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.

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.

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.

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.

CAP's Operation Sharing program partners with over 1,300 nonprofit organizations, community-based agencies, churches, and schools across all 13 Appalachian states, as well two Ozark states, Missouri and Arkansas, to collect and deliver donated goods to 1.5 million people. One of the partners is New St. Hurricane Church in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. On today's episode we hear from the pastor of New St. Hurricane Church, Derick Easter. Pastor Easter shares the history of their congregation, how he came to serve there, and what it means for their community to partner with CAP’s Operation Sharing, as they expand their reach.

Join us today for a conversation with Rev. Dwayne Mills. Rev. Mills is the executive director of Appalachia Reach Out (ARO) in Martin County, KY. You heard from Rev. Mills earlier this season on one of our show promotional episodes. That teaser was so well received that we brought him back for a full episode. In this episode, Rev. Mills shares God's radical call on his life. When he answered God's call to pastor his childhood church, he soon realized God had even greater plans. Listen to Rev. Mills' story of putting his faith into action.

As the world moves forward from tragic events, the people who are victims don't have that same luxury. Meet Brenda. She is a survivor of the July 2022 floods. She lives in Eastern Kentucky with her granddaughter, trying to piece her life back together following a series of tragedies. Brenda's home is the 100th house repaired by CAP after the floods. Listen to Brenda's story and learn what it means to cling to gratitude despite losing everything.

Today is Giving Tuesday. On this Global Day of Giving, your gift gets MATCHED up to $75,000, thanks to a generous group of CAP friends. It is because of generous doners that CAP is able to help in times of disaster and make sure homes are safe, warm, and dry. On this week's bonus episode, we revisit a conversation with CAP's Bryan Byrd and Melissa Eckenrode from the University of Scranton, following initial disaster recovery efforts earlier this year. Hear how the spirit of generosity brought student volunteers to Appalachia to serve people in need during CAP's annual WorkFest alternative spring break program.

On this episode of The Mountain Spirit, join us for a conversation with Mike Halligan, CEO of God's Pantry Food Bank. As we enter this holiday season of Thanksgiving and Christmas, where many people will gather with their own loved ones, Mike reminds us how critical food insecurity is in the community and spotlights policies and programs that are making a difference.

On this episode of The Mountain Spirit, join us for a conversation with Chris Green, director of the Loyal Jones Appalachian Center at Berea College; Associate Professor of Appalachian Studies; and Chair of the Appalachian Studies Department. Chris shares some history of Appalachia and what people get wrong when they think about the region. He invites you in to hear his story and welcomes you to share your own. Join us each week for stories of faith, service, and compassion.

On this episode of The Mountain Spirit, join us for a conversation with Anita Seals, vice president of human services with Christian Appalachian Project (CAP). Discover what advice she carries to this day from CAP's founder, and how a childhood experience shaped her 40+ years of service. Join us each week for more stories of faith, service, and compassion.

The fire started before Christmas and destroyed the second floor of the Burden family's home. CAP stepped in to help this family of 10 have a safe, warm, and dry home again. Shelia Burden shares about the fire and how it has impacted her family in this week's teaser of The Mountain Spirit.

Dwayne Mills is executive director of Appalachia Reach Out, a nonprofit dedicated to serving the people of Martin County in the eastern Kentucky mountains. He was recently honored by CAP as a Champion of Appalachia. In this teaser, he shares his passion for Appalachia and his commitment to change the narrative about his hometown. Inez, the county seat, became the face of poverty following the visit of President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964. Mills is determined to spotlight the positive as he and his team are Christ's love in action in Martin County.

In this second teaser, our host Tina Bryson introduces MEI-Total Elevator Solutions, a company based in Minnesota that annually sends groups to serve with Christian Appalachian Project (CAP). MEI has been serving with CAP sends May 2019. Listen to some of their volunteers share what makes serving in Appalachia so special as they build hope and transform lives in the region. Stay tuned for weekly teasers until the launch of our show in November.

In this second teaser, our host Tina Bryson introduces Christian Appalachian Project's (CAP) Hunger Walk. Learn how CAP fights hunger and feeds hope in Appalachia. Students from Lexington Christian Academy explain how their faith leads them to fight hunger and feed hope in Appalachia. Stay tuned for weekly teasers until the launch of our show in November.