Podcasts about Blue Ridge

You don't have to stay stuck on the OTA hamster wheel.

Let's visit Dahlonega Resort and Vineyard for a mountaintop meal with Executive Chef Madeline Medon, whose upscale rustic menu pairs Georgia-grown wines with Southern comfort. You'll hear how barbecue, fried chicken, and red-wine-cured salmon meet Dahlonega Plateau AVA bottles, plus why a quiet porch and wooded trails make this Blue Ridge retreat an easy getaway from Atlanta.

Donna Lynn Caskey blends banjo-driven folk with a no-frills songwriting process to capture what's real. In this episode, she and Francesca dig into how writing fast and often helped shape her album Tiny Victories—and how “Win the Day” rose from a rough voice memo to a defining track.About Donna: Donna Lynn Caskey, the youngest of ten children from the US Virginia coast, fell in love with the banjo while attending college in the Blue Ridge. She studied at the John C. Campbell Folk School before moving to Southern California in 2001, where she began writing songs and performing. Known for her deft clawhammer-style banjo, pure folk vocals, and evocative songwriting, Donna Lynn blends humor, storytelling, and heart in every song. Her three albums—Tiny Victories (2025), The Love Still Shows (2017), and Nameless Heart (2014)—have received wide acclaim. She lives in Ventura, California, where she combines music, arts, and community service. Contact Donna here. Song Credit: “Win The Day" - Written by Donna Lynn Caskey. Performed by Donna Lynn Caskey. Find out more and contact us at I Heart Songwriting Club & Francesca de Valence.Ready to deep dive into songwriting? Join our 10-week online intensive course to write 10 new songs with lessons, personalised mentorship and practical tools to refine your craft. Learn more at iheartsongwritingclub.com/songwritingcourses.Get your creativity, confidence, and songwriting output flowing. Join The Club and receive the support and structure to write 10 songs in 10 weeks and get feedback from a private peer community. Just getting started on your songwriting journey and need more hands-on support? Establish a firm foundation and develop your musical and lyric skills with our Beginner Songwriting Courses. Don't struggle to write your next album - write an album a year with ease! Watch our Free Songwriting Masterclass. Get songwriting insights from I Heart Songwriting Club: Instagram / Facebook / YouTubeBe inspired by Francesca on socials: YouTube / Facebook / InstagramTheme song: “Put One Foot In Front Of The Other One” music and lyrics by Francesca de Valence If you love this episode, please subscribe, leave a review and tell everyone you know about The Magic of Songwriting.

Marcus King grew up in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains in a working class family with deep roots in music. His grandfather played country and western music; his uncle played bass guitar in the church; and his father played country, rock and roll, blues, and even gospel. But Marcus had grander ambitions than others in his family. He felt that South Carolina didn't get the respect it deserved when it came to music, and he set out to travel the world and make a statement about what was possible. Now he's out with a new album called Darling Blue, his first with the Marcus King band since 2018, and their live performances have been described by some as an almost spiritual experience. Sid talks to Marcus about the song about meeting his wife, what it was like collaborating with Billy Strings and Lainey Wilson, and the annual music festival that bears his name. For more info visit: southernliving.com/biscuitsandjam Biscuits & Jam is produced by: Sid Evans - Editor-in-Chief, Southern Living Krissy Tiglias - GM, Southern Living Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer Michael Onufrak - Audio Engineer & Editor/Producer Jeremiah Lee McVay - Producer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Richie Longshots, A Sea of Red, & Catie Harper, DNR Sports, on the Battle of Blue Ridge by Ed Lane

Boedi and Bill break down Virginia's Blue Ridge GO Cross, the first round of the Trek USCX series with analysis and rider interviews.  Cyclocross Radio is sponsored by Hammerhead and the Hammerhead Karoo cycling computer. For a limited time, our listeners can get a free heart-rate monitor with the purchase of a Hammerhead Karoo. Visit hammerhead.io right now and use promo code CXRADIO at checkout to get yours today. Go to cxhairsdistro.com and get a Wout Me Worry, Van der Poel Rules, and This Is Real Cyclocross Weather shirt for 20 percent off. Use the code WEATHER at checkout. Twenty percent! Check out the Grassroots National Calendar and links to CXTV at cxhairs.com. Cyclocross Radio is part of the Wide Angle Podium podcast network. Support independent cycling media by joining the Wide Angle Podium at wideanglepodium.com/donate. Also, check out The CXHAIRS Bulletin at https://cxhairs.substack.com/.  Follow @wideanglepodium on Instagram for live race updates Follow Micheal on Twitter at @landsoftly and Instagram at @yeahyouride. Follow Bill on Instagram at @cxhairs and @cxhairsbulletin. You can find Cyclocross Radio and all of the Wide Angle Podium shows on Apple Podcasts if that's how you consume podcasts. Please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, even if it's not how you consume podcasts.  

