This Conversation: Recent Episodes
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SEE EPISODES BELOW! Dr. Teresa Keller began hosting This Conversation each week in 2009 on WEHC-FM, Emory. Keller's broadcast career began many years ago at WCYB-TV, an NBC affiliate in Bristol, VA where she worked for seven years as a talk show host, reporter, and anchor of the noon news. She also spent time working in television newsrooms in Denver and San Diego, and worked as a contributing reporter for WVTF public radio in Roanoke, VA. As a professor of Mass Communications at Emory & Henry College, she garnered two statewide teaching awards: the 2003 Virginia Professor of the Year award, presented by the Carnegie Foundation, and the Virginia Council on Higher Education’s Outstanding Faculty Award in 2010. She is author of Television News: The Art and How-to of Video Storytelling -- now in its 4th edition. While at Emory & Henry, she wrote the FCC application for WEHC-FM, now a 9,000 watt College and Community station that went on the air in 1992. She served as a board member of Holston Valley Broadcasting Corporation for more than a decade and spent two terms on the Board of Directors of the Virginia Association of Broadcasters. Many earlier episodes of the broadcast are available at https://archive.org/details/ThisConversation.
Han Jones is campaign director with Virginians for Reproductive Freedom, an organization that is encouraging Virginians to vote YES on a proposed state constitutional amendment to assure that the government does not have a role in a woman's reproductive health decisions. The decision will be made in the November 3 mid-term elections.
This interview explores the views of the organization.
Links below give more detail about VfRF and about the language of the amendment.
https://ballotpedia.org/Virginia_Question_1,_Right_to_Reproductive_Freedom_Amendment_(2026)
https://va4reprofreedom.org/
Dan Gray, Immigration Lawyer with the Garza Law Firm discusses his interactions with immigrants in the area who have been arrested, detained, and are facing deportation issues. Families are affected, but, as Gray explains, the community is affected as well.
Gray's legal action takes place in the larger national context of increased arrests and more aggressive tactics of the Trump Administration.
Contact for Dan Gray via
https://garzalaw.com/
Kindergarten teacher Jessica Watts volunteers her time and resourses on behalf of immigrants whose families are caught up in deportation and detention issues. She describes the effect of enhanced enforcement on families and communities, and talks about why this issue is meaningful to her.
The Democratic Primary election will be held on August 4th.
In this episode of This Conversation, you'll meet the three Democratic Primary candidates: Douglas Crockett, Adam Murphy, and Joy Powers. The winner wll face Incumbent Republican Candidate Morgan Griffith in the mid-term election on November 3.
Congressman Griffith's office received an invitation to record an episode and have equal time. There was no response.
This week we talk to another social media star. It's Josh Mancuso. He's an actor. filmmaker, and comedian -- best known for his social media routines on how college teams name their mascots.
Learn more at
https://www.joshmancuso.com/
This week's conversation focuses on the stunning internet success of Marion, Va native Amy Kiser Schemper with her fitness and lifestyle videos. You find her as Body Fit by Amy. She has 955,000 YouTube subscribers who tune in for her two -thousand- plus videos and is hoping to hit the one million mark soon.
Hear how she and her husband built the social media business that supports their family of four in Los Angeles.
Learn more at https://www.youtube.com/user/BodyFitByAmy
The Appalachian Highlands Community Dental Center is offering dental care for those who can't afford it in Abingdon, Virginia. The facility is funded, in part, from fundraising work with the associated fundraising organization Appalachian Highlands Community Dental Charities.
Rachel Helton leads the fundraising work and describes the organization in this program and she introduces her summer intern Teddy Pillion.
The Dental Center has 21 treatment facilities and has served thousands of people, but still faces a waiting list of more than three thousand people. Resident dentists can help those who need cleanings, crowns, bridges, dentures, fillings and more.
For those who need dental care and think they can't afford it, call 276-525-4487.
For those who would like to contribute to the work, call Rachel Helton at 276-275-1063.
For more information, https://appalachiandentalcharities.org/
Ann Ledgerwood is the guest in this episode of This Conversation and we learn about her passion in volunteering to help those who are dealing with addiction. Ann's work as a volunteer helped launch the program that established the treatment facility for women in Abingdon, Va. in 2023.
The 70 bed facility is part of a larger system that serves men and women in several area locations. The program is paid for by Medicaid and supplemented by donations and volunteer work.
For people who want to know more and may know someone who needs this kind of help, more information is available through Fairview Housing, the nonprofit group that oversees the programs. Here is a link that includes a short video featuring women in the Abingdon facility.
https://fairviewhousing.org/programs/mended-women-recovery/
To reach Mended Women Lifestyle recovery, call 276.451.3996
More information about similar programs for men, including a facility in Bristol, Virginia, is available at fairviewhousing.org.
In a previous series on This Conversation, we talked with two people who could have benefitted from a program like these lifestyle recovery centers. Here are two of those interviews.
I’m Jessica. I’m an addict:
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/ac5f351c-0d5d-4da3-8931-6e72aad6711e/
I’m Bo and I’m an addict:
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/e4bd1213-e9d0-4525-b217-2220eb9090f2/
In this episode we talk with actor Amy Baldwin, now performing in two shows at Barter Theatre for the summer repertory.
Amy introduces us to Marlafaye, her character in the comedy romp Savannah Sipping Society and previews her upcoming role in the theatre's summer musical Guys and Dolls, both running through the first week in August. Then, she is scheduled to perform in Come from Away in September, the story of airline passengers who became stranded in Newfoundland after the 9/11 attacks.
Amy is a graduate of Emory & Henry University but did not appear on stage or take classes in the theatre department there. The story of her first acting role at the age of 27 and what she gave up to do it ranks as both unusual and improbable.
In this interview, you'll learn how Equity Union status affects Barter Theatre and its staff.
It's a profile of an actor. Amy Baldwin.
This week's show is an update from inside Cuba. After 60 years of a US Embargo on trade and now a new US blockade on Cuba, what is life like for people on the island? Sylvia Rozwadowska of Colibri Travel and Tours just returned from Cuba and is planning another trip in June in order to help the Cuban people. Hear the latest about the effect of power outages and the attitudes of people in face of a failing government and international actions.
In partnership with Colibri Travel & Tours, this Humanitarian Trip to Cuba (June 13-19) supports Con Razón, connecting you with local communities to make a real impact.
https://conrazoncuba.org/
https://colibritraveltours.com/
This Convo for this week is a conversation with LeRae Collins, the 2026 Emory & Henry University Commencement Speaker. She's President and CEO of Holston Foundation in Knoxville, the first woman to hold the position in the organization's 40-year history.
You'll hear her overall message she shared with graduates that "all roads lead to Emory & Henry." She also reviews some of the important concepts she emphasized in the address and reminds us all of John Wesley's important guidance for us to "do all the good we can.... as long as ever we can."
This Conversation this week focuses on Treva Randall and her soap... candle.. lotion...and cream business. Plus, the conversation gets off the business and soap making skill into Treva's life that provides the background for her small, private business as well as her 21 -year -career at Emory & Henry.
The business is called Bohicket Apothecary and you'll hear the origins of the name in this episode.
You can find her at the Abingdon Farmer's Market -- and online at https://www.bohicketapothecary.com/
Wendell Potter worked for large health care corporations CIGNA and HUMANA for 20 years. In a crisis of conscience, he quit. Two events prompted his decision: (1) observing the RAM health care clinic in Wise, VA where uninsured people were literally getting health care in a barn, and (2) the death of a 17-year-old girl who was denied coverage for a liver transplant. Since his resignation, he has been a strong and constant voice for finding a better way to provide health care in our country.
What is the scam?
What about Tennessee's RX Bill?
What are the chances for improvement?
What does Potter advise us all to do?
Dr. Robin Feierabend has diagnosed our health system in the U.S. as "failing." His conclusion is based on more than 30 years as a teaching physician and Professor Emeritus in Medicine at East Tennessee State University.
He and some high profile fellow professionals are trying to address the issue in an event to which the public is invited.
The prestigious panel includes a keynote address by Wendell Berry, author of four books on healthcare and a former insurance executive turned whistleblower. He is now president of the Center for Health and Democracy.
The event is set for Saturday, April 25, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at the Kingsport Center for Higher Education, 300 West Market Street, Kingsport, TN. It is free and open to the public.
With early registration, attendees get a free lunch.
More information at www.tccihc.org.
What are the major problems in healthcare and how can we fix them? Details in this episode of This Conversation with host Teresa Keller.
Latin America journalist Cody Weddle was arrested, detained and deported from Venezuela in 2019. Now, he's living in Bogata, Columbia and, again, covering news events in Venezuela. Furthermore, this international journalist is home grown -- in Meadowview, Virginia.
We trace his pathway from Patrick Henry High School to his current work feeding information about Venezuela and Columbia to news sources around the world.
Mentioned in this episode:
WEHC 90.7 FM is the Voice of Southwest Virginia. Stay tuned, connected, informed and entertained.This is listener supported radio. www.wehcfm.com
You may not see yourself as a soccer fan but this interview with Emory & Henry's soccer coach Ali al-Gashamyis about much more than the game.
It's about a vision... a plan to achieve it... and seeing early results. It's about bringing more of the world to Emory, Va with a taste of the struggle it takes for some people to get here. It's about the gifts and contributions they bring, even to a small community in SW Virginia.
And beneath it all lies the humble effort born from a refugee camp and a pair of soccer cleats from the Salvation Army.
Mentioned in this episode:
WEHC 90.7 FM is the Voice of Southwest Virginia. Stay tuned, connected, informed and entertained.This is listener supported radio. www.wehcfm.com
This show is about the Virginia Special Redistricting Election, scheduled for April 21. The referendum reflects a national battle for "fairness" in the mid-term elections in November.
There is one question: should the Va. Constitution be amended temporarily to allow redistricting? YES or NO.
Who started it and what's the other side doing about it? And, how will you vote on April 21?
Guests are Republican Steven Statzer and Democrat Julianne Miles, both from Washington County, VA
Mentioned in this episode:
WEHC 90.7 FM is the Voice of Southwest Virginia. Stay tuned, connected, informed and entertained.This is listener supported radio. www.wehcfm.com
When Emory resident Sabrina Durling-Jones took a teaching job for a semester at a university in Dubai, she did not expect that incoming missiles from Iran would be part of her experience. Hearing Patriot missiles take off to intercept the incoming attacks is now routine for Sabrina.
In This Conversation, we'll hear about this professor's experience in Dubai as the U.S. - Israeli war on Iran intensifies and Iran sends missiles to neighboring nations.
