This 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.

Moments

00:00 Introducing comedian Bo Vance

09:34 Meeting Jerry Seinfeld at Keith Albee

15:32 Discussing pronoun usage challenges

18:02 Parenting experiences in comedy

25:43 Making up funny stories

31:40 Concert night elevator encounter

33:12 Discovering Becky Robinson on TikTok

39:20 Comedian interacts with a passed-out audience member

46:13 Comedy show plans in West Virginia

50:58 Managing a big production team

57:19 Bombed joke recovery strategy

01:01:22 Comedian spotting himself on a billboard

01:06:38 Growing up with family music influences

01:14:20 Discussing language and inclusivity

Want 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 TSTM@mail.com. 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-humor

Copyright 2026 Vanessa Hankins

https://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 TSTM@mail.com. 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-disappeared

Copyright 2026 Vanessa Hankins

https://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 TSTM@mail.com. 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-bish

Copyright 2026 Vanessa Hankins

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Mentioned in this episode:

Echoes in the Stone meeting Freeman

Room 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.

Moments

00:00 "Supporting Neurodivergent Transitions"

07:40 "Flexible Coworking Space Options"

15:12 Bridging Education, Employment, and Inclusion

16:18 "Challenging Beliefs Through Experience"

26:26 "Generational Shifts in Acceptance"

30:16 Evolving Autism Diagnoses

33:04 "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 Friendships

01:10:43 "Celebrating Neurodiversity Through Community"

If you have a memory you would want me to talk more about, just send me an email at TSTM@mail.com. 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-workforce

Copyright 2026 Vanessa Hankins

https://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.

Moments

00:00 "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 Stories

01:58:03 "Learning Self-Love and Coping"

If you have a memory you would want me to talk more about, just send me an email at TSTM@mail.com. 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-appalachia

Copyright 2026 Vanessa Hankins

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

I’m taking you on a nostalgic journey back to Christmases in Huntington during the 1970s and 1980s. I’m joined by my wonderful guest and fellow storyteller, Amy Deal, who brings such vivid memories and heartfelt stories of her childhood in Barboursville and Huntington.

Amy and I reminisce about everything that made a Tri State Christmas magical—the sparkle of downtown Huntington’s department store window displays, shopping trips with family to places like Anderson Newcomb and Stone & Thomas, and the thrill of flipping through the iconic Sears Wish Book. We talk about the special traditions that filled our holidays, from waiting for the Christmas parade on Fourth Avenue to circling our favorite toys in the catalog, and the excitement of seeing Santa at the local stores.

We also reminisce about the little moments that made those decades so special: bell ringers on street corners, kids dressed in their Sunday best, snowy sidewalks packed with families, and the pride people took in decorating both storefronts and homes. Whether you grew up here or just love stories about simpler times, I invite you to pour a cup of cocoa and relive the magic of Huntington Christmases past with us.

Let’s celebrate the memories, the stories, and the traditions that connect our Tri State community!

If you have a memory you would want me to talk more about, just send me an email at TSTM@mail.com. 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/70s-and-80s-holiday-traditions-with-amy-deal

Copyright 2026 Vanessa Hankins

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

In this special “Fan Mail” episode, I am mixing things up by answering fan questions collected over the years. From the genesis of the podcast and behind-the-scenes moments to favorite episodes and local recommendations, I share some heartfelt anecdotes about starting out with W.G. Bunch, the joys and jitters of podcasting, and my favorite memories both on and off the mic.

Get ready for candid insights, laugh-out-loud bloopers, and reflections on the unique spirit of the Tri State area. Whether you’re a lifelong listener or just tuning in, this episode is packed with personal stories, community highlights, and answers to questions straight from our listeners.

If you have a memory you would want me to talk more about, just send me an email at TSTM@mail.com. 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/fan-mail

Copyright 2026 Vanessa Hankins

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

I sit down with none other than Jim Thornton—the iconic voice of Wheel of Fortune and proud Huntington native. Together, we take a heartfelt journey through the Tri-State area’s past and present, swapping stories about childhood memories, favorite teachers, and the unique flavors and traditions that define West Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio.

Jim Thornton shares the origins of his love for broadcasting, from childhood mimicry to his first job at WMUL, and reveals the secrets behind keeping his legendary voice strong. The conversation spins from pop culture—bid farewell to MTV’s music video era!—to local eats, including memorable stops at Stewart’s and Jim’s, and touches on what makes the Tri-State area truly special.

Plus, you’ll get behind-the-scenes insights from Wheel of Fortune, hear tales about celebrity encounters, and soak up advice for anyone dreaming big in a small town.

Whether you’re a lifelong local or just passing through, this episode will leave you with a smile and maybe even a craving for a Huntington slaw dog.

If you have a memory you would want me to talk more about, just send me an email at TSTM@mail.com. 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/jim-thorton

Copyright 2026 Vanessa Hankins

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/