Shows / Wayne Bennett's Podcast
Wayne Bennett's Podcast
Wayne Bennett's Podcast explores the Appalachian Culture through music, sports, writing, and various positive venues.
Episodes
- Wayne Bennett's Podcast
Episode 199: Clarence and Suszanne Bowles Episode 199
Clarence and Suszanne Bowles are a lovely couple. Listen as they share their likes and dislikes along with important influences that shaped their character…
- Wayne Bennett's Podcast
Episode 197: Gary Crouth Episode 197
Gary Crouth is a singer/songwriter from Pittsburg who was inspired by the people and love of Southern West Virginia. His songs like Coalyard Charlie, Oakie…
- Wayne Bennett's Podcast
Episode 192: Rodney Elam Episode 195
Beckley's Rodney Elam is being honored with the "Lifetime Service to Wrestling" award from the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.
- Wayne Bennett's Podcast
Episode 194: Beverly Bales Cook Episode 194
Beverly Bales Cook has donated a great deal of her life to the art of dancing, She has also been an accountant, city controller, adjunct professor, and high…
- Wayne Bennett's Podcast
Episode 196: Rudy Paugh Episode 196
Rudy Paugh has been a coalminer, Park Ranger, and forest firefighter. In his spare time, he has officiated football, basketball, baseball and volleyball. His…
- Wayne Bennett's Podcast
Episode 193: Danny Pack Episode 193
Danny Pack has played music for more than sixty years. One local band he played with was, "The Midnight Beats" from the late 1960's and early 1970's. Listen as…
- Wayne Bennett's Podcast
Episode 192: Tom Sopher Episode 192
Tom Sopher gives us some history lessons when he speaks about the Ferguson Rock, Beckley Mill, and Raleigh County's first governor. He also does not mince…
- Wayne Bennett's Podcast
Episode 191: Tom Sopher Episode 191
Have you ever wondered about the Jewish population in Beckley and Southern West Virginia? Tom Sopher shares some history, customs and noted people affiliated…
- Wayne Bennett's Podcast
Episode 190: Bob Clay Episode 190
Bob Clay has lived an adventurous and sometimes exciting life. He's decided to write about a few of his most memorable experiences. "On the Corner of Main and…
- Wayne Bennett's Podcast
Episode 189: Fridley Boys Episode 189
Roy and George Fridley return to our podcast to discuss their album, upcoming concerts, and memorable awards they have received. This interview was a blast!
- Wayne Bennett's Podcast
Episode 188: Fred Hill III Episode 188
Fred Hill III, known as a “hitting machine” for his love of contact during his football days at Woodrow Wilson High School and WV State University, went on to…
- Wayne Bennett's Podcast
Episode 187: Bobby Elam Episode 187
Bobby, a former Woodrow Wilson athlete, also served as a Raleigh County Deputy and Beckley Police Officer. He opens up about his life, including one…
- Wayne Bennett's Podcast
Episode 186: Jeff Sweeney Episode 186
Jeff Sweeney, a former Shady Spring football player and wrestler, was a key part of the Tigers’ 1980 state champion wrestling team. He went on to serve over…
- Wayne Bennett's Podcast
Episode 185: Mark Daniel Episode 185
Mark Daniel coached baseball at Shady Spring High School and Woodrow Wilson for a total of twenty-five years. His love of the game proved to be an inspiration…
- Wayne Bennett's Podcast
Episode 184: Fred Hill II Episode 184
Fred Hill II was a longtime educator and coach in Raleigh County. He was one of the most positive people you could ever meet. His influence on the development…
- Wayne Bennett's Podcast
Episode 183: Cheryl Burm Episode 183
Cheryl Burm moved to West Virginia because of the state's beauty. She had always dreamed of owning a bookstore. Starting from scratch, Burm Books in Beckley is…
- Wayne Bennett's Podcast
Episode 182: Larry Ransom Episode 182
Larry Ransom has worn many hats. He served as a Marine, has worked as a truck driver, equipment operator, bridge builder and owned a successful tree service…
- Wayne Bennett's Podcast
Episode 181: John Campbell Episode 181
John grew up in Mullens during the 1980's and basketball was" King." Playing for a legendary coach and with legendary teammates the bar to succeed was high…
- Wayne Bennett's Podcast
Episode 180: Clayton Arnold Terry Episode 180
Clayton Terry has worn many hats—county administrator, humane officer, board member, Jaycee, and more. But the title he treasures most is Sophia Bluehawk…
- Wayne Bennett's Podcast
Episode 178: Butch Freeman Episode 178
