Melungeon Heritage Association
Document, Preserve, & Sustain.
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Made possible in part by a grant from the VA250 Commission in partnership with Virginia Humanities
Season SIX debuts on October 18th!
Latest Episode:
Previous Episodes:
Click any episode below to listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts and to download the transcript!
SEASON 1
Melungeon Voices S1 E1 - Frederick Murphy
Historian and Documentary filmmaker, Frederick Murphy, discusses filmmaking, race, historical trauma, his personal story (and Melungeon connection), and the mission of his project organization, History Before Us.
Melungeon Voices S1 E2 - Beverly Scarlett
District Court Judge and Author, Beverly Scarlett, shares her personal journey in discovering her Melungeon ancestry which began with a mysterious family photo and later developed into her deep genealogical family research which has inspired her new book due out this summer.
Melungeon Voices S1 E3 - Bill Gipson
Retired Dentist, Author and Researcher, Bill Gipson, shares his vast knowledge and research findings into the historic migration of the Gipson/Gibson and Collins families, in addition to surprising possible foreign origins related to Melungeon ancestry.
Melungeon Voices S1 E4 - Paul Johnson
Author and retired Library Director, Paul Johnson, shares insight into his research on Sarah Stanley Grimke and her connection to several mixed ethnic members of a distinguished Coastal Carolina plantation family, as well as Paschal Beverly Randolph and his possible connection to President Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings.
Melungeon Voices S1 E5 - Robert Wells
Software developer, Robert Wells, repurposed his professional skills in both research and analysis to pursue genealogical studies. In this episode he shares his knowledgeable insight while providing tips on how to apply genealogical records, DNA analysis and third-party ancestry records services to learn more about your own personal family tree, as well as ways to avoid common research pitfalls.
Melungeon Voices S1 E6 - Sonja Griffin Evans
Internationally acclaimed Gullah/Geechee artist, speaker, and Pan African Culture Heritage Fellow, Sonja Griffin Evans, shares her beautiful and unique Gullah/Geechee heritage, and its influence on her artwork. She also discusses what inspires her, and how her cultural roots from the past impacts her work and messages it will send to future generations.
Melungeon Voices S1 E7 - Wayne Winkler
Season Finale – Author, Public Radio Station Manager and former MHA President, Wayne Winkler, discusses his book “Beyond the Sunset” about the Melungeon outdoor drama, Walk Toward the Sunset, and its significance on the Melungeon people back then, as well as today.
SEASON 2
Melungeon Voices S2 E1 - Kimberly Knight
Kimberly Knight earned a Bachelors in Family & Consumer Sciences, and a Masters in Social Work. She is the Founder and Editor of “The Lux Blog NC” and is the Committee Chair of the Advisory Council for the first Black Indians NC Powwow for the state of North Carolina. She is currently Co-Directing and Co-Producing the upcoming documentary, “Duality: A Collection of Afro-Indigenous Perspectives.”
In this season’s debut episode of Melungeon Voices, Kimberly discusses her Afro-Indigenous roots, her cultural identity, and latest endeavor in teaching others about her unique ancestry through film.
Melungeon Voices S2 E2 - Jake Richards
Jake Richards grew up and currently lives in East Tennessee. He is the author of two books, one published just a few of months ago. Jake writes about his Melungeon and Cherokee traditions and ancestry, which are on both sides of his family. His Melungeon ancestors came from both Newman’s Ridge and the Pee Dee River migrations. In this episode, Jake shares his fascinating knowledge of Appalachian folklore and magic, as well as some interesting spiritual traditions connected to the Melungeon people.
Melungeon Voices S2 E3 - LaTonya Beatty
LaTonya Beatty is an avid Genealogist, blogger, and family Historian. She has been researching Genealogy for almost twenty years. She holds an Associate’s Degree in Art, and is the author of two books and is currently working on a new children’s book. In today’s podcast, Tonya shares little known facts about the Quakers, the Underground Railroad, and Free People of Color.
Melungeon Voices S2 E4 - William Isom II
William Isom II is a native of Hamblen County, Tennessee. He’s the director of community outreach for East Tennessee PBS, and is the director of the Black in Appalachia Project. During this episode, William shares what it’s like to be multi-ethnic and black in Appalachia, how it is connected to the Melungeon people, and how it inspired the growth of the Black in Appalachia Project.
