Creeks to Peaks: The Understory

06/15/2025

S3 Ep. 2 - Brian Cheripko

Welcome to Season 3, Episode 2 of Creeks to Peaks: The Understory podcast! On this episode, Michael interviews Brian Cheripko, a native of Brooke County, West Virginia. Brian is a member of the esteemed Seven Summits Club, having successfully climbed the highest peak on each of the 7 continents. Listen in as they discuss Brian’s motivation and tales of his adventures.
05/04/2025

S3 Ep. 1 - Brooke Glover

Welcome back to Creeks to Peaks: The Understory! On this episode, we chat with Brooke Glover, the CEO & Co-Founder of Swilled Dog, an award-winning distillery and cidery located in Upper Tract, WV. We discuss the growing agritourism economy in WV, and Brooke’s leadership in driving state policy. Tune in to learn all that Swilled Dog has to offer! Swilled Dog spirits are available in WV Liquor stores and ship online to 45 states. Ciders are available in small batches in their tasting room. (This conversation was recorded in Spring 2024)
12/30/2023

S2 Ep. 10 - Bryan Chapman

Join us on Season 2, Episode 10 of Creeks to Peaks: The Understory Podcast, and meet Bryan Chapman, the extraordinary US Army Special Forces Officer and Mount Everest Summiteer hailing from Craigsville, WV. From serving with elite forces to conquering the world's highest peaks, his story embodies the mountaineer spirit of resilience and adventure. Take a listen!
11/01/2023

S2 Ep. 9 - Dan Koepke

On Season 2, Episode 9, Michael interviews Dan Koepke, a Morgantown-native Alpinist and USA Ice Climbing team member. Dan's journey into the world of ice climbing started like many others—with a love for the outdoors and a thirst for adventure. But what sets him apart is his passion and advocacy for conservation and responsible climbing. He understands the importance of preserving the natural beauty of the places he loves to explore. When he's not hanging from a frozen waterfall or scaling towering mountains, you might find Dan sharing his knowledge and experiences with the next generation of climbers. He's a mentor, coach, and a true leader in the climbing community. We learn about how Dan embodies the Mountaineer spirit! As always, take a listen! #CreekstoPeaks #CreekstoPeaksTheUnderstory #FlagSpruce #FlagSpruceInitiative #Alpinist #IceClimbing #USAIceClimbing #MorgantownWV #Mountaineering #Mountaineers #westvirginia #westvirginiapodcasts #nowstreaming #listennow
09/28/2023

S2 Ep. 8 - Lindsey Fout

On this episode, we interview Lindsey Fout, the creative force and West Virginia native behind Last Chance Textiles! Lindsey's passion for ethical design led her to craft soft, sustainable, and natural fabric bandanas and scarves. We explore her dedication to style, sustainability, and conscious consumerism, all of which has led to her success in the textiles industry. As always, take a listen!
06/10/2023

S2 Ep. 7 - Max Gottlieb & Bo Mahr, Founders of Ridge

Ridge On this episode, we sit down with Bo Mahr and Max Gottlieb, the founders of Ridge, a socially conscious digital banking startup based in Appalachia. We discuss their roots growing up in rural America, and how those experiences drive their desire to positively impact similar communities across the country. We also discuss the fintech industry as a whole, and how carbon offsets aren’t as effective as many companies would like you to believe. So as always, take a listen!
03/03/2023

S2 Ep. 6 - Bryn Perrot aka “Deerjerk”

On this episode, we interviewed artist Bryn Perrot (aka Deerjerk) of Morgantown, WV. Bryn’s iconic woodcuts and prints can be found all around the globe. Her work has been commissioned for use on album covers and stage sets, not to mention many of Jackie O’s beer can labels. We hope you enjoy learning about how she discovered this niche art form and grew her passion into a sustainable business. As always, take a listen!
01/07/2023

S2 Ep. 5 - Chip Chase

On Season 2 Episode 5, we interviewed Chip Chase, the heartbeat of Whitegrass Ski Touring Center and Cafe in Canaan Valley, WV. Since opening in 1981, Whitegrass has become renowned as the Mecca of cross-country skiing in the mid Atlantic. That’s in no small part to Chip’s passion for creating a fun and welcoming environment and getting people excited to spend time outdoors. We hope you enjoy listening to Chip tell us about the over 40 year evolution of cross country skiing in WV, as well as what he sees as the future for outdoor recreation in the state. So, as always, take a listen!
12/08/2022

S2 Ep. 4 - Lonnie and Ellen Thompson (Part 2)

Welcome back to Part 2 of our conversation with world-renowned paleoclimatologists and West Virginians, Lonnie Thompson and Ellen Mosley-Thompson. In this episode you’ll continue to hear about their research and exploration around the globe and how it pertains to people back home in the US and in particular, the Mountain State. Be sure to listen to Part 1 to catch up on where we last left off!
11/21/2022

