
VIRGINIANS OF INTEREST
Hosts Brian Campbell and Carthan Currin interview some of Virginia's most interesting and illuminating people.
Carthan and Brian have been friends for more than 30 years and share a passion for all things Virginia! They lost touch for many years, but reconnected in 2020 while Carthan was involved with the Economic Development Office for the City of Petersburg and Brian was working on the Medicines for All Project at Virginia Commonwealth University. Both talked frequently about various issues facing the Commonwealth and started kicking around the idea of a podcast. Both Carthan and Brian consider themselves a bit technically challenged, so when the opportunity to host a podcast at Blue Ridge PBS in Roanoke presented itself, they jumped in with both feet!
We hope you enjoy the conversations!
Carthan and Brian have been friends for more than 30 years and share a passion for all things Virginia! They lost touch for many years, but reconnected in 2020 while Carthan was involved with the Economic Development Office for the City of Petersburg and Brian was working on the Medicines for All Project at Virginia Commonwealth University. Both talked frequently about various issues facing the Commonwealth and started kicking around the idea of a podcast. Both Carthan and Brian consider themselves a bit technically challenged, so when the opportunity to host a podcast at Blue Ridge PBS in Roanoke presented itself, they jumped in with both feet!
We hope you enjoy the conversations!
Episodes
33 episodes
Trailblazing Academia and Empowering Students: Dr. Katherine Rowe on Leading William & Mary into the 21st Century
Dr. Katherine Rowe, the first female president of William & Mary, shares her journey from a Shakespeare scholar to an entrepreneur and how this university aims to foster civic engagement and inclusivity. We explore the strategic plan, Visio...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 12
•
48:31

E 31: Leading Virginia's Marine Resources: Jamie Green on Waterman Heritage, Coastal Challenges, and Sustainable Fisheries
Imagine growing up in a tight-knit waterman community and rising to lead one of Virginia's most crucial state agencies. This week, we're honored to have Jamie Green, Commissioner of the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, join us to share his...
•
Episode 31
•
51:04

E 30: From Civics Classroom to Legislative Leadership: An Inspiring Conversation with Kirk Cox on Virginia Politics and Education
What does it take to transition from a middle school civics teacher to one of the most influential political figures in Virginia? Join us as we welcome Kirk Cox, former Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates, who shares his inspiring journe...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 30
•
49:04

E 29: From Halifax County to the Court of Appeals: Judge Kim White's Inspirational Journey and Insights into Virginia's Judicial System
Have you ever wondered what it takes to climb the judicial ranks from a small town to the prestigious Court of Appeals for the Commonwealth of Virginia? Join us as we sit down with Judge Kim White, who shares her incredible journey from Halifax...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 29
•
49:21

E 28: Honoring Veterans Through Education and Resilience: An Inside Look at the Virginia War Memorial with Pam Seay and Bob Archer
What if you could honor our veterans in a way that truly makes a difference? Join us as we welcome Pam Seay and Bob Archer from the Virginia War Memorial. Pam, a passionate advocate for veterans, shares her inspiring journey from Floyd County t...
•
51:57

E 27: From Investment Banker to Recycling Innovator: Simon Glossop's Journey to Environmental Leadership in the U.S.
Curious about the journey from investment banking to tackling the recycling industry's inefficiencies? Join us as we sit down with Simon Glossop, now a proud U.S. citizen and CEO of Data Company One, Incorporated. Simon shares his fascinating e...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 7
•
43:27

E 26: Navigating Virginia's Political Landscape and Modern Journalism: Insights from Todd Jackson of the Roanoke Times
What does it take to navigate the ever-changing world of journalism? Veteran reporter and editor Todd Jackson from the Roanoke Times joins us to share his extensive experience, from his early days in Bristol, Virginia, to his impactful coverage...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 6
•
58:24

E 25: CL Sigmon: Balancing Journalism and Republican Campaigns in Virginia
Curious about the intertwining of personal legacy and political evolution in Virginia? In this episode of the Virginians of Interest podcast, we invite you to explore the life of CL Sigmon, born and raised in the Turner’s Creek region of Frankl...
•
Season 3
•
58:05

E 24: From Basketball to Breakthroughs in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: An Inspiring Conversation with Dr. Frank Gupton
Curious about how a basketball scholarship can lead to revolutionizing pharmaceutical manufacturing? Join us as Dr. Frank Gupton, the Gottwald Chair of Chemical and Life Sciences and Pharmaceutical Engineering at Virginia Commonwealth Universit...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 4
•
1:02:37

E: 23 Navigating Family Legacy and Community Revitalization: Bruce Christian Reflects on the NB Handy Company and Lynchburg's Renaissance
Imagine uncovering the layers of a family legacy that has weathered the storms of time, technology, and economic turbulence. That's exactly what we do with Bruce Christian, a man whose blood ties to the NB Handy Company span four generations. B...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 3
•
1:00:41

