Main Street Speaks

04/11/2022

For this episode we talk with two public school teachers from Northumberland and Chesapeake Bay Governor's School about how students learn about the environment and how they balance standards of learning with knowledge from lived experiences.

This episode is part of our series with the University of Virginia's Repair Lab. We hope you enjoy!

Help our podcast grow by subscribing, leaving ratings, and engaging with us on Twitter and Facebook. We also love hearing from our listeners, so feel free to email us with any comments or questions at [email protected]:

https://anchor.fm/mainstspeaks/episodes/How-Do-Students-Learn-About-the-Environment-e1h14hd

For this episode we talk with two public school teachers about how students learn about the environment and how they balance standards of learning with knowledge from lived experiences. This episode is part of our series with the University of Virginia's Repair Lab. We hope you enjoy. Help our podca...

03/28/2022

Tune in to this week's episode as we speak with Climate Action Advocate, Narissa Turner, about Albemarle County's Climate Action Plan. We speak about the details of county-level climate action, its advantages, and drawbacks.

This episode is part of our series with the University of Virginia's Repair Lab. We hope you enjoy.

Help our podcast grow by subscribing, leaving ratings, and engaging with us on Twitter and Facebook. We also love hearing from our listeners, so feel free to email us with any comments or questions at [email protected]:

https://anchor.fm/mainstspeaks/episodes/County-Level-Climate-Action-with-Narissa-Turner-e1ga1oa/a-a7l6912

Tune in to this week's episode as we speak with Climate Action Advocate, Narissa Turner, about Albemarle County's Climate Action Plan. We speak about the details of county-level climate action, its advantages, and drawbacks. You can check out the 2020 Climate Action Plan here! This episode is part o...

03/13/2022

For our second episode about Environmental Justice in VA with UVA's REPAIR Lab, we discuss the Potomac Aquifer, the primary groundwater supply of eastern Virginia, including the Northern Neck.

We learn from the Virginia DEQ's Ryan Green about the aquifer being overdrawn and the consequences thereof, and we talk about how the case of the aquifer is a good analog to many other questions in environmental management

https://anchor.fm/mainstspeaks/episodes/How-To-Manage-an-Aquifer-e1flidv/a-a7in0a4

Join us as we discuss the Potomac Aquifer, the primary groundwater supply of eastern Virginia. We learn from the Virginia DEQ's Ryan Green about the aquifer being overdrawn and the consequences thereof, and we talk about how the case of the aquifer is a good analog to many other questions in environ...

02/26/2022

For our first episode about Environmental Justice in Virginia with UVA's REPAIR Lab, we speak with Tyneshia Griffin of the
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Next, we'll speak with Ryan Green of the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality about the depletion of the Potomac Aquifer:

https://anchor.fm/mainstspeaks/episodes/Environmental-Justice-In-Virginia-e1ett3p/a-a7fr7f0

For this episode, we speak with Tyneshia Griffin of the New Virginia Majority about environmental justice and environmental challenges in the state of Virginia. Help our podcast grow by subscribing, leaving ratings, and engaging with us on Twitter and Facebook. We also love hearing fro...

02/26/2022

On this episode, the Tahi, Denzel, and Avery explore Higher Education in the US Prison System. From conversations with Dave Keel with Rappahannock Community College to discussions with previously incarcerated individuals, we investigate the various benefits of such rehabilitative programs.

By speaking with Shawnta Montgomery and Rodney Spivey-Jones, we take a special look into the Bard Prison Initiative, a higher education program featured in Lynn Novak and Ken Burns' Hit Netflix series "College Behind Bars". We also hear from prison reform activist and George Mason PhD candidate, Brandon Brown.

