PODCAST · business
Shenandoah Valley Life
by Shenandoah Valley Partnership
Hear from Shenandoah Valley residents who are living, working and thriving in Virginia’s iconic valley. Ready to make the Shenandoah Valley your home? Visit shenandoahvalleyliving.com to start your Shenandoah Valley Life.
Episodes
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Building a Career and Community: A Conversation with Rebekah Kuller
In this episode of the SV Life Podcast, we talk with Rebekah Kuller, a Valley native who returned home after more than a decade away. With nearly 20 years of financial experience, mostly spanning the construction industry, Rebekah shares her journey, what brought her family back to the Shenandoah...
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Aviation and Opportunity: A Conversation with Richard Turk
In this episode, we talk with Richard Turk, an Aviation Mechanic with United Airlines at Dulles Airport and an adjunct instructor for Blue Ridge Community College’s Aviation Maintenance Technology program. After 30 years living and working in San Francisco, Richard and his wife made the move to…
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Amplifying Her Story: A Conversation with Lydia Heatwole
In this episode, we chat with CPA and entrepreneur Lydia Heatwole, owner of Amplified Financial Solutions. Lydia takes us behind the scenes of building a business in the Shenandoah Valley and shares how the relationships, connections and sense of community she’s found here have helped her…
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The Local Government Perspective: A Conversation with Nathan Garrison
In this episode, we talk with Nathan Garrison, Town Manager for the Town of New Market and former SVP Business Development Manager. A native of Rockingham County, Nathan shares how the Valley has shaped him not just personally, but in his career path as well.
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Bridging Experience : A Conversation with Chad Dunham
In this episode, we talk with Valley native and commercial realtor Chad Dunham. As a longtime business owner with experience in both commercial and residential real estate, Chad brings a unique business perspective and deep understanding of the Valley to his work at Cottonwood Commercial. Listen…
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Carrying on the Family Business: A Conversation with Matt Blauch
In this episode, we sit down with Shenandoah Valley native Matt Blauch, president of Blauch Brothers. After growing up in the family business, Matt now leads the company alongside his brother as the third generation of family ownership. He reflects on his decision to carry on the legacy, how the...
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Trailbuilding and Community Building: A Conversation with Kyle Lawrence
In this episode, we talk with Kyle Lawrence, director of the Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition and an avid cyclist, about the journey that brought him to the Shenandoah Valley. Kyle shares how he became part of the region's biking community, the exciting work underway to expand trails and…
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Classroom to Professional Development - A Conversation with Amanda Kellogg
Amanda Kellogg, director of Professional Development with JMU's School of Professional and Continuing Education joins this episode of SV Life. With a background in education, Amanda taught at Radford University for 8 years before transitioning into administration and eventually making the move to...
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From Coach to Commercial Real Estate: A Conversation with Mike Martin
In this episode of SV Life, we talk with Rockingham County native and commercial realtor Mike Martin. Mike shares the story of his professional journey -- from teaching, coaching and training local students to helping businesses and investors navigate commercial real estate through Cottonwood...
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From South Carolina to the Shenandoah Valley: A Conversation with Garth Knight
In this episode we talk with Garth Knight -- a South Carolina native who has called the Valley home for more than five years. Now the VP of sales with LD&B Insurance, Garth shares his professional journey and the connections he's made in the community.
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Building a Career in the Valley: A Conversation with Bryn Rankin
From a student at JMU to a years long career with Appeal Production to a successful launch as an entrepreneur, Bryn McIntyre Rankin has been building a career, and a life, in the Shenandoah Valley since she arrived here a decade ago. Listen in as Bryn shares her story, including what makes…
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Community Connector: A Conversation with Keith May
In this episode, we talk with Keith May, Shenandoah Valley native, long time real estate broker and champion of the region. Keith, owner and broker for Cottonwood Commercial, shares his story, where he sees the Shenandoah Valley region going and why he will always call the region home.
