Suzanne’s campground was destroyed during Helene, and Cody works with the Green Valley Volunteer Fire Department located right across the street. When the storm hit, Cody and the team helped evacuate people from the campground, an effort that saved many lives. In this episode, Suzanne and Cody talk about their frustration with local authorities, the way their community pulled together, and how Helene strengthened the bonds between them.
My editing software had other plans this week, so the scheduled episode will be released at a later time.
In this episode I give an update on upcoming guests and share details about a new project I am working on.
The Dellingers witnessed their neighbor’s home being taken out by a massive landslide, knowing he was inside but powerless to warn him. They share what it felt like to face that kind of fear and uncertainty, and how helplessness can weigh on you long after the moment passes. Despite the trauma, Helene strengthened their family and gave them a deeper appreciation for their community and the people who stood by them.
Tim Beatty from the Maryland Helicopter Aquatic Response Team and his crew had to learn mountain rescues on the fly since they were used to operating in cities. After Helene, they were busy rescuing people across Western North Carolina.
Although Tim wishes it had been under different circumstances, he says the experience introduced him to incredible people and lifelong friends.
Kristen Watson leads the Mountain Aid Project, a community hub that provides both immediate relief during crises and long-term support for recovery. Their work focuses on people, art, environment, and education, driving meaningful change across Western North Carolina. What makes Mountain Aid Project special is its flexibility. Kristen and her team adapt to the community’s shifting needs, pivoting quickly to meet people where they are and provide the support that matters most.
The Appalachian Reclamation Koalition is dedicated to improving life in Western NC, rebuilding private bridges, repairing homes, and reducing human suffering.
After Helene, hundreds of bridges need repair or replacement, and many homes have been lost to landslides or ruined by mold. Tami, Carmen, and their network are working tirelessly to change that. They’re the kind of leaders every community needs.
In this episode, Andy Tait from EcoForesters talks about the current state of our forests, how invasive plant species have spread after Helene, and why fire hazard awareness is more important than ever. With so many dead and drying trees across Western NC, Andy emphasizes the importance of taking action now to reduce the risk of wildfires and to protect your home.
When Hurricane Helene hit Western North Carolina, chaos and uncertainty followed. Carol, a healthcare and incident management professional, joined the McDowell Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to help locate missing people. Her team’s persistence and ability to cut through conflicting information ensured that every missing person in McDowell County was accounted for.
Carol discuses what it takes to find people after a disaster, and the emotional resilience behind the work.
After the storm, Bud McCall stepped up, delivering essential supplies across Western NC to families in need. What started as relief work soon opened his eyes to deeper issues: housing shortages and food insecurity that continue long after the immediate crisis.
In this episode, Bud shares his perspective on the challenges still facing Western NC and why raising awareness is a critical first step toward recovery.
Donna’s passion is caring for children in need within her community. Through her nonprofit, Maw-Maw’s Cheer, she provides food and clothing to kids who need it most.
After Hurricane Helene, the struggle for families to put food on the table became even harder, and the emotional toll on children grew deeper. In this episode, Donna shares the challenges families are facing, how Helene has impacted kids mentally, and why her mission matters now more than ever.
