Best River Ridge Podcasts (2026)

This week our Director of Youth and Family, Nathan Hutzel, preaches from Matthew 16:24-28 that following Jesus means losing our lives now in faithful obedience to gain true life with Him forever.

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Community Health: Flu Season Survival Guide 24:08

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1d ago24:08

24:08

Why This Year's Influenza Outbreak Demands Your Attention Virginia finds itself in the dark red zone on the CDC's influenza activity map, signaling a "very high" level of flu cases sweeping across the Commonwealth. This alarming development prompts Janet Michael, host of The Valley Today, to reach out to Dr. Jeff Feit for an urgent conversation abo…

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Laurel Ridge 101 29:19

3d ago29:19

29:19

Laurel Ridge Community College isn't just accepting applications—it's actively dismantling the barriers that keep people from pursuing their educational dreams. In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael talks with Guy Curtis, the college's Director of Marketing, and Brandy Hawkins Boies, Director of PR and Special Events, to explore h…

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Front Royal Chamber: A Season of Anticipation 23:03

4d ago23:03

23:03

As the new year unfolds, the Front Royal Warren County Chamber of Commerce is buzzing with excitement and preparation. In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael welcomes Niki Foster for a lively conversation about the organization's signature events and the many ways residents and members can get involved. Their discussion, filled wit…

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Winchester Little Theatre: Wait Until Dark 32:04

5d ago32:04

32:04

Setting the Scene Winchester Little Theater is abuzz with excitement as the cast and crew prepare for their latest production, "Wait Until Dark." In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael sits down with director Joette Orndorff, actors Avery Busch and Tim Bambara to discuss the journey from auditions to opening night. Their lively con…

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Danuvius, of the Celtic River God 21:38

5d ago21:38

21:38

(image source: https://www.sci.news/othersciences/anthropology/danuvius-guggenmosi-07779.html) Host Matthew Donald and guest co-host Stephen Curro discuss Danuvius, an ape that might have been the missing link between swinging through the trees, walking on the ground, and walking on two legs. That’s a lot of links we found in one animal. From the E…

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Summit Events: More Than Weddings 23:34

6d ago23:34

23:34

A Vision Beyond the Turntables When Ben Savory, owner of Summit Events, last joined Janet Michael on The Valley Today in March 2024, he had just been named Entrepreneur of the Year by the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber. Fast forward to 2026, and Ben's journey is a testament to what happens when ambition meets community spirit. In their latest con…

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609: Veterans Poetry Project - Perseverance and Resilience 16:02

6d ago16:02

16:02

Marine Veteran Wayne David Hubbard of Winchester joins Barry on this first episode of 2026 to talk about the 'Veterans Poetry Project - Perseverance and Resilience'. David talks about upcoming local workshops and an anthology to help veterans share their experience through writing. www.veteranspoetryproject7.wordpress.com…

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Democratizing Philanthropy: How Giving Circles Empower Our Community 24:51

9d ago24:51

24:51

A Fresh Start for Philanthropy in the Valley As the calendar turns to 2026, United Way of Northern Shenandoah Valley (UWNSV) is charting an ambitious course for community engagement and philanthropy. In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael sat down with UWNSV CEO Andy Gail to discuss the organization's evolving mission, innovative g…

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Episode 85: 12/28/25- Keys to Kingdom Succession- Pastor Derek Olson 33:50

10d ago33:50

33:50

Pastor Derek preaches from Mathew 7:24-27 that the firm foundation of God's Word is the key to successful kingdom living.

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Arkansas Wildlife Podcast Ep. 81: The Legacy Lunker Program: A New Era for Arkansas Bass Fishing 30:37

11d ago30:37

30:37

Join host Trey Reid with guests Jeremy Risley and Will Lancet from Arkansas Game and Fish Commissions Fisheries Division in the latest episode of the Arkansas Wildlife Podcast as they discusses the exciting launch of the Legacy Lunker Program. They delve into details about the program's aim to enhance the genetics of Arkansas's bass population thro…

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Public Safety Tuesday: The Fast Lane and the Fine Line 30:58

