Hurricane Helene devastated central Appalachia and disrupted the lives of people in recovery.

Also, in West Virginia, fur trapping continues, even in the 21st century.

And, baseball is America’s past-time. One league is making the game more inclusive.

You'll hear these stories and more this week, Inside Appalachia.

In This Episode:

Substance Use Recovery After Hurricane Helene

A man sitting in a dark room. He is facing away. — Devon, sitting in his daughter's room in Arden, is in recovery for drug addiction. Helene upended his life, but his network of friends and support group helped him get through it.

*Photo Credit: Jesse Barber/Grist*

It’s been a year-and-a-half since Hurricane Helene ravaged central Appalachia, especially western North Carolina. The storm upended communities, including support for people living with addiction and behavioral health issues.

Blue Ridge Public Radio’s Katie Myers has been exploring how people are still recovering.

Pittsburgh Researcher Moves To China After Trump Cuts

Two people posing in the middle of the street. — Natalie and Jason Walsman have been living in Pittsburgh since 2020, but are now selling their home and moving to China.

*Photo Credit: Brynn Kleine/90.5 WESA*

As the Trump administration cuts federal science funding, people in research hubs like Pittsburgh are wondering how or if that shift might reshape their communities.

WESA’s Glynis Board spoke with one researcher and his family about their recent decision to move to China.

The Tao Of Fly Fishing Rods

A man with his back mostly to the camera is standing it waist deep water and has a fly fishing rod in hand. — Lee Orr fly fishing on the Elk River.

*Photo Credit: Zack Harold/West Virginia Public Broadcasting*

Most of the time, athletes welcome technical innovations in sports equipment. Gone are the days when folks ran marathons in Converse sneakers. And you don’t hear basketball players pining for short shorts. But some fly fishermen still prefer to do things the old-fashioned way. In 2023, Folkways reporter Zack Harold took us to the Elk River to meet Lee Orr of the 304 Rod Company.

W.Va. Fur Trade In The 21st Century

A young girl holding animal hides. There are seven people standing or sitting behind her. There is a row of animal hides behind them. — Jeremiah Whitlatch has taught his daughters how to trap, and they help out at the auction.

*Photo Credit: Clara Haizlett/West Virginia Public Broadcasting*

People have long trapped animals for their hides.

In North America, Europeans swapped iron tools, cookware and whiskey for animal skins. The pelts were part of a lucrative business that lasted well into the latter part of the last century. In fact, trapping was one of Appalachia’s first industries.

These days, fur trappers struggle to earn a living. The fashion industry has largely turned away from fur. Still, some trappers in West Virginia have adapted or found new careers using their particular skills. A few years back, Folkways reporter Lauren Griffin brought us this story.

The Sweet Taste Of Syrup In Virginia And W.Va.

Maple Sugar Road in Highland County, Virginia.

*Photo Credit: Clara Haizlett/West Virginia Public Broadcasting*

Highland County, Virginia and its neighboring counties in West Virginia are some of the southernmost areas in the U.S. where you can make maple syrup. Making maple syrup has become tradition in these communities, but producers are experimenting – both out of curiosity and out of necessity. In 2023, Folkways reporter Clara Haizlett visited the Alleghany Highlands.

The Homewrecker Returns To Hillbilly Hotdogs

Last summer, producer Bill Lynch traveled to Hillbilly Hotdogs in Lesage, West Virginia. It’s a local institution and a tourist attraction. In 2024, the hotdog stand’s signature menu item suddenly became unavailable. But the "Homewrecker" has now returned. Bill went to the hotdog s...