The Ridge Podcast

The Ridge Podcast is a show that focuses on interviewing every day people in the Blue Ridge and greater Appalachian area discussing local history, politics, stories, and other oral history topics. Ethan is a student at Harvard and Luke is a student at Virginia Tech. Both are graduates of Carroll County High School in Hillsville, Virginia.

Last refreshed: January 5th, 2026 at 7:44 AM ⓘ

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Episodes

#12 - Book talk: White Nights by Dostoevsky

In this episode, Luke and Ethan discuss the book White Nights written by Dostoevsky. They summarize the plot of the book, share the impact it had on them, and discuss their plans for this summer and the future of the podcast. Links mentioned: Project Gutenberg White Night's copy: https://www.gutenberg.org/files/36034/36034-h/36034-h.htm Podcast Information: Website: https://TheRidgePodcast.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theridgepodcast Instagram: https://instagram.com/theridgepodcastinst...

May 18, 2023•1 hr 5 min

#11 - Topic Talk: $2 Bill, Documentary, and Book

In this episode, Ethan and Luke discuss a niche but rich topic, the $2 Bill. They discuss everything from the history of the bill, it's use, prevalent myths and superstitions that are commonly held, and even meaningful stories that involve the bill. While discussing these topics, they often cite and reference a documentary and book, both of which were created by John Bennardo. They also hope to interview Mr. Bennardo in the coming weeks to do an exclusive episode on the deuce with him. Links men...

May 11, 2023•1 hr 14 min

#10 - Jason Newman: Taxidermy, Military, Korea, Iraq, Reintegration, Deputy Sheriff, DJ'ing

In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview Jason Newman. They discuss his time working in Taxidermy, Mr. Newman explains his motivation to enlist, recounts stories from the process, and how training worked while he was in. They then discuss being recalled into service for a year in Iraq and his experiences. Near the end they discuss DJ'ing, his advice for younger generations, and the meaning of life. Thank you again Mr. Newman for being on the podcast. Podcast Information: Website: https://TheRid...

May 02, 2023•1 hr

#9 - Nathan Jones: Athletic Trainer, UVA, Ferrum, CCHS, Books, Sports, Running, Advice

In this interview, Ethan and Luke interview Nathan Jones, the school Athletic Trainer, at a CCHS Cavalier Baseball game! Many times during the episode the interview is interrupted for Mr. Jones to tend to an athlete or to participate in the Baseball team's antics. Ethan and Luke agreed to leave these parts in to demonstrate what Mr. Jones job is like and to extend that experience to the listener. He also teaches the popular Sports Medicine class. They discuss his time in high school playing spor...

Apr 26, 2023•39 min

#8 - Delegate Wren Williams: Politics, Patrick County, Republican, law school, lawyer, faith, husband, technology

In this episode, Jeffrey (Luke) Watson and Ethan Edwards interview Delegate Wren Williams (VA, HD-9). They ask about how he got into politics just a few years ago, his time and accomplishments serving as a state representative in Virginia, and his personal life as a new father, husband, and owner of a small business, a local law firm. Thank you again Delegate Williams for being on the podcast. Ways to contact Delegate Wren Williams: Website: https://wrenwilliamsva.com Email: wren@wrenwilliamsva....

Apr 19, 2023•1 hr 59 min

#7 - Clerk Gerald Goad: Historical Society, archivist, genealogy, WCC, Virginia Tech, advice

In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview Honorable Clerk Gerald Goad for the first thirty minutes. They briefly discuss his childhood, schooling, time at Wytheville Community College and Virginia Tech. Additionally, they discuss his musical career, scuba diving hobby, and his advice for younger generations in general. After that, for the rest of the episode, Clerk Goad gives us a tour of the facility. Due to the difficulties of recording on the go, the audio quality may not always be consistent...

Apr 14, 2023•1 hr 15 min

#6 - Sheriff Kevin A. Kemp: Faith, singing, law enforcement, work ethic, election, platform, SRO/SSO, K-9 units, advice

In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview Sheriff Kevin A. Kemp, the incumbent Sheriff for Carroll County. They talk about early life and how his schooling was instrumental in developing his work ethic, his time traveling and singing Southern Gospel music, working at a prison, and then entering the law enforcement field. They discuss his time as a school resource officer (SRO), his accomplishments during his first term in office, and K-9 units. Later, the drug/vaping/nicotine epidemic is tackled...

Apr 05, 2023•1 hr 36 min

#5 - Book talk: Fahrenheit 451 and Night

In this episode, Luke and Ethan discuss two books: Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury and Night by Elie Wiesel. They talk about interesting themes in each book, how Fahrenheit draws many scary parallels to the world we live in today, and talk about how meaningful the story that is told in Night is to them. Near the end of the episode, they talk about some future plans for the podcast and contemplate on what episode format is better. Let them know your thoughts by reaching out by email or on social m...

Mar 29, 2023•44 min

#4 - C. Jamie Edwards: Husband, Father, Professor, Counselor, Prevention Specialist, Wake Forest, WCC, Appalachia, Advice

In this interview, Jeffrey and Ethan interview C. Jamie Edwards, or Ethan's father. Jamie talks about his time as a Professor, his time at institutions such as Wake Forest and Bluefield, as well as his more recent jobs. Additionally, we briefly discuss interviewing people. Thank you again Jamie for being on the podcast. Podcast Information: Website: https://TheRidgePodcast.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theridgepodcast Instagram: https://instagram.com/theridgepodcastinsta Bluesky: https:...

Mar 24, 2023•2 hr 5 min

#3 - Kenzie Marshall CPT/CNA/Coach: Running, JROTC, Bluefield, Coaches, Advice, Faith

In this interview, Jeffrey (Luke) and Ethan interview Coach Kenzie Marshall, a CPT/CNA that works at the Carroll Wellness Center. They ask her about her time at Carroll County High School running under two excellent coaches. At the end, they ask her if she has any advice for younger people and what the meaning of all this is. Thank you again Coach for being on the podcast. Podcast Information: Website: https://TheRidgePodcast.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theridgepodcast Instagram: http...

Mar 17, 2023•37 min

#2 - Dr. Ronnie Collins: Faith, Family, Career, Ministry, Life, Reading, and Running

Jeffrey (Luke) Watson and Ethan Edwards interview Dr. Ronnie Collins, they ask him about his life growing up, his different careers, his education, life as a husband and father, and experience as a runner. His son, Samuel Collins, also features in the episode, discussing his experience running and rodeoing. Thank you again Ronnie for being on the podcast. Ways to contact Dr. Ronnie Collins: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Ronnie24317/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ronnie24317/ Podcast ...

Mar 10, 2023•2 hr 10 min

#1 - Introduction and Books

In this episode, Jeffrey (Luke) and Ethan Edwards introduce themselves, they discuss plans for the podcast, and some books that we have been reading. They also give an exclusive sneak peak into our first guest! Podcast Information: Website: https://TheRidgePodcast.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theridgepodcast Instagram: https://instagram.com/theridgepodcastinsta Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/theridgepodcast.com TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theridgepodcast YouTube: https://youtube...

Mar 01, 2023•18 min

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