Rolling Pepperoni’s first year of asking folks about Appalachia is coming to an end. We’ve learned so much and have more questions than answers heading into Volume 2 of RP’s Story Series. Here are some musings on those answers. Thank you for a magical first year!

Scottie Wiest is a resource unto herself. Learn about her commitment to community and to clay traditions.

Mark Blashford is a well-loved alum of the University of Connecticut’s Puppet Arts Graduate Program. I interviewed him to learn more about what brought him into the field and how he’s continuing the tradition in his own way.

Candace Nelson’s book, The West Virginia Pepperoni Roll, was published in 2017, and Rolling Pepperoni is honored to be a part of it! Candace understands the significance of the pepp roll tradition, and we talked with her to learn more about its meaning in Appalachian culture.

With the help of Millvale Sustainability Coordinator Zaheen Hussein, Rolling Pepperoni was recognized by Sustainable Pittsburgh as the most sustainable micro-business in 2017. We talked with Zaheen about his work in Millvale, how our actions impact Earth, and what we can do to achieve a more sustainable future.

Lyn Ford has a story for everyone, and I mean everyone. She uses stories to unite community, to share history, and to connect with others. She told me she laughs every day. She is a published author of several collections of stories, including Boo-tickle Tales, Hot Wind Boiling Rain, Affrilachian Tales, and Beyond the Briar Patch. The following is a conversation between two story tellers.

“The town has come a long way since its days of harboring as a safe haven from Halley’s comet, though I think some of the lessons from that day remain.”

What’s the coolest rock you’ve ever climbed? Here’s suggestions on some big ones from Todd McCormick, rock climber aficionado and part of Ascend Pittsburgh, a local rock climbing gym.

Juliana Carr is a singer/songwriter based in New Jersey after living in Brooklyn, NY. Juliana has worked with RP Story Coordinator, Felicia Cooper in multiple projects including the Ironweed Tales and Porto Domi. Rolling Pepperoni asked her what Appalachia is to her.

Felicia Cooper is a storyteller, a puppeteer, a human woman and works collecting and coordinating stories with Rolling Pepperoni. Appalachia is woven of these stories gathered by listening: to the wind, to the banjo playing around a campfire, to the people around us.

Rolling Pepperoni went to Dr. Lou Martin of Chatham University, a leading scholar on Appalachian history and labor, to discuss what Appalachia was, is and how we are studying the diverse culture.

When I think of summer evenings watching fireflies, I think of my mother ready with a mason jar to catch one. When I think of the smell of homemade bread, I think of my aunt tirelessly baking in the kitchen. When I think of the protection of our natural world, the end of mountaintop removal, I think of the women leading the charge.

“I think it’s my responsibility as a woman of Appalachia to exist as loudly as I can in opposition to the men that talk about my home as if they know her.” -Odana Chaney

Odana is a sixth-generation Appalachian woman. She runs a doggy daycare in conjunction with a nonprofit animal food pantry in Culloden, WV and is a published poet.

Emily Prentice is a maker, creator and Zine Queen of Randolph County, WV. Rolling Pepperoni Story Coordinator Felicia Cooper interviews her on creation and destruction and the shifts happening in Appalachia.

Rolling Pepperoni is all about Appalachian Adventures and now we’re sharing our adventures of creating a savory bakery in Pittsburgh, PA.

The pepperoni roll is wholesome, delicious, and rooted in Appalachian culture. Rolling Pepperoni makes a point to explore, learn, and share bits of our rich heritage with you! So let's head south to the Craggy Mountains of Big Ivy.

By: Jaclyn Sternick, Rolling Contributor

Bring your darling and a few pepp rolls--you're all set!

Rolling Pepperoni loves a good adventure. On a gorgeous fall day, we took a daytime excursion to historic McConnells Mill. We took in the crisp fall air, the changing leaves... and we encourage you to do the same! All you need: an adventurous spirit and a few pepp rolls to fuel you.

By: Jaclyn Sternick, Rolling Contributor

Rolling Pepperoni has relocated to 5304 Butler Street in Lawrenceville!

With this news comes more positive change... like Drive-by and Pick-up Hours: Monday thru Friday, 9am-5pm. Come check out our new brick & mortar and pick up your favorite fresh rolls!

By: Jaclyn Sternick, Rolling Contributor

A refreshing chill descends on Appalachia to remind us it’s harvest season, and our favorite fall treat is ripening on the vine… pumpkin!

Pepperoni rolls aren't the only treats you'll smell in the Rolling Pepperoni kitchen. Today we're rolling out pumpkin pancakes after meeting with Rachel Graper, founder of Ideal Grain Free Granola. Ideal and Rolling Pepperoni met at Fox Chapel's Farmers Market at Shady Side Academy and quickly bonded over our similarities as local, packaged food producers using honey. Check out this healthy and delicious recipe and Rachel Graper's business adventure that started it all.

By: Jaclyn Sternick, Rolling Contributor