Voices of Hope NRV
Voices of Hope is a podcast from New River Valley Community Services, hosted by Mike Wade and Ross Wilsie.
Each episode explores the themes of hope and wellness at every level: individual, family, community, and the wider world around us. Through real stories and honest conversations, Mike and Ross highlight the people and practices that nurture resilience and connection in Virginia’s New River Valley. Whether it’s through recovery, service, creativity, or exploring the NRV’s natural beauty, Voices of Hope reminds us that hope is not just an idea – it’s something we build together.
Listen, join the conversation, and remember: hope grows when we share it.
Episodes
11 episodes
Jennifer Smith
Jennifer Smith is the CEO of New River Community Action, a nonprofit serving the New River Valley through programs like Head Start, housing assistance, and food pantries. A Navy veteran and attorney who has worked with international nonprofits ...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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31:21
Keith Whyte
Keith Whyte is President of Safer Gambling Strategies LLC and a national leader in responsible gambling and gambling addiction prevention. Keith has spent the past 30 years shaping policy, advising organizations, and helping design progra...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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40:25
Chris Brown
Chris Brown is President of the National Fatherhood Initiative (NFI). Chris leads the organization’s work to help communities and human service organizations become more father-inclusive, strengthening families and supporting better outcomes fo...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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39:48
Brianna Bonat
Brianna Bonat serves as the Director of Public Health and Engagement at the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority (CCA). Brianna’s work focuses on making sure public health stays at the center of how cannabis policy and education show up in Virgi...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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24:41
Keith Cartwright
Keith Cartwright is the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Coordinator for the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. He leads a statewide effort to raise awareness of how early childhood experiences shape lifelo...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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45:48
Sophie Wenzel
Dr. Sophie Wenzel is associate professor of practice and the associate director for the Center for Public Health Practice and Research at Virginia Tech. She’s spent more than two decades working in public health, from serving in the Peace Corps...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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28:24
Karen Rodden
Let’s take a quick trip back in time. Our destination? Monday, December 15, 1975.Gerald Ford is President of the United States. The #1 song on the Billboard Hot 100 chart is "That's the Way (I Like It)" by KC and the Sunshine Band and t...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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15:14
Chris McKlarney
Chris McKlarney is the epitome of what a public servant should be. As the long-time administrator for Giles County - a small rural community in southwest Virginia - Chris has proven time and time again that he is more than willing to roll up hi...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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34:18
Meredith Lane
Meredith Lane is a student at Virginia Tech, an intern with the NRV Regional Commission, and a person in recovery. Meredith shares about her many endeavors as an advocate and champion for both restorative justice, as well as harm reduction, and...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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38:48
