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In this episode of Hoot and Holler Radio, Stacey Porter pulls back the curtain on life as a realtor—sharing funny, heartbreaking, and empowering stories about showing up for clients, supporting fair housing, and the emotional labor of the job.Later, Jan Dillon offers a tender love letter to the Waffle House, describing how the diner became a place of comfort and community during grief. Both storytellers join the host for post-stage conversations about their performances and lives beyond the microphone.

In this episode of Naturally Curious, Bruce C. Bryan talks with Dr. Jai Girard from the Virginia Restaurant Lodging and Travel Association. They discuss her transition from Texas to Virginia, a move sparked by her father’s health needs and a timely job offer from James Madison University. Dr. Girard shares how her early days bartending and managing a nightclub eventually led her to pursue a PhD and a career in academia before moving into her current role focused on education and workforce development.The conversation explores the importance of the hospitality industry as a major economic driver for Virginia and a vital training ground for "durable skills" like empathy and problem-solving. Dr. Girard highlights her work with ProStart, a program that introduces high school students and individuals in the Department of Corrections to culinary and management careers. She also talks about her passion for neonatal kitten rescue and why she believes internships are the best way for students to figure out their true career fit. It's a look at the human side of travel and tourism and how the industry is evolving to meet the needs of a younger workforce.

Two powerful true stories from Hoot and Holler Radio: Curtis Alderson donates part of his liver to save a childhood friend and reflects on faith, service, and a renewed purpose, while Erika Johnson travels to Mexico for intense shamanic healing with 5‑MeO‑DMT and peyote, confronting deep fears and the challenge of integration.This episode explores courage, healing, and the unexpected ways love and how psychedelic medicine can change lives.

Host Lee Hunsaker presents two intimate stories of grief, signs, and unexpected grace. Lindsay McKinnon recounts losing her two sons, a psychic prophecy that brought healing and serendipity.Writer Matthew Vollmer explores his mother’s decline into dementia and the mysterious lights that appeared near the family home. Through strange phenomena, a shaman’s reading, and his father’s changing life, Matthew finds new ways to see his mother and move forward.Both storytellers join Lee for follow-up conversations about life after their performances and how storytelling helped them heal.

In this episode of Naturally Curious, Bruce C. Bryan sits down with Charlie Counts of Local Seafood Delivery to explore the winding journey of a modern fishmonger. Growing up on a tobacco and cattle farm in Southwest Virginia, Charlie’s career took a sharp turn from Black Angus beef to the docks of North Carolina after a single lightbulb moment during a family vacation. The conversation explores the reality of eleven-hour weekly commutes, the intensity of vying for the best catch at the docks, and why he chooses to drive the extra mile to maintain deep-rooted relationships with his coastal suppliers.The episode also highlights the unique culture of local farmers markets, where Charlie has become a staple for seafood lovers from Roanoke to Blacksburg. Listeners will hear about the "hogfish" craze, the importance of sustainable United States fisheries, and even a few stories from the road involving hitchhikers and the pursuit of the perfect taco. It’s a look at what's required to bring the coast to the mountains, proving that for this "fish guy," the business is truly all about the people and the fellowship of a fresh meal.

For the first time in nearly forty five years, Hollins University women's basketball has secured a winning record in the NCAA era. Coach Emilee Dunton joins the show to discuss the relentless, loyal, and passionate mindset required to turn a program around after a decade of dedicated building. From growing up in a Division I household to navigating the unique dynamic of having her own father as an assistant coach, she shares how her experience as a point guard shaped her holistic approach to leadership. We explore her strategy of keeping a smaller, more focused roster of twelve players to ensure clear communication and high expectations. Coach Dunton also provides an honest look at balancing the high stakes of head coaching and recruiting with her newest role as a mother to her nine month old son. This conversation offers deep insights into shifting a team culture toward sustained excellence and creating a home court advantage that rivals the best in the conference.

Two storytellers take the Grandin stage: Anastasia Giffin hilariously traces her Greek roots and Joe Mylan Jr. recounts his leap to become a writer in Seoul. Host Lee Hunsaker sits down with the tellers for candid post-show interviews about identity, craft, and the messy, beautiful work of telling your story.

This week on Naturally Curious, host Bruce Bryan sits down with Julia Boas from the Roanoke Regional Partnership to uncover why the greater Roanoke area is becoming such a massive magnet for outside companies, capital, and top-tier talent. From global manufacturing growth and the booming "placemaking" movement to the secret weapon of the regional outdoors, Julia breaks down the sustainable growth driving the region forward. We'll also talk about how local "talent ambassadors" are organically welcoming newcomers, what lifelong residents really think about the shifting landscape, and how the area overcomes its unique mountain geography to compete on a national stage. It’s a fascinating look at the economic fortunes and community spirit shaping our region....and why visitors so often find themselves deciding to stay.

Lexington native Brenna Angel anchored local morning newscasts for WUKY through May 13. She joined the station in March 2010 after previously working for WHAS-AM in Louisville.

Liz Halloran joined NPR in December 2008 as Washington correspondent for Digital News, taking her print journalism career into the online news world.