Ten Minutes of Truth with Shawn A. Barksdale

Business with Purpose & Feeding Halifax: Featuring Ryland Clark of Hitachi Energy  In our latest segment of Ten Minutes of Truth , we had the privilege of sitting down with Ryland Clark , Community Relations & Engagement Manager at Hitachi Energy, South Boston, VA , and a member of the Halifax County Industrial Development Board . We had no idea just how deeply Ryland—and Hitachi as a whol...

EPISODE: Virginia Tech Is Tackling the Opioid Epidemic with Evidence-Based Practices | Featuring: Shannon Rogers Simpson , VT Extension – Halifax County  Topic: What Is Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Why It Matters SEL , or Social Emotional Learning , is the process through which individuals—especially children and youth—learn how to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive go...

EPISODE 9: Virginia Tech Is Tackling the Opioid Epidemic with Evidence-Based Practices | Featuring: Shannon Rogers Simpson , VT Extension – Halifax County  Topic: What Is Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Why It Matters SEL , or Social Emotional Learning , is the process through which individuals—especially children and youth—learn how to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive...

EPISODE 8: Why the COPE PROJECT Was Formed  Featuring: Shannon Rogers Simpson , Halifax County VT Cooperative Extension Project Coordinator 1. What exactly is COPE, and why did VT choose their Cooperative Extension arm to run it? Shannon Rogers Simpson (Halifax Co. VT CE): “COPE” stands for Community Outreach and Prevention Education . It was created to support community well‑being through resilie...

🎙️ EPISODE: Fighting Back: with Kim Adams – “Community & Agency Responses” We’re tackling the opioid crisis head-on in this powerful new episode featuring Kim Adams of Recovering Hands LLC . 💬 Kim shares how her organization is transforming lives through compassionate, faith-based recovery services—and what makes Recovering Hands stand out from the rest. From personal success stories to vital...

🌟 Episode: Beneath the Surface – Halifax’s Opioid Crisis Our guest is Retired Judge Joel Cunningham , who brings powerful insight into the impact and evolution of the opioid crisis in Halifax County—and the life-saving role of Halifax County Recovery Court . We’re continuing our 10-part series—supported by Virginia Cooperative Extension , Virginia Tech , and Virginia State University —spotlightin...

Episode: Lived Experience in Action: with Meredith Martin Peer Recovery in Prince Edward In this episode, we speak with a Prince Edward County study participant who brings a powerful and personal lens to the conversation around substance misuse, community recovery, and peer support.  We ask: • What made you want to be part of this important study? • What is a Peer Recovery Specialist, and why are...

We’re continuing our powerful 10-part series—supported by Virginia Cooperative Extension , Virginia Tech , and Virginia State University —highlighting lived experience, proven strategies, and the real people working to make change in Virginia. Episode: “Breaking the Silence: Amanda Henley on Recovery & Community Power” Our guest is Amanda Henley , Community Engagement Coordinator and passionat...

New Podcast Episode Now Live! Presented by Shawn A. Barksdale & the Ten Minutes of Truth Podcast We’re continuing our powerful 10‑part series—supported by the Virginia Cooperative Extension , Virginia Tech , and Virginia State University —spotlighting real people, real programs, and real solutions across Virginia. 🌟 Episode : “Building the Front Line: Smyth’s Active Response” Our guest is @Br...

New Podcast Series Launch! Presented by Shawn A. Barksdale & the Ten Minutes of Truth Podcast We’re proud to announce a 10-part podcast series supported by the Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech, and Virginia State University—spotlighting real people, real programs, and real solutions across our communities. Episode 1: “Innovative Solutions in Prince Edward County” Our first guest i...

The Mission That Brought Us Together with Mike Evok & Eric Ditty 🇺🇸 Real Impact. Real Heroes. 🇺🇸 In this inspiring segment, we sit down with Mike Evock , founder of American Heroes for Veterans , and Eric Ditty , a veteran, board member, and proud recipient of the life-changing support made possible through Mike and the Racing For Heroes network. Mike breaks down how an entire ecosystem of vol...

