Wyrd Mountain Gals

The Looooongest Hottest Funnest Solstice

The Wyrd Mountain Gals Show"The Looooongest Hottest Funnest Solstice"Show Airs Sunday, 6-23-24    7pm est
Episode Length:  1:06    
Byron is in heaven on earth (so to speak).  She's at Wisteria-one of her favorite places.  Alicia is knee-deep in her own hoopla.  Their conversation covers multiple topics.
*****TRIGGER WARNING*****  Lots of talk of a dreadful future ruled by robotic ai overlords..  
If you are a "nervous" type of person, try this episode instead:   https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-kz84f-145123c
 
Eliza:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ELIZA
Wisteria:  https://www.wisteria.org/
United Plant Savers:  https://unitedplantsavers.org/
Root Cause Farm:  https://www.rootcausefarm.org/
Here's the AI summary of our conversation.  Oy....
 
 
Here's the AI Summary of our conversation.  What do you think?
Casual Chat Amidst Challenges
Alicia and Byron had a casual conversation while they were working on a task together. Byron shared that she was based in Southern Ohio and was instructing Alicia on how to move some items. They also discussed the challenging Wi-Fi connection due to their locations in valleys. Despite the tough situation, Byron managed to maintain a positive attitude, which Alicia couldn't help but notice.
Foraging Experiences and Environmental Concerns
Byron and Alicia talked about their experiences with foraging and the impact of human activities on the environment. Alicia shared her childhood memory of using a walking stick to prevent snakes and other animals from attacking her while foraging. They also discussed a recent news article about a couple who moved to the countryside to start a business foraging wild ingredients for cocktails. Alicia expressed her concern about the depletion of natural resources due to over-harvesting and urged people to be more responsible in utilizing these resources. Byron agreed with Alicia's perspective and proposed to discuss it further.
Discussing AI, Land Use, and Nature
Byron and Alicia discussed various topics including their recent travels, their experiences with AI in customer service, and the importance of responsible land use. Byron shared her belief in the healing power of nature and her admiration for the United Plant Savers' efforts in preserving land for future generations. They both highlighted the negative impacts of overpopulation and the importance of respecting the natural world. Alicia and Byron also discussed some of the challenges they've encountered with AI in customer service, with Alicia expressing frustration about having to navigate AI systems to reach desired services.
Future Technology and Society Debate
Alicia and Byron discussed their differing views on the future of technology and its impact on society. Alicia expressed her initial enthusiasm for AI and robotics but later voiced concerns over its potential over-reliance and the need for improved integration. She also highlighted the importance of self-sufficiency and producing for use rather than profit. Byron, on the other hand, expressed discomfort with the increasing industrialization and large-scale agriculture, favoring traditional, more sustainable methods. Both agreed on the potential negative impact of technology on children, privacy, and the distraction from important activities.
Summer Solstice Celebrations and Family Backgrounds
Alicia and Byron discussed their plans for the summer solstice, with both deciding to organize their own celebration. They talked about the importance of this day in their culture and how it was a good opportunity to appreciate nature. Alicia shared her plans to plant seeds and honor her loved ones, while Byron mentioned a group gathering with women. They also discussed their family backgrounds, with Alicia sharing her family's storytelling tradition and Byron talking about her Southern American roots. Both reflected on the impact of technology on their communication and language, and how they have adapted to it.
Managing Human Population and Innovative Solutions
Byron and Alicia discussed the challenges of managing the growing human population. Alicia proposed mass sterilization and the creation of bio-machines as potential solutions, but both acknowledged the moral and practical difficulties with these ideas. They agreed that finding a solution would require innovative thinking. Alicia also referenced her latest book and a character in it who was similar to a species from the Twilight series, highlighting the topic's sensitivity.
Alicia and Byron's Favorite Spots and Experiences
Alicia and Byron took a break from their usual discussion topics and shared their fondest locations, including Hickory Grove and Katrina's property by the river. They highlighted the personal and sacred significance of these spots for them. They also discussed their recent experiences, emphasizing the importance of being present and enjoying the company of loved ones. Lastly, Alicia introduced a new feature on YouTube and shared an observation about a video she watched that incorrectly classified Western North Carolina as Tennessee, reflecting the potential for learning through online resources.
Alicia and Byron's Tech Talk and Camping Stories
Alicia and Byron discussed their experiences with technology, specifically YouTube and Facebook. Alicia expressed her belief that YouTube is becoming more prominent and may eventually surpass other social media platforms. They also discussed the advantages of Google's platform over Facebook, such as its capability to handle various file types and translations. The conversation then shifted to food and camping, with Byron sharing her recent experience of working at a festival with an abundance of pizza. Alicia shared her excitement about an upcoming band show and her recent sighting of a black vulture.
Band Updates and Workplace Support
Alicia announced the addition of Steve Gomez and Natalie Selby to the band, with Gomez playing keyboards and percussion and Selby on drums. Alicia also shared plans for a "porch jam" event and a family-friendly show she will be hosting. The pair also discussed future collaborations, including with Judy R.
#WyrdMountainGals
#ByronBallard#Podcast#Appalachia#AI#Pagan#Solstice2024#DigitalWitchery
 

