In this episode of The Mountain Spirit, we sit down with William Isom II, the driving force behind Black in Appalachia, a nonprofit dedicated to uncovering and celebrating the overlooked history of African Americans in the region. From preserving archives to amplifying local voices, William shares how these stories reshape our understanding of Appalachian culture. Tune in for a powerful conversation about heritage, identity, and the truth that binds communities together.

Visit the Black in Appalachia website.

Watch videos on Black in Appalachia's YouTube channel.

Watch films William has worked on through PBS.

What does love in action look like in Appalachia? Meet Bill and Addie Likens, whose outreach ministry at Dunlow Community Center has transformed lives in rural West Virginia. In this episode of The Mountain Spirit podcast, they share how faith, resilience, and community partnerships are meeting critical needs and inspiring hope in their region.

Visit Dunlow Community Center on Facebook.

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.