If you’ve ever felt the Appalachian mountains hold secrets just beneath the surface, or you want to hear firsthand how the region’s myths come alive in modern storytelling, this episode is for you. On this episode of Tri State Time Machine, I sit down with Princeton, West Virginia, author Joshua Bish for an unforgettable journey into Appalachia’s folklore, haunted history, and the stories that shape our region. As a campus police officer, veteran, and creative force behind horror novels like The Lady in the Flesh, Room 316, and Blood of Psalm, Josh shares how local legends, inherited trauma, and the supernatural atmosphere of West Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio influence his writing and his life. Throughout our conversation, we talk about the power of storytelling—how family tales and community memories are passed down, why Appalachian horror feels so personal, and what it’s like to blend myth with real history. Josh opens up about his creative process, the origins of spooky stories that shaped him, and the truly wild experiences that have made their way into his books. From campus ghost stories to the mysteries of the Appalachian hills, we explore the intersection of fear, imagination, and tradition. We also talk about the importance of preserving our region’s stories, the lessons hidden in folklore, and how both of us find meaning in simple, homebody lives surrounded by family. Plus, Josh shares a reading inspired by Camden Park’s legendary mound—a tale that will give you chills. We unravel the strange, the nostalgic, and the magical threads woven through Appalachia. If you have a memory you would want me to talk more about, just send me an email at TSTM@mail.com. Or post a comment on the Tri-State Machine FB Group page. Welcome to the Tri-State Time Machine. I'm your host Vanessa Hankins. This is a podcast where my guests and I share our memories and present day stories of the Tri-State Area. That's West Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio. Nothing too serious, no political views, and no ulterior motives. We're just here to share our fun stories about this great area. Whether you're a past resident or a current Tri-State resident, I think you're going to have fun with us. So join in, press play on your podcast player, and welcome to the Tri-State Time Machine! https://ts-time-machine.captivate.fm/episode/josh-bish Copyright 2026 Vanessa Hankins https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/ Mentioned in this episode: Echoes in the Stone meeting Freeman Room 316
