The Ridge Podcast

By The Ridge PodcastDocumentary Government History

The Ridge Podcast episodes

January 26 #103 - Bob White: Landscape Architecture, Harvard Graduate School of Design, Trail Design, Appalachia, Consensus decision-making, Art, Pacifism
In this episode, Ethan interviews Mr. Bob White, landscape architect and alumn
of the Harvard Graduate School of Design. They discuss his early life growing
up in the Appalachian mountains, his time in college and graduate school, and
his early career as a landscape architect and his eventual founding of his own
business. From there, they discuss some of the work he has done, including how
his Quaker beliefs have influenced some of his projects. Finally, he discusses
his work on the Franconia Ridge Trail Loop restoration project and how its
intentional and sustainable design protects it from constant traffic and
weather.
Thank you again Mr. White for being on the podcast.
Links mentioned:
Project Website: https://www.cannonmt.com/franconia-ridge-restoration-project
Donate: https://www.outdoors.org/campaigns/support-the-franconia-ridge-loop-trail-restoration-project/
Podcast Information:
Website: https://TheRidgePodcast.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theridgepodcast
Instagram: https://instagram.com/theridgepodcastinsta
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/theridgepodcast.com
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theridgepodcast
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@theridgepodcast
Email: [email protected]
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2cKCltgfcCJjaipPQxKVGi
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ridge-podcast/id1675395041
Unless otherwise noted, all recordings are published under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC-BY 4.0) license.
47 min
December 31, 2025 #102 - Sara June: Journalism, The Neighborly, Farm Crisis, Recovery Court, Book, Rural Life, Kindness
In this episode, Ethan interviews Mrs. Sara June, local podcaster, author, and
journalist. During, they discuss the similarities between the Farm Crisis and
offshoring of manufacturing jobs, the rising opioid crisis in rural
communities, and the twin county's Recovery Court program efforts to help heal
the community. From there, they discuss Mrs. June's book "I Have Walked One
Mile After Dark in a Hard Rain" and its intriguing history, her research
process, and her motivation for starting her own newsroom "The Neighborly".
Thank you again Mrs. June for being on the podcast.
Links mentioned:
The Neighborly: https://www.swvacountry.com/
80s Farm Crisis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1980s_farm_crisis
Recovery Court Article Series: https://dailyyonder.com/tag/recovery-court/
On the Rebound (Recovery Court) Podcast: https://dailyyonder.com/podcasts/rural-remix/recovery-court/
The Ridge Podcast Recovery Court: https://theridgepodcast.com/podcast/61-recovery-fitness-with-judge-geisler-judge-harrell-and-walter-midkiff-addiction-recovery-court-fitness/
Mrs. June's Book "I Have Walked One Mile After Dark in a Hard Rain": https://midwesthistoryproject.org/
Contact: https://www.swvacountry.com/contact/
Podcast Information:
Website: https://TheRidgePodcast.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theridgepodcast
Instagram: https://instagram.com/theridgepodcastinsta
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/theridgepodcast.com
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theridgepodcast
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@theridgepodcast
Email: [email protected]
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2cKCltgfcCJjaipPQxKVGi
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ridge-podcast/id1675395041
Unless otherwise noted, all recordings are published under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC-BY 4.0) license.
1 hr 11 min
November 30, 2025 #101 - Dr. Carolyn Ward: Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, Forestry, Appalachia, Fundraising, Culture, Tourism
In this episode, Ethan interviews Dr. Carolyn Ward, CEO of the Blue Ridge
Parkway Foundation. They discuss the history and founding of the Foundation,
her role as its CEO, its role in supporting Parkway infrastructure and
operations, and how the Blue Ridge Parkway brings tourism and supports
surrounding areas. From there, they discuss Dr. Ward's education, her career in
education, and her journey to becoming CEO of the Blue Ridge Parkway
Foundation.
Thank you again Dr. Ward for being on the podcast.
Links mentioned:
Website: https://brpfoundation.org/
Podcast Information:
Website: https://TheRidgePodcast.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theridgepodcast
Instagram: https://instagram.com/theridgepodcastinsta
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/theridgepodcast.com
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theridgepodcast
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@theridgepodcast
Email: [email protected]
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2cKCltgfcCJjaipPQxKVGi
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ridge-podcast/id1675395041
Unless otherwise noted, all recordings are published under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC-BY 4.0) license.
24 min
October 30, 2025 #100 - Greg Bolen: Law Enforcement, Education, Professional Wrestling, Role Models, Relationships, Advice
In this episode, Ethan interviews Mr. Greg Bolen, Criminal Justice teacher at
Carroll County High School and Deputy at Carroll County Sheriff's Office. They
