Loudoun Now Voice

Brian Tinsman was used to his friends making jokes about his homeschooling—until the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and they were calling him to figure out schooling at home.In this episode, Brian shares his personal journey of growing up homeschooled in rural Delaware. He reflects on the unique challenges and misconceptions he faced, especially during the 2020 shift when many families turned to homeschooling.Brian offers insights into how homeschooling shaped his resilience, independence, and creativity. He discusses the myths and stereotypes surrounding homeschooling and shares how his family crafted a flexible curriculum that adapted to their natural curiosities.The conversation explores the rise of homeschooling during the pandemic and how it prompted many families to reevaluate their educational choices. Brian's story provides a window into the diverse experiences of homeschoolers and the different paths education can take.This episode is for anyone interested in understanding the varied landscape of education, from parents considering homeschooling to those curious about alternative learning paths. Brian's perspective offers a thoughtful look at how education can be tailored to individual needs and interests.Let's delve into the world of homeschooling through Brian's eyes, exploring the lessons learned and the impact it had on his life.

Most community-led solutions to addiction are invisible or underfunded — until someone like Melissa Hinton steps up. She didn’t just identify a glaring gap in Loudoun County’s recovery system; she built a movement to fill it, transforming lives along the way.In this episode, Melissa shares her personal journey from childhood struggle to sober leadership, revealing how her own experiences with addiction fueled her mission to create recovery housing and comprehensive support in Loudoun. Her story demonstrates how vulnerability, combined with proactive community action, can turn pain into purpose and despair into hope.You'll discover how recovery houses became a critical pillar in the continuum of care, offering stability when traditional services fall short. Melissa breaks down the peer recovery model — a game-changing approach that leverages lived experience to support those just beginning their journey. We also delve into the power of community partnerships, the importance of timely detox access, and innovative programs like the county’s first recovery school for youth.The stakes are clear: without accessible, structured support, countless lives remain vulnerable to tragedy. But with the right combination of grassroots leadership and strategic collaboration, Loudoun County is building a more resilient, connected recovery system. Melissa’s story exemplifies what’s possible when individuals refuse to wait for change, instead becoming the architects of it.Perfect for community leaders, mental health advocates, and anyone passionate about social impact — this episode reveals real, actionable steps to bridge gaps and save lives. If you’ve ever wondered how someone transforms heartbreak into a movement, Melissa’s journey offers both inspiration and a blueprint for meaningful change.Melissa Hinton is the founder of Loudoun Serenity House, recognized for her leadership in community-driven addiction recovery and her dedication to expanding vital services in Loudoun County. Her work is redefining what’s possible when local innovation meets unwavering commitment.

Stacey Metcalfe is the visionary guiding Morven Park through a remarkable modern renaissance. Discover how one leader’s trust, innovation, and deep connection to history are reshaping a treasured historic site into a vibrant, inclusive hub that attracts over 300,000 visitors annually—and inspires change beyond its gates.Stacey reveals how trusting your team and embracing failure can unlock exponential growth. From reimagining a century-old estate into Loudoun County’s “thousand-acre backyard,” to launching groundbreaking projects like the 246 Years database honoring enslaved ancestors, her strategies are game-changing for anyone looking to lead with purpose in complex environments.

Most of us have messy secrets we’d rather keep hidden—until a kitchen fire in middle school exposes the chaos we try to sweep under the rug. JR Denson shares how a simple act of teenage mischief turned into a chaotic, hilarious adventure.In this episode, discover how a childhood kitchen catastrophe reveals the deeper stories we all carry — and how telling our own stories can help us connect, heal, and even laugh at ourselves. JR dives into the art of storytelling, from crafting hilarious tales that get laughs to navigating the delicate balance of truth, humor, and vulnerability. Storytelling isn’t just entertainment — it’s a vital skill for community, advocacy, and understanding others’ lives.If you've ever wondered how to turn personal chaos into compelling connection, this episode is your blueprint. Prepare to laugh, reflect, and maybe even rethink what a story really can do.

We sit down with Lisa Max, CEO of The Arc of Loudoun. Discover her remarkable journey from the tech industry to leading a nonprofit organization that supports nearly 5,000 people with disabilities each year. Lisa shares her insights on leadership, resilience, and the power of community connections. Learn how The Arc of Loudoun is transforming lives and creating a just, equitable world for people with disabilities. Don't miss this engaging conversation filled with hope, healing, and the spirit of giving back. Visit thearcofloudoun.org for more information and upcoming events at The Arc of Loudoun, and stay connected for good!

Discover the benefits of hiring a professional cleaning service with Natasha Magrath, President and CEO of You've Got Made of Northern Virginia. In this episode, Natasha shares insights on how professional cleaners can save you time, ensure a deeper clean, and provide peace of mind with licensed and insured services. Learn why investing in a professional cleaning service is not just a luxury, but a smart choice for your home and health. Tune in to find out more!

Join us as Rory Miott shares his inspiring journey from military service to community leadership on Connected for Good. Discover how literacy, mentorship, and collaboration play pivotal roles in empowering underserved communities. Learn about the impactful initiatives of the African American Community Alliance and how collective action drives meaningful change. Don't miss this insightful conversation on leadership, service, and the power of education.

