Ten Minutes of Truth with Shawn A. Barksdale

Episode: Lived Experience in Action: with Meredith Martin Peer Recovery in Prince Edward

In this episode, we speak with a Prince Edward County study participant who brings a powerful and personal lens to the conversation around substance misuse, community recovery, and peer support.

 We ask:

• What made you want to be part of this important study?

• What is a Peer Recovery Specialist, and why are they essential in the fight against substance misuse?

• Which strategies from the study truly stood out—and why?

• What does Prince Edward still need in terms of resources, support, and public awareness?

• And—if someone you know is struggling, what real steps can you take to help?

This is an honest, heart-centered conversation grounded in lived experience—and it’s a call to action for anyone who cares about healing and change in Prince Edward and surrounding counties.

Listen now to This Episode: “Lived Experience in Action: Peer Recovery in Prince Edward”

 Available on all major platforms.

 Share this episode. Start a conversation. Help turn lived experience into lasting solutions.

We’re continuing our powerful 10-part series—supported by Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech, and Virginia State University—highlighting lived experience, proven strategies, and the real people working to make change in Virginia.

Episode: “Breaking the Silence: Amanda Henley on Recovery & Community Power”

Our guest is Amanda Henley, Community Engagement Coordinator and passionate advocate for recovery in Prince Edward County.

 In this heartfelt and insightful episode, we ask:

• How has stigma affected even the earliest stages of community research and outreach?

• As someone in long-term recovery, how has Amanda’s journey shaped her understanding of substance misuse?

• What strategies from the study could make the biggest difference in Prince Edward—and why?

• How can community members actively support and implement these strategies today?

• And finally—why should we never give up on someone battling substance misuse?

Amanda’s courage, clarity, and commitment shine throughout this conversation. Her story is a powerful reminder that recovery is not only possible—it’s necessary, and it must be supported at every level.

Listen now to Episode: “Breaking the Silence: Amanda Henley on Recovery & Community Power”

 Available now on all major platforms. Share this episode. Be part of the change. Help create a community where recovery is real—and stigma is not.

#TenMinutesOfTruth #PrinceEdwardCounty #AmandaHenley #RecoveryIsPossible #LivedExperience #CommunityEngagement #EndTheStigma #PeerSupport #VirginiaTech #CooperativeExtension #PodcastWithPurpose

We’re proud to continue our powerful 10-part podcast series—supported by the Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech, and Virginia State University—spotlighting real people, real programs, and real solutions across our communities.

Episode: “Lived Experience in Action"with Meredith Martin 

In this episode, we speak with a Prince Edward County study participant who brings a powerful and personal lens to the conversation around substance misuse, community recovery, and peer support.

 We ask:

• What made you want to be part of this important study?

• What is a Peer Recovery Specialist, and why are they essential in the fight against substance misuse?

• Which strategies from the study truly stood out—and why?

• What does Prince Edward still need in terms of resources, support, and public awareness?

• And—if someone you know is struggling, what real steps can you take to help?

This is an honest, heart-centered conversation grounded in lived experience—and it’s a call to action for anyone who cares about healing and change in Prince Edward and surrounding counties.

Listen now to This Episode: “Lived Experience in Action: Peer Recovery in Prince Edward”

 Available on all major platforms.

 Share this episode. Start a conversation. Help turn lived experience into lasting solutions.

New Podcast Episode Now Live!

Presented by Shawn A. Barksdale & the Ten Minutes of Truth Podcast

We’re continuing our powerful 10‑part series—supported by the Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech, and Virginia State University—spotlighting real people, real programs, and real solutions across Virginia.

🌟 Episode : “Building the Front Line: Smyth’s Active Response”

Our guest is @Brandi Branson, the driving force behind Beyond the Stigma, a leading advocate working on the front lines of recovery in Smyth County.

📌 In this episode, we ask:

• What programs and agencies—like Smyth Recovery Court or @Sheriff Shuler’s Harm Reduction efforts—are leading the charge?

• What outreach is happening for youth and at‑risk populations?

• How has stigma shaped the local response to substance use and recovery?

• What role do returning citizens play in building solutions?

• How is @Beyond the Stigma impacting recovery culture in Smyth?

• And how are partnerships with @VirginiaTech and the @Virginia Cooperative Extension helping turn the tide?

👉 Listen now and stay tuned as we continue highlighting grassroots leaders and change agents from across the Commonwealth.

📲 Please share this episode. Connect with the organizations. Help spread solutions that work.

