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PODCAST

America"s Healthiest City

America"s Healthiest City

America"s Healthiest City, hosted by Will Melton, dives into the heart of Richmond, VA, uncovering the community-driven initiatives that are transforming the city’s health landscape. Each episode features inspiring stories from local leaders, innovative health solutions, and actionable insights to help you make a difference in your community. Join us as we explore what it takes to build a healthier, happier Richmond.Learn more about America"s Healthiest City at

health & fitness mental health

All Episodes

29:37

Richmond's Water Emergency with Mayor Avula

America"s Healthiest City ·

2025/07/09

What happens when a public health physician becomes mayor and immediately faces a massive infrastructure failure? In this riveting conversation, Dr. Danny Avula takes us behind the scenes of Richmond's recent water crises and shares his unexpected journey from medicine to municipal leadership. Just five days after taking office in January 2024, Mayor Avula found himself navigating an emergency that affected nearly half a million residents across the region. "I didn't sign up for this job thi...

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24:23

Small Changes, Big Impact: Saving Energy in...

America"s Healthiest City ·

2025/06/26

Did you know that Virginians are literally throwing away one-third of the energy we pay for? As our state faces the challenge of energy demand doubling over the next decade, understanding how to use energy efficiently has never been more critical. Rochelle Sommer, Senior Communications Specialist with the Virginia State Corporation Commission, joins us to explain how Virginia Energy Sense—the state's only mandated energy efficiency education program—is helping residents save money while prot...

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33:42

The Science of Longevity: How MetaFit Rx is...

America"s Healthiest City ·

2025/06/09

MetaFit Rx brings clinical testing usually reserved for elite athletes to everyday people seeking longevity and improved health through data-driven approaches. Founders Melissa and David Ambrose combine physiological testing with behavioral support to help clients understand their unique metabolic profiles and implement sustainable lifestyle changes. • Clinical exercise physiologist Melissa Ambrose provides scientific testing while husband David focuses on behavior change implementation • Co...

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27:47

The Capital Trail Is Transforming Richmond One Step...

America"s Healthiest City ·

2025/04/23

Richmond's evolution into a healthier, more vibrant community flows directly through the Virginia Capital Trail, a 52-mile pathway connecting the city to Williamsburg that has transformed how residents experience outdoor recreation and community connection. Kat Anthony, Executive Director of the Capital Trail Foundation, brings her passion for outdoor accessibility to her role overseeing this vital community asset. As a Richmond native who returned after outdoor adventures from Alaska to San...

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28:57

From Super Bowl Spotlight to Community Champion: The...

America"s Healthiest City ·

2025/03/09

Lance Lemon shares his journey from childhood actor to Richmond entrepreneur, spotlighting his Super Bowl commercial for Penny's Wine Shop and his vision for revitalizing Jackson Ward. • Growing up in Mechanicsville with summers in Richmond gave Lance a unique perspective bridging city and country upbringings • Named Penny's Wine Shop after Maggie Walker's St. Luke Penny Savings Bank, honoring Jackson Ward's rich history as "Black Wall Street" • Google selected Penny's as Virginia's represen...

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30:40

America's Healthiest City ESPN Richmond 2024 Recap &...

America"s Healthiest City ·

2024/12/26

The final episode of America’s Healthiest City reflects on the past year’s efforts and experiences while looking ahead to new community-focused programming in 2025. Key themes include addressing youth violence, promoting out-of-school programming, and emphasizing grassroots activism as essential components in building a healthier Richmond.• Reflecting on the show’s journey and mission • Addressing youth violence and the need for engagement • Tracy Lame’s insights on the significance...

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28:31

Greta Harris on Affordable Housing, Social Justice,...

America"s Healthiest City ·

2024/12/19

What if affordable housing could be the key to transforming communities and creating thriving opportunities for all? Join us as Greta Harris, President and CEO of the Better Housing Coalition, shares her remarkable journey from her roots in Danville, Virginia, to becoming a force for change in Richmond. Greta opens up about how her upbringing and her family's commitment to social justice inspired her to lead an organization that has profoundly impacted the lives of 24,000 individuals through ...

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28:27

Michelle Mercurio on Personal Branding, Embracing...

America"s Healthiest City ·

2024/12/12

Imagine discovering your true path after leaving behind a seemingly perfect corporate life. That's my story, and today, I’m joined by Michelle Mercurio, a dynamic creative entrepreneur, to explore the magic of personal branding and creativity. Together, we unlock the foundational importance of self-awareness, emphasizing that truly liking, knowing, and trusting oneself is essential before expecting others to follow suit. Michelle shares her journey from Arizona to Richmond, offering a glimpse...

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28:51

Sparkle Taylor on Resilience, Community Work, and the...

America"s Healthiest City ·

2024/12/05

Sparkle Taylor joins us for an episode filled with raw honesty and inspiration, as she shares her story of resilience and growth in Richmond’s Gilpin Court. From overcoming homelessness to finding a home, Sparkle navigates the complexities of her community with a unique perspective. Her experiences during the COVID pandemic highlight how online EBT transactions provided crucial support for her and her family. Through her eyes, we gain an appreciation for the hidden beauty and potential within...

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28:01

David Wadlick from Feedmore on Treating Food as...

America"s Healthiest City ·

2024/11/28

What if the secret to a healthier life lies not in traditional medicine, but in the food we eat? Join us for a conversation with David Wadlick, the Chief Collaboration and Programs Officer for Feedmore, as he shares his incredible journey from a 20-year career in the US Navy to reshaping community health initiatives in Richmond. With an MBA from the University of Virginia and a diverse background in healthcare, David is spearheading an innovative approach that treats food as medicine, with th...