Of Radishes and Music Part 2 Wyrd Mountain Gals

Wyrd Mountain Gals"Of Radishes & Music"   Part 2Episode airs Sunday   6-16-24     7pm
 
Byron is feeling good: no pain, tooth ordeal finally over & now it's time to......find some Portulaca seeds.  Alicia mourns the loss of the busking scene in Asheville.  They go on to take a dive into the street musician scene in Asheville, comparing then to present day.  
Quote:  "Music is in our bones here, and that's the truth of it."   ~BB
Heather Cox Richardson:  https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/about
Jerry Clower:  https://www.mswritersandmusicians.com/mississippi-writers/jerry-clower
WNCW:  https://www.wncw.org/
Don Pedi:  https://www.wncw.org/podcast/friday-feature-of-the-week/2024-05-20/the-music-program-close-to-home-finds-a-new-home-on-wncw
Asheville busking scene:  https://avlwatchdog.org/asheville-buskers-are-singing-the-blues/
The "Official" (think tourism) spin on the Asheville busking scene:  https://www.exploreasheville.com/stories/post/ashevilles-busking-scene-keeps-music-in-the-air/
Abby the Spoon Lady:   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPETY6-6NCMqoWneLosBZ2A
Jim Hampton:  https://www.youtube.com/@jimhamptonmusic
Ashley English:  https://www.smallmeasure.com/new-page-71
 
#WyrdMountainGals#PodcastNation#ByronBallard#ItsInOurBlood
 

Of Radishes and Music Wyrd Mountain Gals

Wyrd Mountain Gals"Of Radishes & Music"Episode airs Sunday   6-9-24     7pmEpisode link here: 
Byron is feeling good: no pain, tooth ordeal finally over & now it's time to......find some Portulaca seeds.  Alicia mourns the loss of the busking scene in Asheville.  They go on to take a dive into the street musician scene in Asheville, comparing then to present day.  
Quote:  "Music is in our bones here, and that's the truth of it."   ~BB
Heather Cox Richardson:  https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/about
Jerry Clower:  https://www.mswritersandmusicians.com/mississippi-writers/jerry-clower
WNCW:  https://www.wncw.org/
Don Pedi:  https://www.wncw.org/podcast/friday-feature-of-the-week/2024-05-20/the-music-program-close-to-home-finds-a-new-home-on-wncw
Asheville busking scene:  https://avlwatchdog.org/asheville-buskers-are-singing-the-blues/
The "Official" (think tourism) spin on the Asheville busking scene:  https://www.exploreasheville.com/stories/post/ashevilles-busking-scene-keeps-music-in-the-air/
Abby the Spoon Lady:   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPETY6-6NCMqoWneLosBZ2A
Jim Hampton:  https://www.youtube.com/@jimhamptonmusic
#WyrdMountainGals#PodcastNation#ByronBallard#ItsInOurBlood
 

