Almost Heaven, Always Us

The Kimbles

Almost Heaven, Always Us is a love letter to West Virginia — told one story at a time. Hosted by a husband-and-wife duo from Morgantown, this podcast explores the Mountain State’s people, places, history, culture, and folklore. Some episodes dive deep into local legends and hidden gems. Others feature heartfelt interviews with West Virginians who are building something special in their communities. And sometimes… it’s just us, laughing through a good story or remembering what it’s like to grow up Appalachian. Almost Heaven isn’t just where we’re from. It’s how we live, Always Us!

  1. EP53: Are We Too Old for Morgantown? Life Here After College

    MAR 6

    EP53: Are We Too Old for Morgantown? Life Here After College

    Most people think of Morgantown as just a college town. But what is it actually like to live here if you're not a student? In this episode, Corey and Kelsey talk about life in Morgantown after college: from raising a family and building a career to navigating game days, crowded grocery stores, and the surprising small-town feeling of a county with over 100,000 people. They also answer common questions about living in Morgantown, including cost of living, safety, community, and whether it’s a good place to raise kids. If you’ve ever wondered what Morgantown is like once the college years are over, this episode dives into the side of the city most people don’t talk about.

    46 min
  2. EP52: West Virginia Winter Is Here!

    JAN 25

    EP52: West Virginia Winter Is Here!

    Winter in West Virginia just hits different. As January starts to close out and winter weather rolls through the Mountain State, life naturally slows down. In this episode, we lean into that quieter rhythm and talk about what winter really feels like here: from snow days and storms to comfort food, routines at home, and the way this season affects our mood. This is a cozy, sit-with-us conversation about winter in West Virginia, finding warmth in the small things, and laughing together during the colder months. If you’re bundled up, snowed in, or just moving a little slower right now, we’re glad you’re here. 🎧 Grab something warm and settle in.00:00 – Winter has settled in01:16 – The good, the bad, and the weird of WV Winter17:30 – Snow days, storms, and winter weather24:27 – Winter comfort food & laughing at hate mail32:16 – Winter, mental health, and hating on January37:40 – French Creek Freddie & Groundhog Day43:20 – Looking ahead & closing thoughts

    45 min
  3. EP51: 10 Things That Just Feel Like West Virginia

    JAN 16

    EP51: 10 Things That Just Feel Like West Virginia

    In this episode of Almost Heaven, Always Us, Corey runs through 10 things that just feel like West Virginia. From deer acting like they own the road, to Dollar Generals in places you least expect, to Walmart somehow being a social event —if you know, you know.And if you’re not from West Virginia… this might sound made up.It’s not.👇 Drop a comment with the ones we missed — because you know there’s at least one more and let us know what county you represent.New episodes weekly.And when you listen, you’re part of the story too.0:00 – Just Feels Like WV2:01 – Deer Are Basically Citizens8:05 – Dollar Generals Everywhere10:05 – Snow Day Vibes12:18 – Pepperoni Roll Politics16:33 – Tudor’s Is Sacred19:19 – Walmart Is a Social Event21:30 – Holler GPS24:30 – Gas Station Food Is Elite29:17 – The WV Goodbye30:45 – Small Town Emergency Broadcast System33:33 – Final Thoughts + Your WV Stories

    36 min
  4. EP50: 5 WV Predictions That Will Affect You in 2026

    JAN 5

    EP50: 5 WV Predictions That Will Affect You in 2026

    2026 is shaping up to be a year that quietly locks in where the state is headed next. In this milestone Episode 50 of Almost Heaven, Always Us, we share five grounded predictions about what’s changing in West Virginia and how those changes will affect everyday life. We talk about:• Who’s actually moving into and out of West Virginia• Why internet access now matters more than roads• Which towns are quietly winning — and which ones will decline• Why healthcare is improving, but unevenly• And why West Virginia pride is getting louder than everThis is an honest conversation about quiet change, churn, and what comes next. Whether you’ve lived here your whole life, left and came back, or just care about the future of Appalachia — this episode is for you. Chapters 00:00 Intro – Why 2026 Matters for West Virginia03:00 Prediction 1 – Who’s Really Moving to WV09:48 Side Quest – Wayne County Detour13:08 Prediction 2 – Internet Over Roads16:34 Prediction 3 – Which WV Towns Will Win (and Lose)24:21 Prediction 4 – Healthcare Gets Better (Unevenly)31:42 Prediction 5 – WV Pride Is Getting Louder36:53 Call to Action39:26 Reflecting on 50 Episodes41:50 OutroAbout Us Almost Heaven, Always Us is a West Virginia–based podcast hosted by a husband-and-wife team who love the Mountain State and the stories that shape it. We explore West Virginia’s people, places, history, culture, and everyday life — with honesty, curiosity, and a deep respect for where we come from. This show isn’t about outsiders’ takes or stereotypes. It’s about telling our own story, one conversation at a time. "And when you listen, you’re part of the story too." Follow Along and Join the Conversation We share bonus clips, behind-the-scenes moments, local stories, and episode updates across our socials: Facebook: Almost Heaven, Always UsInstagram: @almostheavenalwaysusYouTube: Almost Heaven, Always UsTikTok: @almostheavenalwaysus If you enjoy the show, consider following, sharing an episode, or leaving a review — it helps more people discover stories from West Virginia, told by West Virginians.