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27:23

Rob Mazzanti on Winning the Richmond Marathon and...

America"s Healthiest City ·

2024/11/21

Richmond Marathon champion Rob Mazzanti joins us to share the dynamic story behind his recent victory and the vibrant city he calls home. From his formative years at the University of Richmond to his pivotal role in the tennis world, Rob's journey is marked by determination and a profound connection to Richmond. Get ready to uncover the inspiration behind his return to this lively city and how it perfectly balances the energy of urban life with a welcoming community atmosphere.Listeners will ...

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30:55

John Lugbill from Sports Backers on Inspiring Youth...

America"s Healthiest City ·

2024/11/14

Discover how childhood athleticism can pave the way for future success as we sit down with the inspiring John Lugbill, Executive Director of Sports Backers. From world champion canoeist and Olympian to a community leader making waves in Richmond, John's journey is as fascinating as it is motivating. He shares how initiatives like the "Kids on the Move" clubs are breaking barriers to physical activity in low-income areas, helping to nurture a love for sports and active living among the youth.J...

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30:33

Jeremy Hoffman from Groundwork USA on Richmond's Path...

America"s Healthiest City ·

2024/11/07

Ever wondered how cities can truly become healthier and more equitable places to live? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Jeremy Hoffman, PhD, the Director of Climate Justice and Impact at Groundwork USA. Jeremy shares his incredible journey from the Midwest to Richmond, igniting a passion for environmental science and climate justice. We uncover Richmond's ambitious plans to become America's healthiest city by 2033, focusing on collaborative climate action and the pivotal RVA Gree...

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29:24

Racheal Cook from the CEO Collective on Empowering...

America"s Healthiest City ·

2024/10/31

Racheal Cook, CEO and founder of the CEO Collective, joined us to share her inspiring journey from the world of consulting to her mission of empowering women entrepreneurs. Her personal story of reevaluation and transformation offers a powerful narrative about prioritizing a life-first business model, especially for women striving to define success on their own terms. We explore Racheal's vision of a healthier Richmond by 2033 and the significance of initiatives like the Fall Line Trail, whic...

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29:06

Reggie Gordon from Richmond Memorial Health...

America"s Healthiest City ·

2024/10/24

Explore the inspiring journey of Richmond's transformation with Reggie Gordon, CEO of the Richmond Memorial Health Foundation. Discover how Reggie's roots in Richmond and his career in law and human services fuel his commitment to tackling social determinants of health. We promise you'll gain insights into the power of mentorship and life skills in empowering under-resourced communities. Reggie's personal and professional experiences highlight how these elements are vital for navigating life'...

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27:05

Tasha Dickerson from WellcomeMD on Concierge Medicine...

America"s Healthiest City ·

2024/10/17

Join us as Dr. Tasha Dickerson of WellcomeMD shares her journey from traditional family medicine to concierge and functional medicine, a path shaped by the rapid rise of telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Dickerson delves into how personalized healthcare models are revolutionizing patient care, offering insights into the benefits of a membership model that builds strong patient-provider relationships through a mutual commitment to wellness. We also explore how Richmond is working ...

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29:52

Melody Short from Richmond Night Market and Artisan Cafe

America"s Healthiest City ·

2024/10/10

In this episode of America's Healthiest City, host Will Melton speaks with Melody Short, co-founder of the Richmond Night Market. Together, they delve into Melody's journey as a passionate advocate for Richmond's artistic and entrepreneurial communities. From her early days immersed in art across major cities to her return to Richmond to co-found the Artisan Cafe—now the Richmond Night Market—Melody has been driven by a vision to support local artists and cultivate a welcoming, creative space...

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30:51

Kelly del Campo Merricks from the Sheltering Arms...

America"s Healthiest City ·

2024/10/03

How does one transition from aspiring to be a medical professional to leading a mission to make Richmond the healthiest city in America? Kelly del Campo Merricks, Vice President of Philanthropy at the Sheltering Arms Foundation, shares her captivating journey and what drives her to make a difference. Kelly's story unfolds from moving to Richmond for medical school, only to find her true calling in the nonprofit sector, where she's reshaped philanthropy for over three decades. Her intrinsic mo...

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29:15

Maria Carra Rose Candidate Richmond City Council 3rd...

America"s Healthiest City ·

2024/10/01

This week on America's Healthiest City, our host Will Melton interviews Maria Carra Rose, a candidate for Richmond’s 3rd District City Council seat. Carra shares insights on her 20+ years living in North Side Richmond, her passion for community service, and what drives her to represent her neighbors in city leadership. This episode highlights the importance of being informed as Richmond approaches its citywide elections, with the mayoral seat and all districts up for grabs. Don’t miss this in...

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29:50

Chris Frelke From the City of Richmond Parks and...

America"s Healthiest City ·

2024/09/12

In this episode of America's Healthiest City, host Will Melton sits down with Chris Frelke, Director of Parks, Recreation, and Community Facilities for the City of Richmond, to explore the exciting growth of Richmond’s park system. From hidden parks waiting to be discovered to the strategic partnerships and friends-of groups that keep the city’s green spaces thriving, Chris shares the inside scoop on the improvements shaping Richmond’s outdoor landscape. Learn how parks are funded, the impact...

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23 results

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