How Industry Formed a Culture and Where Its Future Is Headed [Coming 05/05 3pm ET]

Coal has been used for heat since the time of the caveman, and for centuries its power has fueled this nation. But as we toured the coal fields of America’s northwest, we found that the industry itself created a unique culture among the brave people who dare to walk beneath the earth to power our lives above ground.

Where is this culture now as the demand for coal declines? And more importantly, where is its future?

Curtis Burton (L), a coal miner of 18 years, speaks to NTD host Kay Rubacek at a memorial for coal miners in Pennsylvania in an episode of Life and Times. (Oliver Trey/Screenshot via NTD)

Curtis Burton, a coal miner of 18 years, visits a memorial for coal miners in Pennsylvania in an episode of Life and Times. (Oliver Trey/Screenshot via NTD)

Zachary Petroski, President of Panther Creek Valley Foundation, takes NTD host Kay Rubacek on a tour of the No. 9 Coal Mine in Lansford, Pa., in an episode of Life and Times. (Oliver Trey/Screenshot via NTD)

Cecil Roberts, President of the United Mine Workers Association, speaks at the headquarters of United Mine Workers Association in an episode of Life and Times. (Oliver Trey/Screenshot via NTD)

Hosted by award-winning documentary filmmaker and author Kay Rubacek, Life & Times travels the nation to bring you the hopeful stories behind the biggest news of today.

Life & Times is an NTD show available on YouTube and NTD website. It also airs on cable on NTD America. Find out where you can watch us on TV.