11d ago30:58

30:58

As the holiday season sweeps through the Valley, host Janet Michael welcomes Captain Warren Gosnell of the Frederick County Sheriff's Office into the studio for a lively yet sobering episode of "The Valley Today." Their conversation, peppered with humor and personal anecdotes, dives deep into the realities of holiday travel, the temptations of mode…

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Rapetosaurus, the Malagasy Giant Lizard Again 24:16

12d ago24:16

24:16

(image source: https://www.irishnews.com/lifestyle/2023/05/17/news/new_series_of_prehistoric_planet_brings_dinosaurs_back_to_life-3281275/) In this fifth episode of Paleo Paleo Bites, where the show takes a month off releasing new episodes so Matthew Donald can rebuild a backlog of episodes to release later (I’ve got holiday plans, okay?! Leave me …

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Heat or Eat 26:31

13d ago26:31

26:31

With the holiday season in full swing, many of us are reminded to give back. Yet, for thousands in the Valley, hunger is a persistent, year-round struggle. In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael talks with Les Sinclair, Communications and PR Manager for the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, to discuss the ongoing fight against food insecu…

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Episode 20: Sermon Series Review & Preview 40:14

13d ago40:14

40:14

Pastor Derek reviews our time spent in the Beatitudes and discusses our upcoming sermon series in Genesis.

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608: A New Year ... Try Not To Get It Dirty 8:52

13d ago8:52

8:52

On this episode Barry celebrates the arrival of 2026 with some fun observations about resolutions and old folklore good-luck traditions on how to start off a new year.By Barry Lee

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The Story Behind Winchester's Wishing Trees 25:26

16d ago25:26

25:26

While visiting a Christmas village in Switzerland, Donnie was captivated by a simple yet powerful tradition: trees adorned with handwritten wishes from people of all ages. Inspired, Donnie brought the idea home to Winchester, determined to create a space where her own community could share their hopes, dreams, and even their burdens. This vision bl…

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Episode 19: Hypostatic Union 35:51

18d ago35:51

35:51

Pastor Derek and Nathan discuss the hypostatic union and why it matters to the gospel.

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Episode 19: Hypostatic Union 35:51

18d ago35:51

35:51

Pastor Derek and Nathan discuss the hypostatic union and why it matters to the gospel.

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Holiday Traditions Unwrapped: Local Leaders Share Their Stories 26:43

19d ago26:43

26:43

As the holiday season sweeps through the Valley, host of The Valley Today, Janet Michael invites listeners to step into the warmth of community traditions in a special episode. This festive conversation, woven from interviews with local leaders, business owners, and community members, offers a delightful tapestry of Christmas customs, heartfelt mem…

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Proa, the Prow of Val de Arino Again 27:10

19d ago27:10

27:10

(image source: https://www.thoughtco.com/ornithopod-dinosaur-pictures-and-profiles-4043320) In this fourth episode of Paleo Paleo Bites, where the show takes a month off releasing new episodes so Matthew Donald can rebuild a backlog of episodes to release later (I got a life outside this show, believe it or not!) and digs up older episodes to rerel…

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Wine Wisdom for the Holidays 18:39

20d ago18:39

18:39

As the holiday season approaches, many of us find ourselves pondering the perfect bottle of wine to bring to festive gatherings or to gift our gracious hosts. In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael talks with Lisa Bell, owner of LK Wine Tours and Sales, to demystify the world of wine and offer practical advice for both novices and …

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Episode 84: Hypostatic Union 35:51

20d ago35:51

35:51

Pastor Derek and Nathan discuss the hypostatic union and why it matters to the gospel.

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607: Bringing In a New Year, In Old Town Winchester! 16:21

20d ago16:21

16:21

On this episode, Barry celebrates the arrival of Christmas this week with some fun observations, and also sits down with Brad Veach, Executive Director of the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival to chat about New Year's Eve in Old Town Winchester. The Festival and City of Winchester will be hosting a 6-hour laser light show with music, street perform…

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Collecting Community: How the MSV Tells the Valley's Story 30:18

23d ago30:18

30:18

The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley (MSV) is more than just a repository of artifacts—it's a vibrant center for community, history, and storytelling. In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael sits down with Scott Stroh, the museum's new Executive Director and CEO, and Nick Powers, Curator of Collections, to discuss the MSV's evolving …

