Ten Minutes of Truth with Shawn A. Barksdale

"Your Story, Your Voice" Cordney Lewis - Region Five Recovery Advisory Council Series

"Your Story, Your Voice" Brandon Moore - Region Five Recovery Advisory Council Series

"Your Story, Your Voice" Brandon Moore - Region Five Recovery Advisory Council Series. For more information go to region-five.org

“Your Story, Your Voice” Sherri Wiggins - Region Five Recovery Advisory Council Series

🎤 NEW EPISODE DROP 🗣️ “Your Story, Your Voice” Sherri Wiggins Region Five Recovery Advisory Council Series We had the absolute honor of sitting down with the incredible Sherri Wiggins at the Assembly Co-working Space in Norfolk, VA—and what she shared was nothing short of extraordinary.- A Registered Certified Peer Recovery Specialist with Hampton-Newport News CSB and a Forensic Peer Specialist with Life Journey, Sherri didn’t hold back. She told her truth. 💯 From trauma to triumph, her story...

"Save Our Children" a Follow Up to "Fight For Your Children" Buckle Up!

Our last episode, titled “Fight for Your Children,” had a tremendous impact on our communities. It sparked a flood of questions, making it clear that the conversation had to continue. That brings us to this powerful new follow-up episode, titled “Save Our Children.” We sat down with Mrs. Roxanne Richardson, B.A., M.S. Ed., J.D. —a former licensed attorney and seasoned educator who has taught in both New York and Virginia. Her legal work included serving with Legal Aid and the United States Coast...

Fight For Your Children, featuring Co-Parents Shawn A. Barksdale & Monique Barksdale

Fight For Your Children, featuring Co-Parents Shawn A. Barksdale & Monique Barksdale. 🎙️ NEW EPISODE: Fight For Your Children Featuring Co-Parents Shawn A. Barksdale & Monique Barksdale What does it really mean to fight for your children? In this eye-opening and heartfelt episode, co-parents Shawn and Monique Barksdale pull back the curtain on their journey navigating the school system with gifted, talented, and deeply curious children—children who weren’t automatically selected for gif...

The Summary of The Opioid and Substance Use Series and August 31st Day of Hope Event Details with Shannon Rogers Simpson

🎙️ EPISODE: The Summary of The Opioid and Substance Use Series and August 31st Day of Hope Event Details with Shannon Rogers Simpson Hosted by Shawn A. Barksdale | Featuring Shannon Rogers Simpson We’ve reached the powerful conclusion of our Opioid and Substance Use Podcast Series , and this final episode brings it all together. Hosted by Shawn A. Barksdale, this conversation with Shannon Rogers Simpson—COPE Central Region Coordinator—reflects on the lessons learned, the voices elevated, and th...

🎙️ Bonus Segment Alert – A Message from Ryland Clark and Shawn A. Barksdale (Extended Version)

🎙️ Bonus Segment Alert – A Message from Ryland Clark and Shawn A. Barksdale (Extended Version) After conducting nearly a dozen powerful interviews, Shawn A. Barksdale saw a need—to give back. And what better way than to lend the Ten Minutes of Truth platform to someone already giving so much? This bonus extended segment features Ryland Clark , Community Relations & Engagement Manager at Hitachi Energy in South Boston, VA. Hitachi’s impact reaches far beyond the COPE Project—it’s seen in the...

Episode: Business with Purpose & Feeding Halifax with Ryland Clark of Hitachi Energy

Business with Purpose & Feeding Halifax: Featuring Ryland Clark of Hitachi Energy In our latest segment of Ten Minutes of Truth , we had the privilege of sitting down with Ryland Clark , Community Relations & Engagement Manager at Hitachi Energy, South Boston, VA , and a member of the Halifax County Industrial Development Board . We had no idea just how deeply Ryland—and Hitachi as a whole—were touching lives across Halifax County. From supporting recovery and re-entry efforts to feeding...

EPISODE: Virginia Tech Is Tackling the Opioid Epidemic with Evidence-Based Practices: with Shannon Rogers Simpson

EPISODE: Virginia Tech Is Tackling the Opioid Epidemic with Evidence-Based Practices | Featuring: Shannon Rogers Simpson , VT Extension – Halifax County Topic: What Is Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Why It Matters SEL , or Social Emotional Learning , is the process through which individuals—especially children and youth—learn how to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, maintain healthy relationships, and make responsible decisions...

EPISODE: Virginia Tech Is Tackling the Opioid Epidemic with Evidence-Based Practices: with Shannon Rogers Simpson

EPISODE 9: Virginia Tech Is Tackling the Opioid Epidemic with Evidence-Based Practices | Featuring: Shannon Rogers Simpson , VT Extension – Halifax County Topic: What Is Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Why It Matters SEL , or Social Emotional Learning , is the process through which individuals—especially children and youth—learn how to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, maintain healthy relationships, and make responsible decisio...

