The Positively West Virginia Podcast

Hosted by Positively West Virginia

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Episodes

491

Latest episode

Oct 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Can anything good come out of West Virginia? Tune in weekly to the Positively West Virginia Podcast, where we feature in-depth interviews with the business leaders and entrepreneurs making a positive impact on our state.

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60 recent

October 22, 2026Episode 4137 min

Corinne Traub: Appalachian Heritage Group

Today on Positively West Virginia, we sit down with Corinne Traub, co-founder and managing partner of Appalachian Heritage Group, a Lewisburg-based hospitality company creating experiential lodging that showcases the culture and beauty of the Mountain State. After the success of Firefly Ridge, their glamping resort near Berkeley Springs featured in the 2026 West Virginia Department of Tourism commercial, the company is launching Out in West. Through a public-private partnership with the WV DNR, it brings upscale glamping to Blackwater Falls, Summersville Lake, Lost River and Pipestem state parks. They're also providing much-needed workforce housing in Western Greenbrier County. In this conversation, Corinne shares how these projects came together and her vision for growing tourism and hospitality across West Virginia. Website: https://ahgwv.com/ Studio Powered by: Breezeline Sponsored by: Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of West Virginia | Freedom Kia of Morgantown | Inner Action Media | Humble Influence: The strength of true followership - by Jim Matuga | Portland Coffee WV | West Virginia Lottery Produced by: Inner Action Media | Jim Matuga

October 15, 2026Episode 4036 min

Michael Ruffing: Problem Solvers Consultants

Today on Positively West Virginia, we sit down with Michael "Mike" Ruffing, founder and President & CEO of Problem Solver's Consultants, a West Virginia-based digital marketing agency helping small businesses build their brands and grow their businesses. Founded in 2013 in Buckhannon, the company was built on the idea that local businesses deserve access to effective, data-driven marketing strategies without the high costs and complexity often associated with larger marketing campaigns. With a background in corporate marketing and experience working with Fortune 500 companies, Mike has dedicated his work to helping small businesses throughout West Virginia and beyond compete in an increasingly digital world. In 2026, Problem Solver's Consultants was recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration as West Virginia's Rural Small Business of the Year. In this conversation, we explore entrepreneurship, digital marketing and the challenges facing small businesses across the Mountain State. Mike shares his perspective on building a successful business, adapting to an ever-changing digital landscape, and helping West Virginia businesses find new opportunities to grow and succeed. Website: https://problemsolversconsultants.com/ Studio Powered by: Breezeline Sponsored by: Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of West Virginia | Freedom Kia of Morgantown | Inner Action Media | Humble Influence: The Strength of True Followership by Jim Matuga | Portland Coffee WV | West Virginia Lottery Produced by: Inner Action Media | Jim Matuga

October 8, 2026Episode 3953 min

Grant Stewart: Performance Matrix

Today on Positively West Virginia, we sit down with Grant Stewart, Founder of Performance Matrix and co-author with Ray Overdorf of the new book Transformational Leadership: False Assumptions and Missing Pieces . Grant shares how 15 years as an actor and director in New York City prepared him to lead organizations. He also explains the "upside-down pyramid," where the CEO sits at the bottom and makes sure everyone has what they need. Grant tells stories from his work with a Comcast call center and a NASA team. He explains why leadership of others begins with leadership of self, and his advice for West Virginia business leaders: be clear on your purpose, and find out what you don't know. Get the book: Transformational Leadership: False Assumptions and Missing Pieces Website: https://www.performancematrixllc.com/

October 1, 2026Episode 3942 min

Matthew Perry: SecureWV

Today on Positively West Virginia, we sit down with Matthew Perry, founder and board president of SecureWV, to talk about cybersecurity, education and the growing importance of protecting West Virginia's businesses, organizations and communities in an increasingly connected world. SecureWV is an annual information security conference designed to promote cybersecurity awareness and education, bringing together industry professionals, educators and security leaders from across the region. SecureWV 2026 is set for October 22–23 at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center, featuring practical cybersecurity sessions, nationally recognized speakers and hands-on learning opportunities for attendees at all levels. Website: https://www.securewv.org/ Studio Powered by: Breezeline Sponsored by: Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of West Virginia | Freedom Kia of Morgantown | Inner Action Media | Humble Influence: The Strength of True Followership by Jim Matuga | Portland Coffee WV | West Virginia Lottery Produced by: Inner Action Media | Jim Matuga

