Mountaineer Media Podcast

Kate Boytek is a singer, songwriter from Logan who's made a name for herself as one of the country's standout independent female country artists.

In the last year, she's headlined her first sold-out theater show, played numerous casino gigs, and performed on the main stage at several fairs and festivals, including appearances at the Down N' Dirty Fest, The Summer Shindig, Live On The Levee, River Road Music Festival, and the Sternwheel Regatta.

Besides her performances, Kate contributes to her community as an official ambassador for Charleston, partnering with the city's Convention and Visitors Bureau.

In our discussion, Kate shares the joys of experiencing her growing fame alongside her children and talks about her obstacles, including a decade-long break from music. We also discuss the importance of living in Nashville for country music artists, where she live part-time.

Kate Boytek's story is a testament to resilience and passion, taking her from local stages to the heart of the country music scene and beyond, all while staying true to her roots and community.

Olubunmi “Bunmi” Kusimo-Frazier is a distinguished trial lawyer and public speaker. In this episode, we discuss:

• How the art of storytelling is a necessity in the courtroom
• Advocating for underrepresented members of society
• Differences between what you see on TV versus real life
• How she found the spiritual practice of Hoodoo
• Black Empire Productions, which showcases diverse theatre and video experiences

This is a fantastic episode about resilience, justice, and the power of authentic representation. Bunmi masterfully blends legal expertise with creative storytelling to inspire change and empower underrepresented voices in West Virginia.

Tiffany Crum is a Supportive Counselor at WVU Medicine Thomas Hospital, where she aids patients battling substance use disorder.

She is an example of the power of recovery and is celebrating two years of sobriety—but the journey was far from easy.

In this episode, we discuss how she overcame the most difficult challenges, including beating addiction and regaining custody of her three kids.

Her past, marked by the trials of addiction and homelessness in Charleston, led her to the welcoming doors of the YWCA Sojourner’s Shelter in October 2019.

This pivotal encounter provided her with a sanctuary and the essential tools for rebuilding her life.

Through the support of Sojourner’s Shelter and a network of helping hands, Crum achieved remarkable milestones, securing stable housing, transportation, employment, and the custody of her three children, making her story as one of profound transformation and enduring strength.

Recently, she was recognized as a Woman of Achievement, earning the YWCA Empowerment Award.

Today, she navigates this journey with unwavering commitment and serves as a beacon of resilience and hope.

Beverly White is the Mayor of Lewisburg and a lifelong resident of Greenbrier County. 

Her election as mayor in 2019 marked a historic moment, as she was the first Black Mayor in the City of Lewisburg. This underlined the city's progress towards inclusivity, which, along with many other initiatives, was highlighted by its recognition as West Virginia's most inclusive city by WV Living in 2021. 

Before taking over as Mayor, she served on the city council for 16 years, becoming the first black woman to do so. 

Mayor White's journey from council member to mayor showcases her belief in collective action. It also highlights the importance of leadership and the power of dreaming big to create an inclusive, vibrant community.

James Carnes is the co-founder of Iconic Air, a software company using artificial intelligence to monitor oil and gas companies' emissions reporting, cutting down on redundant operations and helping meet emissions targets.

Carnes and his partner, Kyle Gillis, have since drawn accolades for their groundbreaking work, having been named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list as energy innovators for 2021, and the duo continues to grow Iconic Air today.

In our conversation, we discuss the successes of Iconic Air, how they serve as a model for West Virginia startups, and why the Mountain State is ripe for building innovative tech companies moving forward.

Andrew Caridi is the Director of Broadcasting for West Virginia University Athletics. In this role, he hosts pre- and postgame shows for Mountaineer football and serves as the lead play-by-play personality for baseball and women's basketball.

In this episode, we discuss the current state of WVU athletics, the recent turmoil surrounding a few of the program's coaches, and the largest differences between calling a game on television vs. radio.

We also explore his very unique broadcasting relationship with his father, Tony Caridi, and how they work together to deliver top-notch coverage of Mountaineer athletics.

Andy is a good friend of the podcast, and this relaxed discussion is a great one for both diehards and casual fans of WVU athletics.