S2 Ep. 3 - Lonnie & Ellen Thompson

Welcome to Episode 3 of Season 2 of Creeks to Peaks: The Understory. In part 1 of another 2-part interview, we introduce you to Lonnie and Ellen Thompson who are world-renowned glaciologists, climatologists, explorers, and West Virginians. The Thompsons have not only been celebrated the world-over for their polar expeditions and research in places like Antarctica, Tibet, and Mt. Kilimanjaro, but they’ve also been married to each other for just over 51 years, which in itself is no small feat. Still serving as professors at Ohio State University’s Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center, the Thompsons’ studies have been influential in helping us understand global warming and climate change since the 1970s. Their combined awards and accolades include: the National Medal of Science, the Seligman Crystal, the Benjamin Franklin Medal, The Commonwealth Prize for Science and Innovation, and the Distinguished Explorer Award of the Roy Chapman Andrews Society. As always, take a listen!
09/26/2022

S2 Ep. 2 - Hershel “Woody” Williams (Pt. 2)

This is Part 2 of Michael’s interview with World War II Medal of Honor recipient Hershel “Woody” Williams. On this episode, Woody recounts his heroic actions at the Battle of Iwo Jima, as well as his life and military connections after the war. Take a listen!
09/04/2022

S2 Ep. 1 - Hershel “Woody” Williams (Pt. 1)

On the first episode of Season 2, Michael had the distinct honor of sitting down and talking with World War II Medal of Honor recipient Hershel “Woody” Williams. Sadly, Woody recently passed away at the age of 98 years old. We hope you join us for Part 1 of 2 episodes where we listen in as Woody takes us through his incredible life. From growing up in West Virginia during the Great Depression, to reliving all of his military experiences from start to finish, Mr. Williams will captivate you with his stories. Take a listen!
07/21/2021

S1 Ep. 11 - Princess Sarah Culberson

On this episode, Michael interviews Princess Sarah Culberson, a Morgantown, West Virginia native. Princess Sarah’s extraordinary journey has been featured on CNN, Good Morning America, and BBC, along with numerous other media outlets. Her story inspired the book, "A Princess Found,” which is being turned into a live-action movie with Disney. Princess Sarah's background and experience in education over the past 15 years has led her to present and create curriculum for schools, universities, and corporations. Her work spans the globe, both in the entertainment industry as well as through her NPO, Sierra Leone Rising. Her work in education and technology has led her to create new projects including an animation show with Randy Jackson as well as a Roblox game to connect children to cultures around the world. We’re excited to share her amazing stories with you, so as always, take a listen!
06/20/2021

S1 Ep. 10 - Archie Talley

On this episode, Kylenn interviews Archie Talley. Archie is a former basketball star who spent 4 years attending Salem College in Salem, WV, after growing up in Washington, D.C. While there, he was named AP Player of the Year and All-American. He set the NAIA all-time single season scoring record (averaging 41 points per game), and still is the 3rd all-time points scorer across all collegiate divisions. Archie is a member of the West Virginia Sports Hall of Fame, and last year was inducted into the National Small College Basketball Hall of Fame. Since 1984, Archie has been traveling the world working as a motivational speaker, sharing his lifetime of experiences and teaching kids about his "Ingredients of Life." Archie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Relations and a Master of Education degree, both from Salem University. To book Archie for a speaking event, check out his website by clicking here. Take a listen! Check out these organizations highlighted in this episode: St. Jude Wincore Windows
05/24/2021

S1 Ep. 9 - Cheryl Laws

On this episode, Michael is joined by Cheryl Laws, a native of South Charleston, WV. Cheryl is the founder and COO of Pollen8, a non-profit organization that strives to change the narrative around substance abuse disorder and works to break the cycle of addiction by providing prevention, treatment, and reintegration programs for women and children. Motivated to make a difference in the lives of women in WV suffering from addition, Cheryl returned to college at the age of 42. She received both a bachelor's and a master's degree before returning to the Mountain State to begin creating change. We talk to Cheryl about her highs and lows, the fight against substance abuse stigma, and what she is currently working on that may be the first of it's kind in the United States. Take a listen. Check out these organizations highlighted in this episode: Manna Meal Centered This episode discusses issues around sexual assault and substance abuse. If you or someone you know needs assistance, the below resources are available 24/7. RAINN Drug Helpline
04/18/2021

