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Visiting The Omni Homestead Resort and Spa
Visiting Richmond, VA
I spent a great weekend in Richmond, Virginia. It was the summer of 2019. My wife and I went down for a wedding and ended up having a blast. And we had some random incidents that made the trip one that we will never forget. I tell the story in my conversation today. I’m laughing about it right now just thinking about it.
Richmond is one of those cities that I think gets overlooked. It’s a couple hours south of Washington DC and right on interstate 95. For a lot of folks on the east coast, Richmond is a city they drive through as they’re going down to Florida, or one of the Carolina beaches. But I’m here to let you know that it’s a region that you need spend some time in.
We can start with the history of the region. Major events in the creation of this country took place in, and around Richmond. It’s got a vibrant city experience in Richmond, tons of parks and outdoor spaces all around, a world class theme park in Kings Dominion, and an adorable pygmy hippo. That’s right, Poppy the Pygmy Hippo that took over the world earlier this year lives at the Metro Richmond Zoo.
So, let’s make our way to Richmond. This week I’m speaking with Tom Loftus. He’s the vice president of marketing for Richmond Region Tourism.
Richmond is one of those cities that I think gets overlooked. It’s a couple hours south of Washington DC and right on interstate 95. For a lot of folks on the east coast, Richmond is a city they drive through as they’re going down to Florida, or one of the Carolina beaches. But I’m here to let you know that it’s a region that you need spend some time in.
We can start with the history of the region. Major events in the creation of this country took place in, and around Richmond. It’s got a vibrant city experience in Richmond, tons of parks and outdoor spaces all around, a world class theme park in Kings Dominion, and an adorable pygmy hippo. That’s right, Poppy the Pygmy Hippo that took over the world earlier this year lives at the Metro Richmond Zoo.
So, let’s make our way to Richmond. This week I’m speaking with Tom Loftus. He’s the vice president of marketing for Richmond Region Tourism.
Visiting Hagerstown and Washington County, MD
Sports can unite a community. When a local team is doing well, people are excited. They’re happy and they want to invest in that team. But can a sports venue change a community? Hagerstown, Maryland may be the blueprint for other communities around the country.
In this week’s episode we’re heading to Western Maryland to discuss Hagerstown and Washington County.
One thing you’ll hear us talk about is the brand new, state of the art, minor league ballpark that opened about a year ago in Hagerstown. The community has hinged some rebuilding and revitalization hopes around this stadium, and it seems to be working. People are coming back to Hagerstown. They’re hanging around, investing in local business and in a lot of cases, even moving there. Hagerstown, and Washington County, is seeing a boom in new residents.
This podcast isn’t all about the growth of communities. We’re about giving you a reason to go visit a city or area. And we will give you plenty of reasons why you’re going to want to visit Washington County. From their national parks, to the ballpark and perfect small town feel, they have plenty for you to see.
With me this week is Dan Spedden. He’s the president of the Hagerstown and Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau. I hope you enjoy our conversation.
In this week’s episode we’re heading to Western Maryland to discuss Hagerstown and Washington County.
One thing you’ll hear us talk about is the brand new, state of the art, minor league ballpark that opened about a year ago in Hagerstown. The community has hinged some rebuilding and revitalization hopes around this stadium, and it seems to be working. People are coming back to Hagerstown. They’re hanging around, investing in local business and in a lot of cases, even moving there. Hagerstown, and Washington County, is seeing a boom in new residents.
This podcast isn’t all about the growth of communities. We’re about giving you a reason to go visit a city or area. And we will give you plenty of reasons why you’re going to want to visit Washington County. From their national parks, to the ballpark and perfect small town feel, they have plenty for you to see.
With me this week is Dan Spedden. He’s the president of the Hagerstown and Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau. I hope you enjoy our conversation.
Veronica Litt On The Cultural, And Lasting, Impact Of Clueless
I'm still not comfortable with referencing things from my youth as 'nostalgia.' But here we are. I'm taking us on a trip down memory lane to a magical time called 'The 90's.'
With me today is educator, and author, Veronica Litt. She's penned a new book about the classic pop culture gem Clueless. The book is called, 'Ugh! As If?' Can you even think of a better title?
