Best Appalachian Faith Podcasts (2025)

1
The Greeno Mine Disaster: Tacoma, Virginia 14:57

3h ago14:57

14:57

On December 14, 1910, a deadly explosion rocked the Greeno Mine in Tacoma, Virginia, claiming 14 lives and leaving a lasting mark on the Appalachian coalfields. Today we tell the story of Irish immigrant Patrick Hagan, who once owned the land on which the mine was located, and the dangerous conditions that led to this tragedy. It’s another one of t…

1
Dungeons & Dragons And Remembering Jean Horner, Inside Appalachia 53:49

5h ago53:49

53:49

For 15 years, a Virginia library has been hosting a weekly Dungeons & Dragons game night for teens. It can get a little wacky. We also remember renowned Tennessee luthier, Jean Horner. Whose fiddles were played at Carnegie Hall and the Grand Ole Opry. His shop was a destination for fiddle fanatics. And a Hare Krishna community in West Virginia serv…

1
Dungeons & Dragons And Remembering Jean Horner, Inside Appalachia

5h ago

—

For 15 years, a Virginia library has been hosting a weekly Dungeons & Dragons game night for teens. It can get a little wacky. Also, we remember renowned Tennessee luthier, Jean Horner, whose fiddles were played at Carnegie Hall and the Grand Ole Opry. His shop was a destination for fiddle fanatics. And, a Hare Krishna community in West Virginia se…

1
When Church Hurts 43:46

1d ago43:46

43:46

Church hurt is real — and for many, it's the reason they’ve walked away from pews, pulpits, and even faith communities altogether. In this episode, Jason and Nicole open a gentle but honest conversation about the damage churches can do, especially when well-meaning people respond with clichés instead of compassion. 🎙️ We unpack common phrases like:…

1
A Voice For The Voiceless: Overcoming Suicide, Homelessness, And Narcissistic Parents 1:04:48

2d ago1:04:48

1:04:48

Send us a text Today, I sit down with Chris Milson — host of Voice for the Voiceless and founder of the Mental Health Movement — to unpack a life journey defined by trauma, betrayal, and ultimately, transformation. This conversation, set up by our mutual friend and past guest Dr. Brian Licuanan, dives deep into Chris’s childhood growing up in a bro…

1
From Juice to Phones: Health Tips for Young Children and Teens 45:55

3d ago45:55

45:55

In this conversation, Andrew Cieply and Josh discuss various aspects of parenting, focusing on the health and development of children aged 6 to 14. They cover nutrition fundamentals, the impact of social media on youth, the necessity of good sleep routines, and the value of unstructured free time. Additionally, they highlight the influence of peer …

1
Ep. 32 | Stay Puft and Spirit-Led: Faith in a Haunted World w/ The Dancing Toaster Podcast 1:46:07

3d ago1:46:07

1:46:07

Send us a text In this episode of Sasquatch and Sourdough, Christina sits down with Nelly, Pastor & creator of the podcast The Dancing Toaster, for a powerful and thoughtful conversation at the crossroads of faith, the paranormal, and how it all connects. Ghostbusters, end times, gatekeepers, key-masters- this one gets weird and wonderful! Join us!…

1
What They Don't Tell You About The Military: Fast-Movers, Leadership, DEI, And Recruitment 41:44

4d ago41:44

41:44

Send us a text Today, I sit down with Christopher Brewer, a retired U.S. Army major and Special Forces operator whose 24-year military career was followed by over two decades in global security contracting. Mr. Brewer brings an unparalleled depth of experience, having served as a plank holder in the reactivated 1st Ranger Battalion in 1974, an offi…

1
The Love You’re Missing Might Be Your Own! Betrayal Trauma And Intimacy Recovery 46:11

6d ago46:11

46:11

Send us a text Today, I sit down with Gary Katz, a licensed clinical social worker and founder of the Center for Intimacy Recovery, to talk about the overlooked relationship that affects every other one: the relationship with yourself. Mr. Katz brings years of experience working with individuals and couples dealing with intimacy disorders, pornogra…

1
An Appalachian Preacher’s Fall: Bigamy, Abduction and Deceit 14:18

7d ago14:18

14:18

A preacher with five wives, a kidnapped teenage girl, and a cross-country manhunt. This isn’t fiction, it’s the unbelievable true story of Joseph Herman Johnson, a Primitive Baptist minister whose lies and crimes unraveled in an East Tennessee courtroom in 1927. From bigamy to abduction to a bizarre promise of Hollywood stardom to his victim, this …

1
Mission Hospital And Revitalizing The Cherokee Language, Inside Appalachia 53:45

7d ago53:45

53:45

This week, a hospital in Western North Carolina was bought out. Residents say the quality of care has gone down. Also, an immersion school in North Carolina is trying to revitalize the Cherokee language with the help of a printmaking class. And a pair of artists follow cicada hatchings to make art from their shells.…

1
Mission Hospital And Revitalizing The Cherokee Language, Inside Appalachia

7d ago

—

A hospital in Western North Carolina was bought out. Residents say the quality of care has gone down. Also, an immersion school in North Carolina is trying to revitalize the Cherokee language with the help of a printmaking class. And, a pair of artists follow cicada hatchings to make art from their shells. You'll hear these stories and more this we…

1
Negative Thinking, Releasing With Ease, And Success Habits With Edit B. Kiss 35:10

8d ago35:10

35:10

Send us a text Today, I sit down with Edit B. Kiss, a former petroleum engineer turned holistic therapist and success habit coach. With fifteen years in a high-stress engineering career, she made a bold decision to step away, move toward spiritual and emotional well-being, and develop a powerful practice that helps others overcome trauma, anxiety, …

1
Red Flags and Revival: Counseling a Reddit Story (part 1) 40:58

8d ago40:58

40:58

Everyone has a story—and in this new series, we’re listening. In this episode, Jason and Nicole sit down with no script and no prep to react live to a deeply personal Reddit post about church hurt. What unfolds is a heartfelt conversation about spiritual manipulation, misplaced loyalty, trauma, and the power of presence. From unexpected gifts to he…

1
War, Addiction, And The Appalachian Trail: A 72-Year-Old Vietnam Vet's Spiritual Passage 48:39

10d ago48:39

48:39

Send us a text Today, I sit down with Rand Timmerman — a Vietnam veteran, retired attorney, and author of One Step At A Time: A Spiritual Passage. Mr. Timmerman shares an unforgettable journey of pain, purpose, and perseverance that stretches from the jungles of Vietnam to the peaks of the Appalachian Trail. We cover everything from the trauma of w…

1
Ep. 31 | Cryptids, Ghosts & Gatekeepers | Sasquatch & Sourdough x Cryptid Women’s Society 1:37:42

12d ago1:37:42

1:37:42

Send us a text What happens when folklore, and fieldwork collide? In this rich and revealing conversation, Sasquatch & Sourdough host Christina sits down with Lisa and Juliet of the Cryptid Women’s Society—longtime friends and investigators with over 20 years of shared experience.Together, they explore the unseen threads connecting cryptids, spirit…

1
Beyond Bristol: The Legacy of the Johnson City Sessions 12:39

14d ago12:39

12:39

In this episode we explore the lesser-known but historically rich Johnson City Sessions of 1928 and 1929. While the Bristol Sessions are often credited as the “Birthplace of Country Music,” Johnson City played a vital follow-up role in capturing the authentic sounds of Appalachia. Frank Buckley Walker, a Columbia Records talent scout, recorded loca…

1
Saving A Black Coal Camp And Affrilachian Poets, Inside Appalachia

14d ago

—

A West Virginia man is reviving an historic Black coal camp through farming. Also, the legacy of Affrilachian poet Norman Jordan includes a summer camp for teens to study their heritage. And, the Reverend George Mills Dickerson of Tazewell, Virginia, was born in the years after slavery ended. He’s remembered during Juneteenth through his poetry. Yo…

