Best VPM Podcasts (2025)

1
BizSense Beat: Richmond water treatment plant, modular apartments, GreenCity suit 5:03

10h ago5:03

5:03

VPM Host Lyndon German and BizSense's Jonathan Spiers discuss problems at Richmond’s water plant, housing nonprofits teaming up on modular apartment project in East End, and a lawsuit filed by Henrico County's Economic Development Authority's in connection with the county's GreenCity development deal.…

1
Building a Remote Workforce: How VPM Solutions Is Revolutionizing Property Management 41:47

5d ago41:47

41:47

Send us a text Pete Neubig takes us on a captivating journey through his remarkable career transformation, from IT professional to property management entrepreneur and back to tech innovator. After 25 years in information technology, Pete's life took an unexpected turn at age 41 when he found himself managing 31 properties and three apartment compl…

1
5/2/25 - Diving through history with Tara Roberts 9:50

1d ago9:50

9:50

In an interview with Phil Liles, journalist Tara Roberts unpacks how the ocean helped her discover her history. In the podcast: VPM News is undergoing maintenance that may be impacting your radio signal or HD2 stream.By VPM

1
Blind Comedy: Breaking Barriers Through Laughter 24:36

1d ago24:36

24:36

Send us a text Ever wondered what it's like to navigate the world without sight? Meet Jean Marckley, a 79-year-old blind comedian who's turning stereotypes upside down one punchline at a time. "What's it like to be blind?" people often ask Jean. Her response? "Well, everybody close your eyes. Yep, that's it." With disarming wit and wisdom gained fr…

1
05/01/25 - New federal data points to a shrinking GDP. 7:20

2d ago7:20

7:20

Plus: Charlottesville City Schools to acquire Federal Executive Institute property; Richmond Mayor Danny Avula to overhaul the city’s P-card program; and other stories. In the podcast: Richmond Mayor Danny Avula wants to overhaul the city’s purchasing card program for city employees.By VPM

1
Musical Chameleon: Pam Ross on Creating Outside the Box 7:56

3d ago7:56

7:56

Send us a text What happens when you blend country, rock, Americana, folk, blues, and pop into one distinctive sound? You get what fans call "Pam Music" – the signature style of singer-songwriter Pam Ross. On this episode of Living the Dream with Curveball, we're joined by the genre-defying Pam Ross, whose musical journey has taken her from Pittsbu…

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4/30/25 - International students at four of Virginia’s public universities have had their visa eligibility records restored. 4:41

3d ago4:41

4:41

Plus: Richmond City Council approves budget amendments; Gov. Youngkin appointed to FEMA council.By VPM

1
Immigrants' Fears Run Rampant in RVA 31:30

3d ago31:30

31:30

It seems like every day brings new national news stories about deportations, ICE raids, or student visas being revoked. This is fueling fear not just in the immigrant community, but even among people here in the country legally. Rich talks to an advocate who serves RVA's Latino community, as well as an attorney who represents Virginia immigrants. H…

1
4/29/25 - Rep. Rob Wittman’s constituents held a town hall without him 6:55

4d ago6:55

6:55

Congressman Rob Wittman (R–1st) declined to attend a town hall organized by some of his constituents. They still gathered to voice their concerns. In other news: Recent federal policy changes could open Virginia’s national forests up for logging, “Medicaid is not the home of fraud” — and other Central Virginia news.…

1
ICE Raid, Right-to-Work, and Trouble in Purcellville 35:37

5d ago35:37

35:37

In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Hanna Pampaloni of Loudoun Now, covering the scandal surrounding a state police investigation of Purcellville's Vice Mayor. Luke Weir of the Roanoke Times, covering the Democratic debate for Lieutenant Governor, where all candidates voice support for ending Right-to-Work. Sean M…

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4/28/25 - Where do Virginia's statewide candidates stand on skill games? 5:15

5d ago5:15

5:15

Plus: the University of Virginia and Charlottesville City Schools want to acquire the Federal Executive Institute property, now considered government surplus, in Charlottesville.By VPM

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Policy Matters: April 24, 2025 5:27

6d ago5:27

5:27

‘Policy Matters’ is your window into Virginia politics with VPAP. It's our monthly roundup of the top political headlines from across Virginia, powered by VPAP’s daily e-newsletter, VaNews.By VPM

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BizSense Beat: SMART SCALE, Insurance company sale, Olde Town Shopping Center toy store 5:05

7d ago5:05

5:05

Virginia transit officials recommended funding for 14 transportation projects in the Richmond region through SMART SCALE, a U.K.-based parent company of local insurance firm sells its U.S.-based business, and a global toy store plans to open in Henrico County's Olde Town Shopping Center.By VPM

