Jessica Martin is a radio personality, content creator, and community connector based in Charleston, West Virginia but at her core she's just a girl from Rand with big dreams and an even bigger heart for the people around her.

In this episode of Kinfolk: Stories of Community and Connection, Jessica and I talk about how one simple restaurant video sparked a mission to uplift local businesses, why she chooses to shine a light on the good in Charleston when it would be easy to focus on the bad, and what it really means to use your platform no matter how big or small it is.

This one hit close to home for me personally. Jessica reminded me why I started this podcast in the first place, and I think she'll do the same for you.

Find Her Here!

https://linktr.ee/fancyfivebuckfashion

In this episode of Kinfolk: Stories of Community and Connection, host Daniel Means chats with Sierra Marling, Sponsorship & Fundraising Events Manager at the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences of West Virginia. They explore the Clay Center's inspiring mission: to spark creativity, learning, and wonder through arts and sciences experiences for all West Virginians and beyond.

Sierra, drawing from her Clay County roots, shares what makes the Clay Center one-of-a-kind, a single destination for Broadway-caliber shows, interactive children's museum exhibits, planetarium adventures, and hands-on STEAM programming. She highlights vital accessibility efforts like Clay2Go (mobile STEAM outreach to rural and underserved counties), $2 Snap & WIC Sundays, and family-focused initiatives that bring opportunity to communities often overlooked in West Virginia.

The conversation centers on the highly anticipated Carnaval 15: Reflection, the 15th annual fundraising gala on January 31, 2026. Hosted by the passionate Friends of Clay young professionals group, this milestone event has raised over $2.1 million historically to support the Clay Center's operations and programs. Sierra teases the evening's highlights: an all-Appalachian artist auction, exclusive experiences, great food (catered by 1010 Bridge), and a packed house of community supporters. With tickets selling fast, it's a night of celebration, reflection, and giving back.

This episode celebrates how the Clay Center serves as a true cultural and educational hub, fostering connections, creativity, and hope right here in the heart of West Virginia.

Summary

In this episode of Kinfolk, I sit down with Derek Vance, the creative mind behind The Vintage Vances and co-founder of Charleston Vintage Fest — one of West Virginia’s fastest-growing vintage markets.

Derek shares how his passion for thrifting (and a joke Instagram post) turned into a beloved community event that draws vendors and visitors from across the region. We chat about vintage fashion from the ’80s to Y2K, his deep love for Balzout tees, what it means to build inclusive spaces, and how a punk rock past fuels a vintage future.

Whether you’re a collector, a vendor, or just here for the vibes — this one’s for you.

🎙️ Charleston Vintage Fest returns July 26 at Beni Kedem in Charleston, WV.

The Vintage Vance's

https://www.facebook.com/thevintagevances/

Charleston Vintage Fest

https://www.facebook.com/events/beni-kedem-shriners/charleston-vintage-fest-summer-2025/681501621268363/

Summary

In this episode of Kinfolk, host Dan speaks with Nathan Barner, Education Coordinator at the West Virginia State Museum. They discuss the museum's significance, West Virginia's rich history, and the importance of community connections. Nathan shares his personal ties to the state and highlights the museum's role in educating visitors about West Virginia's diverse heritage. The conversation emphasizes the need for continued support for museums and the value of understanding local history.

WV State Museum

https://wvculture.org/explore/wv-state-museum/

Follow Our Lead

www.followourlead.dog

https://www.facebook.com/k9lead/

Summary

In this episode of Kinfolk: Stories of Community and Connection, Dan talks with Justin Withrow, co-owner of Follow Our Lead, a dog training and grooming business based in Charleston, West Virginia. What began as a way to stay close to family turned into a mission to help dogs and their humans thrive. Justin shares the story of how he and his wife Cayla built their business, the importance of boundaries and routines for dogs, and how misunderstood behaviors like fence-charging often stem from fear not aggression. He also talks about Pups and Pros Collective, their new initiative supporting aspiring pet care entrepreneurs.

The Company

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/thecompanywv/got-to-do

Summary

In this episode of Kinfolk, host Dan speaks with Tyler Carden, frontman of the band The Company, about their musical journey, the importance of community and music education, and their upcoming single 'Got To Do'. Tyler shares insights on the power of live music, the local music scene in West Virginia, and their efforts to support Liberty High School through fundraising. The conversation also touches on future plans for a festival called CoFest, aimed at supporting local art programs.

Where to Catch The Company

• Friday, June 14 – Performing at Color the River, set up along the Greenbrier River

• Thursday, June 20 – Headlining at Raleigh County Live 25 at Lake Stephens, WV

St. Albans Historical Society

https://www.stalbanshistory.com/

Facebook Page

https://www.facebook.com/people/St-Albans-Historical-Society-WV/100064751854315/?mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=DxwyYsBbIRvYDsB1&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F1BT2tfW6GB%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/st.albanshistoricalsocietywv/

This week on Kinfolk: Stories of Community and Connection, we’re in Saint Albans, West Virginia, exploring the rich history and vibrant spirit of the town with Rachael and Jackson from the Saint Albans Historical Society. From ghost stories and historic homes to major events like Train Days and Yak Fest, this episode dives into how the past shapes the present. We talk about the town’s rise in the 1800s, its nickname as the “Town of Millionaires,” and how the Historical Society works to preserve its legacy.

Summary

In this episode of Kinfolk, host Dan engages with C.J. Mitchell, a talented musician from West Virginia, discussing his journey through music, identity, and personal growth. C.J. shares his experiences of moving from a small town to Pittsburgh, the impact of his upbringing on his music, and the significance of his songs, particularly 'Permission 2 Love' and 'To Be Yours.' The conversation delves into themes of authenticity, the importance of following one's dreams, and the power of music as a means of expression and connection.

C.J. Mitchell

https://linktr.ee/cjthesongwriter

Erika Kikola

https://www.tiktok.com/@whilefloriansleeps?lang=en

https://www.instagram.com/erika.kikola/

Summary

In this episode, Erica Kikola shares her journey as a budding interior designer rooted in her Appalachian heritage. She discusses her move from West Virginia to Pennsylvania, the impact of the opioid epidemic on her life, and how she channels her creativity into her designs. Erica emphasizes the importance of embracing one's roots, the healing power of creativity, and the significance of creating a welcoming home environment for her family. She also explores the concepts of maximalism and sustainable living through thrifting and upcycling, while encouraging self-expression in her children.

Hippie's Daughter

https://thehippiesdaughter.com/

https://www.instagram.com/hippies_daughter/

https://www.tiktok.com/@hippies_daughter?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Summary

In this episode of Kinfolk, Dan speaks with Elizabeth Elswick, the creative mind behind Hippie's Daughter. They explore Elizabeth's artistic journey, her connection to Appalachian culture, and the challenges of running a creative business. Elizabeth shares her inspirations, the importance of family heritage, and her experiences with burnout. The conversation also touches on the emotional connections people have with her art and the future of her brand.