Wayne Bennett's Podcast

Gary Crouth is a singer/songwriter from Pittsburg who was inspired by the people and love of Southern West Virginia.  His songs like Coalyard Charlie, Oakie Mills, Cabbagehead, and Martha White's Farm talk about real people and events particularly around Beckley.  His CD, "Crossing Appalachia," can be purchased at garycrouth.bandcamp.com.

Beckley's Rodney Elam is being honored with the "Lifetime Service to Wrestling" award from the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.  

Beverly Bales Cook has donated a great deal of her life to the art of dancing, She has also been an accountant, city controller, adjunct professor, and high school cross country coach.  

Rudy Paugh has been a coalminer, Park Ranger, and forest firefighter.  In his spare time, he has officiated football, basketball, baseball and volleyball.  His experiences are priceless!

Danny Pack has played music for more than sixty years.  One local band he played with was, "The Midnight Beats" from the late 1960's and early 1970's.  Listen as he shares his life and musical career.

Tom Sopher gives us some history lessons when he speaks about the Ferguson Rock, Beckley Mill, and Raleigh County's first governor. He also does not mince words when he mentions Jenna Belcher, Leslie Baker, Phil Jarrel and Jim Justice.  Interesting interview!

Have you ever wondered about the Jewish population in Beckley and Southern West Virginia?  Tom Sopher shares some history, customs and noted people affiliated with the local Jewish Religion.  Enlighten discussion!

Bob Clay has lived an adventurous  and sometimes exciting life.  He's decided to write about a few of his most memorable experiences.   "On the Corner of Main and Fayette" is an enjoyable read. Very informative.

Roy and George Fridley return to our podcast to discuss their album, upcoming concerts, and memorable awards they have received.  This interview was a blast!

Fred Hill III, known as a “hitting machine” for his love of contact during his football days at Woodrow Wilson High School and WV State University, went on to work in the political arena and later retired from the military as a Major. He has plenty of great stories to tell!

Bobby, a former Woodrow Wilson athlete, also served as a Raleigh County Deputy and Beckley Police Officer. He opens up about his life, including one unforgettable and intense experience. It’s a story you won’t want to miss!

Jeff Sweeney, a former Shady Spring football player and wrestler, was a key part of the Tigers’ 1980 state champion wrestling team. He went on to serve over thirty-seven years as a Conservation Officer, earning the title of WV Conservation Officer of the Year in 2003. He’s full of stories—definitely worth a listen!

Mark Daniel coached baseball at Shady Spring High School and Woodrow Wilson for a total of twenty-five years.  His love of the game proved to be an inspiration to hundreds of potential stars.  He was an innovator as well as a successful coach.  Great interview!

Fred Hill II was a longtime educator and coach in Raleigh County.  He was one of the most positive people you could ever meet.  His influence on the development and character of thousands of young people proves immeasurable.  Listen to waynebennettpodcast.com, Episode 184 as we pay tribute to Fred and applaud his wife Joy for continuing to uplift the youth in the Beckley area.  One of a kind!

Cheryl Burm moved to West Virginia because of the state's beauty.  She had always dreamed of owning a bookstore.  Starting from scratch, Burm Books in Beckley is a labor of love for the retired attorney. Listen as she shares some of her story.   Amazing!

Larry Ransom has worn many hats.  He served as a Marine, has worked as a truck driver, equipment operator, bridge builder and owned a successful tree service company.  He also spent years as a high school wrestling coach, referee and scorer.  He is now a member of the Raleigh County Wrestling Hall of Fame.  Listen to Episode 182 0n waynebennettpodcast.com.  You'll love it!

John grew up in Mullens during the 1980's and basketball was" King."  Playing for a legendary coach and with legendary teammates the bar to succeed was high.  His stories are fresh and funny with a touch of passion and glowing honesty.  This is a must listen!

Clayton Terry has worn many hats—county administrator, humane officer, board member, Jaycee, and more. But the title he treasures most is Sophia Bluehawk. Listen as he opens up about a meaningful chapter of his life!

Butch Freeman was the loyal and dedicated assistant basketball coach to Dave Barksdale during the Flying Eagle decade of the 1990s. He stepped in whenever Dave was unavailable and later took on the role of head golf coach for several seasons. Remarkably humble, he’s truly the best—a great person to listen to.

We spoke with several members of the wrestling community at the Fallen Heros Tournament: Coach Jon Brown (Richlands High), wrestlers London Cook and Jenna Panossian (Liberty High) Coach Ted Kuhn (South Charleston High), Coach Chris Vaughn and wrestlers Tucker Pugh and Waylon Rhodes (Meadow Bridge High), Coach John Heath (Ravenswood High) and Coach Dwayne Williams (Capital High).  All were great gu...

Ron Brunk has been described as an eccentric entertainer, singer, musician and prolific writer of songs, poems and novels. He shares his story about some downfalls of being creative and the "demons and snakes" that exist in Nashville.  His work is unique, and his compassion is contagious!

Jim Kirby is a former athlete at Woodrow Wilson High School.  Now a retired electrical engineer (WVU grad) he referees high school volleyball and umpires softball.  His dad coached youth baseball and refereed football and basketball throughout southern West Virginia.   Jim's story is unique.

Joe and Michelle Bare possess a great deal of ambition and determination when it comes to working hard but allowing time to enjoy life.  They are businesspeople, entrepreneurs, and dynamic community supporters.  Join us as we talk about the good and bad parts of running a small business.  Listen to Episode 175 on Waynebennettpodcast.com.  You'll love it!

Doug Elliott played four sports at Shady Spring High School in the early 1960's.  Later in life he worked at the Welfare Department, taught History in College, and sold shoes all during the same time period.  He still found time to hunt and fish.  Interesting story!! 

Melissa was an outstanding athlete in high school and college.  Listen as she shares humorous stories about talking too much in class and "choosing" her husband.  She also tells us about her professional career and how God made a difference in her life!  Great interview!