Podcast
Discover Virginia Podcast
Hosted by Joseph Trahan · EN
Welcome to Discover Virginia, the ultimate podcast for anyone looking to uncover the hidden gems, rich history, and vibrant culture of the state of Virginia.
Hosted by Joseph Trahan, each episode takes you on a journey through the diverse regions of Virginia. We explore the best places to eat, the most exciting events, and the unique stories that make Virginia a must-visit destination.
In every episode, we sit down with local experts, business owners, and community leaders who share their insider knowledge and personal experiences, giving you a true sense of what life is like in Virginia. Whether you're a local, a newcomer, or planning your next vacation, Discover Virginia is your go-to guide for everything this incredible state has to offer.
Join us as we dive deep into the heart of Virginia, exploring its past, celebrating its present, and looking ahead to its bright future. Don’t miss out on discovering your Virginia vibe!
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Build It to Last: Eric Svedberg on Mastering Operations in Any Service Business
Dec 2400:40:30Tap to summarizeIn 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 the systems that turn small companies into sustainable, profitable machines.This conversation uncovers:• Personal — the hard-earned lessons from Eric’s early years, leadership journey, and why he committed to building businesses that serve the owner… not the other way around.• Business — how he diagnoses operational bottlenecks, builds processes for finance, HR, and automation, and helps owners create predictable profit without burning out.• Community — the ripple effect of better-run service businesses: stronger teams, higher customer standards, and a healthier local economy in Hampton Roads.Eric breaks down the mindset shift every owner needs, the structure most shops are missing, and the systems that drive freedom, growth, and longevity.Whether you run an auto shop, manage a service team, or simply want a business that doesn’t depend on you 24/7—this episode gives you the blueprint to build it to last.Who should we interview next? Support the showDiscover Virginia Beach Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206204 Discover Virginia Beach Fb Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/discovervirginiabeach
Transcribe →Sam Riggs on Seaplanes, Aviation, and Building a One-of-a-Kind Experience for Virginia Aviation
Dec 2201:01:38Tap to summarizeFor 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 from an entirely new perspective.Mid-flight, we make a pit stop at The Tides Inn in Virginia, where we land on the water and take viewers along for a bonus on-location tour of one of Virginia’s most iconic waterfront destinations. It’s part aviation, part entrepreneurship, and part destination discovery — all in one experience.Once back in the air, Sam breaks down what it really takes to operate a seaplane business, from safety and regulations to building unforgettable experiences that elevate Virginia tourism.We explore:How Coastal Seaplanes created a one-of-a-kind aviation experienceWhat makes water-based aviation uniquely challengingThe logistics behind landing at premier destinations like The Tides InnWhy experiential businesses are redefining how people explore VirginiaHow bold, local ideas can create national-level attentionThis episode is more than an interview — it’s a Discover Virginia milestone, blending adventure, business, and destination storytelling in a way we’ve never done before.If you want to see Virginia from a completely new angle, this is a flight you won’t want to miss.Who should we interview next? Support the showDiscover Virginia Beach Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206204 Discover Virginia Beach Fb Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/discovervirginiabeach
Transcribe →Local Stories, Global Stages: Dr. Ashlie on Writing Fiction That Wins Awards
Dec 1900:41:48Tap to summarizeIn 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 sports and podcasts. For podcasts check out Pardon My Politics, "Leaning on 18+ years of government study and writing, we discuss news and issues surrounding government policies, current administration, congressional leadership, and more" and for Sports, Not Your Average Cheerleader, NFL updates, news, highlights, game recaps, interviews with players and trainers, fantasy football, and much more! To top it all off, we’re giving away a copy of Dr. Ashlie’s I Remember fiction trilogy, with the winner announced the week of Christmas 2025.This episode is a reminder that world-class creative work doesn’t have to come from major media hubs — sometimes it starts right here, with a story worth telling.to learn more about Ashlie and support her work, visit: https://www.ashliegibbs.com/ Who should we interview next? Support the showDiscover Virginia Beach Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206204 Discover Virginia Beach Fb Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/discovervirginiabeach
Transcribe →Win Online in 2026: How Smart Branding & Websites Help Separate YOU from the Noise
Dec 1501:01:13Tap to summarizeIn 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 trends for trend’s sake — it’s about building a digital presence that earns trust, communicates value fast, and turns attention into action.We talk about:Why most business websites fail before the first scrollThe difference between “pretty branding” and profitable brandingHow consumer expectations are changing — and what businesses must do to keep upCommon mistakes business owners make when DIY’ing their brandWhat a high-performing online presence must include moving forwardWhether you’re a local business, service provider, or founder scaling your brand, this conversation will challenge how you think about your website, your messaging, and how customers experience your business before they ever speak to you.If you want to win online in 2026, this episode is your blueprint.Who should we interview next? Support the showDiscover Virginia Beach Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206204 Discover Virginia Beach Fb Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/discovervirginiabeach