EPISODE: Why the COPE PROJECT Was Formed with Shannon Rogers Simpson

EPISODE 8: Why the COPE PROJECT Was Formed Featuring: Shannon Rogers Simpson , Halifax County VT Cooperative Extension Project Coordinator 1. What exactly is COPE, and why did VT choose their Cooperative Extension arm to run it? Shannon Rogers Simpson (Halifax Co. VT CE): “COPE” stands for Community Outreach and Prevention Education . It was created to support community well‑being through resilience-building, mental health awareness, and educational support. Shannon explains that VT chose the tr...

Fighting Back: with Kim Adams – “Community & Agency Responses"

🎙️ EPISODE: Fighting Back: with Kim Adams – “Community & Agency Responses” We’re tackling the opioid crisis head-on in this powerful new episode featuring Kim Adams of Recovering Hands LLC . 💬 Kim shares how her organization is transforming lives through compassionate, faith-based recovery services—and what makes Recovering Hands stand out from the rest. From personal success stories to vital partnerships with local agencies, this episode sheds light on real solutions happening right here ...

Beneath the Surface: Retired Judge, Joel C. Cunningham, Sr.

🌟 Episode: Beneath the Surface – Halifax’s Opioid Crisis Our guest is Retired Judge Joel Cunningham , who brings powerful insight into the impact and evolution of the opioid crisis in Halifax County—and the life-saving role of Halifax County Recovery Court . We’re continuing our 10-part series—supported by Virginia Cooperative Extension , Virginia Tech , and Virginia State University —spotlighting real people, real programs, and real solutions across the Commonwealth. 📌 In this episode, we exp...

Lived Experience in Action: with Meredith Martin

Episode: Lived Experience in Action: with Meredith Martin Peer Recovery in Prince Edward In this episode, we speak with a Prince Edward County study participant who brings a powerful and personal lens to the conversation around substance misuse, community recovery, and peer support. We ask: • What made you want to be part of this important study? • What is a Peer Recovery Specialist, and why are they essential in the fight against substance misuse? • Which strategies from the study truly stood o...

Breaking the Silence: Amanda Henley on Recovery & Community Power

We’re continuing our powerful 10-part series—supported by Virginia Cooperative Extension , Virginia Tech , and Virginia State University —highlighting lived experience, proven strategies, and the real people working to make change in Virginia. Episode: “Breaking the Silence: Amanda Henley on Recovery & Community Power” Our guest is Amanda Henley , Community Engagement Coordinator and passionate advocate for recovery in Prince Edward County. In this heartfelt and insightful episode, we ask: •...

Building the Front Line: Smyth’s Active Response with Brandi Branson

New Podcast Episode Now Live! Presented by Shawn A. Barksdale & the Ten Minutes of Truth Podcast We’re continuing our powerful 10‑part series—supported by the Virginia Cooperative Extension , Virginia Tech , and Virginia State University —spotlighting real people, real programs, and real solutions across Virginia. 🌟 Episode : “Building the Front Line: Smyth’s Active Response” Our guest is @Brandi Branson , the driving force behind Beyond the Stigma , a leading advocate working on the front ...

Innovative Solutions: in Prince Edward County with Raye Elliott

New Podcast Series Launch! Presented by Shawn A. Barksdale & the Ten Minutes of Truth Podcast We’re proud to announce a 10-part podcast series supported by the Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech, and Virginia State University—spotlighting real people, real programs, and real solutions across our communities. Episode 1: “Innovative Solutions in Prince Edward County” Our first guest is the dynamic Raye Elliott, also known as Solar Raye, founder of FLIPP Inc. – a grassroots initiativ...

The Mission That Brought Us Together with Mike Evok & Eric Ditty Episode 5

The Mission That Brought Us Together with Mike Evok & Eric Ditty 🇺🇸 Real Impact. Real Heroes. 🇺🇸 In this inspiring segment, we sit down with Mike Evock , founder of American Heroes for Veterans , and Eric Ditty , a veteran, board member, and proud recipient of the life-changing support made possible through Mike and the Racing For Heroes network. Mike breaks down how an entire ecosystem of volunteers, philanthropists, business owners, private donors, and organizations are working hand-in...

The EcoSystem At Work with Colin & Ryan Garrett Episode 4

The EcoSystem At Work with Colin & Ryan Garrett Episode 4 🌟 Episode 4 is LIVE! 🌟 🎙️ The EcoSystem At Work with Colin & Ryan Garrett In this powerful episode, we explore how philanthropists, business owners, private donors, and organizations are coming together to support our veterans . 🇺🇸❤️ Colin & Ryan shine a light on the inspiring, behind-the-scenes collaborations that are truly making a difference. It's a reminder that when the right people unite for a greater cause, real ch...