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Community Health: A Guide to Valley Health Urgent Care Services 20:47

24d ago20:47

20:47

When a sudden illness or injury strikes, knowing where to seek care can make all the difference. In this episode of The Valley Today Community Health series, host Janet Michael talks with Dr. Jeffrey Hoefle, board-certified Urgent Care physician and Urgent Care Medical Director at Valley Health, to demystify the options available to patients in the…

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SBA: AI and Small Business 35:50

25d ago35:50

35:50

In a lively episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael welcomes Carl Knoblock, Virginia District Director of the Small Business Administration, for a candid discussion about artificial intelligence (AI) and its growing influence on small businesses. Meeting at the bustling Espresso Bar in downtown Winchester, the two dive into the realities, m…

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On the Hunt: Holiday Shopping in Old Town Winchester 20:03

26d ago20:03

20:03

On a blustery Thursday, The Valley Today host Janet Michael and Brady Cloven, Executive Director of Friends of Old Town, set out on a spirited adventure through Winchester's historic walking mall. Their mission? To uncover the best last-minute holiday gifts while showcasing the vibrant local businesses that make Old Town a shopping destination. Des…

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Albertosaurus, the Alberta Lizard Again 28:20

26d ago28:20

28:20

(image source: https://pixels.com/featured/albertosaurus-mohamad-haghani.html) In this third episode of Paleo Paleo Bites, where the show takes a month off releasing new episodes so Matthew Donald can rebuild a backlog of episodes to release later (this show has been consistent for over half a decade at this point, give me a break) and digs up olde…

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Episode 83: The Way of Jesus 42:18

26d ago42:18

42:18

Pastor Derek preaches from Matthew 7:13-23 that the way of Christ's kingdom may come with hardship but it's blessing is genuine faith that fuels fruit.

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Luray/Page Chamber: Faith Christian Stores of VA 22:27

27d ago22:27

22:27

As the holiday season sweeps through the Shenandoah Valley, the spirit of community shines brightly in Luray, Virginia. On this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael welcomes Gina Hilliard, president of the Luray-Page Chamber of Commerce, and Brian Sutphin, owner of Faith Christian Stores of Virginia, for a lively conversation about local…

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Episode 18: Christmas Reflections Pt. 2 38:35

27d ago38:35

38:35

Pastor Derek and Nathan reflect on Christmas.

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251 - Hunting Giants: Amy Siewe, The Python Huntress, on Battling an Invasive Predator in the Florida Everglades 34:08

27d ago34:08

34:08

In this episode of the HuntFishTravel Podcast, I sit down with Amy Siewe, better known as The Python Huntress. Amy is a professional python hunter working on the front lines of conservation in Florida, helping remove one of the most destructive invasive species in North America. We talk about how she went from real estate broker to full-time python…

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606: Re-gifting, Office Parties & the Hallmark Drinking Game 8:48

27d ago8:48

8:48

On this episode Barry dives deeper into the Christmas season and spirit by passing along tips on re-gifting, office party etiquette, the Hallmark drinking game, and gifts for under zero cents. He also talks about hanging the outdoor lights with his adult daughter ... a tradition that dates back to when she was little.…

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Rooted in Community: Plant Clinics, Seed Swaps, and Christmas Cactus 29:06

30d ago29:06

29:06

In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael welcomes a panel of passionate Extension Master Gardeners—Carole Belkin, Barbara Bosserman, and Joanne Royaltey—to share the excitement surrounding two beloved community events: the Indoor Plant Clinic at Bowman Library and the annual Seed Exchange at the Clarke County Fairgrounds. As winter s…

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Bridging High School and College: The Dual Enrollment Advantage 26:48

1M ago26:48

26:48

In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael talks with Dr. Cheri Maea, Dean of Early College and High School Partnerships, and Guy Curtis, Director of Marketing at Laurel Ridge Community College, to discuss the transformative power of early college and dual enrollment programs. As the spring semester approaches, the conversation shines …

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Top of Virginia Regional Chamber Membership Has Its Benefits 27:26

1M ago27:26

27:26

In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael welcomes Danita Roble, Director of Membership, and Blair Jewell, Director of Marketing and Communications at the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber. Together, they explore the transformative impact of chamber membership on local businesses, emphasizing that the true value lies far beyond a simpl…

