The New Dominion Podcast

The data center debate continues to heat up throughout the American Republic. But the concerning trends we are seeing in city councils throughout Virginia and the rest of the country could be giving true insight into lanes of corruption that are fueling the disregard residents are feeling when confronting elected officials.  Today we will talk about the story that stands out to the NDP crew and what we all should be looking out for in this debate.Subscribe to the Advance⁠⁠https://www.fxbgadvance.com

Steve Watkins, our new Fredericksburg Advance Editor, sits down with the NDP crew to talk about what led him to his career in journalism, academia, and his take on the current state of media and ethics. Steve talks about where he sees the Fredericksburg Advance is going in the current media climate, and what role we can play in journalism in the planning district.Subscribe to the Advance⁠https://www.fxbgadvance.com

Megan is out for this episode, but Shaun and Cori are exploring what we should know about flock cameras. Are they a net positive or negative? Let us know what you think in the comment feature on this post. The cases referenced in the podcast will have links listed below, along with some corrections!Corrections: Angela Lipps is from Tennessee but was arrested in Fargo, North Dakota. Kyle Dausman was pulled over several times because of a warrant connected to his license plate, not his name.Subscribe to the Advancehttps://www.fxbgadvance.comBusiness Insider Brandon Upchurch Storyhttps://www.businessinsider.com/flock-safety-alpr-cameras-misreads-2026-3CBS News Chrisanna Elser Storyhttps://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/flock-cameras-lead-colorado-police-wrong-suspect/New York Times Agela Lipps Storyhttps://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/30/us/north-dakota-facial-recognition-ai-errors-bank-fraud.html9 New Kyle Dausman Storyhttps://www.9news.com/article/news/local/rime-flock-cam-pulled-over/73-e3f65018-32a5-4bb0-a4ac-26fb24dc9a15LA Times, Costa Mesa Police Department, former Officer Robert Jay Josett Storyhttps://www.latimes.com/socal/daily-pilot/news/story/2026-04-24/costa-mesa-to-audit-of-license-plate-reader-program-after-misuse-caseThe New York Times Officer Josue Ayala Storyhttps://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/25/us/milwaukee-police-officer-charged-flock-camera.htmlWisconsin Examiner, Menasha, Wisconsin Police Department Officer Christian Morales Storyhttps://wisconsinexaminer.com/2026/03/13/wisconsin-communities-grapple-with-police-misuse-of-flock-surveillance/Augusta Free Press, City of Staunton, Virginia, terminates Flock Contract Storyhttps://augustafreepress.com/news/staunton-to-cancel-flock-safety-camera-contract-doesnt-agree-with-ideology-of-ceo/

This episode was recorded before the passing of the Virginia state budget. Oh boy, Richmond was cutting close. The NDP team talks about how the lack of a budget at the time has contributed to the slew of vetoes handed down by Governor Spanberger. What the strategy could do for some of the initiatives, and how some may be back on the table sooner rather than later.Subscribe to the Advancehttps://www.fxbgadvance.com

The NDP crew is discussing some of the challenges ahead resulting from the lack of a state budget, affordability issues, and various obstacles facing the Spanberger administration. Lastly, who is the Pink Panther?Subscribe to the Advancehttps://www.fxbgadvance.com

The NDP Crew is discussing the latest string of primary challenges, what issues are driving voters to the polls, and whether Thomas Massie's potential run for President in 2028 could be the next flashpoint to inspire a new political coalition.Subscribe to the Advancehttps://www.fxbgadvance.com

Shaun, Marty and Cori are joined by friend of the show extraordinaire Scott Mayausky to discuss the redistricting fight in Virginia and what it means for personal relationships and political infighting moving forward .Subscribe to the Advancehttps://www.fxbgadvance.com

On this episode of the New Dominion Podcast, Cori, Shaun, Craig, and Shaun reflect on the life and legacy of Thom Schiff who was the beating heart of the Fredericksburg music scene. Whether you're a longtime fan of Schiff and the local music scene, or are just learning about either, this is a must-listen podcastSubscribe to the Advancehttps://www.fxbgadvance.comThe Weight The Legacy of Thom Schiff Article Wrrien By Cori Blanchhttps://www.fxbgadvance.com/p/commentary-the-inevitable?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email

