Advertise on podcast: Talk Local To Me

In this episode of Talk Local to Me, hosts Heather and Mike celebrate Earth Day and Professional Assistants Day while highlighting upcoming CVABC events, including a Coffee Talk, the Women in Power conference, and a Putt Putt Tournament. Fashion stylist Sherrie introduces Cabi, a women's clothing brand offering personalized styling experiences. Jennifer from Hilton Hotels shares the brand's global reach, local community involvement during their Global Week of Engagement, and exclusive perks for CVABC members. The hosts wrap up by emphasizing the value of CVABC membership and community connection.

Angela Joy and Mason Dudley share the founding story of the Blue Ridge Town & Country Real Estate Team, discussing their backgrounds, the challenges they’ve faced, and their passion for helping clients build wealth through real estate. Tony Goodman of Atlantic Union Bank provides insight into home financing options and available grants. The conversation highlights the supportive local business environment, the importance of persistence, and the value of investing in the community.

In this episode of Talk Local to Me, hosts Heather and Mike recap their successful Home and Health Expo before welcoming two guests. Amanda from The Kidd Team explains how her agency helps Central Virginians navigate Medicare, Medicaid, and health insurance, debunking common enrollment myths. Courtney and Sarah from Love Heals nonprofit discuss their mission of supporting people facing medical hardships through benefit concerts, caregiver meetups, and community advocacy. The episode highlights an upcoming concert benefiting community member Ashley, recovering from surgery complications, with the Central Virginia Business Coalition serving as a presenting sponsor.

Melody Divers of Chapel Creek Farms shares how she and her husband, Johnny, transitioned from teaching and landscaping to full-time farming across 2,000 acres in Bedford County. Named after their two sons, Chapel Creek Farms offers grass-fed beef shares, seasonal cider, and agritourism events. Melody discusses the challenges of learning business skills from scratch, the value of community support, and the importance of building a lasting family legacy. She also highlights their upcoming “Burgers and Bluegrass” event on April 25th in Montvale, Virginia.

In this episode of Talk Local to Me, host Heather Alto flies solo, covering upcoming local events including the Central Virginia Home and Garden Show, the Empower Women's Conference, and the CVABC Open putt-putt tournament. Guest Danielle introduces Hill City Picnics, her luxury picnic experience business in Lynchburg, offering curated setups for dates, proposals, and group events. Real estate agent PJ then discusses Smith Mountain Lake's appeal, shares tips on avoiding contractor scams, and promotes the fifth annual SML Buzz community event benefiting local nonprofits.

Sherrie McNamara, local owner of Cabi, shares her journey of joining the company during the pandemic and the challenges of building brand awareness without a traditional storefront. She discusses how Cabi empowers women through community-driven shopping experiences and personal connections. The conversation highlights the importance of supporting local businesses, the unique value Cabi brings to Central Virginia, and the joy she finds in helping women feel confident and connected through fashion.

In this episode of Talk Local to Me, hosts Heather and Mike welcome two local business owners. Rebecca Mason of Mountain Laurel Learning discusses her professional training services, including ServSafe food safety certification courses and an upcoming DISC personality assessment program designed to improve workplace communication. Cindy Burns introduces her rebranded business, Still Living, where she works as a grief coach specializing in supporting widows through their unique grief journey. Both guests highlight their commitment to serving the Lynchburg community and share how listeners can connect with their businesses.

In this episode of Talk Local to Me, hosts Heather and Mike highlight a full lineup of upcoming Central Virginia business and community events, including the Lead On Summit, Coffee Talk at Chick-fil-A, the Home and Health Expo, the Empower Women’s event, and the ABC Open Putt Putt Tournament. They’re joined by Jeremiah from Shipley’s Donuts, who shares how his business stays actively involved in the community and supports local initiatives. He also talks about an exciting partnership with the Puzzled Foundation, helping raise awareness and give back to autism-related causes. This episode is all about collaboration, community impact, and creative ways businesses and individuals can support local organizations, educators, and each other.

Jennifer Sherwood, board member of the Puzzled Foundation, shares the nonprofit’s mission to support individuals with autism and other disabilities in Central Virginia. She discusses the foundation’s origins, its all-volunteer structure, and the challenges of raising awareness while working toward nonprofit status. The episode also highlights upcoming fundraisers, community outreach efforts, and the importance of advocacy and empathy for families affected by autism, emphasizing the foundation’s dedication to making a meaningful impact in the local community.

In this episode of Talk Local to Me, hosts Heather and Mike welcome guests Ryan and Jennifer of R&R Pool Care. The show highlights upcoming community events, local business updates, and the importance of networking through the Central Virginia Business Coalition. The conversation also delves into mental health awareness, with personal stories about therapy, parenting challenges, and the value of professional support. The episode blends practical advice for pool owners, encouragement for community engagement, and open discussion about mental well-being, showcasing the power of local connections in Central Virginia.

Talya Coleman of Coleman Custom Creations shares the journey of launching and growing her family-run renovation business in Lynchburg, Virginia. She discusses the challenges of working in the industry, the importance of community support, and balancing business with family life. Talya also dispels common myths about contractors and expresses gratitude for the local business networks that have supported her along the way. The episode also shares how to connect with Coleman Custom Creations for your home renovation needs.

Samantha Simmons, owner of S&S Services, shares how she turned a moment of necessity into the launch of her bookkeeping business. She opens up about the challenges that came with growth, the lessons she learned along the way, and the vital role the community has played in her success. Samantha also reflects on how the CVABC has played an important part in her journey, why backing local businesses matters, and wraps up with rapid-fire insights on her favorite local spots and best business advice. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes the power of teamwork and invites listeners to connect with her for reliable, trusted bookkeeping.

In this episode of Talk Local to Me, Heather and Mike highlight upcoming events in Central Virginia and speak with Charity Johnson of Craftsman Custom Homebuilders about the home-building process, transparent pricing, and customization options. They also welcome Angela from Blue Ridge Town and Country LLC, who shares insights on smart home buying, investment strategies, and available grants. The episode offers practical advice on building, buying, and financing homes while emphasizing the value of local expertise and encouraging listeners to make informed real estate decisions.

Jesse Reynolds and Talya Coleman of The Eros Group share their entrepreneurial journey and the story behind their company’s name. They talk about their passion for creative problem-solving in marketing and branding, as well as the challenges they’ve navigated along the way. The conversation highlights the importance of community support, the power of teamwork, and their commitment to uplifting and empowering local businesses.

In this episode of Talk Local to Me, host Mike sits down with Linda from Bedford Ride, a nonprofit dedicated to providing non-emergency medical transportation for seniors and individuals with disabilities in Bedford County. They discuss Bedford Ride’s 25th anniversary, upcoming community events, and the critical role volunteers play in keeping the organization moving. Linda shares inspiring stories from clients and highlights the impact Bedford Ride has made over the years including support for veterans and caregivers in our community. This episode is a powerful reminder of the importance of community involvement and how local nonprofits rely on volunteers and supporters to continue serving those in need. Listeners are encouraged to get involved, volunteer, and connect with Bedford Ride and other organizations making a difference across Central Virginia.