We tell stories of man made unnatural disasters. A landfill in the Birthplace of Country Music is poisoning residents. We're digging into the story and it's not as clear as you might think.
Is there a surge in pediatric cancers in Scott County Virgina?
In this episode I discuss what appears to be a recent spike in the amount of pediatric cancer cases in Scott county, Virginia. My guest is Megan Smith, a local oncology nurse who lives there and has witnessed this alarming trend. When the state office isn't moving fast enough, She started a group to collect real time data. Scott County Strong Southwest Virginia Mountain Valley Coalition Trevor's Trek Foundation has also been providing critical help in getting to the source of the is...
17 Sept 2025
the Roadless Rule is under attack
Take Action to Protect the Roadless Rule The USDA is moving to rescind the 2001 Roadless Rule, which safeguards nearly 60 million acres of national forests that provide clean water, wildlife habitat, and recreation opportunities. The public comment period is closing this Friday September 19th, and this may be our only chance to speak up. Use the links below to submit your official comment and contact your representatives. With environmental law, a win is temporary — but a loss is permanent. ...
25 Nov 2024
The Legal Battle to protect the Nolichucky River with Patrick Hunter of the SELC
Patrick Hunter of the Southern Environmental Law Center joins the Unnatural Disaster Podcast to expose the destructive practices threatening the Nolichucky River and fight for its protection.
15 Nov 2024
Nolichucky River and the CSX Rail Line
In this episode, we dive into a pressing environmental crisis unfolding right now on the Nolichucky River, as told by Dennis Ashford—a professor of Chemistry @ Tusculum University, kayaker, and tireless advocate for the protection of one of the most iconic rivers in the Southeast. Dennis and I have crossed paths over the years in Johnson City, with a shared passion for the Nolichucky and its surrounding region. But today, we’re talking about something far more urgent: an ongoing disaster that...
2 Dec 2023
Ep#6_Fill the Dam Thing Up! The Boone Dam repair with Mary Ellen Miller
In this episode I get the opportunity to talk with local author and public relations professional, Mary Ellen Miller about her new book, "Fill the Dam Thing Up!" As the public relations professional during the 7 year/$400M emergency repair of the Boone Dam, she recounts the project and has great insight into what goes into the public relations role for such a large infrastructure project. She has organized an approach to public relations in her "playbook". Enjoy the dam book and ...
10 Feb 2023
Bristol landfill episode #5
In this episode I sit down with my friend and guest Brad as we discuss wastewater. Brad knows quite a lot about the regulatory environment related to water quality and wastewater requirements. We discuss how the wastewater treatment process normally works and how it's NOT working as intended in this case as related to the leachate and wastewater being produced by the landfill in Bristol VA. SPOILER- it's a very bad situation that will affect people even if they can't smell the landfill gasses...
13 Jan 2023
Bristol Landfill episode #4
In this episode we're hosted by Pastor Sam Weddington @ the First Presbyterian Church in Bristol. You may remember Sam from helping me kick off episode #1. We're also joined by Don Evans- professional engineer. We address how the recommendations outlined in the expert panel report from last year are coming along. My guests make some great points I hadn't even considered and really re-frame the whole discussion with a fresh perspective. Also mentioned is the urgent need for more da...
29 Oct 2022
Bristol Landfill Episode #3
In this episode I am able to talk with Becky Evenden about the symptom survey HOPE for Bristol has put together as well as talk with local Mike Givney about what it's like to live with this. I try to briefly describe a few of the government agencies relative to environmental issues. I mention a few of the chemicals often encountered in landfill exposures and the toxic results. Update on an upcoming event at the train station as well as provide some useful links. Sorry for the delay in getting...
21 Feb 2022
Bristol Landfill episode # 2
In this episode I get to sit down and talk with Becky Evenden a local resident with a background in chemical engineering. She is a board member of HOPE for Bristol, a non-profit organization focused on community relief and finding real solutions to the landfill disaster in Bristol. In this episode Becky breaks down the structural challenges of the landfill and some of the chemicals that residents are regularly exposed to. You can check out HOPE for Bristol @ https://hopeforbristol.org/&...
2 Feb 2022
Bristol Landfill episode# 1
An environmental disaster in The Birthplace of Country Music... This story stinks! We talk about why this landfill was a bad idea in the first place and how its mismanagement has perpetuated a disaster. My Guest is Sam Weddington, a local pastor and community leader who has been a key member in organizing the community to take on this Unnatural Disaster- and the local government. unnaturaldisasterpodcast@gmail.com
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