E: 22 Navigating Faith and Academia: Dr. Susan Huxman on Leading Eastern Mennonite University
Imagine standing at the crossroads of faith and academia, where higher education meets deep-rooted Anabaptist principles. Join us for a profound conversation with Dr. Susan Huxman, President of Eastern Mennonite University, as she shares her jo...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 2
•
58:34

E: 21 Resilience and Opportunity: Dr. Mirta Martin's Journey to the Presidency of Ferrum College
Embark on a powerful journey with Dr. Mirta Martin, the inspiring 13th President of Ferrum College, whose life's narrative epitomizes resilience and the transformative influence of education. Our season premiere beautifully unfolds Dr. Martin's...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 1
•
1:06:05

E: 20 Public Service, Higher Education, and Life as First Lady: An Engaging Conversation with Susan Allen
Get ready for a captivating ride as we sit down with Susan Allen, former First Lady of Virginia. We traverse through her passionate journey of promoting tourism and wellness in the state, a mission kindled by her work with the Charlottesville H...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 8
•
52:56
.jpg)
E: 19 William Park: From Rural Virginia to Shaping Virginia's Housing Industry and Higher Education Policy
Have you ever wondered how a young man who grew up on a tobacco and beef cattle operation in Southside Virginia go on to shape how communities consider novel approaches to affordable housing for the elderly? Meet our guest, William Park, Chair ...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 7
•
53:24
.jpg)
E: 18 Exploring Obesity Medicine: A Deep Dive with Dr. Sue Wolver, Director of the VCU Medical Weight Loss Clinic
Do you want to enhance your understanding of obesity medicine and its role in combating one of the most common ailments in our society today? Brace yourselves for a captivating conversation with Dr. Sue Wolver, an esteemed associate professor o...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 6
•
1:00:59

E: 17 Diving into Critical Thinking: A Discussion with Faith Christian School Leaders
Looking to navigate the evolving dynamics of parent-teacher relationships in education? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Peter Baur, Head of Faith Christian School, and Leslie Ramsey, Assistant to the Head of the School, who bring ...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 5
•
50:11
.jpg)
E: 16 Insights into the National D-Day Memorial from Expert John Long
Have you ever wondered how weather played a role in the Allies’ advantage in D-Day? Get ready to journey back in time as we welcome John Long from the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford onto the Virginians of Interest Podcast. Listen in as John...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 4
•
56:02

E: 15 Behind the Scenes: Jeannie Baliles and the Governorship of Virginia
Are you ready to embark on a riveting journey with an extraordinary woman who has left an indelible mark on the political landscape of Virginia? This episode features a heart-to-heart with the impeccable Jeannie Baliles, former First Lady of Vi...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 3
•
49:00

E: 14 The Intersection of Political History and Education: A Conversation with Chris Peace
Ever wondered how political history can intersect with education? Join us on an enlightening journey with our distinguished guest, Chris Peace, the President of the Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia. We navigate through the maze of hi...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 2
•
48:51

E: 13 Transforming Petersburg: An Insightful Talk with Sam Parham, Mayor of Petersburg
Samuel Parham, born and raised in Petersburg, Virginia, is a dedicated public servant and business professional who has made significant contributions to his community. A 1993 graduate of Petersburg High School, Parham furthered his education a...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 1
•
58:40

Ep: 12 Virginians of Interest: Don Upson, President, Upson Technology Group
Don Upson is the President of Upson Technology Group and Chairman of the Government Business Executive Forum (GBEF). Formerly, Don served as Virginia’s Secretary of Technology, the nation’s first state Cabinet-level technology secretary. ...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 12
•
54:50

Ep: 11 Virginians of Interest: Tim Timberlake, Radio Personality and Producer
Tim is a native Virginian who lived in New York, Charlotte and Staunton before moving here to attend Randolph Macon College in 1967. He began his radio career at WTON in Staunton during high school, and then went to work for WRVA in 1970....
•
Season 1
•
Episode 11
•
54:42

Ep: 10 Part 2 Virginians of Interest: George Allen, Former Governor of Virginia
In 1993, George Allen was elected 67th Governor of Virginia. Keeping the promises he made to Virginians, he successfully cut taxes by more than $600 million; instituted his high academic Standards of Learning and School Performance Rep...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 10
•
56:45

Ep: 10 Part 1 Virginians of Interest: George Allen, Former Governor of Virginia
In 1993, George Allen was elected 67th Governor of Virginia. Keeping the promises he made to Virginians, he successfully cut taxes by more than $600 million; instituted his high academic Standards of Learning and School Performance Rep...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 10
•
1:11:45

Ep: 9 Virginians of Interest: Jill Loope, Director of Economic Development, Roanoke County
With 31 years of experience in business and economic development, Jill has managed public and private sector interests resulting in job growth and economic impact for communities in three regions of Virginia. She currently serves as the economi...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 9
•
31:50
