NEW RURAL VIRGINIA PODCAST

New Rural Virginia
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Politics
  • Updated Weekly

Rural communities deserve to be heard. That’s the whole idea behind the New Rural Virginia Podcast. We’re having practical, honest conversations with our neighbors, local leaders, and candidates who know their communities, bringing new energy and ideas to tough challenges. The voices of rural Virginia are essential to the future of the Commonwealth. Co-hosted by Larry Wohlers and Parson Brown

  1. 3d ago

    Ep. 27 – Rep. James Walkinshaw and Joy Powers: Building Rural and Urban Partnerships

    Congressman James Walkinshaw and House District 9 candidate Joy Powers join New Rural Virginia Podcast for a conversation on what rural and urban communities can accomplish when they work together. The discussion explores gerrymandering, food security, small business development, health care affordability, public libraries, and the shared economic challenges facing Virginians across geographic and political divides. Learn more: www.JamesWalkinshaw.org www.JoyForVA.com

    45 min

  2. May 25

    Ep. 26 – Brad Skipper: Shenandoah Democratic Committee Chair

    Released: Memorial Day, May 25, 2026 | Recorded: May 21, 2026 Shenandoah Democratic Committee Chair Brad Skipper joins New Rural Virginia Podcast for a conversation on grassroots organizing in one of Virginia’s most conservative rural regions. The discussion explores bridge demonstrations over Interstate 81, rural voter engagement, school board culture wars, and the growing visibility of Democrats and independents in Shenandoah County, while emphasizing the importance of relationships, community trust, and organizing rooted in rural identity and local issues. Learn more: www.ShenCoDems.org

    35 min

  3. Apr 26

    Ep. 25 – Sarah Wells: Small Business Advocate and Entrepreneur

    Sarah Wells joins New Rural Virginia Podcast to discuss the role of small businesses in driving rural prosperity and the challenges they face in today’s economy. The conversation focuses on limited visibility in policy and data, complex tax and compliance burdens, and uneven access to financing and resources that often hold rural entrepreneurs back. Wells also outlines practical, nonpartisan solutions to better support small businesses, emphasizing the need for tailored policies that reflect the realities of rural communities. Learn more at: www.sarahwellsbags.com

    37 min

  4. Apr 22

    Ep. 24 – Ghazala Hashmi: Lieutenant Governor of Virginia

    As Virginia votes YES on the redistricting referendum, Lieutenant Governor Ghazala Hashmi joins New Rural Virginia Podcast to discuss her vision for the Commonwealth and the initiatives shaping her work in office. The conversation highlights her Literature and Government lecture series and Virginia’s Voices initiative, focused on civic engagement and connecting directly with communities across Virginia. Hashmi discusses disparities in K–12 education funding, pathways in higher education and workforce training, healthcare access, and the importance of broadband and economic opportunity in rural areas. She also addresses support for small businesses, protections for public libraries, and the need to turn community input into practical policy solutions that reflect the everyday needs of Virginians. Learn more at: www.ltgov.virginia.gov

    31 min

  5. Apr 16

    Ep. 23 – Bree Fram: Candidate for U.S. House of Representatives (VA-11)

    Former Air Force and Space Force Colonel Bree Fram joins New Rural Virginia Podcast to discuss her campaign for Virginia’s 11th District and the upcoming redistricting referendum vote on April 21st. The conversation spans her military service and path to running for Congress, the stakes of redistricting, and the challenge of representing a district that bridges rural and suburban communities. Fram discusses rural prosperity, including healthcare access, infrastructure challenges, and economic stability for farmers, as well as the importance of showing up, listening, and engaging communities across the district. She also addresses how national security decisions shape local economies and outlines her approach to public service and representation.   Learn more at: www.TeamBree.com   DON'T FORGET TO VOTE AND VOTE EARLY!

    34 min

  6. Trailer

    RURAL VOICES DESERVE TO BE HEARD (Promo)

    The voices of rural Virginia are essential to the future of the Commonwealth. New Rural Virginia Podcast brings conversations with candidates, elected officials, organizers, and community leaders across rural Virginia. Listen anywhere you get your audio and please follow, like, and subscribe to our substack newsletter, "The Rural Angle" Co-hosted by Larry Wohlers and Parson Brown www.NewRuralVa.org

    1 min

  7. Mar 30

    Ep. 22 – The Alliance for Appalachia: Lyndsay Deitrick and Laura Miller

    Lyndsay Deitrick and Laura Miller of the Alliance for Appalachia join for a conversation on two decades of work supporting communities across Southwest Virginia and the broader region. The episode highlights ongoing efforts around environmental justice, grassroots organizing, and federal advocacy, while connecting those efforts to the future of rural prosperity, community resilience, and representation from the ground up. After a short break, New Rural Virginia Podcast returns following Larry’s trip to Europe and Parson’s time at the Appalachian Studies Association Conference. Learn more at: www.TheAllianceforAppalachia.org

    38 min

  8. Feb 19

    Ep. 21 – Kris Nelson and Jessica Reynolds: Chair/Vice Chair, Warren County Democratic Committee

    Kris Nelson and Jessica Reynolds join New Rural Virginia Podcast discuss the movement to protect Samuels Public Library, the strength of grassroots organizing in rural communities, and how cross-party partnerships can deliver results. They analyze newly drawn district lines, consider implications for the Commonwealth’s civic future, highlight strategies that keep local advocates aligned and effective, and outline priorities ahead for the DPVA Rural Caucus. Learn more: Warren County Democratic Committee: https://www.warrencovadems.org/ Rural Caucus of Virginia: https://www.ruralcaucusdpva.org Virginia Data Center Reform Coalition: https://pecva.org/datacenters

    33 min
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Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Rural communities deserve to be heard. That’s the whole idea behind the New Rural Virginia Podcast. We’re having practical, honest conversations with our neighbors, local leaders, and candidates who know their communities, bringing new energy and ideas to tough challenges. The voices of rural Virginia are essential to the future of the Commonwealth. Co-hosted by Larry Wohlers and Parson Brown

Information

  • Creator
    New Rural Virginia
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 New Rural Virginia. All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    NEW RURAL VIRGINIA PODCAST