
Tidewater Talk
83 episodes — Page 1 of 2
West Nile, Norfolk Mermaids, and a Very Tidewater Week
From Norfolk Flooding to Portsmouth’s Winter Wonderland
From Suffolk to Smithfield: Mr. Peanut, Beach Wheelchairs, and the Golf Course Vote
Ghent Flooding, Norfolk 101, and a Strange Tidewater History
Lake Drummond, Tax-Free Weekend, and the USS Nimitz’s Final Chapter
Rewind to The Edgar Cayce Library
Pirates, Firefighter Shifts, and Summer Storms in Coastal Virginia
Pickle Pizza, Suffolk’s Ghost Fleet, and a Kayaking Disaster
From Maine to Norfolk: A Heartfelt Talk About Eating Disorders and Recovery
Norfolk's Cannonball Church: Corpse Flowers, Heat Domes, and Fourth of July Fireworks
New Virginia Laws, a Great White Sighting, and Virginia Beach’s First Official Song
From Monticello Avenue to Town Point Park: Waffle Cones, Tall Ships, and Juneteenth
Smithfield Ham Museum + New Kent Speed Cameras + First Heat Wave of Summer
Fort Eustis and the Flying Saucer: Tidewater History, a Fishing Trip, and June Tips
From Muddy Tides to Jackalope Rides: Weather, Fort Norfolk, and Local Happenings
From Comic Con Cosplay to Lord Botetourt’s Lucky Foot
Norfolk Union Drama + Tidewater White Sauce + Your Tidewater Weekend
Smithfield Ham Town + Oceanfront Lawsuit + Mother’s Day Weekend in Tidewater
Virginia Beach Curfew Debate + Jet Noise Love + Warm Then Cool Week
Oceanfront Curfew Talks + Lady of the Lake + Sunny Then Rainy Week
Cape Henry Shipwreck + EMS Blood Program + Warm Spring Week

Ep 62Virginia Beach Vibe District Ride + Drug Bust Story + Warm Sunny Week
FullGood evening, neighbors! In this week’s Tidewater Talk, Brodie and Co shake off nap brain and bike bloopers to bring you what’s happening across Coastal Virginia. We break down an eye‑opening local news story out of Portsmouth: the EPA’s upcoming public meeting on the Peck Iron & Metals Superfund site, including recent discoveries of military ordnance and radium‑painted objects, what “Superfund” means, and why this matters to nearby communities. Then we time‑travel to Matthews County for a “Strange Tidewater” stop at the museum’s Medicine on Wheels exhibit—where a horse‑and‑buggy country doctor once made house calls and sometimes got paid in eggs—plus a look at how the general store tied community life together.We round things out with a calm, sunny forecast (cool start, warming to the 80s—and yes, the pollen is relentless), and a stack of Tidewater tips: family‑friendly fun at Virginia Beach’s FFX Theater, Battleship Wisconsin’s 82nd birthday celebration at Nauticus, glassblowing and meditation at the Chrysler Museum, and the Norfolk Tides’ Bark in the Park dates. Question of the week: On the first real warm day, are you headed to the oceanfront, the bay, or the backyard? Tell us on Facebook or email [email protected].

Ep 61Suffolk on the Rise and Virginia Beach’s Ranger Debate
FullIn this week’s Tidewater Talk, Co and I swap stories and local updates across Coastal Virginia. We kick off with a heartfelt farewell to our longtime neighborhood mailman and a quick detour into indoor plant collecting before digging into headlines: Suffolk’s notable population growth, Virginia Beach’s consideration of a park ranger program to ease non-emergency park calls, and a reminder to steer clear of risky social media “challenges.” For our Strange Tidewater segment, we explore the Wells Theatre—its Greek muses, early 1900s design illusions, and lively vaudeville past—plus a bit of friendly AI trivia with my daughter. We wrap with the week’s weather outlook (warm 80s rolling into rain and cooler 60s) and a batch of community tips: the new Tidewater Current intercity bus connections, the oceanfront holiday lights moving to a fully walkable experience, a Lion King ticket giveaway at the Jordan Newby Anchor Branch Library, and an egg hunt in the trees at The Adventure Park by the Virginia Aquarium.Got tips, talent, or time to share? Send us a note at [email protected] or visit tidewatertalk.com to get involved.