Transcribe →From Court to Character: The Excel Basketball Story with Lance Hurdle
Dec 1100:37:43Tap to summarizeIn 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 player to coach, the philosophy behind Excel’s development system, and how structure, accountability, and mentorship shape the next generation both on and off the court.This conversation breaks down:Personal — Lance’s story, the lessons that shaped him, and why he chose to build Excel in the 757Business — how Excel Basketball Academy designs athletes from the foundation up—skills, mindset, work ethicCommunity — the ripple effect of developing leaders, not just hoopers, and the impact Excel is having across Hampton RoadsWhether you're a parent, an athlete, or a leader invested in youth development, this episode gives a real look at what it takes to build champions who excel beyond the game.Who should we interview next? Support the showDiscover Virginia Beach Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206204 Discover Virginia Beach Fb Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/discovervirginiabeach
Transcribe →The Power of Who You Know: Brad Furman on Local Impact & Opportunity
Dec 500:31:45Tap to summarizeIn 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 shares insights from his work supporting local entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and regional leaders—plus how platforms like PingPong.Gives and Payteva are helping reshape how the community rallies around charity, technology, and sustainable giving.We explore:Personal — the life experiences that shaped Brad’s commitment to connectionBusiness — how partnerships, platforms, and people create real opportunityCommunity — why giving back through PingPong.Gives and modern payment technology matters more than everThis is a conversation about using your network for good, unlocking hidden opportunities, and building a stronger Hampton Roads—one relationship at a time.Perfect for business owners, community leaders, and anyone looking to connect with more purpose and intention across the 757.Who should we interview next? Support the showDiscover Virginia Beach Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206204 Discover Virginia Beach Fb Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/discovervirginiabeach
Transcribe →Podcasting on a boathouse | Making a difference in the 757 creative community + our new partnerships and studio
Oct 1700:26:16Tap to summarizeWe’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 still plenty of fun content coming your way. We’ve got several collaborations already filmed and lined up to finish out 2025 strong.We’re also excited to announce a new partnership with Christina Kimbrough of Free Life LLC, who will be joining me as a co-host for the upcoming 2026 season of Discover Virginia.Onto the guests!!! Kay Brooks joins us again along with Genevieve. Kay is one of the cofounders of Kandys Events and her modeling colleague is Genevieve who helped us create some great content for the boat shoot. They both talk about modeling in the 757, why you should work with them and their upcoming events. We’re closing out this chapter in style — recording aboard one of Virginia Beach’s premier luxury boats at Rudee Inlet, surrounded by some of the best entrepreneurs and creatives we’ve met along the way.Alright, here’s the show!Who should we interview next? Support the showDiscover Virginia Beach Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206204 Discover Virginia Beach Fb Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/discovervirginiabeach
Transcribe →The NFK Street interview you did not see coming... | What Makes Norfolk Different
Oct 1000:15:21Tap to summarizeHost 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 showDiscover Virginia Beach Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206204 Discover Virginia Beach Fb Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/discovervirginiabeach
Transcribe →Virginia's fastest growing beverage company | Crunchy Hydration
Oct 300:18:46Tap to summarizeMegan Riggs, the visionary founder of Crunchy Hydration, joins us for a very special episode filmed aboard Flohom—right here in Virginia Beach, the same place her journey began.Megan takes us inside the origin story of “Crunchy”, the pivotal milestones that shaped her brand identity, and how she’s built one of the fastest-growing beverage companies in Virginia—now racing toward 1,000,000+ cans sold.🚀 Don’t miss this inside look at the brand everyone’s talking about—tune in now and be part of the Crunchy movement before it hits the next big milestone.Shoutouts: https://leaping-lizard-cafe.website/https://www.getlostvb.com/https://www.sleepycowgirl.com/ GO BUY A CRUNCHY (please and thank you): https://www.drinkcrunchy.com/Who should we interview next? Support the showDiscover Virginia Beach Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206204 Discover Virginia Beach Fb Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/discovervirginiabeach
Transcribe →From Thrift to Runway: Reinventing Fashion Through Sewing & Sustainability
Sep 2500:15:00Tap to summarizeWhat does it take to turn raw passion into an international fashion career, while also building businesses that transform lives through wellness and sustainability? In this episode, Sonya Z. Phillips shares how she went from a self-taught seamstress to showcasing at New York Fashion Week, founding the Volo Fashion Show in Ghana, and co-owning a thriving wellness spa.Sonya’s story is proof that fashion isn’t just about what you wear—it’s about how you live, how you care for yourself, and how you impact the world around you. Whether you’re a creative, entreprenuer, or simply someone looking for inspiration to chase your own dreams, this conversation will leave you rethinking what’s possible.To learn more visit: https://www.sonyazphillips.com/Who should we interview next? Support the showDiscover Virginia Beach Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2206204 Discover Virginia Beach Fb Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/discovervirginiabeach
Transcribe →