QUEERNECKS
Queernecks is a show hosted by queer folks from the hills and hollers of Central Appalachia, or wherever remote, rural, and impoverished queer people have to make their own spaces, fun, joy, and just generally make do. We're generally funny and lighthearted, but the lives we've lived haven't always been easy, so you may hear the occasional thing that shocks you. But more than anything else you'll hear resilience.
Episodes
#8 It Ain't All Doom and Gloom, but it's a lot
Dash and Beck explore a variety of themes ranging from personal experiences with food and small-town life to the challenges of academia and mental health. They share stories of grief, loss, and the impact of religion on their lives, while also reflecting on queer identity and community. The discussion touches on parenting choices, the role of libraries, and the influence of controversial figures in pop culture. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize the importance of personal growth, community engagement, and the complexities of navigating life as queer individuals.TakeawaysFood rituals play a significant role in personal memories.Life in small towns comes with unique challenges and quirks.Academia can be a struggle, especially with grading and integrity issues.First-generation students often face additional hurdles in education.Mental health is crucial for personal growth and well-being.Grief and loss are complex experiences that shape our identities.Religious trauma can have lasting effects on individuals.Cultural reflections on religion reveal diverse experiences.Food and family traditions are intertwined with identity.Art and activism often intersect in meaningful ways.tags: food, academia, mental health, grief, religion, queer identity, parenting, literature, community, pop culture
21/07/25•53m 9s
#7 They call me Boytitties
Dash and Beck explore various themes including social dynamics, family memories, the experience of Midwestern goodbyes, the lifespan of pets, near-death experiences, and the impact of generational trauma. They share personal anecdotes about their pets, discuss the significance of truth or dare games in their youth, and reflect on how their backgrounds have shaped their perspectives. The conversation highlights the complexities of human-animal relationships and the emotional connections that arise from shared experiences. In this engaging conversation, Dash and Beck explore the complexities of queer identity, family dynamics, and cultural divergence. They share personal anecdotes about their experiences growing up, navigating relationships with their families, and the impact of media representation on their identities. The discussion delves into the role of humor in queer culture and activism, reflecting on historical moments that shaped the community. They also touch on the significance of food and Appalachian culture, particularly the nostalgic tradition of making snow cream. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize the importance of empathy and the absurdity of societal norms, creating a rich tapestry of insights and reflections.TakeawaysPeople are actually listening to... this.The Midwestern goodbye can be confusing.Pets often have shorter lifespans than we expect.Near-death experiences can shape our fears.Truth or dare reveals social dynamics among friends.Generational trauma impacts life expectancy.Language evolves as we grow and change.Unconditional love from pets is profound.Family memories shape our identities.Social dynamics influence our interactions. Navigating queer identity often leads to a divergence from family expectations.Cultural differences can create a sense of isolation within families.Media representation plays a crucial role in shaping queer identities.Humor is a vital aspect of queer culture and resistance.Historical activism has shaped the current landscape of queer rights.Empathy has diminished in contemporary societal interactions.Food traditions, like snow cream, connect us to our roots.Personal growth often involves reconciling past experiences with present identities.The absurdity of societal norms can be a source of humor and strength.Queer culture thrives on creativity and resilience. tags: Midwestern goodbye, pets, near-death experiences, truth or dare, generational trauma, social dynamics, family memories, life experiences, language evolution, unconditional love, queer identity, family dynamics, cultural divergence, media representation, queer humor, activism, empathy, Appalachian culture, snow cream, personal growth
14/07/25•58m 7s
#6 I hope you got air conditioning