Every business transaction has hidden tax opportunities waiting to be discovered, if you know where to look. This week on the IC-DISC podcast, I spoke with Mike D'Onofrio from Engineered Tax Services, who's spent 17 years helping business owners maximize their tax strategies through engineering-based specialty tax services. Mike joined ETS after working in corporate M&A and private equity, where he first recognized the critical need for specialized tax expertise during business transitions, and what struck me about Mike's approach is how his firm combines professional engineering expertise with tax strategy to deliver comprehensive solutions. They handle everything from cost segregation studies and energy incentives to insurance optimization, processing hundreds of cost segregation studies weekly across every property type imaginable. Mike's philosophy centers on what he calls "HABU" - highest and best use - focusing on their core expertise while partnering with specialists like us for complementary strategies that create immediate opportunities for businesses to improve cash flow. The conversation reinforced something I've noticed across successful advisory relationships: the best results come from specialists who stay in their lane while building collaborative teams. Mike's emphasis on maintaining human intelligence alongside technology adoption resonated with my own experience that relationships still drive business success.     SHOW HIGHLIGHTS ETS processes hundreds of cost segregation studies weekly, from single-family rentals to NFL stadiums, proving tax strategies scale across all property types. The recent bonus depreciation bill plus R&D tax credit enhancements now allow 100% first-year expense capture, creating immediate cash flow opportunities. Mike's "HABU" principle (Highest And Best Use) drives their decision to stay specialized rather than compete with partners in overlapping services. Engineering expertise combined with tax strategy creates unique value—ETS knows roof types, electrical systems, and construction costs that insurance carriers demand. After recognizing insurance as clients' second biggest pain point after taxes, ETS launched a complementary insurance division leveraging existing property data. Mike advises his 25-year-old self to surround himself with people much smarter, crediting uncomfortable situations with experts as his greatest learning opportunities.   Contact Details LinkedIn - Mike D'Onofrio (https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelfdonofrio/) LINKSShow Notes Be a Guest About IC-DISC Alliance About Engineered Tax Services Mike D'OnofrioAbout Mike TRANSCRIPT (AI transcript provided as supporting material and may contain errors) Dave: Good morning, Mike. Welcome to the podcast. Mike: Good morning, Dave. Great to be here with you today. Definitely. Dave: So where are you located at the moment? What part of the world are you in? Mike: Yeah, well, I'm in my home base today in Charlotte, North Carolina. Dave: Okay. Mike: Yeah. I've always liked Charlotte, a pretty part of the country. Charlotte's a beautiful place, man. I grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. Great school, high school, college, so I know the Midwest and I still love Cleveland, of course, a Browns fan and a Indians guardians fan and Cavs. But moved to South Florida right after that, right after college and was living in Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, and we're still based there. Our corporate acres is there, but my wife and I had originally met in Charlotte, and we love the seasons. I love the ability to, I see those mountains in your background. I love the ability, we don't have the same type of mountains as you do, but love getting out to the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains, seeing the fall, the leaves, and can get to the beach, can drive down to Wilmington or Charleston in a couple hours. So we're right in the middle. We're bus to be here and have the Dave: Options. Yeah, it's a great location. You have four seasons and a slightly milder winter than Cleveland, Mike: That's for sure. It seems like winters have softened up a little bit in Cleveland, but man, I remember the mornings going out to the bus when I was a little kid with snow piled up over my head and the drifts up on the side of the house. I'll never forget those days. That was awesome. That was a real winter. But now in Charlotte, if we get a dusting of snow or a little bit of ice, it's usually gone by noon. Dave: Yeah. I was born and spent the first 13 years of my life in northwest Iowa and was the oldest of two boys. So I remember having to get up an hour early to go shovel the driveway just so mom and dad could get to work in that. So yeah, my saying is the worst Texas summer is still better than the best Northern Winter is my theory. Mike: You got it, man. High five to those of us that have shoveled snow driveways, walkways, figured out a snowblower with the chains on the wheels and all that fun stuff that comes with winter. Dave: So by some people's interpretation, we come from the same place because I've discovered people not from the Midwest, they think Ohio, Iowa, and Idaho are all the same place. Mike: Yeah, Dave: They're just all somewhere up there. Yes. It's up Mike: Somewhere up there in the Midwest. Folks like myself grew up in Ohio and Cleveland and Detroit and Chicago. I mean, definitely they think that's the heart of the Midwest, but they forget about the Midwest. Goes pretty far west. Right. Dave: It does. All the way to the mountains. So, well, let's get into it. So when did you join engineered tax services? Mike: Wow, it's been a big part of my life. Exciting journey. Like I said, after college I moved down to South Florida and my background was in more corporate m and a private equity working on the finance side of things in transactions, in private equity back in the day, they would call it kind of strategic intermediary work where we would either work on the buy side or sell side with the client. So I worked with a lot of clients and business owners that were maybe interested in transitioning out of their business. Maybe they were a food manufacturer or distributor. And interestingly enough, one of my mentors in life, his name is Bruce. Bruce was one of the first international CEOs with McDonald's corporation. Oh, really? Yeah, one of Ray Croc's, first five or six right hand key people. Before McDonald's had any international business, the first place that they went outside the US was to Latin America and the Caribbean. And I met Bruce in South Florida my early career, and we really saw an opportunity together, old school style, to go through his Rolodex and be like, man, I have a lot of relationships within the McDonald's and the finance ecosystem. So we started working with many different company owners, like I said, distributors, producers of different things, and we had some great success. And along the way I saw that there was really a need to understand specialty tax credit and incentives and strategies depending on who the client was, whether it was the seller of a company or a property or buyer of that was really to dig into the details of, Hey, what's the best way to make this transaction as tax efficient as possible? Tax was always the first pain point, either from the seller's point of view, maybe there was a big potential cap gain situation, how to structure that deal or from the buyer or investor's point of view, how to maybe capture some additional credits and incentives that they hadn't thought about, like research and development tax credits, or maybe there was a big piece of real estate or property involved in the transaction, like a manufacturing facility or office buildings or retail locations. So while digging in deeper in some of those transactions, I met Julio Gonzalez in Engineered Tax Services. She's going on 17, 18 years ago, and it was a small boutique firm at the time, engineered tax, and we were very focused on serving CPA firms nationally as that specialist. And I saw a great opportunity to really become a more diverse, focused specialist, and not only help CPA firms, but help private equity, the real estate investor, anything in that transaction to really help understand the tax code for the bonus depreciation or energy credits and incentives. Sure you do. Maybe they do domestic or international type of trade in that business, and there's a structure that might be a little bit more savvy than they're familiar with. So man, 17, 18 years ago is when I started with ETS, and we've grown substantially over the years from a handful of people in a small boutique firm in downtown West Palm Beach, Julio, and myself and Kim and Heidi and others, though I think pretty well, and we've really expanded, and so now not only still working with those CPA firms nationally, to be that specialist working with other professionals like you of really just how to maximize each transaction, understand the inevitable changes in the tax code with the different administrations. There's the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Trump 1.0, 2.0, what happened just now in July with a big beautiful bill, but the CARES Act, the Path Act, the previous tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the CHIPS Act, whatever the stimulus plan or new tax incentive of the day was. That was our job to really dig into that, be a great job educating around that and bringing it as proactively and transparently to the CPA community as well as the investors and owners. Dave: Yeah. I became acquainted with ETS and about the same time you did, and Julio invited me to South Florida and gave you the tour of the cool office building that you all rehabbed. Mike: Yeah. Then he was Dave: Kind Mike: Enough to, was that the one on a Vernia Street when he had just purchased it? Was it, Dave: I forget the street. It was like maybe a six story old building Mike: That's still his building and our corporate headquarters on the corner of Vernia and Olive for any of you that are down in West Palm Beach, and we'd love to show you around. It's a cool building. Dave: And then he was kind enough to host me at a Dolphins football game. Mike: I remember those days. Right. Dave: And for whatever reason, he was considered a bit of a VIP by the Dolphins, so I was able to go down on the field before the game, and I think I even had a photo taken with a Dolphin's cheerleader on each side of me that for whatever reason, it never made it up on the wall in our house. I'm not sure why, if that would've been a problem with my wife or now with a photo of two Dolphins cheerleaders hugging me, Mike: Dave, I think I have different versions of the exact same picture with myself and some friends. I have a great one with myself and my dad. Maybe we'll use some technology and pop some of those pictures up for others to see when you publish this podcast, or maybe we'll just keep those private for ourselves. But yeah, we used to Julio's involvement with the Dolphins and the family behind the scenes. We did. We did some amazing, not only professionally working with those types of property owners and venues, we did the cost segregation study on the Miami Dolphins Stadium when it was renovated. Dave: Oh, Mike: Yeah, I remember that. And a lot of others, Broncos, Cleveland Browns, Miami Dolphins. I did some work on the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, the Superdome in New Orleans, the Raiders facilities, the Buffalo Bills not allowed to give out any confidential information, but everybody's looking to save in tax and take advantage of whatever strategies are available in the code. But personally, obviously, we love sports and entertainment and being able to build the relationships with our clients, so we had a very cool double founder suite there in those early days that we used to all meet in West Palm Beach, have some fun on the Saturday, take the bus down on the Sunday morning. Yeah. We did that for years, and we still do some of that in Miami and in some different cities. I'll be doing some of it in Charlotte. But yeah, man, those were fun times. We really built amazing relationships still with clients today that actually, I saw a client yesterday that said, Hey, Mike, I was at the Green Bay game. I remember when we were down on the field and one of the Green Bay players said, hi. He is like, Hey, man. That was a childhood legend of mine that I'd always wanted to meet. And then of course, that's really cool. Sometimes we got to meet what Dan Marino and folks down in the tunnel in the Dolphins. Dave: Well, the other cool thing was Julio intentionally picked a Monday night game that he invited me to, so that made it even more fun. National game. Mike: Oh, yeah. Makes for a late evening getting home, that's for sure. Dave: It does. And so I just have to warn you, Julio was a guest on the podcast about three or four years ago, so he set the bar pretty high, so no pressure my Mike: Oh, yeah, none at all. But I Dave: Know being a former athlete, you're probably a little bit competitive, so I'm sure you'll want to point out to Julio that you think you did a better job. Mike: Yeah, just a little bit, Julio, and we spend a lot of time together. We were together yesterday in Fort Lauderdale at an event with a great mix of clients and we're real competitive from a business aspect, obviously wouldn't be great for our clients. He was a wrestler in his younger days. That was also a wrestler, really just to stay in shape for baseball. I was a baseball player. I think you had asked me before, I always keep a couple baseballs around my desk. I like to futz with them when I'm working here in the office, but think about the different strategies, whether you need to throw the curve ball or the fast ball or the riser, whatever it is. I think about just those different grips and strategies. So yes, I'm a bit competitive, to say the least. Dave: Sure. I know the firm has grown. What's your elevator pitch today? When people ask who ETS done, who ETS is and who do they serve? Mike: Well, engineered Tax and Advisory had the advisory portion of it as well, because that's engineered tax services been around a long time. We're really good at doing the specific engineering based services that the CPAs or the property owners need to get the bonus depreciation or the energy credits and incentives onto the tax return. So that's doing the cost segregation study as a licensed professional engineering and specialty tax firm, we've been doing those for going on 24 years or doing the energy analysis or helping with, like you do, calculate the construction costs, the transfer costs, the sales tax, the property tax. That's what engineered tax services is excellent at doing as that specialist as that. Dave: I'm sorry, that's more than just cost segregation though, right? Mike: Oh, yeah. Yeah. There's cost segregation and bonus depreciation available on real estate, new construction purchases, renovations. So we're very involved. We do hundreds and hundreds of cross segregation studies a week across the country on all different types of assets from smaller single family investment properties and VRBO to manufacturing facilities and multifamily and apartments and hospitality and everything you could imagine up to different sports and recreation stadiums. But that's one subset of what engineered tax does that. Then there's the energy incentives and credits, the 1 79 D, the 45 L, the investment tax credits for renewables like wind and solar and geothermal and turbines and other types of things. But on the advisory side, we work it backwards. That's more the consultative approach with the clients to figure out what is the need. Maybe there's a liquidity event with a business owner that's selling a business. Maybe there's a capital need from an acquisitions point of view or an expansion point of view where some of the IC disc strategies might come in. Maybe they're wondering about opportunity zones or enterprise zones or historic tax credits or preservation and conservation type strategies, or buying equipment or a jet and aviation strategies. Because all of those things that I just mentioned, there's either a specialty tax component with bonus depreciation or section 1 79 or an actual tax credit, like research and development tax credits. We help bring it all together as a very experienced and comprehensive specialist around the tax code, anything available, federal, state, local incentives, credits, rebates, working with the CPAs, working with professionals like you, working with the high net worth or the company owner. That's what we pride ourselves in, is being very comprehensive depending on what the opportunity and the need is for the client. Dave: Okay, and speaking of clients, do you think of the CPA firm as your client or the actual end user or both? I think because done a really good job cultivating those CPA firm relationships. Mike: Yeah, Dave, that's a good question. I first and foremost see the CPAs as our client, but also our strategic partner because remember, we're a specialist. We don't do the full accounting audit and tax filing work for the client. We sit in the specialist seat. I explain it all the time to my friends and new clients when they're trying to figure out what we do. If I was in the medical profession, we would be a brain surgeon or a heart surgeon or some other type of specialist within medicine that works together with the general practitioners and others in medicine on the tax code and helping with the tax literacy, the tax strategy, the specialty credits and incentives like icdisc. How do we bring up those types of situations and opportunities? Usually