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.

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 heritage where art, advocacy, and voting rights in the South intersect. She will share what it means to lead with joy, purpose, and a deep love of place. 

Whether you're passionate about cultural preservation, grassroots organizing, or simply love a good story of reinvention, this episode will move and motivate you.

Tune in and discover how Tiffany is making a mark in Appalachia—one story, one song, one community at a time.

Visit Appalshop's website: https://appalshop.org/

Get lost in the history of Appalachia through Appalshop's archives: https://www.appalshoparchive.org/ 

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 Housing Corporation. Join us in this season finale, as Wendy explores the needs in rural housing and her hope for the future.

Visit Kentucky Housing Corporation website.

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 topics, and offering new perspectives from within an understudied region. 

Visit Jessica Cory's website. 

Check out the Appalachian Journal. 

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 preserving their stories, and the ways that Appalachian culture is reflected in our industrial past. 

Plan your visit at the Kentucky Coal Museum today. 

Learn more about Appalachian history.

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 Arts and Science Center.

Follow Callie Northern's music page for performance updates and more. 

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 Kentucky, Marc has deep connections with his Appalachian upbringing. Tune in to discover Marc's invaluable insights, his passion for public relations, and the secrets behind his success. Don't miss this captivating conversation!

Learn more about Marc on his website. 

Purchase Marc's bestselling book PR Lessons Learned Along the Way. 

Purchase Marc's latest book When in Doubt Make Applesauce.