Virginia Is For Laughers

Laughers, get ready to be inspired and find out about the healing power of pole fitness as you listen to the incredible healing story of Karen McIntyre, the visionary force behind Pink Ambition Pole Fitness. In this episode, discover how this studio is all about embracing diverse body types through self-discovery and self-expression, offering a range of classes, workshops, and events. Learn about...

Laughers, get ready to dive into the fun and hip world of Brothers Craft Brewing, a popular brewery that was once a Coca-Cola bottling plant. Join us inside their taproom today as we explore their approach to creating a welcoming environment for customers at different stages of their "beer journey". Find out how they train their staff to provide a warm welcome and educate customers about different...

Laughers, prepare to tickle your funny bone with Comedian Nathan Carlson! From Comedy Zone to the Funny Bone and Sandman Comedy Club, he's left no stage unturned. Known for his sharp wit, dry humor, and impressive crowd work skills, Nathan has been making audiences burst into laughter at clubs all across the country. Coming from a small rural area in Virginia, Nathan also faced unique challenges a...

Laughers, get ready to dive into and learn about the vibrant world of  theatre with special guests Sarah and Ben from the Friendly City Players, formerly known as Valley Playhouse! Learn about Sarah’s diverse background in Shakespeare, NYC theatre, a children's touring company and the challenges she faced along the way. Discover Sarah’s pandemic journey to becoming a food blogger and YouTube cooki...

Laughers, get ready to discover the inspiring success story of The Golden Pony, a live music venue and scratch-made American cuisine restaurant, cherished in Harrisonburg, Virginia. The Arefaine family's journey from Ethiopia to the US led to the establishment's transformation from an Ethiopian restaurant into The Golden Pony, a vital part of the city's downtown renaissance. The venue's precursor,...

Laughers, get ready to tantalize your taste buds on this episode recorded in his 1930’s childhood home on Ott Street as we delve into the mouthwatering world of Ott Street Eats Food Truck & Catering. Join special guest John McMurray, the culinary genius behind this beloved food truck, as he takes us on a journey where good neighbors and good eats collide. as he takes us on a journey where good...

Laughers, join us for another playful and uplifting episode as this one promises to bring you stories, laughter, and a dose of Virginia history. Prepare to be captivated by the powerful tales quilts whisper from the past as you journey through the fascinating world of the Virginia Quilt Museum, the official quilt museum of the Commonwealth of Virginia! Join us as Alicia Thomas, Executive Director,...

Laughers, get ready to be captivated by the exhilarating world of roller derby as we dive into an engaging and fun conversation with three fierce women from Rocktown Rollers, accompanied by their announcer. Join us as we uncover the secrets of roller derby culture, how the game works, the empowering camaraderie within the team, and the incredible stories of these skaters. In this action-packed epi...

Laughers, enjoy a joyful and fun conversation to learn about winemaking with Lee Hartman “The Winemaker”. Listen to his story of how he got into winemaking and his journey to becoming a successful winemaker. Discover the importance of terroir in winemaking, the challenges of harvesting and fermentation, and the hard work and dedication required for submitting wines to competitions. Find out what i...

Laughers, be inspired to take risks in life and comedy with comedian Winston Hodges whose clips have been viewed over a combined 4 million times! Get a behind the scenes peek at the evolution of his comedy career and learn about his upcoming gigs INSIDE a cave at Melrose Civil War Caverns for Cave Comedy Fest. By way of Richmond and now taking the DC comedy scene by storm, Winston has opened for D...

Laughers, prepare to be captivated by CJ Hise and Sam Barnett from the alternative southern rock band, Thieves of Burden, as they take you on a rollercoaster ride through their incredible musical journey and creative process. From CJ's personal story of being inspired to pursue music after the passing away of a friend to their unforgettable performances, this podcast interview reveals the heart an...

Laughers, check out this episode to hear an exhilarating journey that led to bringing the transformative power of a FREE live music concert series to the heart of downtown Harrisonburg. Hear stories from behind the scenes that helped land this $90,000 grant from the Levitt Foundation that will grace Turner Pavilion for the next three years with handicap accessible viewing and parking! Find out wha...

