エピソード

  • John Boyle: Amazon Best Selling Author
    2026/09/03
    On this episode of State of Minds, Hoppy Kercheval sits down with West Virginia native and Appalachian Kid author John Boyle for a deeply personal conversation about childhood trauma, addiction, faith and the long road toward healing. Growing up in Preston County, Boyle says he endured years of violence and abuse inside his childhood home—experiences he would carry with him long after he left. He discusses how that trauma affected his education, relationships and adult life, eventually contributing to years of insomnia, perfectionism, alcoholism and struggles he didn't fully understand. By age 36, Boyle's drinking had become life-threatening. Facing liver failure and unable to stop drinking on his own, an invitation from a friend to attend church became the beginning of a profound change in his life. Boyle shares how rediscovering his faith gave him the strength to seek treatment, where he says he finally received the diagnosis that helped him begin making sense of what he had experienced. Now more than a decade sober, Boyle explains why he decided to confront his past publicly in his book, Appalachian Kid. What began as a story he was afraid to tell has become a way to reach others struggling with addiction, trauma and experiences from their own childhoods. Hoppy and Boyle also explore forgiveness, the stigma surrounding mental health, the complicated relationship between childhood trauma and adulthood, and why healing doesn't necessarily mean forgetting what happened. It's a candid conversation about surviving the past, finding faith and purpose, and using one person's story to help others realize they aren't alone.
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    38 分
  • Chef Paul Smith: James Beard Award Winning Chef
    2026/08/13
    On this episode of State of Minds, Tony Caridi sits down with James Beard Award-winning Chef Paul Smith for one of the most personal conversations of his remarkable career. From stirring Sunday sauce alongside his grandfather in Fayette County to becoming the first West Virginian to earn a James Beard Award, Chef Paul reflects on the experiences that shaped both his culinary philosophy and his life. Together, Tony and Paul explore the evolution of West Virginia's food culture, the importance of Appalachian hospitality, and why great meals are about far more than what's on the plate. But this conversation goes well beyond food. Chef Paul shares the deeply personal story of his battle with addiction, the life-saving intervention that changed his future, and how sobriety transformed not only his career but also his mission. Today, through his restaurants and hospitality group, he's creating opportunities for second chances, mentoring the next generation, and proving that compassion can be just as important as culinary excellence. Along the way, Tony and Paul discuss the demanding reality of life in professional kitchens, the pressure of representing an entire state on the national stage, what winning a James Beard Award means for West Virginia, and why authentic hospitality remains the foundation of everything he does. It's an inspiring conversation about perseverance, purpose, redemption, and the pride of calling West Virginia home. Don't miss this unforgettable edition of State of Minds, presented by Hope Gas and proudly sponsored by Greer Industries.
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    1 時間 5 分
  • Lost Creek Farm: Amy Dawson & Mike Costello
    2026/07/09
    On this episode of State of Minds, Tony Caridi sits down with Amy Dawson and Mike Costello, the husband-and-wife team behind Lost Creek Farm, who are redefining what West Virginia food means.Known internationally after being featured by Anthony Bourdain on Parts Unknown, Amy and Mike have built one of the country's most sought-after farm-to-table dining experiences by celebrating Appalachian traditions, heirloom recipes, and the stories that connect generations. From chow-chow and salt-rising bread to vinegar pie and foraged ingredients, every dish they serve reflects the resilience, creativity, and hospitality that define West Virginia.

    Tony explores how Lost Creek Farm became a destination for visitors from around the world, why food is one of the most powerful ways to preserve history, and how forgotten family recipes are helping reshape the narrative of Appalachian cuisine. Along the way, Amy and Mike share the inspiration behind their Farm & Forage Supper Club, the lasting impact of Anthony Bourdain's visit, and their mission to ensure West Virginia's culinary traditions are passed on to future generations.

    If you've ever wondered what makes West Virginia food unique—or how a simple recipe can carry generations of history—this is a conversation you won't want to miss. State of Minds is a MetroNews Television original series featuring in-depth conversations with the people, places, and ideas shaping West Virginia.

    Subscribe to MetroNews Television for more exclusive interviews, documentaries, and stories from across the Mountain State.
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    51 分
  • Dado Slezak: EVP Energy Capital Strategy at QTS
    2026/06/19
    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.
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    42 分
  • Amy Margolies: Executive Director, Tucker United
    2026/06/12
    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.
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    43 分
  • Ep. 12 - Chris Morris: Director of WV Data Economy Office
    2026/06/04
    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?
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    51 分
  • Ep. 11 - 2026 West Virginia Academic All Star Winners
    2026/06/02
    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.
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    52 分
  • Ep. 10 - Dave Green: Coal Mine Rescuer & Astrophotographer
    2026/06/01
    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.
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    45 分