1
Breaking Through Grief's Timeline Myth with Ligia Houben 26:53

8d ago26:53

26:53

Send us a text Grief doesn't follow a timeline. This powerful truth anchors our profound conversation with grief expert, author, and life transition coach Ligia Houben, who brings both professional expertise and personal experience to her work helping the bereaved navigate life's most challenging transitions. Ligia shatters common misconceptions ab…

1
4/25/25- University of Richmond dedicates memorial to enslaved people who worked the land that became the university. 6:44

8d ago6:44

6:44

An experimental aircraft crashes at Langley-Eustis Air Force base; The University of Richmond holds a ceremony for a new memorial honoring enslaved people who worked the land that now belongs to the university, a public defender says ICE detained client during unrelated court hearing. In the podcast: Experimental aircraft crashes at Langley, Univer…

1
4/24/25 - Charlottesvile area protests alleged federal immigration raid 5:03

9d ago5:03

5:03

Central Virginians gathered outside the Albemarle County Courthouse on Wednesday to protest an alleged immigration raid that was publicized on Tuesday. In other news: Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s office recently publicized that the newly created state-level immigration task force has arrested more than 500 migrants in the last two months.…

1
The Power of Boring: James Walters on Creativity, Photography, and Finding Your Purpose 25:30

10d ago25:30

25:30

Send us a text What happens when you've checked all the boxes of success but still feel something's missing? James Walters, photographer, author, and host of "A Joyful Rebellion" podcast, joins us to explore the transformative power of creative risk-taking and authentic living. James shares his fascinating journey from commercial photographer (who …

1
4/23/25 - Cool the City initiative launches in Richmond 6:48

10d ago6:48

6:48

Plus: a proposed amendment in Richmond’s budget could ban new tobacco and cannabis shops in the city; Virginia’s decrease in jobs; a commemoration of Hanover students who integrated schools in 1963; and other stories.By VPM

1
The Feds vs. Higher Ed 31:29

10d ago31:29

31:29

The Trump Administration is taking on higher ed, and Virginia universities are on notice. VCU hasn’t been singled out, but IS facing program cuts, and is already making changes to try to prevent more. Who can our local institutions turn to for help? Rich talks with Virginia Congressman Rob Wittman about Trump’s challenges – and threats -- to higher…

1
4/22/25 - Richmond’s Repair Cafe 5:42

11d ago5:42

5:42

From bikes and toys to one reporter’s pants, Repair Cafe RVA works to keep Richmonders using their favorite items longer.By VPM

1
Coal Emissions, Public Housing, and High School Reshuffling 42:10

12d ago42:10

42:10

In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: James Libresco of Theogony, covering the difficulties around Alexandria's City High School's four-campus system--and the school district's new policy mandating Theogony's articles be approved by administration. Charles Paullin of Inside Climate News, covering President Trump's e…

1
4/21/25 - Legal challenges on canceled international student visas. 6:33

12d ago6:33

6:33

Plus: possible solutions for reducing the number of youth incarcerated at the Bon Air Juvenile Correctional Center; How pay for Hanover County’s boards and commissions compares to neighboring localities; and other stories. In the podcast: The latest update from VPM News’ “Idleness and boredom” series; VMI appoints an interim president.…

1
The Spiritual Journey of Eddy Mann: From Secular Musician to Soul Songwriter 30:56

12d ago30:56

30:56

Send us a text From painfully shy child to prolific songwriter with over twenty albums, Eddy Mann's musical journey defies easy categorization. Growing up in Philadelphia with a bebop pianist father and a mother who valued cultural heritage created the perfect environment for creative growth, though Eddy initially struggled to find his voice. That …

1
BizSense Beat: CSX lawsuit, Goochland County brewery, Virginia Housing 5:05

14d ago5:05

5:05

Prominent Richmonders challenge a North American railroad company in a million-dollar lawsuit; a Goochland County brewery prepares to reopen after a yearlong hiatus; and Virginia Housing looks to build a new $15 million parking deck in Richmond.By VPM

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Breaking Barriers: Amber Afzali's Journey to "Rule Breakers" 17:36

15d ago17:36

17:36

Send us a text What happens when cultural identity, activism, and groundbreaking storytelling converge? Amber Afzali brings this powerful intersection to life as she joins us to discuss her starring role in "Rule Breakers," the inspiring Angel Studios film that chronicles Afghanistan's first all-girls robotics team. Born to Afghan immigrant parents…

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4/18/25 Trump administration terminates international students' visas 5:30

