The Mountain Spirit

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 the call to write.   Visit Cathy's website.  Shop Cathy's book. 

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 both Appalachian and Asian American. This is a powerful conversation you don't want to miss.    Visit Cody's website. Learn more about Did My Grandfather Kill My Grandfather? Check out production photos. 

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 inspirational storytelling. Jennifer brings a unique blend of mission-driven leadership and creative vision. Tune in as she shares how her background is shaping the future of CAP and its impact across Appalachia. This is a conversation you don't want to miss! Learn more about Jennifer. Visit Rober Craig Films website.  Check out the award-winning film "No Address"

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 own podcast, Mountain Laurels: Women of Appalachia. Join us as Jessica shares how reclaiming our narratives can build power, belonging, and connection. Follow Jessica's podcast here. Visit her substack to read more.

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 of the American Legion in Cherokee, continuing a lifetime of commitment to community, country, and culture in the heart of Southern Appalachia. Tune in for a powerful conversation you don't want to miss. Learn more about the American Legion. 

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 and find the same sense of hope and belonging that her voice brings to so many.   Learn more about Kari on her website.   Find out about her Spoken and Heard initiative.   Join Kari for upcoming events. 

  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 recovery efforts, Willa shares how hope, resilience, and collaboration shape Appalachia's future. Tune in as she discusses disaster recovery, regional leadership, and the stories that inspire her work every day.   Visit Invest Appalachia website. Learn more about Worthy Ground.

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 home.   Visit WYMT's website. Follow Buddy.  

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 transformed through service. Her story reminds us that unexpected turns can lead us exactly where we're meant to be. Tune in to hear how Shana is helping our neighbors in Appalachia find hope and stability.  Learn more about this program on the CAP website.

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 shares how these stories reshape our understanding of Appalachian culture. Tune in for a powerful conversation about heritage, identity, and the truth that binds communities together. Visit the Black in Appalachia website. Watch videos on Black in Appalachia's YouTube channel.  Watch films William has worked on through PBS.

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 critical needs and inspiring hope in their region. Visit Dunlow Community Center on Facebook. 

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 live out this connection with our Appalachian roots. Don't miss this special episode!  Follow Katie on instagram.  Check out Kaite and her family's website here. 

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 and surprise generations. You won't want to miss this celebration of culture, creativity, and rhythm!  Check out the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame website.  Check out their upcoming events here.  Book your tour of the Hall of Fame today!

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 don't want to miss! Check out H.O.M.E.S. Inc's website here. Learn more about Seth's farm.  Watch the impact made during the floods 2022. 

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 family. Come sit with us and feel the heart behind every bite. Visit Melonie's website here. Check out Melonie's hit YouTube channel.

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 grit, grace, and the power of community. Tune in to hear how he's lifting up the next generation of Appalachian songwriters. Visit Jordan's website here. Check out his upcoming performances here. 

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 these stories matter—and why they must be preserved. Check out the work being done at Appalachian Memory Keepers. Follow Kelley's work at Germain Media. 

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 literacy as a tool for equity, peace, and opportunity has transformed lives and communities. We explore the roots of Project FLIGHT, the power of family engagement, and why literacy is more than just reading—it's a social justice issue. You'll hear powerful stories, including the impact of a single book on a child's future, and learn how partnerships with schools, parents, and faith-based organizations are helping close the achievement gap. Whether you're an educator, advocate, or simply someone who believes in the power of words, this episode will leave you inspired to take action. Visit Project FLIGHT's website here.

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 impactful nonprofits, Robin shares stories of resilience, innovation, and community transformation. We dive into the Mountain Association's work in business lending, energy efficiency, policy advocacy, and more—plus the power of storytelling in shaping the future of the region. Whether you're passionate about rural development, nonprofit leadership, or the future of Appalachia, this episode is for you. Check out The Mountain Association's website here. Read about The Mountain Association's work with Gwen Christon of Isom IGA here.  Watch The Mountain Association install solar panels for help local grocery store here.