Mentioned in this episode:
WEHC 90.7 FM is the Voice of Southwest Virginia. Stay tuned, connected, informed and entertained.This is listener supported radio. www.wehcfm.com
In fall 2025, the U.S. began bombing boats from Venezuela and other countries, killing 130 people and claiming that they were narco terrorists and a threat to U.S. national security, which justified military action. On Jan. 3, 2026, the United States invaded Venezuela, arrested and imprisoned its president, and now says that the U.S. is now in charge of the oil industry in Venezuela.
What is the reaction of the Venezuelan people? Dr. Oleski Miranda Navarro, Chair of Hispanic Studies at Emory & Henry University, grew up in Venezuela and is now a dual citizen of both Venezuela and the United States and continues research in Latin America. Navarro was in Venezuela just a few weeks before the capture of the country's president and shares varying viewpoints of Venezuelans about these actions. He talks about his upbringing in the oil fields and the international significance of oil in this new relationship with the U.S.
Mentioned in this episode:
WEHC 90.7 FM is the Voice of Southwest Virginia. Stay tuned, connected, informed and entertained.This is listener supported radio. www.wehcfm.com
After a number of campuses in the national Job Corps program were told they were being shut down by the Labor Dept and the results of Elon Musk's DOGE investigation, supporters filed injunctions and court cases have dragged on from summer 2025 until Congress stepped in. Legislators superseded temporary injunctions that were keeping Job Corps programs running and funded the program through June 2027.
Marion, Virginia's campus Admission Manager Heather Goodpasture ignored warnings not to talk about the issues, but she did. Along with other defenders, they made the case for the value of the program.
In this episode, Goodpasture reviews the complicated and devastating steps in reviving the program for now and also describes basic needs for bringing the program back to its full measure from before the shut down.
Mentioned in this episode:
WEHC 90.7 FM is the Voice of Southwest Virginia. Stay tuned, connected, informed and entertained.This is listener supported radio. www.wehcfm.com
Tom Chapman is the Project Director for Washington County Virginia's RECOVERY COURT, previously known as DRUG COURT.
This program provides an alternative to jail when an addict is facing charges and gets approval to enter the program. In this interview, Chapman explains how the program can save money for taxpayers with the hope of the addict's success in getting clean, making the community stronger and safer, saving taxpayer dollars, and putting families back together.
Mentioned in this episode:
WEHC 90.7 FM is the Voice of Southwest Virginia. Stay tuned, connected, informed and entertained.This is listener supported radio. www.wehcfm.com
This week, Teresa Keller and This Conversation present Part II of a new series on Drug Addiction
Recovering addict Jessica talks about the first steps toward her drug addiction as a young child in her home in Abingdon, Virginia. In an intense and gripping story, Jessica details her decline into the world of drugs until she hit rock bottom. Now she can talk about her road to recovery.
This Conversation. Wednesday at 6 and Sunday at 2:00 -- and available on the podcast site by searching "WEHC This Conversation."
Mentioned in this episode:
WEHC 90.7 FM is the Voice of Southwest Virginia. Stay tuned, connected, informed and entertained.This is listener supported radio. www.wehcfm.com
Meet Bo. He's a recovering drug addict who has seen it all: things you can imagine and things you wouldn't have thought of.
He started young...with alcohol. After that addiction kicked in, he found his way to cocaine, meth, jail repeated attempts in rehab, and prison. Finally, his rehab stuck and he has been clean for one year. What are the tools he believes will keep him straight?
This interview kicks off a three-part series to be followed by a conversation with a woman who lived in a world of drug addiction before she became clean. Finally, we will talk with a representative of the Washington County, Virginia Recovery Court, formerly known as Drug Court where people facing pending felony drug charges can avoid jail buy successfully completing the Recovery Program.
What can we learn from this story of those among us who are living in an unreal world of drug addiction?
Mentioned in this episode:
WEHC 90.7 FM is the Voice of Southwest Virginia. Stay tuned, connected, informed and entertained.This is listener supported radio. www.wehcfm.com
Jerry Hill is organizing events to celebrate Martin Luther King in Abingdon, Virginia.
He puts the week's events in the context of his history, from segregation through today's chaos.
Mentioned in this episode:
WEHC 90.7 FM is the Voice of Southwest Virginia. Stay tuned, connected, informed and entertained.This is listener supported radio. www.wehcfm.com
We recorded this interview at the beginning of basketball season 2025.
Do you ever notice the referees in big-time basketball games?
Do you ever wonder about their lives...their families...the constant travel... and what it's like to be jeered and taunted by unhappy fans? Find out in this interview with Division I basketball referee Justin Porterfield. And... by the way... he's a 2000 Emory & Henry graduate with a degree in Mass Communications.
Odeliya Matter grew up within yards of her Palestinian neighbors. She didn't ever meet any of them, but she learned about the Palestinians in school, at home, and in the community. She was told that they were dangerous and they wanted to kill Jews.
Then Odelyia met a Palestinian man while doing volunteer work with refugees in Lesbos, Greece. She found great commonality with his story and the story of her relatives who had to flee the persecution of Jews.
In this episode of This Conversation, you'll hear what came next for Odelyia and the emotional toll it has taken. You'll also hear the reasons Odelyia says she's optimistic in her role as a peace activist. She holds additional titles such as lobbyist, Program Associate for Middle East Policy, and Friends Committee on National Legislation.
This episode is a chat with Tarah Taylor about how we make our cars go -- and the full spectrum of energy possibilities -- from gas and electric to hydrogen and propane. Taylor is Economic Development Director of Southwest Virginia's chapter of Virginia Clean Cities.
Princeton History Professor Dr. Sean Wilentz shares his views on Conspiracy Theory, one of his areas of expertise.
Wilentz is author of the Pulitzer Prize nominated book Rise of American Democracy: Jefferson to Lincoln as well as No Property in Man: Slavery and Anti-slavery. He is a well-known political commentator and his writing on music has earned him two Grammys.
In this conversation, Wilentz compares historical examples of conspiracy theories that challenged our political and governmental systems. The Red Scare in the McCarthy era. Q-Anon today.
What is the best way to examine information that seems suspect?
After 30 years as President of the United Mine Workers of America, Cecil Roberts is retiring at the end of October 2025.
We asked him for an overview of the coal industry in SW Virginia and surrounding areas. He's clear that things are not like they used to be.
How has the number of miners changed? How much coal is there? Where is it sold? How have Trump tariffs affected the sale of coal?
Roberts also reviews his career and describes what he feels are his major accomplishments on behalf of coal miners -- sometimes as a result of strikes.
Democrat Cindy Green is running for a seat in the Virginia House of Delegates in the Nov. 4 election. She is challenging Republican Delegate Israel O'Quinn who has held the seat since 2011.
Topics include campaign financing, issues related to potential cuts to Medicaid, Virginia's Clean Energy Requirement Act that requires 100% clean energy in the state by 2050, Green's view on proposed Virginia Constitutional Amendments that (1) guarantees access to abortion and (2) overturns a previous Constitutional Amendment banning same sex marriage.
Unfortunately, her opponent's campaign reported that Del. O'Quinn was unable to find 30 minutes during the month of October to answer questions on this program.
He spoke to This Conversation in March of 2024 when he was proposing a bill that would allow utilities to raise rates on consumers to pay for the proposed development of a small modular nuclear reactor in Southwest Virginia. Here is a link to that interview: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/f746ac61-8702-4ac5-86ec-604739053f0a/
Haile Ferrier spent her early years in Emory, Virginia, home of WEHC-FM and This Conversation.
Host of the show Teresa Keller goes into groupie/biggest fan mode in the conversation with Haile Ferrier.
Haile reviews her time in Emory and her early theatre experiences with Barter Theatre. She traces her short and VERY successful career from Elon University through a role in the national Broadway tour of Dear Evan Hansen and other shows until being cast in Masquerade.
The style of the show is a first in New York -- an intimate, immersive experience. The show has secrets.... but we weren't at liberty to reveal them.
The conversation is lively, and we hope will be fun for listeners.
Dr. Rob Jones has just returned from Sri Lanka where he was doing battle with a mountain of plastic on the beach of the Indian Ocean.
Hear about his organization Parley Oceans Plastic.
What are his signs of hope in conquering the plastic problem?
Luke Groom came to Emory & Henry from a small town in East Tennessee. He played football and he sang in the choir.
In this interview, you'll hear the story of his pathway to New York and Broadway world tours and his recent months in Thailand.
Another fascinating success story from Emory & Henry graduates. And Luke is big-time fun to talk to!!
A special group of actors is presenting a one-time reading of the 1937 play "It Can't Happen Here" at the Martha Washington Inn in Abingdon on Saturday, September 13 at 6:00. The play developed from Sinclair Lewis's 1935 book of the same name, is described as a cautionary tale about the fragility of democracy and potential for fascism.
The book describes a president who develops a military that arrests political enemies, targets the press and education, and relies on a Congress that defers to strong executive authority. The president's dictatorship offers a promise to save the country from immorality, crime, and dangers from various groups, including those who refuse to pledge allegiance to the flag and the New Testament.
According to reviewers both in 1935 and now, the message remains fresh.
Director Michael Gerber talks about why this group of actors is presenting this one-time event at this particular time.
I interviewed "Dalton" many years ago. "Dalton" was a name we used to disguise his real identity. He had been one of my students as a female and was undergoing a gender reassignment to be a male when we talked.
"Dalton" recently died, which caused me to find the old interview and listen to it once again.
Being transgender has become a topic that is currently a political lightning bolt with fierce, conflicting opinions.
This episode of This Conversation is a chance to turn down the heat and hear the personal story of why one person would undergo the expense, inconvenience, surgery, and frequent rejection that comes with such a move.
Dalton's story is worth hearing again.
We talk with Thomas Jefferson. What are his thoughts about writing the Declaration of Independence?
How can he justify the contradiction in his commitment to individual rights while simultaneously owning slaves?
You'll be amazed at how the issues in Jefferson's time mirror current philosophical perspectives on the role of government.
And in the latter part of the interview, we meet Kurt Smith who portrays Jefferson in his role with Colonial Williamsburg.
www.thejeffersonexperience@gmail.com
Former WCYB news anchor Julie Newman now runs PBS Appalachia, an all digital television station, operating from inside Hard Rock Bristol. After winning the highest honors for the station and leadership, she now faces the challenge of lost funding for PBS from the government. What is the mission of the station and why is it important? What is the path forward?
