Me and Poverty

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...

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, Dw...

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...

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 powe...

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...

Can you build a successful business without leaving your small town? Luis Chico, founder of JunkBros Solutions, is proving that you don’t need to move to a big city to build a big dream. In this episode of Me and Poverty, Joseph sits down with Luis to discuss the raw reality of starting with nothing. Luis opens up about the discipline of poverty, why he brought his brother on as a 50/50 partner, a...

In this episode of Me and Poverty, Joseph Little sits down with Brady Kelly, Area Director of Young Life Eastern Kentucky, to talk about what it really looks like to reach students who are disconnected, disinterested, or overlooked. Young Life’s mission is simple but powerful: introduce adolescents to Jesus Christ and help them grow in their faith—by going where kids already are, building real rel...

Violence prevention doesn’t start with superheroes — it starts with ordinary people choosing to act. In this episode of Me and Poverty, we sit down to talk about Green Dot, a powerful, evidence-based violence prevention strategy that empowers everyday people to recognize harmful situations and safely intervene before things escalate. Green Dot is about awareness, responsibility, and community — an...

You might know Joey Stepp from his viral magic videos, but his real journey from Eastern Kentucky is even more incredible. In this episode of Me and Poverty, Joey shares how he went from a kid who struggled in school to a D1 football captain and a voice of hope for the next generation.🔗 Support ARO here: https://www.appalachiareachout.com/🤝 Interested in working with Me and Poverty or scheduling...

In this episode, Joe sits down with a guest—a devoted educator and coach from Appalachia—to explore firsthand what it means to serve young people in the face of hardship. The guest reflects on moving from nursing into teaching, the everyday struggles today’s youth encounter, and how faith shapes every coaching moment. They highlight the power of community support, unpack the spiritual dimensions o...

In this conversation, Joe and his newfound friend explore themes of overcoming adversity, the impact of personal tragedy, and the importance of faith and resilience. They share journeys of experiencing poverty and a life-altering car accident to becoming a teacher and mentor for youth. They emphasize the significance of personal connections, the lessons learned from challenges, and the power of ho...

In this conversation, Joe’s guest shares his journey from growing up in poverty in Turkey Creek, Kentucky, to becoming the executive director of Appalachia Reach Out. He discusses the importance of community, faith, and relationships in overcoming poverty, as well as the misconceptions surrounding it. They also emphasize the need for long-term commitment in community service and the impact of pray...

In this episode, Joe, a former Financial Aid Director, and an old friend discuss the complexities of financial aid, particularly the FAFSA process, and its impact on students from low-income backgrounds. They explore the misconceptions surrounding financial aid, the role of KHEAA in providing scholarships, and the importance of community support in helping students navigate their educational journ...

In this episode, Joe and a friend discuss their personal experiences with poverty, the role of music and sports in shaping their identities, and the importance of education as a pathway out of poverty. They share insights on faith, the challenges faced by youth in poverty, and the significance of building trust with at-risk youth. The conversation also touches on humorous anecdotes from their chil...

About: In this conversation, Joe and his guest explore the profound impact of family, faith, and community on personal growth and overcoming poverty. They discuss the importance of mentorship, the role of spiritual life coordination, and the power of encouragement in transforming lives. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of understanding poverty, both financial and spiritual, and how love an...

Want to learn what program can help students escape poverty and find their version of success? Watch on!! Interested in working with Me and Poverty or scheduling Joe to speak? ⚡️https://www.joelittleinspires.com About: In this episode, a former teacher shares her insights on overcoming poverty through education and leadership programs like JAG. She discusses her personal experiences, the importan...

How can a scarcity mindset hinder personal growth and fulfillment? Watch to find out!!🎯 Use this link to reserve your copy of my upcoming book, Me and Poverty: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/meandpoverty/me-and-povertyInterested in working with Me and Poverty or scheduling Joe to speak?⚡️ https://www.joelittleinspires.com/ About:In this conversation, our guest shares his transformative jou...

Discover how faith, mentorship, and education can heal past struggles rooted in poverty! 🎯 Use this link to reserve your copy of my upcoming book, Me and Poverty: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/meandpoverty/me-and-poverty Interested in working with Me and Poverty or scheduling Joe to speak? ⚡️ https://www.joelittleinspires.com/ About: In this episode, Joe Little interviews a middle school...

Explore how Appalachians use faith, teaching, and inspiration to leave a lasting legacy!! 🎯 Use this link to reserve your copy of my upcoming book, Me and Poverty: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/meandpoverty/me-and-poverty 🚗 Visit the Fluty Lick Homestead channel: UC7d7fFKrG89gARtDFlmWvPgInterested in working with Me and Poverty or scheduling Joe to speak?⚡️ https://www.joelittleinspires....