Virginia Focus
Virginia Focus is a half hour weekly Public Affairs program from the Virginia News Network hosted by Rebecca Hughes. The program features interviews about issues if importance and interest to Virginians such as politics, non profits, history and economic development.
Episodes
April 25, 2025 • 30 mins
April is National Stress Awareness Month and what better time to talk to a Neurologist who can explains how stress literally hurts. Between work and family pressure, financial burdens, constant social media exposure, political strife and more some surveys find as many as 62% people experience stress weekly. Neurologist Dr. Ella Akkerman with the Virginia Spine Institute breaks it all down for us.
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April 18, 2025 • 29 mins
A report from the Partnership for Safe Medicine and the FDA show unauthorized and potentially harmful ingredients in knockoff weight loss drugs are pouring into the U.S. from foreign sources, bypassing FDA regulations. Experts warn that unsuspecting Americans are at risk, and immediate action is needed to stop these illegal imports. To learn the warning signs of illegally imported weight loss drugs, we're talking to George Karavets...
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April 11, 2025 • 30 mins
With college debt becoming a major issue, many Gen-Z’ers are attracted to the trades as an alternative and as an immediate entrance to a rewarding and well-paying job. National Careers in Trades Week, which is April 7th through 11th, is a nationwide initiative to connect students with rewarding and lucrative jobs in the skilled trades. On this episode, we're learning more from the CEO of the non-profit Sheet Metal and Air Conditio...
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April 4, 2025 • 30 mins
Cancer sucks. No argument there. But once you or a loved one has been diagnosed, what are the first steps and next steps to getting through this in one piece? On this episode, we're talking with Michelle Rapkin - a three-time cancer survivor who is deeply acquainted with the ins and outs of the disease. She decided to share her hard won lessons as an author herself in the new book, "CANCER SUCKS: But You’ll Get Through It."
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March 28, 2025 • 28 mins
The American Society of Civil Engineers gave America a "C" on their latest report card. Results show more work and investment is needed to overcome decades of underinvestment in our transportation networks, water system, electric grid, and broadband capability. To learn more, we're speaking with Tom Smith, ENV SP, CAE, Executive Director, ASCE.
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March 21, 2025 • 30 mins
With deaths from gun violence at top of mind, researchers at Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions and the Consortium for Risk-Based Firearm Policy just released a new report detailing how a firearm purchaser licensing (also known as permit-to-purchase) can drastically lower gun violence. Existing licensing laws are already associated with 56% fewer mass shooting incidents and an 11% reduction in urban county homicides. W...
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March 14, 2025 • 28 mins
The current pushback against DEI initiatives is multifaceted, but one key shift is a move toward placing the responsibility on the individual rather than on organizations or systemic structures. A new book written by a Human Resources professional encourages everyone to embrace personal responsibility as the way to driving meaningful progress and creating a truly inclusive culture. On this episode, we're talking to Delphia Howze ab...
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March 7, 2025 • 30 mins
While women make up 48% of the workforce, women only hold about 29% of positions in STEM specialties. A new book, "Lessons Learned: Stories from Women Leaders in STEM" shares over 30 success stories from women holding leadership positions in STEM fields. On today's episode we're talking to one of the authors of the book, Dr. Peter Angood - who is also the CEO of the American Association for Physician Leadership.
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February 28, 2025 • 30 mins
When the time feels right to sell your business, how do you even get started? On this episode we're talking about what business owners need to know when selling their business to avoid making the mistake of a lifetime and what factors they should consider in today’s dynamic marketplace. The guest on the show is Andy Goldberg. He's an attorney with decades of experience in the field of business and the author of a new book, THE BIG...
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February 21, 2025 • 30 mins
Some Virginians grow up in the commonwealth and don't take notice of the depth of history available around every corner. But others, like Coleen Dixon, who grew up in Arlington, find themselves mezmerized by the richness of American history at every turn. Ms. Dixon calls herself the historical homemaker and believes it is important to cherish and share the memories of those that have gone before us and made our country so great.
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February 14, 2025 • 30 mins
Homeowners can save money through a little known tax credit and make their energy bill shrink at the same time. A recent study shows 89% of U.S. single-family homes lack sufficient insulation, leading to increased energy costs. To learn more about a tax credit offered for making our homes more energy-efficient, we're talking to Curt Rich, President and CEO of the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association.
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February 7, 2025 • 30 mins
Many would say the new Trump administration has put American vaccine policies in the national spotlight. A new poll conducted by the Policy and Advocacy for the Partnership to Fight Infectious Disease reveals that 74% of Americans support keeping FDA-approved vaccines widely available. As well about 70% of respondents said declining vaccination rates in children are causing concern. On this episode, we're talking to Candace DeMatti...
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January 31, 2025 • 28 mins
This two part episode discusses the effects of obesity on the cost of healthcare as well as doctor burnout. While itself now being considered a chronic condition, obesity in America also increases the risk of developing other chronic conditions including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and many cancers. We're talking to Emory University Professor and Chairman of the PFCD Dr. Kenneth Thorpe about a new study that highlights the po...
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January 24, 2025 • 30 mins
January is National Train Your Dog Month. New research conducted by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers shows 93% of Americans have canine neighbors but six out of 10 people also said that a neighborhood dog has behavior issues. Here to talk about new training resources for dog owners is Brad Phifer, Executive Director for the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers.
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January 17, 2025 • 30 mins
The Covid-19 pandemic caused a massive shift in the way companies and employees view the traditional office and America tripled the number of remote workers according to a report from the U.S. Census Bureau. Remote workers are pushing back against returning to the office and as a result, the office of today - and tomorrow - is one that will need to be more suited to the worker than it was in the past. We're talking to Marc Selvite...
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January 10, 2025 • 30 mins
If you are a parent, you are likely hoping to raise your kids to develop strong and resilient brains so they can live happy and productive lives. A new book written by Child Psychologist Dr. Charles Fay and Neuropsychiatrist Dr. Daniel Amen gives pratical, easy to understand advice that encompasses your childs brain and their mind to help them become adults who can successfully navigate life on their own. Let's hear more about the ...
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January 3, 2025 • 30 mins
People looking to ditch the cubicle and the W2 and strike out on their own may enjoy today's podcast about being a Solopreneur. On this episode we're talking to the author of the book "Succeeding As A Solopreneur", Liz Steblay. She says her book helps you achieve success at every stage of your solopreneur journey, from determining if you’re ready to “go for it,” to setting a marketing and pricing strategy, to lowering your tax rate...
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December 20, 2024 • 30 mins
Some people enjoy drama-free get-togethers with their loved ones, while others feel anxiety at the thought of enduring a holiday party with their families. If you expect to hear critical or harsh remarks about your appearance, relationship status, mental or physical health, financial struggles, or career challenges, you likely know the struggles of being in a toxic family structure. On today's episode, we're talking to Licensed Cli...
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December 13, 2024 • 29 mins
People all ages, from children and families to older adults, in need of help living in southwest Virginia can turn to a charitable agency known as Mountain Empire Older Citizens for a variety of services. From care coordination for older adults to public transportation and from crisis intervention for children to employment programs, the MEOC located in Big Stone Gap offers resources to those parts of rural Virginia. This holiday s...
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December 6, 2024 • 30 mins
Developing skills to get along with others is as essential as reading, writing, or math for kids. However, the digital age has removed many chances for children to learn these important social skills. How can parents assist their little ones in naturally progressing social skills and how to get along with others? We are learning more from Patty Bardina, PhD, and her new book, "BADI BLESBOK SAYS HELLO: A Lesson in Greetings".
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