The Mountain Made Podcast

In a previous episode, you heard us rave about his cookies, but it is time to hear from the multi-talented Kevin Umbel himself. In the recording, we discuss how a three-day trip to Fayetteville led to his calling the place home. We also discuss the evolution of his photography, the influence life experiences play on his creations, and most importantly, where you can find his works of culinary art....

 If you don't recognize Nicholas Tankersley's name, you will likely immediately recognize his graphic design work as NDTank, or his work under his brand, Lost Appalachia Trading Company. In this episode, we discuss how a cat on a motorcycle sparked a career in illustration and apparel, gig posters and the many ways that he "stumbled" into something he enjoys. We also discuss th...

In our second recording in Fayetteville, we speak to Amy McLaughlin and Shawn Means, the pair responsible for Lafayette Flats, a short-term vacation rental which is just as much an art gallery. We discuss how a self-proclaimed "nerdy assignment" turned into one of the best regional art collections available to the public, the hurdles they overcame to make the Lafayette Flats a reality an...

We are on the road again, this time to Fayetteville, WV recording from The Lafayette Flats. Our first recording is with the duo behind The Apocryphal Holler, a DIY house show series. In this episode, we discuss how the two became fast friends over their love for music,  and the obstacles of hosting live music in an intimate setting. Together, they are a shining example of people in our region step...

Bob Keeney is a stained glass artist whose interest for the craft was spurred after receiving a beginner book as a gift nearly twenty years ago. In the episode, we discuss his process, past commissions and his other pastime, garlic farming. He also makes us feel a little less alone when it comes to hanging onto scrap material! Overall, Bob is a very humble guy making incredible work because he enj...

Elaine McMillion Sheldon is an award-winning documentary filmmaker whose storytelling often gravitates towards the misunderstood or underrepresented. While in Huntington for the Appalachian Film Festival, she was kind enough to hang out with us prior to screening her new film, "King Coal," a film exploring the cultural nuances following coal's departure and the potential that remain...

Rachel Allinder is an educator turned CEO of the Foundry Theater, the new face behind the old venue at City Hall in Huntington, West Virginia. In this episode, we discuss the transition from the classroom, the revamping of the theater and the Appalachian Film Festival (click here for tickets) , which is making its return Aug. 18-20, 2023.  FoundryTheater.org Foundry Instagram You can follow us on...

Few folks have had a greater impact on our region's art scene than Nik Botkin.  If you don't know him as a painter, photographer or award-winning sculptor, then you might recognize his name from his time spent as owner of the Apartment Earth Gallery in Charleston, WV, where he bolstered the region's art community for many years. In this episode, we discuss how his experiences growin...

In our final recording from our road trip to Princeton we speak to illustrator and storyteller Chase Bowman, also known as Oddy Gumption. Recorded on a spring day amongst chirping birds and children at play, we discussed how his love for storytelling gave birth to his interest in illustration. All told, it might be one of our favorite recordings because it truly felt like a representation of life...

In this episode, we hear the familiar voice  of Courtney Chapman as she tells us about the current exhibition "How Close is That to Richmond?" currently on display in the Carroll Gallery at Marshall University. Courtney has been busy over the last year pivoting to her new role as gallery director at Marshall University.  "How Close is That to Richmond" is her first curated exhi...

In this recording from our road trip, we sat down with Jamey Biggs a ceramicist and department chair at Concord University. Growing up in southern West Virginia  Jamey learned the value of hard work, the people performing it, and the stories these folks held. In this episode we discuss how these factors have played into his work throughout his time as an artists. We also delve into the many folks...

In this episode, we had the pleasure of meeting Robby Moore, a talented mixed media artist hailing from Beckley, West Virginia.  Growing up in the heart of Appalachia, Robby faced the challenge of pursuing his passion for art in an area that isn't known for its robust art community. He talks about the importance of networking and building relationships, and how he found galleries to showcase...