Ep 60From Kemps River to Cape Henry: News, Lore, and Local Happenings
FullThis week on Tidewater Talk, we’re covering everything from pirate legends to real headlines and a classic Tidewater weather swing.We start with a tough story out of Virginia Beach, where multiple people were injured in a shooting at a car meet near Kempsville. What we know so far and what it says about what’s been happening locally.Then in Strange and Odd, Co takes us back to the early 1700s and the legend of Blackbeard. From Cape Henry to First Landing State Park, we talk buried treasure, pirate signals, and the claim that his story still lingers right here in Hampton Roads.For weather, we’re back in that familiar Tidewater pattern, chilly start, then a quick warm-up into the 70s before rain moves in Friday and temps drop again for the weekend.Plus, local tips including Ainsley’s Angels Heart & Soul 5K, Equi-Kids painting with horses, a horror and pop culture con in Norfolk, and a nighttime flashlight egg hunt in Williamsburg.If you’re in Coastal Virginia, this is your weekly mix of local news, local stories, and a little bit of the strange side of Tidewater.Stay safe, stay curious, and we’ll see you out there.

Ep 59Williamsburg Public Hospital Ghosts + Oceanfront Curfew + Warm-Up Week
FullThis week on Tidewater Talk, we’re all over Coastal Virginia, from ghost stories to real-life headlines and a big shift in the weather.We start with a major update out of Virginia Beach, where a new emergency curfew has been put in place at the Oceanfront following recent incidents. What it means, where it applies, and how it could affect families heading into spring.Then we head across the Peninsula for a truly eerie Strange and Odd, the story of the Williamsburg Public Hospital, America’s first mental hospital, where harsh treatments, a tragic doctor, and decades of history may have left something behind that never quite moved on.We also talk storm hype versus reality, how this past system actually played out across Tidewater, and whether the reaction matched the impact.And for the weather, we’re looking at a classic Tidewater shift, starting cool and gray, then warming all the way up near 70 by the weekend. Not quite beach weather, but close enough to make you think about it.Plus, local tips including Ainsley’s Angels Heart & Soul 5K, the Shamrock Marathon weekend, and a hidden gem at the Little Theatre of Virginia Beach.If you’re in Hampton Roads, this is your weekly reset, local stories, local weather, and a little bit of the strange side of Tidewater.Stay safe, stay curious, and we’ll see you out there.

Ep 58Virginia Beach Psychic Library, Atlantic Park Delays, and Storms in Tidewater
FullIn this episode of Tidewater Talk, Brodie and Co dig into another week of life in Coastal Virginia. We start with local news from Virginia Beach, including new developments in the Atlantic Park surf lagoon project and an investigation into a fatal e-bike crash. Then we head into Strange and Odd of Tidewater with a look at the Edgar Cayce A.R.E. Library, the research center dedicated to the famous “Sleeping Prophet” whose trance readings drew people from around the world. We also break down this week’s Tidewater weather, what the storms mean for boating, motorcycles, fishing, and early spring planting, and a reminder that hurricane season is closer than you think.Plus Tidewater tips, local events, and the question of the week.Neighbors talking about life in Tidewater.

Ep 57Hog Island’s Lost Town, Ocean View Power Outage, and Tidewater’s Early Spring Warmup
FullGood evening, neighbors! In this week’s Tidewater Talk, we kick things off with local life and a fun find: a new shuffleboard-style social spot where first-timers get coached and you can grab great bites while you play. We also dive into regional headlines, including Norfolk Southern’s newly opened rail transfer facility in Chesapeake and what it could mean for traffic and commerce around I-264 and I-464, plus a brief Dominion Energy outage that hit Ocean View and Bay View. From there, we slide into weekend picks: Norfolk Admirals vs. Idaho Steelheads at Scope, beginner steel pan classes at MacArthur Center, and a free container gardening workshop in Suffolk, complete with a takeaway salad kit. Weather-wise, expect highs in the upper 60s to low 70s with mid-50s lows, some foggy mornings, and a chance of weekend precipitation. For our Strange and Odd of Tidewater segment, we ferry across the bay to Hog Island, a barrier island with a past that reads like folklore. Once home to the elite Broadwater hunting club (visited by President Grover Cleveland) and the towering Hog Island Light, the island’s shifting shoreline forced residents in the 1930s to barge whole houses to the mainland towns of Willis Wharf and Oyster. The lighthouse was dismantled in 1948, and its former site now lies nearly a mile offshore. Today, Hog Island is a quiet expanse of dunes, marsh, and research stations—a vanished community that reminds us how the Atlantic can literally rewrite our map. Stay strange, neighbors!

