Discover Virginia Podcast

On this episode of the Discover Virginia Podcast, we sit down with Royall Bryan of Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) to uncover the people, services, and opportunities behind one of our region's most important transportation systems. From the employees working behind the scenes to the challenges of connecting cities separated by bridges, tunnels, and waterways, we explore a side of public transportation...

What happens when fighting isn’t simply something you do—but something that has shaped your identity for more than two decades? In Part 2 of our visit to East Side Muay Thai in Virginia Beach, the Discover Virginia Podcast steps deeper into the world of a career fighter with Chase “The Weapon” Walden, a professional Muay Thai fighter and kickboxer with more than 21 years in combat sports. Chase’s...

What does it take to build champions without losing the tradition, discipline, and respect behind the fight? For this episode of the Discover Virginia Podcast, we step inside East Side Muay Thai in Virginia Beach for an on-location conversation with owner and head coach Kru Jose Aguirre. Jose’s journey in martial arts began at just four years old with Taekwondo before he discovered Muay Thai at 13...

Back-to-school season brings new teachers, new routines—and for some parents, the realization that their child may be struggling more than expected. On this episode of the Discover Virginia Podcast, Joseph Trahan sits down with Kirby Frank, owner of Tidewater Learning Center in Virginia Beach, to talk about what parents should actually be watching for when it comes to reading, learning differences...

What started as a small juice kiosk inside Daily Grind Coffee in Virginia Beach has grown into a multi-location brand serving coffee, smoothie bowls, sandwiches, superfood drinks, and a whole lot more. In this episode of the Discover Virginia Podcast, Joseph Trahan sits down with Tiffany Nieves, co-founder of Town Center Cold Press, to talk about the pivots, experiments, and business decisions tha...

In this episode of the Discover Virginia Podcast, Joseph Trahan sits down with Krystyna Dubrovshchenko and Vitalii Starikov, owners and instructors at Fred Astaire Dance Studios – Chesapeake East, to talk about ballroom dancing, building confidence, creating community, and the journey that brought them to Chesapeake, Virginia. Their story stretches from Ukraine to Dubai, North Carolina, and eventu...

How much foam should actually be on top of your beer? In this episode of the Discover Virginia Podcast, Joseph Trahan sits down with Nicole Couch of Sojourn Fermentory for a fun, lighthearted conversation about beer, brewery culture, and life in Suffolk, Virginia. Nicole helps break down some of the little things most people never think about when they order a beer — including why the head, or foa...

What starts with a home brewing book, a chemical engineering degree, and a trip to Oktoberfest can apparently become three brewery-restaurants across Hampton Roads. In this episode of the Discover Virginia Podcast, Joseph Trahan sits down with Christine Holley, co-owner of Wasserhund Brewing Company, to unpack the real story behind one of Hampton Roads’ most recognizable local brewery brands. Chri...

What must you release before you can become the person you know you are meant to be? In this episode of the Discover Virginia Podcast, Joseph sits down with Candice West, somatic practitioner, embodiment facilitator, producer with MatchMaker VA, and bestselling author of Permission Granted: From Who I’ve Been to Who I’m Becoming. Candice helps individuals and groups move out of constant overthinki...

What does it actually look like when young leaders are trusted with real responsibility in their community? In this special two-part Discover Virginia Podcast series, Joseph sits down with the people behind the Virginia Beach Jaycees and one of Virginia Beach’s most recognizable traditions—the 64th Annual Coastal Edge East Coast Surfing Championships, better known as ECSC. Our guests are: Lisa Ago...

What does it take to market more than a beer—and turn a brewery into a place people want to return to again and again? In this episode of the Discover Virginia Podcast, Joseph sits down with Cassidy Marshall, marketing manager for New Realm Brewing, to explore how the brand creates excitement around its beer, food, live music, events, partnerships, and growing presence in Hampton Roads. Cassidy sh...

What is the number-one mistake salespeople make that keeps them from closing more deals? According to Dan Rochon, it is believing that selling means convincing, chasing, or pressuring someone into saying yes. Dan is a DMV real estate broker with more than 20 years in business and the author of Teach to Sell, and was recently featured on the TEDX Stage in Italy on how the sales world is changing in...

