This Conversation

This week's interview delves into the pros and cons of the proposed Virginia Constitutional Amendment that will appear on ballots for the November 2024 Election Ballot.

The Amendment intends to expand a current tax exemption on homes owned by spouses of members of the military who die "in the line of duty." Previously, the exemption was only extended to spouses of those who were "killed in action."

Julianne Miles, a resident of Abingdon and military veteran from service in the Gulf War and other locations, discusses different viewpoints on the proposed Amendment. She also answers questions about her time in the military and her view about public service.

Mentioned in this episode:

WEHC 90.7 FM is the Voice of Southwest Virginia.

Democratic Congressional Candidate for the 9th District in Virginia addresses her positions and answers questions about major issues in the Tuesday, November 5, 2024 election.

Incumbent Congressman Republican Morgan Griffith declined to be interviewed for This Conversation unless another host would conduct the interview, believing that I cannot conduct an impartial interview. His staff reports that the decision is not a reflection on the University or on WEHC.

Mentioned in this episode:

WEHC 90.7 FM is the Voice of Southwest Virginia.

Washington County Virginia Democrat Party Chair Susan Stancil talks about the party platform that makes her feel connected: An economy that lifts up the middle class and doesn't cater to the wealthy; the right for a woman to determine her own reproductive health and not leave abortion decisions to the government; support for the 2nd Amendment; support for public education; a mission to protect Democracy, and more.

This interview follows the previous program's discussion of Republican fundamental values.

Mentioned in this episode:

WEHC 90.7 FM is the Voice of Southwest Virginia.

In the first of a two-part series, we hear from Republican Mark Matney about why he finds Republican values align with his personal beliefs.

He cites small government and low taxes as a top priority and credits former President Donald Trump with improvement in jobs. He sees support for his religious beliefs of anti-abortion and sinfulness of homosexuality and people who seek transgender care.

Matney is owner of Mountain Patriots, a business devoted to a variety of merchandise including Trump memorabilia, personal safety tasers, and switchblades. The store also hosts weekly prayer meetings, and assists with voter registration.

Next week, we'll talk with the Chair of the Washington County Virginia Democratic Party.

Mentioned in this episode:

WEHC 90.7 FM is the Voice of Southwest Virginia.

Washington County Virginia Voter Registrar Derek Lyall addresses accusations that voting results cannot be trusted.

You will find much additional info about your candidates and information about where you vote at Vote411.

https://www.vote411.org/

Here is a link to Cardinal News' coverage of the 2024 election with information about Virginia candidates and the intent of the proposed Constitutional Amendment.

https://cardinalnews.org/2024/04/25/voter-guide-southwest-southside-virginia/

Mentioned in this episode:

WEHC 90.7 FM is the Voice of Southwest Virginia.

Dr. Ed Davis, Professor of Geography and Environmental Science, is an optimist. He is one of 97% of those in the scientific community who believe that dangerous climate change is caused by human behaviors. He will talk about increasing and more dangerous floods, storms, droughts, hot temperatures, and rising water levels. But, he believes that humans have a notable record of doing the right thing in the face of serious challenges. He says our species is making progress in mitigating the dangers of climate change. Hear the details in this episode of This Conversation.

Mentioned in this episode:

WEHC 90.7 FM is the Voice of Southwest Virginia.

We are dedicating this episode of This Conversation to another show on WEHC: Keys to the Game with Gary Lester. Keys to the Game is celebrating ten years on the air with its focus on the inside view of Emory & Henry football where Gary talks to the coach. With the trust the coaches have for him, he gets the explanations of what happened in the previous game -- and what to expect in the next game.

The show is a gift to those who love football, but it's also an interesting story of a man leading a team of young men for those who may not care so much about the game.

Gary is also the color commentator for the live coverage of the university football games, both home and away. His background as a player and a coach and a long- time associate of the football program gives him the expertise to help everyone understand what's happening on the field. His dedication of time and effort to his passion for Emory & Henry and its football team deserves recognition and celebration on the 10th anniversary of his show, Keys to the Game.

Mentioned in this episode:

WEHC 90.7 FM is the Voice of Southwest Virginia.

To conclude our four-part series on alcoholism, we talk with Professor Matthew Tirrell, Director of Addiction Counseling at the Emory & Henry School of Health Sciences.

How do we know that alcoholism is a disease? Why is it a family disease? What works and what doesn't in counseling sessions? What behavioral patterns emerge in families of alcoholics?

Mentioned in this episode:

WEHC 90.7 FM is the Voice of Southwest Virginia.

If one in ten American adults is an alcoholic, that means there are lots and lots of friends, family members, spouses and others who love them and live with them and who have resulting struggles of their own.

In this episode, "JANE" talks about the help she gets through Al-Anon, an organization that focuses on relatives of alcoholics. She's also a member of Adult Children of Alcoholics because of the ways children find to adapt to living with alcoholics. These adjustments may influence children long into adulthood.

In the final episode in this four-part series, we'll hear from a specialist in counseling alcoholics. What works and what doesn't?

Mentioned in this episode:

WEHC 90.7 FM is the Voice of Southwest Virginia.

Sally's story of alcoholism began with a wine cooler at the age of 13 -- the drinks provided by a mother of her teenage friend!

Her story is quite different from "Eric's" who told us in Part 1 of this four -part series about being a high-functioning alcoholic. He operated mostly under the radar until a serious health issue ultimately led him to Alcoholics Anonymous and sobriety. https://player.captivate.fm/episode/9669a7d4-bb47-438a-b33a-8de7cdb43f5a/

In Sally's case, she behaved in very dangerous behaviors with many difficult consequences until she decided to get help. Her story is powerful and profound.

In part 3, we talk with "Jane" whose story is not about being an alcoholic. It's about living with and loving others who are alcoholics and learning ways to cope.

We conclude the four-part series by talking with an expert on addition. We'll talk about the ways in which alcoholism is a disease and what strategies may or may not work with getting sober.

If you -- or someone you know -- may be looking for help in dealing with alcoholism, please contact Alcoholics Anonymous, Al Anon, or ACoA (Adult Children of Alcoholics).

There are weekly meetings everywhere, available through searching for the organizations above, and help is also available thru Zoom meetings for those who prefer.

Mentioned in this episode:

WEHC 90.7 FM is the Voice of Southwest Virginia.