The Ridge Podcast

The Ridge Podcast

Ethan Edwards and Jeffrey Watson interview people from the Blue Ridge/Appalachian area. read less

HistoryHistory

Start Here

#66 – Sean Blanton/Rum Bum: Running, Training, Racing, Nutrition, Mindset, Equipment

#66 – Sean Blanton/Rum Bum: Running, Training, Racing, Nutrition, Mindset, Equipment

In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview Sean Blanton aka Run Bum, ultra-marathoner and owner of Rum Bum Tours. They discuss his introduction to running, how he trains, and some races he has attempted including the Florida Trail Fastest Known Time (FKT). They also discuss his preferred equipment, nutrition, and reveals secrets into the best mindset for running. Thank you again Mr. Run Bum for being on the podcast. Also, there is a video version of the interview available on our YouTube channel. Check it out! Ways to contact/Links mentioned: Trekking Poles Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtLWXv2gPJs Website: https://www.runbumtours.com/ Podcast Information: Website: https://TheRidgePodcast.com RSS: https://TheRidgePodcast.com/feed/podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2cKCltgfcCJjaipPQxKVGi Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ridge-podcast/id1675395041 Instagram: https://instagram.com/theridgepodcastinsta Email

Episodes

#66 – Sean Blanton/Rum Bum: Running, Training, Racing, Nutrition, Mindset, Equipment

#66 – Sean Blanton/Rum Bum: Running, Training, Racing, Nutrition, Mindset, Equipment

In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview Sean Blanton aka Run Bum, ultra-marathoner and owner of Rum Bum Tours. They discuss his introduction to running, how he trains, and some races he has attempted including the Florida Trail Fastest Known Time (FKT). They also discuss his preferred equipment, nutrition, and reveals secrets into the best mindset for running. Thank you again Mr. Run Bum for being on the podcast. Also, there is a video version of the interview available on our YouTube channel. Check it out! Ways to contact/Links mentioned: Trekking Poles Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtLWXv2gPJs Website: https://www.runbumtours.com/ Podcast Information: Website: https://TheRidgePodcast.com RSS: https://TheRidgePodcast.com/feed/podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2cKCltgfcCJjaipPQxKVGi Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ridge-podcast/id1675395041 Instagram: https://instagram.com/theridgepodcastinsta Email

#65 – Donna Ogle: Literature, English, Writing, College, Education, CCHS, WCC, Communication

#65 – Donna Ogle: Literature, English, Writing, College, Education, CCHS, WCC, Communication

In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview Mrs. Donna Ogle, educator at CCHS and WCC. They discuss her early childhood, her father's military service, time in Wythe County Public Schools and WCC, her decision to leave school and eventually go back, and her time earning her Master's degree while working full time and being a mom. The guests discuss books, authors, writing, and observations that they have made from both sides of the classroom with her. After, they discuss becoming an effective writer, speaker, and communicator. This was a very special episode for Ethan and Luke. Shortly after this episode was recorded, Luke was fortunate enough to select Mrs. Ogle as her Golden Cavalier's sponsor. Thank you again Mrs. Ogle for being on the podcast. Podcast Information: Website: https://TheRidgePodcast.com RSS: https://TheRidgePodcast.com/feed/podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2cKCltgfcCJjaipPQxKVGi Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the

#64 – Ethan Dalton: CCHS, Running, Emory and Henry, Education, Pre-Law, Friendships, Advice

#64 – Ethan Dalton: CCHS, Running, Emory and Henry, Education, Pre-Law, Friendships, Advice

In this episode, Ethan Edwards and Luke interview Ethan Dalton, one of their closest friends. They reminisce on their meeting each other, their time running Cross Country and Track together, and funny moments on the teams. Ethan Dalton discusses his goals to become a lawyer, his time at Emory and Henry College, and his experiences being a collegiate athlete. This was a very special episode for Ethan Edwards and Luke. Thank you again Mr. Dalton for being on the podcast. Podcast Information: Website: https://TheRidgePodcast.com RSS: https://TheRidgePodcast.com/feed/podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2cKCltgfcCJjaipPQxKVGi Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ridge-podcast/id1675395041 Instagram: https://instagram.com/theridgepodcastinsta Email: theridgepodcast@gmail.com YouTube: https://youtube.com/@theridgepodcast

