Kinfolk: Stories of Community and Connection

Dan Means

Kinfolk was born from a love of Appalachian storytelling, celebrating the people, places, and businesses that make our region feel like home. For more stories, art, and short-form interviews, come hang out on: 📲 Instagram: @appalachian_journey 📲TikTok: @appalachianjourney 📘 Facebook: Appalachian Journey 🎨 Connect. Explore. Give Back. Thanks for being part of the journey.

  1. 1d ago

    Jessica Martin — Keeping It Local, Keeping It Real

    Jessica Martin is a radio personality, content creator, and community connector based in Charleston, West Virginia but at her core she's just a girl from Rand with big dreams and an even bigger heart for the people around her. In this episode of Kinfolk: Stories of Community and Connection, Jessica and I talk about how one simple restaurant video sparked a mission to uplift local businesses, why she chooses to shine a light on the good in Charleston when it would be easy to focus on the bad, and what it really means to use your platform no matter how big or small it is. This one hit close to home for me personally. Jessica reminded me why I started this podcast in the first place, and I think she'll do the same for you. Find Her Here! https://linktr.ee/fancyfivebuckfashion

    12 min

  2. Jan 22

    Carnaval 15: Celebrating Community and Culture in West Virginia

    In this episode of Kinfolk: Stories of Community and Connection, host Daniel Means chats with Sierra Marling, Sponsorship & Fundraising Events Manager at the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences of West Virginia. They explore the Clay Center's inspiring mission: to spark creativity, learning, and wonder through arts and sciences experiences for all West Virginians and beyond. Sierra, drawing from her Clay County roots, shares what makes the Clay Center one-of-a-kind, a single destination for Broadway-caliber shows, interactive children's museum exhibits, planetarium adventures, and hands-on STEAM programming. She highlights vital accessibility efforts like Clay2Go (mobile STEAM outreach to rural and underserved counties), $2 Snap & WIC Sundays, and family-focused initiatives that bring opportunity to communities often overlooked in West Virginia. The conversation centers on the highly anticipated Carnaval 15: Reflection, the 15th annual fundraising gala on January 31, 2026. Hosted by the passionate Friends of Clay young professionals group, this milestone event has raised over $2.1 million historically to support the Clay Center's operations and programs. Sierra teases the evening's highlights: an all-Appalachian artist auction, exclusive experiences, great food (catered by 1010 Bridge), and a packed house of community supporters. With tickets selling fast, it's a night of celebration, reflection, and giving back. This episode celebrates how the Clay Center serves as a true cultural and educational hub, fostering connections, creativity, and hope right here in the heart of West Virginia.

    19 min

  3. 06/30/2025

    The Vintage Vances & Charleston Vintage Fest

    Summary In this episode of Kinfolk, I sit down with Derek Vance, the creative mind behind The Vintage Vances and co-founder of Charleston Vintage Fest — one of West Virginia’s fastest-growing vintage markets. Derek shares how his passion for thrifting (and a joke Instagram post) turned into a beloved community event that draws vendors and visitors from across the region. We chat about vintage fashion from the ’80s to Y2K, his deep love for Balzout tees, what it means to build inclusive spaces, and how a punk rock past fuels a vintage future. Whether you’re a collector, a vendor, or just here for the vibes — this one’s for you. 🎙️ Charleston Vintage Fest returns July 26 at Beni Kedem in Charleston, WV. The Vintage Vance's https://www.facebook.com/thevintagevances/ Charleston Vintage Fest https://www.facebook.com/events/beni-kedem-shriners/charleston-vintage-fest-summer-2025/681501621268363/

    14 min

  4. 06/23/2025

    The Heart of the West Virginia State Museum

    Summary In this episode of Kinfolk, host Dan speaks with Nathan Barner, Education Coordinator at the West Virginia State Museum. They discuss the museum's significance, West Virginia's rich history, and the importance of community connections. Nathan shares his personal ties to the state and highlights the museum's role in educating visitors about West Virginia's diverse heritage. The conversation emphasizes the need for continued support for museums and the value of understanding local history. WV State Museum https://wvculture.org/explore/wv-state-museum/

    18 min

  5. 05/05/2025

    Follow Our Lead: Dogs, Purpose & Community with Justin Withrow

    Follow Our Lead www.followourlead.dog https://www.facebook.com/k9lead/ Summary In this episode of Kinfolk: Stories of Community and Connection, Dan talks with Justin Withrow, co-owner of Follow Our Lead, a dog training and grooming business based in Charleston, West Virginia. What began as a way to stay close to family turned into a mission to help dogs and their humans thrive. Justin shares the story of how he and his wife Cayla built their business, the importance of boundaries and routines for dogs, and how misunderstood behaviors like fence-charging often stem from fear not aggression. He also talks about Pups and Pros Collective, their new initiative supporting aspiring pet care entrepreneurs.

    13 min

  6. 04/28/2025

    Music, Grit, and Giving Back with The Company

    The Company https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/thecompanywv/got-to-do Summary In this episode of Kinfolk, host Dan speaks with Tyler Carden, frontman of the band The Company, about their musical journey, the importance of community and music education, and their upcoming single 'Got To Do'. Tyler shares insights on the power of live music, the local music scene in West Virginia, and their efforts to support Liberty High School through fundraising. The conversation also touches on future plans for a festival called CoFest, aimed at supporting local art programs. Where to Catch The Company Friday, June 14 – Performing at Color the River, set up along the Greenbrier RiverThursday, June 20 – Headlining at Raleigh County Live 25 at Lake Stephens, WV

    35 min

  7. 03/31/2025

    Saint Albans Historical Society: Ghost Stories, Festivals, and Community Pride

    St. Albans Historical Society https://www.stalbanshistory.com/ Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/people/St-Albans-Historical-Society-WV/100064751854315/?mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=DxwyYsBbIRvYDsB1&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F1BT2tfW6GB%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr Instagram https://www.instagram.com/st.albanshistoricalsocietywv/ This week on Kinfolk: Stories of Community and Connection, we’re in Saint Albans, West Virginia, exploring the rich history and vibrant spirit of the town with Rachael and Jackson from the Saint Albans Historical Society. From ghost stories and historic homes to major events like Train Days and Yak Fest, this episode dives into how the past shapes the present. We talk about the town’s rise in the 1800s, its nickname as the “Town of Millionaires,” and how the Historical Society works to preserve its legacy.

    35 min

  8. 03/17/2025

    C.J. Mitchell: A Journey Through Music and Identity

    Summary In this episode of Kinfolk, host Dan engages with C.J. Mitchell, a talented musician from West Virginia, discussing his journey through music, identity, and personal growth. C.J. shares his experiences of moving from a small town to Pittsburgh, the impact of his upbringing on his music, and the significance of his songs, particularly 'Permission 2 Love' and 'To Be Yours.' The conversation delves into themes of authenticity, the importance of following one's dreams, and the power of music as a means of expression and connection. C.J. Mitchell https://linktr.ee/cjthesongwriter

    35 min
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3 Ratings

About

Kinfolk was born from a love of Appalachian storytelling, celebrating the people, places, and businesses that make our region feel like home. For more stories, art, and short-form interviews, come hang out on: 📲 Instagram: @appalachian_journey 📲TikTok: @appalachianjourney 📘 Facebook: Appalachian Journey 🎨 Connect. Explore. Give Back. Thanks for being part of the journey.

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