Embrace Matters of Richmond

In today's episode, the Team sits with Dr. Ram Bhagat (@drrambhagat), a longtime educator, arts innovator, peacemaker, and community healer. This topic has been a tough one to process and with the help of Dr. Ram, Moral, and Carl can wrestle through and find some healing and hope for the future. Shout Out goes to RVA Hope Center and More...

Moral and Carl welcome special guest Rebekah Pierce, local writer, speaker, teacher, and all-around renaissance woman. Together they break down the Best Picture nominee American Fiction. Shout out goes to OMG OCPS (https://www.omgocps.com/menu/) Richmond's newest oatmeal cream pie shop. Rebekah gives a Shout out to Minty's Catering (https://www.mintyscatering.com/) and more...

For this MapZ series episode, Moral and Carl RE-welcome Josh Dickerson, old friend and Embrace's very first special guest. Josh takes the pod through the history of the westend area, specifically Short Pump, from it's humble beginnings to it's overly abundant commerce. Shout Out goes to Chen's Chinese Restaurant and More..

Team Embrace, after weeks of research, comes back to the topic of Gun Violence. The guys go back through the questions brought up in the previous discussion and continue to find discoveries. Moral reads off several resources in place to help prevent gun violence and heal from it. The ShoutOut goes to Ghetto Gastro (@ghettogastro) and more... If you would like to dive into the resources talked abou...

The Mapz Series is BACK and this time Moral and ThaHomieCarl dive into the industrial, residential town of Manchester. The guys welcome Board President Janet Woodka and Board member Ann Kramer from Manchester Alliance (IG:@manchester_rva), a neighborhood association dedicated to the goals and improvements of the Manchester community. Listen in as the Team learns what makes Manchester unique and im...

Team Embrace start their journey on, perhaps their most challenging topic to date, Gun Violence. Moral And Carl carefully share their thoughts and assumptions, which bring up some important questions for them to find out. Shout Out goes to RISC - Richmonders Involved to Strengthen our Communities and more...

Your Favorite duo finally brings you the breakdown you all have been waiting for. Season 4's second Hitpick is the summer smash, Barbie. The crew invite two guests to gain a new perspective, Janee Downs and Bridge 9 Theater founder, Rachel Garmon-Williams (@bridge9improv). The four dive deep into the themes and commentary laid out by the film. Shout Out goes to BareSOUL Yoga (@baresoulyoga) and mo...

With the New Year on the horizon, Moral and Carl take a quick moment to reflect on the season so far in their Midseason review. Their reminiscing turns into hopes for 2024. ShoutOut goes to St. Joseph's Villa. The Boys share their holiday plans and more... Follow to join the Conversation on IG @embrace_podcast

As Moral and Carl bring the season's 1st topic Local Politics to a close, the team is joined by special guest Stephanie Lynch, 5th District's City Council Representative. They discuss the aftermath of the Casino vote, the importance of being informed, and Stephanie's Top 5 Food Spots in RVA! ShoutOut goes to The Answer Brewpub and Local Guru Dwayne Washington. Finally, Stephanie shares new ways to...

Welcome Back Super Friend of the Show, Taylor Scott (@issocoollike_), founder of RVA Community Fridges. Taylor joins the Team for the season's first Hitpick, "They Cloned Tyrone", Netflix's hit film. **SPOILER SPOILER ALERT** Please watch it on Netflix before listening. ShoutOut goes to SweetnPurdy Bake Shop and more... Follow to join the Conversation on IG @embrace_podcast

Just days before the local elections, Team Embrace comes back with part two of their topic breakdown of local politics. They answer the questions brought up last episode, and they rediscuss the Casino. ShoutOut goes to JuiceLifeRva and more... Follow to join the Conversation on IG @embrace_podcast

With the Local Elections right around the corner, Team Embrace chooses their FIRST topic, Local Politics. Without any prior research, Moral and The Homie Carl discuss the importance of local elections and the impact they can have. They also chime in on the hottest topic in Richmond politics, The Casino!!!! ShoutOUT goes to BK's Loaded Kitchen and more... Follow to join the Conversation on IG @embr...

