Tri State Time Machine

Whether you grew up in the tri-state area or just have family roots here, chances are you’ve heard someone joke that West Virginia has a 56th county . This week, let takes a journey that’s part history lesson, part road trip nostalgia, and 100% Appalachian storytelling. Is Myrtle Beach Really West Virginia’s 56th County? For generations, families from West Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio have loaded...

Underneath the Huntington we drive through every day is another Huntington. And under that one, another. This week I skip the ghost stories and instead tunnel into the strange, forgotten, occasionally scandalous version of the city hiding in plain sight. There were electric streetcars threading the streets, so many downtown movie palaces that 4th Avenue was literally called Theater Row, and anothe...

Get ready for a different kind of episode on Tri-State Time Machine! Today, we’re cracking open the story of 4401 Magazine Avenue. It's a house in Huntington that’s packed with secrets, surprises, and a whole lot of history tucked away in its attic. I focus on what happens when you find yourself not just buying a home, but inheriting decades of old photos, handwritten letters, vintage receipts, an...

Did you know Huntington’s beloved Ritter Park almost became the site of a municipal garbage incinerator? I uncover how visionaries, community spirit, and thoughtful design shaped one of West Virginia’s most cherished green spaces. Whether your memories of the park involve family picnics, prom pictures, weddings, or just a quiet walk among the roses, this week’s episode uncovers the incredible stor...

I talk about the stories that shape the Tri-State area—West Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio. From quirky family superstitions and mysterious urban legends like the Mothman to the way outsiders view Appalachia through the lens of stereotypes and headlines, I explore how stories not only entertain us but also define our communities and identities. I share some personal reflections on Huntington, which...

Bo Vance on Comedy and Community This week, we’re joined by Bo Vance, a veteran stand-up comedian with over 25 years of experience and a reputation for unfiltered, observational humor with an Appalachian twist. From his accidental start in comedy at a North Carolina drag queen night, to finding his stride in black comedy clubs, and eventually headlining Pride shows and performing across the region...

But I am back, with a big ask from you, my listener. If you have a memory you would want me to talk more about, just send me an email at TSTM@mail.com. Or post a comment on the Tri-State Machine FB Group page. Welcome to the Tri-State Time Machine. I'm your host Vanessa Hankins. This is a podcast where my guests and I share our memories and present day stories of the Tri-State Area. That's West Vi...

If you’ve ever felt the Appalachian mountains hold secrets just beneath the surface, or you want to hear firsthand how the region’s myths come alive in modern storytelling, this episode is for you. On this episode of Tri State Time Machine, I sit down with Princeton, West Virginia, author Joshua Bish for an unforgettable journey into Appalachia’s folklore, haunted history, and the stories that sha...

This is a conversation full of insight, encouragement, and a reminder that inclusion benefits us all. On this episode of Tri State Time Machine, I’m thrilled to sit down with Dr. Rebecca Hansen, the founder of Reaching Spectrum Heights and a devoted advocate for autistic adults who are transitioning from college to the real world. Rebecca has spent nearly twenty years in Huntington, West Virginia,...

If you’ve ever struggled yourself or watched someone you love battle addiction, this episode is for you. On this episode of Tri State Time Machine, I sit down with Adam Foster—a content creator and storyteller from Charleston who’s built a strong following by being unapologetically honest about his addiction, his recovery, and the realities of rebuilding his life. Adam bravely shares what it's rea...

I’m taking you on a nostalgic journey back to Christmases in Huntington during the 1970s and 1980s. I’m joined by my wonderful guest and fellow storyteller, Amy Deal, who brings such vivid memories and heartfelt stories of her childhood in Barboursville and Huntington. Amy and I reminisce about everything that made a Tri State Christmas magical—the sparkle of downtown Huntington’s department store...

In this special “Fan Mail” episode, I am mixing things up by answering fan questions collected over the years. From the genesis of the podcast and behind-the-scenes moments to favorite episodes and local recommendations, I share some heartfelt anecdotes about starting out with W.G. Bunch, the joys and jitters of podcasting, and my favorite memories both on and off the mic. Get ready for candid ins...

I sit down with none other than Jim Thornton—the iconic voice of Wheel of Fortune and proud Huntington native. Together, we take a heartfelt journey through the Tri-State area’s past and present, swapping stories about childhood memories, favorite teachers, and the unique flavors and traditions that define West Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio. Jim Thornton shares the origins of his love for broadcast...