David and Jill Dalton live in the William King House in Abingdon. They've restored it and they're sharing it because of its significant history. In fact, the house now hosts a permanent Virginia Historic marker because William Clark -- of Lewis and Clark fame-- spent the night there. And William King was the richest man in the region at the time he built this first brick house -- WITH running water that came through hollowed out logs.
Hear the story of how the Daltons decided to move to Abingdon to buy and restore the house and to help preserve the importance of Abingdon in the early days of our country.
Through a renowned re-enactor, "Thomas Jefferson" will be making several presentations at the popular Virginia Highlands Festival in Abingdon July 25 through August 3, 2025. Guest Walter Jenny will describe several events that focus on important historical connections to Southwest Virginia. He'll explain why Thomas Jefferson proclaimed that the Battle of Kings Mountain was the turning point in the Revolutionary War and defeat of British Control. A group of 400 militia men began the march to that battle at the Muster Grounds in Abingdon Virginia.
Walter Jenny will offer more information about the battle in his own presentation on Thursday, July 31 at the Higher Education Center at 7:30 p.m.
Tens of thousands of people visit the festival each year for a variety of events, including music, outdoor activities, arts and crafts, food events, and more.
Find details on times and locations of events through this website. https://vahighlandsfestival.com/
Dr. Julia Adeney Thomas, a professor of History at Notre Dame, is part of a group that is working to rename the current epoch in the history of the earth to "Anthropocene." The "anthro" label suggests that the literal structure of the earth and its biosphere have been changed by human behaviors.
The proposition for the new name comes with objections.
How did Dr. Thomas, born in Abingdon, Virginia, and a professor of history come to the forefront of a controversial earth science question?
Scientific thought is the subject. Details in this episode of This Conversation.
Emory & Henry University is now offering a Certification in Addiction Counseling in the School of Health Sciences Clinical Mental Health Counseling Department at the School of Health Sciences.
Program Director Matthew Tirrell talks about the 12-credit post-Master's program and its requirements. He emphasizes the need for the program, both locally and nationally.
Those who may be interested in the program can visit the website
https://www.emoryhenry.edu/academics/clinical-mental-health-counseling/
Professor Tirrell can be reached directly at mtirrell@emoryhenry.edu
This episode features a member of TAKE ACTION SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA, one of the organizers of the NO KINGS protest in Abingdon, Virginia on Saturday, June 14, 2025.
Guest Lynn Manweiler works with the local protest group that claims attendance of 700 people in one of the more than 2,000 protests held nationwide on the same day.
We look at the issues causing people to take to the streets, including claims of Presidential overreach in areas of immigration, free speech, and budget cuts that threaten those who have Medicaid health coverage.
Regarding the rights to free speech and the rights to protest, Manweiler talks about people who have been taken from the streets and sent to prison without due process. She talks about a protestor who was shot and killed as part of the nationwide protests in which her event was part. And yet, she persists in being part of the demonstrations and explains her motivations.
Blue Ridge Job Corps Admissions Manager Heather Goodpasture continues to defy instructions to keep quiet and provides updates on Department of Labor orders to shut down the Job Corps. The shut down is under a restraining order, due in part because of the public backlash, and is set for a hearing on June 17 in a federal court. The decision will affect nearly 100 Job Corps programs nationwide.
This interview contains part of a previous interview that details the mission of the program for educating and training at-risk students.
At this writing, the website for the Job Corps remains active.
https://blueridge.jobcorps.gov/
Heather Goodpasture, Admissions Manager of Marion, Virginia's Blue Ridge Job Corps has gotten notice that she is losing her job and that 90 students at the Job Corps will be turned out of their living quarters. Goodpasture is ignoring instructions not to speak to the media and wants people to know the benefits of the program to individual students and to the community.
IN 2023, Southwest Virginia author Barbara Kingsolver won the Pulitzer Prize for her novel Demon Copperhead. In this interview, you'll hear how the title character reflects the challenges of drug addiction in his family and in his own life. The boy is loveable and resilient with a grand dream to see the ocean.
Barbara talks about how many of the region's challenges were pressed upon the area by external forces and reminds us that addiction is a disease -- and not a moral failing. And she announces her plan for giving back to Lee County and addressing a need that , had it been met in the world of fiction, could have changed the trajectory of Demon Copperhead's life. Details here: https://hgwrr.org/
How is Barbara using the power of writing in the face of today's challenges to education and health care? What are her plans for another book? A movie? And what's the latest with her family?
Long-time U.S. resident Dr. Philip Farah is member of the Palestinian Christian Alliance for Peace and was a speaker at the United Nations just before this interview aired on May 21, 2025. Farah is a Christian who has lived in the West Bank and who has relatives in Gaza who have been killed in the Israeli-Gaza War. His Palestinian parents were displaced from their home in the establishment of Israel after World War II. He shares his view of the war in Gaza as a genocide and describes some of his family's experiences in the Israeli occupation of Palestine. In the midst of the horrors of the war, he finds reasons for hope.
Susan Lachman has been presenting the radio show "Women on Air" for 38 years.
In this interview, she details the first idea of the show and talks about its growth, leading to its current airing of five hours per week.
The show can be heard on WEHC-FM, 90.7 and WISE-FM, 90.5 on Wednesdays at 3:00 and Fridays on 6:00 in Southwest Virginia.
On WETS-FM, 89.5 in Johnson City, TN, the show airs on Saturday nights at 10:00 p.m. and is also presented on WETS's HD-2 channel on Sundays at both 7:00 p.m. and at midnight.
Lachman talks about moving interview moments and her commitment to women artists.
Emory & Henry History Professor is leaving his position to start a new life in Egypt. Why? We'll find out in this episode of This Conversation.
This week's conversation is a lively conversation with Monica Hoel -- an Emory & Henry legend who is retiring after 40 years as a staff member at the University.
Until April 30, Monica is the Alumni Director. She has hosted her radio show, The Duckpond Wall for many years. She reviews some of the highlights of her career and of her radio show.
The news producer does not show up in front of the camera, but does have great power of the newscast: what stories are covered... the order they appear...the graphics... the use of video...what the anchors say...and the way reporters approach the story they're covering.
News Producer Aaron Taylor works for CBS affiliate WJHL-TV in Johnson City and shares insights into the busy, behind-the-scene work in the newsroom.
Olivia Bailey on combatting crime, drugs, and Medicaid abuse as Community Liaison in Southwest Virginia for Virginia's Attorney General Jason Miyares.
Bailey is able to work with programs that reduce crime, assist victims of Medicaid Fraud, and focus on drug problems, such as the "One Pill Can Kill" program that addresses the dangers of fentanyl. Olivia reviews her time as an Emory & Henry student and mass communications major where she developed her broadcast skills on WEHC-FM.
People with concerns about drug, violence, and fraud, including Medicare abuses can contact the AG's Office through Olivia as follows:
email: OBailey@oag.state.va.us
phone: 804-750-0822
Dr. Lou Fincher is the first president of Emory & Henry University, moved into the position from her Interim President status in March 2025.
https://www.emoryhenry.edu/live/news/3845-emory-henry-university-selects-career-educator
In this episode, we talk to international opera star Mike Austin who is coming to Emory with his opera star son Justin for a concert on April 12, 2025 at the McGlothlin Center for the Arts at 7:00 p.m.
Austin is an Emory & Henry graduate and was the first African American to perform the lead opera role of Otello in the United States and has performed the role all over the world. In This Conversation, you'll hear his story of becoming a musician that began at Emory & Henry.
His son Justin Austin has become a renowned baritone, having been named Rising Star of the Year at the 2024 International Opera Awards. He first performed at the Metropolitan Opera in 2022.
This interview concludes a four-part series on free press.
PART IV A First Amendment lawyer details the scope of the liberties we have, including those that scare us.
Gabe Rottman works with the First Amendment Clinic in The School of Law at the University of Virginia. He also serves as an officer in the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, which offers 24-hour support to journalists when they have questions or concerns about their rights. https://www.rcfp.org/
We are left with the question of whether we really want to keep our Constitutional freedom.
Here are links to the additional episodes from the series.
Part I -- The Arrest of David Huff: I AM a member of the press.
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/548f3efb-e9f1-44ac-ab09-a872fe034115/
Part II -- Huff's attorney and his defense of a free press
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/ebfbf4a6-f4a8-4658-9de1-cccd88e0b72f/
Part III -- Bravery in fear: Appalachian State University student journalist Mia Seligman
The courage of this young journalist is astounding. A broken windshield and threats from an anti-Semitic hate group will not stop her.
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/9789ea61-4671-45d9-91cf-c6cb4491a80a/
Wildlife biologist Ethan Chapmon of the Virginia Dept of Wildlife resources addresses problems and solutions for the overabundance of deer in our neighborhoods. From car crashes and destroyed gardens to disease from deer ticks, Chapmon offers his advice.
If you have a problem with a wounded deer or other issues, you can call the Wildlife Conflict Helpline: 855-571-9003.
Or visit the Virginia Depart of Wildlife Resources for more information. https://dwr.virginia.gov/
Mia Seligman found herself covering anti-Semitic speech as a first year student at Appalachian State University. Now in her junior year, she is the editor of the student paper. She continues to follow the story, despite the fear of having her picture posted on an anti-Semitic group's website and the scare of having her car windshield broken out.
She is scheduled to have an article published in this off campus news site.
https://www.theassemblync.com/
Here are links to her reporting at Appalachian State.
https://theappalachianonline.com/staff_name/mia-seligman/
https://theappalachianonline.com/antisemitism-and-hate-at-app-state/
This interview marks a third program in a four-part series on Free Press for This Conversation.
Here are links to parts I & II that are related to the arrest of David Huff for disorderly conduct for insisting that he is a member of the press and should have a seat at the Press Table at a Saltville Town Council meeting. Part II features his attorney in analyzing the free press issue and his defense of Mr. Huff.
Part I -- The Arrest of David Huff
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/548f3efb-e9f1-44ac-ab09-a872fe034115/
Part II -- Huff's attorney and his defense of a free press
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/ebfbf4a6-f4a8-4658-9de1-cccd88e0b72f/
Part III -- Bravery in fear: Appalachian State University student journalist Mia Seligman
Part IV -- coming March 19 -- A First Amendment Expert on current free press issues.
This interview is Part II in a four part series on Freedom of hte Press.
In Part I, David Huff described his arrest for insisting that he's a member of the press -- and that he should have a seat at the Press table at a Saltville Town Hall meeting.