Dash and Beck discuss a variety of topics ranging from personal experiences with pets during Independence Day celebrations to the complexities of liberalism and racism in America. They share personal anecdotes about their educational journeys, the importance of community spaces, and the beauty of summer memories, including the magic of lightning bugs. The conversation also touches on the role of allies in anti-racism efforts and the need for support in communities facing crises.Donate to support Appalachia flood relief: https://www.appalachianky.org/flood/https://appvoices.org/helene-relief/https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/kentucky-and-appalachia-flood-relief-fund/https://www.arh.org/floodshttps://mtnways.org/TakeawaysPets react differently to fireworks than humans do.Local events can be a mix of fun and frustration.Social gatherings often reflect community dynamics.Online interactions can lead to misunderstandings.Liberalism can be complex and often misinterpreted.Racism is a pervasive issue that requires active engagement.White privilege complicates discussions about class and race.Allies play a crucial role in anti-racism efforts.Community support is vital during crises and disasters.Education shapes our identities and experiences.Chapters00:00 Fireworks and Furry Friends: Celebrating the Fourth04:28 Street Parties and Small Town Shenanigans08:17 Online Drama: Navigating Social Media Discourse11:55 The Complexities of Liberalism and Class15:51 Supporting Communities: Action Beyond Words19:26 Navigating Identity: Coming Out and Family Dynamics21:58 Education: From Struggles to Success in Grad School22:44 The Impact of School Experiences on Identity27:03 Creating Community: The Need for Non-Bar Spaces31:07 The Role of Creativity in Education35:57 Career Aspirations and Friendships42:41 Summer Adventures and Fond Memories51:03 New Chaptertags: Independence Day, pets, community events, online drama, liberalism, racism, white privilege, anti-racism, education, personal growth, summer memories, lightning bugs
07/07/25•51m 10s
#5 Politics and The Hereafter
Dash and Beck explore a range of topics from personal academic challenges and the impact of loss to reflections on Pride Month and cultural identities. They share stories about family dynamics, the influence of weather on life, and delve into the complexities of the prison industrial complex. The discussion also touches on ghost stories and personal experiences with loss, culminating in a historical overview of the Hatfield-McCoy feud and its implications for Appalachian identity.TakeawaysNavigating academic challenges can be deeply personal and complex.Personal loss can significantly impact one's motivation and mental health.Pride Month serves as a time for reflection and celebration of identity.Cultural identities are shaped by regional differences and personal experiences.Family dynamics often reveal generational stories and histories.Weather and environment can profoundly affect daily life and mental well-being.The prison industrial complex is a significant issue in American society.Ghost stories often reflect personal experiences with loss and memory.The Hatfield-McCoy feud illustrates the complexities of Appalachian history and identity.Community and connection are vital in navigating personal and societal challenges.Chapters00:00 Pride Month Reflections and Personal Stories02:05 Cultural Identities and Regional Differences06:01 Family Dynamics and Generational Stories08:06 The Impact of Weather and Environment on Life11:08 The Prison Industrial Complex and Its Implications13:55 Ghost Stories and Personal Experiences with Loss16:45 The Hatfield-McCoy Feud: History and Legacy01:08:13 New Chaptertags: academic challenges, personal loss, Pride Month, cultural identities, family dynamics, weather impact, prison industrial complex, ghost stories, Hatfield-McCoy feud
30/06/25•45m 27s
#4 Bible Camp Jailbreak
In this engaging conversation, hosts Dash and Beck explore their experiences growing up queer in Central Appalachia, touching on themes of food, driving culture, education, family dynamics, religion, and the impact of poverty. They share humorous anecdotes and personal stories that highlight the complexities of their upbringing, the challenges they faced, and the resilience they developed along the way. The discussion flows naturally from light-hearted banter about food cravings to deeper reflections on their childhood experiences and the societal influences that shaped their identities. In this engaging conversation, Dash and Beck share personal anecdotes about their driving experiences, family dynamics, and the challenges they faced growing up. They reflect on their friendship over the years, the humor found in cultural experiences, and delve into the significance of the pepperoni roll in Appalachian culture. The discussion is filled with laughter, insights, and a deep appreciation for their