New Podcast Series Launch!

Presented by Shawn A. Barksdale & the Ten Minutes of Truth Podcast

We’re proud to announce a 10-part podcast series supported by the Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech, and Virginia State University—spotlighting real people, real programs, and real solutions across our communities.

Episode 1: “Innovative Solutions in Prince Edward County”

Our first guest is the dynamic Raye Elliott, also known as Solar Raye, founder of FLIPP Inc. – a grassroots initiative in Prince Edward County that’s transforming lives through purpose-driven support and mentorship.

In this episode, we ask:

 • What inspired the creation of FLIPP Inc.?

 • How is success defined and measured in the work they do?

 • What powerful stories have come out of the program?

 • And most importantly—how can YOU connect with their services?

Watch now and follow the series! New episodes will be released weekly over the next several weeks, featuring impactful leaders and organizations across Virginia.

Share these episodes, connect with the agency guests for resources, and help us spread solutions that are working.

Subscribe to the Ten Minutes of Truth Podcast on all major platforms and don’t miss this inspiring kickoff to the series! 

The Mission That Brought Us Together with Mike Evok & Eric Ditty
🇺🇸 Real Impact. Real Heroes. 🇺🇸
In this inspiring segment, we sit down with Mike Evock, founder of American Heroes for Veterans, and Eric Ditty, a veteran, board member, and proud recipient of the life-changing support made possible through Mike and the Racing For Heroes network.

Mike breaks down how an entire ecosystem of volunteers, philanthropists, business owners, private donors, and organizations are working hand-in-hand to uplift our veterans—starting with Eric and expanding nationwide.

This is more than a story. It's a blueprint for action. 💥
 📽️ Watch now and witness how purpose, partnership, and passion are saving lives.

🎧 [Insert Link]
 #RacingForHeroes #VeteranSupport #AmericanHeroesForVeterans #EricDitty #MikeEvock #StrongerTogether #SupportOurVeterans #MissionDriven

The EcoSystem At Work with Colin & Ryan Garrett Episode 4  🌟 Episode 4 is LIVE! 🌟
🎙️ The EcoSystem At Work with Colin & Ryan Garrett

In this powerful episode, we explore how philanthropists, business owners, private donors, and organizations are coming together to support our veterans. 🇺🇸❤️

Colin & Ryan shine a light on the inspiring, behind-the-scenes collaborations that are truly making a difference. It's a reminder that when the right people unite for a greater cause, real change happens.

🎧 Tune in now and see the ecosystem in action!
 📺 Watch/Listen here: [Insert Link]

#VeteranSupport #TheEcoSystemAtWork #PhilanthropyInAction #ColinAndRyanGarrett #VeteransMatter #Episode4

 🥃 Purpose on Tap 🎙️
A Veteran’s Path to Entrepreneurship

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with James Gordon, U.S. Army veteran and co-owner of Springfield Distillery, to explore how service, sacrifice, and business ownership all connect on the road to purpose.

From the battlefield to the distilling floor, James shares his journey of building a veteran-owned brand that not only crafts quality spirits — but also uplifts those who’ve served.

🎧 This is more than business. This is about legacy.
Watch or listen now and discover what it means to pour purpose into everything you do.

 #PurposeOnTap #VeteranEntrepreneur #SpringfieldDistillery #TenMinutesOfTruth #VeteransInBusiness #SupportVeteranOwned #JamesGordon #MilitaryToMainStreet #FuelingAPurpose

"Speed, Service & Support: How Racing Became a Lifeline with Colin & Eric Ditty":

In this powerful episode, NASCAR driver Colin Garrett opens up about how racing became more than just a career—it became a mission. Alongside veteran advocate Eric Ditty, Colin shares how the fast-paced world of motorsports intersected with a deep commitment to supporting veterans' mental health. From the roar of the engines to the quiet battles many face off the track, this conversation reveals how speed, service, and support came together to create a lifeline for those who’ve served.

MISSION 11/11 Veteran Project is a for-purpose for-profit B2B strategic consulting firm. We help clients solve their big picture problems, and use profits to promote access to existing resources that help improve the lives of veterans, military families, and those with special needs. Pro race car driver & 2023 TC America TCX Champion Colin Garrett provides the national platform required for effective promotion.

Making History By Empowering Others

Since 2019, our innovative initiatives have raised funds for stem cell treatments, promoted micro-businesses in national campaigns, and run the first Braille paint scheme in professional motorsports