it's working with that CPA firm to identify the client need and then being comprehensive and entrepreneurial with that client. So long-winded answer to that is both. I see the CPAs as both our client and our strategic partner in situations, but definitely once I work with the company owner or the investor, they're also ultimately our client. So I need to deliver at a high level to both the CPA and both the client, or if I meet the client directly and you are the company owner that's asking us questions about a situation or a strategy, we push to be introduced to the CPA to make sure that we're collaborative, attacking that strategy from the beginning and become a great compliment to the CPA service so they can focus on what they do best, the accounting audit or tax type or bookkeeping type work that they do, and then just like you really helping to layer in that specialty strategy that maybe they're not as familiar with or really just need some help from a bandwidth perspective. Dave: Sure. I've come across other firms that do some of the same services you all do. And what do your clients and CPA firms tell you that makes ETS different and why they have chosen to partner with ETS over another firm? Mike: First of all, I think about that all the time. That's a question that comes up often. When we started 24, 25 years ago, there was very few firms that were doing some of the things that we do there. There were CPA firms that did cost segregation studies, but usually that was the higher level firms, the Deloitte, the KM KPMGs, the E and Ys, excellent high level firms, but they were really only doing it for their higher level corporate type clients as we democratize the tax code and brought that tax strategy to middle market type businesses, entrepreneurs and investors, the strategy there was really to work as comprehensively with different types of as possible. And the difference to me is first of all, our longevity and our professionalism and our diversity of the type of services that we're doing uniquely as a licensed professional engineering firm that also does specialty tax credits and incentives. That's one of the biggest differentiators to me is we are a licensed professional engineering firm. The type of engineering that we do is cost engineering, looking at the cost of an acquisition, the cost of a purchase, the cost of a new construction of a property, and be able to break that down into accounting and tax format that the CPAs can then use. So that's where the hybrid of the engineering expertise and specialty tax expertise, so that unique structure of our firm, that unique ability to do multiple things and also have the energy incentives team in-house where if it's a new construction of a property or a big value add, repositioning, not only can we do that cost segregation study, we can comprehensively do that energy tax credit and incentive analysis. We have to do energy modeling. That's pure engineering type work, doing the energy incentive modeling to see what the energy efficiency of those components are. Or on a renewable energy project. We have a client that's building a really big mixed use project that has some geothermal investment tax credits there. Those are pure engineering and energy efficiency type knowledge that we're able to bring comprehensively. So it's really the comprehensive approach of bringing engineering specialty tax energy incentives and credits. We also have an insurance division, which is very unique for our industry because I knew years ago that the second biggest painful point for our clients after tax figuring out tax minimization strategies is how do they lower costs and make sure they're protected from an insurance standpoint? And we do have a part of our firm that is engineered insurance services to compliment engineered tax services. We already have all the, Dave: Yeah, tell me about the insurance company because I'm less familiar with that, and when did you start it? Are you licensed in all the states? Mike: Yeah, we are. We've been quietly developing that over the last couple of years. I said, my background's from Cleveland, Ohio. Coincidentally, the firm that we partnered with is based in Cleveland, Ohio. When we formed a new entity together, engineered insurance services, went back to all the different carriers and got relicensed with all the top national carriers, all the names that folks would know well. So now as a nationally licensed insurance agency and brokerage firm, we focus on property casualty liability, cyber risk, flood, E and O, D and O, all the things that every company and every property owner needs. But we can do it comprehensively and uniquely because we're already doing the cost segregation studies on a lot of these properties. So we know what the cost basis is, we know what kind of roof it is, we know where it's located. We know the age of the electrical system and all the situations with the property, and also that owner, how they operate that property. That's what, just like the IRS with cost segregation study, they want to see the details and then yes, you can capture the benefits of bonus depreciation. The insurance carriers, they want to write insurance policies at very competitive rates, but they want to see it in detail. They want to understand that building. They just don't want an estimate that a broker submits to them. So we've had amazing success over the last year and a half of rolling out that program, doing it comprehensively with what we're already doing for that client. Dave: That's really, Mike: That's the other reason that we're very unique compared because there are some great firms that do cost segregation or that might do an energy analysis or that might do a research and development tax credit study, but very few firms, if any, that know about really take that comprehensive approach to be able to do tax energy insurance and the specialty consulting with engineered advisory with what we're doing, And it resonates. It really resonates with clients because I feel like they really need someone that is, first of all, thinking entrepreneurially like them, because sometimes they're not getting it from maybe their legal team or their CPA team or their other advisors that they're working about taking that entrepreneurial approach, taking that proactive approach before the end of the year or before that renewal term for that insurance policy or before that building gets purchased or before the renovation happens, what should they be thinking about? And that's what I really try to work on with our team and our clients is be very proactive, be very transparent of the good, the bad, the ugly of different situations that clients should consider and then always be thinking entrepreneurially like our clients do because they appreciate it with your business and what you do with IC disc. Sometimes folks just haven't heard about it or they don't understand it, or they didn't do something proactively and now they're trying to unwind a situation, but I'm really excited about what we do. If you can't tell, I think, No, it definitely comes, the future is very strong, especially with the passage in July of Trump's, I call it the big beautiful bonus depreciation tax bill because bonus depreciation and section 1 79 enhancements for equipment and other things and other things that will be, I think, expanded with opportunity zones and research and development tax credits. The way that they also just enhanced that program as well. Many folks don't understand it yet because there was a requirement to amortize some of the expenses of r and d over five years, but now you get the research and development tax credit plus a hundred percent of the qualifying expenses being able to be captured year one, so that's very powerful for US companies. Dave: Yeah, no, that is great. And one of the other things that I appreciate about you all is that you all really stay in your lane. I feel like on the tax side, there's other firms that do cost and r and d that have just broadened their tax focus even more broadly, pick up things like the IC disc. So it's hard for me to get excited about referring a cost segregation study to a firm that does IC disc, so I've always, Mike: Yeah, it's a bit of a competitive overlap in those situations. Dave: Yeah, yeah. It's a less comfortable introduction. Mike: We have a saying within our organization, we call it habu, right? Highest and best use, what is my highest and best use? What should I be focused on doing for that client? My highest and best use is not trying to understand and replicate your service around icdisc. The best situation is for me to recognize opportunities and then bring in David and his team to implement a strategy for the client and the CPAs like that as well, because we're not trying to do what they do. We're just trying to compliment different situations, be a specialist at what we're really good at, and in our engineered advisory platform. That's where I can bring in you for the IC disc. I might have someone else that I'm working with if that client's buying an aircraft, for example, of how to legally structure it correctly, how to maximize the tax benefits, and I want to be an amazing, whether you want to call it an offensive coordinator or quarterback, that I might be throwing the ball sometimes. Other times I might be passing it off to somebody else, but I want to build a great team so that we're successful at the end for the client. Dave: Sure. No, that's certainly been my experience with you guys. What do you love most or enjoy most about your current role with ETS? What really gets you excited? Mike: Well, my title, I'm not big on titles, but it's managing Director of Engineered Tax and Advisory. So technically what that title means is I direct and I manage, I direct high level client relationships and strategic partnerships and strategies and new product development. I also help manage our, I work together with our executive team to help manage our executives across the country, either if they're in business development, some of them obviously are in engineering or other specialties within our firm or the legal team that does some structuring work for clients, but that's what I do. My favorite part of what I do is the relationships that I'm building with the clients. It might be a brand new relationship. It might be one from 15, 20 years ago, but it's watching that. Yeah, it's watching that CPA firm grow or helping that CPA firm grow and expand or diversify their services or meeting that entrepreneur that has a business and they're trying to understand the tax code, how to lower taxes, how do I increase cashflow? What are the risks or pitfalls, and really working with that entrepreneur or that business owner together with that ccp. That is my most favorite part of what I do, because I'm an entrepreneur at heart. I got it from my family, my mom and dad. Were always very entrepreneurial, but it's hard. You can't do it yourself. It takes a great team. I mentioned a couple of mentors that I worked with. I hope that one day I can be a mentor to some of these people that we've worked with over the years, and maybe it is the specialty tax or the energy incentives or the structuring or strategy, but also personally, we learn a lot about our clients and we share a lot personally with them. But that's absolutely my most favorite is the relationships that we've built, the stories and the journeys that we've had together. And if we do a good job, we actually do very little marketing and advertising out there. Of course, I speak at some events and do some sessions around the country, but largely our business has expanded very successfully because of those relationships and those referrals and that organic growth. Like, Hey, have you heard about engineered tax? And do you know what Mike does? You should give him a call. I watch my emails every day, and that's what makes me so happy is I remember that relationship. I remember that Miami Dolphins game, whoever it was, or the dinner that we might've had, or the beer that we might have shared somewhere where we personally built that relationship, And that's something that I'm even more so focused on right now because our world is now moving very fast in terms of technology and ai, and I think that's great, and we are a tech enabled company that we utilize those things to deliver our services and strategies as efficiently as possible for the client. But I think even more so right now, it's all about, hi again, human intelligence. We want to talk, just like you and I are doing right now, folks want to meet, yes, they want tech enabled strategies and AI to help us do things better. I think that's great, but I have, and we have a renewed focus on the human intelligence, the human relationship, the human strategy together, because I think we can do so much more if we get back to the old school relationship building strategy, building together at the human level, and then of course we'll utilize technology to make that better, faster, stronger. Dave: Yeah, no, and that's certainly that. Those relationships are certainly my favorite part of the business. The clients, the CPA firms, the other advisors, lawyers, you guys. So man, I can't believe how the time has flown by. So as we're rounding the home stretch, I have just a couple more questions. Mike: All right. Dave: If you could go back in time and give advice to your 25-year-old self, what advice might you give? Mike: Continue to surround myself with people much smarter than me. As I look back, the biggest opportunities that I had was being in what I thought at the time was uncomfortable situations with people that like, wow, this person really knows what they're doing with real estate, or This person really knows what they're doing with finance. But now looking back those situations of surrounding myself with really smart or savvy people or someone much more experienced than I was, that's where I really learned the opportunities around real estate development, around relationship building, around strategy, and structuring. Those mentors that I spent time with. I would tap myself on the shoulder and say, do more of that. Do more of that. If there's people that are wasting my time or going down avenues that really aren't good for me professionally or personally, don't waste time with that. Put myself in the room at the table in uncomfortable situations with people much smarter than myself. And even today, I try to do that every day is with some of the new technologies around AI or crypto or finance or strategy or real estate. Who are the innovators? Who are the people that really seem to be leading? I try to put myself in those situations, so that's what I would remind my young self is to take advantage of mentors, because you can really learn, and sometimes it's not until years later that you realized what you learned. Dave: Yeah. I think that's great advice, not only for your 25-year-old self, but any 25-year-old and probably any business professional who's still trying to learn and grow. Mike: Yeah. One other thing. Dave: Yeah, Mike: One more thing. As Steve Jobs used to say, don't focus on, I would tell myself not to focus on what I think the path is at that point, because the path is going to change the strategy, the job course of action, the winds are going to change. Ebb and flow, I always say is my personal mantra. The tide comes in, the tide comes out, but you can always learn to surf. You can't stop the waves, but you can always learn to surf. So don't try to be too tactful in the direction that you're going, because things will change. Companies will change and expect that change is what I'm trying to say. So expect the change that will continue to happen in our lives. Dave: Okay. Well, yeah, I like that. Thank you very much. So as we wrap up, I really just have one more question, and that is, is there anything I didn't ask you that you wish I had asked V? Anything we didn't talk about that we should have? Mike: You asked some really good questions. It sounds like we could talk all afternoon if we wanted to. The only thing you didn't ask me is about my family, and actually the thing I'm most proud of, I mentioned I live in Charlotte, North Carolina. My wife Laura, has been an amazing force in our relationship for stability and really helping me to do what I do because being on the road, it's very challenging. But my son Rocco and my daughter Lucia, are getting old and driving now as later stage teenagers. It's having those rocks behind me that really help with this ability to allow me to do what I do with our clients nationally. So I really appreciate them, and that's my other, that is my most favorite accomplishment in life of what I've been able to achieve with my family and do this professionally with engineered tech services and advisory. Dave: Yeah, understood. Yeah, because ultimately it's about relationships, both professional and personal at the end of the day. Well, anything else we didn't cover or shall we go ahead and wrap it up? Mike: I think we covered enough for now. I think we might have more to talk about. Again, I have some other ideas of topics we should talk about coming up here in the fall. There'll be some new things that we're doing. Dave: Let's do that. We'll have you back, not too distant. Future for a part two. Mike: All right. Dave: Well, Mike, I really, really appreciate the opportunity to work with you and the whole team, and you guys have taken great care of our clients. We really appreciate that and we appreciate the trust you all have placed in us to serve some of your clients as Mike: Well. Thanks, Dave. I appreciate you. Special Guest: Mike D'Onofrio.

