Main Street Speaks

By Main Street Speaks

A podcast that covers rural news, politics, and history from the perspective of three college students from the Northern Neck of Virginia.

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Environmental Justice In Virginia

Main Street Speaks Feb 25, 2022

00:00

23:17

How Do Students Learn About the Environment?

For this episode we talk with two public school teachers about how students learn about the environment and how they balance standards of learning with knowledge from lived experiences.

This episode is part of our series with the University of Virginia's Repair Lab. We hope you enjoy.

Help our podcast grow by subscribing, leaving ratings, and engaging with us on Twitter @mainstspeaks and Facebook. We also love hearing from our listeners, so feel free to email us with any comments or questions at mainstreetspeaks@gmail.com.

Apr 11, 202232:16

County-Level Climate Action with Narissa Turner

Tune in to this week's episode as we speak with Climate Action Advocate, Narissa Turner, about Albemarle County's Climate Action Plan. We speak about the details of county-level climate action, its advantages, and drawbacks. You can check out the 2020 Climate Action Plan here!

This episode is part of our series with the University of Virginia's Repair Lab. We hope you enjoy.

Mar 26, 202219:59

How To Manage an Aquifer

Join us as we discuss the Potomac Aquifer, the primary groundwater supply of eastern Virginia. We learn from the Virginia DEQ's Ryan Green about the aquifer being overdrawn and the consequences thereof, and we talk about how the case of the aquifer is a good analog to many other questions in environmental management.

Mar 13, 202216:53

Environmental Justice In Virginia

For this episode, we speak with Tyneshia Griffin of the New Virginia Majority about environmental justice and environmental challenges in the state of Virginia.

Feb 25, 202223:17

Higher Education in the US Prison System

On this episode, the Tahi, Denzel, and Avery explore Higher Education in the US Prison System. From conversations with Dave Keel with Rappahannock Community College to discussions with previously incarcerated individuals, we investigate the various benefits of such rehabilitative programs.

By speaking with Shawnta Montgomery and Rodney Spivey-Jones, we take a special look into the Bard Prison Initiative, a higher education program featured in Lynn Novak and Ken Burns' Hit Netflix series "College Behind Bars". We also hear from prison reform activist and George Mason PhD candidate, Brandon Brown.

We encourage you to give the episode a listen, watch College Behind Bars, and read Rodney Spivey-Jones' Senior Project

Feb 12, 202229:39

Season 3: Welcome Back!

We're back for Season 3 and are excited to share our newest episodes with you! Give this episode a listen to learn about our plans for Season 3, which includes episodes made in partnership with the University of Virginia's Repair Lab. We hope you enjoy and you will hear from us soon!

Help our podcast grow by subscribing, leaving ratings, and engaging with us on Twitter (@mainstspeaks) and Facebook. We also love hearing from our listeners, so feel free to email us with any comments or questions at mainstreetspeaks@gmai.com

Feb 09, 202202:18

Storytelling on the Northern Neck with Denise DeVries

Today, Denzel speaks with author Denise DeVries about the writing community on the Northern Neck, her work, and the inspiration behind her work. Check out her books here. And keep up with her open houses on her Facebook page.

Aug 05, 202114:29

Mass Incarceration in Rural Areas

On this episode, Avery speaks with Jasmine Heiss from the Vera Institute of Justice to discuss mass incarceration in rural areas.

Jul 23, 202120:39

Criminal Justice and Mental Health in Rural Va

For this episode, we speak with Northumberland County’s Commonwealth’s Attorney Jane Wrightson, about her role, criminal justice reform, and the worse case her office has ever tried.

Music: https://www.bensound.com

Jul 09, 202131:27

Breaking News!!: The Future of Local Journalism

Local reporting is important. In fact it’s sort of what we do on Main Street Speaks. So for this episode we speak with Christine Schmidt of the Local News Lab, and Bud Meyer and Andy Alexander of Foothills Forum — a nonprofit that provides independent journalism to the local newspaper, Rappahannock News — about the importance of local news and its future.

Jun 23, 202119:49

A Conversation with Princess Blanding, Contender for Virginia's Gubernatorial Race

In this episode, Avery speaks with community organizer and independent party candidate for Virginia’s gubernatorial race, Ms. Princess Blanding. Avery and Ms. Blanding speak about the importance of community activism, her perspective on Virginia politics, and her goals as governor if she were to win the race.

