Wild and Wonderful Women

11/08/2023

Wild and Wonderful Women has a new episode available! In this episode, we discuss Erin's work as a midwife as well as her personal journeys through motherhood, including infertility and infant loss. Erin talks about the importance of educating pregnant people while providing agency for them to make decisions about pregnancy and birth. She articulates what we can do in WV to better support birthing people and families, including family leave and an emphasis on holistic health. Check out this and other episodes of Wild and Wonderful Women on Apple podcasts or Spotify (https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/aliciakbeeson).

Image reads: "A lot of [the midwifery model of care] is shared decision-making. Let's talk about the risks and benefits of various things and then you can make your own decision, and I'll support you in whatever you decide. " Erin Listermann

08/08/2023

Tune in on Friday to hear from Erin Listermann, a certified nurse midwife and nurse practitioner focused on women’s health who works at FamilyCare OB/GYN & Birth Center in Charleston, WV. She'll explain the general midwifery approach and the various settings where midwives can work. Erin also explores the joys and challenges of pregnancy and birth from her personal and professional experiences and what she thinks we can do better as a state to help families.

30/06/2023

Diane Tarantini's book, The Brave Knight, presents a twist on a fairy-tale story, highlighting a relationship between a girl and a dragon that involves grooming. As a survivor of sexual childhood abuse herself, she's passionate about educating other children and adults on the topic in order to help those who may find themselves in an abusive situation. Tune in to hear more about the creation of the book and how we as parents, educators, or caregivers can navigate difficult conversations with children. Check out this and other episodes of Wild and Wonderful Women on Apple podcasts or Spotify (https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/aliciakbeeson).

Image reads: "If from the get-go, no question is dumb, no topic is off-limits, you talk about your hopes and dreams and fears both ways . . . you just set up that relational intimacy, and it’s going to have dividends as your children age. -Diane Tarantini"

26/06/2023

Tune in this Friday to hear from Diane Tarantini, a mother, survivor of childhood sexual abuse, body safety educator and author of a book entitled The Brave Knight (https://www.amazon.com/Brave-Knight-Diane-Tarantini/dp/B09TMZ3988) that teaches kids about grooming and abuse. Tarantini discusses the book's origins, story, accompanying resources, and her advice on establishing a communicative relationship with children to help them navigate the difficulties they may encounter.

26/05/2023

Paid leave can be a valuable resource for individuals who need to care for themselves, a loved one who is ill, or a new child they are welcoming into their home. Kelly Allen has so much knowledge on paid leave and has advocated for state and federal legislation to provide access to paid leave in West Virginia. She also has personal experience on the topic as a new mother and as an administrator in a small organization. Tune in to hear more about the benefits of a paid leave system for employers and employees and resources to learn even more on the topic. Check out this and other episodes of Wild and Wonderful Women on Apple podcasts or Spotify (https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/aliciakbeeson).

Image Reads: "West Virginians . . . do what we can to support one another. But without paid leave, we put families in a scenario where they don't have that option to . . . care for their loved ones and also keep their job . . . So much if it is just whether we are going to live the values that we espouse for ourselves."

Kelly Allen

24/05/2023

Tune in Friday to hear from Kelly Allen, the executive director at the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy. She works with a range of issues, but in this discussion, we focus on paid leave access in West Virginia. We explore cultural beliefs and logistical barriers that prevent businesses and legislators from developing a policy, as well as Kelly's vision for an inclusive paid leave policy.

12/05/2023

In celebration of Mother's Day, tune in to the newest episode of Wild and Wonderful Women to learn more about the origins of the holiday and the life of Anna Jarvis from associate professor of history at WVWC, Dr. Antolini. Learn more about Anna's commitment to the holiday and how her views of how the holiday should be celebrated differed from even her own mother's perceptions.

Image Reads: Mother's Day "is a day that is able to give voice to women and to any kind of model of motherhood . . . it still means something to us because motherhood still means something to us." - Dr. Katharine Antolini

08/05/2023

Dr. Antolini, an associate professor of history at West Virginia Wesleyan College, joins the podcast for the upcoming episode to talk about her expertise on Anna Jarvis, the founder of Mother's Day. Antolini explains that Jarvis was inspired by her mother to establish the holiday and devoted her life to helping it grow. However, she became increasingly frustrated with the way that the floral industry, charities, politicians, and others celebrated the day. Pictured here is Dr. Antolini's favorite photo of Anna Jarvis! Tune in on Friday to learn more.

07/04/2023

The newest episode is now available! It features an interview with Presbyterian minister and chaplain Emily Harden, a co-founder of West Virginia Faith Leaders for Choice, which organizes faith leaders from multiple traditions to advocate for reproductive rights in our state. She explores her interpretation of scripture on the topic of abortion and articulates her vision for the future of our state when it comes to reproductive rights.

