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Appalachia Matters is a weekly radio show highlighting life in Appalachia. Each week we have a segment on leadership from retired Major General Jim Hoyer, features highlighting agriculture in our...
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Appalachia Matters is a weekly radio show highlighting life in Appalachia. Each week we have a segment on leadership from retired Major General Jim Hoyer, features highlighting agriculture in our region, health care updates from Tom Susman and our host Bo Higby each week highlights a story of community interest.
The show is produced by Vandalia Media Partners.
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The show is produced by Vandalia Media Partners.
Episodes & Posts
Episodes
Posts
Transcribed
4 OCT 2026 · At The Leadership Table this week, we sit down with Erienne Olesh, CEO of the NSF Resilient Energy Technology and Infrastructure Engine (RETI), to explore innovation, commercialization, and the future of energy in Appalachia. Erienne shares her journey from a neuroscience researcher to leading major technology transfer initiatives, explaining how she helps turn lab discoveries into real-world economic impact.
In the Rooted in the Mountain State segment presented by the West Virginia Department of Agriculture, we will learn about Sassafras Ridge and the folks who are growing elderberries up there.
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There are about 45 to 50,000 West Virginians who rely on the Health Exchange for health insurance coverage. For lower income individuals there are some cost subsidies. For those who may have an illnesses, the product is guaranteed issue. The annual open enrollment period is coming up and we talk with Jeremy Smith an ACA Navigator about crucial dates and steps
If you are a regular listener, you know I like to report on small business people who may sell food or other products. Today we we will hear from James Eochs from Tropopica a local food vendor who I talked with earlier this summer at the Mason County Fair.
Transcribed
27 SEP 2026 · This week At The Leadership Table, General Hoyer sits down with Evan Chapman, co-founder of Loving WV, a West Virginia brand created to showcase the state’s pride, culture, and communities. Evan and the General discuss the story behind Loving WV, how the brand has grown from an idea born out of homesickness into a statewide business, and Loving WV’s efforts to support communities impacted by this summer’s flooding.
In the Rooted inn the Mountain State segment provided by the West Virginia Department of Agriculture we will meet Doctor Jim Maxwell who is the State Veterinarian He is the point person to maintain animal health in the state.
Our region, like many other regions in Appalachia have been hard hit the opioid crisis and other illegal substances, Michael Hanney works for Marshall Health Network in Huntington and he operates the ProAct Program which provides assistance to those who suffer from substance abuse. Also this month is recovery month where those who are in recovery or providing assistance to those who need help are recognized as well as bringing attention to available resources.
Transcribed
20 SEP 2026 · Working the Bees, Tools to Succeed, Elections on the Horizon and Zanesville Salsa.
This week At The Leadership Table, General Hoyer sits down with West Virginia’s 31st Secretary of State and Chief Elections Official, Kris Warner. They discuss the many responsibilities of the Secretary of State’s Office, from elections and voter registration to business administration and government transparency. They also talk about preparing for West Virginia’s upcoming General Election, what election integrity means, and why it is important for West Virginians to take part in the electoral process.
In the Rooted in the Mountain State segment, we will learn about a bee supply company out of Parkersburg called Bearsville Bees.
20% of employer companies in the USA are women owned. many women dream of owning their own company, The Meigs County Chamber of Commerce is an example of an organization working to give women the tools and confidence they need to succeed. Tom Susman talks with Susan White who is Executive Director of the Meigs Chamber about their annual Women in Business summit.
Who does not like good salsa? Steven Figiel with affiliate WJEH talks with Tom Zackney of Zanesville, Ohio about his family’s salsa business
Transcribed
13 SEP 2026 · This week, At The Leadership Table, General Hoyer sits down with Ryan Watson, Executive Director of the West Virginia University Office of Innovation and Commercialization. Ryan and the General discuss his unique journey from engineering and law to university leadership, and how those experiences have shaped his approach to problem-solving and innovation. They also explore WVU’s role in turning research and discoveries into real-world impact and discuss the innovations Ryan believes have the potential to help propel West Virginia toward greater prosperity.
Every week we get a segment from the West Virginia Department of agriculture called Rooted in the Mountain State, this week we will hear about a special agriculture day held for fifth grade students in Ohio and Marshal Counties.
Located In Lewisburg West Virginia is one of the state’s three medical schools, The West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. It was founded in 1974 on the campus of the former Greenbrier Military Prep School. The school has grown in size in stature, it faced hurdles in the early on, there was a move to close the school, and more recently during the 2016 legislative session some in the legislature wanted to privatize the school, but then Governor Jim Justice stopped that effort.
The School has flourished and produces more primary care doctors who stay in state than any other medical school in the West Virginia. The campus has undergone several recent infrastructure improvements. We will meet Doctor James Nemitz President of the School.
In our final segment we will talk with a popcorn vendor who was at the Jackson County Junior Fair.
Transcribed
6 SEP 2026 · This week At The Leadership Table, General Hoyer sits down with Pastor Kevin Cain, or "Rev Kev", founder of The SOURCE Foundation, a Morgantown-based organization dedicated to helping children and families meet their basic needs and build a stronger future. Pastor Kevin and the General talk about leadership, the experiences that shaped his commitment to serving others, and the story behind The SOURCE Foundation.
In the Rooted in the Mountain State segment from the Department of Agriculture we will learn about the Farm Bureau’s Heritage Farm for 2026.