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Uniting the Valley: A Conversation with Amanda Leech
In this episode, we talk with Amanda Leech, executive director of the United Way of Central Shenandoah Valley. Amanda grew up in a military family, moving frequently through her growing up years. After coming to Harrisonburg to attend JMU, Amanda has now made a home and life in the Valley. Listen...
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Talking Agriculture: A Conversation with Scot Lilly
In this episode, we talk with Scot Lilly - longtime resident, programs manager for Farm Credit of the Virginias and champion of agriculture in the Shenandoah Valley. Scot shares his story, talks about how ag has evolved and continues to innovate and highlights the impact of the ag sector to our...
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Farm Stand to Year-Round Staple: A Conversation with Joe Ulmer
In this episode, we talk with Joe Ulmer, Valley native and owner of Overlook Produce Bakery and Deli. Starting as a small farm stand, Joe and his family have grown their operation to a year-round destination featuring produce, a greenhouse, a deli, locally made products and more. Listen in as Joe...
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Finding a Calling in the Valley: A Conversation with Kyle Showalter
Valley native and recent JMU graduate Kyle Showalter shares why he chose to stay in the Shenandoah Valley after graduating from James Madison University. Now working as the assistant controller for Partners Excavating, Kyle talks about why he values working at this long-standing Valley company…
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Sharing the Arts: A Conversation with Vanessa Morosco
In this episode of the SV Life Podcast, we sit down with Vanessa Morosco, Executive Director of the American Shakespeare Center. Vanessa first discovered the Shenandoah Valley as a recent college graduate performing with the Shenandoah Shakespeare ensemble. After building her career across the...
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Crafting the Message: A Conversation with Brooke Buffington
Brooke Buffington, Associate Vice President of Career and Professional Development at Mary Baldwin University joins the SV Life podcast to share her passion for helping students craft their message and find their path after graduation. Transitioning to higher ed after years in a corporate…
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From Intern to Engineer: A Conversation with Maya Elcox
Maya Elcox was first introduced to Ryzing Technologies as a high school student mentee. As she progressed through her educational journey, she had the opportunity to intern with the company and today, is a full-time employee. Listen in as Maya, a Shenandoah Valley native, shares her story and…
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Convening Across the Region: A Conversation with Ann Cundy, CSPDC
In this episode of SV Life, we chat with Ann Cundy, executive director of the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission (CSPDC). Ann grew up in Richmond but always had strong ties to the Shenandoah Valley. She went to college in the area and eventually decided to put down roots here. Ann...
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Reducing Barriers and Making an Impact: A Conversation with Piete Casius
In this episode we talk with Piete Casius, President & CEO of Friendship Industries. Living in the Shenandoah Valley since 2008, he shares the journey that brought him to Virginia and eventually to his leadership role. Starting as Director of Commercial Operations at Friendship Industries in…
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From Texas to Virginia: A Conversation with Amanda Culp
It's National Dairy Month and in this episode, we're talking with Amanda Culp, director of Marketing for Maola Dairies. A local dairy co-op that works with farmers in the Valley and beyond, Amanda shares some of the co-op's history and future plans plus where you might their products in the…
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Continuing the Education Legacy: A Conversation with Kevin Hutton
In this episode of SV Life, Jay sits down with Kevin Hutton, Director of Massanutten Technical Center. Coming from a family of educators, Kevin always felt drawn to the field and shares the path that led him from the classroom to his current leadership role at MTC. A native of the Shenandoah...
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Turning The Mic Around: A Conversation with SVP's Jay A. Langston, Ph.D.
In our milestone 50th episode of the SV Life Podcast, we’re turning the mic around! Our very own host and SVP Executive Director, Jay A. Langston, Ph.D.—a 40-year veteran of economic development—is in the hot seat. With decades of experience and a passion for economic development, Jay shares his...
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The Doctor Is In - A Conversation with Tom Weber, M.D.
This episode of SV Life features Tom Weber, Chief Medical Officer for MD Ortho Systems. Listen in as Tom shares his journey to becoming a doctor and the evolution of practicing in a hospital setting to redefining the way care is delivered through a proprietary digital platform.