In this episode, we hear from his lawyer Christopher Johnson who agrees with Mr. Huff and describes the resolution of the legal case. Is this a case of disorderly conduct or a First Amendment issue? Who is a member of the press? How do you define a journalist? What are the qualifications for sitting at the press table?
In the next episode we talk to a student reporter who experienced backlash and a cracked windshield for her coverage of hate speech on her university campus. She persists in reporting on the issue
This Conversation. Wednesdays at 6 :00and Sundays at 2:00 on WEHC, 90.7, Emory and WISE 90.5.
This interview begins a four-part series on free speech and a free press. Our first conversation is with Saltville resident David Huff who claimed to be a member of the press and refused to leave a press table at a Town Council meeting. He was arrested for disorderly conduct. Is he really a member of the press and how can we know? Hear the result of his disorderly conduct charges and decide for yourself whether he qualifies as a member of the press. Here is the link to the video file of the arrest, found on David Huff's YouTube site: Hilltop News. *
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/cede55c3-36f8-4add-a51a-9bebbc573c75/
- Note: In this interview with David Huff, show host Teresa Keller suggested that David's Huff's walking, unannounced, into the work area of a business instead of the reception area -- with his camera rolling and asking questions-- was trespassing. Part II of this series features Christopher Johnson, Huff's court-appointed attorney in his case. Johnson clarifies that Huff's entering the work area of the business would not be considered trespassing. Johnson also addresses the broader first amendment issues and principles involved in defending Mr. Huff.
Part II airs Wednesday, March 5 at 6:00 p.m. and replays on Sunday, March 9 at 2:00 p.m. on both WEHC 90.7, Emory and WISE 90.5 Wise.
In Part 3, scheduled for March 12, we will hear from a student journalist who persists in covering controversial issues, even in the face of violent responses.
We conclude with the views of an expert in free speech-free press issues as Part 4 of the series, beginning on Wednesday, March 19.
This Conversation is regularly scheduled for broadcast on Wednesdays at 6 and Sundays at 2 on WEHC 90.7 -- and 90.5 WISE. Archives of the show are available in podcast form. Search for "WEHC - This Conversation."
It's Black History Month and Marva Wheeler shares her history in Washington County Virginia as a child of segregation, but also a person with outstanding musical talent. That didn't mean she avoided racial discrimination. She shares her story in hopes that the lessons of inequality can prevent future racism.
Valentyn Boychuck is a foreign exchange student who left Ukraine to be a student at Abingdon High School. The program that brought him here is the FLEX program through the U.S. Department of State.
This 15-year-old share stories about the struggles of life in war-torn Ukraine including friends and family members who have served in the military and also how he loves his country and wants to share that story.
The interview ends with a conversation with Karen Reid, the area coordinator with the World Heritage program, who wants listeners to consider hosting a foreign exchange student. She says the benefits of learning, growing family connections, and contributing to making the world better are waiting.
More information is available at
https://www.world-heritage.org/
Ben Davis, an Emory & Henry graduate, who lives in Santa Monica, California, shares his experience living through the wildfires that burned tens of thousands of acres in January 2025. With evacuation notices for his neighbors four blocks away, Ben and others in his apartment building evacuated as well. When they looked outside, the view was a wall of inferno nearby in the Palisades area.
We hear about families who lost homes, the smoky air, efforts to find a hotel room, and the challenges that make some question whether they should stay in southern California or move away. For Ben Davis, it's not a question. He loves his life on the west coast and doesn't intend to go anywhere. He also revisits his time and study at Emory & Henry, calling the decision to go there the best one of his life. Always good to hear. Thanks, Ben.
David King converted from Old-Order Amish beliefs to Pentecostal Apostolic beliefs.
His journey began with his birth in an Amish community in Lancaster Pennsylvania. As an adult, he began questioning the religious commitment in his community and eventually moved to Abingdon, Virginia where he is now known as a prominent farmer who sells his goods at the Abingdon Farmers Market.
He describes the joys he found in early farm life without the help of motorized vehicles or other modern conveniences, and describes how his spiritual search led him to become Pentecostal at the expense of being shunned by his family and friends.
Since age 39, David has been driving motorized vehicles and embracing more worldly endeavors, including becoming a consultant for installation of residential solar energy systems.
David provides a fascinating journey of seeking spirituality that is also detailed in a book about his life, entitled Amish to Apostolic by Audrey Feigl.
She's the Chief of Police for Emory & Henry University. Yancey Wilmoth.
In This Conversation, she talks about intense Police Academy Training that helped her prevail in an incident where a man attempted to evade arrest. In contrast, she talks about the skills involved in communicating with children, and she tells the story helping a family in distress that became one of the most rewarding experiences of her career.
A new national research project into collard greens is underway and is based on work done for a book by Emory & Henry Professor Ed Davis and his co-author Professor Emeritus John Morgan.
Ed's book is called Collards: A Southern Tradition from Seed to Table.
In this episode of This Conversation, he reviews the culture of collards and recounts his pilgrimage over thousands of miles to find heirloom collard greens.
His book -- and heirloom collard seeds -- can be found through the website Southern Exposure Seed Exchange.
An area company is leading the world in saving us from plastic waste.
Eastman Chemical in nearby Kingsport, TN is now operating the world's largest chemical recycling facility.
Eastman has reduced its carbon footprint by 80% with a goal of zero carbon input into the environment. The company is partnering with other major corporations, such as Pepsi and Proctor and Gamble to reduce plastic waste. In this episode, Eastman Executive VP Brad Lich describes the planning and the process for an endless loop of reusing plastic.
Monroe Preston attended the Glade Spring Elementary School during segregation. The school was commonly referred to as the "colored school." Preston has led a campaign that resulted in the posting of a state highway marker to commemorate the school and its teachers. In this interview, Preston describes the school and its dedicated teachers, along with the many successes of those who attended there.
Yogev Von Kundra had thought of himself as half-Jewish -- until he made a trip to Israel with the Birthright Program in 2018.
The trip transformed him. He describes powerful experiences, especially visiting the wailing wall in Jerusalem and shares his views on the Israeli-Hamas war. He now operates a farm in Washington County Virginia, influenced by Jewish history, practices, and spirituality.
At the close of the interview, he talks about the Israel-Hamas war and shares the central Jewish message of peace.
The Digital Marketing and Advertising Manager of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Bristol says she loves her job. Lindsay Powers is also a graduate of Emory & Henry's Mass Communications Department and explains how all the skills from her undergraduate education plus her career experience came together for the opportunity to market the large gaming and entertainment facility in Bristol.
Retired criminal defense attorney Jay Steele reflects on his 44 years of practice in Southwest Virginia, representing those facing both federal and state charges.
The big question people always want to know: how can you defend people who may be guilty of serious crimes? And why, in Steele's case, is it more challenging to defend someone you believe to be innocent?
What cases stand out? What concerns does he have for the court system?
Join us for This Conversation with Jay Steele.
Los Angeles Pro Wrestler CEREAL MAN graduated from Emory & Henry College in 2008. Hear the story of Derek Smith's journey from College to the Pro Wrestling Circuit.
You can find his costume and prop creations on Etsy at the Sweat Monster Shop.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/SweatMonsterShop
Marika Katanuma is a Japanese journalist, working on both the English and Japanese branches of Bloomberg news in Tokyo.
She quickly rose through the ranks at Bloomberg to hold responsibility for news stories, websites, and making major news judgments. One of her investigative projects explored the gender gap in pay between women and men in Japan.
Hear how she chose Emory & Henry College for her college degree and the single requirement she had in choosing her school. Listen for the one comment that changed her path and led to her career as a journalist. Her story of finding her voice and her power is an amazing one.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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/
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.
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.
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.
This conversation with "Eric" begins a four part series focusing on alcoholism. Many estimates say that one adult in ten of American adults is an alcoholic.
Eric's story is one of a high-functioning alcoholic who operated mostly under the radar until a serious health issue ultimately led him to Alcoholics Anonymous and sobriety.
He learned that alcoholism is a disease. He agreed to this interview in the hopes of broadening understanding of the struggles of alcoholism -- and, perhaps, to help a listener who might recognize the symptoms and get help before hitting rock bottom.
In part 2, "Sally's" story is a stark contrast to Eric's. In Sally's case, she was controlled by the disease from the very first drink and behaved in very dangerous behaviors as a result. Her story about how she decided to get help is powerful and profound, but the struggle continued.
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.
Police in Saltville arrested a man for disorderly conduct for trying to sit at a table designated for "Press" at the Saltville Town Council Meeting on July 9, 2024. David Huff said he was a reporter. The police officer did not accept the Press Pass he showed that identified him with a website. Mr. Huff was given approval for a court-appointed attorney at his arraignment date on July 17, 2024. His next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 4, 2024 in Smyth County District Court in Marion, VA.
This interview explores the question, "Who is a reporter?" The guest is Megan Rhyne, Director of the Virginia Coalition on Open Government.
Here is a link to video taken during the arrest.
https://youtu.be/44vlcmd9MYQ?si=BTnSEOl5nb7Kw0uq
Odd connections: St. Paul attorney, activist and author Frank Kilgore died on Sunday, July 14. On July 15, former president Donald Trump picked JD Vance as his VP running mate for the Republican ticket in the Presidential race for November 2024.
This show is a rerun of the October 2022 interview with Frank Kilgore about his book JD Vance is a Fake Hillbilly. Kilgore's book was in response to JD Vance's 2016 book Hillbilly Elegy.
Kilgore believed that Vance's book presented unfair stereotypes of people in the coalfields of Appalachia. He didn't like the book -- and made that very clear, both in his book and in this interview.
Since we, unfortunately, could not ask Kilgore to do an interview about Vance's selection as Trump's running mate, this rerun will have to serve.
Scientists are constantly searching for ways to reduce the amount of carbon in the air to help combat climate change.
In this episode, Dr. Alex Lewis talks about Electro-Active Technologies, the company he co-founded in Knoxville, TN, and the initiative to produce carbon-free hydrogen energy. The sophisticated process relies on microbes eating massive amounts of food waste.
Electro-Active Technologies has been awarded major support from the Department of Energy as the company looks for weighs to scale up the process for industrial and municipal use.
Alex shares his scientific and personal journey -- and his connection to Washington County Virginia -- in this wide-ranging conversation.
The Mel Leaman Free Medical Clinic is located in Marion, Virginia and serves those without insurance from Washington, Smyth, and Grayson Counties.
The Mel Leaman Free Clinic offers general medical care and includes oral surgery, orthopedic care, mental health counseling, flu shots, free lab work, and free medicines. Volunteer professors and clinicians from Emory & Henry's College of Health Science work at the clinic and allow supervised graduate students to work with patients.
