In this episode we honor the life and legacy of the poet, Nikki Giovanni, who sadly passed away in December. Nikki Giovanni was a force of nature, not just as a writer, but as a visionary who saw beauty in places others may have missed. We’ll be reflecting on the impact they had on the world of poetry, their profound words, and the inspiration they sparked in so many of us.

On this Mountain Talk…We’ll visit a music venue in Lexington, Kentucky to catch up with folks promoting mutual aid and recovery in eastern Kentucky. We’ll participate in some citizen science with the Bluegrass Mycological Society and the West Virginia Astrophotography Association. And finally, we’ll check in with the unusual Home for Wayward Babydolls near Elliottville, KY.

In this heartfelt audio documentary, we journey into the heart of Eastern Kentucky, where communities are grappling with the aftermath of yet another devastating natural disaster. Through the voices of local residents who lived through the floodwaters that ravaged their homes, we witness the strength, resilience, and unwavering spirit that defines the region. In this episode, we hear firsthand accounts from those who’ve faced unimaginable loss, as they recount their survival and the long, hard road to recovery. From the wreckage of their communities, these stories reflect hope, determination, and the powerful bonds that unite them in the face of pure devastation.

On this episode of Mountain Talk:

Hosts Austin Callahan and Iesha Elam are taking us through Recovery Advocacy Day 2025, organized by People Advocating Recovery for the third consecutive year. It was a rainy day in Frankfort, Kentucky, on February 5th, where over five-hundred people were lined up to celebrate people in recovery, spread awareness, and advocate for policy that supports breaking the stigma around substance use disorder.

Austin and Iesha speak to several advocates and attendees, including Tara Mosley-Hyde, CEO of People Advocating Recovery, and Amanda Hall, Senior Director of National Campaigns at Dream.ORG. We’ll also hear from the Governor’s address in the rotunda with an introduction from State Senator Keturah Heron.

Austin and Iesha are interns for a special project at WMMT, funded through the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky’s Funding For Recovery Equity and Expansion (FREE) II project. Together, we are working together to raise awareness and reduce stigma around substance use disorder, recovery and treatment in Eastern Kentucky.

On this edition of Mountain Talk we are joined by folks from a number of African American communities in eastern Kentucky. Lois Thompson, Ruby Ravizee, Rutland Melton, Bailey Amburgey, Jessica Mullins Fullen, Quintissa Peake, Ludrena Hagans-Shepherd, and Shaylan Clark talk about their lives, and in particular, their experiences with health and the healthcare system. These stories were recorded and shared by the AppalHealth Project, an Appalshop storytelling effort to increase knowledge of the history and heritage of Black people in Eastern Kentucky, and awareness of this community’s health issues.

Produced by Parker Hobson with Tiffany Sturdivant

In this episode, a resolution check. Crystal Jones tells you how to get back on track no matter the time of year. We'll also talk about the loneliness epidemic we might be in and find out to grow a more sustainable lawn with spring right around the corner.

On this episode of Mountain Talk, we’re going to take you on a journey, honoring the incredible legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by sharing the powerful celebrations that took place in two distinct communities: Knoxville, Tennessee, and Hazard, Kentucky. Both of these gatherings brought together individuals from different walks of life, creating a shared space for reflection, unity, and respect for Dr. King’s mission of justice and equality. From the heart of the Tennessee Valley to the Appalachian peaks of Eastern Kentucky, both events were marked by moments of reflection, speeches, and powerful expressions of hope for a better future.

Come along with Teddy Wimer of WMMT and Kelly Taulbee of Kentucky Voices for Health for this week's legislative session update.

The third installment of the Kentucky Legislative Update. We hear from Liz McQuillen of Metro United Way in Louisville about HB173 and talk about the impact of current events at the federal level.

On January 22, 2025 The Appalachian Rekindling Project held a ribbon cutting for their newly purchased property in Roxana, Ky. A small group of concerned citizens gathered on the site to celebrate the acquisition of this 63 acre strip of land that cuts right through the proposed site for the new Federal Prison that was planned to be built in Letcher County. In this episode of Mountain Talk we take you to the event and sit down afterwards for a chat with ARP's founders.