discuss his early professional wrestling career, how he navigated adversity
through his childhood, his early career in law enforcement and education, and
some of the lessons he learned throughout the way. At the end of the episode,
he reflects on his career and offers advice to students considering careers in
law enforcement or education.
Thank you again Mr. Bolen for being on the podcast.
Podcast Information:
Website: https://TheRidgePodcast.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theridgepodcast
Instagram: https://instagram.com/theridgepodcastinsta
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/theridgepodcast.com
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theridgepodcast
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@theridgepodcast
Email: [email protected]
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2cKCltgfcCJjaipPQxKVGi
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ridge-podcast/id1675395041
Unless otherwise noted, all recordings are published under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC-BY 4.0) license.
1 hr 39 min
September 03, 2025 #99 - John Reid: Republican Candidate for Lieutenant Governor, Politics, Campaigning, Platform, Family
In this episode, Ethan interviews Republican Candidate for Virginia Lieutenant
Governor John Reid. They discuss his interest in politics, briefly touch on his
father's political career and his role in it as well as his career in radio,
his work with President Ronald Reagan and his work in international politics,
and his platform. Then, he directly addresses some of early controversies
regarding his campaign and how he and his team have fought to regain their
momentum coming into election season. Finally, he explains his platform,
including defending right-to-work and a childcare tax credit for providers,
discusses his proposed debate plan with Senator Hashmi, and answers a few
wholesome rapid-fire questions.
Thank you again Mr. Reid for being on the podcast.
This podcast is also available as a video production on our YouTube channel.
Ways to contact Mr. John Reid:
Website: https://www.johnreidforvirginia.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnReidForVirginia
Twitter/X: https://x.com/JohnReid4VA
Podcast Information:
Website: https://TheRidgePodcast.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theridgepodcast
Instagram: https://instagram.com/theridgepodcastinsta
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/theridgepodcast.com
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theridgepodcast
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@theridgepodcast
Email: [email protected]
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2cKCltgfcCJjaipPQxKVGi
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ridge-podcast/id1675395041
Unless otherwise noted, all recordings are published under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC-BY 4.0) license.
38 min
August 07, 2025 #98 - Recovery Pastor Kevin Harrod: Recovery United, Addiction, Faith, Healing, Family, Peer-Support
In this episode, Ethan interviews Recovery Pastor Kevin Harrod of First United
Methodist Church. During the interview, Ethan and Pastor Harrod discuss his
story with addiction, his spiritual transformation and journey to and through
recovery, and then his introduction to ministering to others suffering from
substance use disorder. From there, they discuss the program at Recovery United
and how it helps others suffering from addiction to start their path on
recovery. Finally, they discuss Pastor Harrod's experience and perspective on
ministering to others.
Thank you again Pastor Harrod for being on the podcast.
Ways to contact Pastor Kevin Harrod:
Phone: 276-266-0264
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kharrod2
Podcast Information:
Website: https://TheRidgePodcast.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theridgepodcast
Instagram: https://instagram.com/theridgepodcastinsta
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/theridgepodcast.com
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theridgepodcast
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@theridgepodcast
Email: [email protected]
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2cKCltgfcCJjaipPQxKVGi
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ridge-podcast/id1675395041
Unless otherwise noted, all recordings are published under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC-BY 4.0) license.
1 hr 16 min
July 24, 2025 #97 - Mayor Greg Crowder: Navy, Auto Sells, Business, NASCAR, Printing, Real Estate, Mayor, Politics, Family
In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview Hillsville Mayor Greg Crowder. They
discuss his time in the Navy as a Machinist Mate, his start in business through
auto sales, and then the roller-coaster of his NASCAR merchandise business.
After that, he discusses real estate, his printing business, his gas stations,
and the impact the Great Recession had on his businesses. From there, he
details his journey into politics sparked by a proposed cigarette tax, his time
and the work he has done as Mayor of Hillsville, and some of the projects and
events that he, the Town Council, and the Friends of Hillsville focus on.
Finally, he discusses the importance of family and faith.
Thank you again Mayor Crowder for being on the podcast.
Podcast Information:
Website: https://TheRidgePodcast.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theridgepodcast
Instagram: https://instagram.com/theridgepodcastinsta
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/theridgepodcast.com
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theridgepodcast
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@theridgepodcast
Email: [email protected]
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2cKCltgfcCJjaipPQxKVGi
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ridge-podcast/id1675395041
Unless otherwise noted, all recordings are published under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC-BY 4.0) license.
2 hr 2 min
July 11, 2025 #96 - Marion Harris: Sports, Education, Coaching, Faith, Family, Refereeing, Star Wars
In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview Mr. Marion Harris. During the
interview, they discuss his early upbringing, his father's career as a
minister, his involvement in youth sports, and his time at Bluefield College.
From there, he recounts memories at his first jobs before, during, and after
college, working as a Special Education teacher, and coaching various sports.
They also discuss how he impacts youth sports through refereeing and training
others to become referees. Finally, he discusses his faith, family, and the
importance of community when it comes to raising a family and going through
life. To wrap it up, the three have some quick banter about the best Star Wars
movies and Duke or UNC being better.
Thank you again Mr. Harris for being on the podcast.
Podcast Information:
Website: https://TheRidgePodcast.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theridgepodcast
Instagram: https://instagram.com/theridgepodcastinsta
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/theridgepodcast.com
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theridgepodcast
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@theridgepodcast
Email: [email protected]
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2cKCltgfcCJjaipPQxKVGi
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ridge-podcast/id1675395041
Unless otherwise noted, all recordings are published under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC-BY 4.0) license.
1 hr 22 min
June 26, 2025 #95 - June 17th Primary Recap: Election Officers, Volunteering, Politics, Results
This episode is unique. Instead of the usual book talk or interview, Ethan
discusses his involvement as a volunteer Poll Worker/Election Officer in the
June 17th Primary in Carroll County, Virginia. He discusses the training
process, the proceedings on election day, the results of the elections, and
provides some thoughts on the benefits of volunteering and civic engagement.
Ethan wanted to send his congratulations to each and every candidate who ran,
regardless of the results. He also wanted to give a special thanks to everyone
who has been on the podcast and shown their support; it would not be possible
without them. Thank you all.
Links mentioned:
Website: https://carrollcountyva.gov/government/election_voter_registration/index.php
Email: [email protected]
Podcast Information:
Website: https://TheRidgePodcast.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theridgepodcast
Instagram: https://instagram.com/theridgepodcastinsta
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/theridgepodcast.com
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theridgepodcast
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@theridgepodcast
Email: [email protected]
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2cKCltgfcCJjaipPQxKVGi
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ridge-podcast/id1675395041
Unless otherwise noted, all recordings are published under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC-BY 4.0) license.
23 min
June 12, 2025 #94 - Brett Sexton: Music, Hard Work, Fitness, Martial Arts, Health, Education, Technology, Culture, Faith
In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview Mr. Brett Sexton, musician,
Christian, and Galax School Board member. Throughout the episode, they discuss
his passion for music and early career in music production, the role of hard
work and discipline curated by fitness and the martial arts, and the importance
of nutrition and sleep on fitness. They go on to discuss education, including
the role of Artificial Intelligence and cell phones in schools, and
observations of culture and societal values. Some topics include shoes, the UFC
and mixed martial arts, watches, fitness influencers, podcasting, advertising,
and more. Finally, Mr. Sexton discusses the importance of his faith in his and
his family's life.
Thank you again Mr. Sexton for being on the podcast.
Podcast Information:
Website: https://TheRidgePodcast.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theridgepodcast
Instagram: https://instagram.com/theridgepodcastinsta
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/theridgepodcast.com
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theridgepodcast
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@theridgepodcast
Email: [email protected]
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2cKCltgfcCJjaipPQxKVGi
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ridge-podcast/id1675395041
Unless otherwise noted, all recordings are published under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC-BY 4.0) license.
2 hr 24 min

About The Ridge Podcast

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The Ridge Podcast is a show that focuses on interviewing every day people in the Blue Ridge and greater Appalachian area discussing local history, politics, stories, and other oral history topics.…

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The Ridge Podcast

The Ridge Podcast episodes

About The Ridge Podcast