The Ridge Podcast

In this episode, Ethan interviews Mr. Bob White, landscape architect and alumn of the Harvard Graduate School of Design. They discuss his early life growing up in the Appalachian mountains, his time in college and graduate school, and his early career as a landscape architect and his eventual founding of his own business. From there, they discuss some of the work he has done, including how his Qua...

In this episode, Ethan interviews Mrs. Sara June, local podcaster, author, and journalist. During, they discuss the similarities between the Farm Crisis and offshoring of manufacturing jobs, the rising opioid crisis in rural communities, and the twin county's Recovery Court program efforts to help heal the community. From there, they discuss Mrs. June's book "I Have Walked One Mile...

In this episode, Ethan interviews Dr. Carolyn Ward, CEO of the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation. They discuss the history and founding of the Foundation, her role as its CEO, its role in supporting Parkway infrastructure and operations, and how the Blue Ridge Parkway brings tourism and supports surrounding areas. From there, they discuss Dr. Ward's education, her career in education, and her jou...

In this episode, Ethan interviews Mr. Greg Bolen, Criminal Justice teacher at Carroll County High School and Deputy at Carroll County Sheriff's Office. They discuss his early professional wrestling career, how he navigated adversity through his childhood, his early career in law enforcement and education, and some of the lessons he learned throughout the way. At the end of the episode, he ref...

In this episode, Ethan interviews Republican Candidate for Virginia Lieutenant Governor John Reid. They discuss his interest in politics, briefly touch on his father's political career and his role in it as well as his career in radio, his work with President Ronald Reagan and his work in international politics, and his platform. Then, he directly addresses some of early controversies regardi...

In this episode, Ethan interviews Recovery Pastor Kevin Harrod of First United Methodist Church. During the interview, Ethan and Pastor Harrod discuss his story with addiction, his spiritual transformation and journey to and through recovery, and then his introduction to ministering to others suffering from substance use disorder. From there, they discuss the program at Recovery United and how it...

In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview Hillsville Mayor Greg Crowder. They discuss his time in the Navy as a Machinist Mate, his start in business through auto sales, and then the roller-coaster of his NASCAR merchandise business. After that, he discusses real estate, his printing business, his gas stations, and the impact the Great Recession had on his businesses. From there, he details his jo...

In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview Mr. Marion Harris. During the interview, they discuss his early upbringing, his father's career as a minister, his involvement in youth sports, and his time at Bluefield College. From there, he recounts memories at his first jobs before, during, and after college, working as a Special Education teacher, and coaching various sports. They also discuss h...

This episode is unique. Instead of the usual book talk or interview, Ethan discusses his involvement as a volunteer Poll Worker/Election Officer in the June 17th Primary in Carroll County, Virginia. He discusses the training process, the proceedings on election day, the results of the elections, and provides some thoughts on the benefits of volunteering and civic engagement. Ethan wanted to send h...

In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview Mr. Brett Sexton, musician, Christian, and Galax School Board member. Throughout the episode, they discuss his passion for music and early career in music production, the role of hard work and discipline curated by fitness and the martial arts, and the importance of nutrition and sleep on fitness. They go on to discuss education, including the role of Arti...

In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview Judge Brett L. Geisler. They discuss his educational background as a Political Science student at Virginia Tech, law student at the University of Richmond, and practicing lawyer with his father in his hometown of Hillsville, Virginia. They reflect on Judge Geisler's first days in court, advice from his father, and the rigorous law school curriculum. T...

In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview Mr. Dave White, husband, father, and Pastor at Christ Chapel in Galax, Virginia. They discuss his early life and upbringing, his faith life, his wife's introduction to ministry and her journey, and his eventual entrance into the clergy. Throughout the episode, he discusses the lessons he has learned, his life as a father and husband, and different job...

In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview Mr. Sam Terry, father, veteran, educator, and Rotarian. They discuss his early life and family history, his time at Virginia Tech in the Corps of Cadets, his service in the Army reserves, and his time in education. After a few years as a teacher, he becomes the Director of Vocational Education for Carroll County Public Schools and a Rotarian. A proud fathe...

