Voices of Hope NRV Thu, 16 Jul 2026 20:34:59 -0400 https://www.nrvcs.org/podcast/ en-us © 2026 Voices of Hope NRV yes 18339bdd-c739-5a78-9252-383b6358bc48 New River Valley Community Services episodic false Voices of Hope is a podcast from New River Valley Community Services, hosted by Mike Wade and Ross Wilsie.

Each episode explores the themes of hope and wellness at every level: individual, family, community, and the wider world around us. Through real stories and honest conversations, Mike and Ross highlight the people and practices that nurture resilience and connection in Virginia’s New River Valley. Whether it’s through recovery, service, creativity, or exploring the NRV’s natural beauty, Voices of Hope reminds us that hope is not just an idea – it’s something we build together.

Listen, join the conversation, and remember: hope grows when we share it.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) hope, wellness, community stories, New River Valley, mental health, resilience, recovery, inspiration, Virginia podcast New River Valley Community Services https://storage.buzzsprout.com/h2265nzp6qopecvtbwrefwnjekfc?.jpg Voices of Hope NRV https://www.nrvcs.org/podcast/ Mike Wade Mike Wade Mike Wade is a lifelong resident of Virginia’s New River Valley and has worked at NRVCS for more than 26 years. As Coordinator of Community Wellness and Outreach, Mike is responsible for the agency’s external communications and media relations. In 2018, he added supervision of the NRVCS prevention team to his job, eventually rebranding that work as Community Wellness and Outreach.

Mike blends his background in journalism and graphic design with a genuine desire to have a positive impact on the community he has always called home.

]]> Mike Wade is a lifelong resident of Virginia’s New River Valley and has worked at NRVCS for more than 26 years. As Coordinator of Community Wellness and Outreach, Mike is responsible for the agency’s external communications and media relations. In 2018, he added supervision of the NRVCS prevention team to his job, eventually rebranding that work as Community Wellness and Outreach.

Mike blends his background in journalism and graphic design with a genuine desire to have a positive impact on the community he has always called home.

]]> New River Valley Community Services Buzzsprout-19471859 Mon, 13 Jul 2026 15:00:00 -0400 2450 1 20 full false Ross Wilsie Ross Wilsie Ross Wilsie is Behavioral Wellness Media Specialist at New River Valley Community Services and one of the co-hosts of this very podcast!  Ross’s lifelong passion for using audio and video to capture and preserve stories led him to join the Community Wellness and Outreach team at NRVCS in 2022, and he often comments that he has finally figured out what he wants to be when he grows up.

Ross, his wife, and his two boys live in a small farmhouse in Blacksburg that backs up to Jefferson National Forest, and they each enjoy taking advantage of the trails and other outdoor recreation that surrounds them.  While cherishing times of solitude as a means of self-care, Ross is eager to get the word out about the importance of community in each of our lives as we strive to have healthier families and communities.

]]> Ross Wilsie is Behavioral Wellness Media Specialist at New River Valley Community Services and one of the co-hosts of this very podcast!  Ross’s lifelong passion for using audio and video to capture and preserve stories led him to join the Community Wellness and Outreach team at NRVCS in 2022, and he often comments that he has finally figured out what he wants to be when he grows up.

Ross, his wife, and his two boys live in a small farmhouse in Blacksburg that backs up to Jefferson National Forest, and they each enjoy taking advantage of the trails and other outdoor recreation that surrounds them.  While cherishing times of solitude as a means of self-care, Ross is eager to get the word out about the importance of community in each of our lives as we strive to have healthier families and communities.

]]> New River Valley Community Services Buzzsprout-19425887 Tue, 30 Jun 2026 13:00:00 -0400 2029 1 19 full false Danette Gibbs Danette Gibbs Danette Gibbs is Executive Director of the Campus Suicide Prevention Center of Virginia. With a PhD in Clinical Psychology and a background in higher education and community coalition development, Danette has spent much of her career helping people navigate challenges, build resilience, and find the support they need to thrive.

Her work has brought together individuals, schools, and communities across Virginia to strengthen suicide prevention efforts and promote wellness. But beyond her professional roles, Danette’s favorite title is “Mom,” and she aspires to make the communities in which her young children will learn and grow safer and more supportive for all.

