New Podcast Episode Now Live!
Presented by Shawn A. Barksdale & the Ten Minutes of Truth Podcast
We’re continuing our powerful 10‑part series—supported by the Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech, and Virginia State University—spotlighting real people, real programs, and real solutions across Virginia.
🌟 Episode : “Building the Front Line: Smyth’s Active Response”
Our guest is @Brandi Branson, the driving force behind Beyond the Stigma, a leading advocate working on the front lines of recovery in Smyth County.
📌 In this episode, we ask:
• What programs and agencies—like Smyth Recovery Court or @Sheriff Shuler’s Harm Reduction efforts—are leading the charge?
• What outreach is happening for youth and at‑risk populations?
• How has stigma shaped the local response to substance use and recovery?
• What role do returning citizens play in building solutions?
• How is @Beyond the Stigma impacting recovery culture in Smyth?
• And how are partnerships with @VirginiaTech and the @Virginia Cooperative Extension helping turn the tide?
👉 Listen now and stay tuned as we continue highlighting grassroots leaders and change agents from across the Commonwealth.
📲 Please share this episode. Connect with the organizations. Help spread solutions that work.
What is Ten Minutes of Truth with Shawn A. Barksdale?
The show is about truth and how telling it can be cathartic and helpful to many! Look for Shawn to challenge his guest, to tell the truth, be transparent, and offer their life’s personal perspective on the many obstacles they have overcome. Shawn will place a special emphasis on prison life, how it affects the prisoner, his friends, and family. You will be amazed at how successful some have become after facing a portion of their life behind bars.