The Appalachian Center for Sustainable Communities (ACSC) Blog and Podcast exist to reflect on and support published policy briefs and case studies, not to generate independent commentary or ongoing opinion streams.
Each podcast episode focuses on a specific ACSC publication, walking through its purpose, structure, and key observations using the Community Sustainability Index (CSI) and Community Cost Accounting (CCA). Following the podcast, a related blog post may open a limited writing period to invite clarification, lived observation, and grounded dialogue tied directly to that work.
This space is intentionally structured. Engagement is time-bounded, focused on understanding, and closes once the discussion period ends. The goal is not debate, but learning—allowing published analysis to be heard, considered, and briefly engaged before the work moves forward.
1. Podcast: Walking Through the Work
The ACSC Podcast serves as the lead interpretive space for newly published policy briefs and case studies.
Podcast episodes may include:
- Guided walk-throughs of policy briefs and case studies
- Explanation of how CSI frames household burdens
- Discussion of observed patterns and tradeoffs
- Context for how the work should be read and used
Each episode is designed to:
- Clarify intent and structure
- Reduce misinterpretation
- Provide language for lived experience
- Support councils, coalitions, and co-ops in applying the work
The podcast does not introduce new claims.
It explains and situates existing work.
2. Blog: Time-Limited Written Dialogue
Following a podcast episode, a corresponding blog post may open a short, defined comment period tied directly to that publication.
Blog posts typically include:
- A brief written summary of the policy brief or case study
- Key framing questions
- Links to the source document and podcast episode
Comments are intended to surface:
- Clarifying questions
- Lived experience
- Local observations relevant to the analysis
This is not a general forum or opinion space.
Comment windows close after a defined period, and the cycle concludes.
3. How This Fits Into ACSC’s Work
The Blog and Podcast exist to support primary products, not compete with them.
- Policy briefs and case studies remain the core outputs
- Podcast episodes support interpretation and accessibility
- Blog dialogue provides short-term feedback and signal detection
- Insights may inform future briefs, studies, or CSI evaluations
Nothing here stands alone.
All content is anchored to completed work.
4. Publishing Rhythm
Blog posts and podcast episodes appear only when new policy briefs or case studies are published. There is no fixed posting schedule.
This structure ensures:
- Focus on quality over volume
- No content treadmill
- Clear boundaries between analysis, reflection, and dialogue
5. Use & Access
Visitors may:
- Listen to podcast episodes tied to published work
- Read blog reflections during open dialogue periods
- Use materials in councils, coalitions, classrooms, and community meetings
This space grows slowly and deliberately, in step with ACSC’s core work.
APPALACHIAN CENTER FOR SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES 