Spillin' Sweet Tea

Spillin' Sweet Tea

by Morgan Robinson
Season 1

Building Hope - Spillin' Sweet Tea with Jessica Hudson

Spillin' Sweet Tea with Jessica Hudson of Habitat for Humanity of Kanawha & Putnam! Everyone deserves a place to call home, and this week's guest is helping make that dream a reality for families across our community! We're sitting down with Jessica Hudson, Director of Marketing and Development for Habitat for Humanity of Kanawha & Putnam, to talk about the organization's incredible work to build homes, strengthen communities, and create opportunities for families to thrive. Jessica also gives us a sneak peek at Habitat's upcoming "A Taste of" fundraising event on October 20, featuring this year's theme, A Place to Land. Held at the Bill Noe Flight School Hangar, the event will feature a unique culinary experience from Huntington's Fly In Café, all in support of Habitat's mission to ensure everyone has a safe, decent, and affordable place to call home. From the power of volunteers and community partnerships to the life-changing impact of homeownership, this episode is filled with inspiration and a reminder of what we can accomplish when we come together. 🎙️ Pour yourself a cup and join us for a conversation about building more than houses, we're building hope!

Building the Next Generation of WV Leaders - Spillin' Sweet Tea with Jen Willits

Leadership isn’t just about where you’re going—it’s about who you meet, what you learn, and how you use those experiences to make West Virginia stronger. On this episode of Spillin’ Sweet Tea, Morgan sits down with Jen Willits, Executive Director of Leadership West Virginia, to talk about the organization’s impact on leaders and communities across the Mountain State. As Leadership West Virginia celebrates 35 years, Jen shares how the program connects leaders from different industries, communities, and backgrounds; creates opportunities to experience West Virginia in new ways; and builds relationships that continue long after the program ends. They also talk about what makes the Leadership West Virginia experience so special, the value of stepping outside your everyday circle, and why now is a great time to consider applying for an upcoming class. Whether you’re a longtime West Virginia leader, an emerging professional, or simply someone who wants to become more connected to our state, this conversation offers a great look at the power of learning, relationships, and leadership. 🍵 Pour yourself a glass of sweet tea and join us for a conversation about leading, learning, and building a stronger West Virginia—together. In this episode: • The mission and impact of Leadership West Virginia • Celebrating 35 years of developing and connecting leaders • What participants experience throughout the program • The importance of building relationships across communities and industries • How to apply and get involved Spillin’ Sweet Tea celebrates the people, organizations, businesses, and ideas making West Virginia and Appalachia an even better place to live, learn, work, and play.

Womanhood, Unfiltered - Spillin' Sweet Tea with Ramsie Monk

This week on Spillin’ Sweet Tea, we’re sitting down with Ramsie Monk for a powerful conversation about advocacy, leadership, and the ongoing work to support and empower women across West Virginia. Ramsie has dedicated her time and voice to issues impacting women through her involvement with organizations and initiatives including the Women’s Health Center of West Virginia, the Women Warriors Summit, and the West Virginia Women’s Alliance. We talk about what drives her commitment to this work, the importance of creating spaces where women’s voices and experiences are heard, and the people who have inspired her along the way. Ramsie also reflects on the opportunity to meet Gloria Steinem and the influence of women who have helped shape generations of leaders and advocates. It’s a conversation about showing up, speaking up, building community, and continuing the work for the generations of women who come next. Pour yourself a glass and join us for another episode of Spillin’ Sweet Tea — celebrating the people who are making West Virginia and Appalachia a better place to live, learn, work, and play. 🫖 Like, subscribe, and share to help us keep Spillin’ Sweet Tea across the Mountain State!

Not Charity, But a Chance. Spillin' Sweet Tea with Jamon from Goodwill!

Pour yourself a glass of sweet tea and join us for an inspiring conversation with Jamon Schmidt of Goodwill Industries of the Summit! In this episode of Spillin’ Sweet Tea, we’re talking about the work happening every day to create opportunities, strengthen communities, and help individuals build pathways toward greater independence and success. Jamon shares more about the mission of Goodwill Industries of the Summit, the impact its programs and services have throughout the region, and why workforce development is about so much more than finding a job—it’s about empowering people and creating lasting change. We also dive into Jamon’s own journey, his passion for serving others, and what continues to inspire him about the people and communities of West Virginia. Grab your sweet tea and settle in for a conversation about purpose, opportunity, community, and the power of helping people reach their full potential. Spillin’ Sweet Tea celebrates the people, organizations, businesses, and ideas making West Virginia and Appalachia an incredible place to live, learn, work, and play. Subscribe and join us each week as we spill a little sweet tea with the people making a positive difference in our communities.