15d ago5:30

5:30

International students and alumni in Virginia have their visas or visa eligibility terminated. In other news: Virginians can save on power bills with power grid improvements —and more Central Virginia news. VPM's Spring 2025 membership campaign has been extended to April 20. Right now, several challenges are ongoing that can double your support of …

1
Special Edition: The Latest Campaign Finance Numbers 46:32

16d ago46:32

46:32

In this special episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by Ben Tribbett of Pocket Aces Consulting, and Jeff Ryer, former spokesman for the House and Senate Republicans, to break down the latest campaign finance disclosures for the candidates in Virginia's statewide and local races. VPAP: Q1 Campaign Finance Reports -- The Virgini…

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4/17/26: Curious Commonwealth answers more recycling questions! 9:24

16d ago9:24

9:24

VPM News editor Whittney Evans digs in to answer this Curious Commonwealth: What does the data tell us about how much Virginia recycles? Submit your own question at vpm.org/curious. VPM's Spring 2025 membership campaign ends on April 18. Right now, several challenges are ongoing that can double your support of our mission. Click or tap here to lear…

1
From Self-Doubt to Stage Success: An Agent's Psychological Insights 24:18

17d ago24:18

24:18

Send us a text Albert Bramante brings a rare combination of talents to his work as a talent agent - over two decades of industry experience plus advanced credentials in psychology, hypnosis, and NLP. This unique perspective has made him an "architect of careers" who understands both the practical and psychological challenges performers face. Albert…

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4/16/25 - Crowded state primary fields for Lt. Gov. AG 5:46

18d ago5:46

5:46

Early voting in Virginia’s 2025 primary kicks off on May 2. In other news: Hanover County honors its local integration history, some Virginians have automatic state+federal tax extensions — and more Central Virginia news. VPM's Spring 2025 membership campaign ends on April 18. Right now, several challenges are ongoing that can double your support o…

1
What's Next for Henrico County? 32:02

17d ago32:02

32:02

Henrico County: what's it all about, where is it going, and how is it going to shape the future of RVA? Henrico County Manager John Vithoulkas joins Rich to answer questions from our listener voicemail line. They talk about everything from federal funding cuts to the Green City development to Henrico’s response to the Richmond water crisis. With al…

1
04/15/25 - Federal grant cuts: Richmond water, state teacher training and health initiatives 6:23

18d ago6:23

6:23

St. Mary’s Hospital expansion proposal; Henrico planning for change in water infrastructure; UVA Foundation announces new CEOBy VPM

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Research Cuts, TSA Picketing, and the Bills That Passed 33:30

19d ago33:30

33:30

In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Sage Tanguay of the Bold Dominion podcast, covering some niche bills passed during the latest General Assembly session. Michael O'Connor of the Virginia Dogwood, covering Richmond TSA workers picketing to get their union back from the Trump Administration. Nathaniel Cline of the…

1
The Dojo of Life: Jene Burk's Path to Mentorship Through Martial Arts 34:36

19d ago34:36

34:36

Send us a text What happens when martial arts philosophy meets business leadership and personal development? Jene Burk knows firsthand. Originally planning to become a psychologist, Jene's life took an unexpected turn that launched him into a four-decade operations career while simultaneously deepening his practice of martial arts. The result? A un…

1
4/14/25 - Guitarist Daniel Bachman uses the natural world to create his music 9:17

19d ago9:17

9:17

Bachman captures audio from thunderstorms, floods and the quiet of nature and integrates it into his work.By VPM

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BizSense Beat: Richmond's City Center, the Diamond District and Hanover data centers 5:04

21d ago5:04

5:04

Richmond officials break ground on a portion of the Diamond District development and explore redevelopment options for the city's shuttered coliseum behind the scenes. Meanwhile, Hanover staff review a revamped proposal from a developer seeking to build a data center campus that spans across the borders of the county and the town of Ashland.…

1
The Subconscious Revolution: How Dr. Alain Salas Transforms Limiting Beliefs 37:02

22d ago37:02

37:02

Send us a text What if you could access the 90-95% of your mind power that remains dormant? Dr. Alain Salas takes us on a remarkable journey from his days as a sun-chasing boat rental operator in the South of France to becoming a revolutionary healer who helps people transform their lives by reprogramming their subconscious minds. The turning point…

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4/11/25 - Trump order could affect Va. climate policies 5:51

22d ago5:51

5:51

Plus: staffing shortage at Bon Air youth prison; VCU considering tuition increase; GRTC likely to extend free fare program; Ukrop’s 10K road closures In the podcast: Trump order could affect RGGI; staffing shortage at youth prisonBy VPM

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04/10/25 - Chesterfield County officials approve "austere" budget 5:09

