Wendy: Hi everyone, welcome to Here We Are: Brattleboro’s community talk show. I’m Wendy O’Connell, and this week we welcome Nolan Edgar, Production Manager at Brattleboro Community Television (BCTV).
Nolan has been with BCTV for over eight years, filming and producing hundreds of shows while also mentoring young creators through the station’s popular summer youth video camp. He studied film, graphic design, and digital media, and outside of BCTV he produces his own films, photography, and a documentary series on Vermont skateparks. He also serves as Secretary of the Newfane Planning Commission, adding civic engagement to his list of roles.
Wendy and Nolan reflected on starting their BCTV journeys around the same time, both in 2017. Nolan Edgar began even earlier, as a high school intern, logging equipment and working on the long-running show 545 Live. Teachers at Leland & Gray recognized his creative spark and guided him toward video work. That early encouragement evolved into a profession rooted in both community service and creativity.
Music and art have also shaped Nolan’s life. Growing up in Newfane, surrounded by his mother’s artistry and family music, he developed an appreciation for sound, visuals, and storytelling. While music remains a hobby—guitar and electronic experiments—film has become his main medium. He has filmed musicians, covered community events, and helped local artists showcase their work through BCTV.
Nolan discussed how BCTV’s culture has shifted in recent years. Under longtime director Cora Trowbridge, the station established strong community roots. Today, with Executive Director Johnny Gifford and a younger staff, the station emphasizes live streaming, digital innovation, and collaborations with other media groups in Brattleboro, from community radio to The Commons. Nolan describes the team as “fit, young people with the energy to do crazy stuff,” always experimenting and learning.
BCTV’s impact goes far beyond the studio. The team covers town meetings, select board sessions, concerts, and gallery events, bringing Brattleboro’s civic and cultural life directly into homes. Nolan also spoke about the producers’ party, the station’s 50th anniversary celebrations, and how BCTV functions as both a training ground and a creative hub for filmmakers. He himself has worked with local film projects such as Nightmare at Nana’s and continues to support independent media makers across Vermont.
Skateboarding is another thread running through Nolan Edgar’s story. Though he skates less now, he channels his passion into Vermont Skate Broadcasts, a series documenting skateparks across the state. He sees skate culture as deeply connected to creativity and community, just like local media. His filmmaker’s eye and skater’s instinct combine as he designs shots, suggests tricks, and captures Vermont’s skate scene.
Outside of media, Nolan’s civic contributions include serving on the Newfane Planning Commission. Inspired during COVID, he joined the commission to support his town, bringing a younger perspective to municipal discussions. It’s another example of how his work weaves together storytelling, community service, and innovation.
The conversation also touched on Nolan’s family history. Through a DNA test, he and his mother discovered long-lost relatives, including siblings she had never known. This story of connection and discovery mirrors Nolan’s own values of building networks, bridging gaps, and telling untold stories.
In reflecting on what he enjoys most, Nolan Edgar returned to BCTV’s mission:
“It feels good to help people take their dream and make it a finished product. We’re here to help people tell their story.”
Wendy: Nolan, this has been wonderful. Thank you for sharing your story and your perspective on BCTV and Brattleboro’s creative community.
Nolan: Thanks, Wendy. I’m glad to finally be here.
Wendy: And thanks to all of you for tuning in. Join us next week for another episode of Here We Are.