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Energizing the Community for Good: A Conversation with Kevin Gibson
What does it mean to energize the community for good? Tune in as Kevin Gibson shares the journey of VA Momentum, a local running events organization founded by two friends with a vision to create inclusive spaces where people of all skill levels and backgrounds feel welcome.
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Making the Valley Home: A Conversation with Leigh Evans
With family connections in the Valley, Leigh Evans spent a lot of time here before it officially became home last year. Now settled in and serving as the Executive Director of the Shenandoah Valley Technology Council and director of Research to Impact at JMU, Leigh shares her vision for both…
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Creating Community: A Conversation with AJ Jalal
This episode features AJ Jalal, owner of AJ's Gentlemen's Barbershop. Listen in as AJ shares the journey that brought him to the United States and why he chose to build a life and a business in the Shenandoah Valley. AJ's story of growing his business and what a barbershop can mean to the…
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From Firefighting to Farming: A Conversation with Jack Dixon
Valley native and Riverbank Farms owner Jack Dixon shares his story in our latest SV Life Podcast. With roots in the Valley that run generations back, Jack spent some time out of the area before he and his wife returned home and he began delving into regenerative farming. Listen in as Jack shares...
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Rooted in the Valley: A Conversation with Tanner Johnson
Harrisonburg native and entrepreneur Tanner Johnson shares the story and evolution of Pure Shenandoah, an Elkton based company that makes products ranging from CBD oils to hemp fiber. With roots that run deep in the Valley, Tanner and his siblings are honoring the legacy of not just their…
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X-Roads: A Conversation with George Neighbors
In this episode of the SV Life Podcast, Jay talks with George Neighbors, owner of X-Roads Advisory and Shenandoah Valley visitor turned resident. Listen in as George shares the path that led to his current business venture and to the Shenandoah Valley.
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Experiential Learning: JMU X-Labs
In this #SVLifePodcast episode, Jay talks with Connie Frigo, executive director of JMU X-Labs and Patrice Ludwig, interim assistant vice provost for Research and Innovation and associate professor of X-Labs courses. With varied backgrounds leading to their current roles, Connie and Patrice share...
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Continuing the Family Business: A Conversation with Nadia Dames
Born and raised in the Valley, Nadia Dames followed in her father's footsteps and now leads the family aviation instrument business in the Town of Dayton. Listen in as Nadia shares her story and what makes the Valley home.
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Learning Outside the Box: A Conversation with Andrei Dacko
In this episode of SV Life, we talk with JuiceWorks 3D Founder, Andrei Dacko. Listen in as Andrei shares how his experience as a young student and former educator laid the foundation for his business and the plans he has for helping to grow the talent pipeline in our region.
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Valley Connections: A Conversation with Dick Halterman
In this episode, we talk with Dick Halterman, lifelong Valley native, business owner and member of the Augusta County Economic Development Authority. Listen in as Dick shares a little of his background, business and what he loves about the Valley.
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Dynamic Plans: A Conversation with Eric Terry
In this episode, we talk with Eric Terry of Dynamic Aviation. Eric joined Dynamic Aviation in 2023 as the Senior Vice President of Human Resources. Listen is as he shares a little of his background and what led him to the Shenandoah Valley as well as some of the exciting things happening at…
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Firefighter and Entrepreneur: A Conversation with Josh Grim
Professional firefighter and entrepreneur Josh Grim holds tight to his West Virginia roots while embracing life in the Valley. Listen in as Josh shares the professional and personal paths that led him to Augusta County and what keeps he and his family here.
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Building Community: A Conversation with Thomas Rea
In this episode, Jay talks with Thomas Rea, Valley native and Executive Vice President & Regional Commercial Executive for Bank of the James. After finishing his undergrad at Virginia Tech, Thomas returned home and made the conscious decision to build a life here in the Valley. Listen in as he...
