On this episode of State of Minds, Hoppy Kercheval sits down with Dado Slezak, Executive Vice President, Energy Capital & Strategy at QTS to discuss the growing role of data centers in West Virginia and QTS's proposed project in the Eastern Panhandle. As state leaders pursue data center development as a major economic opportunity, Slezak explains how QTS approaches site selection, community engagement, infrastructure planning, and long-term investment. The conversation explores key questions surrounding power demand, water usage, job creation, economic impact, local involvement, and the future of artificial intelligence-driven growth. Slezak outlines why QTS believes West Virginia is positioned to compete for data center investment and addresses concerns frequently raised by residents about energy consumption, environmental impacts, noise, and community character.

Part 2 of our Data Center series, Hoppy Kercheval speaks with Amy Margolies, Executive Director of Tucker United, about the proposed Ridgeline data center and power generation project in Tucker County. Margolies explains how local residents first learned about the project, why she became involved, and the concerns many community members have raised regarding transparency, environmental impacts, local control, economic development, and the long-term future of Tucker County. She also discusses Tucker United's position that the debate is not about opposing all data centers, but about whether this particular project is the right fit for the community. The conversation explores the broader questions facing West Virginia as state leaders pursue data center investment while communities weigh potential opportunities alongside concerns about growth, infrastructure, and quality of life.

As West Virginia positions itself for a potential wave of data center development, questions about economic opportunity, energy demand, local control, and community impact are taking center stage. 

On this episode of State of Minds, Hoppy Kercheval sits down with Chris Morris, Director of the West Virginia Data Economy Office, to discuss the state's strategy for attracting data center investment, the role of artificial intelligence in driving demand, concerns about electricity usage and rates, and how local communities fit into the decision-making process.

The conversation also explores proposed projects across the state, including the ongoing debate surrounding development in Tucker County, while examining whether West Virginia can balance economic growth with the values and priorities of local residents.

As data centers become an increasingly important part of America's digital infrastructure, what role should they play in West Virginia's future?

On this special edition of State of Minds, host Hoppy Kercheval celebrates the 2026 West Virginia Academic All-Star winners—four exceptional students whose achievements extend far beyond the classroom. Supported by WVRC Media and proudly sponsored by Greer Industries, this program highlights some of the brightest young minds in the Mountain State. This year's honorees are Gianna Fragman of Lincoln High School, Andrew Harris of Elkins High School, William Northey of Bridgeport High School, and Katie Tran of University High School. Selected from outstanding nominees across West Virginia, these students were recognized for excellence in three key areas:

• Classroom – Demonstrated academic achievement and commitment to learning
• Community – Service, leadership, and involvement within their schools and communities
• Character – Consistent exhibition of integrity, responsibility, and strong personal values

 Join us as we hear their stories, celebrate their accomplishments, and recognize the bright future they represent for West Virginia.

Hoppy Kercheval talks with Dave Green for a powerful and inspiring conversation. By day, Dave works in mine rescue. By night, he captures breathtaking images of the Milky Way, Orion, and deep space from some of West Virginia’s most iconic landscapes. What started as an unexpected assignment turned into a full-blown passion—one that’s earned national recognition and a unique perspective on the universe. In this episode, Dave shares how photography became an obsession, how West Virginia’s dark skies shaped his work, and the deeper meaning behind his images. He also speaks candidly about the emotional realities of mine rescue, including responding to the tragic loss of a fellow miner. From the depths of the earth to the vastness of space, the interview explores purpose, perspective, and the connection between life’s toughest moments and its most awe-inspiring views.

Redd Kross joins Hoppy Kercheval on State of Minds, diving into their new self-titled double album, life on the road, and the creative evolution that has defined the band for more than four decades. While not a West Virginia band, Redd Kross made a notable stop in the Mountain State—performing at 123 Pleasant Street on September 24, 2025 as part of their “Stop Your Whining” tour with Melvins. Jeff and Steven McDonald discuss why they chose to release 18 new songs as a double album, how they continue balancing raw rock energy with modern recording technology, and what keeps the band evolving after more than 40 years. They also reflect on their influences, growing up in punk culture, and the unique brother dynamic that has fueled Redd Kross since the beginning. From stories about touring Europe and playing smaller markets to thoughts on authenticity, aging in rock music, and staying present in the moment, this interview offers an honest and entertaining look at one of rock’s most distinctive and enduring bands.

