Discover Virginia Podcast
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!
Episodes
151 episodes
Build It to Last: Eric Svedberg on Mastering Operations in Any Service Business
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 ...
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40:30
Sam Riggs on Seaplanes, Aviation, and Building a One-of-a-Kind Experience for Virginia Aviation
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...
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1:01:38
Local Stories, Global Stages: Dr. Ashlie on Writing Fiction That Wins Awards
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...
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41:48
Win Online in 2026: How Smart Branding & Websites Help Separate YOU from the Noise
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 ...
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1:01:13
From Court to Character: The Excel Basketball Story with Lance Hurdle
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...
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37:43
The Power of Who You Know: Brad Furman on Local Impact & Opportunity
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 peopl...
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31:45
Podcasting on a boathouse | Making a difference in the 757 creative community + our new partnerships and studio
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 finall...
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26:16
The NFK Street interview you did not see coming... | What Makes Norfolk Different
Host Levi hits the streets of Norfolk for an interview you didn’t see coming — this time with Joseph Trahan from Discover Virginia.
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15:21
Virginia's fastest growing beverage company | Crunchy Hydration
Megan 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 pi...
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18:46
From Thrift to Runway: Reinventing Fashion Through Sewing & Sustainability
What 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 seams...
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15:00
Building Purpose and Presence in your business with Christina Kimbrough & Eric Hawkins
In this episode of Discover Virginia, Joseph Trahan sits down with two unique voices shaping life on both sides of the water. Christina Kimbrough is rooted in Hampton Roads, where she shares her journey of wellness, sobriety, and helpi...
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19:23
Pagoda Icecream and more! Take a behind the scenes look at The Pagoda, Norfolk, Va
Pagoda Norfolk is a hidden gem of Norfolk, Virginia, which is why we had to feature it on this episode and also share some of the big plans they have alongside, silent disco night, Free Life LLC bottleshop, and the Pagoda Icecream!
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9:00
Discover The Pagoda | Norfolks secret Taiwanese inspired garden
In this episode, we uncover Norfolk's hidden gem The Pagoda. The Pagoda and Oriental Garden is a unique piece of history and a hallmark of Norfolk, Virginia.On today's episode Joseph and Christina sit down with Madelyn ...
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20:13
The BEST way to buy a house in 2025 | VHDA First time loan + City Grants and MORE!!!
🏡 Thinking about buying your first home in 2025? You could be leaving thousands of dollars on the table if you don’t know about city grants and state loan programs designed to help first-time buyers.In this video, we break down ...
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15:48
The largest business event in Virginia | Startup World Cup 2025
What if everything you thought you knew about the Hampton Roads business scene was wrong? 🤯 On this episode, Tim Ryan and Zack Miller pull back the curtain on the biggest myths holding our entrepreneurs back—and reveal how the region is levelin...
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44:06
The Last Goodbye: The Conversations No One Wants to Have (about Death)… But Should
We end our Richmond series inside the stunning @QuirkHotels garden.Here we speak with Reamy, the Death Doula, on her career serving those transitioning f...
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26:02
Richmond's most hilarious and irreverent comedian
We traveled to Richmond, Va to speak to Colin Chapman for an intriguing conversation about his role as Richmond's entertainer for comedy and Hypnosis.You can learn more and follow Colin @c...
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27:01
Dinnie in Virginnie takes on the Discover Virginia Podcast *BONUS* episode
The only thing better than Discovering Virginia is sharing our love of the community with others.Which is why on today's episode we are sharing the spotlight with one of Virginia's Biggest Fans...DRUM ROLLLL PLEASEEEE!<...
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Episode 133
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20:23
The Business and People Behind Elite Xteriors: Roofing, Siding & Exterior Excellence
I sit down with the team from Elite Xteriors, a leading roofing and exterior services company serving Virginia Beach and beyond. Discover how this American Dream blossomed into a business and how Gaby and Ahmed have earned a reputation for qual...
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Episode 132
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29:58
Building Purpose-Driven Success with Ahyoka Yeshua El
Ahyoka Yeshua El is more than a strategist—she’s a movement. As a two-time international best-selling author, dynamic speaker, and CEO of Streamline Success International, she’s on a mission to equip faith-driven entrepreneurs and nonprofits wi...
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Episode 131
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18:07
Influence Over Authority: How Jean Is Helping Leaders Serve Before They Speak
In this powerful episode of Discover Virginia, Joseph Trahan sits down with Jean Narcisse to unpack his new book and explore the deeper purpose behind his leadership work. With a clear mission to guide global leaders toward influence over ego, ...
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Episode 131
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19:51
What it is actually like living in Virginia: From Mount Trashmore to rising costs, and the DOME
In this episode, we’re rolling into real estate, city life, and why Virginia Beach is more than just a beach town with local agent and content creator Ronnie Sarmiento (@agentronnie757). From skating the boardwalk to helping clients find home, ...
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Episode 128
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41:26
Inside The Breeden Company: Leadership, Innovation & Community with Christine Gustafson
In this episode of Discover Virginia, we sit down with Christine Gustafson, Vice President of Marketing & PR at The Breeden Company, one of Virginia’s leading real estate development firms. Christine shares her incredible journey from psych...
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Episode 127
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43:19
Helping Kids Find Their Voice: Speech Therapy, Literacy, and Inclusive Communication
In this episode of Discover Virginia, we sit down with Ashley Causey, founder of Speech at the Beach! A thriving private practice in Virginia Beach. Ashley shares how she turned her in-home therapy service into a full-fledged clinic helping chi...
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Episode 126
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52:05
Building Wealth, One Partnership at a Time – Jay Abella on Investment Strategy & Virginia Business
n this episode of Discover Virginia, we sit down with Jay Abella of Investment Partners to talk about the smarter side of money. From the power of long-term investment strategies to the ...
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Episode 125
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39:40