Marshall Health Network at its Cabell Huntington Hospital performed the first histotripsy in the state of West Virginia which provides treatment for liver cancer without surgery. We will learn about histotripsy and how it works in our third segment.
Going to county fairs is fun and through our radio work we covered four county fairs this year and at each fair there are various exhibitors. At he Meigs Ohio County Fair Tom Susman talked with a representative of the Great Bend Radio Club and we will replay his interview that was aired on affiliate WMOV.
Transcribed
30 AUG 2026 · Your Social Security Payment Faces 20% Cut, Great Donuts, & AGreat Coffee Place
This week on At The Leadership Table, General Hoyer sits down with Mateo Martinez, founder and owner of Jazzy’s Sweet Spot and Seb’s Donuts in Star City, West Virginia. Mateo and the General discuss his journey from creating homemade donuts as a high school student to building a successful local businesses, the role of social media in growing his brand, and the importance of entrepreneurship in strengthening communities.
This month was West Virginia State Fair month and the folks with the Department of Agriculture were a little tied up and so instead of asking them for a new Rooted in The Mountain State segment this week, we decided to replay one about Black Dog Coffee in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia.
Social Security payments in America may be reduced by 20% in 2032 if congress does nothing and Tom Susman talks with John Hishta National Senior Vice President for Policy for AARP.
Transcribed
23 AUG 2026 · Welcome to Appalachia Matters presented by New River Health. Today’s episode is a special . The full show is a discussion Tom Susman had with Morgan O’Brien CEO of Hope Gas.
Hope is investing significant resources in West Virginia as they update 7,000 miles of natural gas distribution in the state. The company has significantly increased the number West Virginia employees and is adopting a buy West Virginian philosophy for its West Virginia operations.
Morgan and Tom talked about a number of issues pipeline replacement, cost of Natural Gas, and the need for energy fto power data centers that are being built in West Virginia.
Transcribed
16 AUG 2026 · This week on At The Leadership Table, General Hoyer sits down with Joelle Moray, a bestselling author, licensed professional counselor, and nationally recognized advocate for transforming workplace culture. Joelle shares more about her journey and what motivates her perspective on leadership. She and the General also define and discuss the term "hustle culture" and how this culture can present challenges in individual and organizational contexts.
The 2026 State Fair of West Virginia has started and runs through August 22. In the Rooted in the Mountain State segment provided by the West Virginia Department of Agriculture we will hear from Agriculture Commissioner Kent Leonhardt.
In our final segment I have an extended interview with Doctor Semeret Munie from the Marshall School of Medicine and Marshal Health Network, she specializes in weight loss surgery and she will tell us about a new weight loss procedure being performed by the Marshall Health Network.
Transcribed
9 AUG 2026 · This week on At The Leadership Table, General Hoyer sits down with Dallas Wolfe, founder of High Ground Brewing in Terra Alta, West Virginia. Dallas is an Army veteran, member of the West Virginia National Guard, and entrepreneur. The General and Dallas share how High Ground Brewing contributes to strengthening community, tourism, and economic development in Preston County. They also explore opportunities for entrepreneurship in West Virginia and discuss the important role local business plays in building united and resilient communities.
The State Fair of West Virginia kicks off on August 13 and the West Virginia Department of Agriculture is a big part of the fair and today we will have a double Rooted in the Mountain State the first part discusses the Country Store and the second the Read Tent. Both are operated by the Ag Department.
Many of us have had issues with the deer eating our shrubs, floors and trees. One West Virginian James Stanton of Charleston has done something about it, he created a product that repels deer and it is not poisonous. We hear form James.
One of the funniest people on the earth is Cletus T Judd. If you listen to country music you know him if not google him.He lives near Portsmouth and he entered the West Virginia Golf Open. Michael Susman of affiliate WJEH caught up with him at the tournament.
Transcribed
2 AUG 2026 · Many of our listeners were impacted by the July 2026 flood especially in central west Virginia and along the Ohio River North of Parkersburg. This episode is dedicated to providing information for those impacted and those who might want to help. Flood recovery is a long term effort.
This week on At The Leadership Table, General Hoyer comments on the recent flooding in north-central West Virginia and re-plays a previous interview with David Lumsden, Chair of the Board of Directors for West Virginia VOAD - that's Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster.
Then the General and Tom Susman sit down to further discuss resources available to those in need and how you might be able to help with long term recovery.
Flood victims face many challenges and the recovery is not a week or two it can take years, and Tom Susman talks with Brad Story who is CEO of the West Virginia Behavioral Health Providers Association on safety-net mental health resources for flood victims.
In our final interview we talk with Kent Leonhardt Commissioner of Agriculture about how this flood is impacting agriculture and what steps impacted farmers take next. If you have garden that’s flooded you will want to listen, because you probably will have to plow it under.
Appalachia Matters is a weekly radio show highlighting life in Appalachia. Each week we have a segment on leadership from retired Major General Jim Hoyer, features highlighting agriculture in our...
show more
Appalachia Matters is a weekly radio show highlighting life in Appalachia. Each week we have a segment on leadership from retired Major General Jim Hoyer, features highlighting agriculture in our region, health care updates from Tom Susman and our host Bo Higby each week highlights a story of community interest.
The show is produced by Vandalia Media Partners.
show less
The show is produced by Vandalia Media Partners.
Information
| Author | Tom Susman |
| Organization | Tom Susman |
| Categories | News |
| Website | - |
| info@wmovfm.com |
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