FINALLY THE MIGHTY THREE IS BACK!!!!! Moral, Carl, and Gabriela look back on an amazing season. Moral sends a congrats to Style Weekly's Top 40 under 40. ShoutOut goes to Rollineatz Food Truck (@rollineatzva) and Gabriela shares her perspective on the pod's growth and impact this season. Follow for more happening on IG @embrace_podcast

After an eventful summer, Richmond's Topic Tacklers discuss the events they missed while on vacation. ShoutOUT goes to BLKRVA and a LONG list of Embrace Supporters. The Team also addresses the expectations for this season. Follow to join the Conversation on IG @embrace_podcast

Moral and Carl welcome Dr. Tawnya Pettiford-Wates, a VCU educator and Richmond leader, to the pod. Dr. T breaks down Gentrification with the team and brings up a number of thought-provoking revelations. The Shout Out goes to Richmond For All @richmondforall and more... If you want to join the convo Follow Embrace Matters of Richmond @embrace_podcast Reach out to Dr. T @drtpetti or @theconciliation...

Back with some Great facts about Shockoe Bottom, the crew discusses the research found by Gabriela. Moral and Carl plan a hang out in the bottom and some places to visit. ShoutOut goes to the Book Bar Located in the slip. Become a part of the convo and message them on Instagram @Embrace_podcast

Moral and Carl are back with Part II of their deep dive of Gentrification. After preparing with Gabriela, The team discuss the research and possible solutions to this unique issue. This episode's ShoutOut goes to The Sweet Xscape @thesweetxcape Keep sharing your sweetness with the communities of RVA! SUPER SPECIAL ShoutOut to "Official Friend of the Show" Taylor Scott of RVA Community Fridges. Con...

Finished with Food Apartheid following an AMAZING 1st Embrace Space, The Team starts an analysis of Gentrification. Without any prior research, Moral and Carl discuss its meaning and how it impacts Richmond's communities. ShoutOut goes to Creative Friends Market IG: @creativefriendsmarket If you want to join the discussion hit up Team Embrace on IG: @embrace_podcast

Moral and Carl are Back! This time with a NEW SERIES to learn more about their city, called MapZ. The first burrow up for deep dive is Shockoe Bottom. The team discuss their thoughts about the area and what they want to learn. ShoutOut goes to CSz Richmond Theater IG: @cszrichmondtheater Hit the Team up to join the conversation on IG: @embrace_podcast

Here's the HITPICK Episode yall been asking for! Team Embrace breaks down the trending titan "You People." A friend of the show, Taylor Scott, is back to share her thoughts on the film. This episode is a MUST LISTEN!!! Shout Out goes to Vonderlehr Tire Pros @vonderlehrtirepros, Thanks for being a Richmond Staple. Your Trustworthiness and Skill are RVA Famous! To donate or get involved, visit @rvac...

Today Team Embrace dives back into the conversation on "Food Apartheid." This time with special guest Taylor Scott, founder of RVA Community Fridges. Taylor details her journey as an advocate for Richmond in its fight for Better Food Options. To donate or get involved, visit @rvacommunityfridges on Instagram or RVA Community Fridges' GoFundMe campaign. Shoutout goes to Chef Michael Lindsey, congra...

On the Final Episode of the year, Moral and Carl reflect on past episodes, changes to the podcast, and the creation of Embrace Mor. They both tackle some tough questions, and they discuss where the podcast and nonprofit are heading next! The "Big Factz" shoutout goes to Joyebells Pies. Congrats on your success! Join the Team or the Convo on IG @embrace_podcast

Team Embrace is back after some MUCH needed help and research with Gabriela. This time recording in an actual studio, Moral and Carl learn from The Annie E Casey Foundation's study on what food deserts are, where they're located, and how they impact people. The research they find leads to some hard truths, and to some necessary changes to be made. The "Big Factz" shoutout goes to TheMSQshop! @them...

On today's episode Team Embrace introduces a new series on Food Deserts. Moral and Carl discuss their thoughts on What it is, Who it impacts, and what it will take to fix. The Big facts segment goes to Charis Jones, CEO of Sassy Jones. Congrats on your new store front! The team ends with two different Hypothesis's

After the convo with Kim, Team Embrace digest their NEW perspective on the importance of community. Moral issues a Challenge and Carl shares his thoughts on the Seven Blind Mice story!