The Positively West Virginia Podcast

Hosted by Positively West Virginia

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Episodes

483

Latest episode

Aug 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

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

August 13, 2026Episode 3210 min

Bridging Innovation Week: Frank Ford

Today on Positively West Virginia, guest host Nick Hart sits down with Frank Ford, owner of Mountain Steer Meat Company, during the Bridging Innovation Conference at West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia. Hosted by the West Virginia Entrepreneurship Ecosystem, Bridging Innovation brings together entrepreneurs, investors, students, educators, and leaders from across the state to collaborate, elevate emerging ventures, and advance economic development. With Morgantown serving as this year's host site, WVU colleges and units play an integral role in bringing together innovators from higher education, industry, government, and communities across West Virginia. A multigenerational West Virginia cattleman, Frank Ford is helping redefine what local food production can look like by connecting family farms, local processing, grocers, restaurants, and consumers. Mountain Steer was founded in 2020 to provide fresh, premium-quality, locally sourced beef to West Virginia communities, with a focus on keeping the process local from start to finish. In this conversation, Nick and Frank explore the challenges and opportunities of building a stronger local food system, the importance of supporting West Virginia farmers, and how Mountain Steer is creating a more direct connection between the people who raise the food and the people who enjoy it. From the farm to the table, Frank's story is one of entrepreneurship, tradition, and a belief that local businesses can create lasting impact in their communities. Website: https://mountainsteer.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 6, 2026Episode 3114 min

Bridging Innovation Week: Cortina Caldwell

div]:bg-bg-000/50 [&_pre>div]:border-0.5 [&_pre>div]:border-border-400 [&_.ignore-pre-bg>div]:bg-transparent [&_.standard-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pl-2 [&_.standard-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,ul,ol,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pr-8 [&_.progressive-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pl-2 [&_.progressive-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,ul,ol,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pr-8"> _*]:min-w-0 gap-3 [&_>_*:last-child]:mb-0 print:block print:[&_>_*_+_*]:mt-3 standard-markdown"> Today on Positively West Virginia, host Nick Hart sits down with Cortina Jenelle Caldwell, Brand Evangelist, during Bridging Innovation Week at West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia. For over two decades, Cortina has worked at the intersection of purpose, strategy, and technology — helping leaders transform vision into scalable systems that create measurable impact. Recorded at one of the state's premier entrepreneurship events, this conversation dives into brand architecture, community economics, and innovation — and how organizations can build structures that don't just grow, but sustain meaningful change. Cortina's message is clear: impact isn't accidental. It's designed, engineered, and built to scale. Website: https://cortinajenelle.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

July 30, 2026Episode 3012 min

Bridging Innovation: Catherine Read

Today on Positively West Virginia, host Nick Hart sits down with Catherine Read of Right to Start during Bridging Innovation Week at West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia. As a leader dedicated to expanding opportunities for entrepreneurs, Catherine shares how empowering founders and strengthening local startup ecosystems can help communities across the country and right here in West Virginia thrive. Recorded at one of the state's premier entrepreneurship events, this conversation explores the importance of removing barriers to business creation, fostering innovation, and ensuring every aspiring entrepreneur has the opportunity to succeed. Catherine also discusses Right to Start's mission to make entrepreneurship more accessible and why supporting small businesses is essential to building stronger local economies. Website: https://www.righttostart.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

July 23, 2026Episode 2912 min

Bridging Innovation Week: Ariana Shives

Today on Positively West Virginia , host Nicklaus Hart sits down with Ariana Shives during Bridging Innovation Week in Morgantown, West Virginia. As a creator, product designer, and innovation leader dedicated to advancing entrepreneurship across the Mountain State, Ariana shares how collaboration, technology, and bold ideas are helping shape West Virginia's future. Recorded at one of the state's premier entrepreneurship events, this conversation explores the importance of building strong innovation ecosystems, supporting startups, and creating opportunities for the next generation of entrepreneurs. Ariana also discusses her journey through neuroscience, social entrepreneurship, and product design, and why she believes West Virginia is the perfect place to build meaningful change. Website: https://www.arianashives.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

July 16, 2026Episode 2844 min

John Reisenweber: USDA Rural Development

Today on Positively West Virginia, we're joined by John Reisenweber, State Director for USDA Rural Development in West Virginia, where he works to strengthen rural communities through investments in housing, infrastructure, business development, and essential community services. With a passion for helping West Virginia communities grow and thrive, John discusses how USDA Rural Development partners with local leaders, businesses, and organizations to expand opportunities, improve quality of life, and support long-term economic development across the Mountain State. John shares his journey to public service, the mission of USDA Rural Development, and how the agency is making a meaningful impact in rural West Virginia by investing in the people and places that make our state unique. Website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/about-rd/leadership/state-directors/john-reisenweber 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

July 9, 2026Episode 2640 min

Whitney Price: Unpuzzled Parents Connect

Today on Positively West Virginia, we're joined by Whitney Price, founder of UnPuzzled Parents Connect, a West Virginia nonprofit dedicated to supporting families raising children with special needs through education, advocacy, and meaningful community connections. Inspired by her own family's journey, Whitney created UnPuzzled Parents Connect to ensure that no parent has to navigate the challenges of a diagnosis alone. Through support groups, educational workshops, family events, and advocacy efforts, the organization empowers caregivers with the resources, encouragement, and connections they need to thrive. Whitney shares the inspiring story behind UnPuzzled Parents Connect, the importance of building a supportive community for families, and how the organization is making a lasting impact for parents and caregivers across West Virginia and beyond. Website: https://www.unpuzzledparentsconnect.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