Kevin Sizemore is a well-known actor who has appeared in numerous popular TV shows and Hollywood movies.

The Princeton, West Virginia native's impressive resume includes appearances in several hit shows, such as Fear the Walking Dead, Resurrection, Under the Dome, and NCIS: Los Angeles. He has also starred in movies like Woodlawn, Miracle at Gate 213, and A Christmas Tree Miracle, filmed in West Virginia.

In this episode, we discuss the changing landscape of TV and film as streaming services take over as the primary source of entertainment conumption. Additionally, we explore how Sizemore's upbringing in West Virginia has contributed to his success in the industry.

Speaking of West Virginia, Sizemore is currently collaborating with Homer Hickam to produce the next installment of the October Sky series, titled December Sky. They aim to begin production soon and intend to shoot the entire movie in West Virginia. We get an update on where the project stands.

Peyton Ballard is the founder of Ballard Consulting Group and the Chief Executive Officer for Bluebirding, an innovative mobile application designed to empower private landowners to monetize their

properties for outdoor recreation. The app, when in the entire operation, will be similar to Airbnb but for outdoor recreation.

In 2020, Peyton was brought on by the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (NRGRDA) to help establish an angel capital network known as Country Roads Angel Network.

For the next three years, Peyton worked as the Director of Entrepreneurship Initiatives and Managing Director of CRAN.

In January 2023, Peyton officially launched Ballard Consulting Group to pursue his vision of advancing businesses and organizations through management consulting.

Jason Tartt is the founder of Appalachian Gold Foods, a name that nods to the region's agricultural potential because of its fertile soil and loving people.

Dedicated to boosting the economy, Tartt sees McDowell County as a potential economic powerhouse for food, agriculture, clean energy, tourism, and community health.

As an entrepreneur and farmer, Tartt creates training programs for those aspiring to enter the food industry or start their own businesses.

He's passionate about unlocking Appalachia's potential, aiming to empower communities and foster sustainable businesses primarily centered around agribusiness.

Learn more at www.appalachiangold.com

Hola everybody! C.J. and Cooper here—Just wanted to let you know we're taking a small break from the podcast as Cooper prepares to get married in Mexico!

If you see our socials using #MountaineersInMexico, at least you'll understand the joke. However, there's still plenty of bubbling nonsense and housekeeping items to discuss, so strap in for another fun episode.

We'll have a few more guests and our recap episode before the year is done; there's much to look forward to!!

Idea: Use this small break as a reason to go back and listen to some of the episodes you may have missed!

Nos vemos pronto!

Bugs Stover is a celebrated paranormal storyteller in Southern West Virginia, which is exactly what we dive into during this episode of the podcast.

Buggs shares several of his favorite ghost stories, mostly related to Twin Falls Resort State Park in Wyoming County.

He also shares his thoughts on the power of traditional storytelling, sitting around a campfire and telling stories—somewhat of a lost art in today's world.

If you're looking for a spooky and entertaining episode ahead of Halloween, this is the one for you.

David Sibray is the publisher and editor-in-chief of West Virginia Explorer Magazine and has dedicated his life to promoting the great things happening around West Virginia.

He first developed the magazine in the late 90s and has since built it into one of the top digital publications in the state, sharing stories and news headlines, while also guiding people to many of the unique locations hidden throughout West Virginia.

In this episode, we discuss his unique perspective on West Virginia's recent growth, what makes a story impactful and meaningful, and the challenges and rewards of running a successful digital company in today's media landscape.

Music Courtesy: Family Ties by Charles Wesley Godwin / Produced by Al Torrence / Big Loud Records

Ginny Thrasher is an Olympic Gold Medalist sport shooter and two-time NCAA national champion for West Virginia University.

At the young age of 19, she clinched her place in history, winning the first gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics in the women's 10-meter air rifle.

The feat catapulted her into the spotlight, instantly making her a household name across the Mountain State.

However, she has experienced numerous setbacks since winning gold, such as missing the 2021 Tokyo Games and recovering from a career-threatening injury — a bulging disk.

Nevertheless, she remains determined to make a comeback with her sights set on qualifying for the Paris Games, hopefully returning to the top of the podium.