Foothills Digest Editor-in-Chief Carmen Eckard discusses the “Skillets & Cellars” edition that includes stories, flavors and traditions of the foothills and Blue Ridge. Get the Foothills Digest perspective on the role of food and food festivals in the North Carolina Foothills, and how barbecue fits into the region. How does barbecue in the foothills compare to what you'll find in other parts of the state? Carmen shares her opinion, as well as the story behind Foothills Digest, the publication's purpose and what it offers readers spread across the nation. Listen and find out where you can pick up hard copies of the quarterly publication and how you can find it online. Don't miss the latest edition of Foothills Digest for a feature story on The Low & Slow Barbecue Show. Visit the The Low & Slow Barbecue Show website here! This episode of The Low & Slow Barbecue Show is sponsored by the Old 96 District, home of outdoor adventure, history and thriving small town communities in South Carolina's Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, Laurens and McCormick counties. Learn more at visitold96.com.

In today's episode, I'm speaking with Steve Ringrose — the director of Blue Ridge Films and the inventor of the MicMag.With over 12 years of wedding filmmaking experience, Steve has witnessed huge changes in the industry and successfully evolved his business and style to stay ahead of the curve.In this open and honest conversation, Steve shares the bold steps he's taken to adapt to the current downturn in the wedding industry, why leaving your ego at the door is essential for long-term success, and how a simple idea he had in the shower turned into the MicMag — a fast-selling product that helps filmmakers discreetly hide TX650 microphones.This is a brilliant episode for anyone looking to innovate, adapt, and thrive in the ever-changing world of wedding filmmaking.Guest: https://www.blueridge-weddings.com & https://micmag.storeHost: https://roo-films.comCoda: https://coda-conference.com

Like what you hear? Buy us a coffee (or beer...)  Bennett and Jack preview the upcoming JMU Football against Liberty in the Battle of the Blue Ridge. Plus, Bennett chats with Jon Manson from A Sea of Red to get the opponent's view of the matchup. Follow us on Twitter Subscribe on Youtube Check out our website!  Like what you hear? Buy us a coffee (or beer...)  Leave us a review! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Blueridge Pre-Slichos in Elul by Rabbi Daniel Kalish

Rabbi Kalish

Blue Ridge Paranormal was formed by a group of friends who had personal experiences and set out on a quest for answers. Although they do not have the national recognition of some groups, some of the most influential and respected names in the paranormal field are well aware of their work. They have the capability of consulting when needed, with people you may have seen on several paranormal t.v shows.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-x-zone-radio-tv-show--1078348/support.Please note that all XZBN radio and/or television shows are Copyright © REL-MAR McConnell Meda Company, Niagara, Ontario, Canada – www.rel-mar.com. For more Episodes of this show and all shows produced, broadcasted and syndicated from REL-MAR McConell Media Company and The 'X' Zone Broadcast Network and the 'X' Zone TV Channell, visit www.xzbn.net. For programming, distribution, and syndication inquiries, email programming@xzbn.net.We are proud to announce the we have launched TWATNews.com, launched in August 2025.TWATNews.com is an independent online news platform dedicated to uncovering the truth about Donald Trump and his ongoing influence in politics, business, and society. Unlike mainstream outlets that often sanitize, soften, or ignore stories that challenge Trump and his allies, TWATNews digs deeper to deliver hard-hitting articles, investigative features, and sharp commentary that mainstream media won't touch.These are stories and articles that you will not read anywhere else.Our mission is simple: to expose corruption, lies, and authoritarian tendencies while giving voice to the perspectives and evidence that are often marginalized or buried by corporate-controlled media. 