Butch Freeman was the loyal and dedicated assistant basketball coach to Dave Barksdale during the Flying Eagle decade of the 1990s. He stepped in whenever Dave…
- Wayne Bennett's Podcast
Episode 179: 2025 Fallen Heroes Wrestling Tournament Episode179
We spoke with several members of the wrestling community at the Fallen Heros Tournament: Coach Jon Brown (Richlands High), wrestlers London Cook and Jenna…
- Wayne Bennett's Podcast
Episode 177: Ron Brunk Episode 177
Ron Brunk has been described as an eccentric entertainer, singer, musician and prolific writer of songs, poems and novels. He shares his story about some…
- Wayne Bennett's Podcast
Episode 176: Jim Kirby, Episode 176
Jim Kirby is a former athlete at Woodrow Wilson High School. Now a retired electrical engineer (WVU grad) he referees high school volleyball and umpires…
- Wayne Bennett's Podcast
Episode 175: Joey and Michelle Bare Episode 175
Joe and Michelle Bare possess a great deal of ambition and determination when it comes to working hard but allowing time to enjoy life. They are…
- Wayne Bennett's Podcast
Episode 174: Doug Elliott Episode 174
Doug Elliott played four sports at Shady Spring High School in the early 1960's. Later in life he worked at the Welfare Department, taught History in College…
- Wayne Bennett's Podcast
Episode 173: Melissa Grose Goodson Episode 173
Melissa was an outstanding athlete in high school and college. Listen as she shares humorous stories about talking too much in class and "choosing" her…
- Wayne Bennett's Podcast
Episode 172: Eric Thomas Episode 172
Eric Thomas was an outstanding athlete at Independence High School in the late 1980's. Later he became a member of Marshall University's football team. A…
- Wayne Bennett's Podcast
Episode 171: Dale Stafford Episode 171
Dale overcame a rough period after childhood cancer delayed his start in sports. He went on to become a high school and college athlete and has devoted more…
- Wayne Bennett's Podcast
Episode 169: Eddie Souk Episode 169
Hall of Fame football coach Eddie Souk remembers the days when Mt. Hope was a booming coal town. His dad ran "The Smokehouse Grill" and his mother was a…
- Wayne Bennett's Podcast
Episode 170: Marshall University Alumni and Big Green Club Episode 170
The Marshall University Southern Coalfield Alumni and Big Green Club are dedicated to improving lives, with accomplishments like scholarships, community…
- Wayne Bennett's Podcast
Episode 168: The Fridley Boys + 1, Episode 168
George and Roy Fridley are accomplished musicians who sing, play multiple instruments, and compose beautiful songs. This talented duo from Mannington, WV…
- Wayne Bennett's Podcast
Episode 167: Alan Fell Episode 167
Alan Fell had a variety of jobs before he became a nurse Anesthetist and a coach. His attitude and love for life has been a positive influence on many of our…
- Wayne Bennett's Podcast
Episode 166: Troy Stiffler Episode 166
Troy Stiffler has worn many hats during his lifetime. Two of his favorite titles are fishing guide and WV Pickley Guy. The fact that he loves West Virginia…
- Wayne Bennett's Podcast
Episode 164: Bill Withers Tribute Episode 164
The Wayne Bennett Podcast commemorates the statue unveiling and pays homage to Bill Withers Plaza. Additionally, it presents a few recommendations for…
- Wayne Bennett's Podcast
Episode 164: Bill Withers Tribute Episode 164
The Wayne Bennett Podcast commemorates the unveiling and pays homage to Bill Withers. Additionally, it presents a few recommendations to enhance foot traffic…
- Wayne Bennett's Podcast
Episode 163: Kenny McMillion Episode 163
Kenny was a two-time state wrestling champion at Shady Spring High School. He was a member of the 1987 championship Tiger Squad. He has coached in the youth…
- Wayne Bennett's Podcast
Episode 162: Neal Lacey Episode 162
Neal has taught math for more than fifty years. He has directed parades and filmed hundreds of games, concerts and plays in the Beckley area. He and his wife…
- Wayne Bennett's Podcast
Episode 161: Tim Epling Episode 161
Tim Epling has coached baseball on the high school, college, and Prospect league levels. He has umpired professionally and directed numerous camps and clinics…
- Wayne Bennett's Podcast
Episode 160: Doug Legursky, Episode 160
The 2003 Hunt Award Winner as the best high school lineman in WV played at Marshall University and spent eight seasons in the NFL. He is one of the few native…
- Wayne Bennett's Podcast
Episode 159: Stephon Ross Episode 159
Stephon Ross was an outstanding leader and athlete in high school. Listen as he shares his amazing life experiences and his feelings about our national and…