Shuan Kenny, Megan Samples and Cori Blanch discuss political fairness around the redistricting  referendum in Virginia as well as various other policies coming out of Richmond. Subscirbe to the Fredricksburg Advancehttps://www.fxbgadvance.com

The idea of "Place" is a defining trait of Southern literature. In his new book, Roots and Rivers, Kim Strohmeier pulls upon traditional literary ideas of place born from his life on his family's farm in Kentucky to build a new understanding of Place that helps leaders build businesses. Join Cori, Marty, and Kim as they explore Strohmeier's journey from the hills of western Kentucky to the banks of the Rappahannock and talk about the leadership lessons he gleaned along the way.  Check the FredericksBurg advance new paper!https://www.fxbgadvance.com

Mention "Silver" in Fredericksburg, and minds rightly run to development. But there's more to the Silver family that all it has done to help our region grow. Deborah Silver is a singer -- a Grammy nominated singer -- who is fusing the Big Band sound of Count Basie with the classic rock music that is the soundtrack on many people's youth. Did we mention she has a fan in Rod Stewart? Silver joins the NDP crew to talk music and more on this week's podcast. Subscribe to The Fredricksburg Advance our daily newspaper!https://ww!w.fxbgadvance.com

Local resident Phil Huber has had a long life in the military, and brings a distinctive look at what makes communities, and nations, work. The key? Immigrants, weddings, funerals, and food all have a role to play. Intrigued? You should be. Dig in.Subscribe to the New Dominion Podcast on Spotify and share your favorite episodes with friends and family. Subscribe to The Fredricksburg Advance our daily newspaperhttps://ww!w.fxbgadvance.com

Jeh Hicks joins the podcast to talk all things housing, before skipping to what really gets him juiced these days -- the renovation of Goolrick's Pharmacy. Join us for all the fun!Subscribe to the New Dominion Podcast on Spotify and share your favorite episodes with friends and family. Subscribe to The Fredricksburg Advance our daily newspaper!https://www.fxbgadvance.com

Fredericksburg is all lit up for the holidays and welcoming visitors for the season. Mayor Kerry Devine and Card Cellar owner Bart Goldberg and President of Fredericksburg Mainstreet, join the NDP crew to talk about the things to do in downtown this December -- and a healthy dose of sports (much to Shaun's chagrin).

Richmond's loss is NDP's gain. Shaun Kenney comes home to anchor the New Dominion Podcast. In his first episode back, he, Cori, and Marty reflect a bit on the past, talk about what's to come, and take a pass at the book "Abundance."

While awaiting a call from Governor-elect Spanberger to be appointed Secretary of Levity, Drew Gallagher and his best friend Tyrone joined the New Dominion Podcast. It's a rollicking hour of laughs and barbs, with Drew pulling off the impossible -- keeping Martin quiet the entire show. For fans of Drew's weekly humor column, this is a not-to-be-missed episode.

Anand Rao of UMW's new center for AI and the liberal arts joins Kevin Hughes of Stack to talk about data centers, the AI revolution, and the rising importance of the liberal arts in what is happening. 

Adele Uphaus joins us in our 100th episode to talk about the Fredericksburg Advance Second Annual Cat Tour with some special first-time guests!

Marty, Megan, and Cori reflect on the summer season. Marty talks about his interview with Jason Miyares. Cori and Megan talk about summer traffic in Downtown Fredericksburg and the upcoming Housing Summit.

Election season never ends in Virginia. Fortunately, friend-of-the-show Howard Rudat is here to help us make sense of the many issues facing localities in the Diamond this year.intro 0:00interview 9:32what are you reading? 1:09:01 closing comments 1:12:52

Main Street Executive Director Chris Allen joins Cori, Megan, and Marty to talk about the inevitability of growth, the connection between historic preservation and economic growth, and what's on the horizon for downtown.\

Community Note:Hey there, NDP listeners. We hope that you're having a great summer so far! We have been dealing with sick days and summer vacations. We have been a little sparse and posting, but this week, we are back on track. Especially as we start to close in local elections. Thank you for supporting our show!Episode Overview:Sometimes life happens, and this week two guests had to pull out. No worries! Marty and Cori talk about leadership in public schools, and what it takes to navigate the resurrection of a troubled system.