In episode 85, Ashley shares how “getting in the room” with the right people is shaping the next chapter of their business. From learning directly from Tori and Seth Bolt (owners of the incredible Bolt Farm in Tennessee) to a recent mastermind retreat at Sweet Honey Farm in New Jersey, Ashley talks about the lessons, inspiration, and strategies she's bringing home. She also opens up about their recent purchase of a short-term rental property in Blue Ridge, GA—and how she's using her proven ad strategies to fuel this new business venture. If you've ever thought about expanding into short-term rentals or wondered how mentorship and masterminds can accelerate your growth, this episode is packed with insight and behind-the-scenes strategy.   JOIN THE WAITLIST: paidadscoaching.com/cabin   Connect with Ashley: Join the Challenge: Win with Paid Ads Challenge Buy the Book: How to Win with Paid Ads Instagram: @ads.with.ashley YouTube: @ads.with.ashley   Connect with Robert on IG: @RowanFilms Connect with STR Designer, Jess Miles: @jmilesdesign Book Your Stay At Bolt Farm

Rabbi Kalish

Headlines have recently been dominated by news that directly affects people’s lives, from the new tax cut and Medicaid law to near-daily economy updates. But those headlines don’t always capture the everyday reality for millions of Americans just trying to get by. To better understand that reality, Lisa Desjardins went to Virginia’s Blue Ridge region, where one hardworking family is struggling. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

The 4 Questions on Bikurim - Blue Ridge Mishmar in Ki Savo by Rabbi Daniel Kalish

We're back baby (fingers crossed) hope y'all are still out there!  The first story back is a personal one, because my dad was born up in this tiny mining community. I hope you enjoy this first episode back! I'lll up load pics to go along with the episode soon so be on the lookout for those on our social media, search Lore of the South and we should pop up. Thanks for listening!Thank you to Mrs Joyce at the Ducktown Basin Museum. You were a treasure and really put a personal touch on the whole tour. Hope you get some LotS, listeners to come and visit. Shoutouts! People who have really helped to bring me back to my story telling. My Cousin Grant, My Uncle Clint, the memory of my aunt, my friend Curtimus who told me it was a gift and I shouldn't waste it ( or something like that ).  My OG supporters, Elle, Ms Judy, Sydney and Chantel (I did that from memory I hope I spelled y'alls names okay) Rhonda. To anyone I missed, I do apologize. I almost forgot the link to the museum! https://ducktownbasinmuseum.comCitations(N.d.). Ducktown Mine in the copper basin. I can't find the booklet, but I'll include a link to the museum Daniels, K. (n.d.). Tennessee's Historic Copper Basin Area: an overview. Dulemba, E. O. (2019). A bird on Water Street. Little Pickle Press. Used to get descriptions of housing, gen living conditionFrye, H. (2017). Tennessee's Great Copper Basin. Arcadia Publishing Inc. Home: Ducktown basin museum. The Ducktown Basin Museym. (n.d.). https://ducktownbasinmuseum.com/ Support the show

”The Lesson From The Mitziam” Parshas Ki Seitzei- Blue Ridge Mishmar in Ki Seitzei by Rabbi Daniel Kalish

Rabbi Kalish

A sharp critique of partisanship and dysfunction in American politics..."Inheritance of Crises and Dysfunction" by James J. MaiwurmInheritance of Crises and Dysfunction is a novel about the daunting challenges waiting at home and abroad for the next US Administration, the search for innovative responses and people asked to implement solutions. In addition to global and domestic political issues, the book grapples with the stubborn trauma that accompanies the loss of a spouse, the pain of moving, the mixed emotions associated with contemplating retirement, and the psychological need to remain relevant and connected as one grows older. It is designed to be thought-provoking as well as entertaining, and light enough to stir an occasional laugh or smile.The book opens on inauguration day in 2021. Through the eyes of the protagonist, "Salt Pepper," whose career included stints with the US Government and a Washington law firm, it portrays the deep disagreements and partisanship that divide our citizens from one another and their Government, and the US from the rest of the world. Salt thinks he has retired and moved to his ancestral farm near the foot of the Blue Ridge mountains in rural Virginia. Then an old acquaintance, who is about to become the Secretary of State in a new Administration, talks him into accepting a temporary clandestine diplomatic role that takes Salt and a new and able female colleague to the White House, London, Berlin, and Prague and into sensitive meetings with diplomats there and from the Middle East.With roots in history, current events, and human nature, the book provides insight into an inheritance of international disarray, toxic domestic politics, the harmful dissonance emanating from our battered small town and rural America, small business and manufacturing, as well as global clamor for US leadership. The crises and dysfunction are not imaginary; neither is the need for leader willing to grasp nettles and contribute to much-needed solutions, even when risky and inconvenient.James J. Maiwurm implemented an aggressive global vision as Chairman of one of the world's largest law firms, significantly expanding its footprint in the US, Europe, Asia, and Australia. He has served as Chairman and CEO of Kaiser Group International and on the boards of numerous organizations. Maiwurm grew up in small-town America, earned a degree in history at the College of Wooster in Ohio, attended the University of Michigan Law School, and has resided in the Washington, DC region for over 30 years. He remains happily married to his high school sweetheart and draws inspiration from his wonderful family.AMAZONhttps://maiwurmpubs.com/https://primesevenmedia.com/  http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/81425jmpr7.mp3    

What if everything you've been taught about preparing clients for retirement is only half the story? Fritz Gilbert spent a decade writing over 400 articles about life after work on his blog The Retirement Manifesto. But the real transformation happened after he actually retired. In this episode, Fritz reveals the surprising emotional challenges retirees face — from losing structure and identity to silently wondering, “Is this all there is?” If you want to help clients move from simply retired to truly thriving, this conversation will teach you how to guide clients through the non-financial side of retirement. You'll Learn: The 4 psychological phases of retirement The 90/10 rule of retirement no one prepares you for How Fritz shifted from a saving to spending mindset The #1 mindset that helped him create a thriving life after work The emotional transition most retirees go through and how to prepare for it         *To sign up for Brendan's newsletter packed with resources to master the human side of advice → Click Here Resources: Book: Keys to a Successful Retirement by Fritz Gilbert Book: Control Your Retirement Destiny by Dana Anspach Book: Purpose Code by Jordan Grumet Charity: Freedom for Fido Connect with Brendan Frazier:  RFG Advisory LinkedIn: Brendan Frazier Connect with Fritz Gilbert:  LinkedIn: Fritz Gilbert Website: The Retirement Manifesto About our Guest:  Fritz Gilbert is a writer focused on helping people achieve a great retirement. Following his 33-year career in Corporate America, he has dedicated his retirement to writing on the topic and has become one of the leading bloggers on the subject of retirement, with a focus on both the "harder" (financial) and "softer" (lifestyle) issues that are critical to success after crossing "The Starting Line". His award-winning blog, The Retirement Manifesto, captures "the present before it becomes the past" as it chronicles his journey to and through retirement. His large following is primarily comprised of people approaching, or living in, retirement. His first book, Keys to a Successful Retirement, is a summary of the 24 keys he has identified and experienced in his own successful transition to retirement and is a "must-read" for anyone within five years of retirement. Fritz and his wife, Jackie, reside in the mountains of Blue Ridge, Georgia with their four rescue dogs. They enjoy cross-country travel in their RV to visit their daughter and her family in the Pacific Northwest and are active in charitable work in their local community. When he's not writing, Fritz enjoys a focus on physical fitness and spends as much time as possible in the mountains surrounding their retirement cabin. – Content here is for illustrative purposes and general information only. It is not legal, tax, or individualized financial advice; nor is it a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any specific security, or engage in any specific trading strategy  Information here may be provided, in part, by third-party sources. These sources are generally deemed to be reliable; however, neither our guest nor RFG Advisory guarantee the accuracy of third-party sources. The views expressed here are those of our guest. They do not necessarily represent those of RFG Advisory, its employees, or its clients. This commentary should not be regarded as a description of advisory services provided by RFG Advisory or performance returns of any client. The views reflected in the commentary are subject to change at any time without notice. Securities offered by Registered Representatives of Private Client Services. Member FINRA / SIPC. Advisory services offered by Investment Advisory Representatives of RFG Advisory, LLC (“RFG Advisory or “RFG”), a registered investment advisor. Private Client Services and RFG Advisory are unaffiliated entities. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where RF...

In a recent episode of “The Valley Today,” host Janet Michael welcomed Les Sinclair, Communications and PR Manager for the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, for an in-depth conversation about the organization's essential work and the growing challenges of food insecurity in Virginia. Covering a staggering 12,000 square miles—about a third of the state—the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank serves as a logistical powerhouse, operating four distribution centers in Verona, Charlottesville, Winchester, and Lynchburg. Les described the food bank as the “big umbrella” for a network of local pantries, likening its role to a Walmart distribution center that supplies smaller “stores” (the pantries) with food and resources. The food bank's impact is immense: last year alone, it distributed 32 million pounds of food, including nearly 10 million pounds of fresh produce, to partner agencies. This focus on healthy, nutritious options is intentional, as Les emphasized the importance of fighting chronic disease and supporting overall community health. The organization's reach extends beyond food, providing grants for equipment like coolers, refrigerators, and even computers to help pantries better serve their guests. These “Partner in Impact and Innovation” grants are vital for smaller pantries that lack the resources to access large-scale government programs like those run by the USDA. Les and Janet discussed the rising demand for food assistance, with the food bank experiencing year-over-year growth rates of 16%—even higher than during the pandemic's peak. Inflation, high housing and childcare costs, and stagnant wages have pushed more families, seniors, and children to seek help. More than half of those served are children and seniors, dispelling the myth that food pantries only serve the unemployed or “lazy.” Many recipients are hardworking individuals facing temporary setbacks, such as job loss, divorce, or unexpected expenses. The conversation also highlighted the importance of community support. Financial donations are especially powerful, with every dollar helping to provide three meals thanks to the food bank's ability to purchase in bulk. Volunteers are the lifeblood of the organization, contributing over 2,500 hours of work—equivalent to 14 full-time positions. Les encouraged listeners to consider all forms of giving, from time and money to advocacy and even sharing social media posts to raise awareness. Hunger Action Month, observed in September, is a key initiative for the food bank, focusing on education, volunteerism, and advocacy. Les urged the community to support a strong Farm Bill, which funds critical programs like SNAP and the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). The food bank also distributes non-food essentials such as laundry detergent, pet food, and hygiene products, recognizing that these items can make a significant difference for struggling families. The conversation concluded with a look to the future, as the food bank welcomes new CEO Kari Jorgensen Diener, a humanitarian leader with global experience. Les expressed optimism about the organization's direction and reiterated the importance of collective action: whether through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, everyone has a role to play in ending hunger. For more information, resources, or to get involved, visit the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank's website: https://www.brafb.org/ which features a food finder tool and easy ways to donate or volunteer. Together, the community can ensure that no one in the Valley goes hungry.

