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On this episode of Hoot and Holler Radio, Matt Chittum recounts his early days as a reporter and how covering a tragic school bus accident became a defining moment in his journalism career. Later, John Wiercioch travels to Kenya and forges a life-changing friendship with a young man named Ibrahim, discovering unexpected joy and generosity amid hardship.Tune in for the storytellers’ post-performance conversation about the ethics of reporting, the power of presence, and the lessons learned from connection and compassion.

On this episode of Hoot and Holler Radio, Marilyn Moriarty recounts a funny and bewildering encounter with glowing orbs in her bedroom, and later explores explanations from ancestors to eye floaters and ball lightning.Stephanie Martin takes listeners to a Las Vegas bowling tournament packed with colorful characters, a surprising blackjack win, and a $20,000 prize as she navigates the chaos and charm of Old Vegas.

Two storytellers take the Grandin stage: Heather O'Bryann recounts finding punk rock and defying the strict rules of a fundamentalist college, and Joe Stanley remembers a frugal, unforgettable cross-country bus trip with his stern grandmother. Interviews follow each story, reflecting on family, faith, and how those experiences shaped their lives.

Host Bruce C. Bryan sits down with Sarah Quarantotto, the CEO of Miriam's House and a leading voice with the Central Virginia Continuum of Care, to examine the complex realities of housing insecurity and homelessness in Lynchburg. Quarantotto traces the origins of Miriam's House...from its founding post-World War II roots to its modern role as a multidisciplinary, community-based response hub. She outlines how sudden personal crises combined with systemic poverty lead to families becoming unhoused, while highlighting practical solutions such as rapid rehousing, street outreach partnerships, and a dedicated intake line. The discussion also covers her 16-year journey leading the organization, the critical need for affordable housing investments across Virginia, and how involving former clients in decision-making helps break the cycle of homelessness for 98% of the families they serve.

Host Bruce C. Bryan speaks with author, podcaster, and music teacher Scott Perry to explore his lifelong journey with Stoicism, marketing, and community building. Perry shares insights from his upcoming book, Stepping Into Possibility, reflecting on how ancient Stoic principles offer a practical framework for navigating life's uncertainties and finding peace of mind. He also discusses his coaching work alongside Seth Godin, his years spent running a music studio, and how embracing connection and kindness shapes everything from business strategies to personal relationships.

Host Bruce C. Bryan sits down with designer and artist Theresa Dorlini, co-founder of Circle Design Studio and Dorlini Modern. Dorlini reflects on her firm's holistic "full circle" approach to design, bridging the gaps between architecture, interior design, and construction. She shares insights from her 20-year career, including navigating industry shifts like the rise of "resimercial" spaces, asking intimate programming questions to tailor custom environments, and using a recent sabbatical to focus on classic modern furniture design and American manufacturing. The conversation also covers her creative influences - ranging from 1980s pop culture to biological structures and why true creativity relies on collaboration, openness, and human vision over automated tools.

On this episode of Naturally Curious, host Bruce C. Bryan welcomes long-time friend and jazz guitarist Cyrus Pace to discuss his new role as the executive director of the Academy Center for the Arts in Lynchburg. Cyrus shares his journey through the music industry, reflecting on everything from his master's degree in jazz guitar and playing in the Navy band to his 15-year tenure running Roanoke's Jefferson Center. The conversation dives into the mechanics of sustaining a thriving, $4.5 million arts nonprofit, the unique challenge of balancing legacy community partners with touring national acts, and the 120-year history of the beautifully restored Academy venue. Cyrus also gives a peek into his eclectic personal playlist, talks about teaching graduate courses in arts leadership at Virginia Tech, and reveals his favorite jazz guitarists during a special surprise question segment.

On this episode of Naturally Curious, host Bruce C. Bryan sits down with Dr. Robert Brandon, President of New River Community College, to discuss the evolving landscape of rural higher education and workforce development. Drawing from his early days as a middle school teacher in rural Tennessee, Dr. Brandon shares his lifelong passion for connecting student talent with real-world opportunity. He reflects on his first 18 months leading NRCC, the importance of listening to campus culture, and how community colleges are shifting their focus from simple degree completion to long-term post-graduation success. Dr. Brandon also highlights key regional partnerships with universities like Radford, the impact of high-speed credential programs like FastForward, and why community colleges remain vital for learners at every stage of life.

On this episode of Naturally Curious, host Bruce C. Bryan chats with Kevin Deck, a retired architect turned professional painter based in Roanoke, Virginia. After a 30-year career designing public schools and senior living facilities, Kevin transitioned his eye for detail from drafting blueprints to mastering American realism through watercolor. He shares how he overcame a lifelong fear of color by using his technical hand skills to capture the effects of time on the built environment, including a massive 41-painting series documenting the decaying industrial landscape of the American Viscose plant in Southeast Roanoke. Kevin also discusses his current shift into landscape painting along the Blue Ridge Parkway, the creative rhythm of finishing one piece at a time to diverse musical playlists, and the rewarding experience of meeting art lovers at the annual Taubman Sidewalk Art Show.

On this episode of Naturally Curious, host Bruce C. Bryan sits down with Joey Donovant, the executive director of SML Gives Inc., to discuss the hidden realities of rural poverty and food insecurity in the Smith Mountain Lake region. Joey opens up about his personal journey from a decade-long battle with opiate addiction to founding a grassroots movement during COVID-19 that has rapidly evolved into a fully operational nonprofit network. The conversation highlights how rural hunger manifests through isolating geographical barriers and a lack of baseline infrastructure, as well as the organization's upcoming expansion into northwest Henry County and Martinsville. Joey also shares details on how the community can support their mission through their first physical facility launch in Glade Hill and upcoming fall fundraisers, including an antique Harley-Davidson raffle and a pre-concert tailgate with the Marshall Tucker Band.