In this episode Marty and Megan talk to Cori about his thoughts on freedom in America and why he believes we need to talk about it differently. Cori will be talking about the thought process behind the opinion article, "What is Freedom?" recently released in the FXBG Advance on July 4th , where this discussion for began him during the pandemic, and what it means to him today.

Charlie Payne -- mild-mannered land-use attorney by day (and very often at night before local local board and councils) has a penchant for the Grateful Dead. Marty's a Deadhead, too, which leaves poor Cori wondering what's happening on this week's New Dominion Podcast.

This week, the New Dominion Podcast welcomes its youngest guest ever -- 13-year-old Penelope Carlisle (also known as P Ki) -- and her parents. Penelope's thing is adrenalin, and she finds it up and down the East Coast as a race-car driver. Join us for a dive into the world of auto racing, and what it takes to work one's way up the ranks to NASCAR. intro | 0:00interview | 13:20what are you reading | 58:00closing Comments | 1:08:14

This week, Cori, Megan and Marty welcome Ralph Gordon, an accomplished woodworker who's done everything from crafty cutouts to wood work on classic airplanes. At the center of our discussion is expertise -- how we acquire it, why it matters, and how we separate true craftspeople from those who may have the papers but not the track record. intro | 0:00Interview | 15:59What are you reading | 1:03:00Closing Comment 1:11:59

Cori, Megan, and Marty meet the two-headed Scotts -- Mayausky and Vezina -- to talk about over-educated fools (yeah, that would be Marty, education (Fredericksburg City Schools, this one's for you), and expertise, or the place where humility goes to die. All in one fun-filled episode of the New Dominion Podcast.

Dr. Jim Wright, a gerontologist by day and a Rockstar by night, joins Cori and Marty via zoom in via Zoom in Richmond. We discuss the role that music plays in is his life, the role that Medicare plays in supporting the elderly, and the important work to be done in ensuring those who need nursing care have access to safe facilities.Intro | 0:00Interview | 12:31What are you Reding? | 1:07:19Closing Comments | 1:16:25

Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank CEO Dan Maher joins Marty, Cori, and Megan to discuss the wave of changes to federally funded food assistance programs and their potential impact. There is some good news, in that some funds that had been clawed back are coming back around. However, other projected cuts are particularly concerning. Especially proposed cuts to SNAP. Intro:0:00Interview:13:56What are You Reading?:1:07:49Closing Comments:1:15:15

Germanna president Janet Gullickson and dean of student development Frank Cirioni join Cori, Marty, and Megan to discuss how federal cuts are affecting Germanna, and engage in a lively discussion about what is happening with boys in our society and schools.

This week, Marty's back from vacation, and he and Cori go deep on how Executive Orders are getting real -- and getting painful -- in our region. And how the community adjusts and moves forward together.

This week, local artist Emily Woodhull joins Megan, Cori, and Marty to discuss her new songs "Virginia, I'm Home" and "Blame It on the Moonshine," what it really takes to make it in the music business, mental health, and the unusual twists in life that push us to do our best.Intro - 0:00 to 8:30Interview - 9:06 to 1:08:00New Single Announcement - 1:09:00 to 1:11:47What are you reading? - 1:11.50 to 1:23:01Outro - 1:23:06 to 1:27:01

That's what Bill Davis, chair of the county's Board of Supervisors, joins Jeh Hicks, Megan, Cori, and Marty to discuss. From data centers to economic development, water issues to down-zoning, come learn more about King George from those who are leading the charge.Intro/top stories in the advance 0:00 to 8:34Interview 8:36 to 56:31What are you reading? 58:28 to1:20:00Wrap up/what's coming next 1:21:00 to 1:22:33

Our Editor and Chief Martin Davis reads his latest reporting on the recent data center vote held by Fredericksburg, VA city counsel. Marty talks about the inspirational public comment that was displayed in the council chambers, revealing and optimistic for the future for our community.

This week, Ian Ollis of FAMPO joins Cori, Megan, and Marty to explain why driving from east to west in our region is well-nigh impossible, why our region is world famous among MPOs, what an MPO is, and why South Africa is shaping our transportation future

Cori, Megan, and Marty celebrate warmer weather and dig into Stafford politics with Board of Supervisors' chair Deuntay Diggs. From budget issues to establishing trust with the public, Diggs brings a fresh voice to local politics. And a fascinating perspective on life in our region.