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, resilience, and radical care. She leads with heart and heritage where art, advocacy, and voting rights in the South intersect. She will share what it means to lead with joy, purpose, and a deep love of place.  Whether you're passionate about cultural preservation, grassroots organizing, or simply love a good story of reinvention, this episode will move and motivate you. Tune in and discover how Tiffany is making a mark in Appalachia—one story, one song, one community at a time. Visit Appalshop's website: https://appalshop.org/ Get lost in the history of Appalachia through Appalshop's archives: https://www.appalshoparchive.org/ 

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 Deputy Executive Director of Housing Programs at Kentucky Housing Corporation. Join us in this season finale, as Wendy explores the needs in rural housing and her hope for the future. Visit Kentucky Housing Corporation website.

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 stories not often told, exploring complex themes and topics, and offering new perspectives from within an understudied region.  Visit Jessica Cory's website.  Check out the Appalachian Journal. 

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 women who have shaped our region, the importance of preserving their stories, and the ways that Appalachian culture is reflected in our industrial past.  Plan your visit at the Kentucky Coal Museum today.  Learn more about Appalachian history.

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 captivating conversation. Learn more about The Living Arts and Science Center. Follow Callie Northern's music page for performance updates and more. 

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 media and strategic relations at the University of Kentucky, Marc has deep connections with his Appalachian upbringing. Tune in to discover Marc's invaluable insights, his passion for public relations, and the secrets behind his success. Don't miss this captivating conversation! Learn more about Marc on his website.  Purchase Marc's bestselling book PR Lessons Learned Along the Way.  Purchase Marc's latest book When in Doubt Make Applesauce. 

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 Appalachian communities. Tune in to hear inspiring stories and practical advice that can help you and your loved ones navigate life's challenges. Don't miss this heartfelt and informative conversation.  Learn more about CAP's FLCS. If you or someone you love are in immediate need of help, please dial 9-8-8. 

[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 featured on HBO and ESPN, Matt's journey is extraordinary. Tune in to hear how his Appalachian roots have shaped his identity, faith, and philanthropic work, making him the inspiring figure he is today. Kentucky Sports Radio website.  

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 world of live entertainment in Appalachia! Find out more about the Mountain Arts Center. Learn about the Kentucky Opry.

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 as President and Director of Main Street Players in Paintsville, KY. He shares with us the significance of the Historic SIPP Theater in downtown Paintsville and how his job is the best in the world because he gets to "talk about home." Visit Paintsville Tourism website to learn more. 

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 public health systems. Don't miss this eye-opening conversation—because the future of public health starts NOW! Dr. Angela Carman appointed as endowed chair in rural health policy University of Kentucky College of Public Health  

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 boardrooms, she's a leader, a mentor, a devoted grandmother, and a proud Appalachian. Get ready for an inspiring conversation that will challenge and ignite your own mission for change. Check out Fahe's website to learn more about Vonda's work in Appalachia. 

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 Settlement School Website. Purchase Troublesome Rising here.  

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 all 13 Appalachian states and two Ozark states, Arkansas and Missouri. The program receives gift-in-kind donations to distribute from caring partners and corporations at warehouses in Corbin and Paintsville, Kentucky. These donations often include, but are not limited to: food, office supplies, household supplies, furniture, beverages, building supplies, hygiene items, and clothing. CAP's Operation Sharing Program partners with a network of more than 1,300 nonprofit organizations, community-based agencies, schools, and churches throughout the Appalachian region to deliver hope to people in need through the distribution of essential items.  Learn more about Operation Sharing today: Become an Operation Sharing Partner | Christian Appalachian Project  Read about CAP's Christmas toy disribution.  Sign up to be a partner today. 

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 insights into the challenges and successes of prevention, treatment, and recovery initiatives in the region. Learn how innovative programs and grassroots efforts are making a difference in the lives of individuals and families affected by substance use, and hear Vicini's vision for building healthier, drug-free communities. Visit Operation UNITE website: Operation UNITE

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 innovation and growth in Eastern Kentucky. Sandi discusses strategies for fostering collaboration as we address the region's unique challenges. Don't miss this inspiring conversation about transforming Appalachia's economic landscape and empowering its people. Visit Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation website: Home - KHIC | Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation

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 Kentucky, and even built homes in Haiti and El Salvador. From facing disaster of her own to traveling across the world to help people in need, Robyn continues to live out her faith every day. 

