Best VPM Podcasts (2025)

In this episode of ⁠The Virginia Press Room⁠, Michael Pope is joined by political analyst Sam Shirazi to break down the results from Tuesday's primaries. -- The Virginia Press Room is a weekly podcast that brings listeners the latest insights and analysis on Virginia’s most important stories directly from the journalists covering them. Produced in …

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6/18/25 - Jay Jones, Ghazala Hashmi likely to win June 2025 primaries 7:25

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3d ago7:25

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It’s the June 17 primary recap episode! As a reminder: All election results are unofficial until certified by the Commonwealth of Virginia. Keep track of the latest results, analysis and coverage on our website at vpm.org/elections.By VPM

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Virginia’s Energy Future 31:29

3d ago31:29

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Dominion Energy delivers electricity to millions of homes and businesses in Virginia. But these days there’s tremendous pressure on the company with skyrocketing energy demands. How will Dominion meet the Commonwealth’s needs and clean energy goals, while still keeping rates affordable? Rich sits down with Dominion CEO, Bob Blue, to find out.…

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6/17/25 - Primary Election Day is here 5:09

4d ago5:09

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Plus: Business as usual on data centers is unsustainable according to a new Sierra Club report; A fisherman in Central Virginia reels in a new state record; and other storiesBy VPM

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Statewide Primaries, Campaign Yard Signs, and Public Radio Personalities 42:24

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In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Margaret Barthel of WAMU, covering what the candidates for lieutenant governor and attorney general have to say about policy issues. Ryan Murphy of WHRO, covering local primary races that are heating up in Hampton Roads. Jahd Khalil of VPM News, covering how the candidates for l…

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06/16/25 - A look at the Democrats running in House District 81’s primary 9:09

5d ago9:09

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Plus: a look at the consent decree the City of Richmond entered into with the Virginia Department of Health; US Sen. Mark Warner speaks at a town hall in Charlottesville; Alpha-Gal syndrome to become a reportable disease; and other stories.By VPM

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300. The Future of Cost Segregation and Real Estate Investing with Gian Pazzia 39:49

5d ago39:49

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Send us a text Join us on Average Joe Finances as our guest Gian Pazzia an expert in tax and accounting for real estate. They discuss Gian's background, from his family's humble beginnings in Italy to his current role helping businesses and real estate owners find tax savings through cost segregation studies. Gian explains the benefits of cost segr…

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BizSense Beat: Henrico data centers, Lego in Short Pump, electric vehicle retailer expands 5:10

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VPM News Host Lyndon German and BizSense Reporter Jackie DiBartolomeo discuss the top business stories across the Richmond region. This week's stories include Henrico County's adopting new restrictions for data centers, a Lego store coming to Short Pump Town Center, and an electric car retailer expands in downtown Richmond.…

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06/13/25 - Victor Salgado talks about his lt. gov. candidacy. 5:45

8d ago5:45

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Salgado is one of six Democrats vying for the nomination to be on the ballot against Republican candidate John Reid in the November general election.By VPM

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06/12/25 — VPM news talks to Lt. Gov. candidates Alex Bastani and Babur Lateef. 9:27

9d ago9:27

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A conversation with two of six Democratic candidates for Lieutenant Governor.By VPM

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06/11/2025 - Clear backpack rule leads to fewer infractions, Richmond school officials say. 6:07

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Plus: Fundraising numbers are in ahead of June’s primary elections; Richmond City Council members say CAO confirmation was rushed; Senate committee rejects Ken Cuccinelli nomination to board of visitors; and other stories.By VPM

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Rezoning Richmond 31:26

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For the first time in 50 years, the city’s zoning code – the rules that say what can be built where – is being revised. It’s definitely time: the need for housing is desperate! But with a stunning reversal of white flight – an influx of young professionals into the city – how do we preserve the Richmond we love for everyone? Rich talks to City Coun…

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06/10/25 - Interviews with Levar Stoney and Ghazala Hashmi. 9:57

11d ago9:57

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VPM News politics reporter Jahd Khalil spoke with Stoney and Hashmi on why they should be the Democratic Lt. Governor candidate.By VPM

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BizSense Beat: Innsbrook development, Fortune 500, SMART SCALE, and more 5:11

11d ago5:11

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VPM Host Lyndon German and BizSense Reporter Jonathan Spiers discuss the top business stories across the Richmond region.By VPM

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Immigration Enforcement, Medicaid Cuts, and Tariff Uncertainty 33:56

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In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Sabrina Moreno of Axios Richmond, covering why Virginia is a hotspot for immigration enforcement. Michael O'Connor of the Virginia Dogwood, covering how federal Medicaid cuts will affect Virginians' coverage and home healthcare workers. Michael Martz of the Richmond Times-Dispat…

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06/09/25 - A third measles case confirmed in Virginia. 6:40

12d ago6:40

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Plus: Henrico outlines a plan to reduce injuries and fatalities on its streets by half within the next decade; how economic uncertainty affects farmers markets; and other stories.By VPM

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299. Proactive Planning: Ensuring a Legacy of Love with Sara Ecklein 41:37

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Send us a text Join us on Average Joe Finances as our guest Sarah Ecklein, a private fiduciary from the Bay Area, California. Sarah shares insights into her profession, the importance of estate planning, and her journey from aspiring hospice nurse to fiduciary. She discusses the complexities of trust administration, the significance of proactive pl…

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06/06/25 - Jay Jones and Shannon Taylor face off in June primary to unseat Jason Miyares. 9:34

15d ago9:34

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VPM News politics reporter Jahd Khalil talks to Jones and Taylor about why they should be Virginia’s next Attorney General.By VPM

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06/05/25 - A new way to warn about future Richmond boil water advisories. 7:09

