Untold – A WTVR Podcast

Congressman John McGuire talks to Catie Beck about his past, and why he says voters in Virginia's 5th District should send him back to Washington for the foreseeable future.

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It has been nearly two decades since a massive upset first put Tom Perriello on the political map. In 2008, the young Democrat ousted a six-term congressman in Virginia’s heavily republican 5th district.

But Perriello ended up serving only one term before losing his re-election campaign. Now he’s back and trying to reclaim his old seat.

On the latest episode of 'Untold - A WTVR Podcast,' Perriello tells Catie Beck why he thinks history can repeat itself, and why he believes this conservative part of the commonwealth is ready for a change.

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As the federal government and states crack down on some kratom products, Mac Haddow joins ‘Untold’ to talk regulation, science, and why he feels passionately that the natural leaf form of the substance has been a life saver for some.

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Andy Edmunds has helped bring new Hollywood to Virginia.

For the last several years, Edmunds has been in charge of the Virginia Film Office, and he has worked tirelessly to attract the best directors and producers in the world to shoot their shows and movies right here in the Commonwealth. Now his own film is about to hit theaters.

On the latest episode of Untold - A WTVR Podcast, Edmunds and Catie Beck talk about what he had to do to get his passion project to the big screen, the state of the movie industry, and he gives us a peak behind the scenes… telling stories about the experiences he has had on set with some of the biggest names in show business.

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Dean Francis had never heard of kratom, until he says it nearly killed his son. Now, he’s dedicating countless hours and energy to sound the alarm about the dangers of the popular supplement.

In a relatively short period of time, he’s become one of kratom’s most critical voices, and he’s now at the center of an intense national debate on its regulation.

Francis sat down with Catie Beck on the latest episode of ‘Untold – A WTVR Podcast’ to talk about how his family’s painful experience turned him into a passionate activist.

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Few people know more about recovery than John Shinholser.

For years, the Marine Corps veteran has been helping people battle their demons and overcome addiction.

Now the co-founder of the prestigious McShin Foundation has shifted his focus to a plant that many have not heard of, but one that is currently at the center of a passionate discourse… both in Richmond and in Washington.

Shinholser sat down with Catie Beck on the latest episode of ‘Untold – A WTVR Podcast’ to talk about why he’s chosen the pro side of the kratom debate.

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Jeffrey Katz has been in law enforcement for more than three decades, and in that time he’s seen it all. Katz came to the Richmond area from Florida in 2018 when he was named the police chief of Chesterfield County. Now, after a spell with the FBI, he’s the head of the Virginia State Police.

On the latest episode of ‘Untold - A WTVR Podcast,’ the career lawman talks to Catie Beck about leadership, policing in a highly politicized 21st century, the fight against fentanyl, concerns about AI, and how transcendental meditation has helped with his mission to protect and serve.

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Growing up on the streets of segregated Norfolk, Tim Reid learned the lessons of being a good storyteller at an early age.

His first stage: the dinner table at his grandmother’s boarding house.

“They'd sit around and start telling lies and talking about their lives, and I would listen, then my grandmother would say, ‘Junior, tell them about what thing happened at church the other Sunday,’ and I'd tell them and they'd laugh,” said Reid. “And I've often thought about the training I received, but also the art of storytelling that I gained from those people. A lot of their dreams had been deferred, they were broken in many ways, but they told of their lives in a way that I've always wanted to give honor to.”

Reid, one of Virginia’s favorite actors and comedians, sat down with Catie Beck on the latest episode of ‘Untold – A WTVR Podcast.’

The interview was conducted shortly before the death of Tom Dreesen, Reid’s longtime friend and former comedy partner. The duo is considered to be America’s first interracial comedy team.

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From Virginia Tech to Capitol Square to the Halls of the United States Congress, Rob Wittman has made his career in public service.

The Virginia Republican has been on Capitol Hill for nearly two decades, and along the way has become a top defense expert.

Now he is running for reelection in Virginia's First District in what it might be his toughest campaign yet.

Rep. Wittman sat down with Catie Beck on the latest episode of 'Untold - A WTVR Podcast' to talk politics and war, and he provided details about one remarkable mission recently carried out by the U.S. military.

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Jon Burkett, one of the hardest working crime reporters in the country, is leaving CBS 6 after more than a quarter century covering Richmond news. Burkett made the announcement on the latest episode of "Untold – A WTVR Podcast," telling host Catie Beck that his departure is driven by health concerns and a desire to be more present for his family.

"After 26 years, and on my 26-year anniversary date of September 29, I will walk away," an emotional Burkett said on the podcast. "It's been a great run, but I think for my health, my peace, for my family… I want to be present."

The award-winning journalist said recent health struggles, including sleep apnea and blood pressure issues, weighed heavily on his decision.

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