What traditions did your father pass on to you? What traditions will you continue? In episode 55 for our Father's Day episode, we speak with Dr. Tyrie (TJ) Smith a folklorist, educator and nonprofit executive working in the areas of social and environmental justice, and traditional arts conservation about how folklore works within families with a focus on fathers and their traditions. TJ shares insights from his academic journey in folklore, highlighting its significance in understanding human connections. Through personal stories illustrating the educational role of family folklore, he illuminates how family is, in fact, the first folklore group we encounter. We also discuss the application of folklore in the nonprofit sector, stressing the importance of understanding community needs. Don't miss this fatherly episode!

Links:
International Friendship Center
The Foxfire Book of Appalachian Cookery
Foxfire Story: Oral Tradition in Southern Appalachia
CARNAVAL DE COLORES Hispanic Heritage Kick-off Festival
More about the Festival

Outline

• 👨‍👦 Father's Day Special with TJ Smith (01:57 - 05:03)
• Introduction of TJ Smith, his background, and his work.
• Discussion on how folklore works within families, focusing on fathers and their traditions.
• TJ shares his journey into folklore and his academic background.
• 📚 Academic Journey and Folklore (05:03) 
• TJ Smith discusses his academic journey and how he got into folklore.
• The state of folklore programs in universities and their prominence.
• The importance of folklore in understanding human connections.
• 🏠 Family as the First Folk Group (18:26 - 24:38)
• Discussion on how family is often our first folk group.
• TJ shares personal stories and examples of family folklore.
• The role of family stories in validating and educating members.
• 🎮 Modern Traditions and Technology (35:28 - 44:56)
• TJ talks about modern traditions like video games and DIY projects.
• The role of technology in preserving and transmitting folklore.
• Examples of how TJ passes on traditions to his children.
• 🌱 Community and Intergenerational Learning (52:31 - 01:02:12)
• The importance of intergenerational learning and creating spaces for it.
• TJ shares examples from his work in community gardens.
• The role of elders in passing down knowledge and traditions.
• 🛠️ Folklore in Nonprofits (01:10:24 - 01:21:51)
• TJ discusses his work in the nonprofit sector and how folklore skills translate.
• The importance of understanding community needs and avoiding prescriptive solutions.
• Examples of successful community projects and collaborations.
• 📢 Call to Action for Folklorists (01:21:51 - 01:34:45)
• TJ invites folklorists to explore roles in human and social services.
• The need for more folklorists in various sectors to advocate for vulnerable communities.

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