On this episode of Naturally Curious, host Bruce C. Bryan sits down with Jacqui Sobieski, who holds a dual role in her region as the executive director of the Botetourt County Chamber of Commerce and the co-owner of Virginia Mountain Vineyards. Jacqui discusses the rich history of Botetourt County and the balancing act of managing rapid economic expansion, new housing infrastructure, and the upcoming Google data center while working to preserve the rural character of the area. She shares details about her transition from a corporate financial career in Chicago and Washington, D.C., to running a 91-acre farm, navigating the steep learning curves of agricultural business, and classical winemaking. Jacqui also discusses her vineyard's recent silver medals at the Virginia Governor's Cup and reflects on the bittersweet decision to place the property up for auction after eight years of dedication to the craft.

On this episode of Naturally Curious, host Bruce C. Bryan welcomes long-time friend and jazz guitarist Cyrus Pace to discuss his new role as the executive director of the Academy Center for the Arts in Lynchburg. Cyrus shares his journey through the music industry, reflecting on everything from his master's degree in jazz guitar and playing in the Navy band to his 15-year tenure running Roanoke's Jefferson Center. The conversation dives into the mechanics of sustaining a thriving, $4.5 million arts nonprofit, the unique challenge of balancing legacy community partners with touring national acts, and the 120-year history of the beautifully restored Academy venue. Cyrus also gives a peek into his eclectic personal playlist, talks about teaching graduate courses in arts leadership at Virginia Tech, and reveals his favorite jazz guitarists during a special surprise question segment.

On this episode of Naturally Curious, host Bruce C. Bryan welcomes his long-time friend Bob Schmucker to the studio for a conversation that is bound to lift your spirits. Bob is the resident leader of the Third Street Coffeehouse in Roanoke's Old Southwest neighborhood, a volunteer-led acoustic venue celebrating its 40th year of bringing people together. He shares his journey from serving in the Air Force and working in the defense industry to picking up his old guitar again to help manage the stress of caregiving at home. Bob talks about the history behind co-founding Virginia's Veterans Parade, mobilizing local musicians to raise over thirty-two thousand dollars for the local food bank, and how a chance photograph in the morning paper led him to welcome a "bonus family" of Ukrainian refugees into his life. Plus, Bob breaks a major radio seal by becoming the very first guest to perform live music right in the studio, playing a couple of original songs that show exactly why his friends describe him as one of the kindest people you could ever meet.