Despite on its face looking like a teen rom-com set in wealthy Los Angeles in the mid-90's, Clueless has stood the test of time because it is much deeper than most people think. And I'm not just talking about it's roots being based on the Jane Austen classic 'Emma.'
I hope you enjoy this conversation, and I hope you check out the book when it comes out on June 3rd, 2025.
Finding New Passion In Music With Ray Harkins
I've been trying for a long time to find an excuse to have this guest back on the show. I'm excited to welcome back singer and podcaster Ray Harkins. He's the host of the '100 Words Or Less' podcast and he's the frontman of the new hardcore band Bloodguilt.
Bloodguilt kind of popped up out of nowhere. I just started seeing Ray posting about it on social media one day and I was shocked. But the music is great. It has a sense of urgency and it feels like it needs to be heard.
In this conversation, Ray and I discuss how Bloodguilt came together, what it's like to grow up in the hardcore scene, and how important the recommendations your friends make on social media are.
Visiting Indiana County, PA
There’s a phrase that I’ve used during my previous interviews that sometimes sets my guests off. I guess I can understand. It could come across as being insulting, but I never mean it that way. That phrase is ‘Middle of Nowhere.’ Or sometimes I’ll say ‘Off The Beaten Path.’ Some guests take that as my way of saying it’s boring or slow.
But today’s guest gets it and they even pride themselves on that label. We’re heading out to Western Pennsylvania to visit Indiana County. They hang their hat on being in the middle of nowhere. In fact, they say that’s a big reason why people come to visit them. People want to disconnect, unplug and touch grass.
But don’t start thinking that there isn’t anything to do in Indiana County. It’s quite the opposite. There’s a lot happening there from music festivals, performance art and plenty of Christmas celebrations.
Joining me today is Laura Herrington. She’s the Executive Director of the Indiana County tourist bureau. We had a great conversation about all the things someone can do while visiting the Christmas Tree capital of the world.
But today’s guest gets it and they even pride themselves on that label. We’re heading out to Western Pennsylvania to visit Indiana County. They hang their hat on being in the middle of nowhere. In fact, they say that’s a big reason why people come to visit them. People want to disconnect, unplug and touch grass.
But don’t start thinking that there isn’t anything to do in Indiana County. It’s quite the opposite. There’s a lot happening there from music festivals, performance art and plenty of Christmas celebrations.
Joining me today is Laura Herrington. She’s the Executive Director of the Indiana County tourist bureau. We had a great conversation about all the things someone can do while visiting the Christmas Tree capital of the world.
Visiting Perryville, MD
Most of the conversations I’ve had for this podcast have been with representatives from counties, states or major cities. But I think it’s time we swing through a small town near my home. I live in Baltimore Maryland. I always say Baltimore is a major city but it kind of feels like a small town since it’s sandwiched between Philadelphia and Washington DC. We are part of an area called the 95 Corridor since the highway Interstate 95 runs right through the center of the major cities on the east coast.
There are a lot of great small towns scattered along that route in between the major cities. If you’re driving from Baltimore north to Philly, you could easily stop off in Perryville, MD. Perryville is a town just south of Delaware. It has a couple of big destinations: The Hollywood Casino and Great Wolf Lodge. I think most people know Perryville because of those spots. But Perryville has a lot to offer besides that. There’s lots of nature, some great food and a lot of Maryland history to check out.
Joining me for this week’s episode of Delightful Destinations is Ashley Hennessy. She’s the community development coordinator for the town of Perryville. I hope you enjoy our conversation.
There are a lot of great small towns scattered along that route in between the major cities. If you’re driving from Baltimore north to Philly, you could easily stop off in Perryville, MD. Perryville is a town just south of Delaware. It has a couple of big destinations: The Hollywood Casino and Great Wolf Lodge. I think most people know Perryville because of those spots. But Perryville has a lot to offer besides that. There’s lots of nature, some great food and a lot of Maryland history to check out.
Joining me for this week’s episode of Delightful Destinations is Ashley Hennessy. She’s the community development coordinator for the town of Perryville. I hope you enjoy our conversation.
