Harlan, KY; 2026- Documentary series

Rooted in Appalachia-Inspired by Its People- Dedicated to Its Stories.

My story began in the mountains of Western Maryland and West Virginia, where I grew up surrounded by the landscapes, traditions, music, and hardworking communities that make Appalachia unlike anywhere else in the world.

My journey eventually took me to the Upper Appalachian region near Wheeling, West Virginia, where I continued my education and developed a growing passion for media, filmmaking, and storytelling.

Following college, I began my professional career working alongside Appalachian media organizations, including Appalachian Sound and Appalachian Vision. This work eventually brought me deep into the mountains of Eastern Kentucky, where I lived with family members of country music legends Loretta Lynn and The Judds, in a small holler just off historic U.S. Route 23, famously known as the Country Music Highway.

Living in the heart of Eastern Kentucky gave me an experience that went far beyond my professional career. I became immersed in the everyday lives, traditions, stories, and musical heritage of the people who call these mountains home. It was there that my appreciation for Appalachian culture became something far more personal.

Throughout my career, I’ve contributed to projects involving philanthropy, local business development, cultural preservation, regional economic growth, increased investment and spending within Appalachian communities, and the promotion of our region’s unique identity.

I’ve also had the privilege of working with several prominent bluegrass and Americana artists from Kentucky and Tennessee, gaining a deeper appreciation for the music and storytelling traditions that have influenced generations of Americans.

From the mountains of Western Maryland to the hollers of Eastern Kentucky, these experiences taught me something invaluable: Appalachia is more than a geographic region. It is a living heritage, carried through its people, their stories, their music, and their way of life.

The more time I spent documenting and promoting the culture of Appalachia, the more I began to recognize the importance of my own upbringing. What once seemed like ordinary mountain life became something I understood was extraordinary.

I found myself taking a deeper pride in where I came from, in the people who raised me, and in the roots I had developed among these ridges.

That inspiration became Roots in Ridges.

Established as an Appalachian filmmaking initiative under Warnick Media, Ridges & Roots is dedicated to documenting, preserving, and celebrating the people, places, music, businesses, and traditions that define our mountain communities.

Our mission extends beyond filmmaking. We seek to promote regional pride, encourage cultural preservation, support local economic development, and bring greater recognition and opportunity to the communities that have given so much to American culture. Currently, work provided has benefited over $3.5 Million dollars of revenue to Appalachian businesses and initiatives, with over +250 Million All-Time views in terms of exposure to the region.

From the coalfields of Kentucky and West Virginia to the mountain communities of Maryland, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and beyond-we believe Appalachia deserves to be represented with authenticity, dignity, and pride.

These mountains shaped who we are. Now it’s our turn to tell their stories.

Roots in Ridges — Our Heritage. Our People. Our Story

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