In this premiere episode of the Explore Virginia Podcast, host Lori Prima brings on guest Bill Henry of the Blue Ridge Heritage Project. The project's vision is:Develop a memorial site in each of the eight counties where land was acquired to create the Shenandoah National Park; andEducate visitors about the lives and culture of the people who lived in the mountains through living history presentations, exhibits, and demonstrations.In this informative episode you will learn more about the history of the project, the families who were removed from the land that is now Shenandoah National Park and how the chimney memorials came to be placed in eight counties where families called the mountains home. You can learn more by visiting:https://www.blueridgeheritageproject.com/List of recommended books and other resources can be found hereReach out to the podcast:Loriprima@explorevirginiapodcast.com Subscribe to the podcast at: https://explorevirginia.buzzsprout.com/Support the showConnect with Hike:Instagram: @thehikepodcast @shenandoahexplorerFacebook: @thehikepodcastEmail: hikepodcast@gmail.com

Junior Sisk is a proud son of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains - and well know voice among traditional bluegrass fans world wide. He's graced the stage with groups like Wyatt Rice & Santa Cruz, Blueridge, and Junior Sisk & Ramblers Choice. The multi-award winning singer / songwriter joins us on this edition of Americana Music Profiles to talk about their latest project, It's All Fun And Games. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt Shay is a Roanoke native and lifelong musician. He started playing the drums at a young age and surrounded himself with music throughout high school, taking multiple band classes and performing in the marching band. Currently, he plays with his jazz fusion/funk and soul group, CopyCat Syndrome, the occasional jazz dinner gig at the Hotel Roanoke, and with whoever needs a drummer! Peyton Gentry currently resides as the Director of Bands at Liberty High School in Bedford, VA. This is where he teaches courses such as: Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Percussion Ensemble, Marching Band, Jazz Band, Pep-Band, Music Theory and AP Music Theory. Peyton holds a Bachelors of Arts with a duel-focus in both Music Education and Percussion Performance and a MA.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction from Virginia Tech. In addition to teaching music, Peyton is an active performer in the  Roanoke area performing with groups such as Mill Mountain Theatre, the Roanoke Opera, In The Meantime, Hollins University, Celtic Steel, Winds of the Blue Ridge, and more. Peyton has competed in PASIC's Concert Chamber Percussion Ensemble Competition placing 3rd and 4th on separate occasions.

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/791 Presented By: Pescador on the Fly, Patagonia, Mountain Waters Resort, Intrepid Camp Gear. Sponsors: Https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors On this episode, we sit down with Wesley Hodges, a decorated military veteran turned premier fly fishing and hunting guide in Virginia. Wesley shares the wild journey that led him from a cane pole in Texas to discovering fly fishing at a Boy Scout camp, to a life-changing decision made in a tiki bar in Ecuador. What followed was the creation of Virginia's first dedicated fly fishing and hunting lodge—an operation that now runs year-round across some of the most remote and productive water systems in the Eastern U.S. Right now, you'll discover why Virginia may be the "New West" for fly fishing, how to rethink your entire approach to trip planning, and the subtle techniques that make all the difference when targeting trophy Smallmouth bass. Wesley unpacks the essence of crafting full-circle outdoor experiences—one that fuses drift boats, dogs, wild trout, and grouse—all under one roof. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to the game, this one is loaded with tactical gold.   Wesley with a Smallmouth Bass Show Notes on Smallmouth Bass with Wesley Hodges 1:13 - Wesley Hodges discovered fly fishing as a teen at a Boy Scout camp, but it wasn't until after his military service that he returned to the sport. That rediscovery led him to launch Virginia's first dedicated fly fishing and hunting lodge, where he now guides guests through some of the state's wildest rivers. 5:41 - After a transformative period living in Ecuador, Wesley Hodges returned to Virginia and launched a guiding business that evolved into the state's first true fly fishing and hunting lodge. Located in Eagle Rock at the confluence of the Cowpasture and Jackson rivers, his lodge now operates year-round with a full staff, offering multi-day fishing and hunting experiences across a vast, fishable watershed. Here for more information. 9:58 - While Virginia has trout, Wesley Hodges positions the state as a true smallmouth bass destination. With fishable waters nearly year-round—from March through Thanksgiving—he emphasizes that fly fishing is a tool for all species, and smallmouth are the primary focus across his guided trips. 11:34 - Wesley explains that smallmouth bass fishing in Virginia transitions from pre-spawn in early spring to a topwater-focused season from mid-June through early October. During summer, anglers throw frog patterns and poppers all day, targeting big fish in just 1.5 feet of water, only inches from the riverbank. 14:01 - Wesley emphasizes that the biggest smallmouth are often found just inches from the riverbank, citing an old rule: “one inch from the bank equals a 20-inch fish.” Subtle depressions and undercut edges create ideal ambush spots for fish feeding on crayfish, cicadas, and frogs, making precise casting near the bank both strategic and more engaging for anglers. 15:24 - Wesley and his team primarily use Blue Ridge drift boats for guiding, having moved away from rafts due to the boats' quiet, low-impact design, ideal for shallow Virginia waters. Built from durable UHMW material, these boats slide silently over rocks—minimizing fish disturbance—and come with exceptional on-site support, making them perfect for their smallmouth operations. 21:21 - Wesley leads summer topwater floats through Virginia's river systems, favoring evening windows from 6:00 to 8:30 PM when the smallmouth bite peaks. His team utilizes highly technical rigs—customized floating lines, 10 to 13-foot leaders, and lightweight crayfish patterns—to quietly target fish in low, clear water, where precision and stealth are essential. 24:45 - Wesley's team targets calm tailouts with floating lines, casting downstream close to the bank so flies reach the fish before the boat does. In these slow waters, they dead-drift subtle poppers for up to 20 seconds, drawing in large smallmouth with minimal movement and intense visual takes. 27:19 - Wesley and his team primarily use Boogle Bugs in size 4 for topwater—favoring yellow, white, and electric blue sliders or poppers depending on fish behavior. When bass grow picky, they switch to more subtle patterns like Mr. Wiggle Legs, observing how fish react and adjusting presentations based on subtle visual cues. 33:42 - Wesley shares that his guides typically float rather than anchor, covering 4 to 12 miles depending on water levels, through remote stretches of western Virginia rivers where development is scarce. With vast tracts of farmland and surrounding public lands like George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, anglers experience a true wilderness float, often without seeing another boat all day. 36:27 - Wesley shares that anglers from around the world, including Europe and beyond, are now traveling to Virginia to fish its wild rivers and experience its remote beauty. They've trademarked the phrase “Virginia is the New West” to highlight that the state's rugged landscapes rival those out west, with strong local efforts to keep it preserved. 38:46 - In addition to fishing, Wesley's operation offers a standout upland bird hunting experience focused on wild grouse and woodcock. His team has spent over a decade scouting remote Appalachian terrain to locate thriving bird populations rarely accessed by other hunters. 40:45 - Wesley's outfitting service offers popular turkey and upland bird hunts, with seasons spanning October to March for grouse and woodcock, and April to May for turkey. His cast-and-blast packages are highly sought after, often selling out early due to his expert-guided approach and deep understanding of Virginia's diverse terrain. 42:58 - Wesley's team regularly welcomes newcomers to hunting, offering educational experiences centered around wild game and conservation. Beginners are guided through the full process—from casting or dog-assisted upland hunts to cleaning and preparing the birds—without needing to purchase any gear upfront, making it accessible and informative. 47:00 - In spring, Wesley notes that anglers enjoy prime smallmouth bass and wild trout fishing as warming waters trigger aggressive pre-spawn feeding. This season also offers the chance to mix in a day of bird hunting before preserve seasons close in mid-to-late April. 51:33 - Wesley explains that anglers with personal boats can freely access the region's smallmouth waters via public launches. However, trout fishing on the Jackson River is more complicated due to King's Grant laws—some sections legally prohibit fishing, even while floating through. Because of this, he recommends hiring a guide to avoid potential trespassing fines, which can be severe. 56:38 - Wesley shared that in summer, his essential gear includes Chaco flip flops and Patagonia's natural fiber sun hoodies for breathability and sun protection. He also highlighted the Orvis Tippe boat bag and Helios rods, noting their beginner-friendly design that makes it easy to feel the rod load for more effective casting. 60:31 - Wesley emphasized that proper casting tempo and thumb positioning are crucial for fly casting success. He advises anglers to slow down their cast and lead with the thumb on both the back and forward casts, helping maintain control and avoid excessive wrist break, which can misalign the rod and fly line. 63:00 - Wesley emphasized that smallmouth bass are almost always willing to eat, especially if anglers present a crayfish imitation, which makes up the bulk of their diet. While known for their aggression, he noted they can also become selective, often requiring smaller flies and longer leaders in shallow, clear water to entice strikes. 67:00 - Wesley shared that he's been living full-time in his 30-foot Airstream, which he keeps parked at the lodge during the season and uses to travel for bird hunting in the off-season. From a third-party perspective, his deep appreciation for the Airstream reflects his commitment to durability, mobility, and comfort. This lifestyle choice complements his work as a guide and outdoorsman.   Conclusion with Wesley Hodges on Smallmouth Bass In this episode, Wesley Hodges shares expert insight into smallmouth bass behavior, fly presentation, and how subtle changes in river topography—like those shallow bankside ditches—can hold surprisingly big fish. He explains the legal complexities of Virginia's Jackson River, offers practical tips for solo anglers, and emphasizes the value of hiring a guide to avoid trouble. Wesley also reveals his must-have gear, from Chaco flip-flops to the latest Orvis rods, and explains why crayfish patterns are a reliable go-to when targeting smallmouth. From stealth casting tips to surprising shallow-water hotspots, this episode is packed with knowledge for serious anglers. What's the most surprising place you've ever hooked a big smallmouth bass? Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/791

