The Positively West Virginia Podcast

Positively West Virginia
  • 5.0 (32)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

Can anything good come out of West Virginia? Tune in weekly to the Positively West Virginia Podcast, where we feature in-depth interviews with the business leaders and entrepreneurs making a positive impact on our state.

  1. 5d ago

    Bridging Innovation Week: Kris Warner

    Today on Positively West Virginia, guest host Nick Hart sits down with West Virginia Secretary of State Kris Warner during Bridging Innovation Week in Morgantown, West Virginia. Hosted by the West Virginia Entrepreneurship Ecosystem, Bridging Innovation Week brings together entrepreneurs, investors, students, educators and leaders from across the state to collaborate, elevate emerging ventures and advance economic development. The 2026 event also highlights WVU's role in connecting higher education, industry, government and community partners to strengthen West Virginia's entrepreneurial ecosystem. Kris Warner, West Virginia's 31st Secretary of State, brings a background in entrepreneurship, economic development and public service to the conversation. Before becoming Secretary of State, Warner served as West Virginia State Director for USDA Rural Development and as Executive Director of the West Virginia Economic Development Authority. In his current role, he serves as the state's Chief Elections Official and Chief Business Registration Officer, while also helping lead efforts to make it easier for entrepreneurs to start and grow businesses in West Virginia. In this conversation, Nick and Secretary Warner explore entrepreneurship, economic development, business creation and the opportunities ahead for West Virginia. They discuss the importance of building an environment where entrepreneurs can start, scale and stay in the Mountain State and how collaboration between government, education, industry and communities can help create a stronger economic future for West Virginia. Website: https://sos.wv.gov/about-secretary Studio Powered by: Breezeline Sponsored by: Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of West Virginia | Freedom Kia of Morgantown | Inner Action Media | Humble Influence: The Strength of True Followership by Jim Matuga | Portland Coffee WV | West Virginia Lottery Produced by: Inner Action Media | Jim Matuga

  2. Aug 13

    Bridging Innovation Week: Frank Ford

    Today on Positively West Virginia, guest host Nick Hart sits down with Frank Ford, owner of Mountain Steer Meat Company, during the Bridging Innovation Conference at West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia. Hosted by the West Virginia Entrepreneurship Ecosystem, Bridging Innovation brings together entrepreneurs, investors, students, educators, and leaders from across the state to collaborate, elevate emerging ventures, and advance economic development. With Morgantown serving as this year's host site, WVU colleges and units play an integral role in bringing together innovators from higher education, industry, government, and communities across West Virginia. A multigenerational West Virginia cattleman, Frank Ford is helping redefine what local food production can look like by connecting family farms, local processing, grocers, restaurants, and consumers. Mountain Steer was founded in 2020 to provide fresh, premium-quality, locally sourced beef to West Virginia communities, with a focus on keeping the process local from start to finish. In this conversation, Nick and Frank explore the challenges and opportunities of building a stronger local food system, the importance of supporting West Virginia farmers, and how Mountain Steer is creating a more direct connection between the people who raise the food and the people who enjoy it. From the farm to the table, Frank's story is one of entrepreneurship, tradition, and a belief that local businesses can create lasting impact in their communities. Website: https://mountainsteer.com/ Studio Powered by: Breezeline Sponsored by: Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of West Virginia | Freedom Kia of Morgantown | Inner Action Media | Humble Influence: The Strength of True Followership by Jim Matuga | Portland Coffee WV | West Virginia Lottery Produced by: Inner Action Media | Jim Matuga

  3. Aug 6

    Bridging Innovation Week: Cortina Caldwell

    div]:bg-bg-000/50 [&_pre>div]:border-0.5 [&_pre>div]:border-border-400 [&_.ignore-pre-bg>div]:bg-transparent [&_.standard-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pl-2 [&_.standard-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,ul,ol,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pr-8 [&_.progressive-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pl-2 [&_.progressive-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,ul,ol,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pr-8"> _*]:min-w-0 gap-3 [&_>_*:last-child]:mb-0 print:block print:[&_>_*_+_*]:mt-3 standard-markdown"> Today on Positively West Virginia, host Nick Hart sits down with Cortina Jenelle Caldwell, Brand Evangelist, during Bridging Innovation Week at West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia. For over two decades, Cortina has worked at the intersection of purpose, strategy, and technology — helping leaders transform vision into scalable systems that create measurable impact. Recorded at one of the state's premier entrepreneurship events, this conversation dives into brand architecture, community economics, and innovation — and how organizations can build structures that don't just grow, but sustain meaningful change. Cortina's message is clear: impact isn't accidental. It's designed, engineered, and built to scale. Website: https://cortinajenelle.com/ Studio Powered by: Breezeline   Sponsored by: Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of West Virginia | Freedom Kia of Morgantown | Inner Action Media | Humble Influence: The Strength of True Followership by Jim Matuga | Portland Coffee WV | West Virginia Lottery   Produced by: Inner Action Media | Jim Matuga

