Resilient Roots: Marilyn Ball Reflects on Asheville’s Journey Post-Hurricane Helene

Welcome to Twice 5 Miles Radio. I'm James Navé, your host. Today, we're joined by the remarkable Marilyn Ball, host of Speaking of Travel, which airs weekly on WWNC 570 AM in Asheville. As many of you know, Hurricane Helene hit Asheville and Western North Carolina hard on September 30, 2024. At the time, I was in Taos. Part of me felt relief at being far away, while another part of me, as a native of Western North Carolina, felt guilt for not being able to help in person. Many of the folks I know lost nearly everything, and even though I was at a distance, I stayed connected, checking in regularly. One of the conversations I had during this time was with Marilyn Ball. Marilyn's been a vital part of Asheville's community since the late 1970s. Her understanding of this region's growth and transformation over the decades is unmatched. On her show, Speaking of Travel, she blends the global spirit of exploration with a distinctly local, Western North Carolina feel. Today's episode is, in many ways, a field report on how things have been progressing since the hurricane's landfall. During our conversation, Marilyn and I reflect on the scale of devastation. It's led me to wonder if "climate change" doesn't fully capture what's happening. Perhaps we should be talking about "climate disruption" instead. The conversation also touches on the River Arts District, with Marilyn sharing stories from friends affected by the storm. As we explore these themes, we're reminded of the power of community and how travel—both literal and metaphorical—can help us connect in times of crisis. As Mark Twain famously said, "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness." Marilyn embodies this spirit of exploration and connection, reminding us that stories can help us find our way forward, even in the wake of destruction.