Ep 56Ocean View Memories and a Cold Week in Virginia Beach
FullThis week on Tidewater Talk, Co shares the whirlwind saga of moving into a cozy new beachside place, complete with weather delays, packing chaos, and an unexpected plumbing leak, before settling into why the area already feels like home. We touch on a recent Town Center scare and a heart‑pounding close call in the crosswalk, then dig into local chatter about rising Dominion power bills and what might really be driving higher costs during this long cold snap. For our Strange Tidewater segment, we time‑travel to Ocean View Park, the long‑gone Norfolk amusement park born from a trolley line hustle, battered by storms and fires, and sent off with a cinematic bang in 1979 when filmmakers tried (twice!) to blow down The Rocket coaster. We wrap with a chilly, rainy week’s forecast and a packed list of local happenings, from Charlotte’s Web at ODU to New Edition at Hampton Coliseum, Harry Potter in Concert at Scope, the Virginia Aquarium’s Survival of the Slowest, and early signups for the Angels Heart & Soul 5K at Mount Trashmore.Community question: Have you ever stood somewhere local and thought, “Something used to be here”? Send us your stories and tips at [email protected], share the show, or pitch in with time, talent, or treasure at tidewatertalk.com.

Ep 55False Cape and Wash Woods
FullIn this solo episode of Tidewater Talk, I share a heartfelt neighborhood moment and a slice of Tidewater history. I start with a big shoutout to a local caregiver who went above and beyond for our son, a reminder of the kindness that makes Coastal Virginia feel like home. Then we journey to the edge of Virginia Beach for this week’s Strange and Odd: the haunting story of Wash Woods, a long-vanished community in False Cape State Park built from shipwrecked lumber, weathered by hurricanes, and slowly reclaimed by dunes and time. We wrap with a quick weather outlook. I also spotlight a weekend pick: Victory Fair in Norfolk. Thanks for spending part of your day with me, neighbors, stay safe, stay curious, and stay Tidewater.

Ep 54Tidewater Is Obsessed With Peanuts
FullIn tonight’s solo Tidewater Talk, I bring you a quick round-up of what’s happening around Coastal Virginia, starting with a fast-response house fire on North 1st Street in Hampton that, thankfully, ended with no injuries. I walk through practical takeaways from Hampton Fire and Rescue’s reminders, including their free smoke alarm program, plus simple safety checks you can do at home. Then we dive into this week’s Strange and Odd of Tidewater: our region’s full-throttle commitment to peanuts, from “wet nuts” on sundaes to the eternally steaming vats of boiled peanuts, and the long, proud (and occasionally perplexing) history that got us here. I wrap with a clear, day-by-day weather outlook: a mild evening giving way to midweek showers and a return to breezy chill, with the weekend offering a brief warm-up before rain slides in Sunday. I break down what that means for beach walks and motorcycle rides, Wednesday afternoon and Saturday are your best bets. Finally, a local tip for Friday night: the Virginia Symphony Orchestra performs The Princess Bride live at the Chrysler Center. Details and resources are in the show notes. Stay safe and stay curious, neighbors.

Ep 53Ghost Fleet
FullIn this solo episode of Tidewater Talk, I slow the pace and lean into a favorite segment: Strange and Odd of Tidewater. After a quick community moment about a Great Pyrenees rescue in New Kent County using an infrared drone, we take a long look at the ghost fleet of the James River—the haunting line of World War-era concrete ships you can spot near Kiptopeke. I share how a shoreline double-take turned into a kayak trip among these surreal hulks, now reclaimed by birds, fish, and even trees, and why their quiet presence feels so distinctly Tidewater. We also check the wintery forecast for Virginia Beach and the Eastern Shore and celebrate our one-year anniversary, plus a local Galentine’s/Valentine’s mini Highland cow photoshoot at Hunt Club Farm. Send your sightings and stories—what’s the strangest thing you’ve ever seen on or near the water around here?—to [email protected]. Stay strange, neighbors.Weather: 39° in Virginia Beach; 34° near Kiptopeke. Rain shifting to a wintry mix and likely snow overnight tomorrow; highs in the 30s through Thursday, clearing into Friday.

Ep 52The Head at Blackbeard’s Point
FullIn this solo episode of Tidewater Talk, I open with a grateful nod to our Hampton Roads neighbors and share a dramatic local rescue on Virginia’s Eastern Shore: Fire and EMS launched an inflatable raft to save a dog that fell through the ice near Chincoteague Creek, bringing the pup to safety with only minor injuries and no harm to first responders.We then linger in Strange and Odd with the haunting close of Blackbeard’s story in our waters, from his fearsome reputation and Maynard’s audacious trap at Ocracoke Inlet to the grim display of Blackbeard’s severed head at what became Blackbeard’s Point in Hampton. It’s a reminder that legends end, but their echoes shape the place we call home. I wrap with a quick weather rundown: a deep freeze across Tidewater for the next week, highs near freezing, lows in the low 20s, and a snow event likely beginning Friday night through the weekend. Neighbors, send your strange sightings and chilly place picks to [email protected] and stay strange.

