In this episode, Ethan interviews Reverend Jeff Garrison, minister at Bluemont and Mayberry Presbyterian Churches. They discuss his early life and education, career into ministry, touch on some theology, and then dive into his doctoral dissertation on religious history in the west while touching on the Second Great Awakening. Next, they discuss their involvement in Amateur Radio, some technological advances, books on radio, and more. Finally, they discuss his travels and he gives some final words on his travel philosophy. Thank you again Reverend Garrison for being on the podcast. Ways to contact Rev. Jeff Garrison: Website: https://fromarockyhillside.com/ Podcast Information: Website: https://TheRidgePodcast.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theridgepodcast Instagram: https://instagram.com/theridgepodcastinsta Twitter: https://twitter.com/theridgepodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theridgepodcast YouTube: https://youtube.com/@theridgepodcast

In this episode, Ethan interviews Mr. Cary Simms, Rotary District 7570 Youth Exchange Chair and Friends of the Blue Ridge Fisher Peak Chapter Chair. They discuss how to get involved with the two organizations, explain their history and purpose, the projects they are involved with, and the benefits of volunteering for one's community. After, Mr. Simms says a few words about his son's battle with Lyme disease, helping oneself to be able to help others, and his faith. Thank you again Mr. Simms for being on the podcast. Links mentioned: Friends of the Blue Ridge: https://blueridgefriends.org/ Rotary District 7570: https://www.rotary7570.org/district-leadership/ Podcast Information: Website: https://TheRidgePodcast.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theridgepodcast Instagram: https://instagram.com/theridgepodcastinsta Twitter: https://twitter.com/theridgepodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theridgepodcast YouTube: https://youtube.com/@theridgepodcas

In this episode, Ethan interviews Mr. Cam Coble, Amateur Radio Operator and President of the N4NRV Amateur Radio Club. They discuss his introduction to the hobby, CB radios, the process of getting his license, and joining his local club. After, Mr. Coble outlines his journey to becoming Club President, his goals and aspirations for the club, and some of the activities he has coordinated. Finally, they discuss the future of the hobby, how to get licensed, and he encourages newly licensed hams to get on the air. Thank you again Mr. Coble for being on the podcast. Links mentioned/How to contact Mr. Cam Coble: N4NRV Website: https://www.n4nrv.org/ HamStudy: https://hamstudy.org/ Ham Radio Crash Course: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohvyJl1wMlM&list=PL1KAjn5rGhixvvb_jMZFWmbP97-t9Kyxk ARRL: http://arrl.org/licensing-education-training Podcast Information: Website: https://TheRidgePodcast.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theridgepodcast Instagram: ht

In this episode, Ethan interviews Mrs. Karen Baker, Democratic Candidate for the House of Representatives (HD-9). They discuss her education, experience as a trial lawyer for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Administrative Law Judge, and Registered Nurse. She recounts stories from her time as a lawyer, her decision to step into a judgeship, and her path to switching careers and becoming a nurse. They then discuss her goals in Congress, her nuanced perspective on the overruling of Chevron v. Natural Resources Defense Council, her focus on rural healthcare, broadband, and and emphasis on local issues instead of foreign policy. A proud advocate of Southwest Virginia and self-proclaimed "rural Democrat", Mrs. Baker wants to fix local problems and serve her district instead of exclusively focusing on national politics. Thank you again Mrs. Baker for being on the podcast. Ways to contact Mrs. Karen Baker: Website: https://www.bakerforva9th.com/ Facebook: https://www.

As Luke leaves for college, the hosts have decided that now is a good time to pause the podcast. They are very thankful for the opportunity to interview countless wonderful people and for the amazing support from the community. They would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Ronnie G. Collins for his support from day one. He has always helped promote us, connected us to guests, and gave us advice. Ethan would also like to thank his parents for lending their office space, giving him advice, and paying for the associated electricity and internet that his servers utilize. The Ridge Podcast has been an amazing experience for Ethan and Luke. 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@gma

In this episode, Ethan interviews Mr. Luke Watson, his close friend and co-host of The Ridge Podcast. They discuss Luke's early upbringing, love for Carroll County and its schools, and then discuss his future plans. They discuss the impact COVID had on his education, how running has changed his life, and his love for books, English, and History. Later in the episode, Luke discusses the importance of family and love in his life. They end the episode reflecting on the podcast, the duo's friendship, and Luke's message to future generations. This episode was incredibly special for both hosts. As Luke leaves for college, the hosts have decided that now is a good time to end the podcast. They are very thankful for the opportunity to interview countless wonderful people and for the amazing support from the community. They would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Ronnie G. Collins for his support from day one. He has always helped promote us, connected us to guests, and gave us advice.

In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview Mr. Chuck Thompson, head principal of Carroll County High School. They discuss his early life, time in school, and his college experience. They also talk about some hard losses he had suffered early in life and how he dealt with them. Next, they discuss the day-to-day of being a high school principal and how he and his team of assistant principals are able to accomplish their goals. Mr. Thompson then tells the story of his lung transplant, including how he met his organ donor's family. He talks about gratitude, second chances, and perspective. Finally, they discuss COVID and the future of education. This was an excellent episode. Thank you again Mr. Thompson 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/id167539

In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview Mr. Jay Holderfield, assistant principal, musician, worship leader and former history teacher. They discuss his upbringing in Carroll County, his time at CCHS, his education at NRCC and Virginia Tech, his Master's Degree where he had the opportunity to support all the Olympic category sports at Virginia Tech and get paid while doing it! He depicts his first jobs in education and his experience coaching basketball. From there, they discuss his Christian faith, touch on his membership to Freemasonry, and begin to talk about life as an administrator. The episode culminates with the importance of family, community, and relationships. This was an excellent episode. Thank you again Mr. Holderfield 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/

In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview Coach Patrick Sharp, former teacher and coach at Carroll County High School. They cover his time playing college basketball, and his decision to get a job as a teacher. He discusses his time as a Basketball, Track, and Cross Country coach and then explains his coaching methodology. They then discuss his involvement in church, the Bible, and his faith. This was a very special episode for both Ethan and Luke as they were both coached by him for Cross Country in middle school. Thank you again Coach Sharp 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

In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview Mrs. Shannon Dalton, educator, coach, parent, and philanthropist. She discusses her time at Randolph-Macon Woman's College, working in radio, journalism, and her high school experience. She talks about her experiences teaching in Richmond and contrasts it to teaching at CCHS. After, they discuss various notable pieces of literature, focusing specifically on Our Town by Thornton Wilder. They then discuss Mrs. Dalton's involvement in Rotary, Lion's Club, and various volunteering efforts she organizes. This episode was very special for Luke and Ethan as they both had her as a teacher in 11th grade and are close with her outside the classroom. Thank you again Mrs. 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

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

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

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

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:

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

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

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

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

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

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