Old Gods of Appalachia - Part 1
From Spooked by KQED and Snap Studios
June 2, 2026 · 58 min · Episode 234
About this episode
The episode explores the rise of unions in coal country during the early 20th century and the oppressive rule of the Barrow family.
In the early decades of the 20th century, unions are on the rise in coal country. Those who toil beneath the dark earth balk under the yoke of the Barrow family’s rule, and something must be done.
Topics covered
- labor unions
- Appalachian culture
- coal mining
- 20th century history
- family dynamics
- social struggle
Keywords
- unions
- Appalachia
- Barrow family
- coal mining
- 20th century
- labor struggle
- social justice
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Barrow family
Places: Appalachia, coal country
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- Old Gods of Appalachia - Part 3 · June 9, 2026 · 43 min
- Old Gods of Appalachia - Part 2 · June 5, 2026 · 34 min
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