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Explore More: A Conversation with Lisa Shull
In this episode, we talk with Lisa Shull, Executive Director of the Explore More Discovery Museum in Downtown Harrisonburg. Now celebrating it's twentieth year and beloved by families across the Valley, the museum began with just the spark of an idea and a lot of dedication from a team of...
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On Air with Matt Bingay - WMRA Executive Director & General Manager
In this episode of the Shenandoah Valley Life Podcast, we chat with Matt Bingay, Executive Director and General Manager of WMRA, the Shenandoah Valley's public radio station. A graduate of JMU's Music Industry program, Matt has spent his career in public radio and has much to share about what…
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It's Electric: A Conversation with Greg Rogers, SVEC CEO
Born and raised in the Valley, Greg Rogers is the CEO of Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative. Studying electrical engineering at Virginia Tech, Greg became interested in the power sector and aside from a few years working as a civilian engineer with the Department of the Navy in Annapolis, Md,...
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Engineering Connection: A Conversation with Jacquelyn Nagel
In this episode, Jay talks with guest and JMU Engineering Professor and Assistant Department Head Jacquelyn Nagel. Listen in to learn about the path Jacquelyn took to get here and the work she's doing to connect engineering students with the business community.
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Full Circle: A Conversation with Todd Livick
Todd Livick is a Valley Native who returned to the Valley after time serving in the U.S. Army and living in Northern Virginia. Todd, whose great-great grandfather founded Augusta Military Academy, has come full circle as he now serves as the Director of Advancement at Fishburne Military School....
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From Board Member to Executive Director: A Conversation with Courtney Thompson, Greater Augusta Regional Chamber
Born and raised in the Shenandoah Valley and a graduate of JMU, Courtney Thompson of the Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce has spent her entire career in the Augusta County-Staunton-Waynesboro area. Prior to working at the Chamber, Courtney's professional career focused on business...
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From Michigan to the Valley: A Conversation with Kelli Williams
This episode of the Shenandoah Valley Life podcast features Kelli Williams with Virginia Tourism Corporation. Kelli made her way to the Valley from Michigan at the start of her college years. She fell in love with the Valley and what was to be a stop along the way quickly turned into more than a...
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A Conversation with HDR Executive Director Andrea Dono
In this episode, Jay talks with Executive Director of Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance Andrea Dono. A passionate advocate for the downtown area and beyond, Andrea moved to the Valley seven years ago from Northern Virginia and hasn't looked back since. Listen in as she talks about the path that…
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Agriculture in the Valley - A Conversation with John King, Virginia Poultry Growers Cooperative
With 4 of the top 5 agriculture producing localities in the state located in the Shenandoah Valley, the impact of the ag industry is huge. Our guest for this episode is John King, president of Virginia Poultry Growers Cooperative who has been with the coop since its inception in 2004. In this...
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From Alabama to Virginia: A Conversation with Tracy Lyons
Executive Director of the Lexington-Rockbridge County Chamber of Commerce Tracy Lyons relocated to the Valley from Alabama, with a stop in Richmond along the way. Listen in as she shares her story, some history of the area, and highlights why locals love it and visitors keep coming back.
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Supporting Farmers - Rockingham Cooperative, Keith Turner & The Farm Ministry
With a more than 100 year history, Rockingham Cooperative has roots that run deep and so does Valley native and coop feed division manager Keith Turner. Growing up on a local farm, Keith knows first hand the struggles a small farm can go through and helped found The Farm Ministry, a resource that...
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Launching Careers with JobStarter - A Conversation with BRCC's Andrea Livick & Dr. John Downey
The success of a grant funded partnership between Blue Ridge Community College and pharmaceutical company, Merck sparked the creation of an innovative and career launching program called JobStarter. Hear from BRCC President Dr. John Downey and JobStarter coordinator Andrea Livick as they talk…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Hear from Shenandoah Valley residents who are living, working and thriving in Virginia’s iconic valley. Ready to make the Shenandoah Valley your home? Visit shenandoahvalleyliving.com to start your Shenandoah Valley Life.
HOSTED BY
Shenandoah Valley Partnership
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