We Don't Care What Your Call It Part 2 Wyrd Mountain Gals

The Wyrd Mountain Gals ShowWe Don't Care What You Call It  0  Part 2Episode Airs Sunday 6-2-24       7pm
Episode link here: https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-qy927-162d42c
The gals decide an "alternate" reunion would be better for their kind of folks.  No home game, no golf, just a really good band, the senior class play and a visit to the art exhibit...
They go on to talk about the upcoming weekend and Alicia learns that Decoration Day is not named after the practice of decorating the family graves.Somehow they manage to talk about religon AND politics.  Then comes a revelation about Tower Time...
Quote:  "It aint my thing, it never was my thing, and it continues to not be my thing."     ~BB
Land of the Sky Marching Band Festival:  http://www.enkaband.com/
John Lackey:  https://www.ncbandmasters.org/ncba-hall-of-fame/john-lackey
TO A MILLENIAL KINGDOM: THE NAZI ARYANIZATION OF CHRISTIANITYDaniel Lucca Honors Thesis: Department of HistoryUniversity of Colorado Boulder Defense Date: April 5th, 2018:  https://www.colorado.edu/history/sites/default/files/attached-files/lucca_thesis.pdf
The ‘Jayhawk Nazi’ used religion to stoke hate. Let’s not fall for it again.  Max McCoy:   https://kansasreflector.com/2023/11/12/the-jayhawk-nazi-used-religion-to-stoke-hate-lets-not-fall-for-it-again/
Tennessee Brando:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaHkDyvWVXXAGyG2lURMaYg
Chaos at Oversight Committee:  https://www.politico.com/video/2024/05/17/chaos-erupts-at-oversight-hearing-after-mtg-makes-fake-eyelashes-jab-1307611
Matt Gaetz evokes ‘standing by’ language adopted by Proud Boys as he attends court with Donald Trump: https://apnews.com/article/matt-gaetz-donald-trump-proud-boys-daed52f145929eefc8deaf2bfee32e47
Nabers Drive In:  https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/north-carolina/nabers-drive-in-bryson-city-in-nc/
Mama Gina LaMonte:  https://www.mamaginamusic.com/
 
#WyrdMountainGals@ByronBallard#MamaGina#TowerTime#DigitalWitchery#Tennessee_Brando
 
 

We Don't Care What You Call It Part 1 Wyrd Mountain Gals

The Wyrd Mountain Gals ShowWe Don't Care What You Call It  0  Part 1Episode Airs Sunday 5-26-24       7pm
Episode link here:  
The gals decide an "alternate" reunion would be better for their kind of folks.  No home game, no golf, just a really good band, the senior class play and a visit to the art exhibit...
They go on to talk about the upcoming weekend and Alicia learns that Decoration Day is not named after the practice of decorating the family graves.Somehow they manage to talk about religon AND politics.  Then comes a revelation about Tower Time...
Quote:  "It aint my thing, it never was my thing, and it continues to not be my thing."     ~BB
Land of the Sky Marching Band Festival:  http://www.enkaband.com/
John Lackey:  https://www.ncbandmasters.org/ncba-hall-of-fame/john-lackey
TO A MILLENIAL KINGDOM: THE NAZI ARYANIZATION OF CHRISTIANITYDaniel Lucca Honors Thesis: Department of HistoryUniversity of Colorado Boulder Defense Date: April 5th, 2018:  https://www.colorado.edu/history/sites/default/files/attached-files/lucca_thesis.pdf
The ‘Jayhawk Nazi’ used religion to stoke hate. Let’s not fall for it again.  Max McCoy:   https://kansasreflector.com/2023/11/12/the-jayhawk-nazi-used-religion-to-stoke-hate-lets-not-fall-for-it-again/
Tennessee Brando:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaHkDyvWVXXAGyG2lURMaYg
Chaos at Oversight Committee:  https://www.politico.com/video/2024/05/17/chaos-erupts-at-oversight-hearing-after-mtg-makes-fake-eyelashes-jab-1307611
Matt Gaetz evokes ‘standing by’ language adopted by Proud Boys as he attends court with Donald Trump: https://apnews.com/article/matt-gaetz-donald-trump-proud-boys-daed52f145929eefc8deaf2bfee32e47
Nabers Drive In:  https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/north-carolina/nabers-drive-in-bryson-city-in-nc/
Mama Gina LaMonte:  https://www.mamaginamusic.com/
 
#WyrdMountainGals@ByronBallard#MamaGina#TowerTime#DigitalWitchery#Tennessee_Brando
 
 

Breakfast Candy Part 2 Wyrd Mountain Gals

The Wyrd Mountain Gals Show"Breakfast Candy  Part 2"
Episode Airs Sunday, 5-19-24     7pm
Episode Link Here: https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-jb2xp-1617cc0
Alicia thinks this is the "20 Confessionss" episode.  
 
