Stories from Southwest Virginia

Join Olivia & Ryan as they talk with Bethany Worley, Executive Director of the Blue Ridge Institute & Museum about SWVA history, the Blue Ridge region, and more on the Stories from SWVA podcast.

Join Olivia and Ryan as they talk with Austin Bradley, Superintendent of Breaks Interstate Park about all things Breaks, outdoor recreation, and more! Theme by Gina & Jason Dilg

Join Olivia and Ryan as they talk with 'Round the Mountain Artisan Nicholas Barnes about his artisan experience, the creative economy, 'Round the Mountain, and more! Theme by Gina & Jason Dilg

Join Olivia and Ryan as they talk with the President and CEO of Mountain Lake Lodge, Heidi Stone! Theme by Gina & Jason Dilg

Join Olivia and Ryan as they talk with 'Round the Mountain artisan Jen Otey about the creative economy, 'RTM, and what it means to be an artisan in Southwest Virginia. Theme by Gina & Jason Dilg

Join Olivia and Ryan as they interview Leah Ross and Dr. René Rodgers of the Birthplace of Country Music about all things the museum, local history, Rhythm & Roots, and more! Theme by Gina & Jason Dilg.

On this episode, Olivia and Ryan talk with Katie Dunn about her work in the High Knob region. Theme by Gina & Jason Dilg

Welcome to Stories from Southwest Virginia, a podcast that takes you on a journey through our unique region. Join Olivia and Ryan as they interview Tyler Hughes, the Executive Director of The Crooked Road. Theme by Gina & Jason Dilg

On today's episode of the Stories from Southwest Virginia podcast, we talk to two Montgomery County Coffee Shops as we continue this craft beverage series. The two coffee shops we spoke to today include: Strange Coffee Company Brugh Coffee It's always exciting to hear how these passionate individuals get their start in the craft industry, hardships they have had to overcome, as well as future plan...

On today's episode of the Stories from Southwest Virginia podcast, we talk to two Montgomery County Wineries as we continue this craft beverage series. The two wineries we spoke to today include: Beliveau Farm Winery White Barrel  It's always exciting to hear how these passionate individuals get their start in the craft industry, hardships they have had to overcome, as well as future plans th...

On today's episode of the Stories from Southwest Virginia podcast, we talk to three more Montgomery County Breweries as we continue this craft beverage series. The three breweries we spoke to today include: Beliveau Farm Brewery Bull & Bones Brewhaus Iron Tree Brewing Company It's always exciting to hear how these passionate individuals get their start in the craft industry, hardships they hav...

On today’s episode of the Stories from Southwest Virginia Podcast we speak with three breweries who also happen to be three great friends. These breweries in Montgomery County, Virginia tell us what it means to be Southwest Virginian by showcasing a great example of community, being neighborly, and having a passion behind their products. Rising Silo Farm Brewery, Moon Hollow Brewing, and Eastern D...

In today's episode of the Stories from Southwest Virginia podcast, we are doing a special feature in partnership with The Crooked Road . Today, we had the opportunity to sit down a speak with Andrew Small , The Crooked Road's First Artist in Residence.  Andrew would also like to say a special thanks to Twin Creeks Distillery in Franklin County Virginia. Also, music lovers, Twin Creeks, and An...

In today's episode of the Stories from Southwest Virginia Podcast, we explore the early art and history of Southwest Virginia settlers. Morgan gives us a lot of great examples and a clear view into what early life was like. From quilting to potato sacks, the means to live in the region were not as easy as we have it today.  It's important to explore our history and keep a record of the tradit...

In today's podcast episode, we take a look into the history behind Marion, Virginia's historic General Francis Marion Hotel. This boutique hotel located in downtown Marion is full of rich history and stories from many years past.   We had the chance to go and visit the hotel, view all of the amenities, and learn about its history.  If you would like to book a stay at the hotel, or even j...

In today's episode, we speak with Stephanie, a licensed LPC who owns Anchoring Hope Counseling in Wise, County, Virginia. Stephanie and I had a great talk on mental health, anxiety, and stress. It was an interesting look into these topics coming from two different perspectives of both a counselor and a client.  Mental health is an area we all have to deal with from time to time and showcasing...

In today's episode of Stories from Southwest Virginia, we got to sit down and speak with Debbie, Sarah, and Megan of Appalachian Sustainable Development , or ASD for short.  ASD has been working since 1995 to aid and support the Appalachian region in the agricultural economy "by supporting local agriculture , exploring  new economic opportunities , and  connecting people  ...

In today's episode, we talk with The Lost Pearl Gallery's Nancy Brooks and Pawnee Jewel about art, The Lost Pearl, and Tazewell, Virginia. Located on Main Street in Tazewell, The Lost Pearl features wonderful handmade pieces of art from various artisans utilizing a variety of mediums such as fiber, wood, metal, painting, and more. To learn more about the gallery and the art, please visit their web...

In today's episode, we talk with Justin from White Blaze Outdoors about his educational hiking tours around Southwest Virginia. These tours consist of short 2 hour hikes, half-day, and overnight adventures. Justin is a graduate of Emory and Henry College with studies in Biology. His expertise on hiking, backpacking, and wildlife make for a great experience learning more about the Southwest Virgini...

In today's episode, we spoke about all things Front Porch Fest with founders Chris and Sarah. We learn about Front Porch Fest, its origins, how it gives back, who all is performing, and what it's like to attend.  Front Porch Fest is a music festival located in beautiful Patrick County, Virginia, and takes place on Spirithaven Farm in Stuart. During the festival, you will experience various ge...

Today, we are chatting with Wythevillve Downtown Executive Director Todd Wolford about the exciting downtown of Wytheville and some upcoming events in 2021. Wytheville in a central hub destination in Southwest Virginia off I-81. If you're looking to travel to West Virginia, North Carolina, Northern Virginia, or Southwest Virginia, chances are, you'll be passing through Wytheville. Coming out of th...

In today's episode, I had the chance to sit down and talk with Tourism Director David Rotenizer, Hammer & Forge Brewing owner Caleb Williamson, Chaos Mountain Brewing owner Joseph Hallock. We talked about all things brewing including start-ups, passion projects, innovation, and more. I had the chance to visit both of these breweries back in April of this year and enjoyed both. I went back to F...

In today's episode, I took some time to talk to 'Round the Mountain Artisan and professional metalworker, Isaac Hylton about his artistic metal and woodwork. Isaac has been working with metal and welding since he was ten years old. Today, he is sharing his crafts in metal and wood with his eleven-year-old daughter. Passing down the skills and knowledge taught to him by his father all those years a...

In today's episode of the podcast, I am joined by 'Round the Mountain Artisan Henri de Hahn to talk about his life of traveling, settling in the region, and his hand-carved, hand-painted snakes. Henri was such a fun quest to speak with on the interpretations of art, various mediums, and how the materials often determine the art. If you would like to learn more about Henri and his work, be sure to...

Today's episode continues the Franklin County Moonshine Heritage month episodes. Today we chat with Franklin County Tourism Director, David Rotenizer, Bethany Worley Director of the Blue Ridge Institute and Museum, and Karen Dillion Editor of the Franklin News-Post. In this episode, we talk about what events visitors can expect to participate in during Moonshine Heritage Month, a month-long celebr...