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.