Disclaimer: This episode includes conversations about death, grief, and the loss of a child. Listener and viewer discretion is advised. In this deeply personal episode of the Discover Virginia Podcast, Joseph is joined by his in-laws, Jenny and Mac Powers, along with his daughter, Blake, for an honest conversation about helping children understand death and navigate grief within a family. Jenny sh...

Guys and Galls we are BACK! Ace Marie with Rocket Title and ONE & MAIN's newest Preferred Partner joins us on the show. We talk Real Estate Closings, Crushing Cancer, and THE BEST ACCENT to have. Ace is an INCREDIBLE person so show some love and support in the comments below and while you're at it share, subscribe, like, do your part cause I want to get more great guests like Ace. PSSST we can now...

You probably know the story of Lewis and Clark; The Tales of The Wright Brothers, The Dynamic Trio that is Alvin and the Chipmunks, but have you heard of the A.I. Brothers? Meet Luke and Charlie, the DYNAMIC DUO behind LogentIQ Solutions the business suite powered by A.I. designed for business owners looking to grow and scale their business. We talk how A.I. can actually help you systemize your bu...

In this episode of Discover Virginia, we sit down with Eric Svedberg, the force behind European Autowerks and a sought-after business coach helping service providers build companies that actually run. With more than three decades owning one of Hampton Roads’ premier European automotive shops—and a track record for transforming chaotic businesses into structured, scalable operations—Eric reveals th...

For the first time in Discover Virginia Podcast history, we’re taking the conversation off the ground. In this episode, we sit down with Sam Riggs, founder of Coastal Seaplanes, while flying in a coastal seaplane — marking our first-ever interview recorded in the air. Launching directly from the water and soaring above Virginia’s coastline, this episode captures local innovation and storytelling f...

In this episode of the Discover Virginia Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Ashlie, a Virginia-based author whose fictional I Remember trilogy has gained national recognition, including winning at the LA Film Festival. Her work is a powerful example of how storytelling, imagination, and craft can take a local voice to a global stage. We talk not only on her book, but her award winning podcasts on sport...

In a digital world where attention is short and competition is everywhere, looking professional is no longer enough — you need to be strategic, clear, and conversion-focused. In this episode, we sit down with Tania and Courtney, two experts at the intersection of branding, website design, and online positioning, to unpack what actually makes businesses stand out heading into 2026. This isn’t about...

In this episode of Discover Virginia, we sit down with former pro athlete and founder of Excel Basketball Academy, Lance Hurdle, to explore how basketball becomes a vehicle for discipline, mindset, and personal growth. Lance has built more than a training program—he’s created a culture where young athletes learn to lead with character long before they chase trophies. We unpack his journey from pla...

In this episode of Discover Virginia, we sit down with Hampton Roads’ connector-in-chief, Brad Furman, a driving force behind relationship-focused growth in the 757. Brad’s reputation is built on one core belief: opportunity flows through people. Today, he breaks down how meaningful relationships shape business, elevate communities, and create long-term impact far beyond simple networking. Brad sh...

This episode of Discover Virginia brings together creator, speaker, and cultural voice Rome the Rula and his wife, Kassani — the powerhouse partner behind his mission — for a deeply personal conversation on how family, purpose, and leadership blend into their daily life. We explore the heart of their brand: Personal — the relationship foundations that keep their marriage strong and their household...

We’ve the past few months taking the show on the road — traveling across Virginia, recording in incredible locations, and discovering so many parts of this amazing state while searching for our new studio. I’m excited to share that we’ve finally found it! To celebrate, we’re wrapping up our traveling episodes and gearing up to move into the new studio for the 2026 season. But don’t worry — there’s...

Host Levi hits the streets of Norfolk for an interview you didn’t see coming — this time with Joseph Trahan from Discover Virginia.

Host Levi hits the streets of Norfolk for an interview you didn’t see coming — this time with Joseph Trahan from Discover Virginia. Who should we interview next? Support the show Discover Virginia Beach Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206204  Discover Virginia Beach Fb Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/discovervirginiabeach