Virginia Focus

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

Virginia Focus - Farmers and Scientists

November 28, 2025 • 30 mins
Farmers and scientists are working together with goals to grow more with fewer resources, protect crops from growing threats, and build resilience against climate volatility. Since February of 2020, overall grocery prices have risen 29%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. We're welcoming Jessica Christiansen, Head of Bayer’s Crop Science Communications, to the podcast. She is going to discuss how modern science and techno...
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Virginia Focus - Aging Workforce

November 21, 2025 • 30 mins
As more people are working well into their 60s and 70s, a new survey shows most businesses aren’t taking advantage of their skills. Experts with the Society of Human Resources Management say tapping into the experienced workforce could be the solution to America's labor shortage. On this episode, we're talking to Dr. James Atkinson, the VP of Thought Leadership at SHRM, to find out  more.
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Virginia Focus - Toolbelt Generation

November 14, 2025 • 30 mins
The Wall Street Journal and other media are picking up the story that Gen Z is being called the Toolbelt Generation because they are disenfranchised with the college track and see rising pay and more jobs in the trades. Aaron Hilger CEO of SMACNA [[smack-na]], the trade association for the sheet metal and HVAC indust ry, can help us understand more about this trend.
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Virginia Focus - Menopause & the Workplace

November 7, 2025 • 29 mins
A new survey by Live Career says menopause is one of the least discussed yet most disruptive workplace experiences for women. Out of the 900 women who have experienced it or are going through it currently, an overwhelming 97% feel pressure to hide or minimize the physical, mental, and emotional struggles they face while at work. Let's find out more by talking with Career Expert Jasmine Escalera.
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Virginia Focus - White House Wild Child

October 24, 2025 • 30 mins
Americans living in the White House today and throughout history are no strangers to critcism and controversy. However, one child of a former president seems to be a favorite because of her outlandish antics. On this episode, we're discussing the fascinating historical biography of America's most memorable first daughter, Alice Lee Roosevelt.  Shelley Fraser Mickle is the author of the book "White House Wild Child: How Alice Roosev...
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Virginia Focus - Paradox Of Debt

October 17, 2025 • 30 mins
Debt is the real factor that drives both economic growth and financial crises from recessions to extreme inequality. In order to understand this paradox, we need to address why a certain amount of private debt is vital to the economy. On this episode, we're talking to Richard Vague, an author, Former Secretary of Banking for Pennsylvania, and former CEO of two banks. His book "Paradox of Debt" reveals the role that debt plays in ou...
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Virginia Focus - Living With Paralysis

October 10, 2025 • 30 mins
If you were to suffer a spinal cord injury and subsequent paralysis, would you know where to turn? Thousands of individuals with paralysis and their families across the country are watching Congress to see if critical services will be included in the budget. On this episode, we're going to discuss how the Christopher and Dana Reeves Foundation helps people with paralysis live independently and learn how people can connect with thos...
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Virginia Focus - ALICE Family Struggles

October 2, 2025 • 30 mins
On this episode, we're putting the spotlight on ALICE. Who is ALICE, you may wonder. Well, ALICE lives in every community and can be found working in a diverse range of careers, including essential workers, such as teachers, healthcare providers, and retail clerks.  United Way describes A.L.I.C.E. households as those who have incomes above the Federal Poverty Level but do not earn enough money to afford a basic survival budget in t...
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Virginia Focus - Spot and Stop Human Trafficking

September 26, 2025 • 30 mins
Most people think pencils and paper, books and backpacks when they think about the back-to-school season. Officials with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security say it is a critical time to spot and stop human trafficking. To learn more about how to start a conversation about it with the young people in our lives, we're talking to Erica Reid, the Acting Section Chief for the Center for Countering Human Trafficking.
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Virginia Focus - Social Skills for Children

September 19, 2025 • 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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Virginia Focus - Green Career Week

September 12, 2025 • 30 mins
Seed Your Future started the movement to promote horticulture and inspire people to pursue careers working with plants. They hope to introduce students to vital horticultural, agricultural, and floriculture jobs - including STEM, business, design, logistics, marketing, and more. During Green Career Week in October, participating businesses and organizations will connect with local schools, colleges and universities to showcase the ...
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Virginia Focus - Raising Mentally Strong Kids

September 5, 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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Virginia Focus - The Historical Homemaker

August 29, 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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Virginia Focus - Jobs For Empaths

August 15, 2025 • 30 mins
As many workers feel anxiety about whether or not AI will replace them in the workforce, a new report reveals jobs that rely on empathy and other uniquely human skills will be what makes them also resistant to automation. On this episode, we are talking with Zety's Dr. Jasmine Escalera about the Emphathetic Jobs Report that includes positions offering good pay, growth potential, and can only be done by people like you and me.
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Virginia Focus - Food Allergies and Schools

August 8, 2025 • 30 mins
Since 1 in 3 children in the United States deal with food allergies, it's imperative that parents be prepared and help their children and their classmates learn about the possible consequences of allergic reactions. On this episode, we are discussing innovative treatments, that latest guidance for epi devices, legislation to increase research funding, and more. Let's get more information from FARE Senior Director of Education and S...
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Virginia Focus - VSP Fighting Fraud

August 1, 2025 • 30 mins
If you pay insurance premiums‚ you’re already a victim of insurance fraud. The FBI says because of the number of people committing Insurance Fraud, the result is it costs the average U.S. family hundreds, if not thousands per year in the form of increased premiums. The Virginia State Police believe that together, through education and accountability, we can reduce the number of insurance fraud cases and lower premiums in the common...
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Virginia Focus - H.E.A.T Program

July 25, 2025 • 29 mins
Virginia State Police have been working to prevent auto theft since the H.E.A.T. or Help Eliminate Auto Theft program started more than 25 years ago. It is estimated that the value of stolen vehicles and parts totaled more than $120 million in 2020. Don’t become a statistic or an easy victim. Guest Host John Clark will be learning more by talking to VSP 1st Sgt. Peter Lazear.
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Virginia Focus - Woodside Pawpaw

July 18, 2025 • 30 mins
Before colonists brought their foods from other regions of the world, indigenous people thrived on foods native to North America. A new movement is gaining traction, encouraging farms to reintroduce first foods, like persimmon, ramps, and pawpaw fruit, to help decolonize diets and reduce reliance on external food systems that may not be sustainable due to cost and climate change. Today we're learning more from Mike Ferster, a Virgi...
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Virginia Focus - Get Ahead of Cybercriminals

July 11, 2025 • 30 mins
Cyber breaches have evolved from simple experiments to malware like Trojans and email worms to phishing and botnets. The largest data breaches, often involving billions of records, have occurred since 2005, coinciding with the digital transformation of businesses and governments. How do you protect yourself? Let's talk to Colette Tomasiak, Director of Product Marketing at SpyCloud, to find out. 
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Virginia Focus - Maranatha Farms

July 4, 2025 • 30 mins
A Virginia family answered the call on their hearts when they made the leap from being homesteaders to a full scale farming in 2022. The Weldon Cooper Center reports the number of farms in Virginia was falling and dropped 18 percent between 2002 to 2022 - not to mention the drought that year. In 2025, Maranatha Farms seems to be thriving with a new storefront. On this episode, we're talking to Phil Miller the Farm Retail Manager of...
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