Around The Table With Vickie

This week I welcome two sets of incredible guests who are shaping culture and community right here in Central Virginia. First, I sit down with Ula Kauppi, CFRE, Executive Director of the Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra, and David Glover, Music Director & Conductor. We talk about the Symphony’s upcoming concerts, the role of live music in bringing people together, and why preserving in-person arts...

In this honest and inspiring episode of Around the Table with Vickie , I sit down with Rachel Queen , founder of The Pink Flamingo Play Café in Forest, Virginia, to talk about what it really takes to be a mom and a business owner at the same time. Rachel shares her personal journey—from teaching to launching a space built for moms and children—and opens up about navigating pregnancy, grief, and th...

In this candid and uplifting episode of Around the Table with Vickie, I sit down with Kimberly Logan, Executive Director of Heritage Green, and the pastor at Destiny Green Fellowship to explore the beautiful truth about community, competition, and connection. Though we lead different senior living communities, we're far from enemies—we're allies. We dive deep into:- Building community over...

In this uplifting episode of Around the Table with Vickie, I sit down with Julie Wilson, Activities Director at Liberty Ridge Independent Living, and Patrick Daley, the community’s Administrator, to explore the importance of staying active in our later years—and how the right environment can make all the difference. We dive into how Liberty Ridge creates a lifestyle full of purpose, connection, an...

In this elegant and energetic episode of Around the Table with Vickie , I sit down with my cohost Chris, Mark Creasy (General Manager of the Bella Vista Hotel), and Spencer Foley (Executive Sales Director for Entwined Events) to give you an inside look at what goes into planning unforgettable weddings and events. We highlight the stunning Bella Vista Hotel—including its luxurious ballroom and corp...

In this episode of Around the Table with Vickie, I sit down with my son Chris to share how we celebrate and retain incredible employees in the healthcare world—an industry where so many go unseen and under-appreciated. We open up about what it means to lead with gratitude, how we navigate hard decisions, and the personal moments that shaped our journey as entrepreneurs and family. You’ll get a rea...

When life shifts, do you freeze or pivot? In this episode, I sit down with my husband Brian and our son Chris to talk about the hardest—and most important—decisions we've made in business and life. From family talks to real-time pivots, we’re sharing the mindset behind every bold move. Runk and Pratt Websitehttps://www.runkandpratt.com/Around the Table Website: https://vickietalk.comVickie&#39...

Every business journey has those pivotal moments—the unexpected opportunities, big decisions, and turning points that shape everything that comes next. In this episode of Around the Table with Vickie, I sit down with my husband Brian and our son Chris to unpack the major moments that changed the course of our businesses—and our lives. We share the stories behind those defining events, how we respo...

In this compelling episode of Around the Table with Vickie, I have the honor of speaking with Major General (Ret.) Robert F. Dees, a distinguished military leader and advocate for veteran wellness. We delve into his extensive military service, his role in national security, and his dedication to supporting veterans through the National Center for Healthy Veterans (NCHV) at Valor Farm. Topics Cover...

In this special episode of Around the Table with Vickie, I sit down with my husband Brian and our son Chris to reflect on the journey of building Runk & Pratt Companies from the ground up. We talk candidly about what it means to put family first, how our residents always had (and still have) our hearts, and why there's always more work to be done when you're building something with purpose. Al...

In this essential episode of Around the Table with Vickie, I’m joined by Tim and Veronica Bratton of Soundz Hearing in Lynchburg. Together, we unpack the signs of hearing loss, why it often goes undiagnosed, and how it’s deeply connected to cognitive health—including dementia. We also talk about how to approach a loved one who may be struggling with hearing loss and why early intervention can chan...

In this heartfelt episode, my son Chris and I sit down with Ted and Michele Jordan with Realty ONE to talk about something that touches so many families: downsizing. Whether it’s helping a parent transition or making the move yourself, we dive into how to start the conversation, when the timing is right, and why it doesn’t have to be a loss—it can be a fresh start. We also shine a light on Ivalace...

