I’m taking you on a nostalgic journey back to Christmases in Huntington during the 1970s and 1980s. I’m joined by my wonderful guest and fellow storyteller, Amy Deal, who brings such vivid memories and heartfelt stories of her childhood in Barboursville and Huntington.

Amy and I reminisce about everything that made a Tri State Christmas magical—the sparkle of downtown Huntington’s department store window displays, shopping trips with family to places like Anderson Newcomb and Stone & Thomas, and the thrill of flipping through the iconic Sears Wish Book. We talk about the special traditions that filled our holidays, from waiting for the Christmas parade on Fourth Avenue to circling our favorite toys in the catalog, and the excitement of seeing Santa at the local stores.

We also reminisce about the little moments that made those decades so special: bell ringers on street corners, kids dressed in their Sunday best, snowy sidewalks packed with families, and the pride people took in decorating both storefronts and homes. Whether you grew up here or just love stories about simpler times, I invite you to pour a cup of cocoa and relive the magic of Huntington Christmases past with us.

Let’s celebrate the memories, the stories, and the traditions that connect our Tri State community!

If you have a memory you would want me to talk more about, just send me an email at TSTM@mail.com. Or post a comment on the Tri-State Machine FB Group page.

Welcome to the Tri-State Time Machine.

I'm your host Vanessa Hankins. This is a podcast where my guests and I share our memories and present day stories of the Tri-State Area. That's West Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio.

Nothing too serious, no political views, and no ulterior motives.

We're just here to share our fun stories about this great area.

Whether you're a past resident or a current Tri-State resident, I think you're going to have fun with us.

So join in, press play on your podcast player, and welcome to the Tri-State Time Machine!

https://ts-time-machine.captivate.fm/episode/70s-and-80s-holiday-traditions-with-amy-deal

Copyright 2025 Vanessa Hankins

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

In this special “Fan Mail” episode, I am mixing things up by answering fan questions collected over the years. From the genesis of the podcast and behind-the-scenes moments to favorite episodes and local recommendations, I share some heartfelt anecdotes about starting out with W.G. Bunch, the joys and jitters of podcasting, and my favorite memories both on and off the mic.

Get ready for candid insights, laugh-out-loud bloopers, and reflections on the unique spirit of the Tri State area. Whether you’re a lifelong listener or just tuning in, this episode is packed with personal stories, community highlights, and answers to questions straight from our listeners.

If you have a memory you would want me to talk more about, just send me an email at TSTM@mail.com. Or post a comment on the Tri-State Machine FB Group page.

Welcome to the Tri-State Time Machine.

I'm your host Vanessa Hankins. This is a podcast where my guests and I share our memories and present day stories of the Tri-State Area. That's West Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio.

Nothing too serious, no political views, and no ulterior motives.

We're just here to share our fun stories about this great area.

Whether you're a past resident or a current Tri-State resident, I think you're going to have fun with us.

So join in, press play on your podcast player, and welcome to the Tri-State Time Machine!

https://ts-time-machine.captivate.fm/episode/fan-mail

Copyright 2025 Vanessa Hankins

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

I sit down with none other than Jim Thornton—the iconic voice of Wheel of Fortune and proud Huntington native. Together, we take a heartfelt journey through the Tri-State area’s past and present, swapping stories about childhood memories, favorite teachers, and the unique flavors and traditions that define West Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio.

Jim Thornton shares the origins of his love for broadcasting, from childhood mimicry to his first job at WMUL, and reveals the secrets behind keeping his legendary voice strong. The conversation spins from pop culture—bid farewell to MTV’s music video era!—to local eats, including memorable stops at Stewart’s and Jim’s, and touches on what makes the Tri-State area truly special.

Plus, you’ll get behind-the-scenes insights from Wheel of Fortune, hear tales about celebrity encounters, and soak up advice for anyone dreaming big in a small town.

Whether you’re a lifelong local or just passing through, this episode will leave you with a smile and maybe even a craving for a Huntington slaw dog.

If you have a memory you would want me to talk more about, just send me an email at TSTM@mail.com. Or post a comment on the Tri-State Machine FB Group page.

Welcome to the Tri-State Time Machine.

I'm your host Vanessa Hankins. This is a podcast where my guests and I share our memories and present day stories of the Tri-State Area. That's West Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio.

Nothing too serious, no political views, and no ulterior motives.

We're just here to share our fun stories about this great area.

Whether you're a past resident or a current Tri-State resident, I think you're going to have fun with us.

So join in, press play on your podcast player, and welcome to the Tri-State Time Machine!

https://ts-time-machine.captivate.fm/episode/jim-thorton

Copyright 2025 Vanessa Hankins

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/