Arden Cogar Jr., a record-setting competitive lumberjack and practicing attorney who embodies the relentless work ethic of West Virginia. From his roots in Webster County to the global stage of STIHL Timbersports, Arden shares how his family’s legacy—built on "sweat equity" and Depression-era survivalism—shaped his dual career in the courtroom and the timber arena. Discover the story of the Cogar name, starting with German ancestors who settled the back forks of the Elk River, and the specific moment a $500 environmental fine planted the seed for Arden to pursue the law to "fight the BS" of over-regulation. The conversation dives deep into the physical and mental demands of being an elite rotational athlete at 56 years old. Arden reveals his "biohacking" secrets, including Norwegian 4x4 VO2 max training, a strict nutritional protocol involving 12-egg-white omelets, and why core strength is the true engine behind a world-class ax swing. Despite applying to 21 law schools across the country, Arden explains why he chose to return home, defining the "Mountaineer" spirit through four essential pillars: hard-working, hard-loving, fearless, and loyal. This episode is a masterclass in longevity, family pride, and the boundless potential found within the mountains of West Virginia.

In this episode of State of Minds, Hoppy Kercheval sits down with WVU legend and two-time Super Bowl champion Jeff Hostetler. Though widely recognized for his historic 1991 Super Bowl victory with the New York Giants and his hall-of-fame career as a Mountaineer quarterback, Hostetler shares a side of his life that rarely makes the highlight reels. He reflects on his transition from professional athlete to a hands-on entrepreneur in the construction and land development industry, a passion rooted in his love for architecture and a gritty work ethic forged on his childhood dairy farm. Jeff discusses the "in the trenches" mentality he was raised with as one of seven children and how he has worked to instill those same values of perseverance and manual labor into his own sons. The conversation takes a deeply personal turn as Jeff discusses the mission behind the Hoss Foundation and his family's commitment to the WVU Medicine Children’s Hospital. Drawing from his own experiences as a parent who faced medical crises with his children, he explains why providing a "locker room" sanctuary for families in the hospital is more rewarding than any professional accolade. Jeff also provides a candid look back at his 1980 transfer from Penn State, detailing the frustrations and broken promises under Joe Paterno that eventually led him to find his true home in Morgantown. Throughout the interview, Hostetler emphasizes the importance of faith, the lasting legacy of his parents, and his ongoing goal to "be blessed to be able to bless others" in the West Virginia community.

In this episode of State of Minds, Hoppy Kercheval sits down with Jacob Gordon, the visionary tattoo artist and co-owner of Morgantown’s Katana Gold, to discuss his evolution from a teenage apprentice in Bruceton Mills to an internationally acclaimed creator. Jake details the development of his signature "negative style," explaining how he utilizes high-contrast color theory and negative space to create distinct designs that have drawn clients from as far away as Ireland. The conversation dives deep into the discipline required for his craft, exploring the physical and artistic demands of executing large-scale, multi-session body art projects that treat the human form as a canvas. Jake also addresses the broader perception of the industry, highlighting his mission to break regional stereotypes by proving that world-class fine art and creative talent thrive right here in West Virginia.

Hoppy Kercheval sits down with Morgan O'Brien, President and CEO of Hope Gas, to discuss the company’s revitalized role in West Virginia’s energy sector and community. O'Brien details his transition from the Pittsburgh utility sector to becoming a West Virginian, explaining the strategic and emotional decision to restore the historic "Hope" brand. The conversation dives deep into the state's economic potential, exploring how West Virginia’s natural gas reserves are uniquely positioned to power the surging energy demands of the AI and data center revolution. O'Brien also addresses the company’s significant investment in the WVU Hope Coliseum and shares his philosophy on leadership, highlighting his commitment to fostering a corporate culture built on the core values of faith, family, and integrity.