The clinic is located at 601 Radio Hill in Marion, Virginia -- behind the emergency entrance of the former Smyth County hospital. Patients are encouraged to walk in for help and may also call the clinic at 276-781-2090 for an appointment and/or more information.
Appalachian Sustainable Development is bringing a new $12 million dollar farm to Washington County, Virginia.
In this conversation, ASD Director of Development Sylvia Crum brings to life the vision of helping farmers expand the market for their products to the entire Northeast region -- so they make more money, farming practices are improved, and the regional economy grows.
Pop Quiz:
What's the difference between a county attorney and a commonwealth attorney?
That's how this interview begins and moves on to the duties of a county attorney, including responsibilities related to Washington County's proposed solar farm.
Brandon Snodgrass walks us through his journey to the County Attorney's Office and the reward he finds in his work.
Why would a D-I coach take a paycut for a job at a small university in southwest Virginia? You'll find the answer in This Conversation with Emory & Henry's new head basketball coach Jimmy Allen.
According to Emory & Henry news:
"Jimmy Allen ’93 has been selected as the next Head Men’s Basketball Coach. Allen returns to his alma mater with 31 years of coaching experience and a career head coaching record of 195-182 in 13 seasons.
A four-year letterwinner for the Wasps between 1989-93 under legendary head coach Bob Johnson, Allen led the Wasps to four-straight NCAA Division III Tournament berths including a Sweet 16 appearance as a senior. He was inducted into the Emory & Henry Sports Hall of Fame in 2008. Allen received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in accounting from E&H in 1993.
Allen joins the E&H staff after spending the 2023-24 season as the Associate Head Men’s Basketball Coach at the University of New Hampshire alongside head coach Nathan Davis who was part of Johnson’s staff at Emory & Henry in 1997-98.
Before his time in Durham, N.H., Allen was the head coach for Army West Point for seven seasons. In Allen’s last four seasons, he guided Army to a 59-57 overall record and a 36-32 Patriot League record, which signified the first four-year class to graduate with a winning league record since Army joined the Patriot League in 1979. The Black Knights won 17 games in Allen’s final season at Army – the second most wins since 1978. "
Chris Kolakowski is Director of Wisconsin Veterans Memorial and author of three books on military history. He's also a graduate of Emory & Henry College.
In this interview, Chris traces his path from growing up in Fredericksburg, Va. through Emory & Henry and into the world of presenting history to the public.
Karen Baker, a current resident of Floyd County, Virginia, brings a background as a trial lawyer and an Administrative Law Judge to her campaign to unseat Virginia's 9th District Congressman Morgan Griffith.
In this interview, she talks about her desire to serve people with examples of national laws she helped change related to age discrimination -- and how she prepared for nursing school while serving as a law judge.
In this episode of This Conversation, she addresses major national issues related to the Israel-Gaza war, student protests, reproductive rights, and the major differences she sees between Republicans and Democrats.
Delegate Sam Rasoul has family roots in the West Bank and shares his view that Israel is breaking international law and conducting a genocide in Gaza. He insists that the conflict is not one of religion and describes the long history of Christians, Jews, and Muslims living peacefully together until post World War II when Israel was formed and hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were run off their land. He points to representations of Jews and Christians in current U.S. protests of Israel's war offensive that has resulted in the death of tens of thousands of civilians in Gaza.
Mr. Rasoul is one of two Muslims in Virginia Legislature.
This interview is 3rd in ongoing discussion of the Israel-Gaza war on This Conversation.
Others include Rev. Boyd Evans, Priest of St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Abingdon, Virginia, who has spent time in the West Bank and Gaza.
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/63390c14-78c5-4f5d-80ce-389115683da3
Kenny Shuman is Jewish and a life-long resident of Washington County, Virginia, also a guest on the show.
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/b1b02beb-bdd7-42ee-8e5c-4ad16cc57956
Kenny Shuman is Jewish -- and a lifelong resident of Washington County, Virginia. He was willing to share some of his personal story and his view of the Israel-Hamas war for listeners to This Conversation.
The show has heard from Rev. Boyd Evans, priest of Episcopal church in Abingdon, who had spent a significant amount of time in Gaza.
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/63390c14-78c5-4f5d-80ce-389115683da3
Kenny in this interview.
Next up-- an interview with Virginia Delegate, Sam Rasoul, one of two Muslims in the state legislature.
Alan Linkous owns Adventure Diving in Bristol. He can fix you up with scuba gear, train you to dive, and help design a trip for you and your friends. At other times, he may be diving to attempt to find and recover a body. It's kind of change of pace for the show, but a refreshing look at fun and adventure.
Learn more at https://adventurediving.com/
Debbie Antonelli played college basketball for NC State and has developed a sports broadcasting career at the highest network levels.
She's a member of the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame.
In This Conversation, we hear about her three sons, her activism with Special Olympics and her connection to Emory & Henry College.
In this interview, aired on Apr. 10, 2024, Bettie Mae Fikes, known as "The Voice of Selma," tells her story of the Civil Rights struggle she lived in the 1960s. As a young girl, she sang in marches for the right to vote, the right to ride a bus, and the right to basic freedoms. She remained non-violent in the face of horrible cruelty, simply because her skin was black. She was jailed and kept in jail when she refused to say "Yes, sir" to the judge.
Bettie Mae was a strong young girl and resisted the inequality she was confronted with, but the lingering pain of her experience is evident in this interview. Yet she doesn't turn back and continues her march to college campuses to make sure that the younger generations know the struggle for simple things they may take for granted.
The conversation took place by phone shortly after she visited Emory & Henry College in April 2024. You will hear her break into song as she has always done.
Bettie Mae Fikes is perhaps the most notable historical figure to have been a guest on This Conversation. It was an honor to talk with her, and if you share this podcast, you'll be helping ensure that we don't forget the struggle that Black Americans had -- and continue to have -- for equality.
Dr. Ed Damer, Professor of Philosophy at Emory & Henry College for 45 years, died on March 21, 2024.
This tribute presents a look at Ed through the eyes of several close colleagues and his weekly lunch group. Special attention is given to Ed's focus on logic, his love of fun conversation, and his service to the Abingdon Rotary club where he directed the annual Frolics performance.
Ed leaves behind his wife of 46 years, Nancy Jean Bradford, four children and six grandchildren.
This program originally aired on April 3, 2024, at which time a celebration of Ed's life was scheduled for May 18 at 2:00 at the McGlothlin Center for the Arts on the Emory & Henry campus.
Tributes to Ed are available through his named Rotary Scholarship at Emory & Henry.
Local film debuts tomorrow/Thursday, March 28 at Legacy Theatres in Bristol and runs through April 4. Legacy Theatres. Bristol.
With its professional cast and local connections, early reviews say that "You won't believe it's a local film."
The film is called "Searching for the Elephant, " produced by Cross Purposes Productions.
Learn more in Teresa's conversation with filmmaker David Alford, Wednesday at 6 and Sunday at 2 on WEHC, 907, Emory -- and WISE, 90.5, Wise.
March is Women's History Month and Dr. Amy Sorensen has presided over the opening of the new Helen Matthews Lewis Women's and Gender Center at Emory & Henry College.
In this conversation, Sorensen addresses skepticism about a Center that addresses women's issues along with concerns of LGBTQ students. She shares her personal history that led to her passion for helping.
Johnny Wood is a beloved broadcasting icon in the surrounding five-state region with a 44 year career at WCYB-TV.
HIs career has been recently celebrated with the debut of an hour-long documentary honoring his career.
Hundreds of people turned out for the premier of Good Morning. I'm Johnny Wood at the Paramount Theatre on Friday, March 8, 2024.
The video is now available on WCYB's YouTube channel.
https://youtu.be/2DAj3RAsitU?si=AIKv2pgGmKpUpH7F
WEHC's host of This Conversation Teresa Keller worked with Johnny at WCYB before she joined the faculty at Emory & Henry and talks about old times with him in this episode.
Virginia Delegate Isarel O 'Quinn talks about his path from Patrick Henry High school and Emory & Henry College to the state legislature with a focus on his bill to pay for development of a small modular nuclear reactor, planned for Wise County in Southwest Virginia. He shares his philosophy of working across the aisle in state government at a time of harsh political fights on the national level.
At the time of the interview, his bill regarding SMNRs was still in committee but later passed. With approval from both House and Senate, the bill was awaiting the Governor's signature at the time of the broadcast of this interview.
Final text of the bill can be found at
https://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?241+sum+HB1491
Emory & Henry graduate Kevin Saxton will be getting a Superbowl ring as a team member of the Kansas City Chiefs following their 25-22 Superbowl victory over the San Francisco 49ers in Las Vegas on Feb. 11, 2024.
After stints as an assistant coach for a North Carolina high school coach and for Benedict College in South Carolina, he won a Bill Wash minority fellowship and was assigned to the Kansas City Chiefs. Coach Andy Reid hired him as an offensive assistant coach.
Saxton played quarterback from 2014 - 2017 at Emory & Henry College where he set a school record with 8,536 passing yards and notched 69 touchdown passes. After graduation, he joined the team's coaching staff.
In this conversation, Saxton talks about his family and sports background, his philosophy of leadership, and his role with the NFL team, with a comment or two about Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelcie, and Taylor Swift.
Nuclear energy -- along with nuclear waste may be coming to Wise County in Southwest Virginia.
Volunteer with SW Virginia Nuclear Watch Coalition Rees Shearer presents objections to the idea.
Plans are underway for a Small Modular Nuclear Reactor on a 65,000 acre site in Wise County. Utility companies Dominion Power and American Electric Power/Appalachian Power want to build the reactors in conjunction with large data center -- and are asking the Virginia Legislature to allow them to start charging existing customers now for the cost of investing and building the sites.
In this conversation, Rees reminds listeners about the dangers of nuclear waste and points out that there is not one operating SMNR on land in the country.
Dr. Keith Perrigan is bragging about student achievement in Washington County Schools. He's also set a goal of having WCOVA school teachers be the highest paid teachers in the state.
Where does this passion and optimism come from and who is the student in Dr. Perrigan's office.. and why is he there?
Be sure to tune in to this wide-ranging, uplifing conversation with Dr. Keith Perrigan of Washington County, Va schools.
Dr. Theresa Burriss has brought her expertise in Appalachia to Southwest Virginia, by way of 25 years' teaching at Radford University, a Fulbright in Romania, and a Governor's appointment to the Virginia Council on Environmental Justice.