#63 – Brandi Cochran-Mitchell: Basketball, CCHS, Hollins, Education, Coaching, History, Athletics

#63 – Brandi Cochran-Mitchell: Basketball, CCHS, Hollins, Education, Coaching, History, Athletics

In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview Mrs. Brandi Cochran-Mitchell, coach, educator, and parent. During the conversation, they discuss her basketball career at CCHS and Hollins University, her first jobs, her decision to become an educator, becoming a parent, and her Master's degree at Radford and graduate Certificate in United States History at UVA. She discusses her favorite time periods, her career in coaching basketball, and her decision to retire from the Assistant Coach position for the Varsity Girl's Basketball team. This is a wonderful episode. Thank you again Mrs. Mitchell for being on the podcast. Podcast Information: Website: https://TheRidgePodcast.com RSS: https://TheRidgePodcast.com/feed/podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2cKCltgfcCJjaipPQxKVGi Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ridge-podcast/id1675395041 Instagram: https://instagram.com/theridgepodcastinsta Email: theridgepodcast@gmail.com YouTube: https:

#62 – Trenton Miller: Financial Advising, Hard Work, Mindset, Fitness, Mentorship, Leadership, Business, Faith

#62 – Trenton Miller: Financial Advising, Hard Work, Mindset, Fitness, Mentorship, Leadership, Business, Faith

In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview Trenton Miller, volleyball coach, athlete, Christian, and financial advisor. During the conversation, he outlines his early education and upbringing, career, and transition into become a fully licensed financial advisor. Throughout the episode, he shares lessons and quotes from influential mentors of his, explains his services, and shares his goals and plan for his clients. He also discusses his time as a volleyball coach, athlete, and lover of all things sports. This is a great episode. Thank you again Mr. Miller for being on the podcast. Ways to contact Mr. Trenton Miller: Website: https://thetrentonmiller.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trenton.miller.39589 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trentonmill1 Podcast Information: Website: https://TheRidgePodcast.com RSS: https://TheRidgePodcast.com/feed/podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2cKCltgfcCJjaipPQxKVGi Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.a

#61 – Recovery Fitness with Judge Geisler, Judge Harrell, and Walter Midkiff, Addiction Recovery Court, Fitness

#61 – Recovery Fitness with Judge Geisler, Judge Harrell, and Walter Midkiff, Addiction Recovery Court, Fitness

In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview Judge Geisler, Judge Harrell, and Walter Midkiff about RecoveryFitness.org and the Addiction Recovery Court. Ethan and Luke were recently invited by Judge Geisler to participate in the weekly Thursday night Recovery Fitness workouts. After working out, they sat down with the trio and discussed their plan to break the typical incarceration and probation cycle. They realized that it was inefficient and costly. In 2022, they decided to begin incorporating a fitness requirement through RecoveryFitness.org, a local non-profit, into an already existing program attempting to treat offenders. They discuss this programs origins, logistics, and availability during the interview. This is a wonderful cause. Ethan and Luke both encourage people to come out, participate, and get in contact (links below). Thank you again Judge Geisler, Judge Harrell, and Mr. Midkiff for being on the podcast. Ways to contact RecoveryFitness.org: Website: https://w

#60 – Casey Burcham: Baseball, Coaching, E&H, Education, Government, Hard-Work, Success, Lessons

#60 – Casey Burcham: Baseball, Coaching, E&H, Education, Government, Hard-Work, Success, Lessons

In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview Casey Burcham, coach and educator at Carroll County High School. He delineates his early life, education and sports, time at Radford University, and then his decision to transfer to Emory and Henry College where he played Football and Baseball. He recalls his decision to major in History, become a teacher, and coach the game that he loves. After that, he discusses his first jobs, lessons he learned, and his move to Carroll County High School. He depicts his coaching strategy, techniques, and mindset. He emphasizes that improving each day should always be the goal. Thank you again Mr. Burcham for being on the podcast. Podcast Information: Website: https://TheRidgePodcast.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2cKCltgfcCJjaipPQxKVGi Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ridge-podcast/id1675395041 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theridgepodcast Instagram: https://instagram.com/theridgepodcastinsta

