The Valley Today

Janet Michael
  • 5.0 (9)
  • Documentary
  • Updated Daily

The Valley Today is a radio show and podcast dedicated to shining a light on the vibrant community leaders and local events that make the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia truly special. Insightful conversations, engaging stories, and event details connect listeners with the heart and soul of the valley, showcasing its unique culture, initiatives, and people. Guests are recorded (mostly) in advance in local coffee shops, at local businesses, and during local events. The radio program airs just a few minutes after noon every weekday on The River 95.3 and Sports Radio 1450.

  1. 2d ago

    Running for Recovery

    A local 5K is doing double duty this year — raising money for scholarships and keeping a beloved friend's memory alive. Host Janet Michael is joined by Guy Curtis, Director of Marketing at Laurel Ridge Community College, along with Julie Judy and Meredith Speir-Cavalier, co-founders of The Recovery Connection, to talk about the Laurel Ridge Community College 5K and the scholarship it supports in honor of Alex Burton. In this episode, Julie and Meredith share how The Recovery Connection came to be, what their residential and community-based programs for women in recovery look like day to day, and why the Alex Burton Scholarship means so much to them personally. Guy Curtis rounds it out with everything you need to register, donate, or just show up and cheer on race day. Whether you're lacing up your running shoes or just want to support a great cause, this one's worth a listen. EVENT DETAILS Event: Laurel Ridge Community College 5K (run/walk, multi-surface course) Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026 Start time: 9:00 AM Location: Laurel Ridge Community College, Middletown Campus — starts and finishes at the Student Union building Cost: $35 per person  Registration: Online at laurelridge.edu/5k; registration closes the night before the race (September 18) Extras: T-shirt while supplies last, plus a barbecue sandwich for every runner courtesy of Shaffer's BBQ Beneficiary: Proceeds support the Recovery Connection Scholarship in honor of Alex Burton Direct donations: laurelridge.edu/give LINKS & RESOURCES Laurel Ridge 5K registration: laurelridge.edu/5k Donate to the Alex Burton Scholarship: laurelridge.edu/give The Recovery Connection: www.trc-va.com The Recovery Connection helpline: 540-594-HELP (540-594-4357) The Recovery Connection email: info@trc-va.com THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday

    Running for Recovery

  2. 3d ago

    Don't Touch That Dial

    Would your car still have AM radio if automakers got their way? Janet sits down with Andrew Shearer, President/Owner of Royal Broadcasting, which owns The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450, to talk about why AM radio still matters, and why it might disappear from new cars for good. Andrew breaks down why AM signal reaches places FM and cell service can't, what the American Red Cross has to do with any of this, and where things stand on a bill in Congress that could settle the question for good — including a House vote already on the calendar. Plus: what you can do about it before that vote happens. LINKS & RESOURCES theriver953.com — AM radio facts and a tool to find and contact your representatives THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday

    Don't Touch That Dial

  3. 4d ago

    15 Years of Art, Music, and Milestones

    It's Tourism Tuesday, Berryville/Clarke County edition, and Janet is on the Zooms with Martha Reynolds, Executive Director of Barns of Rose Hill, for a rundown of a huge year: new exhibitions, a brand-new midweek concert series, and a completed 10-year endowment challenge. From a colorful new exhibit inspired by Brazilian music to a can't-miss documentary premiere, Martha walks through everything happening at the Barns over the next few months — plus details on the organization's 15th anniversary gala, coming up September 19th. Whether you're into art, music, or just supporting a great local nonprofit, there's something here for you. EVENT DETAILS Barns of Rose Hill 15th Anniversary Gala Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026 Location: Barns of Rose Hill, Berryville, VA Details: Celebrating 15 years of the Barns and the completion of its 10-year endowment challenge. Music from Furnace Mountain Duo, catering by Bonnie Blue Southern Market and Bakery, live and silent auctions, and an online silent auction option for those who can't attend in person. More info/tickets: barnsofrosehill.org THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday

    15 Years of Art, Music, and Milestones

  4. Sep 4

    Pies, Pups & Pints

    It's the Shenandoah Valley's biggest fall tradition, and it's turning 52. Host Janet Michael sat down with Darla McCrary, co-chair of the Shenandoah Valley Apple Harvest Festival, at the Espresso Bar on Winchester's Old Town Walking Mall to talk pie contests, pony rides, and pints of hard cider. The Rotary Club of Winchester has put on this festival for over 50 years, raising an estimated $1.5 million for local nonprofits along the way. In this episode, Darla walks through everything happening at this year's two-day event at the Frederick County Fairgrounds — from the apple pie baking and eating contests to live music, a classic car show, 80–100 vendors, and a full lineup of pet-friendly, family-friendly fun. Tune in for all the details before gates open September 19th. EVENT DETAILS Shenandoah Valley Apple Harvest Festival (52nd Annual) Dates: Saturday, September 19 & Sunday, September 20 Times: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM both days Location: Frederick County Fairgrounds, Clearbrook, VA Admission: $10 general admission; free for kids 10 and under, first responders, veterans, military, and law enforcement (with ID). $1-off coupons available at Handy Mart stores, Winchester Visitor Center, & Claudio's pizza boxes. Drinks: $7 per pint (beer and cider); must be 21+ with ID Highlights: Live music both days, apple pie baking contest (Saturday, noon), apple pie eating contest (Saturday, 3:00 PM, adult and junior divisions), classic car & hot rod show, 80–100 artisan vendors, kids' zone, petting zoo, pony rides, and pet-friendly grounds Vendor sign-up deadline: September 9th LINKS & RESOURCES Festival website & vendor/contest sign-up: winchesterappleharvest.com Rotary Club of Winchester: rotaryclubofwinchester.org/  THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday

    Pies, Pups & Pints

  5. Sep 3

    Scammed

    Even a veteran law enforcement officer can almost get scammed — and that's exactly what happened to Captain Warren Gosnell of the Frederick County Sheriff's Office, who joins Janet Michael for Public Safety Thursday to break down how today's fraudsters are getting smarter, sneakier, and harder to spot. From spoofed voicemail greetings that used Gosnell's own name and voice to the rise of "gold exchange" scams replacing gift cards, this conversation is a real-world look at how con artists build trust and confusion — and why no one, regardless of age or experience, is immune. Gosnell and Janet walk through the warning signs to watch for, what to actually do if you suspect a scam call, why reporting near-misses to law enforcement still matters, and the one simple rule that can stop almost any scam in its tracks: hang up and call the number you know, not the one they give you. THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday

    Scammed

  6. Sep 2

    More Than Membership

    Ever called the Chamber of Commerce to complain about a price hike at the Dollar Tree? Someone has — twice. On this episode of Valley Business Today, Niki Foster, President of the Front Royal-Warren County Chamber of Commerce, joins Janet Michael to clear up exactly what the Chamber is, what it isn't, and why so many people get it confused with local government. Niki walks through the Chamber's role as an independent, self-funded organization — from nonpartisan candidate forums and business education to the networking events, committees, and community programs that connect residents, nonprofits, and business owners alike. Whether you're a longtime member or have never set foot in the Chamber office, this conversation is a great refresher on how much value is packed into that membership — and how affordable it really is to join. Links & Resources Front Royal-Warren County Chamber of Commerce: frontroyalchamber.com Contact Niki Foster: nfoster@frontroyalchamber.com Coffee & Conversations — first Friday of every month, 9:00 AM, at On Cue (Front Royal) THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday

    More Than Membership

  7. Sep 1

    From Makers to Mixology

    It's a two-for-one Tourism Tuesday! Host Janet Michael and Justin Kerns of the Winchester-Frederick County Convention & Visitors Bureau head to downtown Winchester's historic former bank building, The Exchange on Loudoun, to talk with co-owners Molly McGehee-Hanson and Jillian McGehee about the Last Sunday Market — an indoor artisan makers and growers market that's already drawing hundreds of visitors a month. Then they head downstairs into the building's old bank vault to visit The Winchester Tavern, where Chef Dan Kalber and mixologist Courtney Rust talk crafted cocktails, farm-to-table sourcing, and the family of downtown restaurants — Village Square, Water Street Kitchen, and Mangia Cucina Italiana — behind it all. Two businesses, one incredible building, and a whole lot of local flavor. LINKS & RESOURCES The Exchange on Loudoun — theexchangeonloudoun.com Last Sunday Market — Facebook and Instagram The Winchester Tavern — thewinchestertavern.com Winchester-Frederick County Convention & Visitors Bureau — visitwinchesterva.com THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday

    From Makers to Mixology

  8. Aug 31

    Way Down Yonder

    Pawpaws are Virginia's forgotten native fruit — and this fall, Blandy Experimental Farm is throwing them a party. Janet welcomes back Melanie Mullinax, Communications & Events Manager at Blandy, to talk about the return of Pawpaw & Pints on September 13th, complete with a locally brewed pawpaw beer, fruit tastings, and a talk from renowned pawpaw expert Neal Peterson. From the surprising 1916 pawpaw-growing contest that brought the fruit to Blandy's grounds a century ago to the rediscovered pawpaw trail that's finally getting its due, Melanie shares the history, the flavor comparisons (mango meets banana, anyone?), and how ticket sales support ongoing trail restoration. She also looks ahead to Blandy's fall lineup — Ginkgo Gold Weekends, tree sponsorships, and more — so there's plenty here to make you want to plan a visit. Event Details Event: Pawpaw & Pints Date: Saturday, September 13, 2026 Time: 1:00 – 3:00 PM Location: Blandy Experimental Farm / State Arboretum of Virginia — courtyard behind the Quarters building, Boyce, VA (new location this year; moved from the Ginkgo Grove) Cost: $20/person (age 21+, includes a pawpaw beer tasting) or $10/person (under 21, or 21+ guests skipping the beer tasting) Tickets: blandy.virginia.edu — homepage graphic links to Eventbrite Highlights: Six to seven interactive stations including fruit tasting and pawpaw crafts; two talks from pawpaw expert Neal Peterson (Peterson Pawpaws) at 1:30 and 2:30 PM; guided walk out to the pawpaw trail offered after the event for guests who want to see the pawpaws themselves Links & Resources Blandy Experimental Farm / State Arboretum of Virginia: blandy.virginia.edu Pawpaw & Pints tickets: via Eventbrite (linked from Blandy's homepage) Winchester Brew Works: winchesterbrewworks.com THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday

    Way Down Yonder
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5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

The Valley Today is a radio show and podcast dedicated to shining a light on the vibrant community leaders and local events that make the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia truly special. Insightful conversations, engaging stories, and event details connect listeners with the heart and soul of the valley, showcasing its unique culture, initiatives, and people. Guests are recorded (mostly) in advance in local coffee shops, at local businesses, and during local events. The radio program airs just a few minutes after noon every weekday on The River 95.3 and Sports Radio 1450.

Information

  • Creator
    Janet Michael
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    2.1K
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Valley Today
  • Show Website
    The Valley Today