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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.