In this episode, Ethan interviews Dr. Carolyn Ward, CEO of the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation. They discuss the history and founding of the Foundation, her role as its CEO, its role in supporting Parkway infrastructure and operations, and how the Blue Ridge Parkway brings tourism and supports surrounding areas. From there, they discuss Dr. Ward's education, her career in education, and her journey to becoming CEO of the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation.

Thank you again Dr. Ward for being on the podcast.

Links mentioned:

Website: https://brpfoundation.org/

Podcast Information:

Website: https://TheRidgePodcast.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theridgepodcast

Instagram: https://instagram.com/theridgepodcastinsta

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/theridgepodcast.com

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theridgepodcast

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@theridgepodcast

Email: theridgepodcast@gmail.com

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2cKCltgfcCJjaipPQxKVGi

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ridge-podcast/id1675395041

In this episode, Ethan interviews Mr. Greg Bolen, Criminal Justice teacher at Carroll County High School and Deputy at Carroll County Sheriff's Office. They discuss his early professional wrestling career, how he navigated adversity through his childhood, his early career in law enforcement and education, and some of the lessons he learned throughout the way. At the end of the episode, he reflects on his career and offers advice to students considering careers in law enforcement or education.

Thank you again Mr. Bolen for being on the podcast.

Podcast Information:

Website: https://TheRidgePodcast.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theridgepodcast

Instagram: https://instagram.com/theridgepodcastinsta

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/theridgepodcast.com

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theridgepodcast

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@theridgepodcast

Email: theridgepodcast@gmail.com

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2cKCltgfcCJjaipPQxKVGi

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ridge-podcast/id1675395041

In this episode, Ethan interviews Republican Candidate for Virginia Lieutenant Governor John Reid. They discuss his interest in politics, briefly touch on his father's political career and his role in it as well as his career in radio, his work with President Ronald Reagan and his work in international politics, and his platform. Then, he directly addresses some of early controversies regarding his campaign and how he and his team have fought to regain their momentum coming into election season. Finally, he explains his platform, including defending right-to-work and a childcare tax credit for providers, discusses his proposed debate plan with Senator Hashmi, and answers a few wholesome rapid-fire questions.

Thank you again Mr. Reid for being on the podcast.

This podcast is also available as a video production on our YouTube channel.

Ways to contact Mr. John Reid:

Website: https://www.johnreidforvirginia.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnReidForVirginia

Twitter/X: https://x.com/JohnReid4VA

Podcast Information:

Website: https://TheRidgePodcast.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theridgepodcast

Instagram: https://instagram.com/theridgepodcastinsta

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/theridgepodcast.com

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theridgepodcast

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@theridgepodcast

Email: theridgepodcast@gmail.com

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2cKCltgfcCJjaipPQxKVGi

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ridge-podcast/id1675395041

In this episode, Ethan interviews Recovery Pastor Kevin Harrod of First United Methodist Church. During the interview, Ethan and Pastor Harrod discuss his story with addiction, his spiritual transformation and journey to and through recovery, and then his introduction to ministering to others suffering from substance use disorder. From there, they discuss the program at Recovery United and how it helps others suffering from addiction to start their path on recovery. Finally, they discuss Pastor Harrod's experience and perspective on ministering to others.

Thank you again Pastor Harrod for being on the podcast.

Ways to contact Pastor Kevin Harrod:

Phone: 276-266-0264

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kharrod2

Podcast Information:

Website: https://TheRidgePodcast.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theridgepodcast

Instagram: https://instagram.com/theridgepodcastinsta

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/theridgepodcast.com

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theridgepodcast

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@theridgepodcast

Email: theridgepodcast@gmail.com

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2cKCltgfcCJjaipPQxKVGi

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ridge-podcast/id1675395041

In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview Hillsville Mayor Greg Crowder. They discuss his time in the Navy as a Machinist Mate, his start in business through auto sales, and then the roller-coaster of his NASCAR merchandise business. After that, he discusses real estate, his printing business, his gas stations, and the impact the Great Recession had on his businesses. From there, he details his journey into politics sparked by a proposed cigarette tax, his time and the work he has done as Mayor of Hillsville, and some of the projects and events that he, the Town Council, and the Friends of Hillsville focus on. Finally, he discusses the importance of family and faith.

Thank you again Mayor Crowder for being on the podcast.

Podcast Information:

Website: https://TheRidgePodcast.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theridgepodcast

Instagram: https://instagram.com/theridgepodcastinsta

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/theridgepodcast.com

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theridgepodcast

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@theridgepodcast

Email: theridgepodcast@gmail.com

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2cKCltgfcCJjaipPQxKVGi

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ridge-podcast/id1675395041

In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview Mr. Marion Harris. During the interview, they discuss his early upbringing, his father's career as a minister, his involvement in youth sports, and his time at Bluefield College. From there, he recounts memories at his first jobs before, during, and after college, working as a Special Education teacher, and coaching various sports. They also discuss how he impacts youth sports through refereeing and training others to become referees. Finally, he discusses his faith, family, and the importance of community when it comes to raising a family and going through life. To wrap it up, the three have some quick banter about the best Star Wars movies and Duke or UNC being better.

Thank you again Mr. Harris for being on the podcast.

Podcast Information:

Website: https://TheRidgePodcast.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theridgepodcast

Instagram: https://instagram.com/theridgepodcastinsta

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/theridgepodcast.com

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theridgepodcast

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@theridgepodcast

Email: theridgepodcast@gmail.com

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2cKCltgfcCJjaipPQxKVGi

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ridge-podcast/id1675395041

This episode is unique. Instead of the usual book talk or interview, Ethan discusses his involvement as a volunteer Poll Worker/Election Officer in the June 17th Primary in Carroll County, Virginia. He discusses the training process, the proceedings on election day, the results of the elections, and provides some thoughts on the benefits of volunteering and civic engagement.

Ethan wanted to send his congratulations to each and every candidate who ran, regardless of the results. He also wanted to give a special thanks to everyone who has been on the podcast and shown their support; it would not be possible without them. Thank you all.

Links mentioned:

Website: https://carrollcountyva.gov/government/election_voter_registration/index.php

Email: stacey.reavis@carrollcountyva.gov

Podcast Information:

Website: https://TheRidgePodcast.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theridgepodcast

Instagram: https://instagram.com/theridgepodcastinsta

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/theridgepodcast.com

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theridgepodcast

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@theridgepodcast

Email: theridgepodcast@gmail.com

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2cKCltgfcCJjaipPQxKVGi

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ridge-podcast/id1675395041

In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview Mr. Brett Sexton, musician, Christian, and Galax School Board member. Throughout the episode, they discuss his passion for music and early career in music production, the role of hard work and discipline curated by fitness and the martial arts, and the importance of nutrition and sleep on fitness. They go on to discuss education, including the role of Artificial Intelligence and cell phones in schools, and observations of culture and societal values. Some topics include shoes, the UFC and mixed martial arts, watches, fitness influencers, podcasting, advertising, and more. Finally, Mr. Sexton discusses the importance of his faith in his and his family's life.

Thank you again Mr. Sexton for being on the podcast.

Podcast Information:

Website: https://TheRidgePodcast.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theridgepodcast

Instagram: https://instagram.com/theridgepodcastinsta

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/theridgepodcast.com

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theridgepodcast

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@theridgepodcast

Email: theridgepodcast@gmail.com

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2cKCltgfcCJjaipPQxKVGi

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ridge-podcast/id1675395041