Before refrigerators and freezers, rural Americans depended on cold weather, hard work, and good neighbors to put meat away for the winter. In Appalachia, they called it hog killin' weather, and it was as much a community gathering as it was a day of work.

Join John W. Peace II on Back Porch Tales & Travels as we explore an old American tradition, from Appalachian smokehouses and Pennsylvania Dutch scrapple to Cajun la boucherie in Louisiana and limestone curing houses on the Kansas prairie.

Along the way, there's a little mountain humor, some old-fashioned sausage-making wisdom, and a reminder of something rural communities once understood mighty well: when winter was coming, you didn't just make sure your own family had enough. You looked after your neighbors, too.

A story about food, family, tradition, and the rural American spirit.

Back Porch Tales & Travels
Stories about rural America, told by rural America.

#RuralAmerica #AppalachianHistory #HogKillingWeather #RuralTraditions #AmericanHistory #BackPorchTalesAndTravels #MountainHeritage #FarmLife

Before Halloween meant candy and store-bought costumes, rural America had its own ways of celebrating. From Appalachian haints and haunted hollers to Midwestern outhouse tipping and New England's Cabbage Night, join John W. Peace II for three minutes of history, mountain humor, and old-fashioned Halloween mischief.

Back Porch Tales & Travels — There's Always Room on the Back Porch.

Did you know crossing your fingers has roots way older than you think? ✨ It's been around for centuries, starting as a wish for good spirits to help your dreams come true.

Drop a 🔥 if you’ve ever crossed your fingers for luck!
Turns out, it wasn’t just a superstition — it was a ritual where two people made a wish together, crossing fingers to boost the magic. Later, Christians adopted it as a sign of protection and blessing, and now, we do it solo.

It’s wild how simple gestures carry so much history, right?

Next time you cross your fingers before a test or a game, remember—you’re part of an ancient tradition.

Back Porch Tales & Travels

Ever wonder if rain on your wedding day is actually bad luck? ☔️ Turns out, many cultures saw it as a symbol of luck, prosperity, and strong bonds.

Drop a 💧 if you've heard this superstition before or just love a good old myth!

When our ancestors looked out at the clouds, they saw life — gardens growing, hay stored, promises of abundance.

Rain was a blessing, a sign that love and growth were in the forecast. 🌱 The Greeks, Romans, Scots, and Irish all believed a rainy wedding meant a marriage that could weather any storm.

So, next time it's drizzling on your big day, remember: it might just be the universe wishing you all kinds of good fortune. ✨

Back Porch Tales & Travels

Ever catch yourself knocking on wood before you even finish the sentence? 🌳✨

That little habit is way older than your grandma’s dining room table. From sacred trees and good spirits to old superstitions that traveled through the ages, “knock on wood” has a story rooted in luck, protection, and a little fear of tempting fate.

#BackPorchTalesAndTravels #KnockOnWood #Superstitions #DidYouKnow #FolkHistory #StorytellingPodcast #PodcastClip #AppalachianStories #HistoryFacts #RelatableMoments

Back Porch Tales & Travels

What do one of America's first bestselling novels, a Hollywood movie, and a live outdoor drama have in common? They all trace back to one unforgettable story: The Trail of the Lonesome Pine.

In this episode of Back Porch Tales and Travels, we sit down with Lonijonli Fox, director of the Trail of the Lonesome Pine Outdoor Drama in Big Stone Gap, Virginia. Lonijonli shares how she reimagined the beloved production while honoring its rich history, the fascinating behind-the-scenes stories that audiences never see, and why this Appalachian tradition continues to captivate visitors after more than six decades on stage.

After the interview, we dive into the incredible legacy of author John Fox Jr. and his groundbreaking novel, one of the first books in American history to sell more than one million copies. We also explore its journey to Broadway, three Hollywood film adaptations, and why this timeless story deserves to be rediscovered by a new generation.

If you love American history, Appalachian culture, classic literature, theater, travel destinations, and hidden gems, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Back Porch Tales & Travels

What makes an old desk bring visitors to tears? Why would an immigrant carry an accordion across the ocean through Ellis Island? And how do artifacts help preserve the stories of an entire region?

In this fascinating conversation, Melanie Davis and John Peace sit down with Gretchen Cope, Park Manager of the Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park, to explore the rich history, culture, and traditions of Southwest Virginia and Appalachia.

From the stunning Victorian mansion that houses the museum to treasured artifacts that connect generations, this episode reveals how objects can tell powerful stories about the people who came before us. You'll hear about mourning customs, immigrant journeys, coal country history, Appalachian music traditions, and the unforgettable memories that bring visitors back year after year.

Whether you're passionate about history, genealogy, museums, storytelling, or Appalachian culture, this conversation offers a unique glimpse into the people, traditions, and experiences that helped shape Appalachia.

Why do people pull apart a wishbone and make a secret wish? In this episode of Back Porch Tales and Travels: Superstitions and Where Did They Come From, Melanie Davis uncovers the surprising 2,400-year history behind one of America's favorite holiday traditions. From the ancient Etruscans and Romans to the Thanksgiving table, discover how a simple chicken bone became a symbol of luck, wishes, and centuries of folklore.