The Ridge Podcast

In this episode, Ethan interviews Mrs. Kathleen Simms, local expert on Lyme and associated Tick-borne diseases. They discuss her son's story with the disease, their struggle to find treatment, and the long term impacts of untreated Lyme. Then, they new research on the proper treatment of short term and chronic Lyme, vaccines, local practitioners knowledgeable about the diseases, and more. Mrs...

In this episode, Ethan interviews Mr. Jared Heath, USMC veteran and owner of AlthaTechnology. A Maine native, he joined the Marine Corps as an Infantryman and served two tours in Iraq. After re-upping, he switched to being an Marine Security Guard, or an Embassy Guard. There, he recounts stories from being in Finland, Cuba, and an invasion in Syria. After leaving the military, he began his journey...

In this episode, Ethan interviews Reverend Jeff Garrison, minister at Bluemont and Mayberry Presbyterian Churches. They discuss his early life and education, career into ministry, touch on some theology, and then dive into his doctoral dissertation on religious history in the west while touching on the Second Great Awakening. Next, they discuss their involvement in Amateur Radio, some technologica...

In this episode, Ethan interviews Mr. Cary Simms, Rotary District 7570 Youth Exchange Chair and Friends of the Blue Ridge Fisher Peak Chapter Chair. They discuss how to get involved with the two organizations, explain their history and purpose, the projects they are involved with, and the benefits of volunteering for one's community. After, Mr. Simms says a few words about his son's batt...

In this episode, Ethan interviews Mr. Cam Coble, Amateur Radio Operator and President of the N4NRV Amateur Radio Club. They discuss his introduction to the hobby, CB radios, the process of getting his license, and joining his local club. After, Mr. Coble outlines his journey to becoming Club President, his goals and aspirations for the club, and some of the activities he has coordinated. Finally,...

In this episode, Ethan interviews Mrs. Karen Baker, Democratic Candidate for the House of Representatives (HD-9). They discuss her education, experience as a trial lawyer for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Administrative Law Judge, and Registered Nurse. She recounts stories from her time as a lawyer, her decision to step into a judgeship, and her path to switching careers and becomin...

As Luke leaves for college, the hosts have decided that now is a good time to pause the podcast. They are very thankful for the opportunity to interview countless wonderful people and for the amazing support from the community. They would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Ronnie G. Collins for his support from day one. He has always helped promote us, connected us to guests, and gave us advic...

In this episode, Ethan interviews Mr. Luke Watson, his close friend and co-host of The Ridge Podcast. They discuss Luke's early upbringing, love for Carroll County and its schools, and then discuss his future plans. They discuss the impact COVID had on his education, how running has changed his life, and his love for books, English, and History. Later in the episode, Luke discusses the import...

In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview Mr. Chuck Thompson, head principal of Carroll County High School. They discuss his early life, time in school, and his college experience. They also talk about some hard losses he had suffered early in life and how he dealt with them. Next, they discuss the day-to-day of being a high school principal and how he and his team of assistant principals are able...

In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview Mr. Jay Holderfield, assistant principal, musician, worship leader and former history teacher. They discuss his upbringing in Carroll County, his time at CCHS, his education at NRCC and Virginia Tech, his Master's Degree where he had the opportunity to support all the Olympic category sports at Virginia Tech and get paid while doing it! He depicts his...

In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview Coach Patrick Sharp, former teacher and coach at Carroll County High School. They cover his time playing college basketball, and his decision to get a job as a teacher. He discusses his time as a Basketball, Track, and Cross Country coach and then explains his coaching methodology. They then discuss his involvement in church, the Bible, and his faith. This...

In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview Mrs. Shannon Dalton, educator, coach, parent, and philanthropist. She discusses her time at Randolph-Macon Woman's College, working in radio, journalism, and her high school experience. She talks about her experiences teaching in Richmond and contrasts it to teaching at CCHS. After, they discuss various notable pieces of literature, focusing specifica...