1
Saving A Black Coal Camp And Affrilachian Poets, Inside Appalachia 53:30

14d ago53:30

53:30

This week, a West Virginia man is reviving an historic Black coal camp through farming. Also, the legacy of Affrilachian poet Norman Jordan includes a summer camp for teens to study their heritage. And, the Reverend George Mills Dickerson of Tazewell, Virginia, was born in the years after slavery ended. He’s remembered on Juneteenth through his poe…

1
Foundational Strength for Young Children and Teens 1:03:39

15d ago1:03:39

1:03:39

In this episode, Josh and Andy discuss foundational strength and health tips for children aged 6 to 14. They emphasize the importance of unstructured play, the role of individual sports, and the significance of developing strength through various activities. The conversation highlights the need for kids to engage in sprinting, plyometrics, and func…

1
Suicide Gone By 2035? Early Childhood Prevention Over Intervention 47:48

16d ago47:48

47:48

Send us a text Today, I sit down with Ms. Deborah and Mr. Brian, who are on a powerful mission to make suicide extinct by the year 2035. We start with some startling statistics and talking about intervention before we explore how true prevention starts at the root — long before the crisis point — through education, conversation, and emotional tools…

1
Behind the Pulpit: What Pastors Wish You Knew 45:57

16d ago45:57

45:57

Have you ever wondered what pastors really think when the mic is off and the church lights are dimmed? In this episode, Jason and Nicole open up about the joys, heartbreaks, and surprises of ministry life—especially in small-town Appalachia. From counseling at midnight to preaching with a broken heart, they peel back the curtain on what it’s like t…

1
Rethinking Rural Housing w/ Wendy Smith 38:03

18d ago38:03

38:03

When the country faced a housing crisis in 2008, Kentucky was already immersed in it. Affordable and reliable housing in rural communities is facing many challenges, with countless homes needed to be built on an inadequate budget. Facing this rural housing crisis head-on is Wendy Smith, the Deputy Executive Director of Housing Programs at Kentucky …

1
The FBI's Sleep Expert Exposes What's Truly Destroying Your Sleep 50:12

19d ago50:12

50:12

Send us a text Today, I sit down with Dr. Leah Kaylor, a nationally recognized sleep expert, trauma-informed psychologist, and former VA and current FBI clinician who now travels the country educating military, law enforcement, and civilians about the science and strategy of great sleep. We dive deep into sleep myths, cultural stigmas, and practica…

1
She Was Her Son's Drug-Dealer? The Reality Of Addiction Cycles And Breaking Them 46:59

21d ago46:59

46:59

Send us a text Today, I sit down with Jennifer Chase, a recovery coach and founder of Rise Addiction Life Coaching, who brings one of the most multi-dimensional stories of addiction I’ve ever heard. Ms. Chase has been a daughter of an alcoholic, a mother to an addicted son, and an addict herself. In this episode, we tackle addiction from every angl…

1
Appalachia’s Iron Lady: The Story of Nannie Kelly Wright 15:50

21d ago15:50

15:50

Nannie Kelly Wright ran an iron furnace at a time when most women weren’t even allowed near one. Born in Kentucky, raised on the Ohio River, and later married into the iron industry, Nannie became one of the few women in American history to manage a furnace operation herself — traveling weekly, overseeing workers, and building a fortune. Once rumor…

1
Encore: The Mine Wars For Young Adults, Faith After A Flood And Remembering Billy Edd Wheeler, Inside Appalachia

21d ago

—

Textbooks have long left out an important piece of labor history that happened here in the mountains. Now, a new young adult book fills in some of what might have been missed about the Mine Wars. Also, when flooding devastates a community, people can find solace through faith and through song. And, we remember songwriter Billy Edd Wheeler, who pass…