In this conversation, she talks about unique characteristics of the economy in Appalachia -- and specifically in Southwest Virginia.
This week's interview is with Orchestra Conductor Cornelia Laemmli Orth of Song of the Mountains Orchestra-- from Switzerland via other major world cities to the TriCities, she brings passion, drama, and excitement to the professional orchestra performances.
Soundtrack about movies is the theme for the Jan. 27, 7:30 Concert and Eastman Employee Center.
On Feb. 10, a tribute to Martin Luther King performance is free, featuring visiting performers alongside area college and church choirs.
Tickets are available at Songofthemountains.org.
William Isom produces a series of programs focused on being Black in Appalachia.
This interview precedes 2024 celebrations of Martin Luther King Day and airs in advance of Mr. Isom's presentation in Abingdon about some of the history and contraditions in views toward Blacks in the area. For example, support for abolition of slavery was often expressed by slave owners. The SW Virginia area has high numbers of lynchings and some localities are beginning to memorialize the achievements and landmarks of Blacks and also memorializing some of the injustices.
Find Mr. Isom's work in a search for Black in Appalachia where you'll find fascinating stories and oral histories.
David Miller will blow your mind with the story of how a bee hive gets a new queen. Her is a bee keeper and owner of Bee Woodwork. beewoodwork.com. where he sells supplies for bees. He's also President of Highlands Bee Keepers. highlandsbeekeepers.com.
Bottom line. David Miller loves bees and wants others to know how important they are to us.
Rev. Boyd Evans of St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Abingdon, Va. reflects on his own experience in Occupied Gaza in the light of the current Israel -Gaza war that began on October 7, 2023 with an attack on Israel by Hamas operatives.
The conversation includes an intro to historical background to the establishment of Israel and the ongoing violence and tensions between Israel and the occupied West Bank. Later in the discussion, Evans talks about his connection to the Ahli Anglican Hospital in Gaza. Shortly after our conversation on Dec. 18th, he learned that the Israeli army had, on the same day, destroyed the hosital front entrance and detained most of the staff. Two junior doctors, four nurses and two janitors were left to tend more than 100 seriously wounded patients -- all without running water or electricity.
A tank, parked on the rubble of the hospital entry wall, blocked anyone from entering or leaving.
At the end of the interview, Rev. Evans answers a question about how Christians can maintain faith in an all powerful God who sends his son as a prince of peace -- and yet allows the horrors of this war to leave tens of thousands dead, including thousands of innocent children, with no end in sight for the massive bombing, death, and destruction.
David Alford founded Cross Purposes Production when he realized that a play by that name that he was writing should be a screen play.
That short film led to three feature films, the most recent of which is Searching for the Elephant and its release is imminent.
The film was shot in Southwest Virginia with a cast drawn from area professionals. Details of the release of Searching for the Elephant in This Conversation.
We talked to Nurse Curt Phillips in the midst of the initial COVID crisis. Now, with an uptick in new COVID cases in the Bristol area, Curt reviews the changes in cases and treatments.
Rural areas don't have the ease in recycling that metropolitan areas have, but depending on your location in or around Abingdon, VA, and Bristol, VA/TN, you might be able to get curbside recycling from REVOLUTIONS CURBSIDE RECYCLING. The small company could pick up your recycling, including glass, cans, Plastics #1 and #2, paper and cardboard.
In this epidosde, company owner Tasha Foy will explain the meaning of the numbers in the little triangles on plastics and clarify which can be recycled and which can't. You'll learn why she has a commitment to recycling ... and why we all should!
For more info, email: info@revolutioncurbsiderecycling.com
www.revolutioncurbsiderecycling.com
What a fun conversation with Aaron Brand. You'll learn the long-time nickname of this 2023 Football Inductee into the Emory & Henry Sports Hall of Fame -- and his fundamental purpose that led to the name. He was quarterback for four years and didn't lose a single home game. Also a pitcher on the baseball team. Hear his story about acting and why he did not major in mass communications. Teresa's guest on This Conversation.
In this episode of This Conversation, you'll hear the two candidates vying to become Washington County Commonwealth Attorney. What does the County Attorney do?
How does each candidate envision that work?
Incumbent Democrat Josh Cumbo and Republican Dove Goodpaster present their visions for the county courtrooms preceding the November 2023 election that is less than a week away at the time of this recording.
Candidates for Washington County, Virginia Treasurer Incumbent Fred Parker and opponent Derek Webb talk about their qualifications for the job. How much should age be a factor? Why does a pharmacist want to become a county treasurer?
Rex Carter is running in the Nov. 7 election as an Independent candidate for Sheriff of Washington County, Virginia. In this interview, he describes examples he sees as lack of leadership under the current sheriff and his Republican opponent Sheriff, Republican Blake Andis. Sheriff Andis was offered half of the time for this interview but said that he was unable to participate. Because Sheriff Andis did not participate and there is not a Democratic candidate for Sheriff in this election, Rex Carter was given the full interview time. Carter addressed questions about his personal religious beliefs and how they fit into the work of a government official.
The say all politics is local, but national issues have become central to a Washington County, Virginia race to become Commissioner of Revenue in November.
Two independents, a Republican, and a Democrat explain why they are running with a party designation -- or lack therof. And they have been asked to address both 1st and 2nd Amendment issues that would not appear to have anything to do with running the office.
Alphabetically, you will hear the following candidates, all in a 30 minute program.
April Crabtree -- Republican
David Henry -- Inependent
Mark Matney -- the Incumbent who won as a Republican and now is running as an Independent.
Christina Rehfull -- the Democrat
Sounds easy. One person. One vote. And yet, as we learn in this interview, voter suppression is not something of the past. Current efforts to stop people from voting even target college students. Amber Wilt, Virginia Coordinator of the national non-profit, non-partisan Campus Vote Project talks about her organization's work on Virginia Campuses to encourage voting and about a lawsuit against the governor in Virginia related to voter suppression.
Dr. Jerry Jones' new book is called They Included Me and relates his journey from the "colored school" in Glade Spring, Va. to degrees in higher education and teaching in a number of locations. His final teaching stop was as a faculty member at Emory & Henry College, the institution he passed daily in the bus that took him on an hour-long trip to the black high school in Bristol, VA in the era of segregation. He talks about coming to the acceptance of being truly included in a place he wouldn't have envisioned belonging.
Jerry Jones' story is a fascinating one.
His earlier book, Go and Come Again, provides a foundation that leads to the self examination and growth exhibited in They Included Me.
International Opera Star Mike Austin graduated from Emory & Henry College and started work at an area aluminum factory where his supervisors wanted to promote him to management. But Emory & Henry choir director Chick Davis helped him find a different path that has led him to stages in major cities all over the world. Austin talks about his early music experience in his home church in Wytheville to performing before an audience of 20,000 people. The interview was recorded in advance of a 3:00 p.m. Oct. 15, 2023 performance at the McGlothlin Center for the Arts on Emory & Henry's campus. Tickets available at www.ehc.edu/mca.
More about Mike Austin at https://anoc-opera.wixsite.com/essential-opera/michael-austin#:~:text=Michael%20Austin%2C%20Dramatic%20Tenor%20is%20one%20of%20the,Turiddu%20in%20Cavalleria%20Rusticana%20with%20the%20Staatstheater%20Stuttgart.
In a chance encounter, This Conversation host Teresa Keller met charming and outgoing college student Tony Washington. He was sharing information about the ROTC with other students. Keller thought an interview with a college student in ROTC would be interesting and then learned that Tony had been through Army basic training and was a member of the National Guard. With that background, the interview was scheduled for the next day at the WEHC studios.
When Tony showed up, he brought Zeus along. Zeus is Tony's emotional support dog. From questions about Zeus, Tony's story unfolded. Be prepared for stories of real life and real challenges in this conversation.
Bob Sommers has live on the Island of Maui for 27 years and never dreamed of the kind of tragedy that came with the August 2023 fire in the beautiful town of Lahaina -- not too far from where he lives. Although his home in Kihei was not threatened, he was required to evacuate and has been forever changed. He shares his experience and stories of people who survived the Lahaina fire -- and those who did not.
Author, speaker, and wellness coach Andrea Kanelopoulos shares her journey to peace and her decision to live in the face of anorexia. Moreover, she offers Pieces of Peace in a recent book and shares some of the three-minute reflections from the book in this conversation. You can find more information about her new book and her other activities at AnamNostosHouse.com.
Steve Smith followed in his father's footsteps in the grocery business and has grown into a multi-billion dollar operation. The company is widely recognized for its generous charitable donations. We talk with Food City President and CEO Steve Smith in this episode, featuring his most recent contribution to helping build a local workforce and provide child care for the area.
Coach Jacqui Reynolds is a professional baseball bench coach, working this summer of 2023 with the Johnson City Doughboys.
When fall comes, she will return to her Assistant Coach position with the baseball team at the University of Massachusetts.
In this episode of This Conversation, she shares her story of finding and achieving her unusual goal along with the joys and challenges of the job.
Many people think they want to save the world, but few do more than Pamela Irvine has done. She was inspired by a time in her life when money was scarce. Now, hungry people in a 21 county region in Southwest Virginia can get a free hot meal, pick up produce and supplies, meet the food delivery truck in their community, or even have food delivered to their doors when they don't have transportation. The multi-million dollar food operation operates on the generosity of corporations, individuals, and government programs and also depends on the labor of loving and giving community volunteers. This conversation may help restore your faith in our humanity.
Dr. John Lentz volunteers to clarify laws for those who hire members of the National Guard or Reserves. He is Ombudsman of the organization Employer Support of the Guard and Reserves. ESGR
In the Guard and Reserves, state and federal members of the military have specific time commitments for training and service, plus the possibility of being called to active duty.
What does an employer do when a worker has to leave for an indefinite time and then comes back to the job?
Lentz notes that "we all serve," including members of the military and their families, as well as those who employ them. His organization tries to help.
This conversation reveals details of a little-known issue of protecting members of the U.S. military, their employers, and overall U.S. defense.
As a college student, Matt Shannon found an interest in the Middle East and gradually narrowed his attention to the connections between Iran and the U.S. Dr. Shannon is now a professor of history, preparing for the release of his second book, Mission Manifest , a look at the experience of U.S. evangelicals and missionaries in Iran. The country continues to play a significant role in U.S. international relations with the backdrop of the 1979 Iranian Revolution and the taking and holding of American hostages for 444 days. Occasional and ongoing uprisings in the Muslim state continue, most recently after the country's morality police arrested a woman for not wearing her hijab properly. She died in custody. The slogan that protesters chant in her memory: Women. Life. Freedom. The title of Shannon's first book captures the emotional essence of the relationship between the two countries: Losing Hearts & Minds: American-Iranian Relations, 2017. That book, examined earlier close educational ties between the two countries. In this interview, we see how the overall history and culture of Iran captured Dr. Shannon's own heart and mind and has led his research in a successful academic career.
