We often feel the need to remind our listeners — on air and online — how much we love the conversation that can swirl around our broadcasts. But sometimes the on-air conversation that happens between our host, our guests and our live callers trumps any kind of comment or tweet or Facebook post in emotion, honesty and lasting value.

Our interview with novelist Ron Rash today was just such a time. Rash's work focuses on stories of the quiet, lasting strength of people in under-served and often struggling communities throughout his native Appalachia. They are stories the author adapted from his childhood and professional life, but the real implications of that work also comes from Rash's life as a college professor.

That point was made especially evident when Lisa from Charleston, S.C. dialed in to share her memories of Rash's work as a community college professor in Pendleton, S.C.

"You were my teacher at Tri-County Tech in 1991," Lisa said. "And I was one of those people that you're kind of talking about. I was a high school drop out, and I decided to go to college at the age of 30...You really taught me a love of school again. Everything I'd hated before, I grew to love."

Lisa went on to complete both her undergraduate and master's degrees, and is now a practicing psychotherapist, she told us.

"I owe it all to you," Lisa said. "You cared about people like me, and I appreciate that."

There are conversations that enrage, conversations that entertain and conversations that educate. And sometimes, there are unexpected conversations that foster real connection. We're here for all of them, and more, and we hope you'll come along with us, too.