The Coffee Talk Show
Welcome to The Coffee Talk Show, a West Virginia talk show featuring artists, musicians, professionals and celebrity guests who have ties to the state for the purpose of entertainment, inspiration and information. The goal of this exciting project is to provide a venue to showcase great talent and success stories and to raise discussion topics to the citizens of West Virginia.
The Coffee Talk Show
The television project of The Cuppa Joe Foundation, Inc., The Coffee Talk Show, will have a far-reaching effect in helping foster a culture of support for local businesses and artists.
The Coffee Talk Show strives to celebrate West Virginia culture by inviting to its stage a variety of talented guests (community leaders, influential people, and national celebrities, for example) who have ties to the state. As a result, citizens of Morgantown and greater West Virginia will gain an awareness of their place in the local and state community and feel inspired to get involved, encouraged about community growth, and informed about existing opportunities.
In addition, The Coffee Talk Show as a whole seeks to inspire individuals to achieve more in their own lives. Hearing stories from new and familiar faces will motivate people to take action and set goals that benefit all.
This project seeks to facilitate a paradigm shift in Morgantown, moving from big business that takes money away from our community to locally owned and operated businesses, boosting the local economy. Tourism will be an added benefit of The Coffee Talk Show’s influence, resulting in more visitors walking the streets, more customers in our local businesses, and more money for further expansion. Finally, citizens will join together as excitement about their town expands.
This shift has a recursive effect: curiosity about activity downtown brings people there, the demand for certain services grows through sponsorships and programming, and the formation of those services brings more visitors downtown.
The Cuppa Joe Foundation, Inc., through The Coffee Talk Show, will be a catalyst for the continued growth of downtown Morgantown. Joining our efforts will put you on the front lines of this progressive movement for change and economic growth.
The Coffee Talk Show will feature well-known personalities and those just getting their feet wet. Familiar faces on the national stage will come back to town to share their rise to fame or their accomplishments and much more. On occasion we will engage in lively debate through panel discussions and tell other personal stories of trial and triumph.
Meet the Host
For nearly two decades Michael Perri has been building relationships with people. Whether traveling the country, working in the community, developing projects or simply socializing at the local coffee shop, he’s getting to know everyone around him. Now in his thirties he is bringing this passion of connecting to The Coffee Talk Show to inspire all of West Virginia.
Throughout his life he has ventured into community service and the media industry: helping start a skate park; interning for a local television studio; running an Internet-based radio show; traveling the Midwest, bringing motivational multi-media programs to schools and colleges; and participating in numerous speaking engagements at various luncheons and church functions.
Michael attended The Recording Workshop in Chillicothe, Ohio to study audio engineering. He began work at United Sound & Electronics in Bridgeport, WV and freelanced his audio skills to bands, churches and individuals. At the same time he partnered with local ministry group opening three coffeehouse-style outreach centers that showcased artists and musicians from all around the tri-state area. He also has served on various committees that focused their projects on helping the youth of North Central West Virginia. After nearly three years of working with the coffeehouses, he transplanted to Atlanta, Georgia, where his passion to share and tell stories grew. While living in Georgia, Michael traveled back and forth to Nashville and joined both the Gospel Music Association and The Recording Academy of Arts and Sciences, finally coming home to West Virginia after having started a family.
Michael has tried very hard to find ways for others to share their experiences. He has never quit pursuing the dream of inspiring his fellow West Virginians to take risks and go after what they love in life. So, in 2010 he started The Cuppa Joe Foundation, Inc. to help launch The Coffee Talk Show as a platform to showcase the many stories of West Virginia’s people.
“Life is never easy and difficulties come. I’ve made so many errors I’ve lost track, but they’ve truly made me stronger. I am determined to give a voice to those who can motivate and inspire. Life is a four letter word with ‘If’ in the middle… what are you doing with your ‘If’s’ in your life?” -Michael Perri