"Our society loves an altered state of consciousness," says Virginia Beach Police Chief Jim Cervera. A member of the Governor's Task Force on Prescription Drug and Heroin Abuse, Chief Cervera joins Soundboard's Nathan Moore to discuss the evolving challenge of drug abuse in Virginia, new drug laws in the Commonwealth, and the Task Force's recommendations for more effective enforcement.

The University of Virginia has had a tough year, and by extension, university President Theresa Sullivan has as well. Still, the university's Board of Visitors just approved a contract extension and raise for Sullivan. Good news, right? Actually, it's more complicated than that. Recent UVA grad Greg Lewis joins Soundboard's Nathan Moore to discuss the implications of the Board's decision.

Since its demolition in the 1960s memories of Vinegar Hill have been limited to oral histories and aerial photos. That all changed with Gundars Osvald discovered photos he had taken in the neighborhood just before the demolition. His photos are on display at the Jefferson School for African American Heritage now through May 30. http://jeffschoolheritagecenter.org/exhibitions/contemporary-gallery/vinegar-hill/

In Central Virginia, the military community is largely a hidden one. With no local army bases or vet hospitals to remind us of their sacrifices, military personnel and their families can sometimes feel unappreciated or forgotten. That's why a nonprofit called ParadeRest was formed -- to help Central Virginia communities express their appreciation to veterans, active military and their families in a small but meaningful way: through free tickets to sought-after events. ParadeRest's Rebeccah Lystash spoke with Soundboard's Emily Richardson-Lorente about the organization, its goals, and some of the heartfelt feedback they've received.

Head out to a concert in Charlottesville, and you pretty much know what to expect ... a great show, sure, but also a cover charge, overpriced drinks, etc. Unless of course, you're attending a free show at The Garage across from Lee Park. This music venue -- undoubtedly the city's most unique -- allows audience members and passersby to hear music in a whole new way. The Garage's curator Sam Bush sat down with Soundboard's Emily Richardson-Lorente to talk about the joys, surprises and logistics of hosting concerts in a one-car garage.

The 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Nepal on April 25th has wreaked havoc on the country. But even as the death toll continues to rise, two Charlottesville residents say there’s reason to have hope for the country’s future. Producer Miranda Bennett spoke to Kiri Van Lengen-Welty and Bobong Gurung. Kiri is a college student who’s spent time in Nepal volunteering for an organization called Empower Nepali Girls. Bobong Gurung is a native Nepali who now lives in Charlottesville and works as an interpreter for Nepali-speaking refugees.

Bobong began by describing Dharahara, a lighthouse-like watchtower built in 1832, which was destroyed by the earthquake.

This Saturday, May 16th, Mudhouse Coffee in Crozet will be hosting a day-long music festival: Mud Fest 2015. Mudhouse Booking Manager Paul Tucker spoke about the event with Soundboard's Nathan Moore.

A UVA Circus Historian Takes His Final Bow: LaVahn Hoh by wtju

From fake traffic jams to runaway turtles ... PhD student Jean Maroun shares his observations on life in Charlottesville. Soundboard's Esther Namubiru speaks to Jean in part 2 of WTJU's series on international students at UVA.

When you're trying to get elementary-age kids interested in science, why not shoot for the stars? That's what UVA astronomy professor Kelsey Johnson is doing with her all-volunteer after-school astronomy club Dark Skies, Bright Kids. Kelsey joins Soundboard's Emily Richardson-Lorente to talk about the club, the skies that inspired it, and what it takes to craft a homemade comet.