Jim Artman is a former Army sniper with a new mission: building stronger, more resilient communities in Western North Carolina.
Through his work with Resilient Recovery, Jim is focused on sustainable disaster recovery and long-term environmental restoration.

In this episode, Jim shares how his organization is making a real impact and why community resilience and connection are more important than ever in the face of disaster.

Kim and Portia from the McDowell Chamber of Commerce share how they stepped up to support their community after Hurricane Helene.
They discuss the devastating impact the storm had on local small businesses, many of which were destroyed or severely crippled.

In this episode, they highlight why shopping local is crucial for community recovery and why connecting with your local Chamber of Commerce can be a lifeline for small business owners during both good times and disaster recovery.

Mike shares the incredible story of being swept away while inside his cabin during Hurricane Helene.
Badly injured and alone, he faced the terrifying possibility that he might not survive.

This episode is raw, eye-opening, and a powerful testament to human resilience in the face of disaster.

Most people weren’t prepared for what came after the storm, and that’s understandable.

But then there are those who are ready for almost anything. Off the grid. Growing their own food. Equipped with the mindset to not just survive, but thrive in the face of disaster.

Daniel and his family are those people. In this episode, Daniel shares what life was like after Hurricane Helene, and how he stepped up to help his community when they needed it most.

After Hurricane Helene swept through Western North Carolina, Lake Lure was left unrecognizable.
Silt, sediment, propane tanks, mattresses, refrigerators…debris from entire homes filled the water.

In this episode, George shares what it was like to witness Lake Lure in the aftermath: surreal, unbelievable, and deeply disturbing. He’s joined by his partner Adam, and together they talk about how Helene didn’t just change the landscape, it impacted their lives, their livelihood, and their business in ways they never expected.

This is a story about what the flood left behind, and what it couldn’t wash away.

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.