Thrasher's story is a testament to her perseverance, dedication, and unwavering confidence. Her journey to overcome challenges and return to the international stage is a shining example of hope and encouragement.

Hollis Lewis is the Director of Membership Development for the Charleston Area Alliance and boasts a rich history in the legal profession, having served in various esteemed roles over the years.

Notably, Hollis has lent his expertise as a magistrate judge in Kanawha County, a legal professional for Bailey and Glasser, and even a former paralegal and law clerk for a U.S. District Court judge.

In this episode, we dive into the captivating Southern University and Grambling State rivalry, famously known as the Bayou Classic, and explore the resurgence of the HBCU experience.

We also discuss the significance of 'soft skills,' such as verbal and empirical communication, and their pivotal role in personal and professional growth.

Furthermore, we shed light on the commendable efforts of organizations like the Charleston Area Alliance in fostering connections within the community and drawing new individuals to the vibrant state.

Frank Vitale is the President and CEO of Forge Business Solutions, a veteran-owned company based in Morgantown. The firm specializes in strategic planning, human capital development, veteran programs, professional development and commercialization.

With a wealth of experience in senior leadership roles spanning finance, healthcare, and education, Frank brings a diverse skill set to his current position, and we discuss how he's leading West Virginia forward.

In this episode, we dive into West Virginia's ongoing efforts to diversify its economy, drawing closer to attracting significant companies like Google and Yahoo. However, a crucial element in achieving this goal lies in building a strong knowledge-based workforce within the state.

Additionally, we explore the reasons why veterans often exhibit a propensity for entrepreneurial success.

Charles Wesley Godwin, an award-winning singer-songwriter from Morgantown, captures the essence of Appalachia in his soulful tunes.

A fusion of country and folk, his music and heartfelt performances have earned him significant acclaim, allowing him to headline shows worldwide, tour with Zach Bryan, and collab with West Virginia native Philip Bowen.

You can see Godwin live when he takes the stage at Healing Appalachia in September in Lewisburg. Healing Appalachia brings people and musicians together to raise money for Appalachian recovery centers, ground zero for the opioid epidemic.

The guys 'Tee Up' what to expect at the Almost Heaven Classic on June 9th and 10th at Canaan Valley Resort, and C.J. visits the Palace of Gold in Moundsville for the first time.

Lauren Hunt is the Director of Marketing and Government Relations for the Charleston Convention & Visitors Bureau. In this episode, we dive into the CVB's influence in Charleston, explore the burgeoning tourism industry in West Virginia, and discuss how people's perception of the state improves when they visit Almost Heaven.

The Mountaineer Media Podcast is C.J. Harvey and Cooper Simmerman Special thanks to our bloggers and live events members: Andrew Montes, Joslyn Barnhart, Logan Garrison, Joe Justice, Jessica Riggins, and Amanda Larch. Know someone we should have on the podcast? Send a note!

Rusty Hutson is a Lumberport native and Co-Founder of Diversified Energy, a natural gas production company headquartered in Birmingham with operations in the Appalachian region, including offices in Charleston and Bridgeport. Rusty is committed to keeping West Virginia an energy-producing state, growing the company by acquiring wells and generating employment opportunities in Appalachia.

The Mountaineer Media Podcast is C.J. Harvey and Cooper Simmerman Special thanks to our bloggers and live events members: Andrew Montes, Joslyn Barnhart, Logan Garrison, Joe Justice, Jessica Riggins, and Amanda Larch. Know someone we should have on the podcast? Send us a note!

George Patterson is the Founder of Hernshaw Farms, which grows exotic mushrooms and transforms abandoned mine land into farmland using waste from fungi production. Hernshaw Farm grows its product inside Memorial Tunnel off the West Virginia Turnpike. You can find his mushrooms in many local restaurants across the state and nationwide.

The Mountaineer Media Podcast is C.J. Harvey and Cooper Simmerman Special thanks to our bloggers and live events members: Andrew Montes, Joslyn Barnhart, Logan Garrison, Joe Justice, Jessica Riggins, and Amanda Larch. Know someone we should have on the podcast? Send us a note!