This is a conversation full of insight, encouragement, and a reminder that inclusion benefits us all.

On this episode of Tri State Time Machine, I’m thrilled to sit down with Dr. Rebecca Hansen, the founder of Reaching Spectrum Heights and a devoted advocate for autistic adults who are transitioning from college to the real world. Rebecca has spent nearly twenty years in Huntington, West Virginia, dedicating herself to making our community a better, more inclusive place for neurodivergent graduates and employees.

In our conversation, Rebecca opens up about her own journey—what originally brought her to the Tri State area, the twists and turns of her career path, and the inspiration behind starting her woman-led small business. Together, we dive into the real challenges that autistic adults and their families face, from the support gaps after high school and college graduation to the common workplace misunderstandings about neurodiversity.

Throughout the episode, Rebecca shares heartfelt stories of mentorship, meaningful friendships, and the realities of building a small business with big impact. You'll also hear thoughtful advice for employers and families, as well as a look at how we can each help foster a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Moments

00:00 "Supporting Neurodivergent Transitions"

07:40 "Flexible Coworking Space Options"

15:12 Bridging Education, Employment, and Inclusion

16:18 "Challenging Beliefs Through Experience"

26:26 "Generational Shifts in Acceptance"

30:16 Evolving Autism Diagnoses

33:04 "Flexibility is Everything"

40:50 "Turning Dreams into Reality"

48:05 "Reflections on Struggles and Growth"

52:51 "Advancing Accessibility in Higher Education"

55:17 "Rethinking Interview Processes for Inclusion"

01:03:25 "Living Nostalgia"

01:06:21 The Beauty of Autism Friendships

01:10:43 "Celebrating Neurodiversity Through 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/supporting-autistic-adults-and-shaping-a-better-workforce

Copyright 2026 Vanessa Hankins

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

If you’ve ever struggled yourself or watched someone you love battle addiction, this episode is for you.

On this episode of Tri State Time Machine, I sit down with Adam Foster—a content creator and storyteller from Charleston who’s built a strong following by being unapologetically honest about his addiction, his recovery, and the realities of rebuilding his life.

Adam bravely shares what it's really like growing up in Appalachia, the trauma and family dynamics that shaped his early years, and how he found himself trapped in a cycle of addiction. Together, we explore his turning points, the heartbreak of hitting rock bottom, and the daily work that goes into recovery—not just as a personal victory, but as a message of hope for others.

Our conversation doesn’t hold anything back. We discuss the tough choices, the ripple effect addiction has on families and communities, and the challenge of rebuilding trust and making amends. Adam opens up about how sharing his journey publicly has helped him—and others—feel less alone.

I hope you’ll find honest inspiration in Adam’s story and see, through our conversation, that recovery isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress, resilience, and learning how to love yourself again.

Moments

00:00 "Adam's Journey: Addiction & Recovery"

17:53 "Life's Turning Points and Struggles"

24:15 "From Friends to Strangers"

34:09 "Confronting a Preacher's Hypocrisy"

50:53 "Transformation Through Determination"

57:10 "Reflections on Motherhood and Loss"

01:14:14 "Honesty, Recovery, and Advocacy"

01:20:07 "Raw Honesty and Vulnerability"

01:33:03 "Breaking Cycles and Finding Grace"

01:41:22 "From Addiction to Redemption"

01:55:18 Inspiration Through Shared Stories

01:58:03 "Learning Self-Love and Coping"

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/adam-fosters-raw-journey-through-addiction-and-recovery-in-appalachia

Copyright 2026 Vanessa Hankins

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

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/