Ep 51Snow on the Way, Swamp Stories, and a $2M Auto-Loan Scam
FullIn this week’s Tidewater Talk, we open with a brisk winter check-in and a spirited debate over corn nuts and okra before diving into what’s happening around Coastal Virginia. We cover a major local story: the owner of Ace Auto Sales LLC in Chesapeake was sentenced to six years in federal prison for a multi-year, $2 million auto-loan fraud scheme that affected roughly two dozen financial institutions. We also chat about a York High School classroom trailer fire and reminisce about the woes of learning in “portables.”Our Strange & Odd of Tidewater segment spotlights the Great Dismal Swamp, once a brutal yet vital refuge where Indigenous peoples and later freedom-seeking enslaved people built hidden communities and lived free despite extreme conditions. We pair that with a local history moment on General Ambrose Burnside’s 1863 “Mud March,” a reminder that weather can decide outcomes, timely, given this weekend’s forecast calling for significant winter weather and the potential for heavy snow and some ice impacts around the region. We share current temps and a heads-up on accumulation probabilities, encourage neighbors to prepare, and invite listener feedback: What’s a local place you refuse to go to—and why? We also highlight Yelp’s top eateries in the 757 and point you to Virginia Beach Restaurant Week with a full participant list in the show notes. Send your tips, odd sightings, and answers to [email protected], and we’ll see you next Tuesday, neighbors.

Ep 50TT Rewind: Inclusion with Ainsley’s Angels in Hampton Roads
FullThis week on Tidewater Talk, we are sharing a rewind of one of our most meaningful conversations. We revisit our interview with Sparrow from Ainsley’s Angels of America, a nonprofit dedicated to inclusion, dignity, and joy for people with disabilities and their families. This conversation explores what real inclusion looks like, how adaptive racing builds community, and why partnership matters more than charity. This episode is deeply personal. Ainsley’s Angels changed the trajectory of our family’s life, and Sparrow does a powerful job explaining not just what they do, but why it matters, for riders, runners, families, and the broader community. If you missed this episode the first time, we are glad you are here for it now. And if you have heard it before, it is well worth another listen. Learn more about Ainsley’s Angels of America https://ainsleysangels.org/ As always, if you have a local story, an odd sighting, or someone doing good work we should highlight, send it to [email protected].

Ep 49Lower Crime and a Ghost
FullIn this week’s Tidewater Talk, Brodie and Co swap cozy winter updates before diving into local headlines: Newport News and Norfolk both reported dramatic drops in homicides, marking multi‑year lows across the region. We also spotlight a major healthcare investment for veterans, a new VA outpatient clinic planned for the former Lake Wright Golf Course area near the Premium Outlets in Virginia Beach, with an anticipated opening as early as 2028. Our Strange and Odd of Tidewater segment heads to the historic Cavalier Hotel, where the legend of the “golden ghost of the 6th floor” lingers, phone calls from empty rooms, chilly drafts, and a long‑retired bellman who still warns guests at night. We wrap with warming temps in the weekly forecast, local events and openings (hello, free Potbelly for a year), plus a listener prompt: What’s your favorite local mystery? Events and tips include an East Coast Hikers outing at Marshview Park, a “Charlie Brown” jazz program from Symphonicity at the Sandler Center, and family fun like Gabby’s Dollhouse Live later this month. Send us your local stories, odd sightings, and community tips at [email protected], and consider giving back with time, talent, or treasure at tidewatertalk.com.

Ep 48From Cozy Reflections to Odd Richmond Wonders: Our 2024 Wrap
FullIn this year-end episode of Tidewater Talk, we keep it cozy and local with Brodie and Co reflecting on the holidays, family moments, and the fast-moving milestones that made 2024 feel full. We look back on a fun year of growing the show’s voice, shifting from early serious tones to an easygoing neighbor-to-neighbor vibe, celebrating community interviews, odd local stories, and consistent Tuesday check-ins (power outage week aside!). We revisit memorable topics from state symbols and weather swings to homelessness awareness and local events, plus the unforgettable “party of the year.” We share family-friendly New Year’s options, including Nauticus’ daytime “Noon Year’s Eve” celebration and the Virginia Zoo’s mid-day countdown, alongside the late-night Waterside District festivities for the night owls. In Strange and Odd of Tidewater, we spotlight Richmond’s foil-wrapped-potato-inspired Markel Building and a legendary cow-on-I-64 chase. We wrap with a crisp local weather outlook (cold days, colder nights, a breezy mid-week) and a reminder of our value-for-value model, inviting neighbors to share time, talent, or treasure to keep the show thriving.