    43 min
  5. EP49: A West Virginia Christmas

    12/18/2025

    EP49: A West Virginia Christmas

    Christmas in West Virginia isn’t just one tradition: it’s a season of life. In this episode, we talk about what Christmas looked like for us growing up in West Virginia and what it looks like for our family now. From driving through Christmas lights, church plays, hard-to-get gifts, and favorite songs and movies… to the quieter, more intentional Christmases we’re building today. These are our memories, but they’re the kind of moments so many West Virginians recognize — because this is what Christmas really feels like.🎄 💬 Join the Conversation What did Christmas look like when you were growing up in West Virginia?And what does it look like for you now?

    56 min
  6. Ep48: West Virginia’s Big New Year’s Drop — And the Artist Behind It

    12/10/2025

    Ep48: West Virginia’s Big New Year’s Drop — And the Artist Behind It

    Every New Year's in Mannington, West Virginia, a WV Icon drops from the sky: a giant glowing pepperoni roll.In this episode of Almost Heaven Always Us, we sit down with Ben Kolb, the artist, teacher, and creative mind behind the Great West Virginia Pepperoni Roll Drop.We talk about:• How a small-town idea became one of WV’s biggest New Year’s traditions• The story behind Nativibes Studio & Art Gallery• Painting with coal, Appalachian culture, and passing creativity to the next generation• Why WV culture is so inspiring: from Green Bank to Mothman• Marion County's Famous Foods: Pepperoni Roll & HotdogsIf you love West Virginia, small-town magic, and the people who make this place shine… this is YOUR episode.📍 EVENT INFO:December 31, 2025 @ 7:00 pm - January 1, 2026 @ 1:00 amWintergarden Park , Mannington, WVhttps://marioncvb.com/wv-pepperoni-roll-trail/Follow Ben for updates:Social Media: @nativibesArt: holleredground.com🎧 Subscribe for more West Virginia stories, culture, and nostalgia.

    1h 1m
  7. Ep47: The Funny Truth About WV Family Gatherings (And the Hard Parts Too)

    11/29/2025

    Ep47: The Funny Truth About WV Family Gatherings (And the Hard Parts Too)

    West Virginia family gatherings are their own kind of chaos: comfort food, inside jokes, and a little drama all on the same table. 😂 We start with the funny stuff: the WV Gathering Starter Pack, the unspoken rules, and the family roles we all recognize… and then things get real.We talk about why family gatherings are getting harder, why they still matter, and what makes WV family time feel different than anywhere else. A mix of laughter, honesty, and West Virginia heart. 🎙️ Almost Heaven, Always Us Special shout out to Nicholosn Logging LLC for sponsoring this episode!

    53 min
  8. Ep46: Meet the Women Behind Mountaineer Mile | Featuring Kristie Tenney & Lauren Winans

    11/21/2025

    Ep46: Meet the Women Behind Mountaineer Mile | Featuring Kristie Tenney & Lauren Winans

    West Virginia’s newest health movement has taken off, but who are the women actually promoting it? In this episode, we sit down with Kristie Tenney, Upshur County Commissioner and small-business owner, and Lauren Winans, singer-songwriter and host of 304 TODAY, to uncover the real story behind Mountaineer Mile, the statewide initiative encouraging every West Virginian to walk just one mile a day. We talk about:• How the Mountaineer Mile started and the surprising moment that sparked their desire to promote it• Why Kristie and Lauren got involved — and why it matters personally to each of them• The big wins they’ve seen across schools, hospitals, parks, and communities• Stories from the road: seniors line-dancing, classrooms competing, and folks reclaiming their health• Their friendship, teamwork, and West Virginia pride• Where this movement is headed next If you care about West Virginia, community stories, and hearing from the people making a real difference right here at home — this one’s for you. A happy, healthy Mountaineer makes a stronger West Virginia. Let’s walk together. #AlmostHeavenAlwaysUs #MountaineerMile #WestVirginia #WVWELLNESS #KristieTenney #LaurenWinans #304Today Thanks to Nicholson Logging LLC for sponsoring this episode!

    1h 2m
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About

Almost Heaven, Always Us is a love letter to West Virginia — told one story at a time. Hosted by a husband-and-wife duo from Morgantown, this podcast explores the Mountain State’s people, places, history, culture, and folklore. Some episodes dive deep into local legends and hidden gems. Others feature heartfelt interviews with West Virginians who are building something special in their communities. And sometimes… it’s just us, laughing through a good story or remembering what it’s like to grow up Appalachian. Almost Heaven isn’t just where we’re from. It’s how we live, Always Us!

Information

  • Creator
    The Kimbles
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    53
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Kimbles
  • Show Website
    Almost Heaven, Always Us