#59 – Shelby Puckett: Ararat, Radford, Education, Historical Society, Thunder in the Hills

#59 – Shelby Puckett: Ararat, Radford, Education, Historical Society, Thunder in the Hills

In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview Mrs. Shelby Puckett. Not only is she president of the Carroll County Historical Society, but she is a retired educator, counselor, and school administrator of 35 years. During the interview, she recounts her early life, education at Radford College, first jobs, and career progression. Through the episode, she fondly describes memories of chasing Elvis down the railroad tracks and Stompin 76. She also explains the founding of the historical society. At the end of the episode, she also gives more information on the courthouse shooting play Thunder in the Hills. Thank you again Mrs. Puckett for being on the podcast. Podcast Information: Website: https://TheRidgePodcast.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2cKCltgfcCJjaipPQxKVGi Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ridge-podcast/id1675395041 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theridgepodcast Instagram: https://instagram.com/theridgepodcastinsta Em

#58 – Frank Levering: Hollywood, Cherry Farming, Harvard, Football, Writing, Movies, Plays, Thunder in the Hills

#58 – Frank Levering: Hollywood, Cherry Farming, Harvard, Football, Writing, Movies, Plays, Thunder in the Hills

In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview Mr. Frank Levering, author, screenwriter, and play director. They discuss his early life, his time playing football at Wesleyan University, his time studying theology at Harvard Divinity School, and his career in Hollywood. Throughout the episode, they discuss influential writers, directors, and works of media. Near the end, they discuss the courthouse shooting play Thunder in the Hills. Thank you again Mr. Levering for being on the podcast. Podcast Information: Website: https://TheRidgePodcast.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2cKCltgfcCJjaipPQxKVGi Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ridge-podcast/id1675395041 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theridgepodcast Instagram: https://instagram.com/theridgepodcastinsta Email: theridgepodcast@gmail.com YouTube: https://youtube.com/@theridgepodcast

#57 – Talking Trash with Gerald Goad and Beth Oravec, Carroll County Litter Task Force

#57 – Talking Trash with Gerald Goad and Beth Oravec, Carroll County Litter Task Force

In this episode, Ethan and Luke sit down with Clerk Gerald Goad and Ms. Beth Oravec to discuss the Carroll County Litter Task Force, a committee dedicated to spreading awareness about the current litter problem faced by the county. During the discussion, both guests gave their background and perspective on the current problem. They offer solutions, identify areas of improvement, and describe plans that are currently in motion. The week of April 16th to April 22nd, they are planning a county-wide trash pickup competition with cash prizes of up to $200. The winners will be announced on April 27th during the Earth Day celebration at the Hillsville Farmer's Market. This is a wonderful cause. Ethan and Luke both encourage people to get out, pickup trash, get in contact (links below) and spread the word. Thank you again Clerk Goad and Ms. Oravec for being on the podcast. Ways to contact the Carroll County Litter Task Force: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keepcarrollclea

#56 – Shawn Montgomery: Early Life, Education, Coaching, History, Politics, Government

#56 – Shawn Montgomery: Early Life, Education, Coaching, History, Politics, Government

In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview Mr. Shawn Montgomery, coach, teacher at Carroll County High School. They discuss his childhood growing up in Cana, Virginia, his parent's jobs, and playing sports in school. Touching on the transition from St. Paul to Carroll County High School, Mr. Montgomery recounts how he became involved in Cross Country. From there, he discusses sports and academics. After that, he narrates his time at Gardner–Webb University and his first jobs. Throughout the discussion, the group considers the impacts of sports, education, and jobs on a young person's character. Finally, they recount the beginning of COVID-19 and Mr. Montgomery's introduction to coaching Cross Country and Track. Thank you again Mr. Montgomery for being on the podcast. Podcast Information: Website: https://TheRidgePodcast.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2cKCltgfcCJjaipPQxKVGi Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ridge-podcast/id1675395041

#55 – Seth Greer: Navy, Law Enforcement, Football, Strength and Conditioning, Nutrition, Education

#55 – Seth Greer: Navy, Law Enforcement, Football, Strength and Conditioning, Nutrition, Education