In the inaugural episode of Connected for Good, hosts Matt Bender and Stephanie Nerantzis engage with Fr. Daniel Vélez-Rivera, a community leader and changemaker in Loudoun County. They discuss his journey from the tech industry to faith leadership, emphasizing the transformative power of education and community service. Father Daniel shares insights on innovative programs like Educando Con Amor, which provide accessible education to children, and highlights the importance of partnerships in addressing community needs. The conversation also touches on navigating change, the essence of being a changemaker, and the hope that comes from community engagement.

In the debut episode, CEO Michael Falvey chats with Tinsman inside the shell of the future flagship location, and discusses his roots in New England and why the move to historic downtown Leesburg represents more than a change of address.

Host Natasha Magrath teaches the importance of green cleaning products, how to tell if a cleaning product is green, and their health benefits in the first episode of Eager to Know!

Tales and Ales storyteller Lauren McHugh Tales shares a deeply personal and transformative story about her journey from being a people pleaser to finding her true self. Lauren opens up about a tumultuous relationship, nearly getting roped into a robbery, and how she grew and broke free. She also discusses her path to self-discovery through Olympic weightlifting and how it has shaped her life today. Watch the video at LoudounNow.com/Voice!

Award-winning vintner and Founder of the New Ag School, Doug Fabbioli, is a pioneer in agrotourism education and a 2025 Loudoun Laureate. Doug started the New Ag School in 2008 to help educate the next generation of growers and entrepreneurs in Loudoun County and create a way for local agribusiness professionals to mentor students on farming practices, value-added processes, and hospitality. In this episode of Brown’s Bag, Margaret and Doug talk about education, his mentorship philosophy, the importance of farming and agrotourism to Loudoun County, and more!

Think Outside the Box with POUNCE Episode 2: Daisy Saulls! Brian sits down with Daisy Saulls, the president of PATHIRED to discuss Loudoun County's unique community spirit, workforce development, Daisy's diverse career path, and the upcoming National Workforce Development Day on September 17th.

What's your "one good thing?" In the inaugural episode of Loudoun Lately, hosts Renss Greene and Jennifer Montgomery, joined by special guest Beth Erickson, explore the best of Loudoun County. They discuss local highlights such as the dedication of a new Habitat for Humanity house, the Excellence in High School Journalism Awards, and amazing students at the from local law camp. The conversation dives into Loudoun's vibrant summer activities including farmer's markets, hiking trails, wineries, and CSAs. They paint a vivid picture of perfect summer days filled with delicious local food, scenic hikes, live music, and unique cultural experiences. Join us to discover why Loudoun is a special place to live and visit, especially in the summertime.

Susan Talbott shares her powerful and moving story of two years of soul-changing sandwiches. Susan recounts her journey from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles, dealing with the pressures of adulthood, and her experiences working at a quirky health club. She vividly describes the eclectic mix of characters she encountered, including a generous member who profoundly impacted her life. This man, Dario Gabbai, a Holocaust survivor, showed her unparalleled kindness by quietly buying her sandwiches and offering support during difficult times. Join us for a poignant tale that highlights resilience, compassion, and the power of human connection.

Host Renss Greene interviews Stacey Metcalfe as she recounts a terrifying experience from her teenage years. Stacey and her best friend Karen embarked on what was supposed to be a fun bus trip from Huntington, Long Island to Atlantic City. What began as an exciting adventure quickly turned into a nightmare when they found themselves stranded, penniless, and nearly falling into the hands of human traffickers. Thanks to the intervention of a kind stranger, they were safely reunited with their families.

Join Renss Greene in this episode of Tales & Ales on Loudoun Now Voice as he interviews Mike Magrath, who shares a hilarious story about the time his sister didn’t quite win $28 million. It’s the greatest prank he and his father ever pulled. Mike details the background of the prank, his family's history of playful antics, and the process of preparing to tell this story on stage. Despite the prank taking place in the mid-80s, Mike vividly recalls the event and its fallout. Learn about the culture of humor in his family and the unique tradition of storytelling at Tales & Ales.

In this conversation, Brian Tinsman and Renss Greene discuss the evolution of Loudoun Now Voice, a platform aimed at elevating local voices and community journalism in Loudoun County. They explore the importance of nonprofit journalism, the role of technology in modern reporting, and the significance of engaging local storytellers. The discussion also highlights the need for nurturing future journalists and the impact of local reporting on the community.

We are heading into the dog days of summer, and that means the heat could become an issue for your pets. No matter the breed, it is important to be attentive to your dog during summer heatwaves. Our pets can’t tell us when they are uncomfortable or overheating, so in this segment of Brown's Bag, Margaret discusses tips for keeping your dog safe and healthy during extremely hot weather.  Margaret talks with Jenna Sindle, PhD, a volunteer with the Middleburg Humane Foundation about how to recognize when your dog is getting overheated and what you can do right away to help cool them down. The Middleburg Humane Foundation is a no-kill shelter that rescues, rehabilitates, and rehomes animals in need and promotes animal welfare.  Find out more about their free and low-cost services – including vaccines – at www.middleburghumane.org