Tri State Time Machine

Whether you grew up in the tri-state area or just have family roots here, chances are you’ve heard someone joke that West Virginia has a 56th county. This week, let takes a journey that’s part history lesson, part road trip nostalgia, and 100% Appalachian storytelling.Is Myrtle Beach Really West Virginia’s 56th County?For generations, families from West Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio have loaded their cars and headed to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina—not just for sand and sun, but for a tradition that’s become woven into our cultural fabric. I unpack why this beach became our beach, tracing it from early 20th-century bargains on oceanfront lots to bustling summer trips led by the coal miners’ vacation schedule.Road Trips, Landmarks, and Family MemoriesYou’ll laugh along as I share my family’s classic wrong turns (thanks, GPS!), legendary McDonald’s stops, and inventive ways to avoid awkward roadside encounters. These are the stories that don’t make the travel brochures, but absolutely make the trip.Traditions Old & NewFrom early union-negotiated vacation weeks—which sent entire towns south at once—to personal stories of belonging, loss, and making new memories, this episode explores what it means for a place you visit to start feeling like home. Even if you didn’t grow up with beach week, you’ll recognize the longing for time together, the comfort of routine, and the bittersweet way family traditions grow and change.Highlights:The fascinating link between coal miner contracts and the rise of the Myrtle Beach trip 09:15The legendary 1985 flag-planting stunt by a West Virginia politician 13:32Why a “manageable driving distance” really makes all the difference 07:02How local real estate, business deals, and even a tourism commercial starring Vanessa’s family play into the storyWe Want to Hear YOUR Beach Stories!Did your family vacation at Myrtle? Did you have a favorite landmark, restaurant, or wild road trip mishap? Or did you always go somewhere entirely different? Vanessa would love to share your memories in a future episode. Just visit us on Facebook!If you have a memory you would want me to talk more about, just send me an email at [email protected]. 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/west-virginias-56th-county-myrtle-beachCopyright 2026 Vanessa Hankinshttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Underneath the Huntington we drive through every day is another Huntington. And under that one, another. This week I skip the ghost stories and instead tunnel into the strange, forgotten, occasionally scandalous version of the city hiding in plain sight. There were electric streetcars threading the streets, so many downtown movie palaces that 4th Avenue was literally called Theater Row, and another stretch of the same avenue known simply as "the Strip," where you could reportedly buy bootleg whiskey, gamble, and worse.We meet William Allen Cross, the real-life theater manager who remembered exactly how to buy moonshine, and Genevieve Owens, who grew up near a place Marshall's archives call "the Hanging Tree." That story that leads, remarkably, to the fully documented public execution of Allen Harrison in 1892 in Cabell County, complete with photographs and newspapers. We revisit the 1937 flood through a college student who cheered because her exams were canceled, then had to get home partly by boat. And we end at the one building that refused to disappear: the Keith-Albee.MomentsCh. 1 Streetcars (1888) & Camden Park's streetcar origin 00:02:31Ch. 2 Theater Row on 4th Avenue (40 movie houses) 00:03:31Ch. 3 The Strand — the theater that bet against talking movies 00:05:47Ch. 4 "The Strip" — 4th Avenue's bootlegging, gambling & red-light district 00:07:06, and how you actually bought illegal liquor (Crescent Pool Hall, alley joints) (within Strip section)Ch. 6 Everybody mixed on the Strip — segregation & its contradictions 00:13:59Ch. 7 The Hanging Tree (oral histories of Genevieve Owens & George Peck Moran) 00:14:44Ch. 8 Ritter Park; the documented 1892 public execution of Allen Harrison 00:21:55Ch. 9 "And Then the Water Came" — the 1937 flood through Selma Gail Martin 00:25:11Ch. 10 The Margaret Theater advertising "still open" during the flood 00:33:16Ch. 11 Huntington loses its streetcars (final run Nov 7, 1937) 00:34:03Ch. 12 Neighborhood theaters (14 listed by 1943) 00:35:16Ch. 13 "Teenage Strangler" — Huntington makes a horror movie 00:36:22Ch. 14 The Keith-Albee is a survivor 00:37:50Ch. 15 The strangest Huntington story of all — they were just living 00:39:17If you have a memory you would want me to talk more about, just send me an email at [email protected]. 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/strange-huntington-the-city-hiding-underneath-oursCopyright 2026 Vanessa Hankinshttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Get ready for a different kind of episode on Tri-State Time Machine! Today, we’re cracking open the story of 4401 Magazine Avenue. It's a house in Huntington that’s packed with secrets, surprises, and a whole lot of history tucked away in its attic. I focus on what happens when you find yourself not just buying a home, but inheriting decades of old photos, handwritten letters, vintage receipts, and enough neighborhood lore to keep any history buff busy for years.It's interesting how a house can be way more than just four walls. Built over an original structure, this place reveals its past through quirky rooflines, old family cards, and remodeling plans scribbled on yellowed paper. I talk about the the detective work involved in putting these puzzle pieces together, sometimes leading to more questions than answers.My research leads to looking into the lives of railroad workers, the women who owned property when it wasn’t the norm, and the shifting identity of Westmoreland, from powder mills and explosions to golf courses and block parties. I find out about the house’s ties to the Huntington Fire Department, the mystery of who actually first called it home, and the powerful connections between neighbors that have kept memories alive even when official records fall short.If you love digging into the stories behind old houses, or you just want to hear about the quirks and mysteries that come from living in a place with real history, this episode’s got you covered. Come hang out as I share what it’s like to live inside the layers of 4401 Magazine Avenue. And maybe inspire you to take a closer look at your own walls!If you have a memory you would want me to talk more about, just send me an email at [email protected]. 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/4401-magazine-avenueCopyright 2026 Vanessa Hankinshttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Did you know Huntington’s beloved Ritter Park almost became the site of a municipal garbage incinerator? I uncover how visionaries, community spirit, and thoughtful design shaped one of West Virginia’s most cherished green spaces.Whether your memories of the park involve family picnics, prom pictures, weddings, or just a quiet walk among the roses, this week’s episode uncovers the incredible story behind the green heart of Huntington.Episode Highlights:Discover how Ritter Park nearly became a garbage incinerator site instead of Huntington’s favorite gathering place 04:03.Meet the visionaries: From Rufus Switzer, who dreamed of green spaces while others thought of industry, to Charles Lloyd Ritter, whose generosity changed the city’s path 05:04, and landscape architect Gus Wofford, whose careful designs define the park’s natural beauty today 09:38.Learn how the Works Progress Administration’s handcrafted stonework and bridges still stand as a testament to craftsmanship and community pride 10:22.Explore the history of the iconic Rose Garden, including the dedication of Truman Watts, who restored it to regional fame 13:33.Uncover hidden corners of the park, from the vanished Lake Kapuskonwee to the story of the DAR Cabin, and reflect on how each element came to be a part of Huntington’s story 14:12.A Thought to Take With You:Next time you stroll through Ritter Park, look closer. Each stone, tree, and path holds a piece of our shared history—crafted by hands and hearts who believed Huntington deserved a gathering place as remarkable as its people.If you have a memory you would want me to talk more about, just send me an email at [email protected]. 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/ritter-parkCopyright 2026 Vanessa Hankinshttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

