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.

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 a renowned photographer named 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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.