While Democratic Party governors prepare for the primaries on June 8th, Ms. Blanding and her campaign are fighting to get on the ballot before that date. To support Ms. Blanding and her candidacy go to www.princessblanding.org and sign the petition form. Signing this petition does not act as a formal vote, but will help to ensure that Virginia will have a third-party candidate on the November ballot.

Jun 03, 202157:41

Celebrating Youth Poetry

In this episode, we celebrate National Poetry Month (April) by listening to the work of four young poets and students from Northumberland. In addition to hearing their poems about identity and background, we discuss poetry as a medium, creative expression, and the valuing of young voices.

Apr 30, 202124:23

MSC: From Drama Major to Lawyer with Erin Hapgood

In this episode Denzel speaks with Erin Hapgood — Northumberland County, Virginia’s Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney. Erin shares a bit about her journey to law school, how she found the Northern Neck of Virginia, and what her job as Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney consists of.

Apr 15, 202118:08

Voting Rights, Broadband Funding, and Other State Laws

In this episode, we cover Virginia’s new Voting Rights Act, the ending of the Death Penalty, new broadband funding, and some of the other new laws and policies that have come out of Richmond in recent months.

Apr 08, 202119:43

MSC: Home On--and Outside of--the Northern Neck, with Iris Lane

This week, listen to Tahi's conversation with Iris Lane, a lifelong Northern Neck resident and current member of the Westmoreland County School Board.

Apr 01, 202116:16

Rural Environmentalism

In this episode, we discuss the various facets of rural environmentalism, including local vs. global environmental consciousness, participatory policymaking, environmental injustice, and whether the rural-urban environmental divide exists. You'll hear from Emily Diamond, professor of environmental communication at the University of Rhode Island, and Mike Ahart, president of the Northumberland Association of Progressive Stewardship.

Mar 25, 202125:20

MSC: Why Libraries Matter with Jane Blue

Today Denzel speaks with Jane Blue — the Director of Northumberland Public Library. In this conversation, Director Blue tells us about what it is like to run a rural library, the challenges her library has faced during the pandemic, and why a library is the center of a community.

Mar 18, 202131:02

Virtual Learning Burnout

For this episode we speak with Mykel Cox — a high school student at Northumberland High School who has had to tackle the challenges of virtual learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Like all of us, Mykel has not had an easy time adjusting to life during the pandemic. But, he has learned some valuable lessons during these hard times.

Music: https://www.bensound.com

Mar 04, 202126:38

MSC: Cosmopolitanism and Identity with Ilona Duncan

In this episode, Tahi speaks with Ilona Duncan; writer, musician, traveler, and polyglot; about lessons from living around the world, notions of identity and background, the importance of music, and much more. You can learn more about her writing at https://www.ilonaduncan.com/.

Help our podcast grow by subscribing, leaving ratings, sharing with friends, and engaging with us on Twitter (@mainstspeaks) and Facebook. We love hearing from listeners-- email us at mainstreetspeaks@gmail.com.

Feb 25, 202120:40

Rural Law, Resentment, and Development with Emily Prifogle

In this episode, we examine the history and present of rural resentment, the way law impacts rural areas, the historical identity of rural communities, and much more with Emily Prifogle, JD/PhD, a legal historian and professor of law at the University of Michigan.

Have an idea for an episode? Or want to share your own story? Email us at mainstreetspeaks@gmail.com. We can also be reached on Twitter @mainstspeaks and Facebook at Main Street Speaks. As always, thanks for listening.

Feb 18, 202128:17

MSC: Tourism on the Northern Neck with Greg Hewitt

For this episode, Denzel speaks with Greg Hewitt about his new Northern Neck tourism company Naked Neck Adventures and his I Work Weekends high-school internship program. Follow Naked Neck Adventures on Facebook and Instagram.

Music: https://www.bensound.com

Feb 11, 202125:54

Local School Board Debates School Name Change

The Westmoreland County School Board recently voted to change the name of the county's high school from Washington and Lee High School to Westmoreland High School in response to community outcry. Listen to how they did it.

Music: https://www.bensound.com

Feb 03, 202123:15

Welcome Back!

