Naturally Curious

Host Bruce C. Brian sits down with Katt Whittenberger, a 21-year navy veteran who served in more than 30 countries, to discuss her non-profit, Mountain Valor Veteran Services.  Whittenberger shares her story, how Mountain Valor got started, and what makes her so relentless in her efforts offering services to help veterans in rural communities.  Mountain Valor Veteran Services can be found online h...

Host Bruce C. Brian sits down with E.B. Smith, an arts administration program director, consultant for non-profits, and accomplished actor. Smith discusses his work in Roanoke, as well as why the arts really matter.  

Host Bruce C. Brian sits down with Megan Lucas, CEO of the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance. Lucas discusses her efforts in building the business climate, generating jobs, and cultivating talent and investment. More information about the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance can be found here .

Host Bruce C. Bryan sits down with author Beth Macy for a behind the scene look at life on the campaign trail, her decision to run for office, her writing process and more.  Note: Radio IQ reached out repeatedly to Representative Ben Cline’s office to do a companion interview, but their office did not respond.

Host Bruce C. Bryan sits down with Carter Turner to discuss the growing popularity of pickleball and representing Roanoke in national competition with The Roanoke Shine, Roanoke's first elite professional pickleball team. He also tackles the tension between pickleball and tennis players, the changing landscape of the game, and what he’s learned from years on the court. More information on the Roan...

Host Bruce C. Bryan sits down with Seth Davis, Executive Director of The Lyric Theater in downtown Blacksburg. Seth discusses the balance of business and the arts in a historic theater. Originally constructed in 1929, the historical Lyric Theater specializes in feature and independent movies, and live music, and theater. More information, the calendar, and tickets can be found on their website: th...

Host Bruce C. Bryan sits down with Grace Mamon, the Southside reporter for  Cardinal News.  She gives a unique view into covering events in Danville and surrounding areas, and a unique behind the scene view of details of being a reporter in smaller communities.  

Host Bruce C. Bryan sits down with Gary Campbell, outgoing CEO of Johnson Health Center , to explore the vital role of Federally Qualified Health Centers in Central Virginia. Gary shares the history behind the health center’s name....honoring tennis legend and pioneering physician Dr. Walter Robert "Whirlwind" Johnson , and discusses what it takes to provide primary care access to everyone in the...

In this episode of Naturally Curious , host Bruce C. Bryan sits down with Lee Hunsaker, founder and "story midwife" behind the live storytelling event and radio show Hoot and Holler . Hunsaker shares how her live shows have evolved from a packed coffee shop yard in Roanoke to sold-out theater performances and a broadcast program on Radio IQ. She discusses her unique role in coaching storytellers t...

Host Bruce C. Bryan speaks with Dr. Robert Canida, Chief Inclusive Excellence Officer at the University of Lynchburg , about the evolving landscape of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and Social Justice in higher education. Dr. Canida discusses the difference between equality and equity, how higher education institutions navigate national shifts, and the importance of fostering a genuine sen...

Host Bruce C. Bryan sits down with Bailey Medeiros, Director of the Roanoke Valley Collective Response (RVCR) , to discuss the collaborative strategies fighting the addiction epidemic across the Roanoke Valley and Allegheny Highlands. Medeiros explains how the RVCR unites first responders, healthcare systems, local businesses, and peers with lived experience to dismantle operational silos, expand...

  Host Bruce C. Bryan sits down with Sarah Quarantotto, the CEO of Miriam's House and a leading voice with the Central Virginia Continuum of Care, to examine the complex realities of housing insecurity and homelessness in Lynchburg. Quarantotto traces the origins of Miriam's House ...from its founding post-World War II roots to its modern role as a multidisciplinary, community-based response hub....

Host Bruce C. Bryan sits down with designer and artist Theresa Dorlini, co-founder of Circle Design Studio and Dorlini Modern . Dorlini reflects on her firm's holistic "full circle" approach to design, bridging the gaps between architecture, interior design, and construction. She shares insights from her 20-year career, including navigating industry shifts like the rise of "resimercial" spaces, as...

