Me and Poverty

What does it look like to honor your family’s roots while building a bigger future right where you live? It can be done, and Jacob Mullins is living proof.Summary:In this episode of Me and Poverty, we are joined by my childhood neighbor and friend, Jacob Mullins, owner of J&J Window Cleaning. While many think starting a business means launching something completely from scratch on your own, Jacob’s journey is about a different, powerful path: legacy.Originally built by his father, Jacob took over the family business, stepped into the leader's seat, and successfully grew J&J Window Cleaning into what it is today. Growing up right across the road from each other in Eastern Kentucky, we saw firsthand the grit of our families and the incredible support of our community. Today, Jacob is proving that you don’t have to leave your hometown to find success—you can take the foundation laid before you and build something extraordinary.Whether you are a young person wondering how to carry on a family trade, or someone looking for the confidence to scale an existing idea, this episode is your ultimate proof of what is possible when hard work meets respect for your roots.Season Sponsor:This season is proudly sponsored by Appalachia Reach Out (ARO). ARO is on a mission to be "Christ’s love in action," providing vital resources, home repairs, and addiction recovery support across Kentucky and Ohio.🔗 Support their incredible work: https://www.appalachiareachout.comConnect with Joe:Websitewww.joelittleinspires.comIf you believe in the power of family legacy and community support, please share this episode with a friend or young entrepreneur today!

You don’t have to leave your hometown to make a difference in the world. You can start changing your local community right now, right where you are.In this episode of Me and Poverty, we tackle what it actually takes to breathe new life into a struggling community. Joining the conversation is Corey Cassell, Director of Healthcare Administration at Thrive Community Coalition. Growing up together in Eastern Kentucky, we didn't just witness the challenges of poverty, addiction, and lack of resources—we lived them. Today, Corey is leading the charge to transform our home region from the inside out.This isn’t just a podcast episode; it’s a masterclass in grassroots change. Whether you are a young person wondering how to make your voice count, or an adult worker trying to build stronger support systems for local youth, this episode gives you the practical blueprint to step up, take action, and become a community builder.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:- The Relationship Blueprint: Why real community transformation can't be bought—it has to be built, person by person.- The Three Pillars of Impact: How Thrive’s Grow Well, Recover Well, and Work Well framework can be applied to any neighborhood or town.- Empowering the Next Generation: How local youth can transition from feeling stuck to becoming active changemakers.- Uniting the Adults: How schools, local businesses, and churches can form a unified front to protect and support their youth.👉 Get Involved & Access Thrive’s Community Toolkits: https://www.thriveserves.com/Season Sponsor:This season is proudly sponsored by Appalachia Reach Out (ARO). ARO is on a mission to be "Christ’s love in action," providing vital resources, home repairs, and addiction recovery support across Kentucky and Ohio.🔗 Support their incredible work: https://www.appalachiareachout.comConnect with Joe:Websitewww.joelittleinspires.comIf you love your community and want to see it thrive, please hit like, subscribe, and share this episode with a neighbor, teacher, or local leader!

Welcome to Me and Poverty, the podcast dedicated to breaking barriers, building bridges, and changing lives—one story at a time.In this episode, host Joseph Little sits down with his friend, Pastor Dwayne Raines, to pull back the curtain on full-time ministry. From his early days running from the call in Eastern Kentucky to over a decade in youth ministry and his current role as a Lead Pastor, Dwayne shares the raw challenges and the "big wins" of serving the church.In this episode, we discuss:How to know if you are being called to ministry.The transition from youth ministry to lead pastoring.The misconception that pastors "only work on Sundays."Balancing family life while being "on the clock" 24/7.The power of mentorship and showing up for the next generation.A Huge Thank You to Our Season Sponsor!This season is proudly sponsored by Appalachia Reach Out (ARO). ARO is on a mission to be "Christ’s love in action," providing vital resources, home repairs, and addiction recovery support across Kentucky and Ohio.🔗 Support their incredible work: https://www.appalachiareachout.comConnect with Joe:Websitewww.joelittleinspires.comIf this episode helped you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who works with youth.And remember — keep sharing stories.

