Rethink Classical: How Staunton Music Festival is Rewriting the Rules

The Ingredients of Grit

Chef Laura Fonner's career is one movies are made of. As a teenage mother, self-taught cook, and woman in a male-dominated industry, she faced challenge after challenge on her path to becoming a two-time Food Network winner and Executive Chef of Zynodoa.  From leading one of Virginia's premier farm-to-table kitchens to using food and feelings as a language of service, competing on national television, and mentoring the next generation of culinary talent, Laura shares the lessons she's learned about resilience, purpose, and the power of showing up. Season 2's candid finale is a masterclass in grit, growth, and what happens when talent meets relentless determination.

It's Your Turn: Why Communities Need People Who Show Up

When a mentor looked across the table and said, "It's your turn," Tony Davenport realized something important: communities don't sustain themselves. They are built, shaped, and strengthened by people willing to show up. In this heartfelt conversation, the longtime public servant, community advocate, and DJ reflects on family, service, music, mentorship, and why every generation has a responsibility to carry the torch forward.

Would You Survive the 1700s? Inside Staunton’s Living History Museum

For Butch Smiley, history isn’t about just memorizing dates-it’s about understanding people. In this conversation, the retiring CEO of the Frontier Culture Museum shares stories from his own life and leadership journey while reflecting on the immigrant experiences, cultural traditions, and journeys that helped shape America. As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, Butch and Samantha explore the impact of living history, what 40 years of leadership has taught him about community and service, and why Staunton remains such a meaningful place to tell the American story.

The Silver Line: What Happens When You Stop Waiting for Permission to Build Something Beautiful

"Cool stuff doesn't happen unless there's a lot of love in the room." That's Jeremy West, Artistic Director and Founder of Silver Line Theatre Exchange—a black box educational theatre built inside a converted Staunton warehouse by a teacher, a former student, and a whole lot of belief in what a small city can hold. When 2020 forced a pivot, he decided to build something Staunton didn't know it was missing. Jeremy shares the winding road from Alabama stages to the American Shakespeare Center to a converted warehouse on Lewis Street, and makes the case that building something beautiful is always worth it. You just have to stop waiting for permission.

Staunton Jams: Building a Music Community

What does it take to take a community's music scene to the next level? In this episode, Molly Murphy—musician, educator, and founder of Queen City Music Studios—explores how access, collaboration, and a little bit of scrappy energy can transform a city’s creative identity. From teaching music by ear to helping revive Staunton Jams, Molly shares how she’s creating space for people of all ages and experience levels to find their sound. It’s a conversation about access, creativity, and what’s possible when a community decides to play together.