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.

Cheryl Laws is the Founder and CEO of Pollen8, a nonprofit dedicated to assisting women on their journey to recovery from substance use disorder. Her unwavering commitment to empowering women in West Virginia is exemplified through various initiatives, such as the Appalachian Behavioral Healthcare Center and innovative social enterprises like Cafe Appalachia. Pollen8 programs and social enterprises all work towards one goal - to help families, and especially those with children, to overcome the cycle of addiction and become healthy members of our community. Under Cheryl's leadership, Pollen8 has emerged as a pioneering force in the battle against the substance abuse epidemic. Her vision and determination have transformed Pollen8 into a beacon of hope and support for those seeking to overcome addiction. As she continues to make a profound impact in the state, Cheryl aspires to spread the message of positivity, healing, and transformation, inspiring others to join the cause and create a brighter future for the people of West Virginia.

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

Darrell Utt is the Chief of Operations for the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation and a distinguished Special Forces and Green Berets veteran. Check it out here: https://mohmuseum.org/ He retired from the Army with 26 years of service and now dedicates his days to promoting the legacy of Medal of Honor recipients—a distinction earned by less than 0.01% of service members. Since leaving the service, Darrell has assumed an important role in shaping the future of the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation, which is dedicated to delivering education, leadership, and inspiring spaces for learning and reflection. Their mission is to preserve, share, and harness the stories, lives, and impact of Medal of Honor recipients. In this episode, we delve into Special Forces, the Medal of Honor, West Virginia legend Woody Williams, and how the core values of West Virginia have profoundly influenced Darrell's military career.

Kelsey Riggi is the Director of Special Projects and Strategic Growth at Libera, a nonprofit addressing the societal pressures that prevent women and teens from reaching their full potential, specifically in West Virginia. Libera's programs promote connection, provide resources, and change lives through listening groups, care packs for kids, and visitations to schools, foster homes, detention centers, and retirement homes. Their goal is to help women and teens in West Virginia feel seen, love themselves, and flourish. Furthermore, Liberia started a popular social enterprise, The Lila Bear Explor(her) Club, a subscription box designed to tell the stories of Appalachian women & places, introducing STEAM education, encouraging outdoor exploration, boosting confidence and individual well-being. The boxes also give back to the Appalachian community by educating, employing, and empowering at-risk youth in West Virginia. Libera hopes to change the narrative for at-risk youth and help them find freedom in the Mountain State.

Justin Williams and Ashley Stinnett are the founders of the Film Futures Foundation, a nonprofit connecting the movie industry to Appalachia. Their work provides access to filmmaking resources, education, and opportunities, fostering a vibrant and inclusive film community in an underserved region. With the reestablishment of the West Virginia Film Tax Credit in 2022, the Mountain State is one of the most competitive states in the country for funding jobs. The state has already seen over 80 inquiries and has several projects being filmed. Currently, FFF's priorities are obtaining funding to put more gear into people's hands and fund their training programs, establishing a knowledge-based workforce ready for the film industry coming here. Their mission is to unlock the huge economic and storytelling potential of film in the region, shaping a brighter future for West Virginia and the Appalachian region. Learn more about the Film Futures Foundation.

Matt Ballard is the Executive Director and CEO of the West Virginia Regional Technology Park in South Charleston. Today, the Tech Park has blossomed into a beating heart of research and development in the Kanawha Valley, supporting a dynamic workforce of about 900 people. Before this current position, Ballard served as the President and CEO of the Charleston Area Alliance and was the Executive Director at the Hatfield-McCoy Regional Recreation Authority. An ideal place to turn an abstract idea into a market-ready product, the Tech Park's main goal is to develop new technologies and diversify the economy of West Virginia. With a strong focus on energy, chemicals, materials, and biotechnology, this place is a hotbed for turning dreams into reality.

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.