Ep 47Cold-Stunned Rescues, Curious Tidewater, and a Rainy Christmas Ahead
FullIn this week’s Tidewater Talk, Brodie and Co keep it hyper-local with a lively mix of community chatter and coastal happenings. We swap funny family-and-ASMR stories, then dive into the big local headline: an ethics complaint filed by federal prosecutors against outgoing Chesapeake Sheriff David Rosado under the Hatch Act—rare territory for state or local officials. We also cover the rescue of 170 cold-stunned sea turtles on the Outer Banks and the costs of rehabilitating them at the STAR Center, spotlight a quirky new indoor sports venue—the Palace of Pickleball near Mount Trashmore—and unpack a truly strange Tidewater fact: the Virginia Zoo’s discreet animal burial ground hidden on a Chesapeake tree farm. We run through the week’s weather (mild with Christmas rain likely), share overlooked local gems like Norfolk’s glass art demos and a creative egg roll spot downtown, and invite your stories for next week’s question: What’s the strangest animal-related moment you’ve had in Tidewater? Plus, community tips include Holiday Lights at the Beach through Dec 31, Newport News Celebration in Lights through Jan 1, and a First Night holiday hike at the First Street Jetty on Jan 1. Stay tuned for our year-in-review wrap-up next week!

Ep 46Good Fences, Great Soup, and Big Headlines
FullIn this week’s Tidewater Talk, we kick things off with some lighthearted banter—from Brodie’s tongue‑in‑cheek Bitcoin mining experiment to an unexpected $40 jacket find—before diving into major regional news. We break down Governor Youngkin’s announcement of LS Cable & System’s $689M advanced materials campus in Chesapeake, projected to create 430 jobs, and how it pairs with the earlier LS Greenlink project. We unpack what’s planned on-site (copper rod manufacturing, magnet wire, and rare earth magnet production), supply-chain implications for defense and EV components, and the aggressive timeline targeting operations by late 2027—all while wondering how hiring will impact local residents versus in‑movers.We then hit a quirky neighborhood dispute over a torn‑down fence in Kempsville and why “good fences” might still make the best neighbors, followed by our “Strange Tidewater” moment: the Isle of Wight Museum’s 119‑year‑old “pet ham” with its own webcam and social feed. Weather-wise, expect freezing nights and a mid‑week warm-up with rain and gusty winds, then a cooler weekend. For Tidewater Tips, we spotlight Freemason Abbey’s she‑crab soup in Norfolk and Chesapeake’s Chicken Roll for craveable chicken, noodles, and more. Weekend picks include Town Center’s Snow Globe Spectacular on Saturday (live performers inside life‑size globes) and Chesapeake City Hall’s Fa La La La Land with carolers, baby goats in sweaters, a stilt walker, and Santa. Question of the week: What’s a quiet or overlooked spot in Tidewater that deserves more appreciation? Share your picks with us!

Ep 45Warm Hearts, Cold Nights
FullIn this week’s Tidewater Talk, Brodie and Co cozy up for a chilly Coastal Virginia evening and dive into two heartwarming community stories and a brand-new segment. We spotlight Nansemond-Suffolk Academy students who teamed up with FACT (Families of Autism Coming Together) to design and build a sensory-friendly, accessible floating fishing dock on school property—complete with community-donated life vests, poles, and a newly stocked pond. We also debut “Strange and Odd of Tidewater,” exploring a small green triangle in Ghent that hides a somber history: a mass grave from Norfolk’s 1855 yellow fever epidemic, now marked thanks to a local Girl Scout troop’s persistence.Plus, we run through the local weather outlook (freezing nights, sun returning, and weekend warming), share listener prompts, and pass along a couple of Tidewater tips: the Virginia Aquarium’s “Survival of the Slowest” exhibit featuring sloths and other uniquely adapted creatures, and the Grand Holiday Bazaar at the Hampton Roads Convention Center with free bounce houses and photos with Santa. Send us your odd local finds or community highlights to [email protected], and we’ll share them on the show.

