Kris Nelson and Jessica Reynolds join New Rural Virginia Podcast discuss the movement to protect Samuels Public Library, the strength of grassroots organizing in rural communities, and how cross-party partnerships can deliver results. They analyze newly drawn district lines, consider implications for the Commonwealth’s civic future, highlight strategies that keep local advocates aligned and effective, and outline priorities ahead for the DPVA Rural Caucus.

Learn more:

Rural Caucus of Virginia: https://www.ruralcaucusdpva.org

Virginia Data Center Reform Coalition: https://pecva.org/datacenters

Beth Macy joins New Rural Virginia Podcast for a discussion recorded amid Virginia’s newly released redistricting maps and a rapidly shifting primary landscape. A journalist from Roanoke and bestselling author, Macy reflects on her decision to run in Virginia’s Sixth District, drawing on decades of reporting on rural America. The episode explores rural prosperity, healthcare and education access, workforce challenges, and why lived experience and community voices matter in Congress.

Tom Perriello joins New Rural Virginia Podcast to discuss his return to Virginia’s Fifth District and the need for strong federal leadership. He reflects on the Affordable Care Act, healthcare costs, wages and affordability, and rebuilding opportunity in rural communities. Drawing on his experience working in countries under authoritarian rule, Perriello discusses threats to democratic norms and Congress’s responsibility to act as a check on executive power.

Learn more at: www.TomPerriello.com

Featured song: “Perriello for the Common Good”

Written by Brendan Gilmore | Performed by The Perriello Pickers

YouTube: Perriello for the Common Good

As Virginia enters a new chapter with the inauguration of Governor Abigail Spanberger, Ken Mitchell joins New Rural Virginia Podcast to discuss his campaign to represent Virginia’s Sixth District in Congress. The conversation explores challenges facing agriculture and small businesses, the importance of listening to rural communities, and how those perspectives inform his vision for Rural Prosperity across the district.

Learn more at www.KenMitchellForVirginia.com

Joy Powers returns to help kick off a new year of conversations around new leadership in the Commonwealth and the launch of her new campaign for Congress in Virginia’s 9th District. She shares insights from the campaign trail, reflects on what motivated her run, and joins us for a broader discussion on Rural Prosperity in Virginia.

Learn more at: www.JoyForVA.com

Yes, Virginia, Rural Democrats are Real

Closing out 2025, New Rural Virginia Podcast welcomes Pete Barlow, a candidate for U.S. Congress in Virginia’s 6th District, and inaugurates our new Rural Prosperity conversation series with a discussion on the future of the Commonwealth.

Learn more: www.pete-barlow.com

Happy Thanksgiving, y’all!      🦃      🎙️      🦅

This week, Larry and Parson have a post-election conversation with Lynlee Thorne, Political Director of Rural GroundGame, on the importance of community voices, the impact of storytelling, and what’s being discussed on the frontlines of rural Virginia.

Learn more: www.ruralgroundgame.org

Roberta Thacker Oliver, Chair of the Virginia Democratic Rural Caucus, joins the New Rural Virginia Podcast to reflect on Election 2025, discuss the future of rural organizing, and share insights on building a stronger, more connected Commonwealth.

As the countdown to Election Day continues, co-hosts Parson Brown and Larry Wohlers follow up with HD 61 candidate Jac Bennington, a teacher, Army veteran, and National Guard pilot. The conversation explores what he is hearing from voters, the tone of this year’s races, and how voices from rural Virginia are shaping campaigns and leadership across the Commonwealth.

Learn more about Jac Bennington’s campaign at:   www.benningtonforvirginia.com

Donna Littlepage, candidate for Virginia House District 40, returns to New Rural Virginia podcast to share updates from the campaign trail and discuss the rising cost of living, access to quality healthcare, and the need for bipartisan cooperation in Richmond. As election day approaches, she offers her perspective on the recent government shutdown and the importance of finding common ground in the legislature.

Learn more: Littlepage4VA.com