“I don’t look at it from what I’d do different. That’s a rabbit hole that will continue on for eternity. There’s nothing I would have done different. As time goes on, it’ll just get more beautiful. It’s bigger than one person.”— Kris BentleyAppalachia has some fantastic contributions to this world. The music, food and arts that comes from those hills can be incredible.It’s also no stranger to anguish. I’m always interested by the lore that lives within Appalachia. Much of this history has hung around poverty. In the modern era, it seems the media only shows up when a northeast wind carries a tragic scent that smells like an opportunity to extort already burdened people for ratings and click bait. The media has essentially created poverty porn. A few years ago, photographer Bruce Gilden from Vice Media showed up to “document” Appalachia. What came out of it was essentially a witch hunt. And that’s not just my opinion. Another photographer who worked with Gilden on this shoot was especially conflicted about Gilden’s work, saying he at one point was disappointed with the amount of normal people he was encountering. Now, if you see his work, you’ll find caricatures of the stereotypes of Appalachia.She even went on to say Gilden was turning people into what he wanted them to be, and that it was dangerous especially in a place with a history of extraction.His work isn’t all that different than how politicians use Appalachia. Campaign speeches focused on tales of poverty, loss, and death, all to sensationalize and drive an action. In Gilden’s case, it was clicks on a digital story. In politicians case, it’s to drive votes, all for hopes of progress. Just like how these subjects never heard from the photographer again, politicians leave a wake of misplaced hope. I'm from Appalachia. And Bruce Gilden's work does not represent the people I know. Appalachia has taught me a lot. It’s at the core of who I am and all I do. My work ethic and drive directly comes from those hills. The people there have some of the biggest hearts and daily prove you don’t need the biggest wallets to make a difference in someone’s lives. Many have those same work ethics. I’ll link to a story in the notes about coal miners training to become software developers. Today I’m talking to someone who knows Appalachia like I do. Kris Bentley grew up there, and understands what it’s like to be a Kentuckian away from the camera. He’s a musician that many people in my neck of the woods will know from his work with Sundy Best. Now, Sundy Best blew up about six years ago. I remember watching them hit CMT, have articles in Rolling Stone and their albums charted nationally on platforms like Billboard. Kris and his band member Nick wrote a lot of fantastic songs, which you can hear on the Restless Native Spotify playlist linked in this episode. I wanted to have Kris, or as his friends call him, Bentley, on to talk about home, his group Sundy Best, and what he’s up to these days. You may not be from Appalachia, but think about the parallels in your story. Just as hunting and even fishing are misunderstood in the outdoors, so is this place Kris and I call home. Don’t worry, you don’t have to be from there to enjoy this show. We also have a Giveaway at the very end, and Kris is going to play a few songs for us at the end, so be sure to stick around. I’ll do the giveaway in my post-show wrap up.Restless Native Spotify Playlist with Kris Bentley's Music from Sundy BestCoal miners now becoming web developersBruce Gilden's exploitative take on AppalachiaRestless Native is Sponsored by Houston Safari Club FoundationIt’s time to book your trip to Texas for Houston Safari Club Foundation’s convention. And guess what? If you’re already in Texas, you don’t even have to book it. You’re already there.This convention is a celebration of wildlife, wild places and the hunting lifestyle we all love.