Ep 44From I-64 to She Crab Soup, A Very Tidewater Week
FullIn this week’s Tidewater Talk, Brodie and Co catch up on local happenings across Coastal Virginia, from a tragic pedestrian fatality on I‑64 and a first-hand dash-cam hit‑and‑run story, to how Virginia Beach’s upcoming Point-in-Time count works and how listeners can volunteer before registration closes December 19 for the January 29 effort. We also run through a playful, voice-acted weather update—expect cold, brief sun breaks midweek, and rain returning by Friday—and note that hurricane season ended without a U.S. landfall for the first time in a decade.For community tips, we spotlight Chesapeake’s “Christmas Past and Present” day at Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways Museum on December 13, plus Richmond’s 18th‑century chocolate‑making demos every Saturday in December at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture. Foodies: add Margie & Ray’s Crabhouse in Sandbridge to your list and try the classic Lowcountry-style she‑crab soup. Question of the week: What’s the most “Tidewater” thing that’s happened to you this month? Send time, talent, or treasure to [email protected], and find more at tidewatertalk.com.

Ep 43Solo Sail: Birthday Magic, Counterfeit Toys Bust
FullIn this solo-hosted episode of Tidewater Talk, Brodie recaps an unforgettable 18th-birthday celebration for his son—complete with a gentle, sensory-friendly “Happy Birthday,” a surprise Santa visit, and a community that showed up with love from near and far. He then pivots to a local headline: Port of Norfolk officials intercepted nearly $800,000 worth of counterfeit toys, sparking a call for listener insights on how these knockoffs move through the supply chain and impact the region. If you’ve got expertise or stories, send them to [email protected] also runs through the week’s weather—unseasonably warm and rainy now, cooling into Thanksgiving with clear skies to follow—and shares Tidewater tips: the Cavalier Resort’s Grand Illumination on Atlantic Avenue this Sunday at 5 PM, and the 511 Virginia site for real-time Hampton Roads traffic and cameras. Last week’s question revisited the Surfin’ Santa 5-Miler tradition, and this week’s prompt asks: what’s the first thing you do in Tidewater when the real cold hits? Thanks for riding along while Co’s on Thanksgiving break, and catch more at tidewatertalk.com.

Ep 42From 200 Hot Dogs to 2,000 Guests: Tidewater’s Wildest Party Prep
FullIn this week’s Tidewater Talk, I kick off with party planning chaos for Brogan’s widely invited birthday bash—think 200 hot dogs, popcorn, booths, and maybe Santa and the Grinch—while we cross our fingers that the guest count lands somewhere between 20 and 2,000. We also laugh about battery‑heated sweaters, set the record straight on the “Cool Stuff” store, and confess to neglecting a Tamagotchi. Local headlines include a manatee found in Linkhorn Bay and how to report unusual wildlife sightings, plus Chesapeake’s trash pickup delays and the head‑scratching “daylight savings” explanation. We look ahead to the week’s weather (chilly with scattered rain chances) and note a calm tropical season for our area so far.Community corner touches on acts of kindness that made our week easier, our new question about Tidewater traditions you never skip, and a heads‑up on major traffic changes around Norfolk’s Maury High School construction—use Cawley or Granby as alternates. For family fun, we spotlight the Model Train Holiday Display at MacArthur Center running through mid‑December. As always, we share Tidewater tips, invite your stories and events, and welcome your time, talent, or treasure to keep the show rolling.

Ep 41Tamagotchis, Task Forces, and Tidewater Traditions
FullIn this cozy, community-centered episode of Tidewater Talk, Co and Brodie kick things off with some laughs about fireplace projects and Tamagotchi nostalgia before turning to local headlines and life in Coastal Virginia. We discuss a tragic e-bike crash, a new e-bike task force forming in Virginia Beach’s District 8, and WalletHub’s rankings that place Virginia Beach and Chesapeake among the nation’s best places for veterans—highlighting strengths in housing stability, job opportunities, and quality of life. We also weigh the pros and cons of a potential plastic bag fee in Virginia Beach and share an updated weather outlook: a chilly start with flurries, then a gradual warm-up into the weekend with breezy spots and plenty of sun.We wrap with community engagement: last week’s cozy-weather traditions (hello, indoor and outdoor fires!) and next week’s prompt asking who in the Tidewater community has made a difference in your life. For your local calendar, we spotlight Dominion Energy’s Garden of Lights at the Norfolk Botanical Garden (nightly from 5 PM with a mobility shuttle), the Winter Wonderland Train unveiling at MacArthur Square Light Rail Station on November 14 (4–6 PM), and WinterFest at Nauticus opening night on November 14 (6:30–10 PM). Send your tips and stories to [email protected] and share the show with neighbors to keep the community conversation going.

