With the way things are going currently, the American Dream sounds like a hard thing to come by these days. In fact, it sounds more like a one in a million shot. But sometimes miracles do happen against all odds and snares. Take Jen and Jake Duensing’s story for example.

Transients and adventurers turned parents and brewers, you may recognize Jake and Jen from behind the counter of their owned and operated Great Escape Beer Works in Springfield. Today, you can find their brews all over town, but not too long ago that was a different story.

While discussing her career, Merry Stevenson can’t help but connect the dots between the physical, psychological, and emotional aspects of the human condition. It’s an edifying conversation, one that sheds light on how humans can heal our injuries both physical and mental, while gaining insight on our trauma. For Stevenson, who is a masseuse, neurokinetic therapist, and emotional coach at Zenith Sports Massage, it’s just another day at the office.

For all the knowledge he knows about the environment, Todd Wilkinson must feel like he has the weight of the natural world on his shoulders. From the cause of algae streams in the James River to the Swiss cheese-like karst topography of our bedrock, Williams is not only knowledgeable, but fascinating to hear speak about the intrinsic details and importance of our environment.