Imagine evacuating after Hurricane Helene… only to return and find strangers camping near your home, trashing the river, and denying locals essential supplies.

In this episode, Bat Cave Wade shares how he and his neighbors dealt with the outsiders and how they faired after Helene.

You’re cut off from the world—no power, no cell service, and every road around you is impassable.

What’s the first thing you do? Who do you rely on?

In this episode, Cody shares what he and his family went through during Hurricane Helene—floating caskets, heartbreaking loss, and what it means to survive when everything falls apart.

Dael and Mike, founders of V-Twin Foodies, started out riding their motorcycles across the region chasing good food and great eats. But when Hurricane Helene hit Western NC, everything changed.

They shifted gears—from restaurant stops to relief routes—delivering supplies to communities in crisis. In this episode, they share what it was like navigating devastated roads, helping strangers, and why they believe you shouldn’t wait for a disaster to start supporting your community.

Imagine being a nurse, volunteering at a field hospital after Helene. You're prepared to treat injuries—but nothing can prepare you for the emotional weight of what people are carrying.

Amanda didn’t just tend to wounds—she listened to stories of loss, held space for grief, and did what she could to help people start healing, inside and out.

In this episode, she shares what it was like to show up for others while holding back her own heartbreak.

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.

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.

Carol from Mountain Strong shares how her friends stepped up in a time of crisis—creating 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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

In this episode, Stacie shares the hardships of facing the storm on her own and how the strength and support of her community helped her get through it.

After Chip lost his gym he witnessed the local “hippies” and “mountain folks” come together to support him.

Elaine shares her journey of rebuilding her farm after the devastation of Hurricane Helene and opens up about the emotional weight of survivor’s guilt in the aftermath.

Michael works with Homeward Bound and recounts stories about the homeless population in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

Bobby discusses rescuing community members during Helene.

Hear from members of Local Cloth, a non-profit organization who lost their studio and inventory during the Helene disaster.

Hear about science-based tools to manage stress and stay resilient in response to a disaster.

Haley Polk of Olive Branch Cattle Company discusses relief efforts for the farming community.