Rev. Larry Jent is a Keynote Speaker, Storyteller, and Advocate for Appalachian Culture with over four decades of service as a United Methodist pastor. Rev. Larry Jent brings a lifetime of wisdom, compassion, and cultural insight to every stage he graces.
Larry Jent
Larry's journey has been as expansive as it is inspiring—spanning from the banks of the Mississippi to the Bay of Alaska, from red clay tobacco fields to the halls of Washington, D.C. Yet, his heart has always remained rooted in the Appalachian Highlands.
Larry has worn many hats throughout his life: community organizer, teacher, musician, storyteller, and passionate advocate for Native American communities. Since 2023, he has served as Deputy Director of the Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area, where he champions the region’s resilient forests, sustainable tourism, and rich cultural heritage.
A gifted storyteller, Larry is known for illuminating the voices of marginalized and underrepresented communities, weaving their histories into the broader narrative of Appalachia.
Whether speaking to faith communities, environmental advocates, or cultural organizations, he brings a deep reverence for place, people, and the power of story.
Now calling the misty mountains of West Virginia home, Rev. Jent continues to inspire audiences with his message of resilience, justice, and belonging.
Not Special: a Liberty Speaks Show
Our first guest will be featured on 9//11. This guest will share a first hand account of what happened after the tragic event and America's subsequent response.
Featuring raw, honest conversations with leaders, speakers, and everyday legends who prove that greatness comes from being authentic, not rare. Our guests ARE special people!
Not Special will drop weekly on Thursday mornings.