]]> Danette Gibbs is Executive Director of the Campus Suicide Prevention Center of Virginia. With a PhD in Clinical Psychology and a background in higher education and community coalition development, Danette has spent much of her career helping people navigate challenges, build resilience, and find the support they need to thrive.

Her work has brought together individuals, schools, and communities across Virginia to strengthen suicide prevention efforts and promote wellness. But beyond her professional roles, Danette’s favorite title is “Mom,” and she aspires to make the communities in which her young children will learn and grow safer and more supportive for all.

]]> New River Valley Community Services Buzzsprout-19350993 Mon, 15 Jun 2026 16:00:00 -0400 2053 1 18 full false Pasha Palanker Pasha Palanker Our guest today is Pasha Palanker, a retired U.S. Army Special Operations Master Sergeant whose experiences have taken him from some of the most intense moments imaginable to a deeply personal journey of healing and growth. Pasha recently gained some unexpected attention when a crosswind gust slammed him into the jumbotron at Virginia Tech’s 2026 Spring Game during a planned parachute drop.

After facing some harrowing experiences during combat operations in Iraq, Pasha returned home to a different kind of battle as he struggled with the lasting effects of the trauma he faced overseas.  Today, he speaks openly about what it took to confront those challenges, take accountability for his life, and find a path toward recovery. And, yes, we’ll also talk about the recent mishap at Lane Stadium.

]]> Our guest today is Pasha Palanker, a retired U.S. Army Special Operations Master Sergeant whose experiences have taken him from some of the most intense moments imaginable to a deeply personal journey of healing and growth. Pasha recently gained some unexpected attention when a crosswind gust slammed him into the jumbotron at Virginia Tech’s 2026 Spring Game during a planned parachute drop.

After facing some harrowing experiences during combat operations in Iraq, Pasha returned home to a different kind of battle as he struggled with the lasting effects of the trauma he faced overseas.  Today, he speaks openly about what it took to confront those challenges, take accountability for his life, and find a path toward recovery. And, yes, we’ll also talk about the recent mishap at Lane Stadium.

]]> New River Valley Community Services Buzzsprout-19275808 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 14:00:00 -0400 1907 1 17 full false Jim Harris Jim Harris Dr. Jim Harris is the Director of the Interdisciplinary Behavioral Health Center at Marshall University, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Work, and founder of Opportunities Consulting Services. With a background that spans behavioral health, education, and early intervention, Dr. Harris has spent his career helping organizations and individuals better understand human behavior and create meaningful change.

A TEDx speaker whose presentation was recognized as an Editor’s Choice talk, Dr. Harris has worked with organizations including the Fred Rogers Company, the U.S. Department of Education, and the U.S. Department of Justice.

]]> Dr. Jim Harris is the Director of the Interdisciplinary Behavioral Health Center at Marshall University, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Work, and founder of Opportunities Consulting Services. With a background that spans behavioral health, education, and early intervention, Dr. Harris has spent his career helping organizations and individuals better understand human behavior and create meaningful change.

A TEDx speaker whose presentation was recognized as an Editor’s Choice talk, Dr. Harris has worked with organizations including the Fred Rogers Company, the U.S. Department of Education, and the U.S. Department of Justice.

]]> New River Valley Community Services Buzzsprout-19197347 Mon, 18 May 2026 14:00:00 -0400 2104 1 16 full false Travis Fellows Travis Fellows Travis Fellows serves as the Coordinator for Community Coalitions of Virginia, or CCoVA, where his work centers on supporting and strengthening prevention coalitions across the state.  In his role, Travis often works behind the scenes – connecting partners, supporting initiatives, and making sure communities have the foundation they need to be effective over the long term.  At the core of his work is a simple but meaningful goal: helping communities build stronger systems that support healthier outcomes.

]]> Travis Fellows serves as the Coordinator for Community Coalitions of Virginia, or CCoVA, where his work centers on supporting and strengthening prevention coalitions across the state.  In his role, Travis often works behind the scenes – connecting partners, supporting initiatives, and making sure communities have the foundation they need to be effective over the long term.  At the core of his work is a simple but meaningful goal: helping communities build stronger systems that support healthier outcomes.

