The second season of NDP begins this week, and if history is prologue, year two will be must-hear listening.
The New Dominion Podcast launched a year ago last May with a simple purpose — to introduce listeners to politicians, nonprofit and for-profit leaders, educators, and just plain interesting people to learn their “Why Behind the Why.”
Both the idea for the podcast and the name of the show are the brainchild of Shaun Kenney. He’s been my partner at the Advance from the beginning and is one of the paper’s three leaders, the others being Leigh Anne Van Doren — also a Board member and our publisher — and myself. Shaun also serves as a member of the Board and is the paper’s commentator.
“There is nothing more boring than a repeat of CNN’s Crossfire,” said Kenney. “Going deeper than the headlines and getting to know Fredericksburg’s major players, rather than repeating the same pedestrian talking points over and over, is what Marty and I wanted for the community. Once people figure out this isn’t a game of gotcha, the conversations prove to be as interesting, thoughtful, and a true exhibition of the Fredericksburg Advance’s unique commitment to hearing all voices through a multipartisan approach.”
A Bevy of Amazing Guests
Though we had a clear vision for where we wanted the podcast to go, none of us really expected what has happened over the course of the first season.
The first surprise was learning that our production team — Cori Blanche and Megan Samples — were credible interviewers in the own right. By the 15th episode, they were both regularly behind the sound board as well as the mics. And their voices have added depth and perspective to the show that have enriched and expanded our discussions.
Another surprise was Myriam Brown. She runs Stafford Junction, a place committed to improving the lives of some of the most vulnerable children and families in Stafford County. Not only did FXBG Advance readers rally to her organization’s aid this past Christmas, she came on the show with a rather remarkable co-guest. None other than Santa Claus, or, at least, the man who has for years played Santa Claus in the Fredericksburg Christmas Parade. He spoke powerfully that evening of the year-long cheer he enjoys bringing to those in our region.
And that’s just scratching the tip of a 52-episode iceberg.
Over our first year, we’ve interviewed:
- 15 Candidates and elected officials
- 10 Nonprofit leaders
- 5 Business leaders
- 5 Educators
- A bevy of government staff members, library leaders, academics, writers, and more.
Our Very Own Steve Martin
Those familiar with Saturday Night Live know that Steve Martin is the second-most frequent host (16 appearance) of the show (Alec Baldwin has him beat by one episode, but Martin is our favorite).
Well, at NDP, Scott Mayausky is our answer to Steve Martin, having appeared four times. Known for clarifying confusing tax information, and having a jovial sense of humor (when are you bringing the Cuban cigars, Scott?), Mayausky has become a fan favorite.
Growing
The podcast has experienced rapid growth over its first year, with well north of 2,000 unique listeners.
We look forward to continuing this growth in the future as we launch our second season, which kicked off with a rousing discussion of philosophy that featured retired UMW professor Craig Vasey. That show, recording just an our after the D-Day Memorial event that Vasey helped organize, also reflected on sacrifice and heroism.
Other guests already committed this year include Scott Vezina, chairman of the Fredericksburg Republican Committee, Curry Roberts of the Fredericksburg Regional Alliance, and Dan Maher who heads the Fredericksburg Food Bank.
Listen to Them All
Every episode of the New Dominion Podcast is catalogued at Spotify and can be listened to at your convenience.
Join the thousands who are making NDP a part of their week, and an avenue to learning about the people in our region.
Local Obituaries
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