1
Encore: The Mine Wars For Young Adults, Faith After A Flood And Remembering Billy Edd Wheeler 53:35

21d ago53:35

53:35

Textbooks have long left out an important piece of labor history that happened here in the mountains --the Mine Wars. Now, there's a book out that's written for teenagers. Also, when flooding devastates a community, people can find solace through faith and through song. And we remember songwriter Billy Edd Wheeler, who passed away last year. Dozens…

1
Ep. 30 | Whispers in the Holler: Appalachian Witches, Lights & Lost Eyes | Sasquatch & Sourdough 49:51

23d ago49:51

49:51

Send us a text The hills remember what history forgets. In this haunting primer, Crystal and Christina descend into the shadowy folklore of Appalachia—a land thick with stories whispered through generations. From the spell-craft of backwoods granny witches, Raven-mockers, mysterious Moon-Eyed People, and the ghostly Brown Mountain Lights that flick…

1
Parenting Ain't for Sissies 36:48

23d ago36:48

36:48

Parenting is hard. Parenting in ministry? Even harder. Parenting in ministry in Appalachia? That’s a whole new level. In this episode, Jason and Nicole open up about the beautiful, chaotic, and sometimes laugh-to-keep-from-crying realities of raising kids while serving the church. From awkward moments to spiritual formation in everyday life, this h…

1
Married To An Addict: Surviving 10 Years Of Love, Lies, And Liquor 55:04

23d ago55:04

55:04

Send us a text Today, I sit down with Alicia Bloss, the wife of Damien Bloss, who joined us in a previous episode to share his journey of addiction and recovery in what he calls Breaking The Silence. This time, we’re flipping the script and hearing from the loved one who stood by his side through it all to get insights from the loved one of an addi…

1
How Literature Shapes Us w/ Jessica Cory 33:19

25d ago33:19

33:19

Every culture and region are shaped by the stories told within it. Appalachia has a vast and diverse history, enriched by the unique voices of its people. Jessica Cory, editor of The Appalachian Journal, shares her research, exploring the role of literature in Appalachian identity. Jessica shares stories not often told, exploring complex themes and…

1
Internal Vs. External: Cole Grace’s Path From Combat PTSD To Inner Peace 37:03

26d ago37:03

37:03

Send us a text Today, I sit down with Cole Grace, a combat veteran and author who walks us through a raw, transformative journey from the deserts of Iraq to the peaceful coastlines of Costa Rica. We talk about his time in the military where he performed bomb disposal missions under constant threat, the long-term physical and mental tolls that follo…

1
Why Traditional Therapy Isn’t Always Enough – And What Harmony Is Doing About It 23:51

28d ago23:51

23:51

Send us a text Today, I sit down with Dr. Rhonda Hodge, a licensed therapist, psychiatric nurse practitioner, and founder of Harmony — a mental health clinic that’s changing how care is delivered. We dive into her personal journey from therapy to medicine and how her vision for a more compassionate, connected system gave birth to Harmony. Dr. Hodge…

1
The Lumber King of Appalachia 16:58

28d ago16:58

16:58

William McClellan Ritter didn’t just cut down trees, he built an empire. In this week’s episode, we tell his story, from Pennsylvania farm boy to head of one of the world’s largest lumber companies. He built railroads, ran coal mines, advised the U.S. war effort in World War I and once gifted $3 million to his workers. But that story also includes …

1
Cicadas, Wild Mushrooms And Sinkholes, Inside Appalachia

28d ago

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Cicadas are emerging again. They’re an important food source for wildlife — and even some people. Also, morel mushrooms are a forager’s delight, but don’t shortcut cleaning them. We follow along with mushroom hunters and talk to a chef. And, sinkholes can cause a lot of damage. But they’re also fascinating. You'll hear these stories and more this w…