What does it actually look like to run a city when you’re barely out of college? 🏛️In this episode, we sit down with Mayor Boone Bowling, who made history as one of the youngest Mayors in Kentucky. As we gear up for the 2026 Primary season, Boone breaks down how young people can stop waiting for "their turn" and start leading right now. Whether you want to run for office one day, or you just want to know how to research candidates for the upcoming primary, this conversation is your blueprint for public service.In this episode, we cover:-The reality of being one of Kentucky's youngest mayors.-How to find your "why" in public service.-Navigating the 2026 Primary Season as a young voter.-Practical ways to do good in your community without running for office.Season Sponsor:This season is proudly sponsored by Appalachia Reach Out (ARO). ARO is on a mission to be "Christ’s love in action," providing vital resources, home repairs, and addiction recovery support across Kentucky and Ohio.🔗 Support their incredible work: https://www.appalachiareachout.comConnect with Joe:Websitewww.joelittleinspires.comIf this episode helped you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who works with youth.And remember — keep sharing stories.

Ben Collier grew up in a home with one finished room and no indoor plumbing. Today, he’s the Business Manager (CEO) of UA Local 248, helping the next generation of Appalachians find dignity, stability, and high-paying careers in the skilled trades.Summary:In this episode of Me and Poverty, Joseph Little sits down with Ben Collier to dismantle the "college-only" myth. Ben shares his powerful "poverty picture" story and explains how the union trades (plumbing, pipefitting, and HVAC/R) offer more than just a job—they offer a legacy. Whether you're a high school student looking for a path or a youth worker seeking resources, this conversation provides a roadmap for breaking the cycle of poverty through "Solidarity, Fidelity, and Education."Key Takeaways:-The "Both/And" Approach: Why we need both professionals and skilled tradespeople.-The Direct Entry Path: How to get into UA Local 248 through technical colleges (no interview required, just a weld test!).-Beyond the Paycheck: Understanding defined benefit pensions and collective bargaining.-Appalachian Hope: How regional collaboration is "moving the needle" for Eastern Kentucky.Season Partner:This season of Me and Poverty is made possible in part by Appalachia Reach Out. Appalachia Reach Out serves families and youth across the region through outreach, support, and opportunities that strengthen communities.🔗 Support ARO here:https://www.appalachiareachout.com/Connect with Joe:Websitewww.joelittleinspires.comIf this episode helped you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who works with youth.And remember — keep sharing stories.

Many students graduate high school without a clear plan for what comes next.College can feel expensive. And sometimes students simply don't know what opportunities exist.In this episode of Me and Poverty, Joe sits down with Wallace Caleb Bates, Director of Marketing and Communications at Hazard Community and Technical College.Wallace helps connect students across eastern Kentucky with real opportunities through education, career training, and community partnerships. In this conversation, he explains how community colleges can open doors for students who want affordable education, career skills, or a fresh start.This episode is especially helpful for:• Both traditional and non-traditional students who are exploring life after high school• Parents trying to guide their kids toward opportunity• Teachers, youth workers, and mentors helping young people plan their futureJoe and Wallace also discuss the power of storytelling, why community colleges matter more than ever, and how trusted adults can better connect youth with opportunities.If you know a student who feels unsure about their future, share this episode with them.Season Partner:This season of Me and Poverty is made possible in part by Appalachia Reach Out. Appalachia Reach Out serves families and youth across the region through outreach, support, and opportunities that strengthen communities.🔗 Support ARO here:https://www.appalachiareachout.com/Connect with Joe:Websitewww.joelittleinspires.comIf this episode helped you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who works with youth.And remember — keep sharing stories.

