America's Healthiest City

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In this episode, Will Melton interviews Stephen Jenkins , founder of the Richmond-based clothing brand Gracist . Stephen shares his journey from New York City to Richmond, exploring his roots and the transformative experience of reconnecting with his African heritage. Through Gracist, Stephen employs artisans in Niger to create vibrant, handcrafted clothing, blending African fabrics with American...

In this episode of "America's Healthiest City," host Will Melton interviews Angela Patton , CEO of Girls for a Change . Angela shares her journey from Southside Richmond to becoming a leader in empowering young black girls through her organization. She discusses the impactful programs they offer, including the Girl Ambassador program and initiatives that expose girls to diverse care...

In this episode, Will Melton interviews Miguel Perez and Angelica Burgos, the founders and co-artistic directors of Conflux Dance Theater in Richmond, VA. Miguel and Angelica share their journey from professional dance careers in major cities to establishing a contemporary ballet company in Richmond. They discuss the importance of creating an inclusive space that brings together diverse background...

In this episode, Will Melton speaks with Lisa Trapp , Program and Outreach Manager for Capital Trees , about the organization's efforts to enhance Richmond's green spaces. Lisa discusses the importance of urban green spaces for community well-being and environmental health, highlighting projects like the Low Line and upcoming improvements at Hotchkiss Field. She emphasizes the critical r...

In this episode, Will Melton interviews Tom Bannard , Director of Rams in Recovery at VCU . Tom shares his journey from battling addiction to leading a program that supports students in recovery. He discusses the comprehensive services offered by Rams in Recovery, including recovery coaching, housing, and scholarship programs. Tom highlights the importance of community, resilience, and wellness in...

In this episode, Will Melton interviews Anne Poarch , founder of Basket & Bike , a Richmond-based business that combines cycling with nature, history, and community engagement. Anne shares her journey from a career in finance to launching a business that encourages people to explore Richmond's beauty by bike. She discusses the mental health benefits of being in nature and the importance o...

In this episode, Will Melton interviews Ellie Martinez , Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters , to discuss the transformative power of mentorship in the Richmond area. Ellie shares her journey from teaching to leading a nonprofit focused on youth development. They delve into the critical role Big Brothers Big Sisters plays in shaping young lives, the challenges of recruiting mentors, and...

In this episode, Will Melton interviews Dr. Naomi Boyd , Dean of the VCU School of Business . Dr. Boyd shares her journey from a background in the arts to leading one of the top public business schools in the country. They discuss the importance of integrating creativity, innovation, and empathy in business education, and the role of societal impact in shaping future leaders. Dr. Boyd also highlig...

In this episode, Will Melton interviews Sam Stone , President of Stone's Office Equipment , to discuss the importance of clean water in office environments. Sam shares insights from his extensive experience in the office equipment industry and his new venture, Pure Water Virginia, which focuses on reducing plastic waste by providing purified water solutions. They explore the challenges of agi...

In this episode, Will Melton interviews Dr. Shari Barkin , Chair of Pediatrics and Physician-in-Chief at the Children's Hospital of Richmond . Dr. Barkin shares her journey from a life-changing experience with a young patient to her current leadership role, where she integrates patient care, research, and community health. They discuss the vision for making Richmond the healthiest city in Ame...

In this episode, Will Melton interviews Lisa Kersey , Executive Director of Free Kind , an organization dedicated to combating human trafficking. Lisa shares insights into the hidden realities of trafficking in our communities and the importance of awareness in combating this issue. They discuss the complexities of victimization, the critical role of prevention education, and the services Free Kin...

In this episode of "America's Healthiest City" on ESPN Richmond 106.1, host Will Melton interviews Hunter Leemon , the CEO of Sportable , an organization dedicated to transforming the lives of individuals with physical disabilities and visual impairments through adaptive sports. Hunter discusses his journey from a small rural community in Brunswick County to his role as a leader in...

In this episode of "America's Healthiest City" on ESPN Richmond 106.1, host Will Melton speaks with Dr. Chris Reina , a leader in transformative leadership from VCU's Institute for Transformative Leadership . Dr. Reina challenges the outdated notion that leadership is an innate skill, emphasizing instead that leadership is a set of influence behaviors that can be learned and ho...

In this episode of "America's Healthiest City" on ESPN Richmond 106.1, host Will Melton sits down with David Ambrose , co-founder of Metafit RX , a Richmond-based wellness center offering advanced diagnostic tools typically reserved for professional athletes. David shares his journey from Pittsburgh to Richmond, highlighting his deep commitment to fitness, civil rights, and teaching...

In this episode of "America's Healthiest City" on ESPN Richmond 106.1, host Will Melton interviews Jonathan Zur , the director of the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities . Jonathan discusses the organization's efforts in fostering inclusivity and reducing bias within schools and communities. He highlights a significant success story where a local elementary school saw a 4...

In this episode of "America's Healthiest City" on ESPN Richmond 106.1, host Will Melton interviews Noah-O , a Virginia hip-hop artist, entrepreneur, and community leader. Noah-O shares the inspiration behind " Charged Up ," a movement and mindset focused on maintaining high energy and uplifting others, rooted in his multicultural upbringing and experiences in the Richmond...

In this episode of "America's Healthiest City" on ESPN Richmond 106.1, host Will Melton sits down with Liz Young , the Director of Marketing for the Richmond Volleyball Club . Liz shares the club's rich history, dating back to its founding in 1981, and its evolution into a central hub for volleyball enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels in Richmond. With over 3,000 members,...

In this episode of "America's Healthiest City" on ESPN Richmond 106.1, host Will Melton sits down with Devon Copeland, the driving force behind Iron Village Preparatory Academy . Devon shares her journey from journalism to education, fueled by a passion for empowering young people in Richmond. They discuss the Academy's unique approach to summer programming, focusing on the imp...

In this episode, Will Melton interviews Ray Ready from Everybody Eats Entertainment . Ray shares his journey from philosophy major and special ed teacher to social media influencer and community organizer. They discuss the importance of creativity, community engagement, and the joy of living authentically. Ray highlights his passion for using content creation to inspire others and support local ca...

Join us on this insightful episode of "America's Healthiest City" as host Will Melton engages with Taikein Cooper , Executive Director of the Richmond Public Schools Education Foundation. Together, they explore the challenges facing young people today, from continuous trauma to the influence of social media, and discuss the importance of mentorship, community involvement, and innova...

In this episode of "America's Healthiest City," host Will Melton sits down with Salamawit Hailu , founder of The Human Connection, to explore the profound impact of connection on mental health, well-being, and community vitality. Salam shares her journey from Ethiopia to Richmond and delves into her work on fostering connections between individuals, communities, and the environment....

Join us for an insightful episode of "America's Healthiest City" as Will Melton sits down with K atherine Blessing , Director of Corporate Relations at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) . In this discussion, Katherine shares her journey from music performance to arts management and the vital role of art in fostering community health and well-being. They delve into the often-ov...

Join us for an enlightening conversation on "America's Healthiest City" as Will Melton hosts Shep Roper , Executive Director of Beyond Boundaries . This episode explores the power of outdoor recreation in fostering inclusion and enhancing community well-being. Shep Roper discusses how Beyond Boundaries creates accessible outdoor experiences for individuals with disabilities, underse...

Join us for a transformative discussion on "America's Healthiest City" as Will Melton sits down with Alexander Whiteway from Modern Ancients. This episode delves into the evolution of creativity, the impact of leadership, and the connection between our mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. Alexander shares his journey from the fine arts to leading a growth consulting firm` tha...