We're back from our Winter break! Before we get back into our regular episodes, we wanted to welcome you back and remind you of our mission.

Jan 28, 202103:22

Reflections on 2020

For this last episode before the new year, we speak about some of the most memorable conversations we have had with local organizers, community leaders, and other rural students like ourselves.

Help our podcast grow by subscribing, leaving ratings, and engaging with us on Twitter and Facebook. We also love hearing from our listeners, so feel free to email us with any comments or questions at mainstreetspeaks@gmail.com.

Dec 22, 202030:12

Experiences in Rural Schools, Part 2

In this part of our rural education series, Tahi speaks with two school board members, Iris Lane of Westmorland and Gayle Sterrett of Northumberland. Through their experiences, we explore topics such as school board funding, politics, and responsibilities.

Help our podcast grow by subscribing, leaving ratings, and engaging with us on social media. We also love hearing from our listeners, so feel free to email us with any comments or questions at mainstreetspeaks@gmail.com

Dec 16, 202018:06

Experiences in Rural Schools, Part 1

This episode features the first half of our conversation about rural schools. We speak about teachers, college readiness, and student mental health. Tune in next time for the second half, where we'll discuss funding, school boards, and racial equity.

Help our podcast grow by subscribing, leaving ratings, and engaging with us on social media. We love to hear from you-- email us at mainstreetspeaks@gmail.com.

Nov 30, 202029:25

MSC: Robin Schick- Colonial Beach's 1st Female Mayor

For this episode, Denzel spoke with Robin Schick, the first female mayor of Colonial Beach, VA. Denzel and Mayor Schick spoke about growing up in a small town, her experience transferring to the University of Virginia, her time in the Peace Corps, and why she came back to serve her community. You can follow Mayor Schick on Facebook at Robin4CB.

Subscribe, Rate, Comment, Follow us on Twitter and Facebook, and email us at mainstreetspeaks@gmail.com!

Nov 25, 202036:51

2020 Election Recap: Northern Neck

In this episode, we reflect on the recent presidential and congressional elections. With some in-depth analysis and a touch of our own opinions, we informally discuss how the Northern Neck voted and what this means for our communities.

Nov 17, 202037:08

Main Street Conversations: Lesley Newman

In this episode, Tahi speaks with Lesley Newman about travelling around the world and returning to the Northern Neck, politics and "wearing purple", environmentalism and citizen science, and belonging and identity.

Please help our podcast grow by subscribing, leaving ratings and comments, following us on Facebook (Main Street Speaks) and Twitter (@mainstspeaks), and sharing with friends and family. Email us at mainstreetspeaks@gmail.com. Enjoy!

Nov 09, 202036:50

Small Town, Large Campus

In this episode, we hear from students from the Northern Neck attending universities across Virginia-- their difficulties, perspectives, thoughts about hometown support, and rural identity.

Nov 02, 202021:59

Looking Ahead

We're taking a week to prepare for our upcoming new series. Stay tuned for the series' first episode next week!

Oct 22, 202001:58

Main Street Conversations: Alec Ream

In this episode, Avery speaks with local author, Alec Ream, about his new novel "Canterbury 2020". The 'pre apocalyptic tragic comedy' explores one character's journey with themes such as division and fear amidst the Y2K scare. Our conversation helps give insight into the novel and the ways we can learn from it today.

To purchase the novel, you can use the following link: https://www.amazon.com/Canterbury-2020-Book-Morning-Evening-ebook/dp/B08HJMRCWB

Enjoy!

Oct 14, 202045:55

A Conversation with Qasim Rashid, Contender for VA-01

Qasim Rashid is a human rights lawyer running against Rob Wittman for the congressional seat of Virginia's First District. We speak with him about policing, rural broadband, dealing with attack ads, why he decided to run, and how he'll be accessible to constituents if elected.

You can learn more about Mr. Rashid's campaign at rashidforva.com.

Help our podcast grow by subscribing, leaving ratings and comments, following us on Facebook (Main Street Speaks) and Twitter (@mainstspeaks), and sharing with friends and family. Email us at mainstreetspeaks@gmail.com. Enjoy!