]]> New River Valley Community Services Buzzsprout-19123404 Mon, 04 May 2026 15:00:00 -0400 1452 1 15 full false Angela Gargano Angela Gargano Angela Gargano is a keynote speaker, six-time American Ninja Warrior, Miss Fitness America, three-time Covergirl, and biochemist-turned-coach.  She’s also the founder of a global movement that’s helped thousands of women accomplish what once felt impossible – starting with their first pull-up.  After a major life setback, Angela didn’t just recover, she redefined herself and now encourages others to stop waiting for clarity and start creating it.

]]> Angela Gargano is a keynote speaker, six-time American Ninja Warrior, Miss Fitness America, three-time Covergirl, and biochemist-turned-coach.  She’s also the founder of a global movement that’s helped thousands of women accomplish what once felt impossible – starting with their first pull-up.  After a major life setback, Angela didn’t just recover, she redefined herself and now encourages others to stop waiting for clarity and start creating it.

]]> New River Valley Community Services Buzzsprout-19051966 Tue, 21 Apr 2026 08:00:00 -0400 1410 1 14 full false Joe Klein Joe Klein Joe Klein is a licensed professional counselor and lead clinician at Be Well Now, where he works with adults using various approaches including mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. With more than 15 years of experience teaching meditation and relational mindfulness, Joe also developed the Recovery Dojo program for addiction treatment here at NRVCS and co-founded Inward Bound Mindfulness Education, which leads teen meditation retreats across the U.S. and Canada.

]]> Joe Klein is a licensed professional counselor and lead clinician at Be Well Now, where he works with adults using various approaches including mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. With more than 15 years of experience teaching meditation and relational mindfulness, Joe also developed the Recovery Dojo program for addiction treatment here at NRVCS and co-founded Inward Bound Mindfulness Education, which leads teen meditation retreats across the U.S. and Canada.

]]> New River Valley Community Services Buzzsprout-18969763 Mon, 06 Apr 2026 12:00:00 -0400 2680 1 13 full false Natalie Faunce Natalie Faunce Natalie Faunce is an anchor and producer at WDBJ7, the affiliate station for CBS in Roanoke, Virginia. With a career that’s had her working in markets across the country, Natalie has covered major national events while also earning regional Emmy awards for her travel reporting across Virginia. She now anchors the 5pm newscast and hosts “Here @ Home,” a lifestyle show focused on stories that matter to local families.

]]> Natalie Faunce is an anchor and producer at WDBJ7, the affiliate station for CBS in Roanoke, Virginia. With a career that’s had her working in markets across the country, Natalie has covered major national events while also earning regional Emmy awards for her travel reporting across Virginia. She now anchors the 5pm newscast and hosts “Here @ Home,” a lifestyle show focused on stories that matter to local families.

]]> New River Valley Community Services Buzzsprout-18895184 Mon, 23 Mar 2026 14:00:00 -0400 1884 1 12 full false Jennifer Smith Jennifer Smith Jennifer Smith is the CEO of New River Community Action, a nonprofit serving the New River Valley through programs like Head Start, housing assistance, and food pantries. A Navy veteran and attorney who has worked with international nonprofits focused on breaking the cycle of poverty, Jennifer was named a 2025 Person of Distinction by the United Way of Southwest Virginia for her leadership and commitment to helping communities thrive.

]]> Jennifer Smith is the CEO of New River Community Action, a nonprofit serving the New River Valley through programs like Head Start, housing assistance, and food pantries. A Navy veteran and attorney who has worked with international nonprofits focused on breaking the cycle of poverty, Jennifer was named a 2025 Person of Distinction by the United Way of Southwest Virginia for her leadership and commitment to helping communities thrive.

]]> New River Valley Community Services Buzzsprout-18818035 Mon, 09 Mar 2026 15:00:00 -0400 1881 1 11 full false Keith Whyte Keith Whyte Keith Whyte is President of Safer Gambling Strategies LLC and a national leader in responsible gambling and gambling addiction prevention.  Keith has spent the past 30 years shaping policy, advising organizations, and helping design programs aimed at reducing gambling-related harm.  He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Virginia Council on Problem Gambling and is currently pursuing a PhD focused on responsible gambling.

