In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview Mr. Kevin Silvey. To start, he gives a deep background into his upbringing and discusses challenges he faced. They then dive into his start into running, followed by his change in eating habits. Then they talk about his passion for art through his company Art4Healing, including his opportunities to create murals in hospitals. After, they discuss running in more depth and mental health. Finally, they discuss relationship advice and why mental health and s...
Dec 14, 2023•2 hr 59 min
In this episode, Ethan and Luke review the book Anthem by Ayn Rand. They recount the story, add linguistic and philosophical thoughts along the way, discuss the stark similarities between Anthem and other works of literature like 1984. This was a powerful piece of literature for Ethan and Luke and they thoroughly enjoyed both reading it and discussing it. They would love to hear the feedback from the audience. Podcast Information: Website: https://TheRidgePodcast.com Facebook: https://www.facebo...
Dec 06, 2023•43 min
In this episode, Ethan and Luke discuss the work There Will Come Soft Rains by Ray Bradbury. They recount the story, discuss the hidden meaning within the story, and Ethan reveals the special meaning that this story has for him. They then discuss other works by Ray Bradbury and discuss what they will read next. This work is the duo's first attempt at reviewing a short story. If the listeners have any suggestions for future works or feedback on this type of episode, please do not hesitate to reac...
Nov 29, 2023•21 min
In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview Mrs. Bonita M. Williams, the Treasurer of Carroll County, Virginia. They discuss her early life, the collection of taxes, her experiences campaigning and the impact of politics on personal life, her strong success on the ballot, and finally they debunk some misconceptions that many have about the Treasurer's office and its role. Thank you again Mrs. Williams for being on the podcast. Links mentioned: FAQ: https://carrollcountyva.gov/government/faq_s.php ...
Nov 22, 2023•48 min
This episode is unique. Instead of their usual book talk or interview, Ethan and Luke discuss a recent, local event that they both had the opportunity to participate in: Election Day. To be fully transparent, The Ridge Podcast is meant to be, and always will attempt to be, a politically neutral platform, covering all aspects in order to fully inform the voter. However, this does not mean that its hosts necessarily support the same candidates. Ethan supported the re-election of Gerald R. Goad for...
Nov 15, 2023•44 min
In this episode, Ethan and Luke discuss The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli. This book is interesting and very controversial. The book's thesis is how a monarch should rule a country. It presents a framework for taking, executing, and maintaining control. Being required reading for many Political Science, Government, and Philosophy programs, Ethan and Luke decided to read the book and give their thoughts on it. They also discuss the role of translations when it comes to reading historical books su...
Nov 08, 2023•33 min
In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview Clerk Gerald R. Goad. This is the second time that he has been on the podcast. Last time, they discussed his personal life and journey to the Clerk's office. This time however, they discuss his achievements thus far, his campaign, his goals for the next term, and a description of some of the procedures that the Clerk's office. Thank you again Clerk Goad for being on the podcast. Ways to contact Clerk Gerald Goad: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people...
Nov 01, 2023•38 min
In this episode, Ethan and Luke discuss Bobok by Fyodor Dostoevsky. They go through its plot, some moral lessons contained within the book, and briefly discuss Mr. Dostoevsky's personal life and how it may have influenced his writing style. Near they end they discuss what they each are currently reading and different translations of this work. Links mentioned: Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/files/40745/40745-h/40745-h.htm#BOBOK Podcast Information: Website: https://TheRidgePodcast....
Oct 25, 2023•35 min
In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview Mr. Walter Rugaber. Mr. Rugaber is a former journalist, president and publisher of the Roanoke Times, New York Times correspondent, Interim President of Hollins University, and member of the Virginia Humanities board. They discuss his life growing up, his decision to go to Northwestern University for journalism, his experience and their unique program, and his first job. They then switch to the Civil Rights and his experiences meeting influential figures...
Oct 18, 2023•2 hr 3 min
In this episode, Ethan and Luke discuss Animal Farm by George Orwell. They compare it to other Orwellian literature, muse on the political impacts the book has had, and recount the story. Later on in the episode they discuss biographies, author's motivations to write books, and all the wrong reasons that people write books, as well as some of the right ones. Podcast Information: Website: https://TheRidgePodcast.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theridgepodcast Instagram: https://instagram.c...