23d ago5:09

5:09

The approved budget is not official yet, as Gov. Glenn Youngkin has until May 2 to make changes to the state's budget. In other news: Charlottesville City Schools delay school zone speed cameras; new superintendents voted in for Goochland and Hanover counties; and other news.By VPM

1
Storytelling As Freedom: A Novelist's Evolution 18:29

24d ago18:29

18:29

Send us a text Stories have power—especially when they challenge expectations and break barriers. This is exactly what novelist Nkrumah Mensah demonstrates through her fantasy series that starts with "Anne of Survivor," featuring a young woman who flees an arranged marriage in the 1500s and finds herself entangled in kingdom-wide intrigue. During o…

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4/9/25 - Dem candidate hints at paid FMLA support 5:30

25d ago5:30

5:30

Days after being confirmed as the Democratic Party candidate for governor, Spanberger visited Central Virginia to endorse some legislative priorities on behalf of Virginians. In other news: Dr. Karen Shelton publicly addressed the federal “COVID grant” cuts in front of a state advisory panel, WMRA provides a local look at the weekend’s “Hands Off!”…

1
The People's Budget: What's Got Your Vote? 25:00

24d ago25:00

25:00

It's time to decide the People’s Budget of Richmond! Richmond's government has set aside $3M of YOUR money – and now YOU get to decide what to do with it. This participatory budget program has reached the voting stage, and now anyone who lives, works, or goes to school in the city – age 14 and up! – can vote on projects in their council district. R…

1
4/8/2025 - Tribal sovereignty and fundraising in the Virginia governor’s race 5:40

25d ago5:40

5:40

Plus: Scuttled data center legislation and a Charlottesville bike lane plan In the podcast: Tribal sovereignty and fundraising in the Virginia governor’s raceBy VPM

1
Budget Dispute, Filing Deadlines, and the Virginia Supreme Court 38:27

26d ago38:27

38:27

In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Kate Seltzer of the Virginian-Pilot, covering the latest on the filings for the fall ballot. Joe Dodson of Courthouse News, covering a Virginia Supreme Court ruling an officer not liable for the attempted suicide of a detainee. Jahd Khalil of VPM, covering Virginia's budget and …

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4/7/25 - The Shockoe Institute’s new center in Main Street Station is set to open early next year. 5:12

27d ago5:12

5:12

Plus: Virginia's former state health commissioner is now warning that the U.S. Health and Human Services Department’s recent decision to cut federal funding for COVID-related grants makes Virginians more susceptible to future pandemics — and “horrific consequences.” In the podcast: Virginia is the top state to survive an alien invasion; Sens. Kaine…

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Cooking Beyond Sight: Debra Erickson's Blind Kitchen Revolution 27:15

26d ago27:15

27:15

Send us a text The kitchen transforms from a place of anxiety to a hub of independence in this revealing conversation with Debra Erickson, founder of The Blind Kitchen. Diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa at 28, Debra shares her remarkable journey from someone who barely cooked to becoming the only blind student in culinary school, and ultimately, …

1
BizSense Beat: Ice rink, Chesterfield plant shutdown, new brunch spot and sports bar 5:05

28d ago5:05

5:05

Chesterfield Sports Enterprise will kick off construction in the coming days on an 89,000-square-foot facility that is set to feature two professional-level ice rinks; The Novelis plant on Reymet Road in Chesterfield County will close May 30 as part of the company’s overall restructuring; New brunch spot Sassy's is set to open this summer in the fo…

1
From Houston to Qatar: Joe Toler's Journey in International Education 20:29

29d ago20:29

20:29

Send us a text Joe Toler takes us on a fascinating journey through his career as an athletic director across six countries in 12 years, culminating in his current role at the International School of London in Qatar. What began as a teaching career in Houston transformed into an international adventure building comprehensive athletic and activity pr…

1
4/4/25 - Dominion requests a new designation for its biggest customers 7:36

30d ago7:36

7:36

Richmond releases final water crisis assessment; mail problems at city hall; a new tool to tamp down on speeding; and Brown Grove residents won’t appeal Wegmans’ case to the state supreme court In the podcast: Updates from VPM News' “Idleness and boredom” series; the Nansemond Indian Nation sues Virginia over withheld Medicaid reimbursements.…

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4/3/25 - UPDATED General Assembly responds to Youngkin vetoes 7:23

30d ago7:23

7:23

Today’s podcast episode has been updated to include Jahd Khalil’s summary of the single-day veto session for state lawmakers in Richmond. All in all, there were about 300 bills for lawmakers in the Democrat-controlled chambers to consider overriding or further amending. Bills with rejected amendments now return to Youngkin, who can decide whether t…

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Podcasts Worth a Listen