Can you build a successful business without leaving your small town? Luis Chico, founder of JunkBros Solutions, is proving that you don’t need to move to a big city to build a big dream.In this episode of Me and Poverty, Joseph sits down with Luis to discuss the raw reality of starting with nothing. Luis opens up about the discipline of poverty, why he brought his brother on as a 50/50 partner, and how he turned a borrowed trailer into a thriving waste disposal company serving the tri-state area.If you are a young person with a "fire in your gut" but no direction, this episode is your roadmap.In this episode, we cover:The transition from "side hustle" (selling snacks and vending machines) to a legitimate corporation.Why "discipline" is the greatest asset an entrepreneur can own.The reality of 36-hour work shifts and the "boots on the ground" grind.Luis’s vision for the beautification of Eastern Kentucky.Advice for high schoolers: The $1,000 JunkBros Scholarship for young entrepreneurs.A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors:Season Sponsor: Appalachia Reach Out– Thank you for your continued support in helping us tell stories that break barriers and build bridges. You can support them at their website here: https://www.appalachiareachout.com/Episode Sponsor: Martin County Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance – We appreciate your partnership in making this conversation with Luis Chico possible.Connect with Luis & JunkBros Solutions:Website: https://www.junkbrossolutions.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawQETr5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETJLYTBiOUVsbk11Qml2ZU5Dc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHiOnSWs5egoWyX0pXK3onL2XllvFJFuFgwHAoNgfTcIKuEg-VQKhc3ajMu9t_aem_1aMOur1ofSHEQp3wGaLV6g

In this episode of Me and Poverty, Joseph Little sits down with Brady Kelly, Area Director of Young Life Eastern Kentucky, to talk about what it really looks like to reach students who are disconnected, disinterested, or overlooked.Young Life’s mission is simple but powerful: introduce adolescents to Jesus Christ and help them grow in their faith—by going where kids already are, building real relationships, and creating safe spaces for them to just be kids.Brady shares:-Why relational ministry matters more than flashy programs-How Young Life reaches students who would never walk into a church-The role trusted adults play in breaking cycles of poverty, trauma, and isolation-What gives him hope for Gen Z and Gen AlphaThis conversation is for:-Youth workers-Educators-Pastors and ministry leaders-Parents and caregivers-Anyone who wants to be the someone for the next generation🔗 Learn more about Young Life Eastern Kentucky:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064438226726Donate to their cause here: https://giving.younglife.org/s/?GiftType=Area&Name=easternkentucky&Amount=100.00&Frequency=Monthly&AppealCodeId=70141000000tvBDAAY&BypassDesignationPage=false&MissionUnitId=a2s6e000001NaHzAAK&MissionUnitName=Eastern%20Kentucky&ClassCodeId=a2j41000000Nj93AAC&ClassCodeName=Operating🔗 Support our season sponsor Appalachia Reach Out here:https://www.appalachiareachout.com/🤝 Interested in working with Me and Poverty or booking Joseph Little to speak?https://www.joelittleinspires.com/💬 QUESTION:Who was a trusted adult in your life growing up—or who are you being that person for today? Drop it in the comments.And remember — keep sharing stories.#MeAndPoverty #BeTheSomeone #YoungLife #EasternKentucky #YouthMinistry #TrustedAdults #FaithAndYouth #BreakingCycles #RelationalMinistry

Violence prevention doesn’t start with superheroes — it starts with ordinary people choosing to act.In this episode of Me and Poverty, we sit down to talk about Green Dot, a powerful, evidence-based violence prevention strategy that empowers everyday people to recognize harmful situations and safely intervene before things escalate.Green Dot is about awareness, responsibility, and community — and how small actions, when repeated, can create real cultural change in schools, workplaces, and communities.If you work with youth, serve in education, ministry, social services, or simply care about creating safer spaces, this conversation matters.🔗 Support ARO here:https://www.appalachiareachout.com/🤝 Interested in working with Me and Poverty or scheduling Joe to speak?⚡️ https://www.joelittleinspires.com/QUESTION — Have a question? Drop it in the comments!👍 If this episode helped you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.And remember — keep sharing stories.

You might know Joey Stepp from his viral magic videos, but his real journey from Eastern Kentucky is even more incredible. In this episode of Me and Poverty, Joey shares how he went from a kid who struggled in school to a D1 football captain and a voice of hope for the next generation.🔗 Support ARO here: https://www.appalachiareachout.com/🤝 Interested in working with Me and Poverty or scheduling Joe to speak?⚡️ https://www.joelittleinspires.com/QUESTION - Have a question? Drop it in the comments!#meandpoverty #JoeyStepp #MeAndPoverty #EasternKentucky #Inspiration #SuccessStory #OvercomingPoverty #Grit #AppalachiaReachOut