Welcome to Twice 5 Miles Radio. I'm your host, James Navé. A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Virginia Todd while she was having lunch with Davyne Dial, the director of WPVMFM radio in Asheville, where this show always airs first.

During our brief encounter, I was captivated by Virginia's unique journey in the world of radio. Virginia, who holds an amateur (Ham) Radio license and hosts a music show on WPVMFM called Spinclass, has a story that is as fascinating as it is inspiring. I knew immediately that I wanted her to share her story on Twice 5 Miles Radio, and she graciously agreed.

In this episode, we delve into Virginia's journey to becoming an amateur radio operator and the deep-seated love for radio that fuels her passion. Growing up in Asheville in the 1990s and early 2000s, she recounts how those formative years were both informative and thrilling. Virginia speaks at length about her involvement in the Asheville community as a thought leader and radio artist, emphasizing the joy and fulfillment it brings her.

Our conversation also touches on the significant role radio has played in shaping American culture, harking back to Reginald Fessenden's first radio broadcast on Christmas Eve 1906 in Brant Rock, Massachusetts. He played a Christmas song, read a Biblical passage, and serenaded his listeners with his violin. Radio continues to be a vibrant force in our lives, and we are fortunate to have it in all its evolving forms.

Join us as we explore these themes and more, celebrating the enduring magic of radio. Enjoy this engaging and enlightening conversation with Virginia Todd, a true radio enthusiast and community beacon.

\The Magic Of Radio with amateur radio operator Virginia Todd

Twice 5 Miles Radio is an hour-long interview show that digs beneath the surface with people who have much of value to say and the courage to say it in these uncertain times. The show's title (Twice 5 Miles) comes Kubla Khan a poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. 

My background: I received my MFA in writing from Vermont College and have memorized over 500 poems. I broadcast a weekly podcast on WPVM-FM titled On the Road with Twice 5 Miles Radio.  I have taught writing, creativity, performance poetry, and public speaking around the globe, including a 10-day international school residency in Nouakchott, Mauritania. I co-founded Twice 5 Miles Publishing, a boutique Taos/Asheville based press that produces useful books like How to Read for an Audience, How to Edit and Be Edited, and How to Teach a Workshop, www.Twice5Miles.com. 3A: A Taos Press plans to publish my current poetry project titled The Hundred Days in early 2021. www.JamesNave.com

New tracks tagged #VirginiaTodd