Stafford County is home to a number of performing arts organizations. Tom interviews representatives from two of them. Patrick A'Hearn is the CEO and Producing Artistic Director of the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts. And Bonita Keene is the Adminstrative Coordinator of the Stafford Opera Troupe. Both organizations boast wide recognition and impressive accomplishments and offerings. Check out this episode to find out more.

Tom sits down with two seniors soon to graduate from Stafford County Public Schools -- Michael "Finn" Pershau and Emily Herod. Both of these students competed in regional and state competitions this year -- Michael Pershau in basketball and Emily Herod in theater. The discussion focuses on the individual and group dynamics necessary to succeed in extracurricular teams and competitions. A great discussion you won't want to miss!

Managing Editor of the Fredericksburg Free Press, Joey LoMonaco, discusses local independent journalism with host Tom Coen. Topics include the history of the Fredericksburg Free Press, the role of independent journalism in the Stafford area, and the features and methods of the free press in reporting the news.

Guest Sue Henderson from Henderson Productions talks with host Tom Coen about historic preservation in Stafford County. Topics include Sue's work over the years on various boards and commissions in Stafford County as well as her recent efforts with the "Stafford African-American Heritage Trail" and the "Bringing Eliza Home Project."

FAMPO Administrator Ian Ollis outlines the Rappahannock River Bridge Project. Topics include routing options for the project, time-tables, cost, and opportunities for citizen involvement. Host Tom Coen also considers the larger subject of the role of MPOs in local transportation decision-making. A must-see for those interested not only in this project but in the process of decision-making for future transportation projects.

Guest David Kerr returns to discuss the outcome of the 2024 elections in November and what it means not only for the nation but the local Stafford community. Then he and Tom Coen consider the implications of the 2025 state and local elections as well. An episode packed with interesting discussions and insights.

Don Barger, Director of Innovations, Global Engagement, at IMB, brings Tom Coen up-to-date on artificial intelligence. Discussion includes topics like the use of A.I. in business and government, ethics and A.I., and A.I. applications in education. A great overview for those just getting started in exploring this complex topic.

Curry Roberts, President of the Fredericksburg Regional Alliance, sits down with Tom Coen to discuss data centers in Northern Virginia. Topics include data center power consumption, data center cooling, data center noise abatement, and other issues and concerns involving data center impacts on communities. A great primer on data centers for those new to the topic.

Tom and his guest, David Kerr, share their views on the upcoming 2024 national elections. Topics include polling results, campaign strategies, significant developments, down-ballot races, and much more. An illuminating discussion between two seasoned political scientists.

Michael Bolling, Chief Academic Officer for the Stafford County Public School System, gives an overview of workforce education while Moiz Jamal, Colonial Forge High School graduate and entrepreneur, discusses the challenges of starting a business as a student.