Oct 08, 202044:13

Main Street Conversations: Alvaro Ibanez

Today, Denzel speaks with local artist Alvaro Ibanez about his journey from Colombia to the Northern Neck, and about the A-Ibanez Art Museum and Gallery that he and his wife Denise DeVries are currently running in Northumberland County, Virginia.

To learn more about the the A-Ibanez museum visit their website or Facebook page.

Please help our podcast grow by subscribing, leaving ratings and comments, following us on Facebook and Twitter, and sharing with friends and family. Also, please feel free to email us at mainstreetspeaks@gmail.com. Enjoy!

Oct 01, 202036:15

Will Virginians End Gerrymandering?

Today we speak with the Brian Cannon, the Executive Director of Fair Maps Virginia, about why Virginians should vote in favor of Constitutional Amendment 1. If a majority of Virginians vote in favor of this amendment, it will implement an independent redistricting commission in Virginia which could help curb partisan gerrymandering.

Follow Brian Cannon on Twitter at @BrianRCannon

Please help our podcast grow by subscribing, leaving ratings and comments, following us on Facebook (Main Street Speaks) and Twitter @mainstspeaks, and sharing with friends and family. Also, please feel free to email us at mainstreetspeaks@gmail.com. Enjoy!

Sep 23, 202031:41

Main Street Conversations: Sarah Henry

In this episode, Tahi speaks with Sarah Henry about growing up in a different rural area before moving to the Northern Neck, whether there are issues that transcend different kinds of rural places, the challenges of education in rural communities, tourism, history, and the idea of home.

Sep 17, 202034:40

Rashid v. Wittman First Congressional Debate Recap

For this episode we discuss the criminal justice debate between Qasim Rashid and Rob Wittman, who are fighting to be elected to represent Virginia’s first congressional district.

Watch full debate here: https://fredericksburg.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/watch-now-wittman-rashid-debate-criminal-justice-issues-in-virginias-1st-district-congressional-race/article_08479317-f5f6-5c93-8250-7ed343e29c07.html

Please help our podcast grow by subscribing to the podcast, leaving ratings and comments, following us on Facebook at Main Street Speaks and twitter @mainstspeaks, and sharing with friends and family. Also, please feel free to email us at mainstreetspeaks@gmail.com with any questions or concerns. Enjoy!

Sep 10, 202034:53

New Project Announcement!

In this episode, we announce a new project initiative of Main Street Speaks. We'll be back next week with another episode!

Please help our podcast grow by subscribing, leaving ratings and comments, following us on Facebook at Main Street Speaks and Twitter @mainstspeaks, and sharing with friends and family. Also, Please feel free to email us at mainstreetspeaks@gmail.com with any questions or concerns. Enjoy!

Sep 03, 202005:42

Youth Activism in Rural Areas- With LaKaia Shelton and Briauna Smith

Today we spoke with two local young activist, LaKaia Shelton and Briauna Smith, about how they organized a 300-person Black Lives Matter march in Tapphannock, Virginia, and about the difference between organizing in rural versus urban areas. We also spoke with them about their experiences with racism and what young people should be doing to make their voices heard.

Follow LaKaia Shelton on Intagram: lakaiamonet and Facebook: LaKaia Shelton

Follow Briauna Smith on Instagram: itbriau and Facebook: Briauna Smith

Aug 27, 202024:30

Food Insecurity in Virginia- An Interview with Eddie Oliver

For this episode we speak with Eddie Oliver, the Executive Director of the Federation of Virginia Food Banks, about food insecurity across the state of Virginia. Mr. Oliver not only shared with us his knowledge about the unique challenges that food insecure families face in the both the rural and urban parts of the state, but also gave us insight about what the Federation of Virginia Food Banks does to advocate for policies that would help these food insecure families beyond putting food on their tables.

CORRECTION: In this episode it was stated that TANF is the same as SNAP. These are two separate programs.

Aug 19, 202023:44

A Conversation About Race Relations Pt. 2

For this episode we continue our conversation about race relations in the Northern Neck and across the country by discussing how race plays a role in healthcare and interracial relationships. We also provide an update on the campaign to implement a community review board in Northumberland County, Virginia.

Aug 12, 202025:07

The Confederate Monument in Tappahanncok, VA: An Interview with Organizer Reggie Carter

Today we talk with local organizer Reggie Carter about the campaign he is leading to remove the confederate monument in Tappahannock, Virginia. We also talk about the myths of voter fraud.