I talk about the stories that shape the Tri-State area—West Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio. From quirky family superstitions and mysterious urban legends like the Mothman to the way outsiders view Appalachia through the lens of stereotypes and headlines, I explore how stories not only entertain us but also define our communities and identities. I share some personal reflections on Huntington, which touch on how popular culture has influenced perceptions of the region and challenge us all to preserve and share the real stories that matter. If you have a memory you would want me to talk more about, just send me an email at [email protected]. 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/the-stories-they-tell-about-usCopyright 2026 Vanessa Hankinshttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Bo Vance on Comedy and CommunityThis week, we’re joined by Bo Vance, a veteran stand-up comedian with over 25 years of experience and a reputation for unfiltered, observational humor with an Appalachian twist. From his accidental start in comedy at a North Carolina drag queen night, to finding his stride in black comedy clubs, and eventually headlining Pride shows and performing across the region, Bo shares candid tales from his journey on stage. We talk about the evolution of his comedic style, memorable moments with audiences, the highs and lows of the local comedy scene, and why advertising and community support matter so much to comedians in West Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to Bo’s brand of honesty-meets-humor storytelling, get ready for an hour packed with laughs, behind-the-scenes insights, and a celebration of Tri State culture.Moments00:00 Introducing comedian Bo Vance09:34 Meeting Jerry Seinfeld at Keith Albee15:32 Discussing pronoun usage challenges18:02 Parenting experiences in comedy25:43 Making up funny stories31:40 Concert night elevator encounter33:12 Discovering Becky Robinson on TikTok39:20 Comedian interacts with a passed-out audience member46:13 Comedy show plans in West Virginia50:58 Managing a big production team57:19 Bombed joke recovery strategy01:01:22 Comedian spotting himself on a billboard01:06:38 Growing up with family music influences01:14:20 Discussing language and inclusivityConnect with BoWant more? Follow Bo Vance Comedy on all social media (except Pinterest!) and check out upcoming shows and other West Virginia comedy happenings at wvcomedy.com.If you have a memory you would want me to talk more about, just send me an email at [email protected]. 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/bo-vance-on-mixing-appalachian-roots-and-unfiltered-humorCopyright 2026 Vanessa Hankinshttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

