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I chat with Captain Mike Michels of the Salvation Army to talk about their iconic red kettle fundraiser, which is crucial for supporting the community during the holiday season and year-round. Captain Mike shares the history of the kettle campaign, which started in San Francisco when Captain MacPhee wanted to feed those in need but didn’t have the funds. What began as a small effort has now grown into a global campaign raising millions of dollars annually. We discuss the various ways people can contribute, including the traditional kettle and new options like Venmo and Apple Pay. Captain Mike also highlights how donations help fund emergency services, youth centers, and more. As Christmas approaches, he emphasizes the Salvation Army’s message of “love beyond hopelessness,” offering hope to those struggling during the season. It’s a reminder that even a small donation can make a huge difference, and I encourage everyone to contribute when they see a kettle this holiday season.

I chat with John Roberts from Mountain Mission, an organization with nearly 100 years of history, to discuss their work helping those in need. Mountain Mission provides emergency assistance like food, housing, clothing, and furniture, focusing on faith-based support for people going through tough times. John shares how Christmas is especially significant for them, as they provide food for over 1,000 families during the holidays, helping to keep families together and create lasting memories. We also talk about the ongoing issue of food insecurity in West Virginia, with one in four children affected, and how Mountain Mission strives to offer nutritious options like fresh fruits and vegetables to those in need. It’s clear that the work Mountain Mission does has a real impact on the community, and I’m grateful to learn more about their efforts to make a difference in the lives of so many in the Kanawha Valley.

I join Jay Silverman at the Go Mart Ballpark during the Salango Law, PLLC Dirty Birds Light the Night presented by GoMart, where we’re surrounded by 2.5 million lights. We talk about the effort it takes to transform the ballpark into a holiday spectacle, with features like an ice rink, bumper cars, new rides, and opportunities to visit Santa Claus. This is their second year, and they’ve made improvements based on lessons from last year, like moving the train to the field for more space. The event is a hit, drawing families and groups to experience the lights and festivities. Light the Night is a highlight of the year for us at the Charleston Dirty Birds, where they bring more than baseball to the community. It takes months of planning and setup, but seeing the joy it brings makes it all worth it. For more details, I encourage everyone to visit www.DBLightTheNight.com

I’m at the GoMart Ballpark for the Salango Law, PLLC Dirty Birds Light the Night presented by GoMart, joined by none other than Santa Claus. He shares how he’s here nightly until December 23rd, greeting visitors and posing for photos amidst a dazzling display of 2.5 million lights. Santa talks about his hustle—delivering presents on Christmas Eve—and how his team of elves handles toy production while he focuses on quality control, checking his list twice. He also reveals his favorite treats: oatmeal raisin cookies and chocolate milk, encouraging kids to leave those out on Christmas Eve. Santa tells me he loves summer beach vacations, where kids might spot him, and wraps up with warm wishes for happiness, health, and a Merry Christmas. I invite everyone to visit Light the Night and experience the festive magic firsthand.

I got to talk with Shawn Simms, a personal injury attorney who also dabbles in stock trading. Shawn shares how his mother’s experience with medical negligence inspired him to pursue personal injury law, shifting his focus from corporate law to advocating for those injured through no fault of their own. We discuss the challenges posed by tort reform, which often creates barriers for plaintiffs seeking justice, and how Shawn’s work is rooted in ensuring access to the legal system. He explains the differences between criminal, civil, and transactional law, as well as his firm’s emphasis on cases outside of workers’ compensation. Shawn highlights how law school prepares attorneys to think critically, but the real learning happens when working directly with clients. As we wrap up, Shawn reflects on the importance of events like Meet Up 64 for connecting young professionals in West Virginia, all working to make a difference in the community.

I got to talk with Yun Liang, a local realtor in the Kanawha Valley. Yun shares her journey from Taiwan to West Virginia at age 14, her transition into real estate six years ago, and how she thrives in a competitive market. She explains that despite higher interest rates and inventory challenges, the demand for homes keeps her busy. Yun talks about how technology, like internet ads, 3D tours, and drone videos, has reshaped the industry, making personal connections and local focus more important than ever. She also reflects on her early experiences adjusting to life in West Virginia, contrasting it with her bustling home of Taipei. Yun closes by encouraging listeners to support local realtors directly through platforms like Old Colony, avoiding third-party sites.