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.

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.

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.

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.

In today's episode of The Mountain Spirit Podcast, we sit down with Robin Gabbard, president of Mountain Association. Robin explores her lifelong dedication to Appalachia and her vision for building a new economy in Eastern Kentucky. Join us as she shares stories of resilience, innovation, and community transformation through the Mountain Association’s work in business lending, energy efficiency, and policy advocacy.

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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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!

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."

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!

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. Get ready for an inspiring conversation that will ignite your own mission for change.

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.

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. 

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.