Winner of multiple awards from the Virginia Association of Broadcasters, What it Takes features experts and committed citizens to our studio to discuss timely issues affecting Southwest Virginians. Hosted by BRPBS Director of Educational Innovation Tom Landon, WIT embodies the spirit of our ECHO Channel, featuring topics on Education, Community, Health and Opportunity.
SEASON 7 PREMIERES Wednesday, October 15 @ 7:30pm
Also, streaming on ECHO
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October 15 - What it Takes to Become an Inspirational Educator
Meet Matt Neale from Hidden Valley High School in Roanoke County. In May of 2025, Mr. Neale was named the 2026 Virginia Teacher of the Year. To learn more about the Teacher of the Year program, visit DOE.Virginia.gov.
October 22 - What it Takes to Apply Lessons from Waiting Tables to Life
Bruce Bryan leads 5 Points Creative, an advertising and marketing company in Roanoke. He's also the author of two books including the newly released Turning Tables, which applies lessons from his brief career in restaurants to running a successful business.
October 29 - What it takes to preserve and promote black history in Pulaski
During the dark period of segregation, black students in Pulaski and the rest of Virginia had limited educational opportunities beyond 7th grade. When segregation in schools ended, most of the schools serving black children were shuttered. Today, the Calfee School in Pulaski serves as a model for revitalizing these structures with facilities that include child care, a community kitchen and digital lab, and a museum to honor past students and faculty. Guests include Jill Williams, Executive Director, and former student and celebrated Pulaski County educator Dr. Michael Hickman.