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 journey.  Visit Believers Church website here. Connect with Believers Church channels here.

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 College.

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 Appalachian Project.  Visit Pinnacle Productions website here.  Watch Dave's videos on Vimeo. 

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 many of these service trips, Nate reflects on the impacts of volunteerism and his passion for taking care of others who are in need.  

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 Appalachia photographing everything from coal mines to Mother Teresa, following Fr. Beiting as he worked on early CAP programing and capturing different places of worship across the entire region.  View Warren's work archives at Berea College  here.  View Warren's books here. 

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 be instrumental in the construction of Camp AJ, and other early CAP initiatives. Together, they raised nine kids in Eastern Kentucky. Listen as Joyce shares what has sustained her passion for serving people in need in Appalachia. 

August 2024, Christian Appalachian Project turns 60 years old We are celebrating our anniversary with a special season of the podcast. Join us as we kick off season four with CAP's president and CEO, Guy Adams. Throughout his early adult life, Guy discovered the Appalachian heritage of his family and began to feel God equipping him for work in philanthropy, making a difference for people in need. Guy's journey came full circle when he was asked to become CAP's president, bringing hope to people in need through service. Hear more of his incredible journey and listen to the insight he has to share about leading in difficult times and remaining focused on service to others. 

Our guest today is Pastor Chris Kimbro, lead pastor of King's River Worship Center and director of Community Bridge. Originally from Kentucky, Chris moved to West Viriginia, where he would become a pastor and start a family. Now Chris and his church have been transforming the lives of people in need in their community.  King's River Worship Center website Community Bridge website

Our guest is Jared Arnett, Pastor of Teaching and Leadership at New Beginnings Fellowship Church. Jared is a lifelong Appalachian who lives in the region by choice. He has been involved in several initiatives and has rarely had a job that existed prior to him stepping into it. Listen to Jared as he shares his journey as a leader in Appalachia, constantly creating new possibilities in the region.  Learn more about New Beginnings Fellowship Church Learn more about Jared and his ongoing endeavers Learn more about SOAR (Shaping Our Appalachian Region)

Michaela Fisher grew up in Appalachia, attending camp at CAP's Camp Shawnee, and cultivating a deep commitment to serving others. Now, she helps children and families in need as a mental health counselor with CAP's Family Life Counseling Services. Join us on this special episode as Michaela articulates the stigma surrounding mental health in Appalachia and how she is working to break the cycle of generational trauma in our region.  Read Michaela's story in The Mountain Spirit magazine. Watch Michaela speak about the importance of mental health during the holiday season. 

On today's episode of The Mountain Spirit, we hear from Lauren McCoart, Director of Prestonsburg Tourism in Prestonsburg, KY. Lauren is a lifelong Appalachian with a desire to expose others to the rich beauty of her region. Learn more about the attractions in Prestonsburg, KY and the larger Appalachian region.  Prestonsburg Tourism. Pikeville Tourism. Paintsville Tourism. 

Today's episode of The Mountain Spirit podcast features Elmer Whitaker, President/CEO of Whitaker Bank. Elmer talks with us about his family's legacy and how he is equipping leaders in Appalachia through Leadership Kentucky. Learn more about Leadership Kentucky here. 

Today's guest is Nicky Stacy. Nicky works at the Hazel Green Food Project in Hazel Green, KY. The Hazel Green Food Project serves countless participants who come to their facility from the immediate and surrounding counties. Listen to Nicky's stories of hope as she explains why she is here to serve. 

On this final episode of Season Two, our guest is Octavia Sexton, an Appalachian writer and storyteller. Octavia is an educator and advocate for preserving Appalachian culture, who challenges stereotypes of what it means to be Appalachian. Learn more about Octavia on her website. Also read about Octavia in The Mountain Spirit Magazine.