Melungeon Voices S2 E5 - Onur Kaya
Onur Kaya is a Professor at Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy, located in Burdur, Turkey. He has written several published articles and papers, as well as presented at many Academic conferences. The Melungeon people are one of his main research areas and the subject of his PhD thesis. In this episode, Onur joins Heather from his home country of Turkey, to share his extensive research on the surprising, Turkish-Melungeon connection.
Melungeon Voices S2 E6 - Lauren Magnussen
Lauren Magnussen is a Production Editor at Mascot Books. She has a B.A. in English from the College of William and Mary and is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in English Literature. She worked in Academia and professional theatre before transitioning to her dream job in book publishing. In this week’s episode, Lauren and I discuss her extensive research and discoveries on the Melungeon people.
Melungeon Voices S2 E7 - Dr. Arwin Smallwood
Last, but certainly not least, we present a compelling discussion with one of our prominent speakers from this year’s MHA Union Conference. Dr. Arwin Smallwood is Professor and Chair of the Department of History and Political Science at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in Greensboro. His research primarily focuses on the relationships between African-American, Native-American, and Europeans in Eastern North Carolina during the Colonial and early Antebellum period. Wrapping up our second podcast season, in this final episode, Dr. Smallwood and I go into detail on the interrelation between European, African, and Indigenous people. Or to those who attend the this year’s virtual MHA Conference, the interrelation between the Lost Colony of Roanoke, the Tuscarora people, and the Melungeon people.
SEASON 3
Melungeon Voices S3 E1 - Ramona Moore Big Eagle
Ramona Moore Big Eagle is an award-winning and internationally renowned motivational speaker, storyteller, cultural educator, consultant, and workshop facilitator. She is president and CEO of Dare to Soar Enterprises, an organization she formed in 1991 to empower people of all ages and across all walks of life to become more effective communicators. In this episode, Heather speaks with Ramona about her Afro-Indigenous ancestry, the significance of storytelling in native communities, and the importance and traditions of storytelling.
Melungeon Voices S3 E2 - Mike Richards + Tim Webb
Melungeon Voices S3 E3 - Katya Faris
Katya Faris, MA ethnomusicology, MA Jyotisha/Vedic Astrology, is from Hindustan, Indiana, and is a certified Jyotishi, or sidereal Vedic astrologer, Middle Eastern dance artist and music producer, Tarot practitioner, and Master level Reiki healing practitioner. Part of her heritage is “Black Dutch” Melungeon, Cherokee and Choctaw.
In this episode, Heather speaks with Katya about Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), its symptoms, and possible connections to the Melungeon people, as well as Katya’s personal journey in learning about her own mixed-ancestry through genetic testing, connection to the Trail of Tears, as well as how her ancestry influences her work in Jyotisha Vedic Astrology, music, and dance.
Melungeon Voices S3 E4 - Ron Carson
Ron Carson is the founder of the Appalachian African American Cultural Center. He has dedicated his life and work to the collection and preservation of the narratives, experiences, and artifacts of historical import to the black people of Appalachia. Along with his wife, Jill, he prevented the demolition of an old one room schoolhouse he’d attended as a child, and in 1987, created the Appalachian African American Cultural Center within its walls.
In this week’s episode, MHA President Heather Andolina welcomes back Ron Carson. He was a guest speaker at this year’s Melungeon Heritage Association Union Conference. Ron further discusses the African American experience in Appalachia and how the Melungeon people are a part of black Appalachian history and his important work advocating for the diagnosis, treatment and benefits for coal miners with black lung.
Melungeon Voices S3 E5 - Janeen Stephens
Janeen Stevens is a native of Michigan and graduate of Wayne State University and has been researching her family genealogy and history for over 10 years. Growing up, she was exposed to the oral history given by her grandparents who were born in the early 1900s. And she experienced a deep longing to understand more about the history of her family.
For this week’s episode, host Heather Andolina explains GED Matching, The One Drop Rule, and who was Walter Plecker, and has Janeen explore how one may discover their mixed ancestry, possible ties to the Melungeon and other origins through DNA.
Melungeon Voices S3 E6 - Gabriel Greaves
Gabriel Greaves, who earned a master’s in American Studies from Kennesaw State University in Georgia, and is now a professor of African and African Diaspora Studies at Kennesaw State University, with a background in Afro-Latino studies, the civil rights era, Christianity in the Americas, and the social impact of religious worldviews. He is also a human services professional, historian, educator, and interdisciplinary researcher who has worked within community and grassroots outreach for over 14 years.
In this episode, Gabriel and host Heather Andolina, examine the possible connections of the Melungeon people to Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as discuss maroon communities in Latin America, the Caribbean, and the United States, and their ties to the Melungeon people.