  4. Jul 30

    Bridging Innovation: Catherine Read

    Today on Positively West Virginia, host Nick Hart sits down with Catherine Read of Right to Start during Bridging Innovation Week at West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia. As a leader dedicated to expanding opportunities for entrepreneurs, Catherine shares how empowering founders and strengthening local startup ecosystems can help communities across the country and right here in West Virginia thrive. Recorded at one of the state's premier entrepreneurship events, this conversation explores the importance of removing barriers to business creation, fostering innovation, and ensuring every aspiring entrepreneur has the opportunity to succeed. Catherine also discusses Right to Start's mission to make entrepreneurship more accessible and why supporting small businesses is essential to building stronger local economies. Website: https://www.righttostart.org/ Studio Powered by: Breezeline Sponsored by: Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of West Virginia | Freedom Kia of Morgantown | Inner Action Media | Humble Influence: The Strength of True Followership by Jim Matuga | Portland Coffee WV | West Virginia Lottery Produced by: Inner Action Media | Jim Matuga

  5. Jul 23

    Bridging Innovation Week: Ariana Shives

    Today on Positively West Virginia, host Nicklaus Hart sits down with Ariana Shives during Bridging Innovation Week in Morgantown, West Virginia. As a creator, product designer, and innovation leader dedicated to advancing entrepreneurship across the Mountain State, Ariana shares how collaboration, technology, and bold ideas are helping shape West Virginia's future. Recorded at one of the state's premier entrepreneurship events, this conversation explores the importance of building strong innovation ecosystems, supporting startups, and creating opportunities for the next generation of entrepreneurs. Ariana also discusses her journey through neuroscience, social entrepreneurship, and product design, and why she believes West Virginia is the perfect place to build meaningful change. Website: https://www.arianashives.com/ Studio Powered by: Breezeline Sponsored by: Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of West Virginia | Freedom Kia of Morgantown | Inner Action Media | Humble Influence: The Strength of True Followership - by Jim Matuga | Portland Coffee WV | West Virginia Lottery Produced by: Inner Action Media | Jim Matuga

  6. Jul 16

    John Reisenweber: USDA Rural Development

    Today on Positively West Virginia, we're joined by John Reisenweber, State Director for USDA Rural Development in West Virginia, where he works to strengthen rural communities through investments in housing, infrastructure, business development, and essential community services. With a passion for helping West Virginia communities grow and thrive, John discusses how USDA Rural Development partners with local leaders, businesses, and organizations to expand opportunities, improve quality of life, and support long-term economic development across the Mountain State. John shares his journey to public service, the mission of USDA Rural Development, and how the agency is making a meaningful impact in rural West Virginia by investing in the people and places that make our state unique. Website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/about-rd/leadership/state-directors/john-reisenweber Studio Powered by: Breezeline Sponsored by: Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of West Virginia | Freedom Kia of Morgantown | Inner Action Media | Humble Influence: The Strength of True Followership - by Jim Matuga | Portland Coffee WV | West Virginia Lottery Produced by: Inner Action Media | Jim Matuga

  7. Jul 9

    Whitney Price: Unpuzzled Parents Connect

    Today on Positively West Virginia, we're joined by Whitney Price, founder of UnPuzzled Parents Connect, a West Virginia nonprofit dedicated to supporting families raising children with special needs through education, advocacy, and meaningful community connections. Inspired by her own family's journey, Whitney created UnPuzzled Parents Connect to ensure that no parent has to navigate the challenges of a diagnosis alone. Through support groups, educational workshops, family events, and advocacy efforts, the organization empowers caregivers with the resources, encouragement, and connections they need to thrive. Whitney shares the inspiring story behind UnPuzzled Parents Connect, the importance of building a supportive community for families, and how the organization is making a lasting impact for parents and caregivers across West Virginia and beyond. Website: https://www.unpuzzledparentsconnect.com/ Studio Powered by: Breezeline Sponsored by: Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of West Virginia | Freedom Kia of Morgantown | Inner Action Media | Humble Influence: The Strength of True Followership - by Jim Matuga | Portland Coffee WV | West Virginia Lottery Produced by: Inner Action Media | Jim Matuga

  8. Jul 2

    Nate Petroski: NarrowWay Homestead

    Today on Positively West Virginia, we're joined by Nate Petroski, founder of NarroWay Homestead, an off-grid homestead in the mountains of West Virginia that has inspired millions through its focus on self-sufficiency, craftsmanship, and Appalachian living. After leaving a career in construction, Nate set out to build a life off the grid from the ground up. Through his engaging videos and growing online community, he shares the realities of homesteading, sustainable living, and building a business centered around the values of hard work and independence. Nate shares his journey from contractor to full-time homesteader, what inspired him to pursue a different way of life, and how West Virginia has become the foundation for both his home and his business. Website: https://narrowayhomestead.com Studio Powered by: Breezeline Sponsored by: Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of West Virginia | Freedom Kia of Morgantown | Inner Action Media | Humble Influence: The Strength of True Followership - by Jim Matuga | Portland Coffee WV Produced by: Inner Action Media | Jim Matuga

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Can anything good come out of West Virginia? Tune in weekly to the Positively West Virginia Podcast, where we feature in-depth interviews with the business leaders and entrepreneurs making a positive impact on our state.

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