Frank Vitale is the President and CEO of Forge Business Solutions, a veteran-owned company based in Morgantown. The firm specializes in strategic planning, human capital development, veteran programs, professional development and commercialization.

With a wealth of experience in senior leadership roles spanning finance, healthcare, and education, Frank brings a diverse skill set to his current position, and we discuss how he's leading West Virginia forward.

In this episode, we dive into West Virginia's ongoing efforts to diversify its economy, drawing closer to attracting significant companies like Google and Yahoo. However, a crucial element in achieving this goal lies in building a strong knowledge-based workforce within the state.

Additionally, we explore the reasons why veterans often exhibit a propensity for entrepreneurial success.

Charles Wesley Godwin, an award-winning singer-songwriter from Morgantown, captures the essence of Appalachia in his soulful tunes.

A fusion of country and folk, his music and heartfelt performances have earned him significant acclaim, allowing him to headline shows worldwide, tour with Zach Bryan, and collab with West Virginia native Philip Bowen.

You can see Godwin live when he takes the stage at Healing Appalachia in September in Lewisburg. Healing Appalachia brings people and musicians together to raise money for Appalachian recovery centers, ground zero for the opioid epidemic.

The guys 'Tee Up' what to expect at the Almost Heaven Classic on June 9th and 10th at Canaan Valley Resort, and C.J. visits the Palace of Gold in Moundsville for the first time.

Lauren Hunt is the Director of Marketing and Government Relations for the Charleston Convention & Visitors Bureau. In this episode, we dive into the CVB's influence in Charleston, explore the burgeoning tourism industry in West Virginia, and discuss how people's perception of the state improves when they visit Almost Heaven.

The Mountaineer Media Podcast is C.J. Harvey and Cooper Simmerman Special thanks to our bloggers and live events members: Andrew Montes, Joslyn Barnhart, Logan Garrison, Joe Justice, Jessica Riggins, and Amanda Larch. Know someone we should have on the podcast? Send a note!

Rusty Hutson is a Lumberport native and Co-Founder of Diversified Energy, a natural gas production company headquartered in Birmingham with operations in the Appalachian region, including offices in Charleston and Bridgeport. Rusty is committed to keeping West Virginia an energy-producing state, growing the company by acquiring wells and generating employment opportunities in Appalachia.

The Mountaineer Media Podcast is C.J. Harvey and Cooper Simmerman Special thanks to our bloggers and live events members: Andrew Montes, Joslyn Barnhart, Logan Garrison, Joe Justice, Jessica Riggins, and Amanda Larch. Know someone we should have on the podcast? Send us a note!

George Patterson is the Founder of Hernshaw Farms, which grows exotic mushrooms and transforms abandoned mine land into farmland using waste from fungi production. Hernshaw Farm grows its product inside Memorial Tunnel off the West Virginia Turnpike. You can find his mushrooms in many local restaurants across the state and nationwide.

The Mountaineer Media Podcast is C.J. Harvey and Cooper Simmerman Special thanks to our bloggers and live events members: Andrew Montes, Joslyn Barnhart, Logan Garrison, Joe Justice, Jessica Riggins, and Amanda Larch. Know someone we should have on the podcast? Send us a note!

Curtis Fleming is the host of Fly Rod Chronicles, which can be seen on Discovery Channel every Saturday at 6:30 a.m. and found on Youtube. In this episode, we discuss his experience of 20 seasons and what it's like fishing with people such as Jerry West, Bob Huggins, and Sir Nick Faldo, among many others.

Want to sign up for our flagship event, the Almost Heaven Classic? Find out more!

The Mountaineer Media Podcast is C.J. Harvey and Cooper Simmerman Special thanks to our bloggers and live events members: Andrew Montes, Joslyn Barnhart, Logan Garrison, Joe Justice, Jessica Riggins, and Amanda Larch. Know someone we should have on the podcast? Send us a note!

The Almost Heaven Classic's title sponsor is Star USA Federal Credit Union. You can learn more about them here.

Lori McKinney is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of the RiffRaff Arts Collective in Mercer County, which aims to inspire and empower creativity in Southern West Virginia and the Appalachian region. Under her leadership, the Collective has organized various cultural events, ranging from small art shows and concerts to large-scale festivals such as the Culturefest World Music and Arts Festival. Thanks to her efforts, Lori has been instrumental in fostering a creative renaissance in her hometown, bringing people from all over the world to the small community of Princeton, West Virginia.

Check out one of her latest projects, 'We need to Talk', a movement using music videos and docushorts to build bridges and catalyze community healing. Catch the first episode of the series, 'The Time is Now.'

Want to sign up for our flagship event, the Almost Heaven Classic? Find out more!

The Mountaineer Media Podcast is C.J. Harvey and Cooper Simmerman Special thanks to our bloggers and live events members: Andrew Montes, Joslyn Barnhart, Logan Garrison, Joe Justice, Jessica Riggins and Amanda Larch. Know someone we should have on the podcast? Send us a note!

The Almost Heaven Classic's title sponsor is Star USA Federal Credit Union. You can learn more about them here.

Audy Perry is the Executive Director of Heritage Farm and Museum in Huntington, West Virginia. In this episode we discuss how Heritage Farm is a source of hope and renewal for the Appalachian region and why Audy's team is inspiring young West Virginians to become future problem solvers. Learn more about Heritage Farm, and make sure to check out their Spring Festival on May 6th, which kicks off their 50th celebration including the opening of a new exhibit.

Want to sign up for our flagship event, the Almost Heaven Classic? Find out more!

The Mountaineer Media Podcast is C.J. Harvey and Cooper Simmerman Special thanks to our bloggers and live events members: Andrew Montes, Joslyn Barnhart, Logan Garrison, Joe Justice, Jessica Riggins and Amanda Larch. Know someone we should have on the podcast? Send us a note!

The Almost Heaven Classic's title sponsor is Star USA Federal Credit Union. You can learn more about them here.