Host Bruce C. Bryan speaks with author, podcaster, and music teacher Scott Perry to explore his lifelong journey with Stoicism, marketing, and community building. Perry shares insights from his upcoming book, Stepping Into Possibility, reflecting on how ancient Stoic principles offer a practical framework for navigating life's uncertainties and finding peace of mind. He also discusses his coaching...

Host Bruce C. Bryan steps outside the usual format for a special bonus episode, turning the microphone around on Naturally Curious producer and editor Big Jim Shively. Big Jim reflects on his perspective behind the audio board over the show's first thirty episodes, sharing what it's like to manage sound levels while holding back laughs, gasps, and tears through powerful guest interviews. The conve...

On this episode of Naturally Curious, host Bruce C. Bryan sits down with Dr. Robert Brandon, President of New River Community College , to discuss the evolving landscape of rural higher education and workforce development. Drawing from his early days as a middle school teacher in rural Tennessee, Dr. Brandon shares his lifelong passion for connecting student talent with real-world opportunity. He...

On this episode of Naturally Curious, host Bruce C. Bryan chats with Kevin Deck, a retired architect turned professional painter based in Roanoke, Virginia. After a 30-year career designing public schools and senior living facilities, Kevin transitioned his eye for detail from drafting blueprints to mastering American realism through watercolor. He shares how he overcame a lifelong fear of color b...

On this episode of Naturally Curious, host Bruce C. Bryan sits down with Joey Donovant, the executive director of SML Gives Inc., to discuss the hidden realities of rural poverty and food insecurity in the Smith Mountain Lake region. Joey opens up about his personal journey from a decade-long battle with opiate addiction to founding a grassroots movement during COVID-19 that has rapidly evolved in...

On this episode of Naturally Curious, host Bruce C. Bryan sits down with Jacqui Sobieski, who holds a dual role in her region as the executive director of the Botetourt County Chamber of Commerce and the co-owner of Virginia Mountain Vineyards. Jacqui discusses the rich history of Botetourt County and the balancing act of managing rapid economic expansion, new housing infrastructure, and the upcom...

On this episode of Naturally Curious, host Bruce C. Bryan welcomes long-time friend and jazz guitarist Cyrus Pace to discuss his new role as the executive director of the Academy Center for the Arts in Lynchburg. Cyrus shares his journey through the music industry, reflecting on everything from his master's degree in jazz guitar and playing in the Navy band to his 15-year tenure running Roanoke's...

On this episode of Naturally Curious, host Bruce C. Bryan welcomes his long-time friend Bob Schmucker to the studio for a conversation that is bound to lift your spirits. Bob is the resident leader of the Third Street Coffeehouse in Roanoke's Old Southwest neighborhood, a volunteer-led acoustic venue celebrating its 40th year of bringing people together. He shares his journey from serving in the A...

On this episode of Naturally Curious, host Bruce C. Bryan talks with Maureen Best, the executive director of LEAP, about how the organization connects people with local food sources in Virginia. Maureen shares her background in agriculture and talks about her transition to becoming LEAP's first paid staff member back in 2013. The conversation covers the daily operations of the local food system, i...

On this episode of Naturally Curious, host Bruce C. Bryan sits down with Isabel Thornton, the executive director of Restoration Housing, to discuss the intersection of historic preservation and the affordable housing crisis. They explore the creative mechanics of transforming blighted, boarded-up properties into high-quality rental units, emphasizing how tools like historic tax credits can breathe...

On this episode of Naturally Curious, host Bruce C. Bryan sits down with Karen Pillis, the executive director of the West End Center for Youth, Inc., to explore how a grassroots neighborhood program from the late 1970s evolved into a vital community anchor. They discuss the realities of post-pandemic childhood, discussing how local educators and nonprofits are teaming up to tackle unique modern hu...

This week on Naturally Curious, host Bruce Bryan sits down with Julia Boas from the Roanoke Regional Partnership to uncover why the greater Roanoke area is becoming such a massive magnet for outside companies, capital, and top-tier talent. From global manufacturing growth and the booming "placemaking" movement to the secret weapon of the regional outdoors, Julia breaks down the sustainable growth...