Stories from Southwest Virginia

Southwest Virginia is a location as unique as its people. We pride ourselves on rich cultural heritage, food, music, and the arts. “Stories from Southwest Virginia” is our podcast which tells the stories of this amazing region we live in.

Latest Episode

Upcoming Episodes

Stories from Southwest Virgina – Latest Episode

In today’s episode of the Stories from Southwest Virginia Podcast, we explore the early art and history of Southwest Virginia settlers. Morgan gives us a lot of great examples and a clear view into what early life was like. From quilting to potato sacks, the means to live in the region were not as easy as we have it today. It’s important to explore our history and keep a record of the traditions we still......

October 22, 2021

In today’s podcast episode, we take a look into the history behind Marion, Virginia’s historic General Francis Marion Hotel. This boutique hotel located in downtown Marion is full of rich history and stories from many years past. We had the chance to go and visit the hotel, view all of the amenities, and learn about its history. If you would like to book a stay at the hotel, or even just take some time to......

October 1, 2021

In today’s episode, we speak with Stephanie, a licensed LPC who owns Anchoring Hope Counseling in Wise, County, Virginia. Stephanie and I had a great talk on mental health, anxiety, and stress. It was an interesting look into these topics coming from two different perspectives of both a counselor and a client. Mental health is an area we all have to deal with from time to time and showcasing where and how help is available......

September 17, 2021

In today’s episode of Stories from Southwest Virginia, we got to sit down and speak with Debbie, Sarah, and Megan of Appalachian Sustainable Development, or ASD for short. ASD has been working since 1995 to aid and support the Appalachian region in the agricultural economy “by supporting local agriculture, exploring new economic opportunities, and connecting people to healthy food.” “In the beginning, ASD focused exclusively on 15 counties in northeast TN and southwest VA. Today our work has expanded to include......

September 3, 2021

In today’s episode, we talk with The Lost Pearl Gallery’s Nancy Brooks and Pawnee Jewel about art, The Lost Pearl, and Tazewell, Virginia. Located on Main Street in Tazewell, The Lost Pearl features wonderful handmade pieces of art from various artisans utilizing a variety of mediums such as fiber, wood, metal, painting, and more. To learn more about the gallery and the art, please visit their website at: https://thelostpearlgallery.com/ To learn more about the many......

August 26, 2021

In today’s episode, we talk with Justin from White Blaze Outdoors about his educational hiking tours around Southwest Virginia. These tours consist of short 2 hour hikes, half-day, and overnight adventures. Justin is a graduate of Emory and Henry College with studies in Biology. His expertise in hiking, backpacking, and wildlife make for a great experience learning more about the Southwest Virginia outdoors.  Justin’s tours are great for individuals, couples, families, kids, and other groups. ......

August 13, 2021

In today’s episode, we spoke about all things Front Porch Fest with founders Chris and Sarah. We learn about Front Porch Fest, its origins, how it gives back, who all is performing, and what it’s like to attend. Front Porch Fest is a music festival located in beautiful Patrick County, Virginia, and takes place on Spirithaven Farm in Stuart. During the festival, you will experience various genres of music, performers, food, beer, and the great......

August 6, 2021

Today, we are chatting with Wythevillve Downtown Executive Director Todd Wolford about the exciting downtown of Wytheville and some upcoming events in 2021. Wytheville in a central hub destination in Southwest Virginia off I-81. If you’re looking to travel to West Virginia, North Carolina, Northern Virginia, or Southwest Virginia, chances are, you’ll be passing through Wytheville. Coming out of the pandemic, Todd and the team at Wytheville want to give back to the local community......

June 18, 2021

In today’s episode, I had the chance to sit down and talk with Tourism Director David Rotenizer, Hammer & Forge Brewing owner Caleb Williamson, Chaos Mountain Brewing owner Joseph Hallock. We talked about all things brewing including start-ups, passion projects, innovation, and more. I had the chance to visit both of these breweries back in April of this year and enjoyed both. I went back to Franklin County in May to attend the Chaos Mountain......