September 24, 2026Episode 3845 min

Sarah Robinson: CanaryCare

Today on Positively West Virginia, we sit down with Sarah Robinson, Founder and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at CanaryCare in Harrisville, West Virginia. Sarah shares how her own experience with postpartum OCD led her back to school and, eventually, to opening an outpatient mental health practice that started with a single patient and is now celebrating its two-year anniversary. The conversation explores the realities of rural mental health care — transportation barriers, food deserts, lingering isolation from the pandemic, and the stigma that still keeps people from asking for help. Canary Care serves patients ages six through adulthood with a mission to remove barriers to exceptional, evidence-based care and make sure no one leaves the office feeling alone. Sarah also shares the story behind the Canary Care name, why she believes leaders come last, and her advice for anyone sitting on a business idea: go for it. Website: https://canarycarehealth.com Studio Powered by: Breezeline Sponsored by: Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of West Virginia | Freedom Kia of Morgantown | Inner Action Media | Humble Influence: The Strength of True Followership by Jim Matuga | Portland Coffee WV | West Virginia Lottery Produced by: Inner Action Media | Jim Matuga

September 17, 2026Episode 3746 min

Dr. David Hess and Scott Griffiths: UHC Pro-Am Golf Tournament

Today on Positively West Virginia, we sit down with Dr. David Hess, President and CEO of WVU Medicine United Hospital Center, and Scott Griffiths, Co-Chairman of the UHC Pro-Am Golf Tournament. Together, they discuss the upcoming UHC Pro-Am and the impact the tournament has made in supporting United Hospital Center and the communities it serves. The 2026 tournament is set for September 28 at Bridgeport Country Club. The conversation also explores UHC's role in providing quality healthcare across North Central West Virginia and the importance of building a healthier future for communities throughout the state. UHC is a regional community hospital offering more than 40 specialties and is committed to expanding access to advanced care and medical innovation. In this episode, Dr. Hess and Scott share what makes the UHC Pro-Am special, how the event supports UHC, and why community involvement plays such an important role in improving health and quality of life across West Virginia. Website: https://uhcproam.com/ Studio Powered by: Breezeline Sponsored by: Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of West Virginia | Freedom Kia of Morgantown | Inner Action Media | Humble Influence: The Strength of True Followership by Jim Matuga | Portland Coffee WV | West Virginia Lottery Produced by: Inner Action Media | Jim Matuga

September 10, 2026Episode 3649 min

Thomas Minney: The Nature Conservancy

Today on Positively West Virginia, we sit down with Thomas Minney, Executive Director of The Nature Conservancy in West Virginia. A native of Gilmer County, Thomas has spent his career working to protect West Virginia's natural resources while building partnerships across conservation, economic development, energy and industry. In this conversation, we explore conservation, economic development, renewable energy and the importance of finding innovative ways to create a stronger future for West Virginia. Thomas shares how collaboration and new ideas can help protect the state's natural assets while creating opportunities for communities across the Mountain State. Website: https://www.nature.org/ Studio Powered by: Breezeline Sponsored by: Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of West Virginia | Freedom Kia of Morgantown | Inner Action Media | Humble Influence: The Strength of True Followership by Jim Matuga | Portland Coffee WV | West Virginia Lottery Produced by: Inner Action Media | Jim Matuga

