Virginia Focus

The Wall Street Journal and other media are picking up the story that Gen Z is being called the Toolbelt Generation because they are disenfranchised with the college track and see rising pay and more jobs in the trades. Aaron Hilger CEO of SMACNA [[smack-na]], the trade association for the sheet metal and HVAC indust ry, can help us understand more about this trend.

A new survey by Live Career says menopause is one of the least discussed yet most disruptive workplace experiences for women. Out of the 900 women who have experienced it or are going through it currently, an overwhelming 97% feel pressure to hide or minimize the physical, mental, and emotional struggles they face while at work. Let's find out more by talking with Career Expert Jasmine Escalera.

Americans living in the White House today and throughout history are no strangers to critcism and controversy. However, one child of a former president seems to be a favorite because of her outlandish antics. On this episode, we're discussing the fascinating historical biography of America's most memorable first daughter, Alice Lee Roosevelt.  Shelley Fraser Mickle is the author of the book "White House Wild Child: How Alice Roosevelt Broke All the Rules and Won the Heart of America".

Debt is the real factor that drives both economic growth and financial crises from recessions to extreme inequality. In order to understand this paradox, we need to address why a certain amount of private debt is vital to the economy. On this episode, we're talking to Richard Vague, an author, Former Secretary of Banking for Pennsylvania, and former CEO of two banks. His book "Paradox of Debt" reveals the role that debt plays in our lives, and how we can make better use of it without leading to crisis.

If you were to suffer a spinal cord injury and subsequent paralysis, would you know where to turn? Thousands of individuals with paralysis and their families across the country are watching Congress to see if critical services will be included in the budget. On this episode, we're going to discuss how the Christopher and Dana Reeves Foundation helps people with paralysis live independently and learn how people can connect with those essential support services. Let's meet Sherman Gillums Jr, a former Marine and the Senior Director of Public Policy & Advocacy.

On this episode, we're putting the spotlight on ALICE. Who is ALICE, you may wonder. Well, ALICE lives in every community and can be found working in a diverse range of careers, including essential workers, such as teachers, healthcare providers, and retail clerks.  United Way describes A.L.I.C.E. households as those who have incomes above the Federal Poverty Level but do not earn enough money to afford a basic survival budget in their community, forcing them to make impossible choices between necessities like food, housing, child care, and healthcare. Let's learn more from the United Way Northern Shenandoah Valley.

Most people think pencils and paper, books and backpacks when they think about the back-to-school season. Officials with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security say it is a critical time to spot and stop human trafficking. To learn more about how to start a conversation about it with the young people in our lives, we're talking to Erica Reid, the Acting Section Chief for the Center for Countering Human Trafficking.

Developing skills to get along with others is as essential as reading, writing, or math for kids.  However, the digital age has removed many chances for children to learn these important social skills.  How can parents assist their little ones in naturally progressing social skills and how to get along with others?  We are learning more from Patty Bardina, PhD, and her new book, "BADI BLESBOK SAYS HELLO: A Lesson in Greetings".

Seed Your Future started the movement to promote horticulture and inspire people to pursue careers working with plants. They hope to introduce students to vital horticultural, agricultural, and floriculture jobs - including STEM, business, design, logistics, marketing, and more. During Green Career Week in October, participating businesses and organizations will connect with local schools, colleges and universities to showcase the various career paths at their business.  Let's learn more from Seed Your Future's Executive Director Jazmin Albarran.

If you are a parent, you are likely hoping to raise your kids to develop strong and resilient brains so they can live happy and productive lives. A new book written by Child Psychologist Dr. Charles Fay and Neuropsychiatrist Dr. Daniel Amen gives pratical, easy to understand advice that encompasses your childs brain and their mind to help them become adults who can successfully navigate life on their own. Let's hear more about the book, "Raising Mentally Strong Kids: How to Combine the Power of Neuroscience with Love and Logic to Grow Confident, Kind, Responsible, and Resilient Children and Young Adults" with Dr. Charles Fay.