16d ago7:09

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Plus: The special election to replace Rep. Gerry Connolly is set; license plate readers in Charlottesville stay put – for now; and other stories In the podcast: Boil water advisories will now come directly to phones in Richmond; Watchdog agency considers improvements to Virginia’s youth criminal justice system.…

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06/04/25 - Curious Commonwealth asks...How did Chesterfield County’s charter get lost so many times? 6:58

17d ago6:58

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The Chesterfield County charter has had an extraordinary journey over more than 275 years — disappearing multiple times along the way before ending up in the library’s hands in 2017.By VPM

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Who's Got Your Vote: Richmond Commonwealth's Attorney 39:42

17d ago39:42

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Richmond is voting for the office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney. Like the District Attorneys you’ve seen on TV, the CA is the city’s prosecutor, and has a huge impact on our local criminal justice system. Two candidates are competing in a June Democratic primary election; whoever wins will likely take office. So this June vote is crucial – with ea…

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06/03/25 - New Hanover School Board members to be sworn in 7:30

18d ago7:30

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Plus: why a special election hasn’t been called yet to replace the late Northern Virginia Rep. Gerry Connolly; a new House Minority Leader is chosen; and other storiesBy VPM

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Sanctuary Cities, U.S. Attorney Competition, and Richmond's Second Water Crisis 40:52

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In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Elizabeth Beyer of Cardinal News, covering the competition to decide the next U.S. Attorney for Virginia's Western District. Tyler Englander of WRIC, covering DHS' list of sanctuary cities, including several conservative Virginia counties. Chris Suarez of VPM News, covering Rich…

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06/02/25 - Rep. Jennifer McClellan on potential Medicaid and Medicare cuts 5:52

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A feature with U.S. Rep. Jennifer McClellan NEWSLETTER In the podcast: US Rep. Jennifer McClellan on potential cuts to Medicare and Medicaid.By VPM

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Policy Matters: May 29, 2025 5:14

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‘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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298. Decoding the Enneagram: Money and Personality with Douglas Lynam 37:07

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Send us a text Join us on Average Joe Finances as our guest Doug Lynam, a former Benedictine monk turned financial advisor and author, shares his unique life story, detailing his upbringing in an affluent family with financial struggles, joining the Marine Corps, and eventually spending 20 years in a monastery where he had to navigate its financial…

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BizSenseBeat: GreenCity, Richmond real estate, Alchemco expansion 5:05

20d ago5:05

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VPM Host Lyndon German and BizSense Reporter Jonathan Spiers discuss the top business stories across the Richmond region. This week's stories include Henrico County's GreenCity development, a luxury real estate agency return to Richmond and the international expansion of a local waterproofing company.…

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05/30/25 - Richmond’s boil water advisory has been lifted 6:09

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Plus: Chesterfield County rezones land for new data centers; Nightingale Ice Cream expands; and other storiesBy VPM

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5/29/25 - Richmond boil water advisory may be lifted Thursday 4:57

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In the podcast: Localized, boil water advisories will end if two water compliance tests come back negative — likely Thursday afternoon.By VPM

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5/28/25 - Richmond issues boil water advisory 6:47

24d ago6:47

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The City of Richmond issued a boil water advisory for parts of the city Tuesday after issues with the filtration system. Potable tap water could be available in those areas by Thursday — at the earliest. Click or tap here for the latest information on our website. Click or tap here for the latest from Richmond City’s official website.…

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What's Ahead for the Economy? 31:28

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Everyone in RVA is worried about the economy. Uncertainty rules, with businesses and consumers, owners and renters, buyers and sellers all wondering what to think. Rich sits down with economist Sonya Waddell of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. What are the numbers really telling us about Virginia’s economy, and what’s next? Plus, we meet a gro…

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

25d ago5:45

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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.…

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Recall Petitions, Council Chaos, and Coal County Ventures 41:59

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In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Karen Graham of the Loudoun Times-Mirror, covering recall petitions in Purcellville. Bill Atkinson of the Progress Index, covering internal strife and council meetings and financial distress in Hopewell. Ben Paviour of the New York Times, covering coal magnate-led development pr…

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297. Harnessing Real Estate for Family and Fortune with Ken Gee 36:07

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Send us a text Join us on Average Joe Finances as our guest Ken Gee, founder and managing partner of KRI Partners, shares his inspiring journey from growing up in Toledo, Ohio, working as a CPA and commercial lender, to becoming a successful real estate investor. Ken discusses his transition from a corporate job to real estate due to the desire to …

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

27d ago5:05

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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.…

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

29d ago5:27

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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

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

30d ago7:04

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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

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

1M ago9:31

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

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A Bold, New Voice on City Council 30:40

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New members may be bringing a fresh approach to the Richmond City Council, one that sees a role for City Council in challenging the Mayor – not for drama’s sake, but to hold him, and city administrators, accountable to residents. Sarah Abubaker is one of these newly elected Council members calling for change. Can she help make it happen?…

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

1M ago4:55

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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

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Ticket Diversity, Amendment Rejections, and Non-Traditional Candidates 39:01

1M ago39:01

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In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Olivia Diaz of the Associated Press, covering the diversity of Virginia's Republican candidates against the backdrop of a federal crackdown on DEI. Charlotte Rene Woods of the Virginia Mercury, covering the Virginia House Clerk rejecting three of Governor Youngkin's vetoes. Brad…

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

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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…

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296. Investing Wisdom and AI Insights with Richard Wilson 31:43

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Send us a text Join us on Average Joe Finances as our guest Richard Wilson, founder of the Family Office Club, shares insights on building an investor club and integrating AI tools to optimize investment processes. He details his journey into finance, starting businesses from a young age, and developing a blog that grew into a major platform for ul…

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

1M ago5:03

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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.…