#19 Believing in Our Hometown: How We Build a Brighter Future Together

#19 Believing in Our Hometown: How We Build a Brighter Future Together

You don’t have to leave your hometown to make a difference in the world. You can start changing your local community right now, right where you are.In this episode of Me and Poverty, we tackle what it actually takes to breathe new life into a struggling community. Joining the conversation is Corey Cassell, Director of Healthcare Administration at Thrive Community Coalition. Growing up together in Eastern Kentucky, we didn't just witness the challenges of poverty, addiction, and lack of resources—we lived them. Today, Corey is leading the charge to transform our home region from the inside out.This isn’t just a podcast episode; it’s a masterclass in grassroots change. Whether you are a young person wondering how to make your voice count, or an adult worker trying to build stronger support systems for local youth, this episode gives you the practical blueprint to step up, take action, and become a community builder.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:- The Relationship Blueprint: Why real community transformation can't be bought—it has to be built, person by person.- The Three Pillars of Impact: How Thrive’s Grow Well, Recover Well, and Work Well framework can be applied to any neighborhood or town.- Empowering the Next Generation: How local youth can transition from feeling stuck to becoming active changemakers.- Uniting the Adults: How schools, local businesses, and churches can form a unified front to protect and support their youth.👉 Get Involved & Access Thrive’s Community Toolkits: https://www.thriveserves.com/Season Sponsor:This season is proudly sponsored by Appalachia Reach Out (ARO). ARO is on a mission to be "Christ’s love in action," providing vital resources, home repairs, and addiction recovery support across Kentucky and Ohio.🔗 Support their incredible work: https://www.appalachiareachout.comConnect with Joe:Websitewww.joelittleinspires.comIf you love your community and want to see it thrive, please hit like, subscribe, and share this episode with a neighbor, teacher, or local leader!

#18 What Full-Time Ministry Really Looks Like

Welcome to Me and Poverty, the podcast dedicated to breaking barriers, building bridges, and changing lives—one story at a time.In this episode, host Joseph Little sits down with his friend, Pastor Dwayne Raines, to pull back the curtain on full-time ministry. From his early days running from the call in Eastern Kentucky to over a decade in youth ministry and his current role as a Lead Pastor, Dwayne shares the raw challenges and the "big wins" of serving the church.In this episode, we discuss:How to know if you are being called to ministry.The transition from youth ministry to lead pastoring.The misconception that pastors "only work on Sundays."Balancing family life while being "on the clock" 24/7.The power of mentorship and showing up for the next generation.A Huge Thank You to Our Season Sponsor!This season is proudly sponsored by Appalachia Reach Out (ARO). ARO is on a mission to be "Christ’s love in action," providing vital resources, home repairs, and addiction recovery support across Kentucky and Ohio.🔗 Support their incredible work: https://www.appalachiareachout.comConnect with Joe:Websitewww.joelittleinspires.comIf this episode helped you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who works with youth.And remember — keep sharing stories.

#17 From Community Service to City Hall: Why Young Leaders are the Future of Appalachia

What does it actually look like to run a city when you’re barely out of college? 🏛️In this episode, we sit down with Mayor Boone Bowling, who made history as one of the youngest Mayors in Kentucky. As we gear up for the 2026 Primary season, Boone breaks down how young people can stop waiting for "their turn" and start leading right now. Whether you want to run for office one day, or you just want to know how to research candidates for the upcoming primary, this conversation is your blueprint for public service.In this episode, we cover:-The reality of being one of Kentucky's youngest mayors.-How to find your "why" in public service.-Navigating the 2026 Primary Season as a young voter.-Practical ways to do good in your community without running for office.Season Sponsor:This season is proudly sponsored by Appalachia Reach Out (ARO). ARO is on a mission to be "Christ’s love in action," providing vital resources, home repairs, and addiction recovery support across Kentucky and Ohio.🔗 Support their incredible work: https://www.appalachiareachout.comConnect with Joe:Websitewww.joelittleinspires.comIf this episode helped you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who works with youth.And remember — keep sharing stories.

#16 The Backbone of Appalachia: Inside the Skilled Trades

Ben Collier grew up in a home with one finished room and no indoor plumbing. Today, he’s the Business Manager (CEO) of UA Local 248, helping the next generation of Appalachians find dignity, stability, and high-paying careers in the skilled trades.Summary:In this episode of Me and Poverty, Joseph Little sits down with Ben Collier to dismantle the "college-only" myth. Ben shares his powerful "poverty picture" story and explains how the union trades (plumbing, pipefitting, and HVAC/R) offer more than just a job—they offer a legacy. Whether you're a high school student looking for a path or a youth worker seeking resources, this conversation provides a roadmap for breaking the cycle of poverty through "Solidarity, Fidelity, and Education."Key Takeaways:-The "Both/And" Approach: Why we need both professionals and skilled tradespeople.-The Direct Entry Path: How to get into UA Local 248 through technical colleges (no interview required, just a weld test!).-Beyond the Paycheck: Understanding defined benefit pensions and collective bargaining.-Appalachian Hope: How regional collaboration is "moving the needle" for Eastern Kentucky.Season Partner:This season of Me and Poverty is made possible in part by Appalachia Reach Out. Appalachia Reach Out serves families and youth across the region through outreach, support, and opportunities that strengthen communities.🔗 Support ARO here:https://www.appalachiareachout.com/Connect with Joe:Websitewww.joelittleinspires.comIf this episode helped you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who works with youth.And remember — keep sharing stories.

#15 Why Community College Might Be the Smartest Move After High School | HCTC

Many students graduate high school without a clear plan for what comes next.College can feel expensive. And sometimes students simply don't know what opportunities exist.In this episode of Me and Poverty, Joe sits down with Wallace Caleb Bates, Director of Marketing and Communications at Hazard Community and Technical College.Wallace helps connect students across eastern Kentucky with real opportunities through education, career training, and community partnerships. In this conversation, he explains how community colleges can open doors for students who want affordable education, career skills, or a fresh start.This episode is especially helpful for:• Both traditional and non-traditional students who are exploring life after high school• Parents trying to guide their kids toward opportunity• Teachers, youth workers, and mentors helping young people plan their futureJoe and Wallace also discuss the power of storytelling, why community colleges matter more than ever, and how trusted adults can better connect youth with opportunities.If you know a student who feels unsure about their future, share this episode with them.Season Partner:This season of Me and Poverty is made possible in part by Appalachia Reach Out. Appalachia Reach Out serves families and youth across the region through outreach, support, and opportunities that strengthen communities.🔗 Support ARO here:https://www.appalachiareachout.com/Connect with Joe:Websitewww.joelittleinspires.comIf this episode helped you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who works with youth.And remember — keep sharing stories.