June 9, 2021

In today’s episode of the podcast, I am joined by ‘Round the Mountain Artisan Henri de Hahn to talk about his life of traveling, settling in the region, and his hand-carved, hand-painted snakes. Henri was such a fun quest to speak with on the interpretations of art, various mediums, and how the materials often determine the art. If you would like to learn more about Henri and his work, be sure to view his website here.......

April 9, 2021

Today’s episode continues the Franklin County Moonshine Heritage month episodes. Today we chat with Franklin County Tourism Director, David Rotenizer, Bethany Worley Director of the Blue Ridge Institute and Museum, and Karen Dillion Editor of the Franklin News-Post. In this episode, we talk about what events visitors can expect to participate in during Moonshine Heritage Month, a month-long celebration of moonshine heritage in Franklin County. Two larger events of interest include a themed car show......

April 3, 2021

In today’s episode of the Stories from Southwest Virginia podcast, I take the show to the Moonshine Capital of Franklin County, Virginia. I am joined by Franklin County Tourism Director, David Rotenizer, Twin Creeks Distillery, and Laws Choice. This special edition episode takes a deep dive into SWVA Moonshine’s history with stories of the past. Sit back as we talk about the days of prohibition, bootlegging, and homemade moonshine production. We also take a look......

April 1, 2021

In today’s special edition episode, we dive into the history of Holston Mountain Artisans located in Abingdon, Virginia. Formed in 1971, Holston Mountain Artisans has spent the last 50 years helping artisans within a 75-mile radius of Abingdon, Virginia. Originally located at the Cave House Craft Shop on main street, Holston Mountain is now located in the old Washington County Jail on Park Street.  Today I was joined by Kathy, Eric, Rees, and Sara  ......

March 23, 2021

This week on the podcast, I spoke with Micah Davidson of Midwood Entertainment about music and events in Southwest Virginia. Micah and I went into detail about his role at events at the Harvester (A Crooked Road Venue) and his involvement with the annual Bristol Rythm and Roots Reunion. We shared stories of music and our childhood, the history of music and SWVA, and laughs about our graying hair. To learn more about Micah and his organization, Midwood Entertainment, be sure to check......

March 23, 2021

In today’s episode, we had the opportunity to speak with Helen at Wolf Hills Coffee in Abingdon, Virginia. A great little local coffee shop, unlike any other out there. Aside from enjoying the traditional offerings like coffee and cafe items, you can also find great local tea and hard cider. Wolf Hills Coffee shares space with Tumbling Creek Cider and Appalachian Teas and Botanicals. This wonderful little shop is also a great spot to do some remote work, homework for......

March 23, 2021

On today’s episode of the Stories from Southwest Virginia podcast, I had a conversation with Western Front & Sessions Hotel partner, Hal Craddock. Hal took the time to tell us about what you can experience at these hotels as well as the areas that surround them. We covered the idea of storytelling and how boutique hotels offer such a unique experience to guests. I myself had the pleasure of staying at the Western Front Hotel......

February 26, 2021

This week, we sat down with Mark and Justen of Tumbling Creek Cider Company out of Meadowview, Virginia. A relatively new cider company of only a few years providing a fine variety, Tumbling Creek Cider Company is a statement of SWVA entrepreneurship. Holding true to SWVA style, Tumbling Creek works with local businesses and orchards to keep their stock here at home. Tumbling Creek offers around five main ciders in their taproom: Moonshot Hellbender Ridgerunner......

February 11, 2021

This week we had the opportunity to speak with ‘Round the Mountain Artisan and writer, Greg Lilly of Abingdon, Virginia. Greg has written a number of books such as Stray, The Wolf Crystal, and The Devils Bridge. It was great to get to hear first hand how Greg got his start, learn about his life and his love for the Southwest Virginia area. From Greg’s biography: Greg Lilly grew up in Bristol, Virginia then lived......

February 5, 2021

In this episode of the Stories from Southwest Virginia Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Ms. Adda “Addie” Leah Davis. Ms. Davis is not only a member of ‘Round the Mountain but also a wonderful writer, currently living in Russell County, Virginia. Adda or “Addie” as she was nicknamed took the time to tell me stories of her childhood, her writing processes, and life living in both West Virginia and Virginia. Addie has......