We encourage you to give the episode a listen, watch College Behind Bars, and read Rodney Spivey-Jones' Senior Project

Help our podcast grow by subscribing, leaving ratings, and engaging with us on Twitter and Facebook. We also love hearing from our listeners, so feel free to email us with any comments or questions at [email protected]:

https://anchor.fm/mainstspeaks/episodes/Higher-Education-in-the-US-Prison-System-e1e9g7g/a-a7d0bko

08/20/2021

Make sure you catch our interview with author Denise DeVries to learn more about the writing community on the Northern Neck and how the depression era inspires her work. Visit A-Ibañez Museum to learn more:

https://anchor.fm/mainstspeaks/episodes/Storytelling-on-the-Northern-Neck-with-Denise-DeVries-e15h159

Today, Denzel speaks with author Denise DeVries about the writing community on the Northern Neck, her work, and the inspiration behind her work. Check out her books here. And keep up with her open houses on her page. Help our podcast grow by subscribing, leaving ratings, and engaging with u...

08/13/2021

Make sure to listen to Avery's conversation with the Vera Institute of Justice about mass incarceration in rural areas such as the Northern Neck of Virginia:

https://anchor.fm/mainstspeaks/episodes/Mass-Incarceration-in-Rural-Areas-e14t610

On this episode, Avery speaks with Jasmine Heiss from the Vera Institute of Justice to discuss mass incarceration in rural areas. Help our podcast grow by subscribing, leaving ratings, and engaging with us on Twitter and Facebook. We also love hearing from our listeners, so feel free t...

08/05/2021

Today, Denzel speaks with author Denise DeVries about the writing community on the Northern Neck, her work, and the inspiration behind her work.

Check out her books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Books-Denise-DeVries/s?rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3ADenise+DeVries

And keep up with her open houses on her page A-Ibañez Museum.

Share and subscribe!

https://anchor.fm/mainstspeaks/episodes/Storytelling-on-the-Northern-Neck-with-Denise-DeVries-e15h159

Today, Denzel speaks with author Denise DeVries about the writing community on the Northern Neck, her work, and the inspiration behind her work. Check out her books here. And keep up with her open houses on her page. Help our podcast grow by subscribing, leaving ratings, and engaging with u...

07/30/2021

Listen to our conversation with Northumberland County’s Commonwealth’s Attorney Jane Wrightson. We talk a bit criminal justice reform and the worse case her office has ever tried.

Share and subscribe!

https://anchor.fm/mainstspeaks/episodes/Criminal-Justice-and-Mental-Health-in-Rural-Va-e145lh0

For this episode, we speak with Northumberland County’s Commonwealth’s Attorney Jane Wrightson, about her role, criminal justice reform, and the worse case her office has ever tried. Help our podcast grow by subscribing, leaving ratings, and engaging with us on Twitter and Facebook...

07/24/2021

On this episode, Avery speaks with Jasmine Heiss from the Vera Institute of Justice to discuss mass incarceration in rural areas.

Share and subscribe!

https://anchor.fm/mainstspeaks/episodes/Mass-Incarceration-in-Rural-Areas-e14t610

On this episode, Avery speaks with Jasmine Heiss from the Vera Institute of Justice to discuss mass incarceration in rural areas. Help our podcast grow by subscribing, leaving ratings, and engaging with us on Twitter and Facebook. We also love hearing from our listeners, so feel free t...

07/15/2021

Local reporting is important. In fact it’s sort of what we do on Main Street Speaks. So for this episode we speak with Christine Schmidt of the Local News Lab, and Bud Meyer and Andy Alexander of Foothills Forum — a nonprofit that provides independent journalism to the local newspaper, Rappahannock News — about the importance of local news and its future.

Help our podcast grow by subscribing, leaving ratings, and engaging with us on Twitter and Facebook. We also love hearing from our listeners, so feel free to email us with any comments or questions at [email protected].

https://anchor.fm/mainstspeaks/episodes/Breaking-News---The-Future-of-Local-Journalism-e139ud1/a-a5vdjro

Local reporting is important. In fact it’s sort of what we do on Main Street Speaks. So for this episode we speak with Christine Schmidt of the Local News Lab, and Bud Meyer and Andy Alexander of Foothills Forum — a nonprofit that provides independent journalism to the local newspaper, Rappahann...

07/09/2021

For this episode, we speak with Northumberland County’s Commonwealth’s Attorney Jane Wrightson, about her role, criminal justice reform, and the worse case her office has ever tried.

