State of Minds

On this episode of State of Minds, Tony Caridi sits down with Amy Dawson and Mike Costello, the husband-and-wife team behind Lost Creek Farm, who are redefining what West Virginia food means. Known internationally after being featured by Anthony Bourdain on  Parts Unknown , Amy and Mike have built one of the country's most sought-after farm-to-table dining experiences by celebrating Appalachian tr...

On this episode of State of Minds, Hoppy Kercheval sits down with Dado Slezak, Executive Vice President, Energy Capital & Strategy at QTS to discuss the growing role of data centers in West Virginia and QTS's proposed project in the Eastern Panhandle. As state leaders pursue data center development as a major economic opportunity, Slezak explains how QTS approaches site selection, community en...

Part 2 of our Data Center series, Hoppy Kercheval speaks with Amy Margolies, Executive Director of Tucker United, about the proposed Ridgeline data center and power generation project in Tucker County. Margolies explains how local residents first learned about the project, why she became involved, and the concerns many community members have raised regarding transparency, environmental impacts, lo...

As West Virginia positions itself for a potential wave of data center development, questions about economic opportunity, energy demand, local control, and community impact are taking center stage.  On this episode of State of Minds, Hoppy Kercheval sits down with Chris Morris, Director of the West Virginia Data Economy Office, to discuss the state's strategy for attracting data center investment,...

On this special edition of State of Minds, host Hoppy Kercheval celebrates the 2026 West Virginia Academic All-Star winners—four exceptional students whose achievements extend far beyond the classroom. Supported by WVRC Media and proudly sponsored by Greer Industries, this program highlights some of the brightest young minds in the Mountain State. This year's honorees are Gianna Fragman of Lincoln...

Hoppy Kercheval talks with Dave Green for a powerful and inspiring conversation. By day, Dave works in mine rescue. By night, he captures breathtaking images of the Milky Way, Orion, and deep space from some of West Virginia’s most iconic landscapes. What started as an unexpected assignment turned into a full-blown passion—one that’s earned national recognition and a unique perspective on the univ...

Redd Kross joins Hoppy Kercheval on State of Minds, diving into their new self-titled double album, life on the road, and the creative evolution that has defined the band for more than four decades. While not a West Virginia band, Redd Kross made a notable stop in the Mountain State—performing at 123 Pleasant Street on September 24, 2025 as part of their “Stop Your Whining” tour with Melvins. Jeff...

Arden Cogar Jr., a record-setting competitive lumberjack and practicing attorney who embodies the relentless work ethic of West Virginia. From his roots in Webster County to the global stage of STIHL Timbersports, Arden shares how his family’s legacy—built on "sweat equity" and Depression-era survivalism—shaped his dual career in the courtroom and the timber arena. Discover the story of the Cogar...

In this episode of State of Minds, Hoppy Kercheval sits down with WVU legend and two-time Super Bowl champion Jeff Hostetler. Though widely recognized for his historic 1991 Super Bowl victory with the New York Giants and his hall-of-fame career as a Mountaineer quarterback, Hostetler shares a side of his life that rarely makes the highlight reels. He reflects on his transition from professional at...

 In this episode of State of Minds, Hoppy Kercheval sits down with Jacob Gordon, the visionary tattoo artist and co-owner of Morgantown’s Katana Gold, to discuss his evolution from a teenage apprentice in Bruceton Mills to an internationally acclaimed creator. Jake details the development of his signature "negative style," explaining how he utilizes high-contrast color theory and negative space to...

Hoppy Kercheval sits down with Morgan O'Brien, President and CEO of Hope Gas, to discuss the company’s revitalized role in West Virginia’s energy sector and community. O'Brien details his transition from the Pittsburgh utility sector to becoming a West Virginian, explaining the strategic and emotional decision to restore the historic "Hope" brand. The conversation dives deep into the state's econo...

In this episode of State of Minds, Hoppy Kercheval welcomes Oscar-nominated filmmaker Elaine McMillion Sheldon to discuss her powerful documentary work rooted in Appalachia. Sheldon details the making of her personal film, King Coal, explaining that she aimed to move beyond the usual political and economic narratives to capture the "psyche and soul" of coal culture, deliberately avoiding assigning...

Join Tony Caridi for a rare, in-depth conversation with WVU Hall of Fame coach Don Nehlen. As he approaches his 90th birthday, Coach Nehlen reflects on his life, his emotional journey as a caregiver for his late wife, Merryann, through her battle with Alzheimer's and how it put his "addiction to football" in perspective. Nehlen also gives his unfiltered take on the current state of college footbal...

Hoppy Kercheval sits down with Dr. Kevin Blankenship, co-founder of MedExpress, who channeled his success into a deeply personal mission. After witnessing the failures of traditional 30-day rehab programs during his own son's battle with addiction, he founded Jacob's Ladder—a unique, farm based long-term recovery center for men in Aurora, WV. Learn about the holistic program that combines science,...

In the inaugural episode of "State of Minds," host Hoppy Kercheval sits down with former university president Gordon Gee for a wide-ranging conversation about his life and career. Dr. Gee reflects on his upbringing in a Mormon household in rural Utah, his prolific fundraising success, and his long tenure leading major universities like WVU, Ohio State, Vanderbilt, and Brown. They also discuss the...