Episodios

  • Mayor Kay Summers Talks Recovery, Growth, and the Future of Clendenin

    Mayor Kay Summers Talks Recovery, Growth, and the Future of Clendenin
    Nov 20 2025
    I talk with Mayor Kay Summers at the ribbon cutting for the Riverview Complex and hear her talk about how important this moment is for Clendenin. She tells me about the long recovery since the 2016 flood and how it took years to bring back schools, a grocery store, and basic services. I listen as she explains how the old school building became apartments, a clinic, a business incubator, and space for the library. She describes the work of 25045 and the broader effort to support economic development. I ask what visitors can do in town and she walks me through Main Street, the stage, the trails, the river, and the local shops. She tells me a new restaurant is coming and explains how easy it is to reach Clendenin from the interstate. She shares where people can find updates through the website, Facebook page, and town hall. I close the conversation by thanking her and inviting listeners to explore what Clendenin offers.
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    4 m
  • Lance Wheeler Talks Community Growth

    Lance Wheeler Talks Community Growth
    Nov 18 2025
    In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Lance Wheeler about his hustle, and he talks about the progress in Clendenin with new housing, business incubators and library opening after the flood. He says the County Commission supports the town and that cooperation among local, county, state and federal leaders is pushing growth across Kanawha County. He tells me people now see new opportunities in outdoor recreation, tourism and small business, from the outlaw trails to the dirt bike system in Tornado that draws riders from around the world. He explains that the county commission focuses on public safety, the courts, 911 services and economic development, and that the results are showing in places like Clendenin. He says people can attend public meetings or follow the commission online to stay informed, and he repeats that the county is moving forward because people are starting to believe in the momentum.
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    4 m
  • Evan and Rebekah Harding on Building Community Through Clendenin Brewing Company

    Evan and Rebekah Harding on Building Community Through Clendenin Brewing Company
    Nov 13 2025
    I talk with Evan and Rebekah Harding and hear how they left Cincinnati, returned to West Virginia, and build a new life in Clendenin after stumbling onto the town during a fall festival. They tell me how they took over Clendenin Brewing Company, work almost every hour themselves, and build real relationships with the people who walk through the door. They talk about supporting the ribbon cutting at the new Riverview project and how the momentum in the community lifts every business. They explain how the brewery sits in a restored bank building once damaged by the flood and now filled with craft beer, wine, food, live music, trivia, knitting club, book club, and a steady flow of regulars they know by name. They say their goal is to create a true third place where people gather, connect, and feel at home whether they want a drink or just a space to sit and talk. I wrap up by sharing how to find them online and inviting listeners to stop in on Main Street to meet them.
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  • Rebuilding a Town’s Future with Dave Knight

    Rebuilding a Town’s Future with Dave Knight
    Nov 11 2025
    In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Dave Knight about how he and a small group of residents in Clendenin saved their old 1912 school building from being lost. They partnered with several organizations to transform it into apartments, offices, and a clinic. The first renovation in 2011 cost $5 million, and the latest one totaled $7.5 million. Now the building has ten apartments, eight business suites, and medical offices, all within walking distance of downtown. Dave explains that most apartments are already rented, with a mix of income-restricted and open units. He says it’s emotional to see the project completed after years of work and cooperation with local leaders like Mayor Kay Summers. Since the 2016 flood, the town has brought in more than $30 million in economic development, and Dave says it shows what can happen when a small community comes together to rebuild and take pride in its future.
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  • Discipline Over Excuses Is What It Takes to Build a Business

    Discipline Over Excuses Is What It Takes to Build a Business
    Nov 6 2025
    In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk directly to entrepreneurs who say they want to grow but still think like employees. I remind them that success doesn’t come from a 9-to-5 mindset — it takes nights, weekends, and sacrifice. Building a business is hard work, not balance, and if they want stability, they should get a job. I tell them to get their finances straight, stop wasting money on convenience, and invest in tools and marketing that move their business forward. Flashy spending won’t impress the right people — results will. I also call out habits that hold people back, like drinking and hanging with the wrong crowd. If your friends aren’t pushing you forward, it’s time to find new ones. Growth means discomfort, new habits, and staying focused. You don’t need more excuses — you need discipline and consistency. I believe anyone can build something great if they’re willing to work for it.
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    6 m
  • Inside West Virginia’s 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

    Inside West Virginia’s 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
    Nov 4 2025
    In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Rozanna Bracken, director of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for West Virginia. She explains that 988 replaced the old 1-800-273-TALK number to make it easier for people to remember and now allows calling, texting, or chatting for help. Anyone can reach out — whether they’re struggling themselves or worried about someone else — and trained counselors will listen and guide them to resources. Rozanna says crisis is defined by the person in it, not by anyone else, and emphasizes that listening without judgment can save lives. We discuss how family and friends often try to fix problems instead of simply hearing what someone is going through, and that’s where 988 provides real support. Rozanna also serves on the board for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and talks about the Out of the Darkness Walk, an event that helps break stigma and brings people together. She ends with a message of hope: everyone matters, and if you’re struggling or know someone who is, call, text, or chat 988.
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    6 m
  • Reed Byers on how a single hug can make a difference

    Reed Byers on how a single hug can make a difference
    Oct 30 2025
    In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Reed Byers, founder of the One Billion Hugs movement. Reed shares how his mission to connect a billion people through hugs came from his own battles with mental health and loss. He tells me about a day when wearing a free hugs shirt at Tudor’s Biscuit World turned a bad moment into one of hope and connection, inspiring him to turn that feeling into a movement. He says that even in a world where we’re constantly online, people are more disconnected than ever, and physical touch can make a real difference. At the Out of the Darkness Walk for Suicide Prevention, Reed explains that events like this help start life-saving conversations and show people how to get involved. He’s already sold over 100 shirts, given hundreds of hugs, and recruited ambassadors to help spread the message. As we wrap up, Reed reminds me that one small gesture—a hug—can be enough to change a life.
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    4 m
  • Stepping Forward for Suicide Prevention in West Virginia

    Stepping Forward for Suicide Prevention in West Virginia
    Oct 29 2025
    In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Tara Miller at the 10th annual Out of the Darkness Walk in Charleston, hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. She explains that the walk raises awareness about mental health and suicide prevention while honoring those lost, with funds staying in West Virginia to support free education and advocacy programs. Tara shares that she became involved after losing her brother, Todd, to suicide in 2023, and that walking and volunteering have been part of her healing. She tells me there are walks across the state in places like Huntington, Beckley, and Parkersburg, and that all are run by volunteers who want to make a difference. Tara says anyone can learn more or get involved by visiting afsp.org. As we wrap up, she reflects on how this work creates a sense of family among those affected by suicide.
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    5 m