Taylor Musgrove Perkins is back on the podcast with an inspiring update from CraveABLES! From running a thriving storefront and ice cream truck to hosting family-friendly events and fundraisers, Taylor shares how her mission to empower individuals with disabilities has grown over the past year. In this heartwarming episode, we dive into real stories of inclusion, community, and joy — all through t...

What a season it’s been! 🎉 From powerful stories of resilience to insightful conversations on entrepreneurship, senior living, and community growth, Around the Table with Vickie brought real, unfiltered discussions to the forefront. In this recap, we’re looking back at the most impactful moments, inspiring guests, and lessons learned along the way. Whether you’re a longtime listener or just disco...

On this episode of Around the Table with Vickie, I sit down with Executive Pastor Jason Schonfelder and Senior Life Pastor Kent Wise from Thomas Road Baptist Church to discuss their upcoming Dementia Hope Conference on Saturday, March 15, 2025. We talk about the importance of awareness, the challenges of caregiving, and how churches can better support families facing this disease. Jason and Kent s...

On this episode of Around the Table with Vickie, Chris and I sit down with the legendary Lu Sierra to talk about the true impact of pageantry. We share how Lu and I fell in love with the industry, the benefits pageantry brings beyond the crown, and how to find the right coach. Lu also opens up about her journey, personal stories from the runway, and how faith has shaped her life. Whether you're in...

In this episode of Around the Table with Vickie, I speak with Joyce Wade, Head of Runk and Pratt Nursing School, about initiatives to support single mothers in nursing, tuition assistance programs, and pathways for those interested in the field. Later, Mary Beth, Regional Director for Runk and Pratt Senior Living, joins the discussion to address key considerations for transitioning a parent into s...

In this episode of Around the Table with Vickie, I sit down with my husband Brian and our sons Chris and Chandler to talk about our journey in acquiring golf courses and building a strong team. From navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship to growing our family business, we share insights, lessons learned, and the passion that drives us forward. Join us for a candid conversation about busines...

In this episode, we dive into the unexpected journey from senior living to the golf world. From owning The Willows golf course to Ivy Hill, and finally purchasing Ashley Plantation Golf Course, we share the challenges, milestones, and lessons that shaped our path. My husband Brian and our son Chandler join me for the conversation, offering their unique perspectives on this incredible story. Togeth...

In this insightful episode, Chris and I break down the differences between senior care options like at-home care, independent living, assisted living, adult daycare, and memory care. We also discuss navigating state regulations, working with local governments, and the vital role family plays in a senior's mental and physical health. Finally, we highlight the benefits of senior living through h...

In this episode, Chris and I dive into the challenges of caring for aging parents, sharing insights on recognizing changes in their behavior and memory. We discuss what signs to watch for, how to start important conversations, and practical steps to ensure your parents receive the care they need. Whether you're preparing for this journey or already navigating it, this episode offers valuable guida...

In part two of our Bella Vista story, Brian and I dive into the unique amenities at the hotel, including our signature restaurant, Tori Blue, and The Perennial, a charming senior independent living community located onsite. Join us as we explore how these offerings create a welcoming space for connection, relaxation, and memorable experiences.

In this episode, my husband Brian and I share our journey of creating the Bella Vista Hotel in Lynchburg, Virginia. We reflect on the challenges we faced, strategies we implemented, and the unforgettable moments that shaped our experience. Join us for this inspiring conversation!

On this episode of Around the Table with Vickie, I sit down with Alicia Blankinship and Patrick Hurt from the Runk and Pratt Community Relations and Admissions Team to discuss the important steps in transitioning loved ones to senior living. Alicia and Patrick share their expertise, offering helpful advice and answering some of the most frequently asked questions from our listeners. Whether you're...

In this episode, we dive into the incredible activities and programs happening at  Runk & Pratt Senior Living Communities , designed to enrich the lives of their residents and create a true sense of belonging. Vickie sits down with  Crystal Kersey  to explore how these vibrant communities are going above and beyond to ensure their residents thrive socially, physically, and emotionally. Later,...