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Naturally Curious: CEO at The Community Foundation of the New River Valley, Dr. Jessica Wirgau

In this episode, Alicia Bell tells us of magical family folklore of the Gully-Womper from her childhood in West Virginia. Then we hear from Jeff Maiden, who marches to the beat of a different drum in a blockbuster movie.

This episode of Naturally Curious features a deep dive into the life and work of Emily Hemphill...a reporter, writer, and future graduate student whose work spans the heart of Virginia. From her reporting at the Daily Progress in Charlottesville to her insightful long-form pieces for Cardinal News, Emily shares what truly drives a reporter to find the heart of a story. The conversation explores the complexities of segregation in Southwest Virginia and offers a preview of her upcoming book on the historic Christiansburg Institute.

In this episode of Naturally Curious, host Bruce C. Bryan spends time with retired judge and acclaimed author Martin Clark, often described as "the thinking man’s John Grisham." With a legal career spanning three decades on the bench, Clark shares the fascinating story of his winding path from a young judge to a celebrated novelist. The conversation dives deep into the realities of the courtroom, the grueling process of getting published, and how he balances the demands of a high-stakes legal career with the creative life of a writer. From humorous stories about his "FM radio voice" and rejection letters to poignant reflections on how personal challenges have shaped his storytelling, this interview offers an intimate look at one of the most unique voices in legal fiction.

Host Lee Hunsaker presents two intimate onstage stories from the Grandin Theatre. Bebe Demure recounts the physical and emotional costs of a life in professional ballet, an injury that forced her to stop, and how she reclaimed her body and voice through burlesque.Mary Beth Wooten shares a medical crisis that cost her career and home, the friends who found her in her darkest moments, and a road to self-love and renewal that led her back to creativity and purpose.

What happens when a professional career path and a deep personal mission collide? In this episode of Naturally Curious, host Bruce C. Bryan sits down with Ashley Arney, Director of Development for Healing Strides of Virginia, to explore the profound impact of equine-assisted therapy.Ashley’s connection to the organization goes far beyond her job title. Having witnessed firsthand how these "hoofed beasts" reach everyone from children facing developmental challenges to veterans processing the trauma of war, she shares how her professional role became a personal calling.Tune in to hear:The Healing Power of Horses: Insights into how the animals at Healing Strides act as the "stars" of this regional nonprofit.A Personal Mission: Ashley’s unique story of how her personal experiences and career path eventually merged into one dedicated purpose.Professional Alignment: Reflections on how a winding career can lead exactly where it needs to be when passion is the guide.This conversation offers a moving look at the life-changing work happening right here in our region and may leave you thinking differently about your own professional journey.

This episode of Hoot and Holler Radio features 16-year-old Mason Bibby sharing how the pandemic pushed him inward and ultimately helped him find his voice as a writer, leader, and orator while transforming self-doubt into public confidence and a deep sense of patriotism.Then we hear Tyler Crouch’s moving account of family, duty, and the Marine Corps, followed by studio interviews that reflect on hope, service, and personal growth.

This week on Naturally Curious, host Bruce C. Bryan sits down with Sam Calhoun, the Chief Operating Officer of Across the Way Productions and a driving force behind the legendary FloydFest.As the "man behind the scenes," Sam discusses the intricate art of Placemaking—the philosophy of transforming a physical space into a community-driven destination. Whether it’s the rolling hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains or a downtown stage, Sam shares how live music acts as a catalyst for bringing people together.

The Food Evangelist: John Park on the Virginia Culinary SceneWhat does it take to become the most influential "Food Evangelist" on the East Coast? This week on Naturally Curious, we sit down with the man behind the lens and the menu: John Park, known to his tens of thousands of followers as The Hungry Asian. John isn’t just eating and drinking his way through the region; he is actively connecting, photographing, and consulting with the major chefs and food leaders who are shaping the industry today.In this conversation, we explore the current state of the Virginia food scene and how John’s unique approach to dining out has created a literal frenzy in the business. With over 17,000 followers on Instagram and 6,000 on Facebook, John shares how he manages his massive digital community and what he looks for when he steps into a new restaurant. We also get a few exclusive "in the know" tips from John about the best-kept secrets in the state's food and drink world. Whether you are a dedicated foodie or just curious about the power of digital influence, this episode is a deep dive into the passion and hustle of the man known as The Hungry Asian.Find John Park: Search for "The Hungry Asian" on Instagram, Facebook, and all major social media channels to follow his latest culinary adventures.

In this episode of Naturally Curious, Bruce C. Bryan talks with Rita Joyce about her journey of turning a devastating personal loss into a way to help others. Since losing her son nearly twenty years ago, Rita has dedicated herself to supporting families through her nonprofit, "Fed Up with Gun Violence." The conversation covers her work providing financial and emotional aid to those in their darkest hours, while also touching on her long career in community banking. Rita shares her thoughts on the importance of financial literacy and why she believes in living with a heart for service. It is a powerful look at resilience and the impact one person can have on the Roanoke Valley.