The Mountain Spirit
by Tina Bryson
The Mountain Spirit, a Christian Appalachian Project podcast, shares inspirational stories of faith, service, and compassion. There are many challenges in Appalachia, but also there is a mountain spirit that embodies resilience and perseverance, underpinned by faith. Join host, Tina Bryson, to hear stories of hope and encouragement that celebrate the best of our shared humanity.
Episodes
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S12E6: Creating Opportunities in Appalachia w/ Bob Hutchison
For our Season 12 finale, we sit down with CAP Board Chair and Paintsville entrepreneur Bob Hutchison for a conversation about business, community, and creating lasting impact in Appalachia. Don't miss this inspiring episode filled with wisdom, leadership insights, and a deep love for the region…
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S12E5: Delivering Hope Across Appalachia w/ Jeff Burchett
What started with a truckload of donated books has become a lifeline for communities across 15 states. Our guest this week is Jeff Burchett, Director of CAP Operation Sharing Distribution Services, which has been impacting communities for over 40 years. Jeff has been with CAP for over 35 years.…
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S12E4: Embracing Each Moment w/ Joel Beverly
What does it mean to belong when the stories you've been told no longer fit? On this episode of The Mountain Spirit, Appalachian writer, entrepreneur, and native son Joel Beverly shares the journey behind In the Absence of Belief, a powerful exploration of identity, place, presence, and the…
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S12E3: Breaking Cycles of Poverty w/ Joe Little
Joe Little knows firsthand how difficult life can be. Listen as he reflects on his journey from homelessness to becoming a speaker, mentor, and advocate, carrying a message of hope to young people across Appalachia and beyond. No child is defined by the circumstances they're born into. In our...
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S12E2: Experiencing the Red River Gorge w/ Pete Fingerson
What makes Powell County one of Kentucky's most unforgettable destinations? In this episode, we sit down with Pete Fingerson, the executive director of tourism for Powell County, to explore everything from the breathtaking Red River Gorge and Natural Bridge State Resort Park to the rich culture…
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S12E1: Investing in the Future of Appalachia w/ Gayle Conelly Manchin
Join us for a special conversation with the Federal Co-Chair of the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), Gayle Conelly Manchin. Gayle is from West Virginia and has served the Appalachian region her entire life. She sees new possibilities for Appalachia in its people and spirit. Join us as we...
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S11E4: A Hug From the Mountains w/ Fr. Marc Bentley
On today's finale of The Mountain Spirit Podcast, we sit down with Fr. Marc Bentley, a priest of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lexington. Fr. Marc is from Pike County, Kentucky and holds the mountains close to his heart. In 2019, he became the first Roman Catholic priest known to hold an M.A. in...
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S11E3: Mental Health in Rural Communities w/ Andrea Brooks
May is #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth. Join us as we talk with Andrea Brooks, a counselor, educator, and leader with nearly two decades of experience shaping the future of mental health care. From her work in eastern Kentucky to national leadership roles, Andrea shares insight on counseling…
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S11E2: Ancestry and Storytelling w/ Cathy Rigg
Rooted in seven generations of Appalachian lineage, author Cathy Rigg joins the podcast to talk about ancestry, storytelling, and the voices that refuse to be silenced. We explore her debut historical novel That Which Binds Us, the power of the maternal line, and why it's never too late to answer...
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S11E1: Exploring Art and Identity w/ Cody LeRoy Wilson
From Plum Run, West Virginia to stages across the country, actor and playwright Cody LeRoy Wilson joins the podcast to talk art, identity, and Appalachian storytelling. We dive into his groundbreaking one-man show Did My Grandfather Kill My Grandfather? and how he's reshaping what it means to be...
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S10E6: Mission-Driven Leadership w/ Jennifer Stolo
On today's Season 10 finale of The Mountain Spirit Podcast, we are joined by Jennifer Stolo, CAP's new President & CEO. Previously leading major nonprofit organizations like Make-A-Wish, Jennifer's most recent work was with Robert Craig Films, where she produced award-winning films with...
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S10E5: Community Storytelling w/ Jessica Miles
On today's episode of The Mountain Spirit, we welcome Jessica Miles. She is deeply rooted in Appalachia, where she was born and raised. Her work centers community storytelling and uplifts women's voices across the region. Jessica led the Appalachian Media Institute at Appalshop, and now hosts her...