Byron is taking her vitamins on this sunny/breezy morning.  Alicia just figured out that her computer has a touch screen (duh!).  "The bloom is off the rose":  The person, object, or situation identified in the context has lost its novelty, freshness, appeal, or acceptability
"When the frost is on the punkin..":  The saying comes from a 19th century poem written by James Whitcomb Riley titled “When the Frost is on the Pumpkin”, which referred to when it was time to reap the autumn harvest
Darmok (episode): https://memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/Darmok_(episode)
Long vax:  https://www.medpagetoday.com/neur.../generalneurology/107644
Effects of COVID-19 Disease on DNA Damage, Oxidative Stress and Immune Responses:  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10145820/
Fantastic Fungi:  https://fantasticfungi.com/
 
 
#WyrdMountainGals#ByronBallard#Appalachia#DigitalWitchery

Breakfast Candy Part 1 Wyrd Mountain Gals

The Wyrd Mountain Gals Show"Breakfast Candy"Episode Airs Sunday, 5-12-24     7pm
Episode Link Here:  https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-gqs3a-160d79c
Byron is taking her vitamins on this sunny/breezy morning.  Alicia just figured out that her computer has a touch screen (duh!).  
"The bloom is off the rose":  The person, object, or situation identified in the context has lost its novelty, freshness, appeal, or acceptability
"When the frost is on the punkin..":  The saying comes from a 19th century poem written by James Whitcomb Riley titled “When the Frost is on the Pumpkin”, which referred to when it was time to reap the autumn harvest
Darmok (episode): https://memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/Darmok_(episode)
Long vax:  https://www.medpagetoday.com/neurology/generalneurology/107644
Effects of COVID-19 Disease on DNA Damage, Oxidative Stress and Immune Responses:  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10145820/
Fantastic Fungi:  https://fantasticfungi.com/
 
 
 
#WyrdMountainGals#ByronBallard#Appalachia#DigitalWitchery

The Wyrdness of Time Signs and Omens Edition Part 2

The Wyrd Mountain Gals ShowThe Wyrdness of Time    Signs and Omens Edition    Part 2Episode Airs May 5 2024   7pm
Episode Link here: https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-vin6c-1602b0e
 
Byron is eating all the radishes.  ALL. THE. RADISHES   Alicia is looking at compact fabric garden containers.  They talk about growing (and eating!).Byron recounted the latest from the "Signs and Omens" category:  BiG Ben at 9am struck 11 then stopped.  Two horses (one solid black & one white horse covered in blood) from the Kings' calvary escaped & were roaming the streets of London.  In the same time period the blades of the famed Moulin Rouge fell off into the street.  While Byron bemoaned the fate of the Livingston St. garden, Alicia complained about the Malvern Hills pool.  They decide that Asheville has "gotten above it's 'raisen".  They talked a bit about Beltane & Mother Grove Goddess Temple's  upcoming celebration at the French Broad River Park. Byron tried deep fried green beans then went on to talk about her root canal.  hmmmAlicia confessed her secret writings through high school.  Then on to AI & finally on to food.  
Anita Ward - Ring My Bell:  https://youtu.be/r1UkZLT20TI?si=SVc8Y7K-gYcihBu-
Fiddler on the Roof  Tradition! (1971):  https://youtu.be/kDtabTufxao?si=xkp-YRDUwPAMr5Ho
David Cohen - https://www.facebook.com/Cohencidents/
Hog farms  https://www.nrdc.org/stories/hurricane-flooded-hog-farms-could-bring-superbugs-north-carolina-communities
Beltane with Mother Grove Goddess Temple:   https://fb.me/e/1szTCDqA6
Quote:  "Sometimes we build something up in our heads into something bigger & more horrible than it is & that doesnt do us any good."  ~BB
The Grove Botanical Tea & Gifts:  https://thegroveteas.square.site/
Appalachian Summer Solstice 2024celebrate the longest day at wisteria!   https://www.wisteria.org/summer-solstice/
End of an Old Song (1969): https://www.folkstreams.net/films/end-of-an-old-song
Freddie Mercury's voice:  https://www.npr.org/2016/04/25/475611808/why-freddie-mercurys-voice-was-so-great-as-explained-by-science
Scrumpy:  Scrumpy is a type of cider originating in the West of England, particularly the West Country. Traditionally, the dialect term "scrumpy" was used to refer to what was otherwise called "rough", a harsh cider made from unselected apples.
#WyrdMountainGals#ByronBallard#DoomScrolling#EndOfAnOldSong
 