03/04/2023

Tune in this Friday to hear from Emily Harden, a a Presybterian minister and chaplain. When I started this season, I knew I wanted to explore the topic of reproductive rights and abortion access, as there are so many nuanced and complicated situations that can arise when someone becomes pregnant. Emily articulates her views on the topic from her standpoint as a religious leader and provides information on the status of abortion access in West Virginia.

17/03/2023

In this episode, we discuss Tiffany's career in early childhood development that led her to advocate on a state level for childcare centers and employees as well as the children and families that they serve. Tiffany explains why childcare is vital in providing children with care during critically important stages of their young life, as well as key for our society to allow parents to remain in the workforce. Check out this and other episodes of Wild and Wonderful Women on Apple podcasts or Spotify (https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/aliciakbeeson).

Image reads: "The first thousand days of a child's life really [lays] the foundation for them even into their subconscious for the way they behave, react, [and] regulate." - Tiffany Gale

13/03/2023

Tune in this Friday to hear from Tiffany Dawn Gale about her work as a childcare center teacher and now director. When the pandemic began, she started working with other childcare centers in the state to advocate for policies that would aid the stability of childcare centers in West Virginia long-term. She has a true passion for working with children and families in our state!

03/03/2023

The first episode of this third season is now available. I chat with my own mom, Matheny, as she reflects on her own experience of becoming a mother and guides me through my first steps into this new role. We also chat about the difficulties of navigating work and motherhood and her joy (and shock!) when she learned she would become a grandmother. Check out this and other episodes of Wild and Wonderful Women on Apple podcasts or Spotify (https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/aliciakbeeson).

Image reads, "Do what's right for you and your family. That's not necessarily what's right for someone else...but if it's right for you, then it's a good thing."

27/02/2023

The first episode of this season is especially meaningful to me, as I get to share a conversation between me and my own mother, Melanie Matheny. As I enter this adventure of motherhood and launch this season focusing on the topic, I thought...who better to start with than my own mom? Tune in this Friday to hear about her experiences and advice about becoming a parent.

22/02/2023

Hello, everyone! I've been on quite a hiatus, but it is about time to begin the third season. I'm excited about it! Here are some updates:

--> This season is going to focus on maternity, motherhood, and more, as I reflect on my journey of becoming a mother myself.

--> I am going to share more updates about what women who were interviewed in previous seasons are working on.

--> I've got some Wild and Wonderful stickers to sell, and during this season, all of the proceeds will go to Libera, inc. (https://www.liberawv.com/). Listen to Season 2, Episode 1 for more information about their work! If you're interested in a sticker, you can find the information to order at this link: https://forms.gle/GPa6vAQBTwF4yoGa7.

Can't wait to share more about the amazing women in our state with y'all. ❤️

21/04/2022

The final episode of Wild and Wonderful Women's second season is now available! Listen for a conversation with Dr. Sarah Armstrong Tucker, the chancellor of West Virginia's Community and Technology College System and the Higher Education Policy Commission. Armstrong Tucker explains the initiatives to make higher education more accessible to West Virginians and her dreams for the future of postsecondary education in our state. Check out this and other episodes of Wild and Wonderful Women on Apple podcasts or Spotify (https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/aliciakbeeson).

Image reads, "My desire for higher ed is to strengthen West Virginia and its economy through a higher education system that creates the most successful graduates in the nation." - Dr. Sarah Armstrong Tucker

18/04/2022

The eighth and final episode of Wild and Wonderful Women’s second season will be released this Thursday! This time, hear a conversation with Dr. Sarah Armstrong Tucker, the chancellor of West Virginia's Community and Technology College System and the Higher Education Policy Commission. We discuss her work to improve higher education in order to help West Virginians become an educated citizenry who can earn higher wages and pursue their unique career aspirations.

10/03/2022

The interview with Jenny Williams is now available! In this episode, we discuss her role as a church leader, her thoughts on the value of religious communities in our state, and the connection between religious faith and issues of social justice. Williams describes the need for churches to provide not just acts of charity but acts of compassion, addressing more systemic issues in our society. Check out this and other episodes of Wild and Wonderful Women on Apple podcasts or Spotify (https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/aliciakbeeson).

Image reads: "I think the church needs to go beyond charity and embrace solidarity more...developing relationship with people who have been historically excluded or marginalized." - Jenny Williams

07/03/2022

A new episode of Wild and Wonderful Women will be released this Thursday! This time, you can hear from Jenny Williams, a pastor at Avery United Methodist Church in Morgantown, WV who is involved in advocacy and community work related to LGBTQ+ rights and racial justice, among other issues. Tune in to hear more on her thoughts about how the roots of the Christian church can speak to addressing systemic issues of social justice today.

