Shenandoah Valley Life

It's National Dairy Month and in this episode, we're talking with Amanda Culp, director of Marketing for Maola Dairies. A local dairy co-op that works with farmers in the Valley and beyond, Amanda shares some of the co-op's history and future plans plus where you might their products in the Valley. Educated in forestry and a native of Texas, Amanda also shares a little of her own story and why she now calls the Valley home.

In this episode of SV Life, Jay sits down with Kevin Hutton, Director of Massanutten Technical Center. Coming from a family of educators, Kevin always felt drawn to the field and shares the path that led him from the classroom to his current leadership role at MTC. A native of the Shenandoah Valley, Kevin reflects on the time he spent out of the area and the reasons he ultimately moved back, underscoring why this region will always be home.

In our milestone 50th episode of the SV Life Podcast, we’re turning the mic around! Our very own host and SVP Executive Director, Jay A. Langston, Ph.D.—a 40-year veteran of economic development—is in the hot seat. With decades of experience and a passion for economic development, Jay shares his journey and passion for the region he champions. Don’t miss this special episode that brings Jay’s story full circle!

This episode of SV Life features Tom Weber, Chief Medical Officer for MD Ortho Systems. Listen in as Tom shares his journey to becoming a doctor and the evolution of practicing in a hospital setting to redefining the way care is delivered through a proprietary digital platform.

What does it mean to energize the community for good? Tune in as Kevin Gibson shares the journey of VA Momentum, a local running events organization founded by two friends with a vision to create inclusive spaces where people of all skill levels and backgrounds feel welcome.

With family connections in the Valley, Leigh Evans spent a lot of time here before it officially became home last year. Now settled in and serving as the Executive Director of the Shenandoah Valley Technology Council and director of Research to Impact at JMU, Leigh shares her vision for both moving forward and what this community means to her.

This episode features AJ Jalal, owner of AJ's Gentlemen's Barbershop. Listen in as AJ shares the journey that brought him to the United States and why he chose to build a life and a business in the Shenandoah Valley. AJ's story of growing his business and what a barbershop can mean to the community is a fascinating one.

Valley native and Riverbank Farms owner Jack Dixon shares his story in our latest SV Life Podcast. With roots in the Valley that run generations back, Jack spent some time out of the area before he and his wife returned home and he began delving into regenerative farming. Listen in as Jack shares his plans for the farm, what drew him back to the area and what makes him stay.

Harrisonburg native and entrepreneur Tanner Johnson shares the story and evolution of Pure Shenandoah, an Elkton based company that makes products ranging from CBD oils to hemp fiber. With roots that run deep in the Valley, Tanner and his siblings are honoring the legacy of not just their family's entrepreneurial spirt but the Valley's agricultural legacy as well.

In this episode of the SV Life Podcast, Jay talks with George Neighbors, owner of X-Roads Advisory and Shenandoah Valley visitor turned resident. Listen in as George shares the path that led to his current business venture and to the Shenandoah Valley.