Spillin' Sweet Tea

In this episode of Spillin’ Sweet Tea, Morgan sits down with Sergio Rodriguez—her Aquarius birthday twin—for a conversation full of heart, perspective, and powerful storytelling.From his journey from Nicaragua to West Virginia, Sergio shares what it means to carry your culture with you, build a life in a new place, and stay deeply connected to where you come from. This episode dives into identity, resilience, and the pride of calling two places home.You’ll hear about: ✨ Sergio’s love for his home country of Nicaragua ✨ The experiences that shaped his journey ✨ What it means to build community and belonging ✨ Reflections on culture, opportunity, and perspectiveThis is one of those conversations that stays with you—honest, meaningful, and full of insight.☕ Grab your coffee and join us.

What does it really mean to show up for your community—and do it boldly?This week on Spillin’ Sweet Tea, we sit down with Melanie Pagliaro—a passionate community ambassador, City Council candidate, and now… Dancing with the Stars debut performer. 💃Melanie shares the heart behind her commitment to Charleston, what inspired her to step into the political arena, and how she’s balancing advocacy, leadership, and a little bit of sparkle on the dance floor. From real talk about public service to the courage it takes to put yourself out there in new ways, this episode is full of energy, insight, and a few laughs along the way.✨ In this episode: • What it means to be a true community ambassador • Why she’s running for City Council—and what she hopes to change • Behind-the-scenes of her Dancing with the Stars debut • Lessons in confidence, leadership, and showing upWhether you’re into local leadership, personal growth, or just love a good behind-the-scenes story, this one’s for you.🎧 Watch now and don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that matter—with a little sweet tea on the side.

What does it take to breathe new life into a historic space—and a city?In this episode of Spillin’ Sweet Tea, we sit down with Maria Belcher to talk about her role in revitalizing The Ruffner and the bigger picture of what it means to invest in community, creativity, and connection.From restoring one of Charleston’s most iconic spaces to supporting the people, projects, and ideas that make our city shine, Maria shares the passion and purpose behind her work—and why it matters now more than ever.We’re talking: ✨ The story behind The Ruffner’s revival ✨ What it takes to create spaces people want to be in ✨ The power of local investment and community pride ✨ Why Charleston is a place worth building, supporting, and celebratingIf you care about community, creativity, and the future of Charleston, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to support more stories like this. 🎧 Listen on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode of Spillin’ Sweet Tea, we’re joined by Zack Harold, Executive Director of FestivALL Charleston, for a conversation that celebrates creativity, community, and the power of storytelling.Zack shares how FestivALL has grown into a signature experience for Charleston and the role the arts play in shaping the identity and energy of West Virginia. From elevating local artists to creating immersive experiences that bring people together, we dive into what it really means to make a city a work of art.We also get a preview of what’s ahead for this year’s FestivALL, the inspiration behind the events, and why storytelling is at the heart of it all.Pour yourself a glass of sweet tea and join us for a conversation that highlights the people and passion behind one of West Virginia’s most beloved celebrations.

Welcome to Spillin’ Sweet Tea — the podcast that pours out the good happening all around us. I’m your host, Morgan Robinson, and each week we sit down with people who are working hard to make our communities stronger, kinder, and more connected. Today we’re sitting down with someone who truly embodies the spirit—and flavor—of West Virginia… Candace Nelson.Candace is the Director of Marketing & Communications at Capitol Market, where she plays a key role in bringing one of Charleston’s most beloved community spaces to life—connecting local farmers, small businesses, and visitors through experiences that celebrate everything our state has to offer.She’s also a storyteller at heart—author of The West Virginia Pepperoni Roll and a self-proclaimed enthusiast in the ongoing search for the best bite across the Mountain State. If it involves good food, local flavor, and a great story… Candace is probably already there.So today, we’re talking about community, connection, finding your place, and yes… probably a little bit about pepperoni rolls too.

Leadership isn’t one-size-fits-all, and at the 2026 WV Chamber Women’s Leadership Summit, we had the chance to hear from incredible women leading with purpose, passion, and authenticity. In this special Spillin’ Sweet Tea compilation, we’re sharing powerful “Sweet Sips” of wisdom, real lessons in leadership, resilience, confidence, and growth, from women who are making an impact across West Virginia and beyond. From navigating challenges to lifting others as they rise, these voices remind us that leadership is as much about heart as it is about action. Pour yourself a cup and take a moment to be inspired.

