This and That - Life in a Small Town

In this episode of This and That, host Bryce Hall sits down with local creative Rebecca (Becky) Anderson Hunt—an artist, musician, photographer, teacher, and all-around creative spirit. Becky shares her journey from growing up as a military brat to building a life in the small town of Colonial Beach, VA.  Her creativity shows up in just about everything she does. From art and music to t...

In this episode This and That podcast host, Bryce Hall, takes you into the skies above the Town of Colonial Beach's peninsula, The Point. Here ospreys dive, bald eagles soar, and great blue herons glide along the shoreline. Bryce explores the fascinating behaviors of these large coastal birds, from nesting and migration to the surprising (and sometimes messy) realities of sharing space with them,...

In this heartfelt episode of This and That podcast, host Bryce Hall opens up about her battle with endometrial cancer in an intimate conversation led by guest host Kristine Guido. Endometrial cancer incidence has been rising in postmenopausal women. Bryce shares the emotional highs and lows of her diagnosis, the anxiety of waiting for results, and the life-changing experience of undergoing a total...

In a captivating interview, This and That podcast host, Bryce Hall, delves into the remarkable life and achievements of retired Army Colonel John Biemeck. His storied military career spans dramatic experiences in Alaska and Vietnam. Colonel Biemeck's tales of service are as enthralling as his deep-rooted passion for black powder relics. Settling in Colonial Beach, he dedicated years to researching...

Welcome to my This and That podcast, Beauty in the Beach, Part 1. Join Bryce Hall, your host, as she shares personal anecdotes about her favorite seasonal plants that adorn the coastal landscape of Colonial Beach's beloved Point. The ancient oaks, sycamore and towering pine trees stand as silent witnesses to the storied past of the family beach cottage, Pollyanna. Her narrative doesn't shy away fr...

In this episode of my This and That podcast, we discover the fascinating tradition of naming beach houses and the stories that give them character and charm. Our journey begins in the summer of 1995 in Colonial Beach. From uncovering the rich history of a charming cottage named Pollyanna, to understanding the sentimental reasons behind beach house names.  Once named, enhancing the experience...

Welcome to my This and That podcast. Kris Guido's Colonial Beach story started as childhood visits filled with beach days, bike rides and riding horses. Stories of her great-grandfather’s legendary poker game turned into a lifelong love affair with this riverside town. Kris shares how her Irish roots led her to discover Colonial Beach and how the memories made here pulled her back year after...

Welcome to my This and That podcast. Join us as we explore a deeply personal journey of enduring chronic knee pain and the surprising discovery of its true source. Over years of doctor visits, knee replacements, and physical therapy, a different story unfolds—one that underscores the hidden complexities within our bodies. Travel the long, winding road from knee replacements that promised rel...

Join us in this special episode of my This and That podcast as we celebrate the 90th birthday of Ethel Jenkyns, an extraordinary resident of Colonial Beach. Ethel shares her unique journey from her childhood days helping on her family's tobacco farm in Clinton, Maryland, to her vibrant life in Colonial Beach, where she has been a cornerstone of the community for over three decades. In our conversa...

In this episode of my This and That podcast, we explore the remarkable life of Donna Shelar, a recently retired EMS professional with over 40 years of experience. Donna shares her journey from discovering the charming town of Colonial Beach to pursuing a career in emergency medical services. We delve into Donna's professional experiences, from humble beginnings as a volunteer in Maryland to becomi...

Welcome to my latest episode of the This and That podcast, which explores the intricacies of getting married in Virginia, particularly in the charming town of Colonial Beach. Discover the straightforward yet unique process of obtaining a marriage license in Virginia, a state renowned for its strict officiant regulations yet lack of residency requirements. In this episode, we share heartwarming sto...

Growing up as an Army Brat, the concept of a hometown was always elusive, yet it was the seashore in Connecticut that captured my heart during one of my dad’s military assignments. This love for the ocean became a constant in my life, a compass guiding me through the whirlwind of relocations typical of military life. Fast forward to my early 40s, and an unexpected opportunity arose—a chance discov...