1
Cicadas, Wild Mushrooms And Sinkholes, Inside Appalachia 53:32

28d ago53:32

53:32

Cicadas are emerging again. They’re an important food source for wildlife—and even some people. We talk with an expert and a fan of these bugs. Also, morel mushrooms are a forager’s delight, but don’t shortcut cleaning them. We follow along with mushroom hunters and talk to a chef. And, sinkholes can cause a lot of damage. But they’re also fascinat…

1
Home Gym Essentials: Top Picks for Budget-Friendly Fitness 50:44

29d ago50:44

50:44

In this episode, we explore the must-have equipment for creating an effective home gym on a budget. Learn about versatile gear that maximizes your workout potential without breaking the bank. Whether you're a fitness beginner or a seasoned athlete, these tips will help you build a functional and affordable workout space at home: * Assessing goals *…

1
Stop Avoiding It: Biblical Coping Skills Backed by Neuroscience 48:37

30d ago48:37

48:37

Send us a text Today, I sit down with Gina Yanovitch to explore how faith, scripture, and neuroscience combine into a powerful toolkit for healing. Ms. Yanovitch, a therapist and author of Stop Avoiding It, breaks down how our brains process trauma and how scripture-based coping strategies can align with modern psychological science. We talk about …

1
His story 36:25

1M ago36:25

36:25

In this deeply personal kickoff episode, we hear his story--Jason--one that begins in a small Indiana town and weaves through the joys and griefs of growing up with a father battling Huntington's Disease. From childhood wonder in the church to answering a call to ministry, through the halls of Kentucky Mountain Bible College and into a first marria…

1
Her story 43:22

1M ago43:22

43:22

In this powerful episode, we hear her story--Nicole--growing up in chaos, abuse, and abandonment, surviving foster care, and navigating a world where it often felt like no one was safe. But the heart of this episode is her resilience and her deep, unshakable call to ministry. You'll hear about the pain of spiritual resistance, the scars of toxic re…

1
Our story 47:55

1M ago47:55

47:55

How does a guy with corny pickup lines and a woman meet and build a life together? In this episode, we tell our story--starting with a Christian Mingle chatroom full of awkward jokes, winding through three wedding ceremonies (yes, really), and landing in a shared life of parenting, preaching, pastoring, and grace. It's part sitcom, part survival st…

1
Callisto- Tracking And Stopping Repeat Sexual Offenders 1:02:37

1M ago1:02:37

1:02:37

Send us a text Warning: Today's episode covers a variety of topics related to sexual harassment, assault, and rape. Today, I sit down with Ms. Tracy DeTomasi, a licensed clinical social worker and CEO of Callisto, for a necessary conversation on sexual assault, prevention, and cultural accountability. With over 25 years of experience in gender-base…

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S7E4: Preserving the History of Coal Mining w/ Amanda Hughes 26:38

1M ago26:38

26:38

The coal industry has a long history within the mountains of eastern Kentucky. That history is still seen today in places like the Kentucky Coal Museum in Harlan County, Kentucky. Joining our show today is the museum’s curator, Amanda Hughes. We invite you to learn about the hardworking men and women who have shaped our region, the importance of pr…

1
Memorial Day Special | Lake Monsters, Ghosts & Bigfoot | Sasquatch & Sourdough 26:45

1M ago26:45

26:45

Send us a text This Memorial Day, Sasquatch and Sourdough dives into the deep and the dark with Christina as our guide through a swampy trail of high strangeness. From the shadowy ripples of Lake Pend Oreille to eerie encounters in Moonville Ohio, she recounts chilling tales of lake monsters, restless spirits, and a few close brushes with Bigfoot. …

1
From Cocaine To Christ: The Struggle Between Faith And Addiction 52:45

1M ago52:45

52:45

Send us a text Today, I sit down with Mr. John Bacon, a clinical specialist working in addiction recovery who brings powerful testimony to the mic. Mr. Bacon opens up about his childhood in Flint, Michigan, growing up without a father and battling deep emotional wounds that led to a destructive cycle of cocaine, alcohol, and anger. He shares how fa…

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Appalachian Faith Podcasts

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