What if West Virginia had never split from Virginia during the Civil War? Would the citizens of present-day West Virginia be better off as Virginians? On one hand, Virginia is a larger and wealthier state. Would that mean more money for poorer West Virginia residents? Better schools or roads? Or, would distant Richmond ignore its western citizens - just like it did in 1863? Host Laurie Lin is moving back to Virginia, and she argues a merger could benefit us all. Rick and Scott aren't so sure.

There's a surprising correlation between guns and West Virginia's Trump voters. Also, the fight over school consolidation goes to the Supreme Court. And our favorite Tom Petty songs. On this week's Front Porch podcast.

It's been almost two months since Governor Jim Justice, elected as a Democrat, changed his party affiliation to Republican. WV MetroNews's Brad McElhinny talks to Laurie and Rick about the reasons behind the switch, and examine whether it's made the job of governing any easier for Justice. Will it help him with the upcoming road bond referendum?

On this episode of The Front Porch - we announce a sad departure. Also, what is it about "Country Roads?" Why do North Korean waitresses love it so much? And finally, why are our country roads in such crappy condition, and should we vote "Yes" on the road bond to fix them? Welcome to “The Front Porch,” where we tackle the tough issues facing Appalachia the same way you talk with your friends on the porch. Hosts include WVPB Executive Director and recovering reporter Scott Finn; conservative

The Cardinal Institute for West Virginia Policy is sponsoring a big intellectual shindig here in Charleston on Thursday with the American Conservative Union. It's called, " West Virginia on the Rise: Rebuilding the Economy, Rebuilding Lives." The conference features speeches by U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, W.Va. Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, and Rep. Alex Mooney, R-W.Va. There also will be panel discussions with national experts on drug abuse, the economy, and changes in the family.

Why does Laurie object to Game of Thrones? What is "Hillbilly Nerd Talk?" And, what is the perfect coal Haiku? Find out these answers, and Walking Dead! In this Front Porch podcast.

Governor Jim Justice is pitching a proposal to President Trump: the federal government should subsidize eastern coal at $15 a ton to protect the power grid. Justice says it's a matter of national security - at times of war or terrorist attack, eastern coal is needed to keep the lights on along the Eastern Seaboard.

It was only a pair of shoes -- Nike Cortez shoes, to be exact. On the other hand, these shoes had the power to divide West Virginia teenagers into two camps: Hillers who could easily afford them, and Creekers who could not. This week, we discuss an episode of Trey Kay's podcast "Us & Them" called " Hillers and Creekers ." It's about shoes, pickup trucks, and the things that divide us, beginning in school. Welcome to “The Front Porch,” where we tackle the tough issues facing Appalachia the

After Charlottesville, we wonder if racism and fascism are on the rise across America and/or West Virginia. Front Porch host Scott Finn found a survey showing white millennials were just as likely to hold racist beliefs as baby boomers and Gen Xers. Why do more than one third of whites still tell researchers that "blacks are lazier than whites"? Conservative host Laurie Lin calls President Trump's response his worst week so far. And liberal host Rick Wilson urges protesters to take a lesson from

Governor Jim Justice switched parties again today, returning to the Republican roots he left in 2015. On this special edition of the Front Porch podcast, we debate what this means for Justice, the Democratic and Republican parties and the state as a whole.