Laughers, let us hear the encouraging and inspiring story with laughs as we chat life, choices, and comedy with national touring Comedian Jerry Cooke A.K.A Big Daddy Laugh-A-Lot. He is hilarious, original, and motivating. He started his career unknowingly 20 years ago after being asked to fill in as a host at an event he attended. Before he knew it, the crowd started laughing continuously, and by...

Laughers, whether you live near and far you can win BIG! Only 5,000 tickets will be sold. Join me and my friends from Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance aka HDR to get all the details on these exciting prizes that include vehicles, electronics, vacation packages, outdoor gear and up to $20,000 in cash! Learn how buying your raffle gives you TWO chances to win and is a win-win! You can walk away wit...

Laughers, learn about this award-winning pet friendly brewery and tap room. It all started with a big idea scribbled first on a bar napkin with friends noodling around guitars, who suddenly realized they’ve hit on something great. Stories, told around a campfire, when nobody has a clue what time it is, great beer is there! Now a reality and the opening of a second location in sight, join us as Sus...

Laughers, it’s wine time! Learn about the variety of wines, wine slushies, mulled wine, live music, Airbnb and more they have to offer you. Hear the story of this vineyard located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley anchored by a beautiful log barn surrounded by patios, gardens, and a hill of wine grapevines. This family business is owned and operated by Susan Rudolph Pleasant with the help of h...

Laughers, learn about all things Silk Moth Stage, a new unique outdoor theater experience from founder, professional director and dramaturg, Aili Huber! Aili earned her MFA from the American Shakespeare Center which brought her to the Shenandoah Valley in 2004 and she stayed. Listen to the stories and inspirations that are creating this place-based, artist-centered, and audience-connected theater...

Laughers, learn the history and hear stories 'the walls' tell about this elegantly restored Victorian from Inn Manager and Historian, Jake Woetzel. Find out how this “jack of all trades” discovered his passions in hospitality at age 16 working at a Civil War Hotel in Appalachian Mountains and other fun facts about this JMU Alum that may surprise you! Discover what features of the home have survive...

Laughers, learn about the Great Community Give sunrise to sunset event and ongoing work of The Community Foundation. Discover how your tax deductible donation directly benefits the causes you care about with a minimal $10 donation! Find out how you can watch all the excitement on the new LIVE stream, GCG-THON as you help them raise $2 MILLION dollars for area nonprofits. Join us to hear from JMU A...

Laughers, learn something new from these local woodworking craftsmen with a combined 35 years experience! They create high quality unique pieces from locally sourced wood serving the community and the environment with a passion to bring joy and function to your life. Listen to stories of their backgrounds and experiences to learn this craft. Learn some terminology, history and the modern challenge...

Laughers, learn how early settlers of downtown Harrisonburg initiated the degradation of the Blacks Run stream in this friendly fun chat with laughs.  Learn how you can make a difference and help make a positive impact on our environment from here to the Chesapeake Bay. Learn the history, purpose and goals of this annual event. Discover the most unusual things that have been found over the years!...

Laughers, be sure to catch this humorous and candid chat with Melissa Douty, a national touring comedian who opened for Arsenio Hall, Maria Bamford and made the Top 101 Comics in the Country for the World Series of Comedy Main Event held in St Louis, MI finishing Top 9. Raised in Clifton Forge, VA and known for her downhome charm and quick wit she appeals to fans young and old. Hear a fun story ab...

Laughers, be sure to catch this humorous and authentic chat with Donna Lewis, a national touring comedian who opened for Marsha Warfield and Maria Bamford. Listen to stories about what she does for NASA by day and discover what prompted her to pursue comedy later in life. Find out about her favorite places to perform across the country. Listen to experiences of competing and receiving a standing o...

Laughers, get educated and have fun making a difference through the Urban Wood Program, a Gold Medal Governor’s Award recipient for its environmental work. Take unique workshops where you can make wood pieces for your home from repurposed wood out of the trees damaged by this invasive beetle and so much more! Learn where the Emerald Ash Borer originated and how it destroys trees at an unbelievable...

Get your “Fit-Spiration” and learn about a vast array of healthy lifestyle and fitness programs available to the community in the Morrison Bruce Center at James Madison University. Listen to an engaging and playful chat with Dr. Liz Edwards who shares with us the center’s history founded by the legendary Dr. Judith Flohr to honor the legacies of Dr. Bruce and Dr. Morrison. This Kinesiology student...