September 4, 2026Episode 3515 min

Bridging Innovation Week: Jim Spencer

Today on Positively West Virginia, guest host Nicklaus Hart sits down with James "Jim" Spencer, Regional Administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration's Mid-Atlantic Region, during Bridging Innovation Week in Morgantown, West Virginia. Hosted by the West Virginia Entrepreneurship Ecosystem, Bridging Innovation Week brings together entrepreneurs, investors, students, educators and leaders to collaborate, strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem and advance economic development across the state. With more than 35 years of experience in economic development and local government, Jim Spencer brings a wealth of knowledge to his role with the SBA, helping support small businesses and entrepreneurs throughout West Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic region. In this conversation, Nick and Jim discuss entrepreneurship in West Virginia, the resources available to small businesses, and the importance of creating opportunities for entrepreneurs to grow and succeed in the Mountain State. Studio Powered by: Breezeline Sponsored by: Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of West Virginia | Freedom Kia of Morgantown | Inner Action Media | Humble Influence: The Strength of True Followership by Jim Matuga | Portland Coffee WV | West Virginia Lottery Produced by: Inner Action Media | Jim Matuga

August 27, 2026Episode 3414 min

Bridging Innovation Week: Terran Quinlan

Today on Positively West Virginia, guest host Nicklaus Hart sits down with Terran Quinlan, founder and Chief Experience Curator of Curated Wonder, during Bridging Innovation Week in Morgantown, West Virginia. The event brings together entrepreneurs, investors, students, educators and leaders from across the state to connect, collaborate and strengthen West Virginia's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem. Terran's journey to entrepreneurship began after 18 years as a corporate executive, when she decided to turn her long-standing passion for travel, event planning, thoughtful details and creating memorable experiences into a business of her own. Through Curated Wonder, she brings those passions together by creating unique experiences, gifts and activities designed to help people choose "experiences over things." In this conversation, Nick and Terran talk about fostering entrepreneurship in West Virginia, what it takes to turn an idea into a business, and the importance of creating an environment where entrepreneurs feel encouraged to take that first step. Recorded during one of West Virginia's premier entrepreneurship events, this conversation highlights the creativity, curiosity and entrepreneurial spirit helping shape the state's future. Website: https://www.curatedwonder.com/ Studio Powered by: Breezeline Sponsored by: Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of West Virginia | Freedom Kia of Morgantown | Inner Action Media | Humble Influence: The Strength of True Followership by Jim Matuga | Portland Coffee WV | West Virginia Lottery Produced by: Inner Action Media | Jim Matuga

August 20, 2026Episode 3312 min

Bridging Innovation Week: Kris Warner

Today on Positively West Virginia, guest host Nick Hart sits down with West Virginia Secretary of State Kris Warner during Bridging Innovation Week in Morgantown, West Virginia. Hosted by the West Virginia Entrepreneurship Ecosystem, Bridging Innovation Week brings together entrepreneurs, investors, students, educators and leaders from across the state to collaborate, elevate emerging ventures and advance economic development. The 2026 event also highlights WVU's role in connecting higher education, industry, government and community partners to strengthen West Virginia's entrepreneurial ecosystem. Kris Warner, West Virginia's 31st Secretary of State, brings a background in entrepreneurship, economic development and public service to the conversation. Before becoming Secretary of State, Warner served as West Virginia State Director for USDA Rural Development and as Executive Director of the West Virginia Economic Development Authority. In his current role, he serves as the state's Chief Elections Official and Chief Business Registration Officer, while also helping lead efforts to make it easier for entrepreneurs to start and grow businesses in West Virginia. In this conversation, Nick and Secretary Warner explore entrepreneurship, economic development, business creation and the opportunities ahead for West Virginia. They discuss the importance of building an environment where entrepreneurs can start, scale and stay in the Mountain State and how collaboration between government, education, industry and communities can help create a stronger economic future for West Virginia. Website: https://sos.wv.gov/about-secretary Studio Powered by: Breezeline Sponsored by: Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of West Virginia | Freedom Kia of Morgantown | Inner Action Media | Humble Influence: The Strength of True Followership by Jim Matuga | Portland Coffee WV | West Virginia Lottery Produced by: Inner Action Media | Jim Matuga