Oct 11, 2023•1 hr 1 min
In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview Mr. Curt Sumner. Mr. Sumner is the Engineering teacher at Carroll County High School. He has years of experience in the Drafting, Engineering, and Designs fields. They discuss his journey from working in a factory to returning to college, working as a teacher, and lessons that he has learned from education. They also briefly discuss the impact of COVID, music, and advice for younger generations. They also go into the impact that he has had on students as...
Oct 04, 2023•1 hr 30 min
In this episode Ethan and Luke interview B.P. Phil Hawks. Mr. Hawks is a candidate for the Clerk of Circuit Court in Carroll County, VA. He recounts his early life, his education, role models, career transition to becoming an OT and other important topics. He also briefly discusses his motivation for running for political office. Thank you again Mr. Hawks for being on the podcast. Podcast Information: Website: https://TheRidgePodcast.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theridgepodcast Instagr...
Sep 27, 2023•1 hr 48 min
In this episode Ethan and Luke interview William (Bill) Barr. Mr. Barr is a Carroll County native who currently resides in Florida. They discuss the countries mentioned in the title, Bill's education, his business and career, other travels, experiences, and lessons learned. He was also a student at CCHS when Kylene Barker won Mrs. America and discusses the local reaction. They hope to interview Mr. Barr again in the coming weeks to further discuss his stories. Thank you again Mr. Barr for being ...
Sep 20, 2023•1 hr 50 min
In this Episode Ethan and Luke interview Technical Sergeant Nicholas McGaughey. Sergeant McGaughey is an Air Force Reserves recruiter currently stationed in Richmond, Virginia. They discuss the enlistment process, boot camp, tech school and different jobs available in the Air Force, how the Air Force can help people get through college, serving part time through the Reserves or Air National Guard, and other related topics. This is an excellent episode for anyone interested in learning more about...
Sep 13, 2023•59 min
In this episode Ethan and Luke interview Aunt Jill. Normally, Ethan lists out the full name of our guests in the title of the episode but Mrs. Jill has asked to remain anonymous. Mrs. Jill is Luke's aunt. Mrs. Jill lived in England during World War II and later moved to the United States with her husband. During the episode, she discusses Germany, the involvement of The United States in the War, her husband's role, the Army, the Holocaust, and other related but unique aspects. She also talks abo...
Sep 07, 2023•1 hr 6 min
In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview Congressman Morgan Griffith. Congressman Morgan Griffith has represented the Ninth District of Virginia in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2010. He is a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and was recently named Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. He is also a member of the Subcommittee on Health and the Subcommittee on Energy. Further, he serves as a member of the Committee ...
Aug 31, 2023•27 min
In this episode Ethan and Luke discuss Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck. It is a classic that many have heard of but have not actually read. It is a small and digestible book, but it is nevertheless very impactful and thought provoking. This is a great book for anyone looking for a shorter but very intense and pensive read. Podcast Information: Website: https://TheRidgePodcast.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theridgepodcast Instagram: https://instagram.com/theridgepodcastinsta Bluesky: h...
Aug 24, 2023•50 min
In this episode, Ethan and Luke travel to the Fiddler's Convention in Galax, Virginia. This episode features interviews with folk from the Kazim Shriners, Moose Lodge, and Gideons International discussing what they do, history, music, culture, and tradition. This is a great episode to learn more about the Fiddler's Convention and the organizations that help make it run every year. Podcast Information: Website: https://TheRidgePodcast.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theridgepodcast Instagr...
Aug 17, 2023•19 min
In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview Mr. Mike Scott. Mr. Scott is a twenty year Navy veteran who served on submarines, was a recruiter, and was in the reserves for a one year stint. After retiring he started working for the Surry County Veterans Services and provides services to Veterans not only in Surry County, but in surrounding counties. They also discuss the Nuclear Service, the Navy SEALs, and the Naval Academy. Thank you again Mr. Scott for being on the podcast. Important links: Face...
Aug 10, 2023•1 hr 57 min
In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview Deborah "Renie" Gates. Renie is the Democratic State Senate candidate for District 7. They also interviewed her mom a few weeks ago. She and her mom are running together as a mother-daughter campaign, the first mother-daughter political pair in the country's history. They are based in Floyd, Virginia and have been located in this area for the past 40+ years. They discuss Speech Therapy, Agriculture, Healthcare, Broadband, and other important but difficul...