December 18, 2020

Welcome to the first of our Artist interview series! For this premiere episode, we had the chance to sit down with Daniel Scott of Artistic Kindling to talk to him about his craft. The type of work Daniel performs is called marquetry. Marquetry (also spelled as marqueterie; from the French marqueter, to variegate) is the art and craft of applying pieces of veneer to a structure to form decorative patterns, designs or pictures. Daniel creates......

November 23, 2020

What is ecotourism you might ask? noun tourism directed toward exotic, often threatened, natural environments, intended to support conservation efforts and observe wildlife. In this episode, we had the opportunity to speak with guest Austin Counts from Appalachian Voices. Appalachian Voices is an organization located in Southwest Virginia that aims to reclaim abandoned lands within the region. Their goal is to claim these lands which were once used for things such as mining and turn......

September 4, 2020

There is no question that the 19th Amendment to the Constitution was an important one. This Amendment gave women the right to vote. Today, we pay respects to the women who fought hard for this prestigious cause. It’s hard to imagine a time when women were not treated equally as men in regards to their privilege to vote. Today I speak with two very special guests, Karen Hester and Jan Medeiros. Two amazing ladies who......

August 28, 2020

In today’s episode, I had the chance to speak with Michael Gillman about the work he does at the Thomas J. Boyd Museum in Wytheville, Virginia. Michael is the Coordinator of Heritage Sites and Programs for the Wytheville Department of Museums. The Department of Museums includes three museums and a museum gift shop located in downtown Wytheville. I had the pleasure of visiting the Thomas J. Boyd museum for a feature story on the Polio......

August 7, 2020

This week, I had the pleasure of speaking with country music artist Ella Patrick (Momma Molasses). We have a delightful conversation about music, roots, fun stories, and life during COVID as an artist. Patrick has spent the majority of her life in the world of music. She was born and raised in North Carolina and just a couple years ago moved to Bristol, Tennesse, the Birthplace of Country Music. From her Facebook Page: “Momma Molasses’ music......

July 31, 2020

With the events going on around the world today, there was little hope for live theatre performances in 2020. The Barter Theatre in Abingdon Virginia had other plans, however. An idea sparked of an outdoor theatre, perhaps at the old Moonlite Drive-In, just a couple exits down the road. This idea would become a reality, a one of a kind idea because after all, “The show must go on.” On today’s Stories from Southwest Virginia......

July 17, 2020

Today I had the chance to speak with Alicia Phelps, Executive Director of the Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association. Alicia has been doing some great work with Northeast Tennessee Tourism for a while now and we wanted to chat with her about some amazing things to see and do in their neck of the woods. Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association has been around since the 1970s and over the past 40 years have done a lot to......

July 10, 2020

In today’s episode, I had the chance to speak with Assistant Director of Tourism, Amanda Livingston about some great things going on in Abingdon, Virginia. Like many areas in Southwest Virginia and all across the nation Abingdon has suffered from the COVID19 pandemic. As a thriving tourist town, this small community hasn’t let current day struggles interrupt their stride. Creative and innovative are just two terms to describe how this community has come together to......

July 3, 2020

The Pakalachian Food truck has become a staple of the Southwest Virginia food scene. The truck in conjunction with its name makes food options that combine traditional Appalachian dishes with that of Pakistani meals. The Pakalachian is a beautiful story of love, food, and culture, between truck owners Katlin and Moshin. At first, they were not sure what big adventure they wanted to embark on. One day while driving through Rural Retreat, Virginia, the idea......

June 26, 2020

Today’s episode we take a delicious dive into the story behind Greeko’s Grill and Cafe in Abingdon, Virginia. I had the pleasure of speaking with the owner and chef Mustafa about how Greeko’s got its start in Abingdon. Mustafa was a pleasure to speak with and you can tell he truly has a love and passion for what he does. Greeko’s features a full Greek menu complete with items such as salads, soups, pasta, pitas,......

