In this episode of Naturally Curious, host Bruce C. Bryan spends time with retired judge and acclaimed author Martin Clark, often described as "the thinking man’s John Grisham." With a legal career spanning three decades on the bench, Clark shares the fascinating story of his winding path from a young judge to a celebrated novelist. The conversation dives deep into the realities of the courtroom, the grueling process of getting published, and how he balances the demands of a high-stakes legal career with the creative life of a writer. From humorous stories about his "FM radio voice" and rejection letters to poignant reflections on how personal challenges have shaped his storytelling, this interview offers an intimate look at one of the most unique voices in legal fiction.

In this episode of Naturally Curious, host Bruce C. Bryan sits down with Virginia’s senior senator, Mark Warner, for an in-depth conversation that moves beyond the typical political headlines. Senator Warner reflects on his unconventional path from a struggling entrepreneur in the early days of the cellular industry to serving as the Governor of the Commonwealth and eventually a United States Senator. The discussion offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at leadership on Capitol Hill, exploring the Senator’s commitment to bipartisanship and the value he places on building personal relationships to drive policy forward. From the serious challenges of navigating artificial intelligence to lighter moments...including his infamous COVID-era tuna fish sandwich video...this interview highlights the intellectual curiosity and human side of one of Virginia’s most prominent leaders.

The Food Evangelist: John Park on the Virginia Culinary Scene

What does it take to become the most influential "Food Evangelist" on the East Coast? This week on Naturally Curious, we sit down with the man behind the lens and the menu: John Park, known to his tens of thousands of followers as The Hungry Asian. John isn’t just eating and drinking his way through the region; he is actively connecting, photographing, and consulting with the major chefs and food leaders who are shaping the industry today.

In this conversation, we explore the current state of the Virginia food scene and how John’s unique approach to dining out has created a literal frenzy in the business. With over 17,000 followers on Instagram and 6,000 on Facebook, John shares how he manages his massive digital community and what he looks for when he steps into a new restaurant. We also get a few exclusive "in the know" tips from John about the best-kept secrets in the state's food and drink world. Whether you are a dedicated foodie or just curious about the power of digital influence, this episode is a deep dive into the passion and hustle of the man known as The Hungry Asian.

Find John Park: Search for "The Hungry Asian" on Instagram, Facebook, and all major social media channels to follow his latest culinary adventures.

This week on Naturally Curious, host Bruce C. Bryan sits down with Sam Calhoun, the Chief Operating Officer of Across the Way Productions and a driving force behind the legendary FloydFest.

As the "man behind the scenes," Sam discusses the intricate art of Placemaking—the philosophy of transforming a physical space into a community-driven destination. Whether it’s the rolling hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains or a downtown stage, Sam shares how live music acts as a catalyst for bringing people together.

What happens when a professional career path and a deep personal mission collide? In this episode of Naturally Curious, host Bruce C. Bryan sits down with Ashley Arney, Director of Development for Healing Strides of Virginia, to explore the profound impact of equine-assisted therapy.

Ashley’s connection to the organization goes far beyond her job title. Having witnessed firsthand how these "hoofed beasts" reach everyone from children facing developmental challenges to veterans processing the trauma of war, she shares how her professional role became a personal calling.

This conversation offers a moving look at the life-changing work happening right here in our region and may leave you thinking differently about your own professional journey.

In this episode of Naturally Curious, we sit down with Xavier Duckett - photographer, mentor, and founder of The Humble Hustle Company, a Roanoke-based nonprofit built on a simple but powerful idea: Keep Giving. What began as a grassroots T‑shirt project has grown into a creative hub supporting Black youth, connecting diverse communities, and redefining what it means to give back with intention.

Xavier shares how he left his 9‑to‑5 to pursue his vision full‑time, why a missing “U” in Hmble Hstle carries a message of purpose, and how a clothing line evolved into a community space that blends art, entrepreneurship, and service. His story is one of risk, reinvention, and relentless generosity - and a reminder that sometimes the boldest step is choosing to bet on yourself.

Building Homes and Leaving Legacies: A Conversation with Jim Drader

In the final installment of our three-part series on the New River Valley’s most pressing challenges, we dive into the world of affordable housing. Recorded in late 2025, this episode features Jim Drader, the former Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of the NRV.

Jim recently announced he is stepping down after six years of dedicated service to lead Habitat for Humanity in Northeastern Indiana. We discuss his impact on our region, the evolving housing crisis, and what it takes to build a community from the ground up. This concludes our deep dive into the pillars of American stability: workforce development, childcare, and housing.

Nearly 30 years ago, Angie Covey started at New River Community College as an adjunct instructor. Today, she oversees more than $25 million in assets as the Executive Director of the NRCC Educational Foundation.

Join us on Naturally Curious as Angie discusses her unique path from NRCC graduate to executive leadership. We explore her commitment to providing "access to education for all" and how the Foundation has tripled its impact under her tenure.

Learn more about the Foundation: www.nr.edu/foundation/