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#72 - Vetus Distillery w/ Kate Kercheva 1:00:08

1M ago1:00:08

1:00:08

In this episode I traveled to Monroe, North Carolina to chat with Kate Kercheva, the wife of the fantastic husband and wife team behind Vetus Distillery who pride themselves on sharing their Bulgarian traditions and roots! I can't thank Kate enough for her generosity and hospitality and I can't wait to make it back to enjoy more of their delicious …

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Arkansas Wildlife Podcast Episode 81: Arkansas Emergency Trout Regulations: Insights and Impacts 43:12

1M ago43:12

43:12

Welcome to the Arkansas Wildlife Podcast, the official podcast of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. In this episode, host Trey Reid is joined by Christy Graham, Trout Program Coordinator, and Vic DeCenzo, Assistant Chief in the Fisheries Division, to discuss the recent emergency trout regulations passed by the Commission. They delve into the r…

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Barns of Rose Hill: Art, Music, and Community 30:51

1M ago30:51

30:51

As the winter chill settles over Berryville, the Barns of Rose Hill is anything but dormant. In this episode of "Tourism Tuesday" on The Valley Today, host Janet Michael talks with Executive Director Martha Reynolds to discuss the dynamic calendar of events, exhibits, and community initiatives that will keep the arts alive and thriving well into 20…

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Orkoraptor, the Toothed River Thief Again 21:57

1M ago21:57

21:57

(image source: https://jurassicdna.com/dino-tracker/orkoraptor/) In this second episode of Paleo Paleo Bites, where the show takes a month off releasing new episodes to Matthew Donald can rebuild a backlog of episodes to release later (it takes a lot to keep the weekly release of this show going for 6+ years!) and digs up older episodes to rereleas…

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Episode 82: 12/7/25- Exercising Judgement- Pastor Derek Olson 44:04

1M ago44:04

44:04

Pastor Derek preaches from Matthew 7:1-12 that the judgement we engage in with one another is to reflect God's judgement toward us in Christ.

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Woodstock's Hometown Holidays 18:30

1M ago18:30

18:30

Woodstock is gearing up for its first-ever two-day Hometown Holidays celebration, and excitement is in the air. In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael talks with Jen Dufner, the town's marketing and events coordinator, to discuss the expanded festivities, the challenges of organizing such an event, and the unique experiences awaiti…

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Episode 17: Christmas Reflections Pt. 1 38:33

1M ago38:33

38:33

Pastor Derek and Nathan begin to reflect on the Christmas story in scripture.

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605: You're Not Alone Ministry 20:42

1M ago20:42

20:42

From hurt, to help, to healing ... 'You're Not Alone Ministry' ... Support for Mental Health Challenges. Joining Barry on this episode are Alan Umstead, Sylvia Tarro and Dan Skoda who share their personal stories of how they helped start this ministry that provides support groups and resources for individuals and families facing mental health chall…

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Behold God is Working in the Waiting 30:33

1M ago30:33

30:33

By Jarrod Muller

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Bonus Episode: Lake Wales Ridge Fire Fest 46:33

1M ago46:33

46:33

Last month I had the incredible pleasure of not only attending the inaugural Lake Wales Ridge Fire Festival, but sitting down on stage with three leaders in local, state, and regional fire management efforts to learn more about what they do and why the role of fire is important to the story of protecting and connecting wild Florida. It was a great …

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More Than Medicine: Building a Culture of Care at Valley Health 23:22

1M ago23:22

23:22

When host of The Valley Today, Janet Michael steps into Winchester Medical Center, she's greeted not only by a freshly rearranged office but by the unwavering enthusiasm of Chris Rucker, Chief Administrative Officer for Valley Health. Their lively conversation reveals what it takes to maintain a thriving healthcare workforce — especially in a profe…

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Public Safety Thursday: Don't Click That Link! 26:57

1M ago26:57

26:57

When Public Safety Thursday on The Valley Today kicks off with a moment of accidental dead air, Captain Warren Gosnell of the Frederick County Sheriff's Office doesn't miss a beat. Instead, he turns Janet Michael's radio-studio nightmare into a teaching moment—because in today's tech-driven world, even the smallest glitch can open the door to troub…