Welcome to Spillin’ Sweet Tea — the podcast that pours out the good happening all around us. I’m your host, Morgan Robinson, and each week we sit down with people who are working hard to make our communities stronger, kinder, and more connected. Today’s guest is someone who wears many hats in our community.. Ric Cavender is the Director of Charleston Urban Works and currently serves as President of the Kanawha County Board of Education. But beyond the titles, Ric is someone whose personal journey — including rebuilding his life from the ground up — has shaped the way he leads, the way he serves, and the way he creates space for others.Ric is passionate about people, about community, and about making sure Charleston continues to grow while staying true to what makes it special. So grab your favorite cup of something sweet and settle in — because today we’re spillin’ sweet tea with Ric Cavender.

Welcome to Spillin’ Sweet Tea — the podcast that pours out the good happening all around us. I’m your host, Morgan Robinson. Each week, we share uplifting stories from inspiring people who are shaping our communities in meaningful ways. So grab your favorite beverage and settle in — we’re spillin’ only the sweetest kind of tea.Our guest today is Beth Casey, CEO of Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council. Beth leads an organization that serves thousands of girls across West Virginia and beyond, helping them grow into confident leaders, bold thinkers, and compassionate changemakers.Through outdoor adventure, STEM exploration, entrepreneurship, service projects, and leadership development, Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council equips girls with the skills and character they need to thrive.And this month, GSBDC will also be accepting donations of plain white T-shirts at the upcoming WV Chamber Women’s Leadership Summit. These tees will be used in troop projects throughout the year, a simple but meaningful way to support creativity, service, and hands-on learning for girls across our region.

Our guest today is Jeff Newcomer, better known as Coach Kidd. Jeff, originally from Michigan, is a longtime Charleston radio personality and former morning show host on Electric 102.7. After decades of connecting with the community through the airwaves, Jeff now continues serving the next generation as a school bus driver for Kanawha County Schools; bringing the same heart, humor, and care to every route.

Today we’re spillin’ sweet tea with Tamika Wilborne, Community Engagement Manager at YWCA Charleston and an Empowerment Honoree of the YWCA Women of Achievement.Tamika is a powerful connector, advocate, and leader whose work centers on building meaningful relationships and creating pathways for individuals and families to thrive. Through her role at YWCA Charleston, she helps amplify voices, strengthen community partnerships, and advance the organization’s mission of eliminating racism and empowering women.Being recognized as an Empowerment Honoree is a reflection of Tamika’s deep commitment to lifting others, showing up with purpose, and turning compassion into action. Her impact is felt not just through her

Today on Spillin’ Sweet Tea, I’m so excited to be joined by Nancy Bruns, a YWCA Charleston 2026 Woman of Achievement, co-founder and CEO of J.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works, and a passionate advocate for economic development right here in West Virginia.Nancy is a seventh-generation native of the Kanawha Valley who proudly follows in the footsteps of her Dickinson ancestors, leading her family’s businesses with integrity, purpose, and a deep commitment to community. In 2013, she and her brother revived the historic Dickinson salt business—bringing a legacy industry back to life while proving that innovation and tradition can thrive side by side.A firm believer that there is no better place to live and work than West Virginia, Nancy sees tremendous opportunity for job creation, entrepreneurship, and population growth across the state. She lives in Charleston, remains actively engaged on community boards, and continues to pour her energy into projects that move West Virginia forward.We’re excited to chat with Nancy about legacy, leadership, and why the future of West Virginia is full of promise.

In this powerful episode of Spillin’ Sweet Tea, we sit down with Adrienne Worthy, a 2026 Woman of Achievement in partnership with the YWCA Charleston, to talk about courage, advocacy, and the fight against injustice in West Virginia.Adrienne shares her personal journey of standing firm in her convictions while working to create meaningful change for so many West Virginians. From community advocacy to systemic reform, this conversation highlights what leadership looks like when it’s rooted in compassion and action. If you care about Charleston, WV, West Virginia leaders, and spotlighting powerful community voices, this episode is for you.This West Virginia leadership podcast continues our Women of Achievement series by highlighting the stories behind the titles — the resilience, strategy, and heart that drive real impact across our state.