Aug 04, 2023•1 hr 13 min
This episode is a bit different than normal. Instead of their normal long interviews with a single person, Ethan interviewed several different people a few minutes and we Ethan and Luke also did separately recorded segments summarizing their thoughts. This episode follows and focuses on the Froggy Mountain 100 Miler, the hardest race in North America. It consists of 100 miles around a 1 mile loop, each with 500 feet of elevation gain making the total ascent 50,000 feet, or Mount Everest 1.5 time...
Jul 27, 2023•35 min
In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview Mr. Mark Harmon. Mr. Harmon is a World History teacher at Carroll County High School. He is an active volunteer for the Carroll County Historical Society and is repairing the J. Sidna Allen House in Fancy Gap, Virginia. They also discuss his career teaching, his time as a student, his time working in England at the University of Nottingham, and other Thank you again Mr. Harmon for being on the podcast. Links mentioned: The Craftsman: https://www.imdb.com...
Jul 20, 2023•48 min
In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview Paul Tilley. Paul is an ultramarathoner and is an owner of New River Trail Outfitters in Galax, Virginia. They discuss his time as a trucker, his business and the services that they provide, and his introduction into running, camping, and hiking. They briefly discuss the book Born to Run and how it inspired him and his brother to start running. Later on in the episode, they talk about ultramarathons, training, nutrition, and how Paul trains for his races...
Jul 12, 2023•1 hr 40 min
In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview Mrs. Patty Quesenberry, the Democratic State Delegate Candidate for Virginia House District 47. They discuss infrastructure, affirmative action, education, housing, social services, volunteering, and other topics. They cover the Democratic platform and what challenges are presented while running as a Democrat in a primarily Republican area. They also discuss the importance of voting and some shocking statistics about how little people vote nowadays. Than...
Jul 05, 2023•1 hr 15 min
In this episode, Ethan and Luke discuss The Grapes of Wrath by Mr. John Steinbeck. They discuss some of the themes in the book and share their thoughts, as well as explaining the first few chapters in detail. As July comes, we hope to publish more interviews with exciting guests, stay tuned! Podcast Information: Website: https://TheRidgePodcast.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theridgepodcast Instagram: https://instagram.com/theridgepodcastinsta Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/theridgepo...
Jun 29, 2023•1 hr 20 min
In this episode, Ethan and Luke discuss The Great Gatsby. They summarize the plot, discuss their opinions, and discuss some relevant cultural topics. 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.com/@theridgepodcast Email: theridgepodcast@gmail.com Spotif...
Jun 22, 2023•48 min
In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview Staff Sergeant Dexter P. Jennings. Sergeant Jennings is a member of the active service Army and is currently a recruiter for the Army. He discusses many options for civilians looking to join the Army and the benefits of doing so. He explains the differences between Enlisted, Warrant Officers, and Commissioned Officers. He discusses how civilians are able to guarantee their placement in certain jobs or bases and how the enlistment process works. He gives ...
Jun 14, 2023•1 hr 3 min
In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview John Bennardo. They discuss his time at film school, his job at America's Funniest Home Videos, and other experiences working Hollywood. They discuss winning Wheel of Fortune, his time teaching and showing his students the video of him winning. They also talk about the process of self-publishing books, creating films, writing screenplays, and more. They also discuss his new book "Just a Typo" and his $2 Bill book and documentary. Thank you again Mr. Benn...
Jun 07, 2023•1 hr 17 min
In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview Commonwealth Attorney Roger D. Brooks. They ask him about his life growing up, his time at NC State University studying Mechanical Engineering and participating in a Cooperative Education program. He recounts stories about working in the Nuclear industry and explains how nuclear reactors work. They talk about his time migrating from the Engineering industry and starting law school. He explains how he began working in law and eventually took over a practi...
May 31, 2023•1 hr 54 min
In this episode, Ethan and Luke interview Ronnie Dean Horton. They ask him about how his dreams to be a Virginia State Trooper. He talks about his career in the Sheriff's Office, his time at the jail, and eventually his time at the police academy to become a State Trooper. He remarks about his time in the academy, being promoted to Sergeant, and experiences on the SWAT/Tactical team. Later in the episode, he discusses working as a School Resource Officer and how it has changed how he parents. At...
May 24, 2023•1 hr 47 min