June 19, 2020

In today’s episode, I am joined by Beth Ford and Julie Steel representing the Reynolds Homestead in Patrick County, Virginia. The Reynolds Homestead is an Outreach Campus Center of Virginia Tech housing both a community outreach center and a forestry research center. The homestead is also the birthplace of both R.J. and A.D. Reynold. This year, the homestead is celebrating it’s 50th year anniversary, although festivities have been moved to the 2021 season due to......

June 12, 2020

Join us in Exploring The Crooked Road with Carrie Beck In today’s episode, we wrap up our current music series with The Crooked Road Executive Director, Carrie Beck. The Crooked Road is Southwest Virginia’s Musical Heritage Trail and it covers over 300 miles of music, history, community, and heritage. Carrie talks to us about things The Crooked Road has done and has in store for music in SWVA. We also cover various stories, talk about......

June 5, 2020

Today we’re taking a look into Floyd County, Virginia, and how it has helped shape and establish the music and heritage of Southwest Virginia. Floyd County is home to the Floyd Country Store, The Handmade Music School, and County Sales. Listen in as Dylan Locke tells us about these three places of interest along The Crooked Road and learn some more about Southwest Virginia musical history and heritage! Music from today’s podcast is by The......

May 29, 2020

We are excited to announce and welcome you to our first podcast episode on “Stories of Southwest Virginia”. In this premiere episode we had the pleasure of interviewing Mr. Tyler Huges of Big Stone Gap, Virginia. In this episode we talk with Musician and Educator Tyler Hughes about the music and dance in SWVA. We take a dive into Big Stone Gap, Virginia, and learn about the history, culture, and storytelling aspects of SWVA music.......

May 22, 2020

More Episodes

25 Oct, 2021
April 3, 2021
Moonshine Heritage Month with Franklin County: Part 2Chad Thompson
Today’s episode continues the Franklin County Moonshine Heritage month episodes. Today we chat with Franklin County Tourism Director, David Rotenizer,
25 Oct, 2021
April 1, 2021
Moonshine Heritage Month with Twin Creeks Distillery and Law’s ChoiceChad Thompson
In today’s episode of the Stories from Southwest Virginia podcast, I take the show to the Moonshine Capital of Franklin
25 Oct, 2021
March 23, 2021
Holston Mountain Artisans: Celebrating 50 YearsChad Thompson
In today’s special edition episode, we dive into the history of Holston Mountain Artisans located in Abingdon, Virginia. Formed in
25 Oct, 2021
March 23, 2021
SWVA Music & Festivals with Midwood EntertainmentChad Thompson
This week on the podcast, I spoke with Micah Davidson of Midwood Entertainment about music and events in Southwest Virginia. Micah and
25 Oct, 2021
March 23, 2021
Wolf Hills Coffee with HelenChad Thompson
In today’s episode, we had the opportunity to speak with Helen at Wolf Hills Coffee in Abingdon, Virginia. A great little local
25 Oct, 2021
February 26, 2021
The Western Front & Sessions Hotel with Hal CraddockChad Thompson
On today’s episode of the Stories from Southwest Virginia podcast, I had a conversation with Western Front & Sessions Hotel
25 Oct, 2021
February 11, 2021
Tumbling Creek Cider: A Taste of Southwest VirginiaChad Thompson
This week, we sat down with Mark and Justen of Tumbling Creek Cider Company out of Meadowview, Virginia. A relatively
25 Oct, 2021
February 5, 2021
Artisan Interview with writer Greg LillyChad Thompson
This week we had the opportunity to speak with ‘Round the Mountain Artisan and writer, Greg Lilly of Abingdon, Virginia.
25 Oct, 2021
December 18, 2020
Adda Leah Davis: ‘Round the Mountain InterviewsChad Thompson
In this episode of the Stories from Southwest Virginia Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Ms. Adda “Addie”
25 Oct, 2021
November 23, 2020
Artist Interview: Daniel Scott, Artistic KindlingChad Thompson
Welcome to the first of our Artist interview series! For this premiere episode, we had the chance to sit down

Be on an Episode!

We love hearing amazing stories from Southwest Virginia and are always on the lookout for new and exciting ones! Rather you want to share about your local community, business, or love for the region, we’re excited to have you!

If you or your organization would like to be on an episode of Stories from Southwest Virginia, please use the following contact form for more information.