Welcome to Spillin’ Sweet Tea — the podcast that pours out the good happening all around us. I’m your host, Morgan Robinson. Each week, we share uplifting stories from inspiring people that remind us we’re more connected than we think, and the world is full of helpers, dreamers, and doers making life sweeter. So, grab your favorite beverage and settle in, we’re spillin’ only the sweetest kind of tea.Today on Spillin’ Sweet Tea, I’m so excited to be joined by Susie Salisbury, a YWCA Charleston 2026 Woman of Achievement and Senior Vice President of the Charleston Area Alliance and Chamber of Commerce where she helps shape a vibrant future for our region. Her career spans community and economic development roles with Main Street West Virginia, Charleston Renaissance Corporation, the City of Charleston, and her volunteerism reaches even further through a multitude of local and national organizations.Whether she’s advocating for smart development, volunteering across the community, or drawing inspiration from her travels, Susie leads with heart, curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to making Charleston—and West Virginia—an even better place to call home.

Welcome to Spillin’ Sweet Tea — the podcast that pours out the good happening all around us. I’m your host, Morgan Robinson. Each week, we share uplifting stories from inspiring people that remind us we’re more connected than we think, and the world is full of helpers, dreamers, and doers making life sweeter. So, grab your favorite beverage and settle in, we’re spillin’ only the sweetest kind of tea.Today on Spillin’ Sweet Tea, I’m so excited to be joined by Sam Nygaard, a YWCA Woman to Watch for 2026 and the Appalachian Senior Program Manager with the National Parks Conservation Association.Sam’s work is rooted in connecting people to the places they love—from advocating for our national parks right here in the heart of Appalachia, to building community through West Virginia Pedal Pals, the cycling group she started, to rolling up her sleeves and organizing neighborhood cleanups with the West Side Neighborhood Association.No matter the space, Sam believes it’s the people who bring meaning to these places—and that connection is what makes communities stronger. I can’t wait for you to hear this conversation.

Welcome to Spillin’ Sweet Tea — the podcast that pours out the good happening all around us. I’m your host, Morgan Robinson. Each week, we share uplifting stories from inspiring people that remind us we’re more connected than we think, and the world is full of helpers, dreamers, and doers making life sweeter. So, grab your favorite beverage and settle in, we’re spillin’ only the sweetest kind of tea.Our guest today is Lindsey McIntosh, General Counsel, Kanawha County Schools. Lindsey is a fierce advocate for public education, a champion for access to the arts and sciences, and serves as a volunteer in several organizations including Friends of Clay in support of the Clay Center. But beyond the titles and the committees, Lindsey is something just as powerful, an incredible friend and a true cheerleader for so many people in her orbit.We’re spilling some sweet tea today about advocacy, community, showing up for what matters, and how being a supporter can be just as impactful as being center stage.

Welcome to Spillin’ Sweet Tea — the podcast that pours out the good happening all around us. I’m your host, Morgan Robinson. Each week, we share uplifting stories from inspiring people that remind us we’re more connected than we think, and the world is full of helpers, dreamers, and doers making life sweeter. So, grab your favorite beverage and settle in, we’re spillin’ only the sweetest kind of tea.Our guest today is Sara Busse. Sara brings a lifetime of service and compassion to her work fighting food insecurity and strengthening community in Charleston, West Virginia. After a career in journalism and public relations, Sara chose to devote herself to volunteerism full-time — helping coordinate Trinity’s Table, a food ministry that serves hundreds of meals each week to anyone in need, no questions asked. Her passion for service goes far beyond meals: Sara has supported literacy and the arts, volunteered with local food pantries and afterschool programs, and served on multiple nonprofit boards. She received the Women of Achievement Award from the YWCA Charleston for her impactful community leadership and embodies her belief that everyone deserves dignity, respect, and a warm meal.

Welcome to Spillin’ Sweet Tea — the podcast that pours out the good happening all around us. I’m your host, Morgan Robinson. Each week, we share uplifting stories from inspiring people that remind us we’re more connected than we think, and the world is full of helpers, dreamers, and doers making life sweeter. So, grab your favorite beverage and settle in, we’re spillin’ only the sweetest kind of tea.Our guest today is Chris Gosses. Chris is a talented photographer and the President of Rainbow Pride of West Virginia. Passionate about storytelling and community, Chris uses his lens and leadership to highlight the beauty of authenticity while working to build a more inclusive and welcoming West Virginia.If you’d like to work with Chris as a photographer, visit his website at Gosses Photography Dot Com. To learn more about Rainbow Pride of WV visit them online at Rainbow Pride WV Dot Org. These links will also be available on my social media at Spillin’ Sweet Tea at Facebook and Instagram.