UCWV Innovation Scholar Podcast

Send us Fan Mail What makes a gym more than just a place to work out? In this episode of the Innovation Scholars Podcast, Kaylee Anderson sits down with Allen Lude, CEO of Code 3 Health & Fitness, to talk about the power of gym culture and community. From growing his business and expanding into a larger space to building an environment where people push each other to be better, Allen shares wh...

Send us Fan Mail What does it mean to dedicate your life to building future leaders? In this episode of the Innovation Scholars Podcast, Kaylee Anderson sits down with Beth Casey, Chief Executive Officer of the Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council. With over 30 years of experience in nonprofit leadership and nearly three decades with Girl Scouts, Beth shares her journey from being a Girl Scout her...

Send us Fan Mail How does the way we communicate shape our careers and the world around us? In this episode of the Innovation Scholars Podcast, Kaylee Anderson sits down with C.J. Harvey to discuss storytelling, leadership, and building a career across journalism, government, and higher education. From career pivots to real-world messaging, this conversation explores how communication influences p...

Send us Fan Mail What does it take to build a film career and bring it back home? In this episode of the Innovation Scholars Podcast, Kaylee Anderson sits down with filmmaker, writer, and producer Bob Tinnell to explore his journey through the film industry and his decision to continue creating in West Virginia. From working in larger markets to contributing to the growth of film production in App...

Send us Fan Mail What does it actually take to build and grow a successful business? In this episode of the Innovation Scholars Podcast, Kaylee Anderson sits down with Chris Wallace, marketing expert, business owner, and member of the first cohort of UC’s Business Accelerator Program. From launching his own company to leading a full-service digital marketing agency, Chris shares real-world insight...

Send us Fan Mail How do you bring cutting-edge medical care to communities that need it most? In this episode of the Innovation Scholars Podcast, host Kaylee Anderson sits down with Dr. Brian R. Whyte, a board-certified vascular surgeon and founder of Mountain State Vascular in Beckley, West Virginia. With more than three decades of surgical experience, Dr. Whyte shares his journey from surgical t...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when the path you thought was meant for you changes? In this episode of the Innovation Scholars Podcast, Dr. Debbie Amos shares her journey from medical school to earning a PhD in biology and becoming a passionate anatomy and physiology educator. Together, we talk about redefining success, knowing when to pivot versus push forward, and how unexpected redirections can...

Send us Fan Mail How is AI changing the future of design and architecture? In this episode of the Innovation Scholars Podcast, host Kaylee Anderson sits down with Terry Floyd who shares his journey from interior design at UC to studying architecture internationally, and how those experiences shaped his creative philosophy. From studying Interior Design at UC to pursuing Architecture at UNC Charlot...

Send us Fan Mail What does it truly mean to lead with confidence, resilience, and purpose? In this episode of the Innovation Scholars Podcast, host Kaylee Anderson sits down with Dr. Lisa McCool, Program Director of Entrepreneurship and Assistant Professor of Management at the University of Charleston, to explore the power and impact of women in leadership. Dr. McCool shares her personal journey i...

Send us Fan Mail Season 2 Episode 2 (10th overall) This week we welcome John Auge to the pod. John is the cofounder of Auge+Gray+Drake Collective Works in Charleston, WV. He has had a remarkable career journey in marketing and design, with projects such as the rebranding of Reagan National Airport to his credit. From working with a First Lady to a Powerball Jackpot winner, John has truly seen it a...

Send us Fan Mail Season 2, Episode 1 (9th Overall Episode) In this episode, Dr. Travis Kahle sits down with 2024-25 Innovation Scholar President Kelton Boblits for a fascinating conversation about innovation in music, economic growth in West Virginia, and Kelton's experience in the Innovation Scholar program.  Connect with the Innovation Scholars on the web and on social media! Website: https...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with special guest Lisa Smith, co-founder of Mountain Juice Company.  Lisa, along with co-founder and sister-in-law Amy Smith, discovered the benefits of raw, naturally pressed juice when Amy was recovering from breast cancer in 2013.  Lisa also provides insight about how vital community involvement is for the success of their business, and future plan...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, entrepreneur Gabe Azzato joins the podcast to discuss his experience taking control of his family's business, Silver Coast Winery.  Gabe also elaborates on how his past experience, combined with his upbringing, have impacted his career and vision for the future of the winery.  Silver Coast Winery is located in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina, and has several...

Send us Fan Mail When you hear the word "innovation", what comes to mind? Is it the newest smartphone or self-driving car? Is it a successful entrepreneur or a team of engineers sitting around a table, having a lively discussion about a new product design? Does anything come to mind? For many people, innovation has become an empty, overused word that gets attached to projects for no reas...

Send us Fan Mail When you hear the word "innovation," what comes to mind? Is it the newest smartphone or self-driving car? Is it a successful entrepreneur or a team of engineers sitting around a table, having a lively discussion about a new product design? Does anything come to mind? For many people, innovation has become an empty, overused word that gets attached to projects for no reas...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with special guest Whitney Hunt, owner and operator of Moldavite Marketing.  While pursuing a Political Science degree from the University of Charleston (WV), Whitney became interested in marketing through her experience in the Innovation Scholar program. She turned that interest into a successful marketing venture following graduation, even though she...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with University of Charleston (WV) men's head baseball coach, Robbie Britt, to discuss how his team has taken advantage of the emerging innovations within the game. Coach Britt also discusses his leadership company, Culture House, and how he intertwines the two to create opportunities and strategies for achieving success on and off the field.  Con...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with special guest Jim Strawn of Jim Strawn & Company to discuss how he has stayed relevant throughout his 30+ years in the marketing field.  Jim details how staying connected through strong networking and active community involvement have solidified his success.  Connect with the Innovation Scholars on the web and on social media! Website: https:/...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we will discuss how our podcast came to be, as well as the role innovation plays at the University of Charleston (WV).  Guests include UC's Director of Innovation, David Ramsburg II, MBA, and Assistant Director of Innovation, Dr. Terry Cyfers, Ph. D.  Connect with the Innovation Scholars on the web and on social media! Website: https://www.ucwv.edu/innovation...