What Makes You Wonderful

In this episode of What Makes You Wonderful , we chat with Amber Ravenscroft, co-chair of Bridging Innovation Week, to explore how this growing entrepreneurship event is shaping West Virginia's economic future.  Bridging Innovation Week connects business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, and support organizations across the state, offering education and networking opportunities.  For those looking t...

On this episode of What Makes You Wonderful , we're exploring the West Virginia Entrepreneurship Ecosystem with Co-founder Tara St. Clair. Since its inception in 2019, this amazing initiative has connected entrepreneurial service organizations across the state, fostering collaboration and helping folks turn their dreams into reality.  Tara shares how the ecosystem works, its mission to inspire gro...

We are starting 2025 off with only the best... Food! In this week's episode of What Makes You Wonderful , Executive Chef Matt Welsch joins us to dish out all the savory details about the Cellar to Table dinners hosted by West Virginia State Parks, in partnership with West Virginia Cooks. We talk about what these chefs do with their craft to make your experience like no other.  For more information...

In this episode of the What Makes You Wonderful podcast, we talk to Jackson Igo about the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program with the West Virginia Office of Energy.  Learn how this program is offering grants to local governments and nonprofits across the state to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy use. We discuss eligibility requirements, funding opportunities...

On this episode of What Makes You Wonderful , we chat with Landau Eugene Murphy Jr., the sensational season six winner of NBC's America's Got Talent . Known for his smooth jazz style, Landau discusses his upcoming holiday concert Home for the Holidays . The event is Friday, Dec. 14, at 7:30 p.m. at the Hudkins Conference Center in Pipestem Resort State Park.  Join us for an inside look at what mak...

In this episode of the What Makes You Wonderful podcast, we get all the details on one of the best live concerts the region offers - the Mountain State Music Showcase. The event is set for Saturday, Nov. 30, at 7 p.m. at the Capitol Theater at 123 Summers Street.  Justin Puett talks about the amazing lineup of live, local talent and why supporting the local music scene is so important.  This year...

In this episode of the What Makes You Wonderful podcast we highlight the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra's annual Symphony on Ice Thursday, Dec. 5 at WesBanco Arena in Wheeling.  Led by Music Director John Gennaro Devlin, the orchestra will perform alongside professional figure skaters, local skating clubs, and choirs from middle and high schools in the Ohio Valley. Devlin, now in his fifth season wit...

On this week's episode of What Makes You Wonderful we get to talk about the 2024 West Virginia Makes Festival Saturday, Nov. 8, at the Huntington campus of Marshall University. Mike Friel, Director of Communications at Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center , shares the interesting history, as well as, highlights of the event and why it's so important.  Now in its 11th year, you'll learn how the o...

On this episode of the What Makes You Wonderful podcast, we speak with West Virginia Office of Energy Director Nicholas Preservati about the 2024 Governor's Energy Summit. Preservati gives insight on how this event brings together leaders from the energy sector to discuss the state's energy future.   The summit is October 29-30 at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center and Preservati explai...

In this episode of the What Makes You Wonderful podcast, we get the inside scoop on one of West Virginia's newest festivals! The Mtn Craft Film Festival is now in its second year and Jeffrey Boggess explains the importance of promoting Appalachian films as well as everything you can get into at this year's event.  The festival runs from October 3-6 at the Robinson Grand in Clarksburg. You can find...

In this episode of What Makes You Wonderful, we talk with Hawley Carlson, Executive Director, and Dana Bryant, Outreach Officer, for Volunteer West Virginia. They share information about how their organization helps connect people with volunteer opportunities across the state.  Hawley and Dana also explain the different programs and resources available to volunteers and nonprofits. We also find ou...

In the newest episode of What Makes You Wonderful we get to talk to Mya Ross about the first-ever Risers Fest in Charleston October 10-13. This is not just one concert experience… Instead it is a city-wide venue of performances showcasing local talent along with bands that are already touring.  Find out what you can get into that weekend and why an event like this is so important, not just to the...

In this episode of What Makes You Wonderful, we chat with West Virginia State Parks Executive Chef Matthew Welsch about this year's Farm-to-Table dinners. These culinary masterpieces highlight the best local ingredients and expertise. The dinners are held at different parks and offer a variety of dinners, views, and experiences. Each dinner is created with fresh, locally sourced produce, meats, an...

