PODCAST

The Ridge Podcast

Interviews from the Blue Ridge/Appalachian area.

history documentary

All Episodes

1:10:07

#102 – Sara June: Journalism, The Neighborly, Farm...

The Ridge Podcast ·

2025/12/31

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 After Dark in a Hard Rain" and its intriguing history, her research process, and her motivation for starting her own

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23:30

#101 – Dr. Carolyn Ward: Blue Ridge Parkway...

The Ridge Podcast ·

2025/11/30

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 journey to becoming CEO of the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation.Thank you again Dr. Ward for being on the

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1:38:16

#100 – Greg Bolen: Law Enforcement, Education,...

The Ridge Podcast ·

2025/10/30

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 reflects on his career and offers advice to students considering careers in law enforcement or

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37:57

#99 – John Reid: Republic Candidate for Lieutenant...

The Ridge Podcast ·

2025/09/03

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 regarding his campaign and how he and his team have fought to regain their momentum coming into election season

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1:15:22

#98 – Recovery Pastor Kevin Harrod: Recovery United,...

The Ridge Podcast ·

2025/08/07

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 helps others suffering from addiction to start their path on recovery. Finally, they discuss Pastor

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2:01:05

#97 – Mayor Greg Crowder: Navy, Auto Sells, Business,...

The Ridge Podcast ·

2025/07/24

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 journey into politics sparked by a proposed cigarette tax, his time and the work he has done as Mayor of

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1:21:26

#96 – Marion Harris: Sports, Education, Coaching,...

The Ridge Podcast ·

2025/07/11

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 how he impacts youth sports through refereeing and training others to become referees. Finally, he discusses

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1:29:20

#92 – Dave White: Christ Chapel, Ministry, Life,...

The Ridge Podcast ·

2025/05/15

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 jobs he has worked throughout his life. At the end of the episode, he explains Christ Chapel's mission and

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34:20

#90 – Steve Pottorff: Cooperative Extension,...

The Ridge Podcast ·

2025/04/17

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 Assocations, 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. Pottorff gives some advice and discusses the meaning of Rotary in his life. Thank you again Mr. Pottorff

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1:40:25

#89 – Greg Watson: Secret Service, Counterfeit Money,...

The Ridge Podcast ·

2025/04/03

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 mentioned his previous experience in the United States Postal Service, Galax Police Department, and experience

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38:03

#87 – Katie Mattox: 21st Century Packhorse Library,...

The Ridge Podcast ·

2025/03/07

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, ways to support their cause, and why Appalachia is such a special place.Thank you again Mrs. Mattox

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58:33

#86 – Dwayne Harmon: Faith, Family, Life, Haiti...

The Ridge Podcast ·

2025/02/20

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 of helping others when one is able to and gives some life advice.Thank you again Mr. Harmon for being on the

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1:12:25

#84 – Andrew K. Jennings: Business Scholarship...

The Ridge Podcast ·

2025/01/23

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 White in the U.S. Court of Appeals. As host of the Business Scholarship Podcast, he interviews

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56:31

#82 – Michael Farina: Music, Band, Marching,...

The Ridge Podcast ·

2024/12/26

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 love and career in music, bands that he plays in, and more.Thank you again Mr. Farina for being on

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1:10:06

#79 – Scott Sherrill: History, Agriculture,...

The Ridge Podcast ·

2024/11/13

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 discuss local history, culture, and what it means to be an Appalachian.Thank you again Mr. Sherrill for

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1:15:49

#76 – Jeff Garrison: Presbyterianism, History,...

The Ridge Podcast ·

2024/10/02

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 technological advances, books on radio, and more. Finally, they discuss his travels and he gives some final words on

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41:34

#75 – Cary Simms: Rotary International, Friends of...

The Ridge Podcast ·

2024/09/18

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 battle with Lyme disease, helping oneself to be able to help others, and his faith.Thank you again Mr. Simms for

en-US

51:38

#74 – Cam Coble: Amateur Radio, N4NRV Club, Getting...

The Ridge Podcast ·

2024/09/04

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, they discuss the future of the hobby, how to get licensed, and he encourages newly licensed hams to get

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59:23

#70 – Chuck Thompson: Education, Principal, Lung...

The Ridge Podcast ·

2024/06/26

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 to accomplish their goals. Mr. Thompson then tells the story of his lung transplant, including how he

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1:07:44

#69 – Jay Holderfield: Education, Music, Sports,...

The Ridge Podcast ·

2024/06/19

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 first jobs in education and his experience coaching basketball. From there, they discuss his Christian

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