roots.TakeawaysThe conversation begins with a humorous take on food cravings and local dining experiences.Driving culture in Central Appalachia is marked by aggression and a sense of urgency.Local rivalries and redneck experiences are common themes in small-town life.Education plays a significant role in shaping personal identities and overcoming challenges.Family dynamics, including adoption, can profoundly impact one's life trajectory.Religion often intersects with personal beliefs and identity, leading to conflict and self-discovery.Navigating poverty and access to education is a recurring struggle for many in the region.Life choices, such as pursuing higher education, can have lasting effects on family relationships.Reflections on childhood experiences reveal the complexities of growing up in a unique cultural context.Consequences of behavior in school can lead to significant life lessons and personal growth. Dash shares a humorous story about getting a speeding ticket as a teenager.Beck recounts a family incident involving a psych hold and a blizzard.The friends reflect on their long-lasting friendship and how they've changed over the years.They discuss the cultural significance of the pepperoni roll in Appalachian cuisine.Dash humorously describes the challenges of growing up in a rural area.Beck shares a funny story about a neighbor helping with yard work.The conversation touches on the bystander effect and personal responsibility.They reflect on their childhood experiences with food and family dynamics.Dash and Beck share their thoughts on the importance of community and humor.The episode highlights the beauty and complexity of Appalachian culture. tags:queer culture, Central Appalachia, food, driving, education, family, religion, poverty, personal stories, humor, driving experiences, family dynamics, friendship, cultural reflections, pepperoni roll, Appalachian culture, personal struggles, humor, life changes, anecdotesChapters00:00 Introduction and Food Cravings02:52 Driving and Aggression in Central Appalachia05:41 Local Rivalries and Redneck Experiences08:43 Education and Personal Struggles11:37 Family Dynamics and Adoption14:15 Religion and Personal Beliefs17:27 Navigating Poverty and Education20:11 Life Choices and Their Impact23:10 Reflections on Childhood and School Experiences25:56 Trouble and Consequences in School33:21 Driving Experiences and Early Mistakes37:35 Family Dynamics and Personal Struggles40:19 Friendship and Life Changes41:22 Cultural Reflections and Humor54:01 Nouns of Interest
22/06/25•49m 8s
#3 The Blizzard of '93 Cryptid
Dash and Beck explore their shared experiences growing up in rural Appalachia, touching on themes of family dynamics, political ideologies, and the humorous challenges of winter life. They reflect on their childhood memories, dating experiences, and the unique aspects of their queer identities in a conservative environment. The discussion is filled with laughter, personal anecdotes, and a deep sense of community. In this engaging conversation, Dash and Beck reflect on their childhood experiences in Appalachia, sharing nostalgic memories of winter, family, and the unique challenges of growing up queer in a rural setting. They discuss the complexities of gender identity and sexual attraction, as well as the impact of societal norms on their lives. The conversation also touches on the Mothman legend, exploring its significance in Appalachian folklore and culture.Key TakeawaysThe importance of local community in rural life.Humor can be a coping mechanism for difficult experiences.Navigating family dynamics can be complex, especially regarding political beliefs.Childhood memories shape our adult identities.Dating experiences can vary greatly based on personal circumstances.Winter presents unique challenges in rural areas.Shared experiences create strong bonds between friends.The impact of upbringing on political ideologies.Humor often arises from shared cultural references.The significance of personal anecdotes in storytelling. The holler culture included unique communication methods like party lines.Childhood adventures in the snow fostered community and creativity.Winter smells evoke strong memories tied to family and home.Growing up queer in Appalachia presented unique challenges and experiences.Gender identity and sexual attraction are not the same; they are distinct aspects of identity.Trans experiences in sports highlight the complexities of identity and acceptance.Nostalgia plays a significant role in shaping our understanding of childhood.Family connections, especially with cousins, are deeply valued.Cultural norms around gender can create barriers to self-acceptance.Folklore, like the Mothman, reflects the rich cultural tapestry of Appalachia.