Whether you want to learn about history, indulge in true crime stories, or hear what your favorite local entertainers have been up to, there’s a podcast for it! With many of us spending more time at home this year, podcasts have been a way for us to connect to information and entertainment in a fun, easily-accessible format. Even before the pandemic, West Virginia was home to a variety of entertaining podcasters. We’ve compiled a list of podcasts that are produced right here in the Mountain State that we think you’ll enjoy while you cook, exercise, or are on the go. Happy listening!
Inside Appalachia
By WV Public Broadcasting
Genre: Society & Culture
https://www.wvpublic.org/podcast/inside-appalachia
Featuring a mix of interviews and narrative storytelling, Inside Appalachia covers a wide variety of topics that are significant to the cultural landscape of West Virginia and the greater Appalachian area. From history, to food, to major issues currently influencing our culture, this podcast keeps you in touch with all things Appalachia.
Appodlachia
By Noble Mountaineer Media
Genre: News
Format: Conversational/Co-hosted
https://www.appodlachia.com/podcast
Dealing with serious topics like mental health in Appalachia, or politics that impact the region, Appodlachia isn’t afraid to tackle things head on. That being said, there is a more lighthearted side to this podcast, which sometimes takes a break to talk about things like Mothman and other cryptids.
Henry: The Life and Legacy of Wheeling’s Most Notorious Brewer
By Wheeling Heritage Media
Genre: History
Format: Storytelling/Interview
https://weelunk.com/multimedia/podcasts/
Produced by Wheeling Heritage Media, our podcast takes a deep dive on Henry Schmulbach, a German brewer in Wheeling, whose life touched on important themes in the city, including immigration, politics, industrialization and crime. Whether you’re interested in Wheeling, brewing, or just people with fascinating life stories, we think you’ll enjoy the story of Wheeling’s most notorious brewer.
Clientele Presents: Appalachian Sound and Color
Genre: Art & Music
Format: Interview
http://clientelestudio.com/appalachian-sound-and-color/
Presented by Clientele Art Studio in Wheeling, this podcast features interviews with Appalachian creatives about their experience living and growing up in Appalachia. How has it affected their art? Why do they choose to stay? The perfect podcast for those interested in the creative side of West Virginia and beyond.
My Brother, My Brother, and Me
By The McElroy Family
Genre: Comedy/Advice
Format: Conversational/Co-hosted
https://www.themcelroy.family/mbmbam
While not necessarily about West Virginia, this immensely popular comedy advice podcast is brought to you by Huntington, WV natives – the McElroy brothers. They read all manner of listener-submitted questions and discuss the best possible solutions, but as the opening of the show states, “The McElroy brothers are not experts, and their advice should never be followed.”
American Scandal
By Wondery
The Hare Krishna Murders Series
Genre: True Crime
Format: Storytelling
https://art19.com/shows/american-scandal/episodes/f1d24291-c79a-4d05-97ed-a984ad7b6056
Starting with the Hare Krishna movement’s arrival in the United States, this podcast series follows the misguided devotee who would eventually found New Vrindaban and the Palace of Gold, in Marshall County, West Virginia. While Hare Krishna was expanding in popularity, even being associated with the Beatles at one point, the peaceful message of Hare Krishna would be abused by specific followers of the movement in an attempt to gain power and notoriety. This would all culminate with a string of violent crimes set in motion in the small community just outside of Moundsville.
The WVU Co-Ed Murders
Produced by Kromatic Media
Genre: True Crime
Format: Storytelling/interview
This podcast looks back at the true story of two West Virginia University students who went missing in January of 1970, only for their bodies to be discovered three months later. By using documented accounts and interviewing people who had involvement in the incident, Kromatic Media tries to piece together what really happened, and who was responsible.
West Virginia Beer Roads
By Charles Bockway
Genre: Lifestyle/Hobbies
Format: Conversational/Interview
https://brilliantstream.com/west-virginia-beer-roads/
If you’re interested in the business of brewing, or want some insight on which WV craft beer you should try next, then this is the podcast for you. Co-hosts Erin and Charles travel throughout West Virginia visiting breweries and speaking with those involved with the craft beer culture.
Did we miss any? Comment below to share your favorite WV-based podcast!