Mountaineer Media Podcast

For the last four years, Mountaineer Media has been a space to share compelling stories, voices, and perspectives about West Virginia—a way to celebrate what it means to be from the Mountain State.

From the podcast to our social media and the Almost Heaven Classic, our platform has been a tribute to our roots and the pride we share.

We're incredibly grateful for every story we've had the privilege to tell. Thank you to every listener of an episode, viewer of a video, or reader of a blog. Because our goal has been to "Share the West Virginia Experience," and we've done just that.

But like every good book has a final chapter, our journey with this podcast and Mountaineer Media has reached its closing page.

So today, CJ and I bring Mountaineer Media to an end with this final episode. We hope it feels less like an ending and more like a memory to be cherished because it's been a beautiful journey from start to finish. 

However, if there's one call to action, it's this: keep going, West Virginia. 

The more we embrace our story, the brighter our future becomes. Take pride—because our story is far from over.

Thank you, as always, for listening, and we hope you enjoy this final episode of the Mountaineer Media Podcast.

In the final episode of our three-part series, The Golden Bear Way, we dive deep into WVU Tech’s impact and future, specifically through the lens of their Construction Management program.

We're joined by Dr. Kase Poling, assistant professor and expert in disaster response and infrastructure recovery, to discuss how communities rebuild after natural disasters—an especially timely topic following the devastation of Hurricane Helene in Appalachia.

We’ll also explore the impressive growth of WVU Tech’s Construction Management degree, which boasts a 100% job placement rate. Learn how this program is shaping future leaders in construction with the skills to face both today’s challenges and those to come.

Catch this insightful conversation on the role of education, leadership, and resilience in community rebuilding. And if you haven’t yet, be sure to check out Part One with President T. Ramon Stuart and Part Two with Dr. Tamara Smith.

Welcome to Part Two of The Golden Bear Way, a special three-part series exploring the past, present, and future of West Virginia University Tech.

Situated in the heart of the New River Gorge, WVU Tech is quickly becoming one of the state's most dynamic institutions. In this episode, we highlight how Tech combines academic excellence with the natural beauty and abundant opportunities of the region.

Today, we’re joined by Dr. Tamara Smith, Vice President for Academic Affairs. Though originally from outside West Virginia, she was drawn to Tech’s renowned engineering program. With a master's and PhD in chemical engineering from MIT, Dr. Smith brings a wealth of expertise to the table.

We'll discuss the challenges students face when choosing the right undergraduate education and how schools and faculty are adapting to meet the evolving needs of today’s students.

If you missed Part One featuring President Ramon Stuart, make sure to catch up. Now, let’s dive in with Dr. Tamara Smith.

Welcome to Mountaineer Media's special three-part storytelling series, "The Golden Bear Way." This series explores WVU Tech's past, present, and future, highlighting the program's most important initiatives and how it's using the breathtaking backdrop of the New River Gorge to tell its story.

To kick off the series, we speak with President T. Ramon Stuart, the program's leader. The McDowell County native shares his vision for the University and how it is actively positioning itself to succeed in the future.

Whether you're a prospective student, an alum, or a fan of our state's heritage, this series is a source of inspiration. Join us as we dive into the history, adventure, and achievements of WVU Tech, starting with an exclusive interview with President Stuart.

In this episode of the Mountaineer Media Podcast, CJ and Cooper look ahead to the Almost Heaven Classic, our highly anticipated two-day event set in the New River Gorge Region. Plus, we share updates on our recent experiences, including Cooper's major move to Colorado. 

We primarily discuss the details of the AHC, which is set for June 7th and 8th. At this event, we'll blend professional networking with celebrating West Virginia's rich culture, supporting small businesses while showcasing the state's outdoor recreational opportunities. 

Ticket information: https://bit.ly/4dVIiYE

More information on the event: https://bit.ly/3WNVmcF

Kate Boytek is a singer, songwriter from Logan who's made a name for herself as one of the country's standout independent female country artists.

In the last year, she's headlined her first sold-out theater show, played numerous casino gigs, and performed on the main stage at several fairs and festivals, including appearances at the Down N' Dirty Fest, The Summer Shindig, Live On The Levee, River Road Music Festival, and the Sternwheel Regatta.

Besides her performances, Kate contributes to her community as an official ambassador for Charleston, partnering with the city's Convention and Visitors Bureau.

In our discussion, Kate shares the joys of experiencing her growing fame alongside her children and talks about her obstacles, including a decade-long break from music. We also discuss the importance of living in Nashville for country music artists, where she live part-time.

Kate Boytek's story is a testament to resilience and passion, taking her from local stages to the heart of the country music scene and beyond, all while staying true to her roots and community.

Olubunmi “Bunmi” Kusimo-Frazier is a distinguished trial lawyer and public speaker. In this episode, we discuss:

This is a fantastic episode about resilience, justice, and the power of authentic representation. Bunmi masterfully blends legal expertise with creative storytelling to inspire change and empower underrepresented voices in West Virginia.

Tiffany Crum is a Supportive Counselor at WVU Medicine Thomas Hospital, where she aids patients battling substance use disorder.

She is an example of the power of recovery and is celebrating two years of sobriety—but the journey was far from easy.

In this episode, we discuss how she overcame the most difficult challenges, including beating addiction and regaining custody of her three kids.

Her past, marked by the trials of addiction and homelessness in Charleston, led her to the welcoming doors of the YWCA Sojourner’s Shelter in October 2019.

This pivotal encounter provided her with a sanctuary and the essential tools for rebuilding her life.

Through the support of Sojourner’s Shelter and a network of helping hands, Crum achieved remarkable milestones, securing stable housing, transportation, employment, and the custody of her three children, making her story as one of profound transformation and enduring strength.

Recently, she was recognized as a Woman of Achievement, earning the YWCA Empowerment Award.

Today, she navigates this journey with unwavering commitment and serves as a beacon of resilience and hope.

Beverly White is the Mayor of Lewisburg and a lifelong resident of Greenbrier County. 

Her election as mayor in 2019 marked a historic moment, as she was the first Black Mayor in the City of Lewisburg. This underlined the city's progress towards inclusivity, which, along with many other initiatives, was highlighted by its recognition as West Virginia's most inclusive city by WV Living in 2021. 

Before taking over as Mayor, she served on the city council for 16 years, becoming the first black woman to do so. 

Mayor White's journey from council member to mayor showcases her belief in collective action. It also highlights the importance of leadership and the power of dreaming big to create an inclusive, vibrant community.

J.D. Belcher is the producer of a new podcast mini-series titled "UBB: A Coal Miner's Story," which offers a detailed exploration of the tragic Upper Big Branch Mine disaster in April 2010.

The three-chapter series examines the event, its investigation, and its lasting effects on the community and the mining industry.

You can listen to it here.

Previously a miner, Belcher has transitioned into a multimedia storyteller and now owns JJN Multimedia, a comprehensive advertising agency based in Fayette County.

This episode is packed with great West Virginia storytelling and how the coal mining industry continues to shape our state's future.