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Local Life02:50 Humorous Anecdotes and Shared Experiences05:41 Navigating Family Dynamics and Political Ideologies11:00 Reflections on Childhood and Growing Up16:44 Dating Experiences and Relationships21:33 Winter in the Hills: Challenges and Memories35:37 Nostalgic Winter Memories38:22 Childhood Adventures in the Snow41:05 The Smells of Winter and Family44:02 Growing Up Queer in Appalachia48:02 Gender Identity and Sexual Attraction51:00 Trans Experiences in Sports53:57 The Mothman Legend and Appalachian Folkloretags: queer, rural, Appalachian, family, politics, relationships, winter, humor, childhood, community, Appalachia, winter memories, queer identity, trans experiences, Mothman, childhood adventures, gender identity, nostalgia, family, folklore
15/06/25•42m 18s
Introducing QUEERNECKS
Just a few highlights and teasers of the kinds of things your hosts Dash and Beck get up to. P1GKsirrtQgJj57a8qPe
11/06/25•1m 4s
#1 Bingo 401k and Hoarding Shoes
Dash and Beck, (who forgot to introduce themselves in this first episode) the experiences of growing up in a redneck culture, focusing on themes of poverty, resourcefulness, and family dynamics. The speakers share personal stories about their childhoods, including memories of moonshine, food traditions, and the impact of socioeconomic status on their lives. They also delve into cultural identity, particularly the Melungeon heritage, and reflect on the intersection of politics and personal experiences. The discussion highlights the complexities of navigating relationships within families that have differing expectations and values, as well as the lasting effects of trauma and health issues in their communities.Some highlights:The conversation highlights the unique setup of a redneck podcast.Childhood experiences shape perspectives on material scarcity.Resourcefulness is a key theme in navigating poverty.Growing up in a food desert impacts adult life.Family stories about moonshine reveal cultural heritage.The Melungeon identity is explored in depth.Expectations from family can create tension and conflict.Food traditions play a significant role in family dynamics.Health issues and trauma are common in these narratives.The intersection of culture and politics is complex and nuanced.Chapter timestamps:00:00 Setting the Scene: Podcast Setup and Personal Spaces00:19 Reflections on Childhood and Material Security00:39 Navigating Poverty: Micro Economies and Resourcefulness01:13 Cultural Connections: Food, Family, and Community01:39 Queer Histories: Identity and Growing Up in Appalachia02:27 The Impact of Industry: Work and Economic Opportunities03:10 Health and Welfare: Navigating Medical Needs04:13 Food Traditions: Appalachian Cuisine and Family Recipes05:45 Euphemisms and Regional Dialects06:23 Food Memories and Family Recipes07:23 Childhood Independence and Self-Sufficiency09:04 Family Dynamics and Substance Abuse09:23 Breaking the Cycle of Poverty10:36 Redneck Identity and Cultural Misunderstandings12:20 Ancestry and Family Histories
08/06/25•41m 37s
#2 cruisn perididdle spade christmas gift
SummaryIn this episode of Queernecks, hosts Ash and Beck explore their experiences growing up queer in rural environments. They discuss their early interactions with technology, the challenges of navigating queerness in school, and the impact of their upbringing on their understanding of sexuality. The conversation flows into their first crushes, the games they played as kids, and the social spaces they created to connect with others. They also share stories of run-ins with the law, their first jobs, and the creativity that emerged from their rural lives.Key Takeaways:The internet served as a reentry point for many.Early experiences with technology shaped their youth.Navigating queerness in school was challenging and often stigmatized.Upbringing significantly impacts one's view of sexuality.First crushes often came with fear and confusion.Games and activities were essential for socializing in rural areas.Cruising was a common social activity among youth.Run-ins with the law were often humorous and formative.Jobs provided financial independence and social experiences.Creativity flourished in rural life due to limited resources.Chapter Timestamps00:00 Introduction to the Internet Journey02:52 Navigating Queerness in a Digital Age07:15 The Impact of Family on Sexual Identity12:00 Exploring Queer Spaces and Community15:55 Reflections on Growing Up Queer24:17 Adventures and Misadventures: The High School Experience33:17 Games and Creativity in Rural Life37:20 Final Thoughts and Looking Ahead37:58 New Chaptertags: LGBTQ, queerness, upbringing, sexuality, youth games, social spaces, relationships, creativity, rural life, appalchia
08/06/25•38m 3s