Melungeon Voices S3 E7 - Dr. Melissa Carver
Dr. Melissa Carver is the author of the book, “Who the Hell Told You That?” She’s also the founder of the Annual Rejuvenation Retreat, President of the non-profit organization, Mindset Junkies, contributing writer for Chopra and Elephant Journal, as well as a Chopra-certified instructor. She is a mindset practitioner who feels authentic perspectives generate happiness and fulfillment in all aspects of life.
In this season’s final episode, MHA President Heather Andolina and Dr. Carver discuss historical and generational trauma, hidden heritage, and transcending racism. And they make an exciting announcement about next year’s MHA Annual Union Conference!
Melungeon Voices S3 Bonus - 2022 Author Event
In this bonus episode, we recorded live from Martinsville, VA at the 2022 Melungeon Heritage Association Union Conference at the Author Event held at the historic Parish House. MHA President, Heather Andolina, welcomes listeners to the podcast, then hands the baton to podcast producer, Lis Malone, for interviews with featured authors:
– LaTonya Beatty
– Dr. Melissa Carver
– Paul Johnson
– Dr. Terry Mullins
– Darlene Nixon
– DruAnna Williams Overbay
– Beverly Scarlett
Don’t miss this stellar collection of short discussions with an impressive lineup of authors who write about all aspects of Melungeon heritage, genealogy, mixed ancestry, and historical findings!
SEASON 4
Melungeon Voices S4 E1 - Kiran Singh Sirah
Kiran Singh Sirah is a speaker, folklorist, storyteller, peace-builder, and past president of the International Storytelling Center (ISC) and producer of the world-renowned National Storytelling Festival. Prior to his appointment at ISC, Kiran helped establish a number of award-winning arts, cultural, and human rights programs in numerous countries.
Sirah is regularly asked to provide keynote lectures, workshops, and trainings for such entities as the Smithsonian Institution, the U.S. State Department, Department of Defense, Library of Congress, and the United Nations, and has worked in and in collaboration with projects in Colombia, Brazil, Palestine, Israel, South Sudan and Uganda. Kiran firmly believes storytelling not only enriches lives, but also holds the key to building a better world.
In this season’s debut episode, Heather and Kiran discuss the significance of storytelling in Appalachia and Melungeon communities, as well as the importance of storytelling and the importance of sharing our own experiences and stories.
Melungeon Voices S4 E2 - Dr. Kathy Lyday
Professor Emerita, Dr. Kathy J. Lyday, has taught first-year writing, linguistics, grammar, the history of the English language, American literature, Introduction to Literature, literature of the Holocaust, and Appalachian literature at Elon University for 41 years. Her research interests include Appalachian authors, Melungeons in literature, Holocaust literature, and language use in society. Dr. Lyday has been a member of the Melungeon Heritage Association since 1994 and is the current board Vice-President. She is the co-author of two historical novels and is currently researching the third book in the series.
In this episode, Heather and Kathy examine the author, Will Allan Dromgoole, and why she is perceived as a controversial figure within the Melungeon community.
Melungeon Voices S4 E3 - Joshua Outsey
Joshua Caleb Daniel Outsey, has been an actor, both on stage and on television. He is also a dedicated Community Organizer and hip-hop recording artist and performer. Joshua is a co-founder of “Socially Equal Energy Efficient Development” (SEEED) in Knoxville, TN. For over a decade, he has worked as an advocate for racial equality and economic and environmental justice in and around urban and rural Appalachia. He continues to promote diversity and inclusion through his artistic performance and creative writing. Currently, Joshua is a new employee on the archive team at Appalshop. He has been researching and documenting the history of Black Churches throughout Central and South Central Appalachia. He lives in Big Stone Gap, VA with his wife, Terran Young, and their daughter, Eden.
In this episode, Josh and Heather talk about Appalshop, and the non-profit SEEED, and these organizations’ importance in elevating diverse and inclusive Appalachian voices for change.
Melungeon Voices S4 E4 - Aaron Collins
Aaron Collins is an amateur genealogist and researcher. He graduated from Virginia Tech with a Bachelor of Science in Sociology, and minor in Appalachian Studies. He served twelve years in the US Army reserves. Earlier this year, Aaron started his own business, Left Handed Guy Upholstery and Woodworking.
Aaron is a descendant of “Old Benjamin” Collins via his maternal grandfather. He spent his formative years visiting his Mamaw and Papaw in Sneedville, TN. Additionally, Aaron is on the Board of Directors for the Vardy Community Historical Society in Sneedville, TN. Aaron lives with his husband and two dogs in Knoxville, TN.