The United Methodist Church is splitting over how to deal with homosexuality.
Guest is Pastor Dale Gilbert of Pleasant View Methodist Church who describes the issue and explains why his church has disaffiliated from the United Methodist Church.
Pop quiz: Are members of the Castro family still running things in CUBA? Why does the U.S. refuse to trade with CUBA and how does that affect the Cuban people? Can U.S. citizens visit CUBA as tourists?
Sylvia Rozwadowska of Colibri Travel led a group from Emory & Henry College on a spring 2023 trip to Cuba answers these questions and discusses the origins of the powerful Cuban lobby in the U.S.
The Poland-born business woman shares her childhood vision of travel, along with the reasons Cuba is her favorite country in the world.
Pete Vance and Jim Ray, of VFW Post 9640 honor families who lost a family member in military service and other veterans for Memorial Day 2023.
These men share the challenges veterans often face in dealing with a reality they experienced but have a hard time talking about.
The don't ask recognition for themselves, but ask that the sacrifices of soldiers and their families be remembered.
Dr. Susan Patrick, Director of Childhood Success with the United Way of Southwest Virginia, talks about the childcare crisis and how it can be a drag on a local economy, even limiting the number of available jobs.
If a parent brings home $22,000 a year from a $15 an hour salary, how can the family afford to have a second parent work with minimum child care costs of $11,000 a year?
Dr. Patrick addresses a broad range of issues related to educating and caring for children in This Conversation.
Linda Modica is president of the Citizens Awareness Network in Erwin, Tennessee and her group is trying to stop a new procedure for enriching uranium, scheduled for Nucelar Fuel Services. She says the water, air, and people are being effected by nuclear contamination in the area. She talks about where their appeal stands in stopping the new processing in Erwin and explains why she became an activist in nuclear issues.
In the continuation of my conversation with James Gibbs, International Vice President of the United Mine Workers, Gibbs talks about his career in the mines, UMWA representation of workers who are not miners, and the union's relationship with government representatives.
Olivia Bailey, former news anchor at WCYB-TV talks about moving on from television into marketing for Friends of Southwest Virginia. She also talks about her recent appearance at the 2023 Rotary Frolics.
James Gibbs has worked in mining for 40 years and knows a thing or two about mine worker issues. IN fact, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine invited Gibbs to be his guest at President Biden's 2023 State of the Union address. Gibbs used the opportunity to plead his case for continued support in protections for miners -- and for assistance in good paying jobs with benefits for replacing lost mining jobs. Gibbs has plenty to say about politics and how miners have been treated by everyone from major political parties and coal companies to specific lawmakers.
In fact, he had so much to say in this episode that we're continuing the conversation in an upcoming Part II.
MAJOR KRISTIN BEO WOLFE
Major Wolfe has ties to Southwest Virginia and is a history-making fighter jet pilot in the U.S. Air Force.
She was the first woman to command an Air Force demo team and currently commands the 13-person F-35A Team that tours the country and the world letting people see on the world's most sophisticated stealth jet.
In this interview, she shares details about her career, about the capabilities of the plane, and a bit o information about her times in the Abingdon/Bristol area.
You could have seen her fly over the Superbowl in 2021. And you can see her phenomenal performance in the cockpit at air shows through a simple Google search -- or by clicking the link below.
https://video.search.yahoo.com/search/video;_ylt=AwrFcDhrpOVjsTIA2SFXNyoA;_ylu=Y29sbwNiZjEEcG9zAzEEdnRpZAMEc2VjA3BpdnM-?p=kristin+beo+wolfe&fr2=piv-web&type=E211US105G0&fr=mcafee#id=10&vid=6d607f2773fad0741e86ea2daaafaef1&action=view
Rail Solution director David Foster reviews efforts to move trucks onto trains to move through the I-81 corridor.
In this episode, we talk with Vernon Miles who is headed to Korea to direct joint military exercises. We trace his career and hear about the challenges and threats on and around the Korean peninsula.
Marketing specialist in Coast Guard Recruiting Command Zach Hupp believes that young people should examine career options in the Coast Guard. His experience has taken him on international adventures and into special public affairs training where he traveled as the official photographer for the Secretary of Homeland Security. He says there is a serious need for military recruits and points to the Coast Guard's focus on reaching out to women and minorities. The signing bonuses he talks about are impressive for positions from cook to law enforcement. You don't even have to be a strong swimmer to join. For young people who are looking for a direction and purpose, Zach says you can find @gocoastguard on social media. He'll get the message and would love to talk to you.
Retired educator Jerry Hill grew up in Washington County, Va. and was inspired by Martin Luther King's commitment to nonviolence and to peace. Hear why he says people should attend special programs on Jan. 12 and join in the annual march and program in Abingdon on Jan. 14, 2022. in order to celebrate the life and accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King.
You may have ignored those offers from the power company to sign up for a free energy audit. And.. you may be missing some free supplies and free service that could help. This conversation with Melvin Ross of Bee Green Solutions, an energy efficiency consulting business (info@beegreensolutions.com), that works with Appalachian Power Co tells you how to get free energy help through the power company -- and what to look for in the very simple things you may be doing that are costing you money.
As 2022 comes to a close, Virginia Tech basketball Coach Mike Young is in the midst of another successful season. On Dec. 17, 2022 about 150 Emory & Henry alums watched the Hokies defeat Grambling State and then visited with the Coach who shares their Emory & Henry roots. Young played for legendary Emory & Henry Coach Bob Johnson and began his career as an assistant to Coach Johnson after his Emory & Henry graduation. This interview was recorded in summer 2021 but is worth revisiting. Coach Young is one of the many superstar grads of Emory & Henry. The visit demonstrates the pride Emory & Henry and its community of alums share for the institution and for Coach Young.
You probably already have the idea. People from Appalachia are illiterate, prejudiced, isolated, lazy, backward, non-creative, and talk funny. A display at the Jonesborough/Washington County, TN History Museum in the Jonesboro Visitors Center tackles -- and refutes-- common misconceptions about Appalachians. Dr. Megan Tewell, who researched the exhibit, talks about how some of these ideas developed and how they have been perpetuated. The exhibit is on display through summer 2023.
https://jonesborough.com/locations/washington-countyjonesborough-history-museum/
Recorded in the holiday season, this conversation highlights the story of a few people who have spent decades serving others -- for free. Crossroads Medical Mission began twenty years ago and continues to grow in providing free medical care for people in SW Virginia and East Tennessee who can't afford it. In fact, the organization has expanded from its traveling mobile clinic to a stationary building in Bristol. From the outside -- and certainly from those who are served -- this organization demonstrates love in action.
https://www.crossroadsmedicalmission.org/
The intricacies of medical care for the elderly are overwhelming. There are experts who can help.
In This Conversation, Carolyn Smith, President and Founder of Marketplace Agency & Eldercare of Harrisonburg, Virginia, walks listeners through the basics. The timeliness of this interview is the connection to end-of-year open enrollment and choosing appropriate plans.
32-year military veteran Lt. Col. Eric Stanton talks about his career, the commitment veterans have to each other, their post-service struggles, and who we all need to say, think, and do to honor the sacrifice of our veterans and their families.
Wise County resident Taysah DaVaughan is challenging incumbent Morgan Griffith for the Congressional seat in the 9th District of Virginia in the Nov. 8, 2022 General Election.
This episode of This Conversation with Congressman Griffith is guest hosted by David St. Clair. The reason is explained in the opening of the show. Highlights include his explanation of his Jan. 6, 2021 vote not to certify the results of the Pennsylvania election in the presidential election of 2020, which would have basically overturned the election results.
Sgt. Kannan Rasiah was born in Singapore with royal ancestry from Sri Lanka. His phenomenal journey brought him to Emory & Henry College where he graduated and joined the military. Unfortunately his positive experiences have been laced with racism and a painful focus on the color of his skin. He shares what it has been like in this open and raw conversation.
The U.S. General election on Nov. 8, 2022 is going to be very close and control of Congress is up for grabs. Washington County, Virginia Director of Elections and Voter Registrar Derek Lyall talks about the election process and election safety.
Josh Mancuso is an actor, filmmaker, and comedian. He'll tell you just how famous he is in this episode of This Conversation. Part of the conversation refers to Mancuso's new documentary on African American contributions in the SW Virginia/East Tennessee region called "Appalachian Soul" that is nearing completion. In this podcast, you'll hear reference to Harlan, Kentucky and a book called "The Harlan Renaissance." For your convenience if you are interested, here is a link to my interview with the author of "The Harlan Renaissance" from February 2022. https://player.captivate.fm/episode/decfb24d-747a-44d5-9f95-5a86efa49fac Thanks for listening to This Conversation, on air Wednesdays at 6 and Sunday at 2 at 90.7, Emory, streaming at wehcfm.com-- or at this podcast site!
Head Curator of the Bristol Country Music Museum Renee Rodgers reviews the highlights of the museum that recognized the Big Bang birth of Country Music in Bristol, Virginia in 1927. In this interview, she highlights the temporary exhibit about Johnny Cash. Special note: During Bristol Rhythm & Roots music festival, Sept. 16 - 18, 2022, Johnny Cash's daughter Roseanne Cash visited her dad's tribute at the museum. She closed the music festival with an emotional performance, emphasizing her many connections to the Bristol region.
Meghann Cotter is director of Micah Ministries in Fredericksburg, VA and she is a key figure in fighting homelessness there. In This Conversation she talks about causes and cures with the numbers to prove that her city and the leaders there are making big progress.
This episode updates advice from Mt. Rogers Health District re monkey pox and COVID. Guest is Breanne Forbes Hubbard is population health manager of the SW Virginia district.
When artist Ellen Elmes learned about the massacre of 23 people at a Wal Mart in El Paso in 2019, her questions were-"Why are their names not included in the memorial?" and "What can I do?" The answer came from her artistic talent and her caring heart in portraits of the victims that she presented as gifts to their families. In this interview, she describes the process she went through, the relationships she developed, and the rewards she reaped. Ellen Elmes is an inspiration.
The Virginia ACLU philosophy holds that women have a right to abortion and freedom from government-forced birth. Breanna Diaz explains the new legal landscape in the wake of the Dobbs decision that leaves decisions about abortion to state legislatures.
