Polk Lore is a hyperlocal podcast that explores the culture, politics, and geography of Polk County, a rural community of 21,000 people nestled in the southeastern corner of western North Carolina. You can find it on most major podcasting platforms, including Apple, Spotify, Amazon, and even YouTube.

        

You can also listen through a plain old web page, no app needed, here. To make it even easier, I've embedded a player right below, so you don't even need to go anywhere else: 

The format consists of standard one-on-one interviews, most of which will be conducted in person, rather than virtually. With some luck, Polk Lore will help fill the void left by the collapse of the local newspaper business model. Because a healthy community needs a way for its residents to talk to each other with respect and without parroting cable-news talking points.

Host James Hrynyshyn is a science editor, communications consultant, and independent journalist based in Saluda, NC. The podcast is an advertising-free, volunteer-driven production, financially beholden to none.

Feedback and guest suggestions are always welcome. Just email them to jamesh@polklore.com.