]]> Keith Whyte is President of Safer Gambling Strategies LLC and a national leader in responsible gambling and gambling addiction prevention.  Keith has spent the past 30 years shaping policy, advising organizations, and helping design programs aimed at reducing gambling-related harm.  He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Virginia Council on Problem Gambling and is currently pursuing a PhD focused on responsible gambling.

]]> New River Valley Community Services Buzzsprout-18731743 Mon, 23 Feb 2026 11:00:00 -0500 2425 1 10 full false Chris Brown Chris Brown Chris Brown is President of the National Fatherhood Initiative (NFI). Chris leads the organization’s work to help communities and human service organizations become more father-inclusive, strengthening families and supporting better outcomes for kids. His passion for this work is deeply personal, shaped by his own experience growing up without an involved father, and his belief that every child deserves a loving and supportive dad.

Chris's new book, "The 24:7 Dad, 12 Habits of Confident Fathers," is available for pre-order now - more information at confidentfathers.com.

]]> Chris Brown is President of the National Fatherhood Initiative (NFI). Chris leads the organization’s work to help communities and human service organizations become more father-inclusive, strengthening families and supporting better outcomes for kids. His passion for this work is deeply personal, shaped by his own experience growing up without an involved father, and his belief that every child deserves a loving and supportive dad.

Chris's new book, "The 24:7 Dad, 12 Habits of Confident Fathers," is available for pre-order now - more information at confidentfathers.com.

]]> New River Valley Community Services Buzzsprout-18651432 Mon, 09 Feb 2026 15:00:00 -0500 2388 1 9 full false Brianna Bonat Brianna Bonat Brianna Bonat serves as the Director of Public Health and Engagement at the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority (CCA). Brianna’s work focuses on making sure public health stays at the center of how cannabis policy and education show up in Virginia. She’s spent her career working in substance misuse prevention, and when she’s not working, she’s spoiling her dog Daisy or planning her next trip.

]]> Brianna Bonat serves as the Director of Public Health and Engagement at the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority (CCA). Brianna’s work focuses on making sure public health stays at the center of how cannabis policy and education show up in Virginia. She’s spent her career working in substance misuse prevention, and when she’s not working, she’s spoiling her dog Daisy or planning her next trip.

]]> New River Valley Community Services Buzzsprout-18573420 Mon, 26 Jan 2026 15:00:00 -0500 1481 1 8 full false Keith Cartwright Keith Cartwright Keith Cartwright is the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Coordinator for the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. He leads a statewide effort to raise awareness of how early childhood experiences shape lifelong health and wellness, helping train over 600 presenters across Virginia. Keith is passionate about the healing power of human connection, and he enjoys exploring the intersection of trauma, resilience, faith, and connection through writing. Above all, he treasures being the father of two teenage sons.

]]> Keith Cartwright is the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Coordinator for the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. He leads a statewide effort to raise awareness of how early childhood experiences shape lifelong health and wellness, helping train over 600 presenters across Virginia. Keith is passionate about the healing power of human connection, and he enjoys exploring the intersection of trauma, resilience, faith, and connection through writing. Above all, he treasures being the father of two teenage sons.

]]> New River Valley Community Services Buzzsprout-18482245 Tue, 13 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0500 2748 1 7 full false Sophie Wenzel Sophie Wenzel Dr. Sophie Wenzel is associate professor of practice and the associate director for the Center for Public Health Practice and Research at Virginia Tech. She’s spent more than two decades working in public health, from serving in the Peace Corps and working with the CDC to leading community-focused public health efforts here in Southwest Virginia. Outside of her professional work, Sophie values time with family, enjoying the outdoors, practicing gratitude, and giving back to her community.

]]> Dr. Sophie Wenzel is associate professor of practice and the associate director for the Center for Public Health Practice and Research at Virginia Tech. She’s spent more than two decades working in public health, from serving in the Peace Corps and working with the CDC to leading community-focused public health efforts here in Southwest Virginia. Outside of her professional work, Sophie values time with family, enjoying the outdoors, practicing gratitude, and giving back to her community.

]]> New River Valley Community Services Buzzsprout-18428228 Tue, 30 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0500 1704 1 6 full false Karen Rodden Karen Rodden Let’s take a quick trip back in time. Our destination? Monday, December 15, 1975.