Help our podcast grow by subscribing, leaving ratings, and engaging with us on Twitter and Facebook. We also love hearing from our listeners, so feel free to email us with any comments or questions at [email protected].

Music: https://www.bensound.com

https://anchor.fm/mainstspeaks/episodes/Criminal-Justice-and-Mental-Health-in-Rural-Va-e145lh0

For this episode, we speak with Northumberland County’s Commonwealth’s Attorney Jane Wrightson, about her role, criminal justice reform, and the worse case her office has ever tried. Help our podcast grow by subscribing, leaving ratings, and engaging with us on Twitter and Facebook...

06/23/2021

Local reporting is important. In fact it’s sort of what we do on Main Street Speaks. So for this episode we speak with Christine Schmidt of the Local News Lab, and Bud Meyer and Andy Alexander of Foothills Forum — a nonprofit that provides independent journalism to the local newspaper, Rappahannock News — about the importance of local news and its future.

Help our podcast grow by subscribing, leaving ratings, and engaging with us on Twitter and Facebook. We also love hearing from our listeners, so feel free to email us with any comments or questions at [email protected].

https://anchor.fm/mainstspeaks/episodes/Breaking-News---The-Future-of-Local-Journalism-e139ud1

Local reporting is important. In fact it’s sort of what we do on Main Street Speaks. So for this episode we speak with Christine Schmidt of the Local News Lab, and Bud Meyer and Andy Alexander of Foothills Forum — a nonprofit that provides independent journalism to the local newspaper, Rappahann...

06/10/2021

In this episode, Avery speaks with community organizer and independent party candidate for Virginia’s gubernatorial race, Princess Blanding. Avery and Ms. Blanding speak about the importance of community activism, her perspective on Virginia politics, and her goals as governor if she were to win the race.

To support Ms. Blanding and her candidacy go to www.princessblanding.org.

Help our podcast grow by subscribing, leaving ratings, and engaging with us on Twitter and Facebook. We also love hearing from our listeners, so feel free to email us with any comments or questions at [email protected]. Main Street Speaks is supported in part by the UVA Parents Fund.

https://anchor.fm/mainstspeaks/episodes/A-Conversation-with-Princess-Blanding--Contender-for-Virginias-Gubernatorial-Race-e1243bi

In this episode, Avery speaks with community organizer and independent party candidate for Virginia’s gubernatorial race, Ms. Princess Blanding. Avery and Ms. Blanding speak about the importance of community activism, her perspective on Virginia politics, and her goals as governor if she were to w...

04/30/2021

In this episode, we celebrate National Poetry Month (April) by listening to the work of four young poets and students from Northumberland. In addition to hearing their poems about identity and background, we discuss poetry as a medium, creative expression, and the valuing of young voices.

https://anchor.fm/mainstspeaks/episodes/Celebrating-Youth-Poetry-evv1mo

In this episode, we celebrate National Poetry Month (April) by listening to the work of four young poets and students from Northumberland. In addition to hearing their poems about identity and background, we discuss poetry as a medium, creative expression, and the valuing of young voices. Help our p...

04/22/2021

Take a moment to listen to Tahi's conversation with Iris Lane -- a lifelong Northern Neck resident and current member of the Westmoreland County School Board:

https://anchor.fm/mainstspeaks/episodes/MSC-Home-On--and-Outside-of--the-Northern-Neck--with-Iris-Lane-eu0akj

This week, listen to Tahi's conversation with Iris Lane, a lifelong Northern Neck resident and current member of the Westmoreland County School Board. Help our podcast grow by subscribing, leaving ratings, and engaging with us on Twitter and Facebook. We also love hearing from our list...

04/15/2021

In this episode Denzel speaks with Erin Hapgood - Northumberland County's Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney - about her journey to law school, how she found the Northern Neck of Virginia, and what her job as Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney consists of:

https://anchor.fm/mainstspeaks/episodes/MSC-From-Drama-Major-to-Lawyer-with-Erin-Hapgood-euueoi

In this episode Denzel speaks with Erin Hapgood — Northumberland County, Virginia’s Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney. Erin shares a bit about her journey to law school, how she found the Northern Neck of Virginia, and what her job as Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney consists of. Help our p...

