The Positively West Virginia Podcast

Today on Positively West Virginia, we sit down with John Bright, owner and founder of The Purple Fiddle in Thomas, West Virginia. Since opening its doors in 2002, The Purple Fiddle has become a beloved live music venue and community gathering place, attracting musicians and music lovers from across the country while helping showcase the culture, creativity and character of the Mountain State. A West Virginia native and former press photographer, John built The Purple Fiddle around a vision of bringing people together through live Appalachian music, great food and a welcoming atmosphere. Today, the venue features a diverse lineup of performers and has become an important part of Thomas's local arts scene, helping bring visitors to the area and support the surrounding community. In this conversation, we explore John's entrepreneurial journey, the story behind The Purple Fiddle, and the role music, art and small businesses play in strengthening West Virginia communities. John shares his perspective on building a unique destination in rural West Virginia and creating a space where local culture and live music can thrive. Website: https://purplefiddle.com/ Studio Powered by: Breezeline Sponsored by: Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of West Virginia | Freedom Kia of Morgantown | Inner Action Media | Humble Influence: The Strength of True Followership by Jim Matuga | Portland Coffee WV | West Virginia Lottery Produced by: Inner Action Media | Jim Matuga

Today on Positively West Virginia, we sit down with Corinne Traub, co-founder and managing partner of Appalachian Heritage Group, a Lewisburg-based hospitality company creating experiential lodging that showcases the culture and beauty of the Mountain State. After the success of Firefly Ridge, their glamping resort near Berkeley Springs featured in the 2026 West Virginia Department of Tourism commercial, the company is launching Out in West. Through a public-private partnership with the WV DNR, it brings upscale glamping to Blackwater Falls, Summersville Lake, Lost River and Pipestem state parks. They're also providing much-needed workforce housing in Western Greenbrier County. In this conversation, Corinne shares how these projects came together and her vision for growing tourism and hospitality across West Virginia. Website: https://ahgwv.com/ Studio Powered by: Breezeline Sponsored by: Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of West Virginia | Freedom Kia of Morgantown | Inner Action Media | Humble Influence: The strength of true followership - by Jim Matuga | Portland Coffee WV | West Virginia Lottery Produced by: Inner Action Media | Jim Matuga

Today on Positively West Virginia, we sit down with Michael "Mike" Ruffing, founder and President & CEO of Problem Solver's Consultants, a West Virginia-based digital marketing agency helping small businesses build their brands and grow their businesses. Founded in 2013 in Buckhannon, the company was built on the idea that local businesses deserve access to effective, data-driven marketing strategies without the high costs and complexity often associated with larger marketing campaigns. With a background in corporate marketing and experience working with Fortune 500 companies, Mike has dedicated his work to helping small businesses throughout West Virginia and beyond compete in an increasingly digital world. In 2026, Problem Solver's Consultants was recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration as West Virginia's Rural Small Business of the Year. In this conversation, we explore entrepreneurship, digital marketing and the challenges facing small businesses across the Mountain State. Mike shares his perspective on building a successful business, adapting to an ever-changing digital landscape, and helping West Virginia businesses find new opportunities to grow and succeed. Website: https://problemsolversconsultants.com/ Studio Powered by: Breezeline Sponsored by: Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of West Virginia | Freedom Kia of Morgantown | Inner Action Media | Humble Influence: The Strength of True Followership by Jim Matuga | Portland Coffee WV | West Virginia Lottery Produced by: Inner Action Media | Jim Matuga

Today on Positively West Virginia, we sit down with Grant Stewart, Founder of Performance Matrix and co-author with Ray Overdorf of the new book Transformational Leadership: False Assumptions and Missing Pieces. Grant shares how 15 years as an actor and director in New York City prepared him to lead organizations. He also explains the "upside-down pyramid," where the CEO sits at the bottom and makes sure everyone has what they need. Grant tells stories from his work with a Comcast call center and a NASA team. He explains why leadership of others begins with leadership of self, and his advice for West Virginia business leaders: be clear on your purpose, and find out what you don't know. Get the book: Transformational Leadership: False Assumptions and Missing Pieces  Website: https://www.performancematrixllc.com/

Today on Positively West Virginia, we sit down with Matthew Perry, founder and board president of SecureWV, to talk about cybersecurity, education and the growing importance of protecting West Virginia's businesses, organizations and communities in an increasingly connected world. SecureWV is an annual information security conference designed to promote cybersecurity awareness and education, bringing together industry professionals, educators and security leaders from across the region. SecureWV 2026 is set for October 22–23 at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center, featuring practical cybersecurity sessions, nationally recognized speakers and hands-on learning opportunities for attendees at all levels. Website: https://www.securewv.org/ Studio Powered by: Breezeline Sponsored by: Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of West Virginia | Freedom Kia of Morgantown | Inner Action Media | Humble Influence: The Strength of True Followership by Jim Matuga | Portland Coffee WV | West Virginia Lottery Produced by: Inner Action Media | Jim Matuga