Virginia Is For Laughers

Laughers, today we have a very special guest who will inspire and educate you on the art of strength and conditioning. Joining us to share his story from chubby kid to coach; his expertise and top 5 tips for you is Dr. Eric Magrum, a seasoned strength and conditioning coach turned educator at James Madison University. In this episode, we'll dive deep into Dr. Magrum's journey, from discovering his...

Laughers, ever wondered about balancing indulgence with moderation? Dr. Akers, a professor of dietetics, registered dietitian, and graduate program director at James Madison University, reveals how to enjoy occasional treats without guilt. Get his 5 top tips and more! We explore the critical differences between nutritional needs for competitive athletes versus everyone else, and the importance of...

Laughers, today we're kicking off the year with an exciting new series focused on health and fitness. Joining your host, Dawn Davis Womack, is none other than her husband, Chris Womack. By day, Chris is a seasoned kinesiology professor with over 31 years of experience in exercise research and teaching. By night, he is a stand up comedian! In this episode, you’ll hear the story on how this comedy c...

Laughers, get ready for spirited discussions on the top five holiday movies between Dawn and Chris, a dynamic comedy couple married for 25 years. From reminiscing about Vince Vaughn’s hilarious antics in their top pick to debating whether "Die Hard" qualifies as a Christmas movie, there's plenty of laughter and nostalgia to go around.  Listen in as Chris, under his new alias "Mr. Christmas," share...

Laughers, today is a special day where we dive into the heartwarming, festive world of holiday traditions and folklife in the Shenandoah Valley. We're thrilled to have local historian and retired educator Dale MacAllister with us to share his immense knowledge. From the quirky good luck beliefs involving holly and mistletoe to the charming decorating customs and age-old traditions like wassailing...

Laughers, explore the enchanting world of horse-drawn carriage rides inside the Carriage House with us today! Get a behind the scenes look at running a carriage company and learn how you can treat yourself to captivating Christmas light rides, narrated historic tours or add the nostalgic charm of horse trotting to your wedding. Join us for heartwarming and hilarious stories that showcase the uniqu...

Laughers, step back in time and bask in the nostalgic historic charm of small-town Shenandoah with curator Lora Jenkins as she unveils the gems of the Town of Shenandoah Museum! Get a behind-the-scenes look at the museum’s fascinating exhibits, including NW Railroad memorabilia, the USS Shenandoah collection, and an intricate train replica that will captivate railroad enthusiasts. Discover the ric...

Laughers, get ready for an inspiring journey with country music artist Spencer Hatcher! Join us as we dive into Spencer's recovery from a recent 20 foot fall off his roof, balancing music commitments, and his unstoppable drive. Learn about his successful signing with Stone Country Records. Delve into his popular songs "Cold Beer and Common Sense," "Has Anybody Ever," and "Leave This Town" that cen...

Laughers, get ready to spice up your Thanksgiving with barbecuing tips from the BBQ Beast, Virginia's largest barbecue rig based at Blue Toad Hard Cidery.  Get tips on mastering the smoker temperature, brine techniques, and the art of creating delectable side dishes like smoked mac and cheese from their Pitmaster, Steve Fitzgerald, and hear the story of this big BBQ rig from owners Jeff Mackelhany...

Laughers, today we have a fantastic episode lined up for you. We’re diving into the world of personalized skincare with our special guest, Irina Dovganetskiy. Irina, Owner and CEO of withSimplicity, is back with tips for you and exciting updates on her thriving natural beauty enterprise in Harrisonburg, Virginia. In this episode, Irina shares her journey from whipping up skincare products in her k...

Laughers, dive deep into the fascinating world of brain training, get some tips and free stuff! Discover secrets of the brain's inner workings and discover how cognitive training can unlock greater potential in this engaging and informative episode. Explore the complexities of ADHD and executive brain functioning Sandy Zamalis, executive owner and director of Learning RX. Sandy provides a comprehe...

Laughers, get ready for some revelations, fun and play along!  In this special unedited edition, Dawn and her husband Chris, a comedy couple married 25 years, delve into their exciting journey of rebranding their stand up comedy venture. Tune in to hear their short rebrand story from X2 Comedy to FWAF [f-wahf] = The Funny Womacks & Friends, and how it better represents their mission of connect...