04/08/2021

In this episode, we cover Virginia’s new Voting Rights Act, the ending of the Death Penalty, new broadband funding, and some of the other new laws and policies that have come out of Richmond in recent months.

Help our podcast grow by subscribing, leaving ratings, and engaging with us on Twitter and Facebook. We also love hearing from our listeners, so feel free to email us with any comments or questions at [email protected].

https://anchor.fm/mainstspeaks/episodes/Voting-Rights--Broadband-Funding--and-Other-State-Laws-euf8mt

In this episode, we cover Virginia’s new Voting Rights Act, the ending of the Death Penalty, new broadband funding, and some of the other new laws and policies that have come out of Richmond in recent months. Help our podcast grow by subscribing, leaving ratings, and engaging with us on Twitter ...

04/01/2021

This week, listen to Tahi's conversation with Iris Lane, a lifelong Northern Neck resident and current member of the Westmoreland County School Board.

Help us grow by subscribing, leaving ratings, and engaging with us on Twitter and Facebook.

https://anchor.fm/mainstspeaks/episodes/MSC-Home-On--and-Outside-of--the-Northern-Neck--with-Iris-Lane-eu0akj

This week, listen to Tahi's conversation with Iris Lane, a lifelong Northern Neck resident and current member of the Westmoreland County School Board. Help our podcast grow by subscribing, leaving ratings, and engaging with us on Twitter and Facebook. We also love hearing from our list...

03/25/2021

In this episode, we discuss the various facets of rural environmentalism, including local vs. global environmental consciousness, participatory policymaking, environmental injustice, and whether the rural-urban environmental divide exists. You'll hear from Emily Diamond, professor of environmental communication at the University of Rhode Island, and Mike Ahart, president of the Northumberland Association of Progressive Stewardship.

Help our podcast grow by subscribing, leaving ratings, and engaging with us on Twitter and Facebook. We also love hearing from our listeners, so feel free to email us with any comments or questions at [email protected].

https://anchor.fm/mainstspeaks/episodes/Rural-Environmentalism-etenf9

In this episode, we discuss the various facets of rural environmentalism, including local vs. global environmental consciousness, participatory policymaking, environmental injustice, and whether the rural-urban environmental divide exists. You'll hear from Emily Diamond, professor of environmental c...

03/18/2021

Today Denzel speaks with Jane Blue — the Director of Northumberland Public Library. In this conversation, Director Blue tells us about what it is like to run a rural library, the challenges her library has faced during the pandemic, and why a library is the center of a community.

Help our podcast grow by subscribing, leaving ratings, and engaging with us on Twitter and Facebook. We also love hearing from our listeners, so feel free to email us with any comments or questions at [email protected].

https://anchor.fm/mainstspeaks/episodes/MSC-Why-Libraries-Matter-with-Jane-Blue-esurm3

Today Denzel speaks with Jane Blue — the Director of Northumberland Public Library. In this conversation, Director Blue tells us about what it is like to run a rural library, the challenges her library has faced during the pandemic, and why a library is the center of a community. Help our podcast ...

03/12/2021

We were not able to get a new episode out this week but will be back next week. So stay tuned!

In the meantime listen to our latest episode in which a local high school student explains the challenges of virtual learning.

Thank you for your support!
https://anchor.fm/mainstspeaks/episodes/Virtual-Learning-Burnout-erfegn

For this episode we speak with Mykel Cox — a high school student at Northumberland High School who has had to tackle the challenges of virtual learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Like all of us, Mykel has not had an easy time adjusting to life during the pandemic. But, he has learned some valua...

03/08/2021

We are more than honored to have won the Best Podcast reward! Thank you WTJU for nominating us and for all of your support.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKqbhUIV8Sg

Welcome to the 2021 IBS College Media Awards! Congratulations to all of the nominees and to our winners that are announced here tonight! Advisors: Check yo...

