The U is Silent; We Aren’t

What does it take to take a community's music scene to the next level? In this episode, Molly Murphy—musician, educator, and founder of Queen City Music Studios—explores how access, collaboration, and a little bit of scrappy energy can transform a city’s creative identity. From teaching music by ear to helping revive Staunton Jams, Molly shares how she’s creating space for people of all ages and experience levels to find their sound. It’s a conversation about access, creativity, and what’s possible when a community decides to play together.

What if the secret to a thriving community isn’t competition but collaboration? In this episode, Samantha sits down with Anika Horn—ecosystem builder, global traveler, and co-founder of CreativeMornings Shenandoah Valley—to explore how connection and intention can transform a place. From growing up in a small East German village to living in 14 countries, Anika shares how the places that stay with us are the ones where we find our people. Now rooted in Staunton, she’s bringing that philosophy to life, connecting theater companies, indie bookstores, and creatives across the region to build something bigger than any one organization could do alone. Because sometimes, it doesn’t just take a village. It takes a valley.

What happens when you take 100 world-class musicians from across the globe, drop them into a small Shenandoah Valley city, and ask them to perform pieces they've never played together before? Magic, apparently. In this episode, we sit down with Jason Stell, Executive Director of the Staunton Music Festival, to explore how a scrappy concert series grew into one of the most adventurous classical music festivals in the country, and why a walkable downtown in Virginia and uncompromising artistic risk turned out to be the secret ingredients nobody saw coming.

Why museums might be our best hope for civil dialogue. In this episode, Samantha sits down with Robin Von Seldeneck, President & CEO of the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum in Staunton, Virginia. They trace Robin’s journey from a childhood on a dairy farm and early love of gardening to leading one of the region’s most important civic institutions. Robin shares how museums are evolving from object‑focused “shrines” into trusted public spaces for difficult conversations—especially around Woodrow Wilson’s deeply complicated legacy on race, power, and democracy. Together, they explore what it means for a small city to steward a U.S. president’s story while inviting visitors to ask “why” and form their own conclusions.

From bear cubs to bandstands, Chris Tuttle’s 36-year ride through Staunton’s parks proves the grass really is greener where you water it. In this unfiltered season finale, he shares stories of wrangling raccoons, defining learning moments, and the community spirit that makes it all worth it.

What we bury still speaks. Author Kalela Williams takes us on her literary journey through memory, place, and identity—from a childhood encounter with hidden histories to her debut novel Tangleroot. She shares how unearthing untold stories of enslaved people shaped her voice, and how storytelling fosters empathy, connection, and healing. Through both prose and poetry, she makes the case for literature and literacy as tools that open up the world—for everyone.

Developer Robin Miller joins us to reveal how Staunton’s historic buildings are getting new life—thanks to the power of preservation, tax credits, and a little creative vision. Hear about the hidden gems behind old walls and why saving the past is shaping the city’s next chapter. This episode is a masterclass in how preservation meets progress.

From the brick facades of Beverley Street to the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains, the Shenandoah Valley's scenery is Noelia Núñez’ palette. Dive into her creative painting process, learn how social media catapulted her work, and hear why she keeps community and culture at the heart of every brushstroke.

What happens when you grow up with country music royalty—and decide to carve your own path without forgetting your roots? In this episode, country duo Wilson Fairchild (Wil and Langdon Reid) take us behind the scenes of their musical journey, from writing heartfelt lyrics to reviving Staunton’s beloved Happy Birthday America celebration. With trademark humor and undeniable harmony, they share stories of growing up as sons of the Statler Brothers, the hilarities of the road, and why staying grounded in Staunton, Virginia is their secret sauce. It’s a conversation about family, legacy, and discovering a rhythm all your own.

How does a kid mowing lawns in West Virginia end up launching a bestselling game and building a creativity-fueled business hub in Staunton, VA? Peter Denbigh gets real about idea execution, building a killer team, and why small towns might just be the next big thing in innovation.

Danielle McEwen reveals why Staunton isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a catalyst. From tackling anxiety and entrepreneurship myths to harnessing the power of storytelling, she offers a blueprint for showing up, standing out, and leading with heart.

From small-town roots to national acclaim, Ian Boden’s story is anything but ordinary. Hear how this 3x James Beard nominated chef took the path less traveled—and added a little fire along the way. We talk culinary passion, rebellious flavors, and how Staunton became the epicenter of food innovation in the Shenandoah Valley.

Steve Powell, President of Buckingham Branch and Virginia Scenic Railway, joins us to talk about Staunton’s rail renaissance—from freight roots to unforgettable scenic excursions. Learn why train travel still captures hearts, how history is honored on every ride, and what’s next for this growing experience.

What's the world's first recreation of Shakespeare's Blackfriars Theatre doing in a small, rural city in Virginia? In Episode 3, we dive into the world of theatre with Vanessa Morosco, Executive Director of the American Shakespeare Center and Blackfriars Playhouse. Vanessa takes us behind the curtain of one of America’s most extraordinary cultural spaces, discussing everything from the reimagining of Elizabethan staging practices to the vital role theatre plays in fostering community. Discover how live, unplugged performances and innovative storytelling are breaking down barriers and inviting audiences to experience Shakespeare today.

It's often said you can't teach passion, but we've found that's not quite true. In Episode 2, we sit down with Heifetz Music Institute's President and CEO, Benjamin Roe, to discuss how this renowned classical music institute came to welcome the world's most talented and promising young musicians to the town of Staunton, VA every summer and, in the process, establish artistic identity for performers and the community, alike. 

Sarah Lynch is the founder of the Queen City Mischief and Magic festival and owner of Baja Bean. Sarah reflects on how she took an idea for a community book release party to a gathering of 40,000 wizards, witches, and muggles in a small Virginian town.