Archives: Episodes

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Gracie Queen, marketing coordinator at the Clay Center for Arts and Sciences of West Virginia. Gracie shares how she grew up visiting the Clay Center and now helps promote its museums, theater, and planetarium. She tells me about seeing the behind-the-scenes work that goes into events and exhibits and how much collaboration happens across departments. We talk about the new Space Lab exhibit designed to inspire future STEM leaders and the importance of STEM and arts education. Gracie also highlights upcoming events like the West Virginia Invitational and Broadway performances. She encourages everyone to visit www.theclaycenter.org and follow their social media to stay updated.

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Madeline McPhee, a former high school teacher from Texas who’s now in her first year of real estate with Riggs Commercial Realty. She tells me the market is heating up, with ten listings in the past week alone. Madeline says her background in education has helped her make a smooth transition into real estate, and she’s excited to serve the community in this new way. We meet at the Clay Center during Up Next Charlie West’s First Tuesday, where she’s attending for the first time and has already connected with other Texans who’ve moved to the area. She says networking is about showing up, being present, and wearing a smile. Looking ahead, she’s focused on continuing to help people buy and sell homes while building relationships in her new home state. Moving to West Virginia was an adjustment, but she says she’s found her place here and feels grateful to be part of the community.

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Lindsey McIntosh about the Friends of Clay, a volunteer group that supports the Clay Center in Charleston. She explains that the Clay Center is a museum and interactive space with exhibits, concerts, Broadway shows, and educational programs for all ages. Friends of Clay helps fund events like Carnival and supports STEAM education through donations and volunteer efforts. Lindsey shares how membership includes perks like free concert tickets and early access to popular events. We talk about the importance of art in Charleston and how the Clay Center connects art with science and learning. Programs like Water Works and Clay to Go give kids hands-on experiences with STEM concepts. She encourages anyone interested to visit the Clay Center website to learn more or sign up for a membership.

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I chat with Bob Theuring, a local business coach with over 10 years of experience in leadership and personal development. We dive into the hidden costs of skimping in business, discussing the difference between being thrifty and being cheap. Bob shares how his father’s upbringing during the Depression lead to him being taught the value of being frugal, but he also highlights the dangers of cutting corners. We talk about how small details—like the polished piano at an Elton John concert—matter, even if no one notices them. Bob makes the point that focusing solely on saving money can lead to mediocrity, and businesses that strive for excellence must invest in the little things that make a big difference in the long run. Ultimately, we agree that businesses and individuals who excel are the ones who don’t skimp on quality or value. The hidden cost of skimping is not just financial—it’s the risk of damaging your reputation and missing out on long-term success.

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Cindy Skiles about her journey from physical therapist to entrepreneur and now into a new chapter focused on nutrition. She tells me how she started her clinic in a small space with treatment tables she built herself and grew it into a 28,000 square foot facility with two locations, including a gym that still operates today. Cindy shares how she wasn’t afraid to do the dirty work—cleaning, fixing things, and handling whatever needed done. After selling the business in 2018, she’s pursued things she loves like gardening, substitute teaching, working at Grits Farm, and now studying and speaking about functional nutrition. She says she’s still working, just not for a paycheck, and is focused on staying active and helping others. Her advice to others is to work hard, stay curious, and always look for new ways to grow.

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Nancy Bruns, president and co-founder of J.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works. She shares how her family began making salt in Malden in the early 1800s, tapping into an ancient ocean beneath West Virginia. Their salt is rich in minerals and has a unique flavor. Nancy explains the day-to-day operations, with a team of 12 handling salt production, shipping, sales, and a busy event business that includes weddings and farm-to-table dinners. She talks about the challenges of rising shipping costs and competing with large companies offering free shipping. Marketing is done through their website and social media. When I ask for advice for entrepreneurs, Nancy says passion is key—it’s what gets you through the tough times.