Wayne Bennett's Podcast

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!

Eric Thomas was an outstanding athlete at Independence High School in the late 1980's.  Later he became a member of Marshall University's football team.  A gruesome injury ended his athletic career but his sports knowledge opened up doors to announcing and analyzing local high school competitions.  Listen as he shares some of those experiences.

Dale overcame a rough period after childhood cancer delayed his start in sports.  He went on to become a high school and college athlete and has devoted more than 35 years to teaching and coaching young competitors.  This should be required listening!

 Hall of Fame football coach Eddie Souk remembers the days when Mt. Hope was a booming coal town.  His dad ran "The Smokehouse Grill" and his mother was a renowned civic leader in the Mustang community.  Listen to Episode 169 on waynebennettpodcast.com as Eddie shares a few stories from his forty year coaching career.

The Marshall University Southern Coalfield Alumni and Big Green Club are dedicated to improving lives, with accomplishments like scholarships, community projects, and disaster relief. Hear Amanda Ashley, Larry Foster, and Doug Leeber share heartfelt stories about their passion for helping others.

George and Roy Fridley are accomplished musicians who sing, play multiple instruments, and compose beautiful songs. This talented duo from Mannington, WV, along with their mother, Stacie, joins us to discuss their promising musical future. Pay attention and listen!

Alan Fell had a variety of jobs before he became a nurse Anesthetist and a coach.  His attitude and love for life has been a positive influence on many of our area's youth.  Alan knows politics and is not afraid to speak up.  This is a must listen!

Troy Stiffler has worn many hats during his lifetime.  Two of his favorite titles are fishing guide and WV Pickley Guy.  The fact that he loves West Virginia makes his story memorable.

The Wayne Bennett Podcast commemorates the statue unveiling and pays homage to Bill Withers Plaza. Additionally, it presents a few recommendations for enhancing foot traffic in downtown Beckley.