Gerald Ford is President of the United States. The #1 song on the Billboard Hot 100 chart is "That's the Way (I Like It)" by KC and the Sunshine Band and the CBS evening lineup that night will feature “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” followed by Perry Como’s “Christmas in Mexico” special. It also happens to be Karen Rodden’s first day on the job at NRVCS.

Fast forward to December 15, 2025, and Karen is still showing up to work every day, doing her part to help those in need. Her amazing FIFTY years of service can only be overshadowed by the countless number of lives she has no doubt impacted in a positive way over the course of her career.

]]> Let’s take a quick trip back in time. Our destination? Monday, December 15, 1975.

Gerald Ford is President of the United States. The #1 song on the Billboard Hot 100 chart is "That's the Way (I Like It)" by KC and the Sunshine Band and the CBS evening lineup that night will feature “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” followed by Perry Como’s “Christmas in Mexico” special. It also happens to be Karen Rodden’s first day on the job at NRVCS.

Fast forward to December 15, 2025, and Karen is still showing up to work every day, doing her part to help those in need. Her amazing FIFTY years of service can only be overshadowed by the countless number of lives she has no doubt impacted in a positive way over the course of her career.

]]> New River Valley Community Services Buzzsprout-18339261 Mon, 15 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0500 914 1 5 full false Chris McKlarney Chris McKlarney Chris McKlarney is the epitome of what a public servant should be. As the long-time administrator for Giles County - a small rural community in southwest Virginia - Chris has proven time and time again that he is more than willing to roll up his sleeves and lead by example. Whether he’s coordinating response to historic natural disasters, or lending a compassionate ear to persons in recovery, McKlarney is intentional about making the most of his days by helping those around him do the same. 

]]> Chris McKlarney is the epitome of what a public servant should be. As the long-time administrator for Giles County - a small rural community in southwest Virginia - Chris has proven time and time again that he is more than willing to roll up his sleeves and lead by example. Whether he’s coordinating response to historic natural disasters, or lending a compassionate ear to persons in recovery, McKlarney is intentional about making the most of his days by helping those around him do the same. 

]]> New River Valley Community Services Buzzsprout-18257586 Tue, 02 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0500 2058 1 4 full false Meredith Lane Meredith Lane Meredith Lane is a student at Virginia Tech, an intern with the NRV Regional Commission, and a person in recovery. Meredith shares about her many endeavors as an advocate and champion for both restorative justice, as well as harm reduction, and she gives her views on the challenges many young people are facing today.  And don't miss the advice Meredith's one-hundred-year-old grandmother shares on staying healthy - both mentally and physically!

]]> Meredith Lane is a student at Virginia Tech, an intern with the NRV Regional Commission, and a person in recovery. Meredith shares about her many endeavors as an advocate and champion for both restorative justice, as well as harm reduction, and she gives her views on the challenges many young people are facing today.  And don't miss the advice Meredith's one-hundred-year-old grandmother shares on staying healthy - both mentally and physically!

]]> New River Valley Community Services Buzzsprout-18206925 Tue, 18 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0500 2328 1 3 full false Chris Taylor Chris Taylor Chris Taylor is the Executive Director of New River Valley Community Services (NRVCS). Chris sits down to chat with Mike and Ross about his background and current role as ED, the field of behavioral healthcare and some of its biggest challenges today, and what he does to maintain his own wellness.

]]> Chris Taylor is the Executive Director of New River Valley Community Services (NRVCS). Chris sits down to chat with Mike and Ross about his background and current role as ED, the field of behavioral healthcare and some of its biggest challenges today, and what he does to maintain his own wellness.

]]> New River Valley Community Services Buzzsprout-18111692 Tue, 04 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0500 2172 1 2 full false Hope Grows When We Share It Hope Grows When We Share It In the inaugural Voices of Hope episode, Mike and Ross provide an overview of the podcast - who they are, why they're starting a podcast, and the types of topics they'll explore with guests.

]]> In the inaugural Voices of Hope episode, Mike and Ross provide an overview of the podcast - who they are, why they're starting a podcast, and the types of topics they'll explore with guests.

]]> New River Valley Community Services Buzzsprout-18012291 Thu, 16 Oct 2025 10:00:00 -0400 276 1 1 full false