Mountaineer Media Podcast

Matt Ballard is the Executive Director and CEO of the West Virginia Regional Technology Park in South Charleston. Today, the Tech Park has blossomed into a beating heart of research and development in the Kanawha Valley, supporting a dynamic workforce of about 900 people. Before this current position, Ballard served as the President and CEO of the Charleston Area Alliance and was the Executive Dir...

Ginny Thrasher is an Olympic Gold Medalist sport shooter and two-time NCAA national champion for West Virginia University. At the young age of 19, she clinched her place in history, winning the first gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics in the women's 10-meter air rifle. The feat catapulted her into the spotlight, instantly making her a household name across the Mountain State. However, she has...

John Kruk is a beloved sports personality and former MLB All-Star who played for the Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres and Chicago White Sox. He was inducted into the Philadelphia Baseball Wall of Fame in 2011. In this episode, Kruk talks about his love for his home state of West Virginia and why he proudly represents his roots even during Phillies broadcasts, which he provides color comment...

Hollis Lewis is the Director of Membership Development for the Charleston Area Alliance and boasts a rich history in the legal profession, having served in various esteemed roles over the years. Notably, Hollis has lent his expertise as a magistrate judge in Kanawha County, a legal professional for Bailey and Glasser, and even a former paralegal and law clerk for a U.S. District Court judge. In th...

Mike Costello and his wife Amy Dawson are the founders of Lost Creek Farm, a historic family farmstead in Harrison County that has become a culinary destination for visitors worldwide who yearn to taste traditional Appalachian cuisine. In addition to offering exclusive farm-to-table experiences, Lost Creek Farm serves as an educational institution dedicated to preserving our local food culture and...

Frank Vitale is the President and CEO of Forge Business Solutions, a veteran-owned company based in Morgantown. The firm specializes in strategic planning, human capital development, veteran programs, professional development and commercialization. With a wealth of experience in senior leadership roles spanning finance, healthcare, and education, Frank brings a diverse skill set to his current pos...

Charles Wesley Godwin, an award-winning singer-songwriter from Morgantown, captures the essence of Appalachia in his soulful tunes. A fusion of country and folk, his music and heartfelt performances have earned him significant acclaim, allowing him to headline shows worldwide, tour with Zach Bryan, and collab with West Virginia native Philip Bowen. You can see Godwin live when he takes the stage a...

The guys 'Tee Up' what to expect at the Almost Heaven Classic on June 9th and 10th at Canaan Valley Resort, and C.J. visits the Palace of Gold in Moundsville for the first time.

Lauren Hunt is the Director of Marketing and Government Relations for the Charleston Convention & Visitors Bureau. In this episode, we dive into the CVB's influence in Charleston, explore the burgeoning tourism industry in West Virginia, and discuss how people's perception of the state improves when they visit Almost Heaven. The Mountaineer Media Podcast is C.J. Harvey and Cooper Simme...

Rusty Hutson is a Lumberport native and Co-Founder of Diversified Energy, a natural gas production company headquartered in Birmingham with operations in the Appalachian region, including offices in Charleston and Bridgeport. Rusty is committed to keeping West Virginia an energy-producing state, growing the company by acquiring wells and generating employment opportunities in Appalachia. The Mount...

George Patterson is the Founder of Hernshaw Farms, which grows exotic mushrooms and transforms abandoned mine land into farmland using waste from fungi production. Hernshaw Farm grows its product inside Memorial Tunnel off the West Virginia Turnpike. You can find his mushrooms in many local restaurants across the state and nationwide. The Mountaineer Media Podcast is C.J. Harvey and Cooper Simmerm...

Curtis Fleming is the host of Fly Rod Chronicles, which can be seen on Discovery Channel every Saturday at 6:30 a.m. and found on Youtube. In this episode, we discuss his experience of 20 seasons and what it's like fishing with people such as Jerry West, Bob Huggins, and Sir Nick Faldo, among many others. Want to sign up for our flagship event, the Almost Heaven Classic? Find out more! The Mou...