But I am back, with a big ask from you, my listener.If you have a memory you would want me to talk more about, just send me an email at [email protected]. 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/i-disappearedCopyright 2026 Vanessa Hankinshttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

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 [email protected]. 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-bishCopyright 2026 Vanessa Hankinshttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/Mentioned in this episode:Echoes in the Stone meeting FreemanRoom 316

This is a conversation full of insight, encouragement, and a reminder that inclusion benefits us all.On this episode of Tri State Time Machine, I’m thrilled to sit down with Dr. Rebecca Hansen, the founder of Reaching Spectrum Heights and a devoted advocate for autistic adults who are transitioning from college to the real world. Rebecca has spent nearly twenty years in Huntington, West Virginia, dedicating herself to making our community a better, more inclusive place for neurodivergent graduates and employees.In our conversation, Rebecca opens up about her own journey—what originally brought her to the Tri State area, the twists and turns of her career path, and the inspiration behind starting her woman-led small business. Together, we dive into the real challenges that autistic adults and their families face, from the support gaps after high school and college graduation to the common workplace misunderstandings about neurodiversity.Throughout the episode, Rebecca shares heartfelt stories of mentorship, meaningful friendships, and the realities of building a small business with big impact. You'll also hear thoughtful advice for employers and families, as well as a look at how we can each help foster a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.Moments00:00 "Supporting Neurodivergent Transitions"07:40 "Flexible Coworking Space Options"15:12 Bridging Education, Employment, and Inclusion16:18 "Challenging Beliefs Through Experience"26:26 "Generational Shifts in Acceptance"30:16 Evolving Autism Diagnoses33:04 "Flexibility is Everything"40:50 "Turning Dreams into Reality"48:05 "Reflections on Struggles and Growth"52:51 "Advancing Accessibility in Higher Education"55:17 "Rethinking Interview Processes for Inclusion"01:03:25 "Living Nostalgia"01:06:21 The Beauty of Autism Friendships01:10:43 "Celebrating Neurodiversity Through Community"If you have a memory you would want me to talk more about, just send me an email at [email protected]. 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/supporting-autistic-adults-and-shaping-a-better-workforceCopyright 2026 Vanessa Hankinshttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

If you’ve ever struggled yourself or watched someone you love battle addiction, this episode is for you.On this episode of Tri State Time Machine, I sit down with Adam Foster—a content creator and storyteller from Charleston who’s built a strong following by being unapologetically honest about his addiction, his recovery, and the realities of rebuilding his life.Adam bravely shares what it's really like growing up in Appalachia, the trauma and family dynamics that shaped his early years, and how he found himself trapped in a cycle of addiction. Together, we explore his turning points, the heartbreak of hitting rock bottom, and the daily work that goes into recovery—not just as a personal victory, but as a message of hope for others.Our conversation doesn’t hold anything back. We discuss the tough choices, the ripple effect addiction has on families and communities, and the challenge of rebuilding trust and making amends. Adam opens up about how sharing his journey publicly has helped him—and others—feel less alone.I hope you’ll find honest inspiration in Adam’s story and see, through our conversation, that recovery isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress, resilience, and learning how to love yourself again.Moments00:00 "Adam's Journey: Addiction & Recovery"17:53 "Life's Turning Points and Struggles"24:15 "From Friends to Strangers"34:09 "Confronting a Preacher's Hypocrisy"50:53 "Transformation Through Determination"57:10 "Reflections on Motherhood and Loss"01:14:14 "Honesty, Recovery, and Advocacy"01:20:07 "Raw Honesty and Vulnerability"01:33:03 "Breaking Cycles and Finding Grace"01:41:22 "From Addiction to Redemption"01:55:18 Inspiration Through Shared Stories01:58:03 "Learning Self-Love and Coping"If you have a memory you would want me to talk more about, just send me an email at [email protected]. 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/adam-fosters-raw-journey-through-addiction-and-recovery-in-appalachiaCopyright 2026 Vanessa Hankinshttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/