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.

This week's episode of The Mountain Spirit podcast features Chrysta Ghent from the East Kentucky Science Center and Varia Planetarium. Chrysta shares how her love of science propels her to provide science education to people in Appalachia. Join us in discovering the wonder of science taking place at this hidden gem in Eastern Kentucky.

Our guest this week is Ethan Forhetz, Vice President of Public Engagement with Convey of Hope. Convoy of Hope is a faith-based organization based in Springfield, MO, dedicated to feeding children, helping communities through outreach, and offering disaster relief services. Learn about the impact that Convoy of Hope is having on the world as they strive to do the next kind thing for people in need.

Today's guest is April Points, a Philanthropy Support Specialist with Christian Appalachian Project. April grew up in Harlan County hearing about the hardships of natural disaster, and jumped at the opportunity to help people in need when floods affected Eastern Kentucky in 2022. Volunteering with her church, April served her Appalachian neighbors in need. Volunteering led April to find even more opportunities to make a difference every single day.

Today's guest is J.D. Bussell, principal of Rockcastle County High School in Mount Vernon, KY. J.D. was born and raised in Rockcastle County where he would eventually settle down to teach chemistry at Rockcastle County High School. Located in one of our primary service areas, the school partners with CAP to address poverty and food insecurity in the area. Now as principal of Rockcastle County High School, JD shares the deep connections he has built with CAP throughout his life, beginning when he was baptized as an infant by Rev. Ralph W. Beiting, CAP's founder.

Season two of The Mountain Spirit begins with John Oliva, a mechanical engineer who also serves as an ambassador for Christian Appalachian Project (CAP). John helps recruit students from around the country to attend our annual WorkFest/YouthFest (an alternative Spring break program). Each Spring, John travels to Appalachia with these students and works to ensure that Eastern Kentucky homes are safe, warm, and dry. John has a love for serving, and his work does not end with CAP. Find out more about John's story and how he navigates the world in service to people in need.