- Wayne Bennett's Podcast
Episode 158: Brian Miluk Episode 158
Coach Miluk shares valuable experiences from coaching at St. Edwards, Padua Franciscan, and Greenbrier East High Schools. Additionally, he makes a significant…
- Wayne Bennett's Podcast
Episode 157: Chad Street Sarrett Episode 157
The Sarrett name has been synonymous with Beckley football for decades. Head Coach, Street Sarrett, shares some family history, coaching experience, and the…
- Wayne Bennett's Podcast
Episode 156: Fallen Heroes 2024 Tournament Episode 156
The 2024 Fallen Heroes Wrestling Tourney is in the books. Listen as we chat with a few stars int the Grappling World-Jesse Adams, Jimmie Bailes, Vance Neal…
- Wayne Bennett's Podcast
Episode 155: Bill O'Brien Episode 155
Longtime radio announcer, director and owner of WJLS, Bill O'Brien is described as "good natured and is always dependable," in his 1965 yearbook. He shares…
- Wayne Bennett's Podcast
Episode 154: Dr. B.K. Vaught Episode 154
Today, Dr. B.K. Vaught sat at our kitchen table, reflecting on times filled with adventure, sports, and academics. He is now a renowned neurologist…
- Wayne Bennett's Podcast
Episode 154: Levi Smith Episode 153
Levi Smith, a passionate Pittsburgh Steelers fan and an 8th grader at Beckley-Stratton Middle School, visited with his father, Mark Smith. We discussed Levi's…
- Wayne Bennett's Podcast
Episode 153: Rusty Wooton Episode 152
Rusty Wooton is a local attorney who was born and raised in Raleigh County. He shares his story about the importance of family, community involvement, and his…
- Wayne Bennett's Podcast
Episode 151: Deacon Harry Evans Episode 151
Deacon Harry Evans, a Catholic clergyman, lives on the street where his childhood unfolded. His vibrant memories of youth and teenage escapades have shaped an…
- Wayne Bennett's Podcast
Episode 150: Michael Farris Episode 150
Remember the Farris Department Store? How about Beckley's dentist, Fred and James Farris? Mike Farris retired banker, noted philanthropist, and an accomplished…
- Wayne Bennett's Podcast
Episode 149: Wes Holden Episode 149
Wes Holden is a real-life hero, having once rescued six children from a fiercely burning building. For three decades, he served as the right-hand man to Jay…
- Wayne Bennett's Podcast
Episode 148: R.J. Elam and Chris Matkins Episode 148
The wrestling coaches from Park Middle School, R.J. Elam and Chris Matkins, dropped in for a chat today. They shared insights into their backgrounds and…
- Wayne Bennett's Podcast
Episode 147: Sherrie Barbera Hunter Episode 147
Sherrie Barbera Hunter is often likened to the Energizer Bunny or dubbed the 'Git-R-Done Girl' due to her active community engagement. Hear her recount tales…
- Wayne Bennett's Podcast
Episode 146: Dwain Lilly Episode 146
Dwain Lilly, who passed away on August 4, 2024, was not only a dear friend but also one of the most admirable individuals I've had the pleasure of knowing. He…
- Wayne Bennett's Podcast
Episode 145: Cole Williams Episode 145
Cole Williams, a vibrant young businessman from Beckley, has gained extensive knowledge about success and failure from his numerous experiences in sports. He…
- Wayne Bennett's Podcast
Episode 144: Scotty Cuthbert Episode 144
Scotty Cuthbert boasts a coaching career spanning forty-seven years at Stoco Jr. High and Independence High School, and he's still going strong. His extensive…
- Wayne Bennett's Podcast
Episode 143: Derek Bailey Episode 143
Derek Bailey's family moved several times when he was a child. Some of those years were spent near his grandparents in Stanaford, WV. Now a highly successful…
- Wayne Bennett's Podcast
Episode 142: William Hylton Tribute Episode 142
Willie Hylton was a cherished friend, father, grandfather, and decorated soldier. His laughter, storytelling, and impeccably kept lawn were his hallmarks. He…
- Wayne Bennett's Podcast
Episode 141: Kathy Zaferatos
Kathy Zaferatos, a descendant of the Ramey and Michael families, shares cherished memories of her ancestors who diligently worked in retail to support their…
- Wayne Bennett's Podcast
Episode 140: Jerry Zaferatos Episode 140
Jerry shares his experiences about growing up in downtown Beckley, WV. Some considered him a dreamer, but he has had great success in the real estate business…
- Wayne Bennett's Podcast
Episode 139: Tony Bob Merritt, Episode 139
Tony is a man of many talents, having assumed various roles at a young age. Carpenter, locksmith, singer-songwriter, and businessman are among the titles he…