Dr. Mark Matney is Commissioner of Revenue in Washington County, Virginia, but his April 12, 2022 appearance before the Washington County Board of Supervisors was not related to his official duties. Matney and several others told the Supervisors that Lawn Boy by Jonathan Envison should not be included on the shelves of the Washington County Public Library. This appearance followed the rejection of Matney's request to the Library Board to remove the book. In This Conversation, aired on Aug 4, 2022, Matney outlines his reasoning for his requests. Apr. 12, 2022 Board of Supervisors meeting video. Public comments begin at 33 minutes. http://washingtoncountyva.iqm2.com/Citizens/SplitView.aspx?Mode=Video&MeetingID=3410&MinutesID=2400&FileFormat=pdf&Format=Minutes&MediaFileFormat=mpeg4
Ben Beakes is President of the Metallurgical Coal Producers Association and he wants people to understand the difference between hot-burning Met Coal and the thermal coal that is used for making electricity. Met coal is used to make steel -- and represents 90% of coal production these days. He talks about mining potential, regulations, safety, technology, and addresses concerns about climate change in the industry that is being transformed.
Dr. Linda Dobkins, Professor of Economics, uses a dog as a metaphor for current inflation and efforts by the Federal Reserve to control it. You are sure to come away with a better understanding of economic issues by listening to Dr. Dobkins in this interview. Aired June 29, 2022.
Taysha DeVaughan has announced her candidacy for the Virginia 9th District Congressional seat. She will be challenging 11-year incumbent Congressman Morgan Griffith. How did this member of the Comanche nation, born in Oklahoma, find her way to Southwest Virginia, where settled in Wise, Virginia, and wound up as a Governor Northam appointee to the Virginia Council on Environmental Justice? Interview first aired on July 6, 2022.
WCYB-TV reporter Andrew McClung is responding to the common complaint that there's never any good news. In a new series called "The Good Stuff" on the NBC affiliate in Bristol, Virginia, he will introduce viewers to people who are making the world around them better -- whether it's an almost 90 year old who still makes his popular fried chicken every week for students in a nearby college cafeteria or an artist who paints rocks and leaves them to be found by people in his county. Andrew is a graduate of Emory & Henry College's Dept. of Mass Communication and worked at WSLS-TV in Roanoke, VA prior to coming to WCYB.
Adam Bolt is a well-known singer-songwriter, based in Abingdon Virginia, with a large following for his "heart-hewn melodies." And, these melodies have garnered several significant awards: 2018 1st Winner "Over All" Gathering in the Gap 2018 1st Place winner in the Richard Leigh Songwriters Competition 2016 2nd place winner in the Richard Leigh Songwriters Competition 2015 2nd place winner in the Richard Leigh Songwriters Competition 2014 1st place winner in the Zazzy'z Gurning Competition In This Conversation, he talks about his award-winning song Coke for the Road, a tribute to his grandmother. And, you'll hear his award winning jingle for WEHC radio. Find his music here on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/4tknvAPYriGESr4YuXWNEI
Adam Mullins operates a store on Main Street in Abingdon, called Grounded. He sells CBD oils and other hemp derivatives as well as products containing THC. In This Conversation, he updates listeners on the products he sells, the purpose they serve, and the laws that govern his business as well as the sale of marijuana in Virginia. Recorded June 1, 2022.
Dr. Merisa Richmond is the guest on This Conversation in June 2021. The show was rerun in 2022 to focus again on LGBTQ Pride month. As a transgender woman, Dr. Richmond is a long term activist on issues of human rights and has served as President of the Tennessee Transgender Coalition and as a board member of a variety of organizations that work for equal rights for LGBTQ causes.
Todd Stanley is a Licensed Professional Counselor and the Director of Counseling Services at Emory & Henry College. In this interview, he talks about the issues he sees with college students and his stories give insight into taking care of your own mental health. At the time of this recording, the Counseling Center was looking for a new employee.
Aaron describes the experience of a mental health break during graduate school, plus his time in the hospital and the journey to recovery. The conversation took place during the WEHC fundraiser so there are some donation requests.
Dr. William Turner talks about his book The Harlan Renaissance : Stories of Black Life in Appalachian Coal Towns, based on the lessons of community he learned growing up in Harlan, Kentucky.
Jayne Hillman knows what it's like to spend weeks in the hospital with COVID and to be left with ongoing struggles, including lungs that doctors say are like crushed glass inside. Her story now includes an ever-present oxygen tank and she tells us what she wants us to know in this interview from July 2021.
Rev. Dr. David St. Clair talks about the split in the Methodist Church over the issue of gay pastors and gay marriage.
Hear about life on the road in the national Broadway touring company of Dear Evan Hansen from singer/actress Haile Ferrier -- born in Abingdon, Virginia with ties to Emory & Henry. How does a newly minted Elon College graduate wind up in a role that is the envy of every young theatre graduate. She's special to us at This Conversation -- and her talent is obviously very special!
Dr. Michelle Ferrier began her academic career at Emory & Henry and has recently been recognized with international awards from the International Academy of Digital Arts & Sciences. The honor was designated for the work of the organization she founded, called Trollbusters. The organization is designed to combat cyberbullying directed at journalists. She talks about the award with a brief rewind to talk about her first online creation at Emory & Henry.
Concert pianist Pravda Sikorski talks about her parents Alys and Ludwik Sikorski just prior to their being named Emory & Henry Legends of the Arts.. She became an icon of music in her own right. Pravda lives in Emory and stands as one of the many legacies of the Sikorski contributions to the college and community.
David McClaskey has worked with more than a thousand companies in his career as a business consultant and helped lead eight companies to the Baldridge Award, the nation's highest honor for well-run businesses, presented each year by the US President. In this conversation, he outlines the fundamentals of leading a business from ordinary to extraordinary.
Scrapper Broady was the first African American athlete at Emory & Henry College and still holds the college record for career interceptions. He's a member of the EHC Sports Hall of Fame. In this interview, he talks about his passion for finding his own family history. Specifically, he talks about the mysteries of his 6th great grandfather, a slave who was freed before the Civil War and was given 900 acres of land in Southwest Virginia. Why? Hear details of Scrapper's fascinating quest to trace his family history.
Jibreel Khazan recounts his experience as one of the Greensboro Four who staged an ongoing sit in at a lunch counter, protesting segregation and insisting that they be served a meal. He joined three of his fellow first year students at North Carolina A&T University in this act of civil disobedience that started a movement.
We talk to Steve Curd as he's finalizing plans for his Fall 2021 fashion show in Glade Spring, Virginia.
Jerry Jones is the author of Go and Come Again: Segregation, Tolerance, and Reflection. In this interview, Jones previews his presentation in recognition of Martin Luther King Day at St. Thomas Episcopal Church on Jan. 13, 2022. He talks about his education in segregated schools, reasons for his choice of a college, and his 50 year career as a teacher. It's not an every day occurrence that you hear from someone who had to make travel plans, including finding a restaurant where you could be served. This interview is a reminder of the irrational days of segregation in our recent past.
Author Elizabeth Boyd looks at the perpetuation of racism, sexism, and classism through sorority rushes, beauty pageants, and a Confederate pageant, held annually in Natchez, Mississippi. The book is scheduled for publication in August 2022.
Rev. Paul Seay is co-author of From Heaven to Earth: Christmas for New Believers, Old Believers, and Nonbelievers along with college friend and roommate Rev. Wil Cantrell. These days, Seay serves as pastor of Methodist Churches in Abingdon, Virginia. Cantrell serves as pastor of Concord United Methodist Church in Farragut, Tennessee. In this interview, prior to Christmas 2021, Seay addresses some significant questions about the Christmas story.. He reminds us that Jesus was a Jew and discusses the importance of that context, and he recognizes the incredulity of a virgin birth.
Charles Vess is a fantasy artist and is known for his work with Marvel Publishers where he worked on Spider-man. Later he wrote and drew the Spider Man graphic novel Spirits of the Earth. In this October 2021 interview he talks about his forthcoming 2022 calendar and explains how he wound up living and working in Abingdon, Virginia.
In November, 2020, Virginia voters approved a Constitutional Amendment establishing a bi-partisan commission to fix the problem of gerrymandering and take redistricting power away from the legislature. When the new commission was unable to agree on a map, the Virginia Supreme Court took over, as specified in the amendment. New voting maps are now in place. How have things changed? Is the new system a success? League of Women Voters members Peggy Layne and Chris DeRosa were deeply involved in the process of change and provide great insight into the new plan.
Shayne Weister of Glory Ridge Farms is all about bees. He says his bees make the best honey and it's available at Orr's Farm Market in Martinsburg, West Virginia. He points out that bees are responsible for feeding cows and what you can do to help save them as he describes the basics of a bee hive. Aired Dec. 1, 2021 on This Conversation with host Teresa Keller on WEHC.
Dr. Jessica Moerman, Sr. Director for Science and Policy with the Evangelical Environmental Network, talks from her point of view as both a climate scientist and a Christian. Hear her details about trusting in both God and Science ... and the evidence she says shows that humans have contributed to planet warming that goes far beyond normal cycles and endangers our survival.
Lou Buantello has been driving the big rigs for many years -- and he loves it. As Junior Brown's song says, he's "semi-crazy." And he's our guest from the back of his big rig while his partner is taking a shift in their long haul from Virginia to California and back. Get an insight into a truck driver's view of the four wheelers and hear advice to those who are driving the little sedans alongside the 18-wheelers. Aired on WEHC Dec. 8, 2021.
Dr. Douglas Pote found rural southwest Virginia for a career in medicine and also found an outlet on the stage. writing about for his passion for music history and the Bristol recording sessions' big bang in country music. Stay tuned to the big screen where "Keep On the Sunny Side" may show up to share the Carter Family story with a national audience.
Sullivan County, Tennessee school officials do not like for their students to hear about White Privilege -- unless an opposing view is presented. They suspended teacher Matthew Hawn for sharing a profane poem about white privilege on video by Black poet Kyla Jenée Lacey in a high school class on "Contemporary Issues." One wonders what the opposing view that there is white privilege would be. What happens now? Will he be reinstated? Hear his story in this interview, aired on WEHC in September 2021.
Dr. Jessica Moerman is Sr. Director for Science and Policy with the Evangelical Environmental Network. Her Ph.D. is in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences from Georgia Institute of Technology. In This Conversation with Teresa Keller, originally aired on WEHC-FM, Emory, Va., Dr. Moerman talks about her work in studying God's creation, and the evidence that humans are the cause of the warming planet.