S1 Ep. 8 - Nick McGarry

On this episode, Michael interviews Nick McGarry. A native of Buckhannon, WV, Nick is a decorated former Special Forces non-commissioned officer and a veteran of the War on Terror. Today, Nick resides in North Carolina where he works as Executive Vice President for True Velocity. Nick remains passionate about West Virginia, Appalachia, veterans issues, and the Special Forces mission. Nick shares what led him to join Special Forces, his thoughts on West Virginia and veterans affairs, and details events from his deployments that would forever leave an impact on his life. Take a listen. Check out Operation Welcome Home
03/30/2021

S1 Ep. 7 - Elaine McMillion Sheldon (Pt. 2)

This episode is Part 2 of our conversation with filmmaker Elaine McMillion Sheldon. We explore one of Elaine's earliest projects, Hollow, an interactive documentary experience based in McDowell County. We also dive deeper into the differences she sees between documentary film and journalism and the conflicts those differences present. Take a listen.
03/14/2021

S1 Ep. 6 - Elaine McMillion Sheldon (Pt. 1)

This episode is Part 1 of 2 with our guest Elaine McMillion Sheldon. Elaine is an Academy Award nominated and Emmy and Peabody award winning filmmaker. She is best known for directing two Netflix original documentaries Heroine and Recovery Boys, and was recently named to Doc New York City’s 40 under 40 list for 2020. Having grown up in southern WV, Elaine now lives and teaches film in Knoxville TN. On this episode, we ask Elaine about her passion for documentary filmmaking, and also catch some cool stories from her time on the red carpet at the Academy Awards. Be sure to stay tuned for the release of Part 2 of Elaine’s interview in the coming weeks. Until then as always, Take a listen.
03/03/2021

S1 Ep. 5 - Janney Lockman

Our guest on Episode 5 is Janney Lockman. Janney grew up in Green Bank, West Virginia in the shadow of the Green Bank Telescope swimming in creeks, playing old time music with her dad, and reading her way through the public library. After spending over a decade living outside of the region for school and work, Lockman returned to her home state where she currently works as an urban planner and dreams of a socially, economically, and environmentally-just future for Appalachia.
01/31/2021

S1 Ep. 4 - Kimberly Reed

Our guest on this episode is Kimberly Reed, a native of Buckhannon, WV. Kim obtained an undergraduate degree from West Virginia Wesleyan College and a law degree from the West Virginia University College of Law. Most recently, She served as President and Chairman of the Export Import Bank of the United States. Prior to that, her career spanned the public and private sectors, leading organizations such as the International Food Information Council Fund and the Treasury Department’s Community Development Financial Institutions Fund. Kim recently received the Medal of Distinguished Public Service from the US Dept of Defense. On this episode, we discuss Kim’s vast experience at the federal level, her time at one of WV’s premier liberal arts colleges, and her memories as a Golden Horseshoe winner. Take a listen.
01/18/2021

S1 Ep. 3 - Our Understory

In this episode, co-hosts Michael and Kylenn give listeners insight to the “why” behind the podcast and how it connects to the broader mission of their non-profit, Flag Spruce Initiative. Take a listen.
01/03/2021

S1 Ep. 2 - Matthew Jackfert

Matthew Jackfert is a native of Charleston, WV. Jackfert currently works in Charleston as a composer and radio host with West Virginia Public Broadcasting in addition to his freelance work, and he performs, writes, and arranges for the Appalachian-rock group,The Company Stores. Jackfert has written for concert music, radio, TV, film and videogames. He has had his music performed by several ensembles of different sizes and instrumentations including the National Symphony Orchestra, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra, the Richmond Symphony, the Atlanta Pops Orchestra, and the Montclaire String Quartet. Jackfert has been featured on NPR’s Morning Edition as well as on the national radio program Performance Today several times, and he has been a finalist for the Morton Gould Young Composers Award, and has received the Commissioned Composer Award from the WVMTA.
12/20/2020

S1 Ep. 1 - Dr. Eric Lovell

Our guest on Episode 1 is Eric Lovell, a native of Sistersville, West Virginia. As an undergraduate at West Virginia University, Eric pursued his fascination with geography and mapping by studying geography while escaping Morgantown on the weekends to explore West Virginia’s hills and hollows. Keen to map things, Eric went on to receive a masters in geography from Ohio University and a PhD in geography from the University of Colorado at Boulder, where he received the prestigious Fulbright Scholarship. Eric now works for ESRI, a leader in geographic information systems, or (GIS), and location intelligence. We’ll explore Eric’s childhood growing up in West Virginia, the role GIS plays in today’s world, and his views on socio-political factors impacting the state. Take a listen.
12/17/2020

Ep. 0 - Welcome!

STAY TUNED! Ep. 1 release scheduled for Sunday 12/20! Hi, welcome to Creeks to Peaks: The Understory, the podcast that highlights West Virginians, both near and far, who are doing amazing work in their respective fields. Many of whom you may not even know about. Our goal is to bring your attention to these individuals, their stories, and how they connect to the state.