Follow Reggie on Instagram @hey_mistacarter and Facebook at reggiemr.carter and watch the trailer for the documentary he is making about the Black Lives Matter rally in Tappahannock here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xz9SvTJk9xg.

To find out more about the confederate monument in Tappahannock, Virginia, visit this webiste: https://essexmonument.com/. And to follow the campaign to take the monument down by following the Northern Neck Youth Resilience Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/nnkyouthresilience and Instagram-https://www.instagram.com/nnkyouthresilience/.

Aug 05, 202026:27

What is Rural Racism?: A Conversation With Rev. Linwood Blizzard

For this episode we ask pastor, teacher, and local organizer Rev. Linwood Blizzard about his experience with racism in rural America and talk about what you can do to help remove the confederate monument in Tappahannock, Virginia.

Campaign to take down Confederate Monument Week of Action Information: July 28- CALL ESSEX BOARD OF SUPERVISORS, July 29- EMAIL ESSEX BOARD OF SUPERVISORS, and July 30-31- Take a picture at Confederate Monument Tagging nnkyouthresilience and the Rappahannock Times. Stay up-to-date by following the Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/nnkyouthresilience and Instagram-https://www.instagram.com/nnkyouthresilience/. Also find out more about the Confederate Monument at https://essexmonument.com/

Petition to Change the Name of Washington and Lee High School: http://chng.it/z6HqdRDRSk

Jul 27, 202036:44

A Conversation About Race Relations

For this episode we discuss some key takeaways from a conversation we attended about interracial relations in the Northern Neck of Virginia and across the country. Some topics we discuss include how race plays a role in small business development, religion, and education.

Jul 22, 202030:25

New Virginia State Laws!

For this episode we talk about the new Virginia state laws such as new state gun reform measures, new state minimum wage increases, and new state LGBTQ+ civil rights protections. We also talk about some local and state news such as the Marcus David Peters Community Day which took place in Tappahannock, Virginia last Saturday. To sign the petition to remove the confederate monument in Tappahannock, Virginia visit this website here: https://essexmonument.com/get-involved and to sign the petition to implement the Marcus Alert System visit this website here: https://www.change.org/p/richmond-city-council-and-mayor-stoney-you-must-enact-the-marcus-alert-and-civilian-oversight-of-rpd

Jul 15, 202034:15

What is Main Street Speaks?

For this short episode we share a little bit more about who we are and talk about why we started this podcast!

Jul 08, 202011:22

How the Pandemic has Affected Rural America

For this episode we talk about the economic and social effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on rural communities such as the Northern Neck of Virginia. We also talk about the politicization of masks, the European Union’s recent travel ban on Americans, and some local and state news.

Jul 01, 202034:22

An Overview of the Virginia Primary Candidates

For this episode we talk about the backgrounds and platforms of the Virginia U.S. Senate Republican Primary Candidates and the Congressional District 1 Democratic Primary Candidates. We also talk about some local and state news, how to vote in the primaries and general election amid COVID-19, and how to learn more about the candidates mentioned in this episode. For more information on voting in Virginia visit the Virginia Department of Elections Website Here: https://www.elections.virginia.gov/. And to learn more about the candidates, you can visit their individual websites and/or watch one of the candidate forums; all of which will be listed below:

Congressional District 1 Democratic Primary Candidate Information

Congressional District 1 Democratic Primary Candidates Forum: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqBP5wH4AiI

Quasim Rashid's Website: https://rashidforva.com/

Vangie Williams Website: https://vangieforcongress.com/

U.S. Senate Republican Primary Candidate Information

U.S. Senate Republican Primary Candidates Forum: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqKAreSRrJg&list=PLaE7G44osc5DQH6n5w9kTArR8xvixG1lk

Alissa Baldwin's Website: https://www.alissabaldwin.com/

Daniel Gade's Website: https://gadeforvirginia.com/

Thomas Speciale's Website: https://thomasspeciale.com/

Jun 20, 202038:23

Protests and Policing

On this episode, we talk about the protests and calls for reform that have been occurring in the Northern Neck of Virginia and around the world, in light of the death of George Floyd. We also talk about some local news, our elected officials' responses, and the importance of voting in primaries.

Jun 16, 202036:11