Luke Smith On Formula One with 'On The Grid'
Like millions of other people during the pandemic, I discovered the Netflix series 'Drive To Survive' and became obsessed. I knew almost nothing about Formula One besides the content that I'd occasionally see covered on Sports Center back in the day. But DTS brought me back in. It's not even the racing that really revs my engine. I'm more interested in the behind the scenes drama. Who is going to drive with who, and which teams are in trouble. All of that is covered in DTS and immediately made me a Formula One fan.
This week's conversation is with Luke Smith, the senior Formula One correspondent for Formula One. He just published a book filled with his own personal stories called 'On The Grid: Live Behind The Scenes Of Formula One.' We had a great chat about the sport, it's growing popularity, Smith's own driving record and why he thinks DTS is responsible for him still having a job.
To find more from Luke, you can check out his posts HERE
Visiting The Greenbrier
Something I’ve loved about doing this podcast is having the ability to learn more about places that I’ve heard a lot about but have never visited. Places like South County in Rhode Island, South Carolina, Dutchess County New York to name a few. But sometimes I get to speak with someone from a place I’ve literally never heard of.
Today’s conversation takes us on a trip to the mountains of south eastern West Virginia. We’re going to The Greenbrier. AFter doing some research, and having this chat, I find it so hard to believe that I’ve never heard of the Greenbrier before. This five star hotel has hosted major sporting events, hosted pre-season practices for NFL teams and has hosted families for centuries.
This episode was also a demonstration of how my phone is listening to me because right after I recorded this interview I started getting all kinds of ads for The Greenbrier in my social media. I’m not mad about it though. I think my family needs to make a trip west to check it out. It’s only about a 5 hour drive from my house.
With me today is Cam Huffman. He’s the director of public relations at The Greenbrier. Cam grew up around the Greenbrier so he holds a special sense of pride for this American treasure. Hearing him describe the beauty and history of the hotel really stuck with me. I hope you enjoy our conversation.
Today’s conversation takes us on a trip to the mountains of south eastern West Virginia. We’re going to The Greenbrier. AFter doing some research, and having this chat, I find it so hard to believe that I’ve never heard of the Greenbrier before. This five star hotel has hosted major sporting events, hosted pre-season practices for NFL teams and has hosted families for centuries.
This episode was also a demonstration of how my phone is listening to me because right after I recorded this interview I started getting all kinds of ads for The Greenbrier in my social media. I’m not mad about it though. I think my family needs to make a trip west to check it out. It’s only about a 5 hour drive from my house.
With me today is Cam Huffman. He’s the director of public relations at The Greenbrier. Cam grew up around the Greenbrier so he holds a special sense of pride for this American treasure. Hearing him describe the beauty and history of the hotel really stuck with me. I hope you enjoy our conversation.
Visiting Portland Maine
One of my favorite memories of my life happened in Portland Maine. I won’t go into too many details because it’s not relevant, but it involved a concert at the historic State Theater in Portland. I have always had a fondness for Portland. It goes all the way back to my younger years going camping with my Grandfather. We’d swing through Portland from time to time.
It’s such a cool city that probably doesn’t get enough love because, well, it’s in Maine. People think Maine is so far north it’s practically in the North Pole. But actually it’s very accessible. It’s only about 90 minutes north of Boston. That’s really not bad.
Portland has some amazing coastline, incredible artwork and an arts scene, and some wonderful seafood as well as some of the best restaurants in all of New England. Ever since I was a kid I remember Portland being big in the food and arts scenes. And don’t let me forget sports. There’s a lot of minor league sports in Portland that bring in fans from all over to check it out.
I had a chance to talk all about Portland Maine with the president and CEO of Visit Portland, Lynn Tillotson. I even got a little history lesson in the process. I hope you enjoy our conversation.
It’s such a cool city that probably doesn’t get enough love because, well, it’s in Maine. People think Maine is so far north it’s practically in the North Pole. But actually it’s very accessible. It’s only about 90 minutes north of Boston. That’s really not bad.
Portland has some amazing coastline, incredible artwork and an arts scene, and some wonderful seafood as well as some of the best restaurants in all of New England. Ever since I was a kid I remember Portland being big in the food and arts scenes. And don’t let me forget sports. There’s a lot of minor league sports in Portland that bring in fans from all over to check it out.
I had a chance to talk all about Portland Maine with the president and CEO of Visit Portland, Lynn Tillotson. I even got a little history lesson in the process. I hope you enjoy our conversation.