In this episode, Aaron and Heather discuss Melungeon ancestry, the Melungeon settlement of Vardy Valley/Newman’s Ridge, and how one can research their own Melungeon heritage.
Melungeon Voices S4 E5 - Melinda Trueblood Stimpson
Melinda Trueblood Stimpson is Roma, Native, Jewish, queer, and autistic, and they recently realized that they might be a Melungeon descendant, but is still in the process of researching their Melungeon ancestry.
Melinda is a scientist, consultant with a co-operative called Ludar Animal Behavior, and is the director of an animal 501c3 non-profit called Adopt Ohio. They work in community healthcare, especially for the Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ communities. Their current fields of study in academia are neuroethology and neurodecolonization. They are currently working on their social work license and plan to go on to medical school.
In this episode, Heather Andolina and Melinda discuss the possible connections of the Romani/Roma people to the Melungeon people, as well as highlight the diversity and inclusivity within Appalachia.
Melungeon Voices S4 E6 - Scott Withrow
Scott Withrow is an author, editor, history teacher, as well as a park ranger for the National Park Service. Scott was President of the Melungeon Heritage Association for five years and is the current President Emeritus of the Melungeon Heritage Association. Scott is the editor, as well as an author, of one of the essays in the book, “Carolina Genesis,” which is a compilation of essays about mixed-heritage people, and available on Amazon (link below).
In this episode, Heather Andolina and Scott discuss the founding of the Melungeon Heritage Association and the ambiguity of mixed heritage and racial identity.
Melungeon Voices S4 E7 - Dr. José Pimienta-Bey
Dr. José Pimienta-Bey is a tenured Associate Professor of African & African American Studies and General Studies at Berea College in Kentucky for the past fifteen years. Pimienta-Bey’s primary research interests include Moorish History, “Black”/African Psychology, Comparative Religious Studies, and African American Social and Political Thought.
He is the author of numerous publications, including Othello’s Children in the “New World”: Moorish History and Identity in the African American Experience (2002) and “Laboring Within the Mind Fields of Global White Supremacy” which appears in The Osiris Papers: Reflections on the Life and Writings of Dr. Frances Cress Welsing (2019) edited by Raymond A. Winbush and Denise L. Wright.
In this season’s final episode, Heather and Dr. Pimienta-Bey explore the legal and cultural relevance of Melungeons and Moor identities within U. S. History.
SEASON 5
S5 E1 - Southern & Appalachian Folk Medicine
For the Season 5 debut episode, MHA President Heather Andolina is joined by Lindsay Kolasa and Phyllis Light to discuss Southern and Appalachian folk medicine, what Southern and Appalachian folk medicine is, its origins, and the connections to the Melungeon people.
Phyllis D. Light is a fourth-generation herbalist and healer and has studied and worked with herbs, foods, and other healing techniques for over 30 years. Her studies in Traditional Southern Folk Medicine began in the deep woods of North Alabama with lessons from her grandmother, who’s herbal and healing knowledge had its roots in her Creek/Cherokee heritage. She has a master’s degree from the University of Alabama in Health Studies, and has experience in both clinical and private settings including working in integrative medical clinics in Birmingham and Huntsville, Alabama. In addition to herbalism and nutrition. Currently, she is the director of the Appalachian Center for Natural Health and continues to maintain an active private practice and consults with clients and offers health educational classes for businesses. Phyllis is also the author of “Southern Folk Medicine, Healing Traditions from Appalachian Fields and Forests”.
Lindsay Kolasa is an Herbalist and Social Services worker, and due to a health crisis that began in 2001, has followed a long and winding path of healing, breakthroughs, and insights. She has dealt with trauma and recovery, the microbiome, trans-generational trauma, biodiversity, and tending the fractures in various forms of modern relationships. This journey has taken her to places such as the mountains of Western North Carolina, to the Pontic Steppe of Ukraine, to the coast-lands of California, and to the red clay hills of Eastern Mississippi. With 10 years of social service work and another 10 plus years of working with clients through her Herbalism practice, Lindsay has assisted a number of people in revealing deep and lasting shifts in their lives. She describes her work is trauma-informed and soul-based, utilizing tools such as narrative medicine and compassionate inquiry, creating a container of presence, curiosity, and insight in her practice.
