The Roanoker Presents: From Print to Podcast

Celebrating Five Years of Style with Rachelle Walker of WyndRose Boutique

Our latest episode celebrates five years of style, creativity, and community! Rachelle Walker of WyndRose Boutique [https://wyndroseboutique.com/] takes listeners inside the boutique to talk entrepreneurship, curated finds, and the journey of building a beloved local business. Recorded on site at WyndRose, Rachelle shares the evolution of the boutique over the last five years, lessons learned along the way, favorite moments, and what continues inspiring her as a business owner. We also talk trends, shopping local, and what keeps customers coming back (even if they're from out of town!). A huge thank you to Rachelle for joining us and sharing her story, and to our readers and listeners for continuing to support the local businesses that help shape our region. Learn more about WyndRose Boutique and shop online at WyndRose Boutique [https://wyndroseboutique.com/]. And don’t forget to pick up the latest issue of The Roanoker and always see more at TheRoanoker.com [https://theroanoker.com]!

A New Era at the Ballpark with Blair Hoke and the Salem RidgeYaks

Play ball! Our latest ep with Blair Hoke of the Salem RidgeYaks, formerly the Salem Red Sox, highlights the team’s exciting new chapter and what it means for fans across the region. Recorded on site at the ballpark, we share the story behind the rebrand, the energy surrounding the RidgeYaks identity, and what visitors can expect this season—from promotions and merchandise to an elevated game-day experience. Blair also shares insight into her journey in baseball and her role as the first woman assistant general manager in her league. Big thanks to Blair for joining us and offering a behind-the-scenes look at this transformation, and to our readers for continuing to support the people and traditions that make our region special. Learn more about the Salem RidgeYaks, grab tickets, and plan your visit at mlb.com/milb/salem. And don't forget to pick up the latest issue of The Roanoker and always see more at TheRoanoker.com!

Built to Last: Justin VanBlaricom of Noke Van Co

In this episode, we sit down with Justin vanBlaricom of Noke Van Co, your Platinum winner for Male "Star of the Star City" and May/June cover star of The Roanoker, to talk about what it really takes to keep moving forward. After a devastating fire in April 2025, Justin and his team have been navigating the long road of rebuilding, from reworking systems and processes to staying focused on their people and their purpose. Recorded on site in their new space, the vanBlaricoms offers a look inside the workspace, the builds, and the mindset behind it all. A huge thank you to Justin and Keri for sharing their story, and to our readers for recognizing the people who make Roanoke what it is. Learn more about Noke Van Co and their custom builds at nokevanco.com. To read more, pick up the latest issue of The Roanoker or visit TheRoanoker.com.

On the Record with Beth Macy

It's a CAN'T-MISS final episode of season 3 as we sit down with Beth Macy, bestselling author of Dopesick (which inspired an Emmy-winning Hulu series), Factory Man, Truevine and most recently Paper Girl, to talk storytelling, community and the power of local journalism. From her early days at The Roanoke Times to chronicling the triumphs and challenges of people across SWVA, Beth shares what drives her work, how she lifts voices often overlooked and the lessons she’s learned along the way. ——— A huge thank you to Beth Macy for sharing her perspective, dedication and love for our region, and thanks to our listeners for following along this season. Get her newest book, Paper Girl, wherever books are sold, and always read more at TheRoanoker.com.

Shaken & Skilled with Bartender Brittany Browning

Great drinks, great people and a story that inspires! In our latest episode, we sit down with Brittany Browning, Roanoke’s Platinum-winning bartender, to talk craft, connection and the heart behind every cocktail she pours at Martin’s Downtown. From her unique approach to bartending and her signature Ember Tipple to the resilience and creativity that set her apart, Brittany shares what makes her craft meaningful, how she makes everyone feel welcome and the inspiration that fuels her work behind the bar and beyond. A huge thank you to Brittany Browning for sharing her story, skill and passion with us, and thanks to our readers for your community support and Dining Awards votes. To read her full feature, “Raising the Bar,” pick up the latest issue of The Roanoker or visit TheRoanoker.com — or head to Martin’s Downtown to experience it firsthand!