Ep 40Seven Words to Stronger Missions: A Nonprofit Playbook for Tidewater
FullIn this week’s Tidewater Talk, we welcome neighbor and author-consultant Patrick Belcher to dig into the heart of local philanthropy across Coastal Virginia. Patrick shares his journey from sales to the Red Cross to founding PB&J Marcom, why he titled his book “Fundraising is Everything Done Before Asking for Money,” and the unexpected writing exercise—seven-word statements—that helped him shape clearer chapters and now helps nonprofit boards clarify mission. We explore Tidewater’s unique fundraising landscape, from the region’s rich venue options to how relationships power great events, plus creative, year-round ways families can support food pantries and shelters beyond the holiday rush, like drives for socks, underwear, smaller-size clothing, and women’s hygiene products. Patrick also spotlights assistive technology access, foster-care birthday programs, and why asking “How else can we help?” matters. We wrap with local weather, fall vibes, and a few neighborhood tips—from classic cars and coffee to a bargain book sale. Resources mentioned and local tips: organize a neighborhood or school drive using wish lists from area food pantries and shelters; consider socks (including compression socks), underwear, and smaller-size clothing; look for hygiene product drives; check out regional assistive technology and foster-care support organizations; Virginia Peninsula Foodbank’s spring food-truck festival; Classic Cars & Coffee at Old Town Farmers Market (Portsmouth, Saturdays 10 a.m.–2 p.m.); Recycled Re-Reads Used Book Sale at Slover Library (Norfolk).

Ep 39Halloween in Tidewater
FullIn this week’s Tidewater Talk, Brodie and Co keep it cozy with chilly-weather vibes, a quick safety chat about the surge of e-bikes on local streets, and a deep dive into the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel expansion, why the planned traffic shift was postponed, what’s changing (eight lanes, full shoulders), and a look back at the bridge-tunnel’s history and traffic growth. We swap commute war stories (including the legend of the “median rock”), and share practical Halloween essentials: local trick-or-treating rules by city (most ending at 8 PM, age limits in some localities), plus a refresher on what different pumpkin colors mean; from teal (food allergies) to purple (epilepsy awareness) and blue (autism/sensory considerations). We highlight a feel-good local resource - free wig boutiques at area hospitals offering wigs, scarves, and support for patients experiencing medical-related hair loss. Weather-wise, expect rain, wind, and a coastal flood advisory through Thursday morning, then a breezy, sunny cool-down leading into a sweater-weather Saturday. In community picks: vote for inclusive costume builds at hallowheels.org, Halloweekend deals at The Melting Pot (Oct 31–Nov 2), kids-eat-free on Halloween at The Habit Burger & Grill (VB location, with purchase), and a Nov 1 silent disco at The Market. Question of the week: What’s one small thing about living in Tidewater that always makes you smile? Share your stories and Tidewater [email protected].

Ep 38Scandalous Strolls, Ghostly Tales, and Family-Friendly Fun in Tidewater
FullIn this week’s Tidewater Talk, Co and Brodie kick things off by admitting what so many of us feel—life is busy and we’re tired—and then bring it back to a simple reminder: pause, be present, and carve out small moments for yourself and your family. From bedtime reading to quick park breaks, we share a few real-life ways we’re trying to slow down and enjoy the now.We then dive into local headlines: reports of black vulture deaths across Virginia tied to the H5N1 avian flu and what to watch for if you spot clusters of dead birds (plus how to contact the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources). We also talk about a playground mulch fire at Norfolk’s Broad Creek Legacy Park, this week’s gorgeous fall forecast, and a watchful eye on Hurricane Melissa lingering in the Caribbean. For community happenings, we spotlight the Witch of Pungo Festival at Blue Pete’s, a downtown Norfolk walking tour exploring the city’s scandalous past, an inclusive Accessible Trunk-or-Treat in Virginia Beach, and late-night ghost tours at the historic Granby Theatre. We wrap with next week’s question: What’s one small change that would make life in Tidewater better for everyone?

