The U is Silent; We Aren’t

Visit Staunton, VA
  • 5.0 (11)
  • PLACES & TRAVEL
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

The U may be silent, but Staunton has a lot to say. Join Visit Staunton as we sit down with inspiring individuals at the top of their craft. We’re chatting about what drives their passion, the actions behind the impact, and a little about the place where they’re making it all happen.

Episodes

  1. 07/29/2025

    Parks & Recollections

    From bear cubs to bandstands, Chris Tuttle’s 36-year ride through Staunton’s parks proves the grass really is greener where you water it. In this unfiltered season finale, he shares stories of wrangling raccoons, defining learning moments, and the community spirit that makes it all worth it.

    55 min

  2. 07/15/2025

    Tangleroot: Author Kalela Williams on History, Healing, & Heritage

    What we bury still speaks. Author Kalela Williams takes us on her literary journey through memory, place, and identity—from a childhood encounter with hidden histories to her debut novel Tangleroot. She shares how unearthing untold stories of enslaved people shaped her voice, and how storytelling fosters empathy, connection, and healing. Through both prose and poetry, she makes the case for literature and literacy as tools that open up the world—for everyone.

    38 min

  3. 07/01/2025

    The Bones Are Good: The Secret to A Small-Town’s Revitalization

    Developer Robin Miller joins us to reveal how Staunton’s historic buildings are getting new life—thanks to the power of preservation, tax credits, and a little creative vision. Hear about the hidden gems behind old walls and why saving the past is shaping the city’s next chapter. This episode is a masterclass in how preservation meets progress.

    37 min

  4. 06/17/2025

    Culture in Color: Noelia Núñez Blends Community, Mediums, and Mindfulness

    From the brick facades of Beverley Street to the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains, the Shenandoah Valley's scenery is Noelia Núñez’ palette. Dive into her creative painting process, learn how social media catapulted her work, and hear why she keeps community and culture at the heart of every brushstroke.

    36 min

  5. 06/03/2025

    Country Roads & Family Ties: Wilson Fairchild's Life in Harmony

    What happens when you grow up with country music royalty—and decide to carve your own path without forgetting your roots? In this episode, country duo Wilson Fairchild (Wil and Langdon Reid) take us behind the scenes of their musical journey, from writing heartfelt lyrics to reviving Staunton’s beloved Happy Birthday America celebration. With trademark humor and undeniable harmony, they share stories of growing up as sons of the Statler Brothers, the hilarities of the road, and why staying grounded in Staunton, Virginia is their secret sauce. It’s a conversation about family, legacy, and discovering a rhythm all your own.

    50 min

  6. 05/20/2025

    Watch Ya Mouth, Trust Ya Gut: How Chaos and Creativity Launched Startup Success

    How does a kid mowing lawns in West Virginia end up launching a bestselling game and building a creativity-fueled business hub in Staunton, VA? Peter Denbigh gets real about idea execution, building a killer team, and why small towns might just be the next big thing in innovation.

    41 min

  7. 05/06/2025

    Real, Rooted, & Rising: Danielle McEwen's Bold Playbook to Business

    Danielle McEwen reveals why Staunton isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a catalyst. From tackling anxiety and entrepreneurship myths to harnessing the power of storytelling, she offers a blueprint for showing up, standing out, and leading with heart.

    45 min

  8. 04/22/2025

    Breaking Bread and Boundaries: The Audacious Rise of Ian Boden

    From small-town roots to national acclaim, Ian Boden’s story is anything but ordinary. Hear how this 3x James Beard nominated chef took the path less traveled—and added a little fire along the way. We talk culinary passion, rebellious flavors, and how Staunton became the epicenter of food innovation in the Shenandoah Valley.

    44 min

  9. 04/08/2025

    Steel Rails, Scenic Trails: Why Train Travel Still Captivates Us

    Steve Powell, President of Buckingham Branch and Virginia Scenic Railway, joins us to talk about Staunton’s rail renaissance—from freight roots to unforgettable scenic excursions. Learn why train travel still captures hearts, how history is honored on every ride, and what’s next for this growing experience.

    38 min

  10. 03/25/2025

    A Radical Act of Community: Shakespeare in Staunton

    What's the world's first recreation of Shakespeare's Blackfriars Theatre doing in a small, rural city in Virginia? In Episode 3, we dive into the world of theatre with Vanessa Morosco, Executive Director of the American Shakespeare Center and Blackfriars Playhouse. Vanessa takes us behind the curtain of one of America’s most extraordinary cultural spaces, discussing everything from the reimagining of Elizabethan staging practices to the vital role theatre plays in fostering community. Discover how live, unplugged performances and innovative storytelling are breaking down barriers and inviting audiences to experience Shakespeare today.

    41 min

  11. 03/11/2025

    Where Passion Meets Precision: The Heifetz Experience

    It's often said you can't teach passion, but we've found that's not quite true. In Episode 2, we sit down with Heifetz Music Institute's President and CEO, Benjamin Roe, to discuss how this renowned classical music institute came to welcome the world's most talented and promising young musicians to the town of Staunton, VA every summer and, in the process, establish artistic identity for performers and the community, alike.

    45 min

  12. 02/27/2025

    A Little Mischief, A Lot of Magic - Meet Sarah Lynch

    Sarah Lynch is the founder of the Queen City Mischief and Magic festival and owner of Baja Bean. Sarah reflects on how she took an idea for a community book release party to a gathering of 40,000 wizards, witches, and muggles in a small Virginian town.

    41 min
  • 12 Episodes

5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

The U may be silent, but Staunton has a lot to say. Join Visit Staunton as we sit down with inspiring individuals at the top of their craft. We’re chatting about what drives their passion, the actions behind the impact, and a little about the place where they’re making it all happen.

Information

  • Creator
    Visit Staunton, VA
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The U is Silent; We Aren’t