Go beyond the headlines with Hoppy Kercheval and Tony Caridi in this exclusive interview series. "State of Minds" brings you unparalleled access to the individuals driving change and making a significant impact across West Virginia. Through intimate one-on-one discussions, explore their journeys, their visions, and the forces that make them influential figures in our Mountain State and beyond.New episodes released every month.State of Minds presented by Hope Gas and Greer Industries.
Latest episodes
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52 min
Creepalachia: J.D. Belcher
J.D. Belcher has built an audience of more than 200,000 followers by telling stories about West Virginia and Appalachia that often go untold. The former coal miner and self-taught…
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38 min
John Boyle: Amazon Best Selling Author
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 trau…
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1 h 05
Chef Paul Smith: James Beard Award Winning Chef
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 st…
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51 min
Lost Creek Farm: Amy Dawson & Mike Costello
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…
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42 min
Dado Slezak: EVP Energy Capital Strategy at QTS
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 center…
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43 min
Amy Margolies: Executive Director, Tucker United
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 proj…
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51 min
Ep. 12 - Chris Morris: Director of WV Data Economy Office
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 taki…
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52 min
Ep. 11 - 2026 West Virginia Academic All Star Winners
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…
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45 min
Ep. 10 - Dave Green: Coal Mine Rescuer & Astrophotographer
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, Orio…
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41 min
Ep. 9 - Redd Kross: Jeff & Steve McDonald
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…
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39 min
Ep. 8 - Arden Cogar Jr.: STIHL Timbersports World Champion & Lawyer
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 gl…
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54 min
Ep. 7 - Jeff Hostetler: WVU legend & two-time Super Bowl champion
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 B…
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41 min
Ep. 6 - Jacob Gordon: Tattoo Artist & Owner of Katana Gold
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…
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44 min
Ep 5. - Morgan O'Brien: President & CEO of Hope Gas
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 deta…
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52 min
Ep. 4 - Elaine McMillion Sheldon: Award Winning Documentary Filmmaker
In this episode of State of Minds, Hoppy Kercheval welcomes Oscar-nominated filmmaker Elaine McMillion Sheldon to discuss her powerful documentary work rooted in Appalachia. Sheldo…
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38 min
Ep. 3 - Don Nehlen: WVU Hall of Fame Coach
Join Tony Caridi for a rare, in-depth conversation with WVU Hall of Fame coach Don Nehlen. As he approaches his 90th birthday, Coach Nehlen reflects on his life, his emotional jour…
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41 min
Ep. 2 - Dr. Kevin Blankenship: Founder & Medical Director of Jacobs Ladder
Hoppy Kercheval sits down with Dr. Kevin Blankenship, co-founder of MedExpress, who channeled his success into a deeply personal mission. After witnessing the failures of tradition…
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37 min
Ep. 1 - Gordon Gee: Former President of WVU
In the inaugural episode of "State of Minds," host Hoppy Kercheval sits down with former university president Gordon Gee for a wide-ranging conversation about his life and career.…