In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview Mr. Seth Greer, Navy veteran, coach, former law enforcement, and educator. During the interview, Mr. Greer describes his time in the Navy as a Master-at-arms, including some of the challenges he faced. He then delineates his career in law enforcement, narrating his experiences working his way up the ladder, and eventually joining the drug task force team. After his career in law enforcement, he became a teacher through a career-switcher program after a suggestion from Dr. Burnette. He discusses his introduction to teaching, and then transitioning to coaching. From there, his career in Football and Strength and Conditioning blossomed. Throughout the episode, they discuss weight lifting, nutrition, sleep, and hydration. This was a wonderful episode. Thank you again Mr. Greer for being on the podcast. Podcast Information: Website: https://TheRidgePodcast.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2cKCltgfcCJjaipPQxKVGi Apple Podc

#54 – Ben Tickle: Faith, Education, Family, Teaching, Coaching, Sports

#54 – Ben Tickle: Faith, Education, Family, Teaching, Coaching, Sports

In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview Mr. Ben Tickle, a Christian, a professor at Liberty University, and coach and educator at Carroll County High School. During the interview, they discuss his earliest memories, his educational journey, and his jobs as a teacher, administrator, and coach. Throughout the episode, Mr. Tickle gives insights into his Christian faith, encouraging people to reach out to him to ask questions and learn more. This was a wonderful episode. Thank you again Mr. Tickle for being on the podcast. Ways to contact Mr. Ben Tickle: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ben.tickle.71 Podcast Information: Website: https://TheRidgePodcast.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2cKCltgfcCJjaipPQxKVGi Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ridge-podcast/id1675395041 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theridgepodcast Instagram: https://instagram.com/theridgepodcastinsta Email: theridgepodcast@gmail.com YouTube: https

#53 – Mason King: Football, E&H, Swim, Teaching, Civics, History

#53 – Mason King: Football, E&H, Swim, Teaching, Civics, History

In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview Mr. Mason King. This was a very special episode for Ethan, as Mr. King serves as a coach for the CCHS Swim Team. During the interview, they discuss his early life and schooling in South Carolina, his family's move to Carroll County, his adjustment to Public Schooling, his football career including his time and Emory and Henry College, and his job as a teacher. Throughout the episode they discuss the impact of COVID, personal anecdotes, and connections with other people. This was a wonderful episode. Thank you again Mr. King for being on the podcast. Podcast Information: Website: https://TheRidgePodcast.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2cKCltgfcCJjaipPQxKVGi Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ridge-podcast/id1675395041 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theridgepodcast Instagram: https://instagram.com/theridgepodcastinsta Email: theridgepodcast@gmail.com YouTube: https://youtube.com/@t

#52 – Jerry Carter: OneOfUs.Care, Writing, Public Speaking, Carroll County Sports Report, Community

#52 – Jerry Carter: OneOfUs.Care, Writing, Public Speaking, Carroll County Sports Report, Community

In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview Mr. Jerry Carter, founder of the non-profit OneOfUs.Care. He and his wife have spent the last twenty years promoting wholesome, local activities, including sports. Now, he has moved to Carroll County to continue his mission. He discusses his experience in the news industry; his skills in writing, speaking, and management; and why caring is important. Mr. Carter has donated thousands of hours and dollars in pursuit of what he says costs nothing: encouraging the world, one person at a time. Thank you again Mr. Carter for being on the podcast. Links mentioned: Blog: https://aroundthevalleyin60days.blog/ Podcast Information: Website: https://TheRidgePodcast.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2cKCltgfcCJjaipPQxKVGi Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ridge-podcast/id1675395041 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theridgepodcast Instagram: https://instagram.com/theridgepodcastinsta Email: th

#51 – Dwayne Yancey: Founder of The Cardinal News, The Roanoke Times, Farming, SWVA, JMU, Journalism

#51 – Dwayne Yancey: Founder of The Cardinal News, The Roanoke Times, Farming, SWVA, JMU, Journalism

