Best Rob Calder Podcasts (2025)

1
5/27/25 - Congressman Rob Wittman of Virginia discusses Medicaid 5:45

19h ago5:45

5:45

Virginia Republican Rep. Rob Wittman voted in support of “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” promising that it protects vulnerable people and ensures the government-funded insurance program will be sustainable for people who are in need in the future. Wittman spoke with Adrienne Hoar McGibbon about the legislation shortly after his vote on Thursday.…

1
BizSense Beat: Carytown's last brewery, Byrd Theatre, VCU Health, Goochland County homes 5:05

4d ago5:05

5:05

VPM Host Lyndon German and BizSense Reporter Jack Jacobs discuss the top business stories across the Richmond region. This week's stories include the closing of a Carytown brewery, the Byrd Theatre seat replacement project, VCU Health's Chesterfield County expansion and a proposed subdivision in Goochland County.…

1
5/23/25 - School districts hire more multilingual teachers to comply with new state law. 5:27

5d ago5:27

5:27

Plus: Virginia loses out on EV chargers; Gov. Youngkin touts 1000 undocumented immigrant arrests; and other stories. NEWSLETTER In the podcast: Richmond must hire 55 new multilingual teachers to comply with new state law; plans for new EV stations in Virginia get scrapped.By VPM

1
5/22/25 - Reining in Henrico’s data centers 7:04

6d ago7:04

7:04

Plus: Richmond’s interim CAO is out; more on VCU’s DEI; and other stories In the podcast: Henrico's data center growth; Richmond’s interim CAO to resign.By VPM

1
5/21/25 - Curious Commonwealth asks “Who Was Humphrey Calder?” 9:31

7d ago9:31

9:31

The latest installment of Curious Commonwealth explores who Humphrey Calder was.By VPM

1
05/20/25 - Traffic impacts are expected as graduation ceremonies happen in the Siegel Center. 4:55

8d ago4:55

4:55

Plus: A look at economic impacts in Southwest Virginia; school zone speed cameras are now active in Charlottesville; and other stories. In the podcast: Graduation season has commenced, with traffic impacts expected in and around the Greater Richmond area.By VPM

1
5/19/25 - Murders highlight Chesterfield's need for an IPV shelter 5:57

9d ago5:57

5:57

This story contains references to intimate partner violence, also known as domestic violence. Today’s episode accompanies an article that first published on May 13. VPM News is also asking our audience, "How are federal immigration policies affecting Virginians?" Visit vpm.org/inmigracion for more information. (We’re also asking en YouTube and Inst…

1
BizSense Beat: Ownership of Petersburg restaurant sparks legal battle 5:03

11d ago5:03

5:03

VPM Host Lyndon German and BizSense Reporter Mike Platania discuss the the top business stories across the Richmond region. Platania delivers a deep dive on a legal dispute over the sale of the historic Dixie Restaurant in Petersburg in which a paperwork error may end up costing the former owners a significant sum.…

1
Identifying alcohol use disorder with James MacKillop 20:38

12d ago20:38

20:38

In this episode, Dr Tsen Vei Lim talks to Dr James MacKillop, a clinical psychologist and professor at McMaster University in Canada, and director for both the Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research and the Michael G DeGroote Centre for Medicinal Cannabis Research. The interview covers his research report on the diagnostic validity of drinking …

1
5/16/25 - RVA HealthCorps initiative to run through August 5:18

12d ago5:18

5:18

Plus: The City of Charlottesville has a new City Attorney; Recent rains have been good for easing drought conditions; and other stories.By VPM

1
5/15/25 - Chesterfield School Board votes to install metal detectors in middle, high schools 6:38

13d ago6:38

6:38

The new tech in Chesterfield schools will cost $2.8 million. The county's decision comes after a January pilot project at Meadowbrook High and Robious Elementary where students had to walk through metal detectors over two days. In other news: Albemarle County is surveying damage after storm flooding, Hanover is redistricting schools in 2026 — and m…

1
5/14/25 - Richmond City Council fires IG James Osuna 4:40

14d ago4:40

4:40

Richmond's inspector general, who is appointed by the council, had been in the position since 2019. Did you know VPM News is posting video shorts about Central Virginia news? Check out Tuesday's episode, which may sound familiar: "Where did German School Road get its name?" You can find VPM News Shorts on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube!…

1
05/13/25 - The first homes built through Henrico County’s affordable housing trust fund were recently sold 5:33

15d ago5:33

5:33

Plus: the University of Virginia will acquire the Federal Executive Institute instead of Charlottesville City Schools; An update on tax rebate checks from the City of Richmond; and other stories.By VPM

1
5/12/25 - New UVA institute to develop next-gen scientists, medical leaders 6:02