In Episode 25 of the Tenkara Angler Level Line Podcast the Tenkara Angler crew explore five fishing destinations, including Spring Creek in Pennsylvania, warm water fishing opportunities in Southwest Wisconsin, brook trout in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Northern Portugal's native brown trout, and North Georgia's "trout town", Blue Ridge. They share tips for fishing in these areas, and discuss the unique characteristics of each location, including accessibility, types of fish, and local culture through personal experiences. You'll be sure to want to add a few of these locations to your fishing travel plans!Show Notes & Links:0:00:25 - Introductions 0:01:15 - Upcoming Community Events0:07:45 - Pennsylvania's Spring Creek - TCO Fly Shop - Flyfisher's Paradise- Keystone Fly Fishing0:27:28 - Wisconsin Warmwater Smallmouth- Dodgeville, WI- Smallmouth Alliance0:40:34 - White Mountains of New Hampshire- White Mountains Tenkara Campout- Lost River Valley Campground- Squaretail- North Country Angler0:50:04 - Portugal- Antonio Rodrigues / Minho Fly Fishing- Monção, Portugal- The Last Old Place1:03:14 - Blue Ridge, Georgia- Blue Ridge Trout & Outdoor Adventures Festival- Cohutta Fishing Company- Toccoa River Outfitters- Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods- Sabor a Puebla- Expedition: Bigfoot- Trout Fishing in North Georgia- Fly Fishing for Peach State Trout- Doin' Stuff with Zane01:16:32 - Closing RemarksWant to see more? Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tenkara Angler

Does your past define your destiny? Told through multiple perspectives, rich with emotion and immersive dual timelines, The Summer We Ran weaves together a story of lost love, devastating secrets, shocking sabotage, and the painstaking decisions. Tune in for an inspiring discussion with Audrey Ingram on her new novel The Summer We Ran.   Moments with Marianne airs in the Southern California area on KMET1490AM & 98.1 FM, an ABC Talk News Radio Affiliate!  https://www.kmet1490am.comAudrey Ingram is a native of Alabama and a graduate of Middlebury College and Georgetown University Law Center. She practiced law in Washington, DC for fifteen years. When not writing, she can be found digging in her garden or hiking the Blue Ridge mountains.  https://audreyingramwrites.comOrder The Summer We Ran on Amazon: https://a.co/d/hSbbqwG For more show information visit: https://www.mariannepestana.com

In this episode of the Overland Bonfire Podcast, we reconnect with a longtime friend of the Blue Ridge crew—someone you've probably seen in past trail tech videos and rig walkarounds. While he's spent over a decade in the overland scene, this conversation is less about his latest build and more about where that journey has taken him next.Two years ago to the day, he made the call to shut down his trail tech brand. Now, he's launched Evolution Woodworks, a business that brings his background in craftsmanship and design into a new chapter. We dig into what it took to make that leap, and some of the interesting things he is doing in this new chapter.We also swap stories from past overlanding trips, reflect on the value of doing things by hand, and talk about finding balance between utility and beauty in the things we build.If you're into craftsmanship, small business journeys, and gear that tells a story, this one's for you.Check out Evolution Woodworks → https://www.evowoodworks.com/

In 1975, Connie Regan-Blake teamed up with Barbara Freeman to travel and tell stories across the country. The women made a marvelous duo, strategically and creatively sharing stories from the past and present. Many Appalachian tales have roots in Irish, Scottish, and English history, dating back hundreds of years, while others were developed and shared in more recent times. Learn more about Connie Reagan-Black by visiting her profile page in the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area's Traditional Artist Directory.Recordings in this episode: "The Bet." The American Folklife Center Presents: Stepping Back in Time: Storytelling with Connie Regan-Blake and Barbara Freeman. Recorded by the Library of Congress, September 6, 2018.To learn more about Western North Carolina's music and storytelling, visit BlueRidgeMusicNC.com.

In 1975, Connie Regan-Blake teamed up with Barbara Freeman to travel and tell stories across the country. The women made a marvelous duo, strategically and creatively sharing stories from the past and present. Many Appalachian tales have roots in Irish, Scottish, and English history, dating back hundreds of years, while others were developed and shared in more recent times. Learn more about Connie Reagan-Black by visiting her profile page in the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area's Traditional Artist Directory.Recordings in this episode: "The Bet." The American Folklife Center Presents: Stepping Back in Time: Storytelling with Connie Regan-Blake and Barbara Freeman. Recorded by the Library of Congress, September 6, 2018.To learn more about Western North Carolina's music and storytelling, visit BlueRidgeMusicNC.com.

H2 - Segment 2 - Thurs July 3 2025 - Robert in Blue Ridge about White Oak Mountain : Democrats

H2 - Thur July 3 2025 - "Steven in Seneca about Flag disposal " , "Robert in Blue Ridge about White Oak Mountain : Democrats " . "Worried about Senator Lindsey Graham winning again " , " Another win for Trump , BB Bill 218 / 214 and HUGE job numbers too "

Blue Ridge Hospice is now ... Blue Ridge Care.  Joining Barry on the show is Jason Parsons, President and CEO of Blue Ridge Care.  He shares the story behind the name change and how they have united all services and programs that goes beyond hospice services to serve more people and families with the same compassion and care.

WE APPRECIATE EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU! If you wouldn't mind please go leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! Thanks!!Welcome back to Episode 362 of On the Spot Sports and in today's episode we have a very special guest, professional hockey player, Josh Slegers! Slegs and I talk about this season in the FPHL with the Blue Ridge Bobcats and what he learned this season in the FPHL. We also talk about his stint in the SPHL with the Evansville Thunderbolts, playing in the OSHL to develop his pro game, school and hockey balance playing USports at University of Windsor, learning behind leadership in junior hockey, his Big Cat personality on social media and so much more! We hope you guys enjoy this episode!!Thank you Slegs for coming on the show! I had a blast!!Follow us on Instagram @on_the_spot_sports and take a listen on YouTube, Spotify and Apple/Google Podcasts @ On The Spot SportsGet $25 off our guy Jamie Phillips Nutrition book for Hockey Players with the discount code "ONTHESPOT" on victoremnutrition.comLiving Sisu link: ⁠⁠https://livingsisu.com/app/devenirmem.... BECOME A MEMBER TODAY

Storytelling can be found across cultures. It's been used to teach morals, share news, and entertain. In this latest episode of the Down the Road podcast, Laura Boosinger sits down with professional storyteller Connie Regan-Blake to share how storytelling jumped from personal circles (campfires, living rooms, and porches) to stages. Connie Regan-Blake is an award-winning storyteller, coach, and workshop facilitator. Among her many awards and accolades, she has received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Storytelling Network. Connie has also been honored by the NC Arts Council and the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival. She served on the board of directors for the National Storytelling Association at varying intervals between 1974 and 1984. Learn more about Connie Reagan-Black by visiting her profile page in the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area's Traditional Artist Directory.  Recordings in this episode:Ray Hicks “Hunting with Jack” The PodcastThe “Down the Road on the Blue Ridge Music Trails of North Carolina” podcast highlights bluegrass and old-time music stories, performers, and traditions across the mountain and foothills counties of Western North Carolina. Hosted and scripted by Laura Boosinger and produced by Jaclyn Anthony and Joe Kendrick of WNCW-FM, the podcast is a joint effort of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area and WNCW-FM.