24/02/2022

The newest episode of Wild and Wonderful Women is now available! In this episode, we discuss Cheryl Wilson Laws' journey into creating Pollen8 (pollen8wv.org), an organization that provides prevention, treatment, and reintegration programs for women in West Virginia. Listen to learn more about the evidence-based practices that can help someone sustain their recovery, and the programs like Cafe Appalachia that Laws and her team have created to help women do just that. Check out this and other episodes of Wild and Wonderful Women on Apple podcasts or Spotify (https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/aliciakbeeson).

Image reads: "We're here to make the world a better place, and we're here to help people that didn't have the same opportunities as us." - Cheryl Laws

21/02/2022

The sixth episode of season two is almost here! This episode highlights Cheryl Wilson Laws who founded Pollen8 to break "the cycle of addiction by providing prevention, treatment, and reintegration programs for women and children." Tune in on Thursday to hear more about her work to provide support, relationship, housing, and career development for women in recovery in West Virginia.

20/01/2022

It's time to listen to the newest episode of Wild and Wonderful Women with Charkera Ervin! In this episode, we discuss Charkera's advocacy work for the CROWN Act, working towards legislation that prohibits discrimination based on hair. Listen to learn more about the social, economic, and health implications of hair discrimination and why West Virginia should take action. Check out this and other episodes of Wild and Wonderful Women on Apple podcasts or Spotify (https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/aliciakbeeson).

Image reads: "We have the power every single day as individual citizens to decide what type of West Virginia we're gonna have. And the type of West Virginia that I live in, that I cherish, is a West Virginia where y'all means all." -Charkera Ervin

17/01/2022

The next episode of Wild and Wonderful Women is on its way! Check back this Thursday for an interview with Charkera Ervin, a community organizer for Our Future West Virginia, an organization who “envisions a West Virginia where every child, youth and adult has the justice, dignity and equity needed to thrive.” Charkera advocates on a state and local level for the CROWN (Create a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair) Act, along with other racial equity issues. Check out more information about the CROWN Act at thecrownact.com, then come back to hear Charkera share why the CROWN act is an important social, economic, and health issue.

20/12/2021

Last week my friends at Accidental Tomatoes interviewed me about the Wild and Wonderful Women podcast! They have some great episodes that you should check out.

The women of Appalachia have something to say, and our guest for this episode is giving them a place to say it! Alicia Matheney Beeson of the Wild & Wonderful Women of West Virginia Podcast joins Joe and Brandon to talk about why it's so important for the world to listen to the women leading new gen...

16/12/2021

The newest episode of Wild and Wonderful Women is available! Nikki Bowman Mills of New South Media, Inc. explores her work on projects like WV Living, Turn This Town Around, and West Virginia's Wonder Women. Her work has been key in shaping and reshaping both internal and external perceptions of West Virginia. Check out this and other episodes of Wild and Wonderful Women on Apple podcasts or Spotify (https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/aliciakbeeson).

Image reads: "West Virginians...have such a sense of pride of place and community that we are...not just a welcoming people but also we are a welcoming place to grow up to live and to be a part of a community that is bigger than yourself."
- Nikki Bowman Mills

14/12/2021

While you are waiting for the new episode, you can learn more about the incredible Nikki Bowman Mills here!

“We have to change how we think about ourselves as West Virginians before we can even tackle any of those negative perceptions that are out in national media,” Bowman Mills said.

13/12/2021

13/12/2021

This Thursday, the next episode of Wild and Wonderful Women will be available! Nicki Bowman Mills, the founder, publisher, and editor-in-chief of New South Media, Inc. (who publishes many magazines including WV Living) discusses her decision to start New South Media in 2008 and the ways it has grown since then to include multiple publications and podcasts, and now a physical location with stores and an event space. Her mission to celebrate the good in West Virginia, while working with communities to try to address challenges, is clear in her words and in her work. Check back in a few days to hear more about her experiences.

03/12/2021

The third episode of the second season of Wild and Wonderful Women is now available! Jeanne Peters and Kim Williams discuss their entry into local politics with their advocacy work on the ultimately unsuccessful nondiscrimination ordinance in Parkersburg in 2017. Though it was a challenging situation, they built from the community of folks they met at that time to develop Out MOV (http://www.outmov.org/). In this episode, listen to their goals for the organization, including state-level legislation, community events and education, and a pledge to identify local organizations and businesses that support diversity. If you're interested in meeting them and other Out MOV members, join them at their Holiday Hang Out this Sunday from 12-8 at the Vienna Community Building. Check out this and other episodes of Wild and Wonderful Women on Apple podcasts or Spotify (https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/aliciakbeeson).

Image reads, "There's lots of really good things going on in the LGBT community from the organizers throughout the state of West Virginia." -Kim Williams; "We are here, and we have a lot to offer, and we also have a real appreciation for the communities that we live in and love, so we remain." - Jeanne Peters