Megan returns for throwing clay, Marty endured the cold, and Cori brought the Scotch (but didn't share it) -- Join us for a roundtable discussion about the issue that seems to be everywhere in our region today. Trust, Government, and the Media. 

Kathy Anderson of Empower House and Joseph Lyttle of Fredericksburg Area Health and Support Services join NDP to talk about the impacts they are facing from federal cuts, and the unintended consequences that are going to directly affect our region as a result. It's a can't-miss episode.

The arts take center stage this week at the New Dominion Podcast as local musician and poet Karen Jonas chats with Cori and Marty about Fredericksburg's once-thriving, now-struggling music scene; the role of inspiration in art; and her move from music to poetry. Disclaimer: We were making repairs at Curitiba Art Cafe during recording. You will hear the occasional power tools.

Fredericksburg has a lively theatre scene, ranging from the small, to the aspiring professionals, and the pros/semi-pros. Advance Theatre Critic Dennis Wemm joins Cori and Marty to talk about acting and the role of theatre in making our lives better.

Megan was throwing clay and left Cori and Marty to engage in a discussion on what is shaping up to be a dynamic race for city council, and growing issues around affordable housing.

"That's politics" is oftentimes lazy doublespeak that allows leaders to turn a blind eye to the impact their actions have on citizens. In the inaugural podcast for Season 3, Mary Becelia and her family join NDP to talk about public service, raising a family, and the real-world costs of government leaders overstepping their bounds and taking actions that are hurtful to private citizens.

Join Cori, Megan, and Marty as they look back at 2024, and forward to the year ahead and the challenges and opportunities for our region

This week, long-time friend of NDP Scott Mayausky joins Cori, and Marty to talk about what has happened in Stafford with the Mary Becelia story, and the challenges of holding government to account in a world of evolving media environments. It's a can't miss episode.

What happens when four podcasters who love books host a writer who writes a history of bookstores? A great discussion about books and how they shape our culture, our politics, and the ways that we relate to each other. Evan Friss is a professor at James Madison University and the author of "The Bookshop." And the stories he brings -- from the in-depth chapters on the biggest names in bookselling, to the personal asides that illuminate the power of bookstores -- are a reader's, and listener's, delight. 

The NDP regulars geek out on education this week with director of the Comprehensive Instructional Program Matt Hurt. This program, which more than 70 school districts in Virginia participate in, has delivered some eye-popping results on SOL testing. Special guest Audrey Rackley - a longtime history teacher at James Monroe High School - joins the discussion as we learn what CIP is, how it works, and the tension between testing and intangibles that lead to academic success.

He started out to write a movie script; he ended up with an innovative exploration of Black identity. Justin takes Cori, Megan, and Marty on his journey of self-discovery that also opens up a better of understanding of life in the greater Fredericksburg region.

This week, Marty has a bit of fun with Jeh Hicks, who seems to tower over everything in these days -- especially Goolrick's. Then, Sam Shoukas and Chip Boyles join Cori and Megan to talk all things housing.  The New Dominion Podcast is a production of FXBG Advance, a daily online media source for local news in Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, and Stafford. ⁠Subscribe for just $8 a month⁠ to support our work and to receive invitations to special events and meetings with the editors and writers.You can follow the Advance at any time by visiting our ⁠website⁠.

Fredericksburg Republican Committee chair Scott Vezina and Spotsylvania Democratic Committee chair Jeff Kent join Cori, Megan, and Marty to talk about the importance of people becoming more aware and more involved in the political process. The New Dominion Podcast is a production of FXBG Advance, a daily online media source for local news in Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, and Stafford. Subscribe for just $8 a month to support our work and to receive invitations to special events and meetings with the editors and writers.You can follow the Advance at any time by visiting our website.

Joseph Lyttle and Amanda Strawn do the impossible everyday in their respective roles at FAHASS (Fredericksburg Area Health and Support Services). FAHASS' efforts are centered in the LGBTQ+ community, but their services are there for so many more. Cori, Megan, and Jeh take listeners into a powerhouse nonprofit that delivers big bang with the bucks it earns.