Flooding in Appalachia: A Call to Redemptive Work with Robert Kell (S1:E14)

In this episode, hosts Gabby Lisi and George Schmidt are joined by Robert Kell, the New Economy Program Manager with Appalachian Voices and a graduate of Vanderbilt Divinity School (Wendland-Cook Program Fellow). Together, they discuss Robert's article, "Flooding in Appalachia Calls Us to Redemptive Work," which delves into the environmental and social challenges facing Appalachia.Robert shares his personal connection to the Appalachian region, recounting the lessons he learned from his Granny about respecting and delighting in nature. He discusses the devastating impact of climate change and deforestation on local communities, highlighting the tensions between traditional faith, modern exploitation, and the religion of capitalism. As floods become more frequent and severe, Robert calls for a return to redemptive labor—reclaiming coal-impacted lands, building sustainable energy systems, and fostering regenerative economies.About Religion and Justice Religion and Justice is a podcast from the Wendland-Cook Program in Religion and Justice at Vanderbilt Divinity School. We explore the intersections of class, religion, labor, and ecology, uncovering how these forces shape the work of justice and solidarity. Each episode offers space for investigation, education, and organizing through conversations with scholars, organizers, and practitioners.Learn more at religionandjustice.orgThe show is currently produced by Peterson Toscano http://www.petersontoscano.com Religion and Justice on Substack: https://religionandjustice.substack.comFollow us: Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/religionandjustice Twitter/X — https://twitter.com/ReligionandJ Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/religionandjustice/