Best Christian Appalachian Project Podcasts (2025)

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S8E1: From Nurse to Nation-Builder w/ Tiffany Sturdivant 35:17

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1h ago35:17

35:17

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…

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S7E6: Rethinking Rural Housing w/ Wendy Smith 38:03

2M ago38:03

38:03

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 …

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S7E5: How Literature Shapes Us w/ Jessica Cory 33:19

2M ago33:19

33:19

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…

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S7E4: Preserving the History of Coal Mining w/ Amanda Hughes 26:38

2M ago26:38

26:38

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 pr…

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S7E3: Finding Your Creativity w/ Callie Northern 34:39

3M ago34:39

34:39

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. Learn more about The Living Art…

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S7E2: Mastering Public Relations w/ Marc Whitt 36:56

3M ago36:56

36:56

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 K…

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S7E1: Insights From An Appalachian Therapist w/ Dale Hamilton 33:41

3M ago33:41

33:41

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 …

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S6E6: Faith, Sports, and Appalachia w/ Matt Jones 32:17

4M ago32:17

32:17

[Pre-recorded] 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…

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S6E5: Exploring Appalachian Arts w/ Robert Daniels 32:56

5M ago32:56

32:56

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! Find out more…

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Talking About Home W/ Jeremiah Parsons 32:45

5M ago32:45

32:45

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 …

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S6E2: Revolutionizing Public Health w/ Angela Carman 30:22

5M ago30:22

30:22

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 convers…

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S6E2: Housing Hope w/ Vonda Poynter 32:55

5M ago32:55

32:55

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. But beyond the boardrooms, she’s a leader, a mentor, a devoted grandm…

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Giving Appalachians A Voice w/ Melissa Helton 30:20

6M ago30:20

30:20

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. Visit the Hindman Settlement School Website. Purchase Troublesome Rising her…

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S5E6: Delivering Hope w/ Aaron Thoms 41:50

8M ago41:50

41:50

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, Arkans…

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S5E5: Creating Healthy Communities w/ Tom Vicini 33:56

8M ago33:56

33:56

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 preventi…

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S5E4: Moving in the Right Direction w/ Sandi Curd 32:55

8M ago32:55

32:55

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 …

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S5E3: Hurricanes, Floods, and Other Disasters w/ Robyn Renner 31:54

9M ago31:54

31:54

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 Salva…

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S5E2: Restoring Lives w/ Matt Smith 33:41

9M ago33:41

33:41

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 …

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S5E1: Breaking the Glass Ceiling w/ Jackie Collier 22:31

9M ago22:31

22:31

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.…

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S4E5: Telling Visual Stories w/ Dave Harl 30:36

11M ago30:36

30:36

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…

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S4E4: Taking Care of Each Other w/ Nate Clark 24:06

11M ago24:06

24:06

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 im…

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S4E3: A Photo is Worth a Thousand Words w/ Warren Brunner 24:17

11M ago24:17

24:17

Our guest this week on The Mountain Spirit is renowned photographer, 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 …

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S4E2: Meeting Community Needs w/ Joyce Marks 23:36

11M ago23:36

23:36

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 …

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S4E1: Coming Full Circle w/ Guy Adams 32:27

11M ago32:27

32:27

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 phil…

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S3E6: Doing God Math w/ Chris Kimbro 30:25

1y ago30:25

30:25

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. King's River Worship Center w…

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S3E5: Creating New Possibilities w/ Jared Arnett 33:54

1y ago33:54

33:54

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, cons…

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S3E4: Breaking the Cycle w/ Michaela Fisher 26:55

1y ago26:55

26:55

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 Appala…

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S3E3 The Mountains Are Calling w/ Lauren McCoart 32:09

1y ago32:09

32:09

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. Learn more about the attractions in Prestonsburg, KY and the larger Appalachian region. Prestonsburg Tourism. Pikeville Touris…

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S3E2: Appalachia's Bright Future w/ Elmer Whitaker 31:49

1y ago31:49

31:49

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. Learn more about Leadership Kentucky here.By The Mountain Spirit

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S3E1: Here to Serve w/ Nicky Stacy 22:00

1y ago22:00

22:00

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.

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S2E6: The Art of Storytelling w/ Octavia Sexton 35:49

1+ y ago35:49

35:49

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. Learn more about Octavia on her website. Also read about Octavia in The Mountain Spirit Magazine.…

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S2E5: The Wonder of Science w/ Chrysta Ghent 24:08

1+ y ago24:08

24:08

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. Visit the Ea…

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S2E4: The Next Kind Thing w/ Ethan Forhetz 32:36

1+ y ago32:36

32:36

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 st…

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S2E3: Embracing Opportunities w/ April Points 22:01

1+ y ago22:01

22:01

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 …

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S2E2: Building Connections w/ J.D. Bussell 26:07

1+ y ago26:07

26:07

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 th…

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S2E1: A Love for Serving w/ John Oliva 30:59

1+ y ago30:59

30:59

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 w…

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S1E6: Expanding Territory w/ Pastor Derick Easter 31:55

1+ y ago31:55

31:55

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 t…

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S1E5: Putting Faith in Action w/ Rev. Dwayne Mills 35:24

1+ y ago35:24

35:24

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'…

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S1E4: Remaining Grateful w/ Brenda 26:15

1+ y ago26:15

26:15

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…

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Bonus #1: The Spirit of Generosity 10:28

1+ y ago10:28

10:28

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 …

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S1E3: Changing the Conversation w/ Mike Halligan 34:39

1+ y ago34:39

34:39

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 m…

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S1E2: The Gentle Truth w/ Chris Green 29:06

1+ y ago29:06

29:06

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 invi…

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S1E1: Faith, Focus, and Follow Through w/ Anita Seals 23:06

1+ y ago23:06

23:06

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 com…

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Teaser #5: Out of the Ashes 7:26

2y ago7:26

7:26

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. Learn more about how CAP helped this family in need: Watch …

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Teaser #4: Christ's Love in Action 5:28

2y ago5:28

5:28

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 s…

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Teaser #3: Building Hope, Transforming Lives 3:23

2y ago3:23

3:23

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 tran…

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Teaser #2: Fight Hunger, Feed Hope 3:24

2y ago3:24

3:24

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 No…

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Teaser #1: Introducing The Mountain Spirit Podcast 0:46

2y ago0:46

0:46

The Mountain Spirit: A Podcast of Christian Appalachian Project will be launching this fall. Show host Tina Bryson introduces the podcast and invites all to subscribe to the show where you get your podcasts. Also, follow Christian Appalachian Project on social media for giveaways and show promotion. Twitter: @chrisappproj Facebook: Facebook Instagr…