Purpose on Tap A Veterans Path To Entrepreneurship with James Gordon Co-Owner Springfield Distillary Episode 3

🥃 Purpose on Tap 🎙️ A Veteran’s Path to Entrepreneurship In this inspiring episode, we sit down with James Gordon , U.S. Army veteran and co-owner of Springfield Distillery , to explore how service, sacrifice, and business ownership all connect on the road to purpose. From the battlefield to the distilling floor, James shares his journey of building a veteran-owned brand that not only crafts quality spirits — but also uplifts those who’ve served. 🎧 This is more than business. This is about le...

Speed, Service & Support How Racing Became a Lifeline with Colin & Eric Ditty Episode 2

"Speed, Service & Support: How Racing Became a Lifeline with Colin & Eric Ditty" : In this powerful episode, NASCAR driver Colin Garrett opens up about how racing became more than just a career—it became a mission. Alongside veteran advocate Eric Ditty, Colin shares how the fast-paced world of motorsports intersected with a deep commitment to supporting veterans' mental health. From the roar of the engines to the quiet battles many face off the track, this conversation reveals how speed,...

Fueling A Purpose with Colin Garrett and Mike Evock Episode 1

MISSION 11/11 Veteran Project is a for-purpose for-profit B2B strategic consulting firm. We help clients solve their big picture problems, and use profits to promote access to existing resources that help improve the lives of veterans, military families, and those with special needs. Pro race car driver & 2023 TC America TCX Champion Colin Garrett provides the national platform required for effective promotion. Making History By Empowering Others Since 2019, our innovative initiatives have r...

From My Lived Experiences to Our Collective Call to Action in 2025

In this powerful episode of The Ten Minutes of Truth podcast , Shawn A. Barksdale opens up about his journey, sharing his lived experiences with drugs, crime, and prison. Drawing from his past, Shawn explores how these struggles connect to the ongoing opioid crisis in Southern Virginia. He highlights the critical issue of information not reaching the communities that need it most and emphasizes the importance of raising awareness. Through this episode, Shawn outlines how the Ten Minutes of Truth...

Our Communities Can't Afford To Wait For Resources 2025

Our Communities Can't Afford To Wait For Resources 2025. Contact Shawn A. Barksdale at 434.446.6633 for more information, booking or advertising.

We find the Resources

In this jam-packed episode, we find the Resources with Shawn A. Barksdale. I take you on our first three-month journey into gathering resources for communities. Call Shawn at 434.446.6633 for more information or to find out how you can be a podcast guest. If you want to advertise your product or service, TEN MINUTES OF TRUTH is the perfect place.

Harvard Law School, Speaker Lawrence Howerton, Jr. -Faith Behind Bars

Faith Behind Bars” – A Powerful Discussion at Harvard University Faith Behind Bars At Harvard Law School, Speaker Lawrence Howerton, Jr. a formerly incarcerated individual who has turned his life experiences into a mission for change. Now a successful business owner, podcaster, active lobbyist, and advocate for returning citizens, he uses his platforms to fight for prison reform, human rights, and justice. As an active lobbyist for returning citizens, Lawrence is at the forefront of legislative ...

Harvard Law School, Speaker Shawn A. Barksdale -Faith Behind Bars

Faith Behind Bars” – A Powerful Discussion at Harvard University Faith Behind Bars At Harvard Law School, Speaker Shawn A. Barksdale formerly incarcerated individual who has turned his life experiences into a mission for change. Now a successful business owner, podcaster, active lobbyist, and advocate for returning citizens, he uses his platforms to fight for prison reform, human rights, and justice. As an active lobbyist for returning citizens, Shawn is at the forefront of legislative efforts t...

Lawrence Howerton, Jr. Georgetown School of Law 2024 Keynote Speaker

Lawrence Howerton, Jr. Georgetown School of Law 2024 Keynote Speaker

Shawn A. Barksdale Georgetown School of Law 2024 Keynote Speaker

Shawn A. Barksdale Georgetown School of Law 2024 Keynote Speaker

TEAMWORK IS THE BACKBONE OF BUSINESS SUCCESS!

Aaron's Rent to Own is deeply committed to caring for its community, customers, and staff. It was a pleasure meeting with Angie and her team for a productive session focused on employee growth, customer service, and workplace professionalism. As someone who has held various positions throughout my career, I understand firsthand the critical importance of proper training. Additionally, as a Peer Recovery Specialist, a Certified Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) professional, and Certified in...