Michael Braswell grew up in Moultrie, Georgia. A former prison psychologist, he earned his PhD in counseling psychology at Southern Mississippi. He has published books on social justice, ethics, counseling, and the spiritual journey, as well as two novels and several short story collections. He is currently Professor Emeritus in Criminal Justice and Criminology at East Tennessee State University.
Anthony Cavender grew up in Nashville, Tennessee. He earned his PhD in cultural anthropology from the University of Tennessee. He has done research in Ecuador, Guatemala, Zimbabwe, and southern Appalachia. His publications include the book Folk Medicine in Southern Appalachia. He is currently Professor Emeritus of Anthropology at East Tennessee State University.