03/04/2021

For this episode we speak with Mykel Cox — a high school student at Northumberland High School who has had to tackle the challenges of virtual learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Like all of us, Mykel has not had an easy time adjusting to life during the pandemic. But, he has learned some valuable lessons during these hard times.

Help our podcast grow by subscribing, leaving ratings, and engaging with us on Twitter and Facebook. We also love hearing from our listeners, so feel free to email us with any comments or questions at [email protected].

https://anchor.fm/mainstspeaks/episodes/Virtual-Learning-Burnout-erfegn/a-a4qnh29

For this episode we speak with Mykel Cox — a high school student at Northumberland High School who has had to tackle the challenges of virtual learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Like all of us, Mykel has not had an easy time adjusting to life during the pandemic. But, he has learned some valua...

02/25/2021

In this episode, Tahi speaks with Ilona Duncan; writer, musician, traveler, and polyglot; about lessons from living around the world, notions of identity and background, the importance of music, and much more. You can learn more about her writing at https://www.ilonaduncan.com/.

Help our podcast grow by subscribing, leaving ratings, sharing with friends, and engaging with us on Twitter () and Facebook. We love hearing from listeners-- email us at [email protected].

https://anchor.fm/mainstspeaks/episodes/MSC-Cosmopolitanism-and-Identity-with-Ilona-Duncan-er1ieg

In this episode, Tahi speaks with Ilona Duncan; writer, musician, traveler, and polyglot; about lessons from living around the world, notions of identity and background, the importance of music, and much more. You can learn more about her writing at https://www.ilonaduncan.com/. Help our podcast gro...

02/18/2021

In this episode, we examine the history and present of rural resentment, the way law impacts rural areas, the historical identity of rural communities, and much more with Emily Prifogle, JD/PhD, a legal historian and professor of law at the University of Michigan.

Have an idea for an episode? Or want to share your own story? Email us at [email protected]. We can also be reached on Twitter and Facebook at Main Street Speaks. As always, thanks for listening.

https://anchor.fm/mainstspeaks/episodes/Rural-Law--Resentment--and-Development-with-Emily-Prifogle-eqimam

In this episode, we examine the history and present of rural resentment, the way law impacts rural areas, the historical identity of rural communities, and much more with Emily Prifogle, JD/PhD, a legal historian and professor of law at the University of Michigan. Have an idea for an episode? Or wan...

02/12/2021

For this episode, Denzel speaks with Greg Hewitt about his new Northern Neck tourism company Naked Neck Adventures and his I Work Weekends high-school internship program. Follow Naked Neck Adventures on Facebook and Instagram.

Help our podcast grow by subscribing, leaving ratings, and engaging with us on Twitter and Facebook. We also love hearing from our listeners, so feel free to email us with any comments or questions at [email protected].

https://anchor.fm/mainstspeaks/episodes/MSC-Tourism-on-the-Northern-Neck-with-Greg-Hewitt-eq8qe0

For this episode, Denzel speaks with Greg Hewitt about his new Northern Neck tourism company Naked Neck Adventures and his I Work Weekends high-school internship program. Follow Naked Neck Adventures on Facebook and Instagram. Help our podcast grow by subscribing, leaving ratings, and engaging with....

02/03/2021

The Westmoreland County School Board recently voted to change the name of the county's high school from Washington and Lee High School to Westmoreland High School in response to community outcry. Listen to how they did it.

Help our podcast grow by subscribing, leaving ratings, and engaging with us on Twitter and Facebook. We also love hearing from our listeners, so feel free to email us with any comments or questions at [email protected].

https://anchor.fm/mainstspeaks/episodes/Local-School-Board-Debates-School-Name-Change-eps6re

The Westmoreland County School Board recently voted to change the name of the county's high school from Washington and Lee High School to Westmoreland High School in response to community outcry. Listen to how they did it. Help our podcast grow by subscribing, leaving ratings, and engaging with us o...

02/03/2021

01/29/2021

Check out our the new Main Street Speaks trailer!