Vanessa is joined by her hilarious and festive sister-in-law, Christine Hankins, for a nostalgic trip into all things Thanksgiving and fall in the Tri-State area. Get ready for a heartwarming and laughter-filled trip down memory lane as they swap childhood traditions, debate the merits of turkey versus ham, and confess their all-time favorite holiday foods (spoiler: mashed potatoes and “crack corn...

Through moving personal anecdotes and thoughtful exploration, we honor both those lost and those who continue to carry their legacy forward, reminding us of the importance of community, remembrance, and enduring strength. We take time to remember the 1970 Marshall University plane crash—an event that forever changed Huntington and its community. We talk about the sense of resilience that emerged i...

Welcome to a very special milestone on the Tri State Time Machine! In this celebratory 100th episode, I take us on a heartfelt journey through the origins, evolution, and future dreams of the podcast dedicated to the rich memories and lively stories of the Tri State area: West Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio. I reflects on starting the show with her beloved co-host W.G., cherishing the laughter, dyna...

Get your headphones on, turn down the lights, and be prepared for a couple of great ghost stories. If you have a memory you would want me to talk more about, just send me an email at TSTM@mail.com. Or post a comment on the Tri-State Machine FB Group page. Welcome to the Tri-State Time Machine. I'm your host Vanessa Hankins. This is a podcast where my guests and I share our memories and present day...

My first of many ghost stories this month! Best listened to in the dark with headphones - like all good ghost stories! If you have a memory you would want me to talk more about, just send me an email at TSTM@mail.com. Or post a comment on the Tri-State Machine FB Group page. Welcome to the Tri-State Time Machine. I'm your host Vanessa Hankins. This is a podcast where my guests and I share our memo...

Whether you’re a die-hard thrifter, a nostalgia lover, or just wondering what goes into preserving local history through “junk,” this episode is packed with laughs, local color, and the kind of community spirit that makes the Tri-State area so special. We are joined by Parlor, the multitalented “jack of all trades” behind Sue’s Junk and Antique Mall in Westmoreland. Get ready for a heartwarming lo...

Whether you're a longtime fan or just discovering the magic of Corduroy Brown, you won’t want to miss this heartfelt and inspiring episode celebrating local talent and community spirit. We welcome the one and only Corduroy Brown—a beloved figure in the Tri-State music scene and beyond. From stories about growing up in Appalachia, balancing authenticity with musical trends, to the lasting impact of...

In this episode, we have a special treat: local filmmaker Dylan Smith returns to the studio! Dylan shares his passion for resurrecting Huntington’s historic Foundry Theater, now home to his “Lil Dill’s Foundry Flashbacks” film series, which brings Appalachian-flavored cinema—along with surprise guests—to the community. Dylan gives us behind-the-scenes details about upcoming events at the Foundry,...

This week on the Tri-State Time Machine, Vanessa and Jason take you on a nostalgic ride through the secrets and untold stories of one of West Virginia’s most iconic landmarks—Camden Park. Joined by Huntington native and storyteller Clinton Burley, they pull back the curtain on more than a century of thrills, ghostly legends, and family traditions. From the early days as a “park and ride” trolley s...

Hosts Vanessa Hankins and Jason sit down with Matt Peyton, Huntington native and co-founder of THRAX—a fast-growing local company making waves in the hemp and wellness industry. From the surprising origins of Thrax during the early days of the pandemic to their mission of producing high-quality, locally made hemp products, Matt shares the ups and downs of building a business in a region traditiona...

We meet the dynamic duo behind Breathe Wine and Culture Co ., Cheryl Herdman and Devon Di Fillipo Reed. Cheryl and Devin share their inspiring story of how they ventured into the wine and craft beer retail space. From the initial spark of inspiration to the challenges of launching a new business, their journey is filled with relatable moments that many entrepreneurs face. They emphasize the import...

We welcome the inspiring Jan Rader, a trailblazer in firefighting and emergency response. Jan shares her journey from working in the jewelry business to becoming a fire chief and her ongoing commitment to mental health initiatives for first responders. Join us as we explore her personal stories, insights on compassion, and her vision for addressing homelessness and addiction in the community. Tune...