Episode Details

Virginia’s official state folklorist, Katy Clune, is on a mission to preserve the soul of the commonwealth—capturing the handmade magic of everyday life through music, food, stories, and crafts. Since taking the helm in 2022, she’s collected over 140 vivid interviews with Appalachian hip-hop artists, NASCAR ministers, cast-iron cookware restorers, and fig tree enthusiasts—all weaving the living tapestry of Virginia’s culture. As federal funding tightens and apprenticeships dwindle, Clune remains steadfast, believing folklore isn’t a footnote but the heartbeat of identity. Her global childhood shaped her vision: grounding people in local traditions to help them root down and move forward—together.

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