S5 E2 - "Generations: An Indigenous Exhibit"
In this episode MHA President Heather Andolina talks to organizers Simone El Bey, Joanna Henry, and Brooke Gibbons about an all new exhibit called “Generations: An Indigenous Exhibit,” a collaboration exhibit with The Cain Center for the Arts, the Melungeon Heritage Association, the Catawba Cultural Center, and others, in bringing this unique exhibit to the public from November 12th, 2024 through January 11th, 2025.
S5 E3 - Discovering Melungeon & Indigenous Ancestry
In this episode’s discussion, Heather Andolina invites Chief Deanna Wood-Priddy to sharing her discovery of her Melungeon heritage, what inspired her to write a book about her life story, and how she became Chief of a Tribal nation.
Chief Deanna Wood-Priddy is the mother of two beautiful daughters, and has been married twelve years to her childhood sweetheart. She is an author, singer, songwriter, minister, Chief, mother and wife, and Banana Dee to her grandchildren. She is the author of the book, “Unraveled and Made Whole Again,” and is working on making her book into a movie. Chief Deanna, is a regional Chief of the Tsalagiyi Ngvadi Texas Cherokee Tribal Nation.
S5 E4 - Melungeon & Maroon Communities and the Underground Railroad
Heather Andolina welcomes Dr. Kimberly Cheek to examine the Tribal connections to the Underground Railroad in North Carolina and Virginia, how maroon and Melungeon communities helped and supported African Americans with Freedom-Seeking, and delve a little into Dr. Kimberly Cheek’s own mixed ethnic ancestry.
Dr. Kimberly M Cheek is an Adjunct Lecturer at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, and has over twelve years of experience teaching undergraduate students. She also has grant writing experience and has served on three grant committees.
Dr. Cheek’s historical areas of focus include Race and Empire, Transnational black politics and radicalism, as well as U.S. Foreign policy during the Cold War. Her teaching areas are Global History, Ancient History, United States History, African American History, and Modern European History.
Dr. Cheek’s research interests are 19th century African American intellectuals, late 19th and early 20th century European imperialist activity in West Africa and Central Africa, African and African American anti-colonial and liberation movements, African American global civil rights activism during World War II and the period of European colonialism in Asia and Africa, the early period of the Cold War, as well as the African American Press during World War II and the Cold War.
S5 E5 - Overcoming Generational Trauma and Melungeon Resilience
Nae Whitman joins Heather Andolina to talk about her journey in overcoming generational trauma, the resilience of the Melungeon people, her fierce support of the LGBTQIA community, and her future writing, and performing endeavors.
Nae Cole Whitman is a writer of essay, travel, fiction, and food, as well as a poet and bon vivant. She has written her first memoir called “Hag,” and is working on her second memoir which will be called, “Factory Girl.”
She describes herself as a Melungeon descendant, newly-diagnosed-ADD Bodacious Broad Cisgender Woman and strong LGBT advocate. Someone with an obsession for diners, cool old lamps, belly dancing, road trips, and Tom Jones. She adores brunches which turn into dinners, prefers barefoot picnics to fine dining, and believes biscuits with honey to be a cure-all.
Nae is also a DJ and a performer with a one woman show also called, “Factory Girl.”
S5 E6 - At-Risk Populations of Appalachia & Southern U.S.
In this episode, Heather Andolina welcomes John King to discuss at-risk populations, specifically the poor, homeless, and mixed-ethnic and non-white communities in Appalachia and the Southeastern United States. John also introduces listeners to the conference, Class Con, and why he started the conference and what it’s all about.
John King is an American Cultural Studies PhD candidate at Bowling Green State University and is a graduate of Berea College with a degree in Popular Culture. He studies at-risk populations with a particular focus on poor and homeless groups in the Southeastern United States. Most recently King was a contributing author for the Soulful Sounds of Derbytown, chronicling the history of black musicians and entertainers in Louisville, Kentucky.
S5 E7 - Melungeon and Redbone Ancestral Connections
In this season’s finale episode, MHA Board President Heather Andolina welcomes YouTube creator Danielle Romero and discovers how she found out about her Melungeon and Redbone ancestry, how the two communities are similar, and what inspired her to start her own YouTube channel you’ll want to discover for yourself.
Danielle Romero is a YouTube creator and hosts the YouTube channel NYTN where she explores American identity and hidden history. She also delves into her multicultural heritage (both Melungeon and Redbone ancestry) through her documentary series “Finding Lola,” uncovering the complex stories of her ancestors in Louisiana. Born in New York, she now lives in Tennessee with her family.
SEASON 6
S6 E1 - Coming soon! (October 18, 2025)
Here’s what people are saying about the Melungeon Voices podcast!
