This episode brings the Helene series to a close. I want to sincerely thank everyone who listened, shared, and supported these stories, and especially the guests who trusted me with their experiences. You are the reason this series exists. I will be taking a short break before launching the next series, so stay tuned for what comes next.

Jenifer and Jill have been fighting for months to get a major road in their neighborhood repaired, with no clear answers and no real progress. The Davis Mountain Road closure is hurting local businesses, making daily travel difficult, and delaying emergency response times. In this episode, they talk about the impact on their community and their ongoing search for accountability and solutions.

Wayne is no stranger to helping people in need. Through his YouTube channel, he shares knowledge on suburban farming and self sufficiency. When Helene hit, he took action by delivering life sustaining supplies across Western NC. In this episode, we talk about the ongoing needs in the region and how local and federal government support fell short during the disaster.

Stephanie from the Mitchell County Long Term Resilience Group is focused on connecting residents with support that is local, trustworthy, and tailored to their needs. Her organization partners with more than fifteen vetted nonprofits that formed committees for construction, volunteer coordination, wellness and spiritual care, communications, case management, and fundraising. Stephanie and her team are committed to creating real, long lasting impact in Mitchell County.

Freddie and Mike have served with the Green Valley Volunteer Fire Department for years, and Helene became one of the toughest challenges they have ever faced. In this episode, they talk about the frustration of dealing with local authorities, the overwhelming support that poured in from their community and from people across the country, and how they managed to get into the local school cafeteria to keep everyone fed.

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.

While the national news cycle has moved on, Western NC is still in the long process of rebuilding. Hurricane Helene damaged more than 6,000 miles of road, 100,000 homes, and 2,500 private bridges.

Andrew from Excel College is on the team that launched the Better Together Coalition, a partnership committed to rebuilding over 300 homes in the Swannanoa Valley within the next two years. Their mission is clear: to rebuild Western NC, one home at a time.

Caitlin and her team at the AMY Wellness Foundation have raised millions for Avery, Mitchell, and Yancey counties in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Their work goes beyond rebuilding homes, they’re partnering with other organizations to provide financial services and long-term support to ensure families truly succeed. This rare and innovative approach is exactly what Appalachia needs for lasting recovery.

Kat and Trevor, owners of Peri Social House, a boutique hotel in Black Mountain, share their story of resilience after Hurricane Helene. When the storm hit, Trevor was stranded at the hotel, unable to return to his family.

In the midst of uncertainty and limited resources, he transformed a difficult situation into something unforgettable, hosting a wedding reception that brought joy and hope to the community during a scary time.