HearSay with Cathy Lewis

Virginia Stage Company's new musical by the coauthor of Frog Kiss tells a sweeping story that flows through generations and across continents—from the shores of Virginia to Japan and Antarctica. Scientists, soldiers, poets, and lovers strive to understand and master the power of the oceans that connect us all. Today will talk with the author and cast about this a timely, and locally relevant creation that captures the urgency of one of humanity's most overwhelming challenges—to survive the rising sea.

Beloved Prairie Home Companion host, Garrison Keillor, is retiring to a summer home along the shores of Lake Wobegon. And though his signature baritone and sleepy reading of the week's Lake Wobegon News are leaving with him, new host Chris Thile has big plans for the 42nd season of the radio broadcast. Today we'll talk with Chris about returning A Prairie Home Companion to its musical roots and the challenges of picking up where Keillor left off.

This weekend, thousands of fans will converge on Richmond to celebrate all things pop culture. Today we'll talk with some of Wizard World Comic Con Richmond's featured presenters from the worlds of movies, comics, toys, video gaming, TV, & more!

For over 40 years, Virginia Opera has been committed to bringing music to the masses. On September 10th, the scope is widening with their 8th annual Opera in the Park, a collaboration with the Virginia Symphony -- a free event filled with fun prizes, artisan food, and of course, music. We’ll be chatting with some conductors and musicians about their event, and their experience contributing to the world-class theater.

Join us for another edition of headlines, where we tackle the latest news headlines that have you talking. This week, we'll consider the impact of the recently announced $1.2 billion shortfall for the current two-year Virginia budget. Join us with your thoughts by calling in live at 440-2665 or 1-800-940-2240. You can also e-mail the program at [email protected] or join us on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/hearsaywithcathylewis.

As a coastal community, that water holds a special place in Hampton Roads’ heart, seafood in particular! Virginia is emerging as the oyster capital of the east coast, serving seven different oyster regions and becoming the largest producer of the much sought after delicacy. Today we’ll explore Virginia’s long historical connection to oysters and get a glimpse into the life of a Virginia Waterman.

Segment B: Fans of Failure

Whether it’s the earliest flawed characters in Shakespeare or the ones populating our primetime dramas, tragedy and conflict has captivated audiences for half a millennium. What is it about a beheaded Stark that keeps us turning the page or glued to the screen? Today we’ll explore humanity's long love affair with strife, including a look at the latest outlet for tragic storytelling: video games that challenge or skills and engage our emotions.

After a huge finale, fans thought J.K. Rowling was through with the wizarding world. However, she’s teamed up with John Tiffany and playwright Jack Thorne for “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” set nineteen years in the future of the Harry Potter universe. The book follows the title character and his son, Albus Severus Potter. Despite projections for the book to be the best-selling of 2016, the story’s stage play format and co-authorship has some die-hard Potterheads upset and underwhelmed by the highly-anticipated release. We’ll discuss the new work's reception and get your reactions on the latest addition to the beloved franchise.

Resident pet health expert, Dr. Phyllis Neumann joins Cathy to answer questions you have to help your furry friends live their fullest, fluffiest life. Join us live on air at 440-2665 or 1-800-940-2240. You can also e-mail the program at [email protected] or join us on our Facebook page at facebook.com/hearsaywithcathylewis.

With every Instagram follower, Facebook friend request, and Tinder swipe, social media continues to validate and mediate our relationships. Our lives are saturated by screens that are replacing face-to-face conversations, possibly impending real connections. Despite 92% of us acknowledging this, the majority of us still scroll through our phones while talking to others in real life. Today we’ll be discussing this new-age way of talking, it’s implications on our relationships, and how it may affect the way future generations communicate.

In collaboration with libraries across Hampton Roads, Tidewater Reads is an initiative to promote the value of reading and build community by getting everyone on the same page of a good book. This year's book is Norfolk author, Lydia Netzer’s, New York Times Notable Book of 2012, “Shine Shine Shine.” Focused on a marriage filled with obstacles and uncertainty, the novel sheds the veil on seemingly mundane struggles every family faces. We'll talk with Lydia Netzer, librarians from across the region, and NASA scientists about the book and how she uses real science in her science-fiction influenced storytelling.