Laughers, get ready for eerie adventures and spine-chilling history with Mark Cline, the mastermind behind Lexington's "Haunting Tales Ghost Tour" that began back in 1996! Inspired by a thrilling Jack the Ripper tour in London during his honeymoon, Mark brings you family-friendly ghost stories combining local legends, Civil War history, humor, and slight illusions. You can learn about the curious...

Laughers, embrace the spirit of fall and experience the charm of this century farm! It’s a place where you can take a hayride to the pumpkin patch by day or under the moonlight. You can navigate their 10-acre corn maze or dare to enter the haunted house filled with spine-chilling startling thrills. Located in Winchester, Virginia, this farm offers a variety of family-friendly attractions that capt...

Laughers, take a trip back in time—way back—to the prehistoric era at Dinosaur Land in White Post, Virginia! Since 1963, this beloved roadside attraction has been a hotspot for families and dinosaur enthusiasts, featuring over 50 life-sized dinosaur sculptures and other whimsical creatures. Join us as Sam Seldon, one of the passionate family members who keeps Dinosaur Land roaring with excitement....

Laughers, saddle up for an unforgettable adventure at Fort Valley Ranch, a family-friendly getaway nestled in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley.  Immerse yourself in the magic of horseback riding through the George Washington National Forest and stunning landscapes like Kennedy’s Peak. Discover the charm of year round activities and unforgettable experiences that await you with our special guest,...

Laughers, prepare to be inspired by the indomitable spirit of Coach Nelle Fox, a dedicated reading specialist turned running and an integrative health coach. Nelle shares her journey from ultra-marathon feats to founding Magnum Opus Coaching, where she champions an authentic, no-nonsense approach to wellness. Discover her story on how "Charlotte's Web" shaped her mindset on friendship, legacy, and...

Laughers, join us for another uplifting episode as we pedal into the scenic Shenandoah Valley with Burgess, the innovative mind behind Burg E-Bike Tours. We'll dive into the thrill of riding electric bikes, which blend the simplicity of regular cycling with the extra oomph of pedal assist. From casual bike rides in picturesque rural settings to leisurely stops at renowned wineries, Burgess’s tours...

Hey there, Laughers, Today, we’re taking to the skies – well, almost – as we dive into the fascinating world of Aviation Maintenance Technology. We're joined by special guests Kevin Campbell, the seasoned Program Manager of the FAA-approved Aviation Mechanic program at Blue Ridge Community College, and second-year student Ethan Shank. They’ll unravel the intricacies of this vital training, from ha...

Laughers, get ready to groove with the inspiring story of the Harrisonburg Dance Cooperative offering adult dance classes! Discover how this all-volunteer nonprofit overcame financial hurdles to provide a sanctuary and growing community for dancers of all levels. Learn about their unique Marley-floor studio space that's become a hub for creativity, collaboration, and connection. Tune in to hear ho...

Laughers, today we dive into the charming world of independent bookstores with our special guest, Amanda Friss, owner of Parentheses Books in Harrisonburg. Join us as we explore the unique role of indie bookstores like Parentheses Books in fostering community connections, cultural enrichment, and a cozy, memorable customer experience. In this episode, Amanda shares her journey from working in a Ne...

Laughers, take to the skies with Blue Ridge Aviation, a family-owned flight school that’s been offering quality training and experience at affordable prices for 15 years in the Shenandoah Valley! Dive into the heartwarming community spirit of the program where students and instructors are treated like family, creating a nurturing environment for aspiring pilots. (P.S. Oops, on the movie reference...

Laughers, we have some incredible updates about the museum's recent move to the historic Silver Lake Mill and their ambitious plans for the future. Get the exclusive inside scoop on their upcoming exhibits, featuring the emotionally powerful Sacred Threads traveling exhibit and the intricate Mini Medallion quilts from the American Quilt Study Group. Learn about the museum’s big plans for community...

Laughers, fasten your seatbelts and prepare for takeoff as we uncover the untold stories, tips, deals and aspirations of Shenandoah Valley Airport, SHD. Join us as we discover how this regional gem is transforming the way we travel, work, and innovate in the heart of Virginia. You’ll also get insider tips on booking flights, combining prices for greater convenience, and taking advantage of unique...

Laughers, get the scoop on this unique annual chip-timed 5K and 1K Fun Run for kids on the taxiway and runway that promises to be an exciting experience for the whole family! All proceeds benefit the incredible Explore More Discovery Museum, a non-profit that offers an aviation exhibit where children will learn about the many aspects of aviation including hands-on experience as a pilot, aircraft m...