You may recognize him as Tudor's most recent hype man, but Shelem has been creating music in WV for the better part of a decade. In this episode we discuss how his brother encouraged him to take the plunge in the music writing pool, how the success of other local creatives light his fire and encourage lofty (and sometimes unreasonable) goal setting, and his upcoming show at the Clay Center Ju...

Tijah Bumgarner is a filmmaker and coordinator of the video production program at Marshall University. If you have listened to past episodes you likely recognize her name due to being an influence on many creators throughout our region. In this episode, we discuss how her initial interest in acting led her to California where she discovered a passion for film. That passion has led to the creation...

Emily and Betsy Sokolosky are the sisters behind Base Camp Printing of Charleston, WV. In this episode we discuss how each of them fell in love with printmaking, refurbishing their first press in their parent's garage, and their plans to continue to impact the community which has been so helpful to them as a small business. Go check out their website , or better yet, go see their new space in...

We have officially reached the one year mark of the podcast. To celebrate the occasion we sit down without a guest for the first time to discuss the year that was. Give it a listen if you'd like, otherwise we will be back with a guest next episode. - THANK YOU ALL FOR LISTENING! Music Provided by: Darrin Hacquard MountainMadePodcast.com You can follow us on Instagram to keep up with what we&a...

Continuing the run of episodes at Stray Dog Antiques  in Charleston, WV, we spoke with Jake Fertig. We discuss how his drive to create is often born from necessity. We also delve into the themes behind some of his illustrated characters, as well as  challenges he faces as an art educator. We hope you enjoy the recording and see why we are lucky to have passionate folks like Jake in our neck of the...

In this episode, we are back at Stray Dog Antiques in Charleston, WV, to speak with Paula Clendenin. We discuss her early work as a printmaker prior to transitioning to painting, time as a faculty member at WVSU, and the process behind her personal work. Her work resides across the country, as well as an ocean or two. We hope you give this episode a listen and make an effort to see her work when p...

Anthony Greene one half of the sibling duo that is responsible for The Folkway, a West Virginia based film production company. In this episode we discuss Anthony's journey to becoming a videographer and director, and how he uses these skills to tell stories throughout our region. We also discuss the process and motivation  behind "Into The Well" The Folkway's first feature leng...

Megan Taylor is an illustrator and graphic designer that has lived all over southern West Virginia, but currently calls Charleston home.  Drawing inspiration from the world around her, Megan uses nearly every tool in an artist's tool chest to bring her creations to life. In this episode, we discuss how she got the chance to create murals in her hometown, how her art helps her process life, an...

Dylan Smith is a video director and producer based in Huntington, WV behind Dylegacy's Good Trouble brand. Most recently, Dylan has been creating cinematic music videos for many artists within the rap genre including Shelem, The Good Perry, and Father. In this episode, we discuss how he fell in love with film from an early age,  his early successes and failures, as well as his affinity for a...

Chris DeMaria is a painter and mixed media artist that has a way portraying the people and environment around him. While he was raised in Miami, Chris spent a significant portion of his young life near his mother's family in West Virginia, which ultimately led him to calling Appalachia home.  In this episode, we discuss how those experiences influence his work, sources of inspiration and wher...

Em Marshall has recently graduated from Marshall University with their fine art degree with an emphasis in ceramics. We discuss the origin for their love of art, and the road which led them to ceramics. We also delve into the process of obtaining an art degree, and what might be next for Em as they set out into the world. Em Marshall's Instagram You can follow us on Instagram to keep up with...

Nate Cesco is a comedian, writer, and media producer based in Huntington, WV. If you are from the area, you have seen him performing stand up or helping in a number of creative events. What you may not know is that Nate has also developed a network of digital entertainment outlets under the Lateland brand. With that being said, he is someone that has found his passion, and we hope you enjoy hearin...

Brett Fuller AKA Charlie Brown Superstar is a DJ that transplanted himself into the Huntington music scene well over two decades ago. In that time he has combined every song imaginable at an equal number of venues. In this episode, we discuss his musical journey which recently led to his work on "Joyful Noise," the third reimagination of Tyler Childers' "Can I Take My Hounds to...