In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview Editor and Founder of The Cardinal News, Mr. Dwayne Yancey. The Cardinal News is a digital news service that runs on a 100% donation backed business model, dedicated to providing free news to the commonwealth through zero paywalls. He was also an editor at The Roanoke Times, working with the company for 39 years. In this episode he recounts the early tales of his childhood, his time at James Madison University, and his introduction to journalism. Thank you again Mr. Yancey for being on the podcast. Ways to contact Mr. Dwayne Yancey: Website: https://dwayneyancey.com/ The Cardinal News: https://cardinalnews.org/staff-and-board/ Email: dwayne@cardinalnews.org Podcast Information: Website: https://TheRidgePodcast.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2cKCltgfcCJjaipPQxKVGi Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ridge-podcast/id1675395041 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theridgepodcast In

#50 – Josh Deel: PBS Appalachia, Hometowns, Film making, Baseball, Documentaries, Entrepreneur

#50 – Josh Deel: PBS Appalachia, Hometowns, Film making, Baseball, Documentaries, Entrepreneur

In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview the Senior Producer of PBS Appalachia and creator of the Hometowns series, Mr. Josh Deel. They discuss his early life, career playing professional baseball, his journey through blue collar work, eventually creating his own company, and then his transition to film making. They discuss the challenges of interviewing, finding guests, travel, weather, and more. They then delve into his series, Hometowns, which featured an episode highlighting Carroll County and its history. Ways to contact Mr. Josh Deel: Hometowns Carroll County: https://www.pbs.org/video/hometowns-carroll-county-va-imbg16/ Mountain Roots Production: https://www.mountainrootspro.com/ Email: mountainrootsmail@gmail.com Podcast Information: Website: https://TheRidgePodcast.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2cKCltgfcCJjaipPQxKVGi Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ridge-podcast/id1675395041 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com

#49 – Beth Macy: Dopesick, Roanoke Times, Factory Man, Writing, Journalism, Research

#49 – Beth Macy: Dopesick, Roanoke Times, Factory Man, Writing, Journalism, Research

In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview Mrs. Beth Macy, a prominent author, writer for the Roanoke Times, and lecturer at Hollins University. During the discussion, they talk about her early life and the challenges she faced, and her decision to go to college. She remarks on the Pell Grants providing her the rare opportunity to go to college debt free and how that changed her life. They then talk about her books and the publishing process. She gives insights into her daily writing routine and goals. They later discuss her favorite stories, interviewing techniques, and more. Thank you again Mrs. Macy for being on the podcast. Ways to contact Mrs. Beth Macy: Twitter: https://twitter.com/papergirlmacy?lang=en Website: https://intrepidpapergirl.com/ Podcast Information: Website: https://TheRidgePodcast.com RSS: https://TheRidgePodcast.com/feed/podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2cKCltgfcCJjaipPQxKVGi Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/po

#48 – Allen Worrell: The Carroll News, Sports, Journalism, Early Career, Stories, Lessons, Writing, History

#48 – Allen Worrell: The Carroll News, Sports, Journalism, Early Career, Stories, Lessons, Writing, History

In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview Mr. Allen Worrell. Mr. Worrell works at The Carroll News based in Hillsville, Virginia. He is a graduate of Carroll County High School and Emory and Henry College. He is an experienced journalist whose favorite topic to write about is Sports. Additionally, he has received both the Virginia Press Association News Writing Award and the Virginia Press Association Sports Writing Award, a rare combination. In this episode he discusses his formative years in school, impactful teachers, and his career in journalism. Throughout the episode he recounts stories and discusses history, interviewing techniques, and a myriad of other topics with the hosts. This is an excellent episode. Additionally, after the podcast interview took place, the hosts were fortunate enough to be interviewed by Mr. Worrell himself for an article in The Carroll News. The Ridge Podcast tackles local issues: https://www.thecarrollnews.com/news/the-ridge-podcast-tackles-loca

#47 – Book talk: Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass

#47 – Book talk: Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass

In this episode, Ethan and Luke discuss the book Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass. They discuss this books role in exposing the horrors of slavery, the life of Mr. Frederick Douglass, and his journey from living on a plantation to escaping to the free states. Podcast Information: Website: https://TheRidgePodcast.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2cKCltgfcCJjaipPQxKVGi Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ridge-podcast/id1675395041 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theridgepodcast Instagram: https://instagram.com/theridgepodcastinsta Email: theridgepodcast@gmail.com YouTube: https://youtube.com/@theridgepodcast