America's Healthiest City

Our latest episode of "America's Healthiest City" features Will Melton in conversation with Robin Telfian from shood , a Richmond-based nonprofit dedicated to providing quality shoes to those in need, regardless of their circumstances. Robin shares the inspiring journey of how shood grew from a simple idea into a thriving organization that has distributed over 16,000 pairs of shoes...

Today's conversation features Emily Milhiser , Director of Community and Donor Engagement at Caritas , as they explore the pressing issues of homelessness and affordable housing in Richmond. Emily sheds light on the vital services Caritas offers, such as shelter, a furniture bank, recovery programs, and workforce development. The discussion also touches on how the shortage of affordable housi...

In this episode of "America's Healthiest City," Will Melton interviews Will Keck , a creative entrepreneur and founder of The Music Shop and Center . Will Keck shares his journey from a challenging upbringing, including time in the foster system and incarceration, to becoming a successful entrepreneur and event organizer. They discuss the upcoming "Something Indie Water" e...

In this episode of "America's Healthiest City," Will Melton interviews Mike King of the Mike King Biz Radio Network . They explore the vital role of leadership in driving change within the Richmond community. The discussion covers the importance of fostering partnerships between businesses, nonprofits, and community leaders, as well as the need for effective leadership development p...

In this episode of "America's Healthiest City," host Will Melton speaks with Jennifer Einhoff from Bold Whisper about the concept of transformation and the power of self-investment. Jennifer dives deep into the importance of leaders investing in themselves to build capacity for future challenges and opportunities. They discuss how emotions, often seen as a liability in the business...

In this episode of "America's Healthiest City," host Will Melton speaks with Sarin Atakari , Principal Data Manager at Plan RVA , about the intertwined issues of housing, transportation, food access, and education in the Richmond region. Sarin discusses the challenges of addressing these complex issues, particularly in underserved communities, and the importance of regional solution...

In this episode of "America's Healthiest City," Will Melton hosts Jovan Burton, Executive Director of the Partnership for Housing Affordability , to discuss the challenges and opportunities in addressing housing affordability in the Richmond region. They explore the importance of regional solutions, the role of local governments, and the impact of policy changes on the availability...

In this episode, Will Melton sits down with Beth Weisbrod , Vice President of Talent and Workforce at Chamber RVA , to discuss the vital role that outdoor amenities and public-private partnerships play in making Richmond an attractive place for both young professionals and businesses. They delve into the importance of regional collaboration, the value of a healthy community, and how initiatives li...

In this episode of "America's Healthiest City," Will Melton hosts Keith Reynolds , founder of Synapse , to discuss the power of business networking with a focus on nonprofits. Keith shares insights into how Synapse connects community-minded professionals with nonprofits to create ripple effects that lead to significant, often unexpected, impacts on the community. The conversation hi...

In this episode of "America's Healthiest City," Will Melton interviews Courtney Turin, Chief Work Officer at Xponent 21 . Courtney discusses the future of work, the impact of a four-day workweek, and the role of AI in business. She also shares insights from her own career journey, moving from academia to business, and the importance of creativity and adaptability in the workplace. T...

In this episode, Will Melton sits down with John Jones , Assistant Professor at VCU's Center for Environmental Studies , to explore innovative strategies for addressing food insecurity in Richmond. They dive into the challenges of food distribution, including the "acorn squash problem," and discuss the critical role of policy entrepreneurship in enhancing local food systems. Jon sha...

Tune in as Will Melton interviews Dr. Vic Goradia from G2 Orthopedic to explore strategies for staying active, fit, and limber—even after an injury or a period of inactivity. They dive into the challenges posed by sedentary jobs in America and offer practical tips on how to prevent muscle and joint deterioration. This episode also introduces #RVAStretch, a new PSA campaign designed to encourage Ri...

In this episode of "America's Healthiest City," host Will Melton speaks with Todd Feldman , founder of Rocket Factory , about his commitment to improving mental health and overall well-being through his business initiatives. Todd introduces his latest endeavor, Project Seismic, which focuses on early detection of depression and anxiety, inspired by his personal experiences. They dis...

In this episode, Will Melton interviews Michael Sparks and Kate Houck from Underground Kitchen Community First . They share their journey from running an experiential dining business to launching a nonprofit that has delivered over 275,000 meals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Michael and Kate discuss the importance of food as a foundation for health and community well-being and their focus on food...

In this episode, Will Melton sits down with Diana Boxey , Global Director of Marketing for AMF Bakery Systems , and Deb Lawrence, Executive Director of ReWork Richmond —two of the pioneering Ambassadors for America's Healthiest City. They discuss the groundbreaking 10-year initiative aimed at transforming Richmond into the healthiest city in America and explore why both companies and nonprofi...