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S10E4: The Life of an Appalachian Cherokee w/ Warren Dupree
On this week's episode of The Mountain Spirit, we're honored to welcome Warren Dupree, a Cherokee Tribal elder whose life and leadership are deeply rooted in Appalachian tribal land in Cherokee, North Carolina. A veteran whose service spans from Vietnam to Desert Storm, he now serves as Commander...
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S10E3: Discovering Your Unique Voice w/ Kari Gunter-Seymour
Kari Gunter-Seymour joins us on The Mountain Spirit to share the heart and heritage behind her award-winning poetry and her deep Appalachian roots. Listening to her story felt like sitting at a kitchen table with an old friend, hearing the mountains speak through her words. I hope you'll tune in...
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S10E2: Championing Community Stories w/ Willa Johnson
Get ready for a powerful new episode of The Mountain Spirit featuring a lifelong Appalachian storyteller and community advocate, Willa Johnson. She leads the Worthy Ground Project from Invest Appalachia. With nearly two decades of experience uplifting local voices and leading community‑driven...
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S10E1: Uplifting Mountain Voices w/ Buddy Forbes
Season 10 of The Mountain Spirit opens with journalist Buddy Forbes , whose work is rooted in making sure Appalachians can tell their own stories in their own words. Join us for a premiere that uplifts the voices, experiences, and truths of the Appalachian mountains and the people who call them...
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S9E6: Stepping Forward in Faith w/ Shana Miller
We're closing out Season 9 of The Mountain Spirit podcast with a powerful story of transformation and faith through a new CAP initiative called Steppingstones. Join us as we sit down with Shana Miller, whose journey spotlights why second chances matter and what it means to witness lives…
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S9E5: Celebrating Your Heritage w/ William Isom II
In this episode of The Mountain Spirit, we sit down with William Isom II, the driving force behind Black in Appalachia, a nonprofit dedicated to uncovering and celebrating the overlooked history of African Americans in the region. From preserving archives to amplifying local voices, William…
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S9E4: The Heartbeat of the Hills w/ Bill and Addie Likens
What does love in action look like in Appalachia? Meet Bill and Addie Likens, whose outreach ministry at Dunlow Community Center has transformed lives in rural West Virginia. In this episode of The Mountain Spirit podcast, they share how faith, resilience, and community partnerships are meeting...
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S9E3: Connecting Soil and Soul w/ Katie Carrico
Episode 50 of The Mountain Spirit podcast is here! We're celebrating this milestone with an inspiring guest, Katie Carrico, who is a homesteader and sheep farmer from Eastern Kentucky. Katie is building a life deeply connected to the land with her family. Join us as we explore what it means to…
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S9E2: The Diverse Sounds of Appalachian Music w/ Jessica Blakenship
In this episode, Jessica Blankenship, Executive Director of the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame, joins us to dive into the rich, unexpected, and ever-evolving sounds of Appalachian music. From banjos and ballads to boundary-pushing artists, discover how Kentucky's musical roots continue to inspire…
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S9E1: Unleashing Appalachia's Resources w/ Seth Long
In the Season 9 premiere of The Mountain Spirit podcast, we sit down with Seth Long, Executive Director of H.O.M.E.S. Inc. From flood relief to maple syrup farming in Appalachia, Seth has many insights on how to love your neighbor and be a good steward of our land. Today's episode is one you…
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S8E6: Cooking Up Hope w/ Melonie Effler
September is #HungerActionMonth and in this week's finale of The Mountain Spirit, we're pulling up a chair with Melonie Effler, known affectionately as "Momma Mel". From her East Tennessee roots to her kitchen ministry, Mel's story is a reminder that food isn't just fuel. It's love, faith, and...
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S8E5: From Service to the Stage w/ Jordan Allen
We have a special treat for you today on The Mountain Spirit podcast. Kentucky's own Jordan Allen, who was featured on Season 27 of The Voice, joins our show to share how his Appalachian roots shaped his music and mission. From small-town stages to national spotlight, Jordan's story is one of…
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S8E4: Stories Worth Remembering w/ Kelley St. Germain
On today's episode of The Mountain Spirit podcast, filmmaker and cultural preservationist Kelley St. Germain shares how storytelling became a mission to protect Appalachian heritage. Kelley is the founder of Germain Media, LLC and Appalachian Memory Keepers. Tune in for a powerful reminder of why...
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S8E3: Literacy as a Lifeline w/ Geraldine Bard
In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Dr. Geraldine Bard, co-founder of Project FLIGHT, a groundbreaking literacy initiative that has placed over 3 million books into the hands of children and families across the globe. From Buffalo to Micronesia, Dr. Bard shares how her mission to promote...
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S8E2: Leading Change In Appalachia w/ Robin Gabbard
In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Robin Gabbard, President of the Mountain Association, to explore her lifelong dedication to Appalachia and her vision for building a new economy in Eastern Kentucky. From her early days at LKLP Community Action to leading one of the region's most...
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S8E1: From Nurse to Nation-Builder w/ Tiffany Sturdivant
In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Tiffany Sturdivant, a former nurse turned powerhouse cultural leader and Executive Director of Appalshop. From her roots in Mississippi community activism to her current work preserving Appalachian voices, Tiffany shares her journey of transformation,...
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S7E6: Rethinking Rural Housing w/ Wendy Smith
When the country faced a housing crisis in 2008, Kentucky was already immersed in it. Affordable and reliable housing in rural communities is facing many challenges, with countless homes needed to be built on an inadequate budget. Facing this rural housing crisis head-on is Wendy Smith, the…
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S7E5: How Literature Shapes Us w/ Jessica Cory
Every culture and region are shaped by the stories told within it. Appalachia has a vast and diverse history, enriched by the unique voices of its people. Jessica Cory, editor of The Appalachian Journal, shares her research, exploring the role of literature in Appalachian identity. Jessica shares...
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S7E4: Preserving the History of Coal Mining w/ Amanda Hughes
The coal industry has a long history within the mountains of eastern Kentucky. That history is still seen today in places like the Kentucky Coal Museum in Harlan County, Kentucky. Joining our show today is the museum's curator, Amanda Hughes. We invite you to learn about the hardworking men and...
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S7E3: Finding Your Creativity w/ Callie Northern
Appalachia's rich musical heritage comes alive with renowned fiddle player Callie Northern! As the Education Director at The Living Arts & Science Center in Lexington, KY, Callie shares her inspiring journey from learning the fiddle to guiding the next generation in the arts. Don't miss this...
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S7E2: Mastering Public Relations w/ Marc Whitt
Get ready for an electrifying episode on The Mountain Spirit, with Marc Whitt. Not only is he a public relations guru with nearly four decades of experience, but he is a bestselling author, whose books have topped Amazon's charts and earned numerous accolades. Currently serving as the director of...
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S7E1: Insights From An Appalachian Therapist w/ Dale Hamilton
In the season premiere of The Mountain Spirit podcast, we are honored to hear from Dale Hamilton, a dedicated counselor at CAP's Family Life Counseling Services program. Dale shares invaluable insights on the importance of mental health and the transformative power of counseling in our…
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S6E6: Faith, Sports, and Appalachia w/ Matt Jones
[Pre-recorded] Get ready for an exciting episode as we welcome today's guest, Matt Jones, founder and host of Kentucky Sports Radio. During the heart of March Madness, Matt stops by to share his heart for Appalachia. From humble beginnings in Middlesboro, KY to becoming a sports media figure...
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S6E5: Exploring Appalachian Arts w/ Robert Daniels
Get ready for an electrifying episode as we go behind the scenes with Robert Daniels, the Technical Director at the Mountain Arts Center! With over 20 years of experience, Robert has been the driving force behind countless breathtaking performances. Tune in for an inspiring adventure into the…
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S6E4: Talking About Home W/ Jeremiah Parsons
This week's guest is Jeremiah Parsons, Executive Director of Tourism for Paintsville, Kentucky. A native of Floyd County, Jeremiah has been involved in tourism since 2002, starting at Jenny Wiley Theatre as Sales and Marketing Director. Jeremiah is passionate about the arts and education, serving...
