NEW RURAL VIRGINIA PODCAST

Ep. 29 – Black Women in Rural Democratic Spaces

Ashleigh N. Jackson, Andrea Jackson, Makayla Venable, and LeighAshley Hardin join New Rural Virginia Podcast to discuss grassroots organizing, representation, and building Democratic power in rural Virginia. Four Black women share how relationships, local leadership, and year-round organizing are helping reshape Democratic politics in Waynesboro and beyond.

Ep. 28 – State Senator Jennifer Boysko: Why Paid Family and Medical Leave Matters for Rural Virginia

State Senator Jennifer Boysko joins New Rural Virginia Podcast to discuss Virginia’s new Paid Family and Medical Leave law, why she spent eight years fighting for its passage, and what it could mean for working families, small businesses, and rural communities across the Commonwealth. Learn more: www.JenniferBoysko.com [http://www.jenniferboysko.com/] Email: SenatorBoysko@senate.virginia.gov [SenatorBoysko@senate.virginia.gov]

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 [http://www.jameswalkinshaw.org/] www.JoyForVA.com [http://www.joyforva.com/]

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

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