Almost Heaven, Always Us

EP53: Are We Too Old for Morgantown? Life Here After College

Most people think of Morgantown as just a college town. But what is it actually like to live here if you're not a student? In this episode, Corey and Kelsey talk about life in Morgantown after college: from raising a family and building a career to navigating game days, crowded grocery stores, and the surprising small-town feeling of a county with over 100,000 people. They also answer common questions about living in Morgantown, including cost of living, safety, community, and whether it’s a good place to raise kids. If you’ve ever wondered what Morgantown is like once the college years are over, this episode dives into the side of the city most people don’t talk about.

EP52: West Virginia Winter Is Here!

Winter in West Virginia just hits different. As January starts to close out and winter weather rolls through the Mountain State, life naturally slows down. In this episode, we lean into that quieter rhythm and talk about what winter really feels like here: from snow days and storms to comfort food, routines at home, and the way this season affects our mood. This is a cozy, sit-with-us conversation about winter in West Virginia, finding warmth in the small things, and laughing together during the colder months. If you’re bundled up, snowed in, or just moving a little slower right now, we’re glad you’re here. 🎧 Grab something warm and settle in.00:00 – Winter has settled in01:16 – The good, the bad, and the weird of WV Winter17:30 – Snow days, storms, and winter weather24:27 – Winter comfort food & laughing at hate mail32:16 – Winter, mental health, and hating on January37:40 – French Creek Freddie & Groundhog Day43:20 – Looking ahead & closing thoughts

EP51: 10 Things That Just Feel Like West Virginia

In this episode of Almost Heaven, Always Us, Corey runs through 10 things that just feel like West Virginia. From deer acting like they own the road, to Dollar Generals in places you least expect, to Walmart somehow being a social event —if you know, you know.And if you’re not from West Virginia… this might sound made up.It’s not.👇 Drop a comment with the ones we missed — because you know there’s at least one more and let us know what county you represent.New episodes weekly.And when you listen, you’re part of the story too.0:00 – Just Feels Like WV2:01 – Deer Are Basically Citizens8:05 – Dollar Generals Everywhere10:05 – Snow Day Vibes12:18 – Pepperoni Roll Politics16:33 – Tudor’s Is Sacred19:19 – Walmart Is a Social Event21:30 – Holler GPS24:30 – Gas Station Food Is Elite29:17 – The WV Goodbye30:45 – Small Town Emergency Broadcast System33:33 – Final Thoughts + Your WV Stories

EP50: 5 WV Predictions That Will Affect You in 2026

2026 is shaping up to be a year that quietly locks in where the state is headed next. In this milestone Episode 50 of Almost Heaven, Always Us, we share five grounded predictions about what’s changing in West Virginia and how those changes will affect everyday life. We talk about: • Who’s actually moving into and out of West Virginia • Why internet access now matters more than roads • Which towns are quietly winning — and which ones will decline • Why healthcare is improving, but unevenly • And why West Virginia pride is getting louder than ever This is an honest conversation about quiet change, churn, and what comes next. Whether you’ve lived here your whole life, left and came back, or just care about the future of Appalachia — this episode is for you. Chapters 00:00 Intro – Why 2026 Matters for West Virginia 03:00 Prediction 1 – Who’s Really Moving to WV 09:48 Side Quest – Wayne County Detour 13:08 Prediction 2 – Internet Over Roads 16:34 Prediction 3 – Which WV Towns Will Win (and Lose) 24:21 Prediction 4 – Healthcare Gets Better (Unevenly) 31:42 Prediction 5 – WV Pride Is Getting Louder 36:53 Call to Action 39:26 Reflecting on 50 Episodes 41:50 OutroAbout Us Almost Heaven, Always Us is a West Virginia–based podcast hosted by a husband-and-wife team who love the Mountain State and the stories that shape it. We explore West Virginia’s people, places, history, culture, and everyday life — with honesty, curiosity, and a deep respect for where we come from. This show isn’t about outsiders’ takes or stereotypes. It’s about telling our own story, one conversation at a time. "And when you listen, you’re part of the story too." Follow Along and Join the Conversation We share bonus clips, behind-the-scenes moments, local stories, and episode updates across our socials: Facebook: Almost Heaven, Always Us Instagram: @almostheavenalwaysus YouTube: Almost Heaven, Always Us TikTok: @almostheavenalwaysus If you enjoy the show, consider following, sharing an episode, or leaving a review — it helps more people discover stories from West Virginia, told by West Virginians.

EP49: A West Virginia Christmas

Christmas in West Virginia isn’t just one tradition: it’s a season of life. In this episode, we talk about what Christmas looked like for us growing up in West Virginia and what it looks like for our family now. From driving through Christmas lights, church plays, hard-to-get gifts, and favorite songs and movies… to the quieter, more intentional Christmases we’re building today. These are our memories, but they’re the kind of moments so many West Virginians recognize — because this is what Christmas really feels like.🎄 💬 Join the Conversation What did Christmas look like when you were growing up in West Virginia? And what does it look like for you now?