In this episode, Ethan interviews Mr. Steve Pottorff, Carroll County Cooperative Extension Agent. They discuss the history of Cooperative Extension, Land Grant Universities, 4-H, Mr. Pottorff's personal connection to the Homemakers Associations, and more. Later in the episode they discuss various agricultural topics like the Bird Flu, Beekeeping, and Cicadas. Near the end of the episode, Mr....

In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview Mr. Greg Watson, former U.S. Secret Service agent and Luke's relative. During the conversation, they discuss everything from counterfeit money production, the events of 9/11, protection details for U.S. Presidents, his trips to foreign countries like North Korea, to the testifying and clearance process, as well as a whole lot more. He also briefly men...

In this episode, Ethan is invited by Mr. Jerry Carter to host an educational panel interviewing Dr. Mark Burnette, Dr. Oliver McBride, Mrs. Shannon Dalton and Mr. Carter himself. During the conversation, each guest gives a brief overview of their educational career and history, their mentors, some programs they have worked with like sports, CTE, JROTC, and Band, as well as their perspective on the...

In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview Mrs. Katie Mattox, first-responder and head of the Southwest Virginia branch of the 21st Century Packhorse Library. They discuss her introduction to the medical field, some lessons she has learned during her career, and the importance of having her family work with her. Finally, they discuss the 21st Century Packhorse Library, its history, goals, mission,...

In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview Mr. Dwayne Harmon. He recounts his early life growing up in Carroll County, his spiritual and faith journey, some excerpts from his mission trip to Haiti, and more. Later in the episode, he and Luke reminisce on some stories from hunting and fishing, Mr. Harmon explains the infamous "Harmon Luck" or lack thereof. Finally, he talks about the value...

In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview Mrs. Vesta McGrady, Luke's grandmother. She recounts her early childhood during the great depression, her work on the family farm, her early education and church life, and more. Later, they discuss how she met her late husband, his time in the war, and her career in nursing. They end with some heart-warming anecdotes, culture, discussions on life, and...

In this episode, Ethan interviews Mr. Andrew K. Jennings, Associate Law Professor at Emory University, host of the Business Scholarship Podcast, and Carroll County native. A graduate of Hampden-Sydney College and Duke University, Mr. Jennings has experience in Corporate Governance, Corporate Crime, Corporate Compliance, and Securities Regulation. Also, he was a Law Clerk under the Honorable Helene...

In this episode, Ethan interviews Rotary District Governor Mrs. Amelia Stansell to discuss Modern Slavery, Human Trafficking, and how to raise awareness. They also discuss what resources are available for reporters and victims, Mrs. Stansell's involvement with the Rotary Action Group Against Slavery, and more. Finally, they cover the symbolism behind the Blue Ribbon, Human Trafficking Awarene...

In this episode, Ethan interviews Mr. Michael Farina, musician and band teacher at Carroll County High School. They discuss his introduction to music, his education, first jobs in music, and what it takes to direct a marching band, covering the choreography and coordination of it all. They also discuss his time in the Drum Corps, the work that goes into it, and culture. Finally, they discuss his l...

In this episode, Ethan interviews Mr. Josh Greer, active amateur radio operator and webmaster for the Briarpatch Amateur Radio Club. They discuss his introduction to the hobby, how he got his license, and how he was introduced to the Briarpatch club. They also cover some of his favorite subhobbies within Amateur Radio including Digital Modes, QRP/Low Power Operating, using satellites to contact pe...

In this episode, Dr. Darlene Vaughn depicts the growing substance use and abuse problem within Appalachia. She describes treatment options, local movements to support users, the impact of use on development, and how different drugs interact to harm life. She explains the history and culture behind substance use in Appalachia and they translate to today's society. Thank you again Dr. Vaughn fo...

In this episode, Ethan interviews Mr. Scott Sherrill, history teacher at Carroll County Middle School, volunteer firefighter, and MACC coach. They discuss his early education, his passions for agriculture and history, and his decision to become an educator. They cover his involvement with the volunteer fire departments and coaching academic teams like Scholastic Bowl and MACC. Finally, they discus...