Building WV with Justin Williams on Spillin' Sweet Tea

This week on Spillin’ Sweet Tea, we’re celebrating Labor Day with a conversation about the people who quite literally build West Virginia. Morgan sits down with Justin Williams of the West Virginia Building & Construction Trades to talk about the importance of skilled labor, the opportunities available through registered apprenticeships, and the role union tradespeople play in building stronger communities across the Mountain State. From creating family-sustaining careers without the burden of traditional college debt to developing the highly skilled workforce needed for West Virginia’s future, Justin shares why the building and construction trades continue to offer incredible opportunities for West Virginians. As we prepare to celebrate Labor Day, we’re also taking a moment to recognize the generations of workers whose skill, dedication, and hard work have built our communities—and the next generation preparing to carry that legacy forward. Grab a glass of sweet tea and join us for a conversation about work, opportunity, community, and what it means to build West Virginia. 🧰 Learn more about careers in the skilled trades and registered apprenticeship opportunities through the West Virginia Building & Construction Trades. 🎙️ Spillin’ Sweet Tea celebrates the people, organizations, businesses, and ideas making a positive difference throughout West Virginia and Appalachia. Subscribe and join us each week for another great conversation from the Mountain State!

Let's Talk Kanawha Valley Tourism with LeFlore Lucas

This week on Spillin’ Sweet Tea, we’re talking about what makes the Kanawha Valley a place worth visiting, exploring—and calling home—with LeFlore Lucas from Kanawha Valley Tourism! LeFlore joins Morgan for a conversation about the people, places, experiences, and stories that make our corner of West Virginia so special. From showcasing the unexpected experiences visitors can find throughout the region to celebrating the local businesses and attractions that give the Kanawha Valley its personality, LeFlore shares what goes into telling our community’s story to the world. They also talk about the power of tourism to strengthen communities, create connections, and remind those of us who live here just how much there is to be proud of in our own backyard. Grab a glass of sweet tea and join us for a conversation about West Virginia hospitality, community pride, and why the Kanawha Valley deserves a spot on everyone’s must-visit list.

Spillin’ Sweet Tea with Dave Allen: The Voice of Our Community

This week on Spillin’ Sweet Tea, we’re sitting down with a voice generations of West Virginians know well — Hall of Fame radio personality Dave Allen! For decades, Dave has been more than a familiar voice on the radio. He’s been a storyteller, a trusted presence, and a champion for the people and communities that make West Virginia special. We’re talking about his journey through broadcasting, the evolution of radio, memorable moments from behind the microphone, and what it means to build a career rooted in connection and community. Of course, we’ll also spill a little sweet tea along the way as we get to know the man behind the microphone and hear some of the stories he’s collected throughout an incredible career. Pull up a chair and join us for a conversation with a true West Virginia broadcasting legend — Dave Allen: Hall of Fame Radio Personality and the Voice of Our Community. It’s positive. It’s personal. And the tea is always sweet.

Columbia to Charleston - Spillin' Sweet Tea with Victoria Russo

On this episode of Spillin’ Sweet Tea, we sit down with Victoria Russo, Vice President of Business Retention and Expansion at the Charleston Area Alliance and Chamber of Commerce, for a conversation about business, community, connection, and creating opportunity in the Kanawha Valley. Victoria works directly with existing businesses and industries to help them grow, connect with valuable resources, find new customers, and explore creative solutions to workforce challenges. From strengthening business-to-business relationships to helping employers tap into non-traditional workforce pools, her work is all about building connections that help our region thrive. We also get to know the person behind the professional title. Victoria shares her Colombian heritage, her perspective on community and leadership, and what she has learned from working alongside businesses and people throughout the region. Grab a glass of sweet tea and join us for a conversation about economic development, relationships, and why supporting the businesses already invested in our communities is such an important part of West Virginia’s future. Spillin’ Sweet Tea celebrates the people, organizations, and ideas making a positive difference across West Virginia and Appalachia.

What's it Like to Lead the Leaders of the Future? Spillin' Sweet Tea with Dr. Paula Potter!

For months, guests on Spillin' Sweet Tea have been pouring one out for Dr. Paula Potter, sharing stories of her leadership, compassion, and commitment to students across Kanawha County. Now, it's finally her turn to join us at the table. In this episode, host Morgan Robinson sits down with Kanawha County Schools Superintendent Dr. Paula Potter for an inspiring conversation about leadership, the challenges and opportunities facing public education, and preparing students, parents, and educators for a successful school year. Dr. Potter also reflects on the importance of community partnerships, empowering the next generation, and the values that continue to guide her work. Whether you're a parent, educator, student, or simply someone who believes in the power of education to transform lives, this episode offers an encouraging and thoughtful look at the future of our schools—one sweet sip at a time.

Spillin' Sweet Tea | Woody Woods: Building Community, One Celebration at a Time

What makes a community feel like home? This week on Spillin' Sweet Tea, we're sitting down with Charleston's own Woody Woods—DJ, event organizer, community leader, and the man many affectionately call the unofficial Mayor of Charleston. From creating unforgettable events like Woodyfest, Slacks & Sundresses, the All White Party, and his longtime involvement with Multifest, Woody shares how bringing people together has become his life's work. We talk about the inspiration behind Woodyfest, the importance of creating spaces where everyone feels welcome, and why community means so much to him. Woody also reflects on his journey, the lessons he's learned along the way, balancing family and service, and what continues to motivate him to give back to the city he loves. Grab a glass of sweet tea and join us for a conversation filled with laughter, heart, and a reminder that the strongest communities are built by people who genuinely care about one another. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share to help us continue highlighting the incredible people making a difference across West Virginia and Appalachia.
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