Storytelling can be found across cultures. It's been used to teach morals, share news, and entertain. In this latest episode of the Down the Road podcast, Laura Boosinger sits down with professional storyteller Connie Regan-Blake to share how storytelling jumped from personal circles (campfires, living rooms, and porches) to stages. Connie Regan-Blake is an award-winning storyteller, coach, and workshop facilitator. Among her many awards and accolades, she has received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Storytelling Network. Connie has also been honored by the NC Arts Council and the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival. She served on the board of directors for the National Storytelling Association at varying intervals between 1974 and 1984. Learn more about Connie Reagan-Black by visiting her profile page in the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area's Traditional Artist Directory.  Recordings in this episode:Ray Hicks “Hunting with Jack” The PodcastThe “Down the Road on the Blue Ridge Music Trails of North Carolina” podcast highlights bluegrass and old-time music stories, performers, and traditions across the mountain and foothills counties of Western North Carolina. Hosted and scripted by Laura Boosinger and produced by Jaclyn Anthony and Joe Kendrick of WNCW-FM, the podcast is a joint effort of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area and WNCW-FM.

In today's episode of 'The Valley Today,' host Janet Michael sat down with the team at Blue Ridge Habitat for Humanity to discuss their impactful work in the community. The episode featured an in-depth conversation with Executive Director Kim Herbstritt, Aging in Place Coordinator Brittany Day, ReStore Manager Matt Sharp, and Assistant Manager Izzy France. Kim detailed Blue Ridge Habitat's mission and accomplishments, shedding light on the comprehensive home ownership and repair programs. She emphasized the organization's focus on providing affordable, decent housing and the importance of community support through donations and purchases from the ReStore. In the discussion about home ownership, Kim debunked the common misconception that Habitat gives homes away for free. She explained the rigorous process involving an application, mortgage payments, and a sweat equity requirement of at least 250 hours, which includes crucial tasks such as housing counseling and basic home repairs training. She also mentioned the organization's role in fostering generational wealth and community health through stable housing. Switching gears, Janet talks with Brittany Day about the Age Well Council and the Aging in Place and/or Critical Repairs program. Brittany shared heartwarming stories of seniors reclaiming their independence through simple but vital modifications like ramps and grab bars. She highlighted the collaborative efforts with other organizations to address food insecurity, transportation, and social isolation among seniors. The conversation then turned to the ReStore, where Matt Sharp and Izzy France gave an overview of the diverse range of items available for purchase, from furniture and appliances to construction supplies and tools. They encouraged the community to support by donating items in good condition and explained the easy, streamlined process for both donations and pickups. The episode wrapped up with a reminder from Janet and her guests to visit Blue Ridge Habitat's website: https://www.blueridgehabitat.org/ and follow them on social media for updates and opportunities to get involved. This conversation underscored the transformative power of community support and the pivotal role Blue Ridge Habitat plays in enhancing the lives of local families, seniors, and veterans.

In this episode of Tourism Tuesday - Berryville/Clarke County edition - of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael is joined by Martha Reynolds, the Executive Director of Barns of Rose Hill. The discussion spanned an impressive roster of upcoming events that showcase the dynamic range of activities hosted by this beloved local institution. Kicking off the conversation, Martha highlighted the highly anticipated Franklin exhibition, a traveling show from the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center in Santa Rosa, California. This exhibit, which opened on June 7th and runs through the end of August, celebrates the groundbreaking addition of Franklin to the Peanuts comic strip following the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. Reynolds discussed the profound social impact of this character's introduction and how the exhibition narrates this remarkable story. “This exhibit really showcases how artists can be change makers, and like you said, something as simple as a comic strip can have an incredible impact,” Martha remarked. She highlighted the immersive nature of the exhibit, which goes beyond visual display, incorporating related activities such as comic book making classes and a music tribute by the Eric Byrd Trio. Janet delved into the diverse array of events and programs the Barns of Rose Hill has lined up. From the summer reading program in collaboration with Clarke County Library to the Songs of Summer Music Bingo, there's something for everyone. The beloved Bluegrass and BBQ series continues with performances by Chris Jones & The Night Drivers and the Jacob Jolliff Band in July and August, respectively. One of the unique highlights Martha shared was the return of 'Orange on the Blue Ridge', a folk opera by Suni Mackall in collaboration with local artists, including Morgan Morrison. This deeply personal portrayal captivated audiences last year and is set to enchant again this August, coinciding with the summers-end car show, Cruise-In Berryville. As the conversation wrapped up, Martha emphasized the significance of community support. “We're in the ninth year of a ten-year endowment challenge with the Eugene B. Casey Foundation, aiming to raise $100,000 annually to secure a sustainable future for Barns of Rose Hill. Every bit counts, and knowing our community is behind us makes all the difference.” So, whether you're a fan of comic strips, bluegrass, or educational programs for kids, Barns of Rose Hill offers an enriching array of experiences. To keep up with all the latest, visit barnsofrosehill.org and follow them on Facebook and Instagram for timely updates. 

For years, mainstream researchers insisted Sasquatch existed—if at all—only in the Pacific Northwest. But the witnesses in this episode know better. From Georgia's Blue Ridge to the Florida swamps, these firsthand encounters, spanning over fifty years, reveal a hidden population thriving in the American South.Tonight, you'll hear stories of a hunter who faced down an eight-foot creature shaking his tree stand, a ginseng picker who stumbled into a remote valley where intelligent beings debated his fate, and a solo hiker systematically stalked through the Appalachian wilderness.You'll also hear the chilling account of a veteran Florida sheriff's deputy who, after years of dealing with gators and fugitives, came face-to-face with a massive creature emerging from the cypress swamp, making it clear who really owned the land.Then, a Kentucky poacher finds himself hunted by towering predators, and an Alabama homesteader forms an unlikely, year-long bond with something not entirely human. These aren't blurry-photo stories or secondhand rumors.These are raw, detailed accounts from people who came far too close to something impossible.Join Mireya's Explorer Society Get Our FREE NewsletterGet Brian's Books Leave Us A VoicemailVisit Our WebsiteSupport Our SponsorsVisit Untold Radio AM

Don't Underestimate Another - [Blue Ridge Mishmar] in Beha'aloscha by Rabbi Daniel Kalish

My First Yizkor - Parshas Naso - [Blue Ridge Mishmar] in Naso by Rabbi Daniel Kalish

God's call on Connie Czepiel's life began as a teenager when the Lord began to break her heart for people suffering in other countries. With a passion for the medical field, Connie joined the Air Force, but God (and the military) had other plans. Connie was educated in finance - something she never anticipated. After a divorce, and as a single mother of three, Connie acquired work as a contracted finance manager, and it took her around the world. She could have chosen to wallow in hurt and bitterness. Instead, Connie decided to put her eyes on Jesus.Today, at 76, Connie is an author in the Blue Ridge mountains of North Carolina. She has plenty of stories to draw from as her humanitarian work has taken her to Madagascar, Vietnam, New Guinea, Nepal, Liberia and many more. She served with the Peace Corps in Botswana, and she's worked for organizations such as MAF, Mercy Ships, and Samaritan's Purse. Needless to say, this is an episode of adventure and encouragement. Connie wants you to know this: it's never to late to pursue your dreams.Listen in and be encouraged.Connie's written four books. We encourage you to check them out on Amazon.Connie is available for interviews, workshops, and speaking engagements. To connect with her: kommertje2012@gmail.com

As the podcast discussed at the beginning of the new season- we wanted to give a strong overview of the Third-Party Administrators (TPAs) role in the ESOP. On this episode, the podcast interviews Tom Roback with Blue Ridge. The episode looks at the trends in the ESOP community and the consolidation of TPA companies.  We look to answer what challenges with TPA firms are currently being experienced and how TPAs (particularly Blue Ridge) are looking to overcome those to provide a strong partnership with their clients. Tom does an excellent job walking through a a various list of topics - this should be a helpful podcast episode along your journey to an ESOP.

Christie Gribble once said she'd never return to Blue Ridge, Georgia—but since moving back in 2015, she's become one of its greatest champions. As President & CEO of the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce and CVB, Christie supports over 1,000 local businesses and welcomes thousands of tourists each year to this scenic mountain town. In this episode, she shares her deep-rooted family story, her unexpected love story, and the unique role tourism plays in Blue Ridge's small-business economy. Get her take on local events, seasonal favorites, and what makes this town such a magnetic place to live and visit.

Shavuos Prep - [Blue Ridge Mishmar] in Shavuos by Rabbi Daniel Kalish

This is the podcast of the common man and because it is we owe you bang for your buck stay and play locations.  There are few better than this spot outside of Washington DC.  Great layout, good conditions and amazing people.  What more could you want!#golf #golfpodcast #golfpod #dadgolf #dadgolfers #golfdads #golfdad #golfersofinstagram #dadsofinstagram #golfva #golfvirginia