In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview Sean Blanton aka Run Bum, ultra-marathoner and owner of Rum Bum Tours. They discuss his introduction to running, how he trains, and some races he has attempted including the Florida Trail Fastest Known Time (FKT). They also discuss his preferred equipment, nutrition, and reveals secrets into the best mindset for running. Thank you again Mr. Run Bum for bei...

In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview Mrs. Donna Ogle, educator at CCHS and WCC. They discuss her early childhood, her father's military service, time in Wythe County Public Schools and WCC, her decision to leave school and eventually go back, and her time earning her Master's degree while working full time and being a mom. The guests discuss books, authors, writing, and observations...

In this episode, Ethan Edwards and Luke interview Ethan Dalton, one of their closest friends. They reminisce on their meeting each other, their time running Cross Country and Track together, and funny moments on the teams. Ethan Dalton discusses his goals to become a lawyer, his time at Emory and Henry College, and his experiences being a collegiate athlete. This was a very special episode for Eth...

In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview Mrs. Brandi Cochran-Mitchell, coach, educator, and parent. During the conversation, they discuss her basketball career at CCHS and Hollins University, her first jobs, her decision to become an educator, becoming a parent, and her Master's degree at Radford and graduate Certificate in United States History at UVA. She discusses her favorite time period...

In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview Trenton Miller, volleyball coach, athlete, Christian, and financial advisor. During the conversation, he outlines his early education and upbringing, career, and transition into become a fully licensed financial advisor. Throughout the episode, he shares lessons and quotes from influential mentors of his, explains his services, and shares his goals and pla...

In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview Judge Geisler, Judge Harrell, and Walter Midkiff about RecoveryFitness.org and the Addiction Recovery Court. Ethan and Luke were recently invited by Judge Geisler to participate in the weekly Thursday night Recovery Fitness workouts. After working out, they sat down with the trio and discussed their plan to break the typical incarceration and probation cyc...

In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview Casey Burcham, coach and educator at Carroll County High School. He delineates his early life, education and sports, time at Radford University, and then his decision to transfer to Emory and Henry College where he played Football and Baseball. He recalls his decision to major in History, become a teacher, and coach the game that he loves. After that, he d...

In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview Mrs. Shelby Puckett. Not only is she president of the Carroll County Historical Society, but she is a retired educator, counselor, and school administrator of 35 years. During the interview, she recounts her early life, education at Radford College, first jobs, and career progression. Through the episode, she fondly describes memories of chasing Elvis down...

In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview Mr. Frank Levering, author, screenwriter, and play director. They discuss his early life, his time playing football at Wesleyan University, his time studying theology at Harvard Divinity School, and his career in Hollywood. Throughout the episode, they discuss influential writers, directors, and works of media. Near the end, they discuss the courthouse sho...

In this episode, Ethan and Luke sit down with Clerk Gerald Goad and Ms. Beth Oravec to discuss the Carroll County Litter Task Force, a committee dedicated to spreading awareness about the current litter problem faced by the county. During the discussion, both guests gave their background and perspective on the current problem. They offer solutions, identify areas of improvement, and describe plans...

In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview Mr. Shawn Montgomery, coach, teacher at Carroll County High School. They discuss his childhood growing up in Cana, Virginia, his parent's jobs, and playing sports in school. Touching on the transition from St. Paul to Carroll County High School, Mr. Montgomery recounts how he became involved in Cross Country. From there, he discusses sports and academ...

In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview Mr. Seth Greer, Navy veteran, coach, former law enforcement, and educator. During the interview, Mr. Greer describes his time in the Navy as a Master-at-arms, including some of the challenges he faced. He then delineates his career in law enforcement, narrating his experiences working his way up the ladder, and eventually joining the drug task force team....

In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview Mr. Ben Tickle, a Christian, a professor at Liberty University, and coach and educator at Carroll County High School. During the interview, they discuss his earliest memories, his educational journey, and his jobs as a teacher, administrator, and coach. Throughout the episode, Mr. Tickle gives insights into his Christian faith, encouraging people to reach...