NEW RURAL VIRGINIA PODCAST

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

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 [http://www.ltgov.virginia.gov]

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 [http://www.TeamBree.com]   DON'T FORGET TO VOTE AND VOTE EARLY!

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" [https://newruralvirginia.substack.com/] Co-hosted by Larry Wohlers and Parson Brown www.NewRuralVa.org [http://www.NewRuralVa.org]