The Wyrdness of Time Signs and Omens Edition

The Wyrd Mountain Gals ShowThe Wyrdness of Time    Signs and Omens EditionEpisode Airs Sunday April 28 2024   7pm
Episode link here: https://wyrdmountaingals.podbean.com/e/the-wyrdness-of-time-signs-and-omens-edition/
 
Byron is eating all the radishes.  ALL. THE. RADISHES   Alicia is looking at compact fabric garden containers.  They talk about growing (and eating!).Byron recounted the latest from the "Signs and Omens" category:  BiG Ben at 9am struck 11 then stopped.  Two horses (one solid black & one white horse covered in blood) from the Kings' calvary escaped & were roaming the streets of London.  In the same time period the blades of the famed Moulin Rouge fell off into the street.  While Byron bemoaned the fate of the Livingston St. garden, Alicia complained about the Malvern Hills pool.  They decide that Asheville has "gotten above it's 'raisin".  They talked a bit about Beltane & Mother Grove Goddess Temple's  upcoming celebration at the French Broad River Park. Byron tried deep fried green beans then went on to talk about her root canal. hmmmAlicia confessed her secret writings through high school.  Then on to AI & finally on to food.  
Anita Ward - Ring My Bell:  https://youtu.be/r1UkZLT20TI?si=SVc8Y7K-gYcihBu-
Fiddler on the Roof  Tradition! (1971):  https://youtu.be/kDtabTufxao?si=xkp-YRDUwPAMr5Ho
David Cohen - https://www.facebook.com/Cohencidents/
Hog farms  https://www.nrdc.org/stories/hurricane-flooded-hog-farms-could-bring-superbugs-north-carolina-communities
Beltane with Mother Grove Goddess Temple:   https://fb.me/e/1szTCDqA6
Quote:  "Sometimes we build something up in our heads into something bigger & more horrible than it is & that doesnt do us any good."  ~BB
The Grove Botanical Tea & Gifts:  https://thegroveteas.square.site/
Appalachian Summer Solstice 2024celebrate the longest day at wisteria!   https://www.wisteria.org/summer-solstice/
End of an Old Song (1969): https://www.folkstreams.net/films/end-of-an-old-song
Freddie Mercury's voice:  https://www.npr.org/2016/04/25/475611808/why-freddie-mercurys-voice-was-so-great-as-explained-by-science
#WyrdMountainGals#ByronBallard#DoomScrolling#EndOfAnOldSong
 

Recap from Sunday May 07, 2023 - The Beltane Belles Bring Up Beltane

Wyrd Mountain GalsEpisode Airs Sunday, 5-21-23Recap  from Sunday May 07, 2023 - The Beltane Belles Bring Up Beltane
Episode Link Here:  https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-6six8-15efc85
Quote:  "Knock, knock, don't come in, I've got a knife" ~BB
Alicia wants to frolic, even though it's windy.  Byron is concerned for her community.  We hear some travel stories.
One Day at a Time - Marilyn Sellars - https://youtu.be/tm8Lx_Jm6aI
One Day at a Time - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0072554/
Musselwhite's Seafood and Grill - Palatka, Fl - https://musselwhitesseafood.com/
Schooner's Seafood House - St Augustine, Fl - https://www.schooners-seafood.com/
Charleston Crab House - Charleston, SC - https://charlestoncrabhouse.com/
Asheville Herb Festival - http://www.ashevilleherbfestival.org/festival-2023-workshops
Stories From The Earth Podcast - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCv9Kii85K6wi6233I3v4-4Q
Rites of Spring 45 May 24-29, 2023 - http://www.earthspirit.com/
Question of the Day--What HAS Byron done at the ocean?  
R.E.M. - It's The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0GFRcFm-aY
What Are the Seneca Guns? - https://islandlifenc.com/whats-sound-seneca-guns/
Beach Metal Detecting Tips - https://www.metaldetector.com/learn/buying-guide-articles/beach-water-hunting/beach-metal-detecting-tips
MARKS STAMPED INSIDE RINGS - https://alberthern.com/blogs/news/marks-stamped-inside-rings
 
#WyrdMountainGals#ByronBallard#BeltaneBelles#Beltane2023