The EcoSystem At Work with Colin & Ryan Garrett Episode 4  🌟 Episode 4 is LIVE! 🌟 🎙️ The EcoSystem At Work with Colin & Ryan Garrett In this powerful episode, we explore how philanthropists, business owners, private donors, and organizations are coming together to support our veterans . 🇺🇸❤️ Colin & Ryan shine a light on the inspiring, behind-the-scenes collaborations that are truly...

 🥃 Purpose on Tap 🎙️ A Veteran’s Path to Entrepreneurship In this inspiring episode, we sit down with James Gordon , U.S. Army veteran and co-owner of Springfield Distillery , to explore how service, sacrifice, and business ownership all connect on the road to purpose. From the battlefield to the distilling floor, James shares his journey of building a veteran-owned brand that not only crafts qua...

"Speed, Service & Support: How Racing Became a Lifeline with Colin & Eric Ditty" : In this powerful episode, NASCAR driver Colin Garrett opens up about how racing became more than just a career—it became a mission. Alongside veteran advocate Eric Ditty, Colin shares how the fast-paced world of motorsports intersected with a deep commitment to supporting veterans' mental health. From the ro...

MISSION  11/11 Veteran Project is a for-purpose for-profit B2B strategic consulting firm. We help clients solve their big picture problems, and use profits to promote access to existing resources that help improve the lives of veterans, military families, and those with special needs. Pro race car driver & 2023 TC America TCX Champion Colin Garrett provides the national platform required for e...

In this powerful episode of The Ten Minutes of Truth podcast , Shawn A. Barksdale opens up about his journey, sharing his lived experiences with drugs, crime, and prison. Drawing from his past, Shawn explores how these struggles connect to the ongoing opioid crisis in Southern Virginia. He highlights the critical issue of information not reaching the communities that need it most and emphasizes th...

Our Communities Can't Afford To Wait For Resources 2025. Contact Shawn A. Barksdale at 434.446.6633 for more information, booking or advertising. 

In this jam-packed episode, we find the Resources with Shawn A. Barksdale. I take you on our first three-month journey into gathering resources for communities.  Call Shawn at 434.446.6633 for more information or to find out how you can be a podcast guest. If you want to advertise your product or service, TEN MINUTES OF TRUTH is the perfect place. 

Faith Behind Bars” – A Powerful Discussion at Harvard University  Faith Behind Bars At Harvard Law School, Speaker Lawrence Howerton, Jr. a formerly  incarcerated individual who has turned his life experiences into a mission for change. Now a successful business owner, podcaster, active lobbyist, and advocate for returning citizens, he uses his platforms to fight for prison reform, human rights, a...

Faith Behind Bars” – A Powerful Discussion at Harvard University  Faith Behind Bars At Harvard Law School, Speaker Shawn A. Barksdale formerly incarcerated individual who has turned his life experiences into a mission for change. Now a successful business owner, podcaster, active lobbyist, and advocate for returning citizens, he uses his platforms to fight for prison reform, human rights, and just...

Lawrence Howerton, Jr. Georgetown School of Law 2024 Keynote Speaker

Shawn A. Barksdale Georgetown School of Law 2024 Keynote Speaker

Aaron's Rent to Own is deeply committed to caring for its community, customers, and staff. It was a pleasure meeting with Angie and her team for a productive session focused on employee growth, customer service, and workplace professionalism. As someone who has held various positions throughout my career, I understand firsthand the critical importance of proper training. Additionally, as a Peer Re...

Episodes 1-5 Compilation (Series) Our Children Have Something To Say (listen). This is a 5 part series focused on educating our youth on the struggle that can take place trying to be the best version of yourself that you can. It covers education, voting, automobile ownership, jobs and relationships. It also focuses on father daughter relationships and responsibilities along with the plight and suc...

Episode 5 of 5 Relationships Matter! (Series) Our Children Have Something To Say (listen) This is a 5 part series focused on educating our youth on the struggle that can take place trying to be the best version of yourself that you can. It covers education, voting, automobile ownership, jobs and relationships. It also focuses on father daughter relationships and responsibilities along with the pli...