platform will remain open for those who prefer to stay, ensuring continued access to monthly exclusives during the transition.
"We are not closing Patreon at this time. If you opt to stick around on Patreon... we'll continue to post all our monthly exclusives..."
— Steve Schell [06:49]
6. Conclusion and Next Steps
Steve recaps the key updates: the postponement of tour dates, the delay of Season 5, ongoing fundraising efforts, and the launch of The Holler subscription service. He directs listeners to the show notes for links to their fundraising initiatives and invites them to join The Holler to support both the podcast and the broader community.
"To recap, family, the final shows of our Unhallowed Grounds tour have been postponed until June of 2025... we'll be rolling out a brand new subscription service come October 25th..."
— Steve Schell [06:49]
Cam concludes by assuring listeners that detailed guidance for transitioning to The Holler will be shared on their social media platforms, and specific instructions will be provided for Patreon members.
"We know it's a lot to digest. Family. And in the coming days, we'll post all the details you need to navigate."
— Cam Collins [07:23]
Steve signs off with gratitude and anticipation for continued support and community solidarity.
"We'll see you soon, family. See you real soon."
— Steve Schell [07:40]
Old Gods of Appalachia continues to embody the resilient spirit of its listeners, turning adversity into a rallying point for community support and creative resilience. This episode underscores the profound connection between the hosts and their audience, reinforcing their commitment to both storytelling and real-world aid.