Lori McKinney is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of the RiffRaff Arts Collective in Mercer County, which aims to inspire and empower creativity in Southern West Virginia and the Appalachian region. Under her leadership, the Collective has organized various cultural events, ranging from small art shows and concerts to large-scale festivals such as the Culturefest World Music and Arts Festival...

Audy Perry is the Executive Director of Heritage Farm and Museum in Huntington, West Virginia. In this episode we discuss how Heritage Farm is a source of hope and renewal for the Appalachian region and why Audy's team is inspiring young West Virginians to become future problem solvers. Learn more about Heritage Farm , and make sure to check out their Spring Festival on May 6th, which kicks of...

Brandon Shaw is the founder of New River ATV. Located in Minden, this ATV tour company provided trips through the rugged and beautiful terrain of West Virginia. In this episode we also announce a new giveaway that'll give you a chance to experience New River Gorge National Park via New River ATV! Check this one out if you're an outdoor recreation thrill seeker! Want to sign up for our flagship eve...

Master Gunnery Sergeant Peter Wilson served as a member of "The President's Own" United States Marine Chamber Orchestra for 30 years, serving five Presidents and playing for several others during his tenure.  In this episode, Wilson shares some of his favorite memories inside the White House, including a surprise, private anniversary dinner for the Pres. Obama and the First Lady. He also recounts...

Tara St. Clair and Amber Ravenscroft are co-chairs of the West Virginia Entrepreneurship Ecosystem. In this episode, they discuss various aspects of growing startups and small businesses, providing insights into the resources available and the upcoming Bridging Innovation event, which brings together experts from across the state. Finally, they offer tips on turning a side hustle into a full-time...

Greg Corio serves as the assistant vice president of the Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Collaborative at West Virginia University. In addition, he supervises strategic youth initiatives that connect WVU with primary and secondary schools in West Virginia. In this episode, we discuss his efforts to expand Adventure West Virginia and Science Adventure School, as well as how these programs set...

Kassia Lilly is the Vice President of Operations for Goodwill of the Kanawha Valley. In this episode, she shares insights on Goodwill's local and national impact, their efforts to provide job training and placement opportunities, the growth of recycling in the state, and much more! ————  Want to sign up for our flagship event, the Almost Heaven Classic? Find out more! The Mountaineer Media Po...

Venu Menon is the founder of Mea Cuppa Coffee, and he joins the podcast to discuss the founding of the brand, how small businesses can thrive in Almost Heaven, the challenges and joy of working in the coffee industry, and much more! Intro (0:00 - 9:58) Interview (9:58 - 41:50) Sign up for our newsletter for your chance to win a $30 Mea Cuppa gift card! ---------------------------------------------...

Junior Walk is the outreach coordinator for Coal River Mountain Watch, a small non-profit working in communities impacted by the irresponsible practices of the coal industry in southern West Virginia. Junior uses his drone and patrols mountaintop removal sites to keep watch for violations with the mission to stop the destruction of our communities and environment by mountaintop removal mining, to...

Brandon Dennison is the Founder and CEO of Coalfield Development, a non-profit that is working to rebuild the Appalachian economy from the ground up. "We believe in developing the potential of Appalachia through the triple bottom line: people, planet, and profit." Brandon joins the pod to talk about his coalitions work, the work still to be done, the principles that have gotten them this far, and...

Entering her 28th season as the only coach in Mountaineer women’s soccer history, Nikki Izzo-Brown has built a one-time infant program into one of the nation’s elite teams. She joins the pod to discuss how the women's game has changed, the impact of NIL, success for her players on and off the pitch, and much more! Intro (0:00 - 1:43) Interview (1:44 - 37:04)  ---------------------------------...

Jessica Greathouse is the special programs manager for the West Virginia Housing Development Fund which is working to expand the availability of affordable housing throughout the state for low-to-moderate-income renters and homebuyers. They do this by facilitating federal programs through HUD and offering low-interest home loans to qualified buyers. Listen in for tips on buying a home, tax relief...

Tammy Jordan is the president of Fruits of Labor , an organization that serves farm-to-table food in their cafes around WV as well as employs and supports people in recovery from substance use disorder. Through their nationally certified Culinary and Agricultural Training Center, they are able to train and work alongside communities and neighbors who are rebuilding their lives. Tammy joins the pod...