Ep 37Airwaves and Altruism: Aaron “The Voice” Phillips Joins Tidewater Talk
FullIn this week’s Tidewater Talk, we recover from a missed record button and dive into a lively conversation with broadcaster and community champion Aaron “The Voice” Phillips. Aaron shares his journey from New Jersey to Las Vegas and now Coastal Virginia, his self-taught rise from a Craigslist color-commentary gig to Hall of Fame recognition, and the launch of WVBVTV.com here in Virginia Beach. We talk shop on podcasting craft, relentless prep, and the power of listening back to improve, plus his heart for service through Kiwanis and supporting local nonprofits like Milly in Motion and The Moon Group Foundation. He also drops a tasty insider pick: 21st Street Seafood Company’s bacon-wrapped BBQ shrimp and a solid she-crab soup.We close with a quick local weather recap after the nor’easter’s flooding impacts, look ahead to a sunny, cool stretch, and shout out the 43rd Annual Poquoson Seafood Festival. Question of the week: If you could time-travel to any era in Tidewater history, which would you choose and why?

Ep 36Task Forces, Tidewater Triumphs, and a Touch of Fall
FullGood evening, neighbors! In this week’s Tidewater Talk, Co and Brodie catch up on local headlines and community happenings across Coastal Virginia. We react to the new Navy barracks task force announcement and what it could mean for service members, reflect on a tragic Old Town Portsmouth house fire with reported family history spanning five generations, and share a remarkable save when a driver suffered a “widowmaker” heart attack but was rescued by nearby cardiology staff. We also run through the week’s weather: a warm, stormy midweek before cooling off and turning sunny, plus a watchful eye on distant Tropical Storm Jerry and a low-chance Gulf disturbance.We spotlight your favorite fall activities—hayrides, corn mazes, ODU football, First Landing, Hunt Club Farm pumpkins, the Chrysler Museum and more—and preview a couple of weekend events: Boo Halloween Revue at the Hurrah Players’ Hugh R. Copeland Center, and art, demos, and deals at Beach Gallery during the Laskin Road/Friday Night for the Arts gathering. Question of the week: What’s one thing Tidewater does better than anywhere else? Send your answers and local tips for ADA‑friendly fun, too. Next week, we’re joined by local entertainment hall‑of‑famer Aaron Phillips, bring your questions!

Ep 35Bridges, Birthdays, and the Vibe District Makeover
FullIn this week’s Tidewater Talk, Brodie and Co keep it hyper-local with neighborly stories, city updates, and an eye on the weather. Brodie shares heartfelt plans for his son Brogan’s upcoming 18th birthday bash QR-code invites, a custom hat, and a community-powered celebration where guests pitch in with booths and face painting. Co opens up about finally scheduling an eye exam, and the duo swap notes on nighttime driving and getting older. We cover Virginia Beach’s Vibe District upgrades new stormwater systems, wider sidewalks, bike lanes, modern lighting, and phased road closures—and discuss accessibility concerns during construction, especially for riders using special transit. We also parse a vague “suspicious situation” headline on the Willey Bridge, then pivot back to brighter local notes: HGTV’s list of charming Virginia towns, a presidential visit to Norfolk, and how the military presence shapes Hampton Roads, from jobs and real estate to culture and infrastructure.For your week ahead: breezy midweek conditions, minor tidal flooding risks, then sunny and seasonally perfect days in the low-to-mid 70s. We spotlight The Addams Family musical at the Wells Theatre (Oct 3–5) and free Friday tastings at Mermaid Winery on Granby Street. In our value-for-value segment, we invite neighbors to send tips, art, and local leads—and to tell us their favorite fall events around Tidewater, from hayrides and corn mazes to air shows and pumpkin carving. Email [email protected] to share and join the conversation.

Ep 34Neighbors First
FullIn this week’s Tidewater Talk, Co and Brodie catch up after last week’s storm sidelined the show and dive into what’s happening around Coastal Virginia. We swap stories on routines gone wrong, a plasma-donation throwback, and that surprise deluge that closed schools and flooded yards. In local news, we break down Newport News’ newly approved $400M mixed‑use Navy housing project near Warwick Blvd and Huntington Ave—why it’s needed, what it could mean for sailors and the neighborhood, and how it might reshape the shipyard-adjacent area. We also touch on the surging Amtrak ridership across the Commonwealth, and the ongoing Norfolk school closures plan. We round things out with weather; hot 80s now with late‑week shower and thunderstorm chances and a watch on Atlantic disturbances, including one near the Leeward Islands. Co recaps VIP views from the Oceana Air Show (hello F‑22 slow pass), and we share Tidewater tips: Haunted nights at Greenbrier Farms, Harborfest‑style fun at Town Point Park’s “Caribfest,” and the International Coastal Cleanup Day of Caring at Lafayette Park in Norfolk, plus a quick local history nugget on the 1813 Battle of Craney Island. We close by asking: Do you ride The Tide, take the bus, or hop on Amtrak locally? Send your tips and neighborhood notes to [email protected] and join the conversation at tidewatertalk.com.