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/