16d ago6:02

6:02

The University of Virginia’s Manning Institute for Biotechnology is set to be a “catalyst” for innovation in Virginia and beyond when it opens in 2026.By VPM

1
BizSense Beat: Feed More HQ purchased, Powhatan private school, VCU Health expansion 4:45

18d ago4:45

4:45

VPM News Host Lyndon German and Richmond BizSense Reporter Jackie DiBartolomeo, discuss the top business stories of the week. This week they cover the purchase of the former head Feed More headquarters in Richmond, Powhatan County approving a rezoning request for private school campus and VCU Health's expansion to downtown children’s hospital set t…

1
05/09/25 - A special review has been launched into the Bon Air JCC by Virginia’s Office of the State Inspector General 6:08

19d ago6:08

6:08

Plus: Richmond reacts to the first American pope; invasive fire ants spotted in Albemarle County; RPS Superintendent Jason Kamras' contract extended; and other stories.By VPM

1
5/08/25 — What the dissolution of VCU’s DEI office means for former staff 9:24

20d ago9:24

9:24

VPM higher education reporter Megan Pauly speaks to former staff members of Virginia Commonwealth University’s Division of Inclusive Excellence. In the podcast: VPM News reporter Megan Pauly speaks to former staff of VCU’s shuttered diversity office.By VPM

1
5/7/25 - One-third of Virginia’s rural hospitals are operating in the red 8:21

21d ago8:21

8:21

Plus: A feature from our partner station WMRA on Virginia Humanities losing federal grants for cultural programs.By VPM

1
5/6/25 - DOGE cuts 16 AmeriCorps community service programs in Virginia 4:57

22d ago4:57

4:57

The US Department of Government Efficiency directed the federal agency for community service and volunteerism to make the changes. Program directors and organization heads impacted told VPM News the sudden cuts left them hurt, confused and scrambling to find answers. More than 160 members in Virginia were cut due to the grants ending, according to …

1
5/5/25 - Crisis Receiving Center in Henrico celebrates first year 6:07

23d ago6:07

6:07

Virginia’s first youth-specific alternative to emergency rooms is now 1 year old. In other news: It’s still state budget season, there are more federal funding freezes impacting Virginians — and other Central Virginia news.By VPM

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

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

26d 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
05/01/25 - New federal data points to a shrinking GDP. 7:20

27d 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
4/30/25 - International students at four of Virginia’s public universities have had their visa eligibility records restored. 4:41

28d ago4:41

4:41

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

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

29d 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
4/28/25 - Where do Virginia's statewide candidates stand on skill games? 5:15

30d 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

1
Policy Matters: April 24, 2025 5:27

1M 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

1
BizSense Beat: SMART SCALE, Insurance company sale, Olde Town Shopping Center toy store 5:05

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

1M 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

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

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

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

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

1M 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

1
4/18/25 Trump administration terminates international students' visas 5:30

1M 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
Adolescent substance use in Africa with Sandra Jumbe and Chris Newby 18:25

1M ago18:25

18:25

In this episode, Dr Elle Wadsworth speaks to Dr Sandra Jumbe from the School of Social and Health Sciences at Millenium University in Malawi and the Wolfson Institute of Public Health Queen Mary, and Dr Chris Newby from the Medical School at the University of Nottingham. Sandra and Chris discuss their findings from a systematic review and meta-anal…

1
4/17/26: Curious Commonwealth answers more recycling questions! 9:24

1M 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
4/16/25 - Crowded state primary fields for Lt. Gov. AG 5:46

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

1M ago6:23

6:23

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

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

1M ago9:17

9:17

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

1
BizSense Beat: Richmond's City Center, the Diamond District and Hanover data centers 5:04

2M 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
4/11/25 - Trump order could affect Va. climate policies 5:51

2M 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

1
Nitazenes in wastewater with Richard Bade 15:35

2M ago15:35

15:35

In this episode, Dr Elle Wadsworth talks to Dr Richard Bade from Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences at the University of Queensland about his and his co-authors research report on the identification of nitazenes through wastewater analysis, using two-years of data from 22 countries. Richard discusses why a study detecting nitazen…

1
04/10/25 - Chesterfield County officials approve "austere" budget 5:09

2M 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
4/9/25 - Dem candidate hints at paid FMLA support 5:30

2M 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
4/8/2025 - Tribal sovereignty and fundraising in the Virginia governor’s race 5:40

2M 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
4/7/25 - The Shockoe Institute’s new center in Main Street Station is set to open early next year. 5:12

2M 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…

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

2M 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
4/4/25 - Dominion requests a new designation for its biggest customers 7:36

2M 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.…

1
4/3/25 - UPDATED General Assembly responds to Youngkin vetoes 7:23

2M 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…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Rob Calder Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen