Ivan and his neighbor were trapped at a local fire station—floodwaters made it impossible to leave. When the water started rising inside the station, they had no choice but to escape.

In this episode, Ivan shares his near-death experience, how the community came together during Helene, and what’s next for the Bee Log Community & Relief Center.

Guest's site:

https://www.facebook.com/people/Bee-Log-Community-Relief-Center/61573149122344/?_rdr

This episode is sponsored by Edwards Family Farms NC:

https://edwardsfamilyfarmsnc.com/

My listeners get $10 off their first order with Edwards Family Farms when you use the code TYE10 at checkout.

Sue is the Executive Director at Books-Howell Retirement Community in Asheville. After Helene, her facility had no power, no running water, and a staff pushed to the limit.

She shares what it was like caring for hospice residents—figuring out how to wash them, their clothes, and linens with no basic resources. But the hardest part? Staying positive while carrying the mental weight of it all.

Guest's site:

https://www.brooks-howell.org/

Carol from Mountain Strong shares how her friends stepped up in a time of crisis—helping to run a field hospital, coordinating helicopter deliveries of life-saving supplies, and treating storm-related injuries. Now, through their nonprofit, they’re focused on something just as powerful: rebuilding community and restoring hope in Mitchell and Yancey counties.

Guest's site:

https://www.mountainstrong828.com/

Shane, the Sheriff of Yancey County, opens up about the immense pressure of protecting his community during Helene—while grappling with failing communications and the heartbreaking knowledge that several of his own family members had lost their homes. It was a test of duty, resilience, and heart.

Guest's site:

https://yanceycountysheriff.org/

Austin, a firefighter with the Black Mountain Fire Department, shares the challenges his team faced during rescue efforts after Helene. With communication systems down, roads blocked by flooding, and serious sanitation concerns, they had to navigate crisis after crisis to help those in need.

Guest's site:

https://edwardsfamilyfarmsnc.com/

My listeners get $10 off their first order with Edwards Family Farms when you use the code TYE10 at checkout.

Krissi, who works at a Children's Advocacy Center (CAC) in Burnsville, opens up about the emotional toll of Helene and how she copes with its lasting effects. She shares how the disaster has impacted her community—especially the children already facing challenges at home—and the ongoing efforts to support them.

Guest's site:

https://www.toerivercac.org/

After Helene, Jeramy stepped up to run an information hub in Marshall, NC, helping the community navigate the crisis. He shares how the small town came together in the aftermath—witnessing longtime rivals set aside their differences, forgive one another, and work side by side to rebuild.

Guest's business site:

https://www.nanostead.com/

Guest's nonprofit:

https://www.marshallrelief.org/

I sit down with Sophia from the Appalachian Rebuild Project (ARP) in Spruce Pine. She shares what it was like to witness her community’s destruction, how she and her family began helping their neighbors, and the story behind the creation of ARP.

Guest's Site:

https://www.appalachianrebuildproject.org/

Social Media:

https://www.instagram.com/appalachianrebuildproject/?hl=en

Early on during Hurricane Helene, Stacie was alone, managing a farm and caring for two young children while her husband was away working for the fire department in a neighboring county. In this episode, she shares the hardships of facing the storm on her own and how the strength and support of her community helped her get through it.

Guest's site:

https://edwardsfamilyfarmsnc.com/

Before Hurricane Helene, Chip was a gym owner in Micaville, NC. In this episode, he vividly describes the shocking aftermath—finding trees and four feet of mud inside his gym—and shares how the local “hippies and mountain folks” came together in an incredible display of community support and resilience.

Guest's YouTube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@Bodytribechip

Guest's Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/bodytribefitness/