On this episode of What Makes You Wonderful, we speak with Tim Naylor with the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce about BRIDGE DAY! This year's event, which is always free, is Saturday, October 19, starting at 9 a.m., and is the largest event held in the state.  Thousands of people from all over come together in Fayetteville to experience the excitement of watching brave folks leap off the New Riv...

In this week's episode of What Makes You Wonderful, we're talking to Chief Executive Officer Kelly Collins and shining a spotlight on the State Fair of West Virginia! Held every year in Lewisburg, this year's fair runs from August 8-17. Get ready for ten days packed with fun, excitement, and unforgettable experiences.  We talk about everything you need to know including the mouth-watering food you...

On this week's episode of What Makes You Wonderful, we talk to Michele Fabbro about the Upper Ohio Valley Italian Heritage Festival in Wheeling. The festival has grown to become the largest outdoor festival in the Upper Ohio Valley.  Get ready for a weekend of delicious Italian food, live music, and fun things to do for you and the whole family.  Originally held on Market Street, it was moved to t...

In this episode of What Makes You Wonderful, we talk to Aaron Coleman, the innovative owner of The Greenbrier Goat. He offers a unique and therapeutic outdoor experience for adventurers in the Mountain State. His service, the only one of its kind in the state, features a pack-goat-powered basecamp tailored for groups of cyclists and day hikers.  Coleman believes in the therapeutic benefits of natu...

In this episode of What Makes You Wonderful, we chat with the delightful Arietta DuPre. Executive Director of Operations for the Sweet Springs Turnpike, DuPre gives us all the details on the trails as well as the history behind them. There's a lot to learn in this episode!  The Fincastle-Sweet Springs Turnpike was designed and completed by the renowned French civil engineer Claudius Crozet in the...

In this episode of What Makes You Wonderful, we talk to Artistic Director Peggy McKowen. She tells us how we can discover the ultimate theater experience in Shepherdstown this July at the Contemporary American Theater Festival (CATF)! McKowen explains how this festival produces the newest plays in America. Since 1991, CATF has produced over 144 new plays, including many world premieres and commiss...

In this episode of What Makes You Wonderful , we are talking to Philip Bowen, a dynamic singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from West Virginia. You may have seen him on Mountain Stage, America's Got Talent, or TikTok and other social media platforms where he has garnered millions of likes and follows for the creative and exceptional ways he plays fiddle.  We talk to Phil about how his upco...

In this episode of What Makes You Wonderful , we're thrilled to have a conversation with event coordinator Matt Ditchen about his exciting upcoming event, Art House. Matt shares why he decided to get involved with a project to showcase a diverse range of artworks created by local artists. This event marks his first art show, and his primary objective is to provide a welcoming platform for artists...

In this episode of What Makes You Wonderful, we introduce the Tri-State Coal Cats, the newest Appalachian League baseball team in Huntington. We talk to General Manager Christian Palmer about the team and what you can expect to see this season.  Whether you're a die-hard baseball fan or just looking for a fun outing, the Tri-State Coal Cats promise excitement and community spirit. Tune in and lear...

On this episode of the What Makes You Wonderful podcast we talk with Adam Harris, Executive Producer at Mountain Stage about the release of Outlaws and Outliers, an album celebrating 40 years of music from Mountain Stage.  Released through  Oh Boy Records , the album features live performances from artists such as Margo Price, John Prine, Birds of Chicago featuring Allison Russell, Sierra Ferrell,...

In this episode of the What Makes You Wonderful podcast, we talk to film director Tijah Bumgarner about her documentary, picture proof, a story of intergenerational effects of addiction. Bumgarner talks about how she got started on the project and explains the account of one woman's struggle for sobriety while attempting to rebuild her life.  The documentary is airing Wednesday, May 22, and Monday...

In this week's episode of What Makes You Wonderful, we interview Chris Colin, special events coordinator at ACE Adventure Resort in Oak Hill, West Virginia, about the Fifth Annual Ramp It Up Festival on Saturday, May 4, from 12-8 p.m. The annual festival at the Lost Paddle at ACE Adventure Resort celebrates a regional culinary delicacy and the arrival of ramps in the Mountain State. We talk about...