Not Just Buildings

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274

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

brought to you by the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce.

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60 recent

June 10, 202654 min

Bedford County Government

In this episode of Not Just Buildings, host Foster sits down with Bedford County Administrator Robert and Public Information Officer Shelley to discuss the county's growth and key initiatives. They cover major capital projects, including expansions of the animal shelter, sheriff's office, and a new social services building. The conversation highlights investments in parks, fire and EMS services, and Bedford County's impressive broadband expansion, reaching 95% of previously unserved areas. The guests also discuss modernizing government services through technology and improving public communication, showcasing the collaborative efforts driving Bedford County's continued development and community well-being.This podcast lives on Media Squatch+ Your home for local voices, live shows, and nonstop audio.Listen free: https://mediasquat.ch/plus

June 3, 202632 min

Bower Center For the Arts

In this episode of Not Just Buildings, host Foster Garrett interviews Ryan Steffen, Executive Director of the Bower Center for the Arts in Bedford, Virginia. Ryan shares the center's 20-year history, its mission to make arts accessible, and its busy summer lineup, including free concerts, children's camps, and a traveling Charles M. Schulz exhibit. He highlights the Cav Kid Corner, ongoing renovations, and community collaborations. Foster also previews upcoming Chamber events, including a Canva workshop and an AI networking session. Ryan closes by encouraging community members to volunteer and donate to support the center's small but dedicated team.This podcast lives on Media Squatch+ Your home for local voices, live shows, and nonstop audio.Listen free: https://mediasquat.ch/plus

May 27, 202624 min

Bedford Museum & Genealogical Library

In this episode of Not Just Buildings, host Foster Garrett interviews Noel Woodcock, Museum Manager at the Bedford Museum and Genealogical Library. Noel shares the museum's history, founded in 1933 and housed in a stunning 1895 Romanesque Revival building. She highlights the genealogical library's extensive resources, diverse exhibits spanning three floors, and the museum's role in preserving Bedford's heritage. The conversation also covers upcoming events, including a summer speaking series and the museum's 93rd anniversary celebration. Foster additionally recaps recent Chamber events and previews upcoming networking opportunities for Bedford's business community.This podcast lives on Media Squatch+ Your home for local voices, live shows, and nonstop audio.Listen free: https://mediasquat.ch/plus

May 20, 202640 min

Peacock Inn & Gardens

In this episode of Not Just Buildings, host Foster interviews Ann, owner of the Peacock Inn and Gardens, a renovated 1939 French provincial mansion in Bedford, Virginia. Ann shares her journey of purchasing and transforming the property following her husband's passing, describing its five guest rooms, elegant amenities, and event spaces. She discusses creative marketing strategies, themed events, and her vision for fostering community connections. Foster also highlights upcoming Chamber events, including a Bedford Ride ribbon cutting and an AI-focused networking session.This podcast lives on Media Squatch+ Your home for local voices, live shows, and nonstop audio.Listen free: https://mediasquat.ch/plus

May 13, 202626 min

Virginia Credit Union

In this episode of Not Just Buildings, host Foster introduces the podcast’s new name, reflecting the idea that businesses are about more than just buildings they’re about people. She also previews upcoming Chamber events, including networking sessions focused on marketing and AI, as well as a summer ballpark mixer. Foster then sits down with Jessica from Virginia Credit Union, formerly Member One Credit Union, to discuss the organization’s recent merger. Jessica shares insights into the credit union’s history, member-owned model, expanded branch network, and ongoing commitment to financial literacy through workplace initiatives and school partnerships.This podcast lives on Media Squatch+ Your home for local voices, live shows, and nonstop audio.Listen free: https://mediasquat.ch/plus

May 6, 202632 min

Food For Kids

In this episode of Not Just Buildings, host Foster interviews Susan, President of the Executive Board for Food for Kids, a Bedford County nonprofit fighting childhood food insecurity. Susan shares how the organization distributes over 700 weekend food bags weekly to students across seven local schools, totaling more than 23,000 bags per school year. Relying entirely on volunteers and donations, Food for Kids operates with 98% of funds going directly to feeding children. Susan also highlights volunteer opportunities and an upcoming Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour fundraiser benefiting the organization.This podcast lives on Media Squatch+ Your home for local voices, live shows, and nonstop audio.Listen free: https://mediasquat.ch/plus

April 29, 202622 min

Eurofins CRL

In this episode of Not Just Buildings, host Foster Garrett introduces the podcast’s new name formerly Chamber Vibes inspired by the idea that businesses are about people, not just places. She shares details on upcoming Chamber events, including a fall job fair, ribbon cuttings, a Legislative Wrap-Up Breakfast, and a Smart Networking session. Foster also sits down with Lenore Coyle of Eurofins CRL , a clinical testing lab recently acquired by Eurofins, a global testing company. Lenore discusses their work testing cosmetics, skincare, and personal care products, the advantages of participating in clinical trials, and invites the community to their grand opening celebration in Forest, Virginia.This podcast lives on Media Squatch+ Your home for local voices, live shows, and nonstop audio.Listen free: https://mediasquat.ch/plus

April 15, 202632 min

Johnson Health Center

In this episode of Not Just Buildings, host Foster Garrett introduces the podcast's new name, inspired by the idea that businesses are people, not just buildings. He highlights upcoming Chamber events, including a Spring Job Fair and a business roundtable. Garrett then interviews Jen Webb, a registered nurse and Development, Advocacy, and Communication professional at Johnson Health Center. Jen discusses the center's growth from a single Lynchburg location to multiple sites, including Bedford, serving nearly 12,000 visits annually. She emphasizes expanding access to medical, dental, and mental health care, and introduces the Care Collective monthly donor program to support continued growthThis podcast lives on Media Squatch+ Your home for local voices, live shows, and nonstop audio.Listen free: https://mediasquat.ch/plus

April 8, 202641 min

Sapient Health Services

In this episode of Not Just Buildings, host Foster Garrett introduces the podcast’s new name and previews upcoming Chamber events, including a Spring Job Fair and a Legislative Wrap-Up Breakfast. He then sits down with Phyllis Everett nurse practitioner and owner of Sapient Health Services who reflects on her 47-year nursing career and her integrative healthcare practice serving rural Bedford County. Phyllis talks about her team, home visit services, functional medicine approach, mental health care, and plans for a new facility in Lynch Station. She also brings up an important question for legislators regarding medical cannabis use and concealed carry permits.This podcast lives on Media Squatch+ Your home for local voices, live shows, and nonstop audio.Listen free: https://mediasquat.ch/plus

April 1, 202635 min

The Peaks Retreat & Adventure Center

In this episode of Not Just Buildings, host Foster sits down with Madison, Center Manager at the Peaks Retreat and Adventure Center in Thaxton, Virginia. Madison talks about her background in animal science and natural resources while giving an overview of the retreat’s 66-acre nonprofit property, which hosts outdoor adventures, educational programs, corporate retreats, summer camps, and weddings. Foster also shares updates on local Bedford events, including a career expo and an upcoming job fair. Together, they showcase the Peaks Retreat as a hidden gem in the community, highlighting its versatile offerings, beautiful setting, and mission to bring people together through meaningful outdoor experiences.This podcast lives on Media Squatch+ Your home for local voices, live shows, and nonstop audio.Listen free: https://mediasquat.ch/plus