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S6E3: Revolutionizing Public Health w/ Angela Carman
What does it take to create real change in public health? Angela Carman—researcher, innovator, and community advocate—is on a mission to make an impact. With funding from NIH, CDC, and Robert Wood Johnson, she's revolutionizing how we implement interventions, engage communities, and improve…
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S6E2: Housing Hope w/ Vonda Poynter
For over 35 years, Vonda has been a driving force in affordable housing and community development, connecting leaders, transforming lives, and strengthening communities across six states. As Fahe's Senior VP of Membership, she's not just building networks—she's building a legacy. But beyond the...
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S6E1: Giving Appalachians A Voice w/ Melissa Helton
In this gripping season premiere, we sit down with Melissa Helton, Literary Arts Director at Hindman Settlement School and editor of Troublesome Rising—a raw and powerful anthology capturing the devastation of the July 2022 floods through the voices of Appalachian writers. Visit the Hindman...
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S5E6: Delivering Hope w/ Aaron Thoms
Today we hear from Aaron Thoms, manager of CAP's Operation Sharing program. Aaron shares his CAP journey and the origins of Operation Sharing. Over the course of 30 plus years, Operation Sharing has delivered more than $2 billion worth of donated materials to more than 1.5 million people across…
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S5E5: Creating Healthy Communities w/ Tom Vicini
In today's episode of The Mountain Spirit, we sit down with Tom Vicini, President and CEO of Operation UNITE, to discuss the critical work being done to combat addiction and support recovery in Appalachia. With over 17 years of leadership at UNITE and decades of community service, Vicini shares...
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S5E4: Moving in the Right Direction w/ Sandi Curd
In this episode, we welcome Sandi Curd, Engagement Director at Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation and a trailblazer in community and economic development in Appalachia. Dr. Curd shares her wealth of experience working with local governments, nonprofits, and federal agencies to drive...
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S5E3: Hurricanes, Floods, and Other Disasters w/ Robyn Renner
Today's guest is Robyn Renner, director of Disaster Relief at CAP. Robyn shares the ways she serves God during times of disaster, leaning on her faith to help others. She has been on the ground during hurricanes from Katrina to Helene, she has mucked out homes during flooding in her home state of...
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S5E2: Restoring Lives w/ Matt Smith
Today's guest is Matt Smith, lead pastor of Believers Church in Johnson City, TN, professor of Sociology at Big Sandy Community and Technical College, and a life-long Appalachian. Matt shares his struggle with substance use, and how God's call has been weaved throughout different moments in his...
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S5E1: Breaking the Glass Ceiling w/ Jackie Collier
Jackie Collier, CAP's first female chair of the board, kicks off Season 5 of The Mountain Spirit podcast. Today we get to hear about Jackie's leadership style and her career journey which led her into many positions of influence as the first woman in various leadership roles at both CAP and Berea...
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S4E5: Telling Visual Stories w/ Dave Harl
Today's guest is Dave Harl, an award-winning filmmaker and producer. Dave has traveled the world filming documentary films from interviewing World War II veterans in Japan to exploring non-profit work in India. Dave calls Kentucky home and has also produced years of video content for Christian...
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S4E4: Taking Care of Each Other w/ Nate Clark
Our guest this week is Nate Clark, who works in the accounting department of Texas Roadhouse restaurants. Texas Roadhouse is a corporate sponsor of CAP's Hunger Walk event each September and has been sending corporate mission groups to volunteer in Appalachia every year since 2008. Having been on...
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S4E3: A Photo is Worth a Thousand Words w/ Warren Brunner
Our guest this week on The Mountain Spirit is renowned photographer, Warren Brunner. Warren moved to Appalachia and captured important photographs of people and their struggles. He is known for his celebrated work documenting the War on Poverty in the 1960's. Listen to Warren describe his time in...
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S4E2: Meeting Community Needs w/ Joyce Marks
This week's episode continues our Anniversary season of The Mountain Spirit with special guest Joyce Marks. Joyce is the director of the Jackson County Food Bank in McKee, KY. She and her husband came to Appalachia to work for Christian Appalachian Project during its earlier days, leading them to...
About this show
The Mountain Spirit, a Christian Appalachian Project podcast, shares inspirational stories of faith, service, and compassion. There are many challenges in Appalachia, but also there is a mountain spirit that embodies resilience and perseverance, underpinned by faith. Join host, Tina Bryson, to hear stories of hope and encouragement that celebrate the best of our shared humanity.
Hosted by
Tina Bryson
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