Hello Hello

In this special on-location episode of the Hello Hello Podcast, Alyssa takes you to one of Chase City's most beautiful and historic treasures — MacCallum More Museum & Gardens.

From six breathtaking acres of formal gardens to a museum housing one of the most significant Native American artifact collections in the eastern United States, this episode is a true hidden gem in our own backyard.

🌿 In the Gardens: Alyssa is joined by Diana Ramsey, who shares the rich history of the Hudgins family, the stunning European cloister, hand-dug pond, century-old iron gates, themed gardens, and the incredible community support that keeps this space thriving. You'll learn about weddings in the cloister, Jazz in the Gardens, volunteer opportunities, and the exciting restoration projects underway.

🏛️ Inside the Museum: Volunteer curator Diana Thorpe walks us through the remarkable Robertson Collection — over 45,000 documented Native American artifacts, many discovered right here in Mecklenburg County. From Clovis points dating back to 9,000 BC to rare soapstone vessels and ancient spear technology, this museum holds nationally significant history that is publicly accessible for study and exploration.

🎉 Community Events & Fundraising: Francie McDonald shares details about the upcoming St. Patrick's-themed fundraising auction, how you can become a sponsor, and ways to get involved as a volunteer.

This episode is a reminder that sometimes the most extraordinary places are right in our hometown. Whether you love gardens, history, archaeology, or simply discovering meaningful places to visit, McCullum Moore Museum and Gardens is worth the trip.

✨ Bring your family. ✨ Pack a lunch. ✨ Take a tour. ✨ Support local history.

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to rate, review, subscribe, and share. And as always, let Alyssa know who you'd like to see featured next!

We'll see you next week on the Hello Hello Podcast. 💛

More information: https://maccallummore.org/

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In this episode of The Hello Hello Podcast, Alyssa sits down in South Hill, Virginia with Keli Reekes, the town's first female Town Manager.

From growing up locally to studying accounting at James Madison University, Kelly never expected to land in public service — let alone lead her hometown. But through grit, growth, and a deep love for community, she stepped into one of the most demanding roles in local government.

Kelly shares:

• What a town manager really does behind the scenes

• The exciting growth happening in South Hill (and what's coming next 👀)

• How she handles criticism, public pressure, and social media negativity

• Why public service requires thick skin and an even bigger heart

• The reality of being a woman in leadership — and why she has to "prove it every day"

This conversation is honest, emotional, and empowering. It's about resilience. It's about community. And it's about showing up — even when it's hard.

If you care about leadership, small-town growth, women breaking barriers, or building something bigger than yourself — this episode is for you.

South Hill is growing. And this is just the beginning.

To learn more visit: https://www.southhillva.org/

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You would never believe this breathtaking experience is right here in Halifax County, Virginia. In this episode of The Hello Hello Podcast, I sit down with Molly and Nick, founders of Wilde Manor — a safari-inspired bed and breakfast bringing giraffes, flamingos, penguins, lemurs, and more to Southside Virginia.

Inspired by Kenya's famous Giraffe Manor, Wilde Manor is creating intimate, up-close wildlife encounters paired with luxury hospitality, conservation efforts, and educational opportunities for our community.

We talk about:

• Their backgrounds in zoological medicine and animal training

• The journey from Metro Richmond Zoo to launching their own wildlife experience

• Restoring an 1854 historic manor

• Their mission to give back through conservation and education

• What guests can expect when bookings open May 22

This episode feels like traveling across the world — without ever leaving Halifax County.

Trust me… you're going to want to book your stay after this one.

To learn more and book your experience: www.wildemanor.com

Halifax County residents receive a 10% discount: CODE: WILDHALIFAX

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Donielle Jopko didn't build her company from a highlight reel—she built it through real life. In this episode, Alyssa sits down with the founder of Work Life Solutions Concierge to talk about the unglamorous, gritty side of entrepreneurship: starting a business while working full time, surviving abuse and a painful divorce, caregiving through trauma, and still finding a way to keep going.

Donielle shares how her background in paralegal work, project management, and HR shaped the way she serves clients today—and why her business evolved far beyond "concierge" into a powerful support system for corporate events, project support, and relocation management. She breaks down her "umbrella" philosophy: how helping people at home and in the community connects directly to business outcomes like retention, productivity, and burnout prevention.

You'll also hear the story of her first client (still with her 8 years later), how networking sparked her earliest growth, what it really felt like to take the leap from corporate to full-time founder, and the tiny moments—like a card from a client or $3 on the ground—that keep her from quitting.

Connect with Donielle / Work Life Solutions Concierge: Website: WLSconcierge.com Instagram + LinkedIn: Work Life Solutions Concierge Phone: (336) 561-1152

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In this episode of Hello, Hello, Alyssa Rogers takes us inside Pumpkin & Bugs Bake Shop in Halifax, Virginia—a place that smells like happiness the moment you walk in. Owner Thomas Whitt shares how a simple request for a blueberry donut during COVID turned into a beloved community staple known for handmade baked goods, small-batch ice cream, and unforgettable customer experiences. From starting at a farmer's market to building a shop rooted in family, creativity, and listening to customers, this episode is all about taking the leap, working with your hands, and creating joy—one scoop and cinnamon roll at a time. Plus, a behind-the-scenes look at the case and a special appearance from "Pumpkin" herself.

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On this episode of the Hello Hello Podcast, host Alyssa Rogers sits down with writer, filmmaker, author, and creative visionary Natalie Hodge, founder of Rudy's Girl Media, inside her stunning studio in Martinsville, Virginia.

Natalie shares her powerful journey from growing up in a small town to working in major cities like New York and Los Angeles—and ultimately returning home to build a thriving film and media company where many said it couldn't be done. From background acting to writing screenplays, producing short films, authoring multiple books, and launching impactful community-driven projects like Cell, Stolen Crowns, and Hometown Hustle, Natalie proves that creativity doesn't require a zip code.

In this deeply inspiring conversation, Natalie opens up about underrepresentation in film, trusting the "light bulb" moments, building without a roadmap, and why storytelling can spark real change in rural communities. She also shares the meaning behind Rudy's Girl Media, advice for anyone feeling stuck at the starting line, and why the first step is simply to begin.

If you've ever wondered whether you can build something meaningful right where you are—this episode is your permission slip.

For more information visit: https://www.rudysgirl.com/

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What does it really take to lead a town forward — without losing what makes it special?

In this episode of The Hello Hello Podcast, Alyssa Rogers sits down with Matthew Candland, Town Manager of South Boston, Virginia, for an honest and insightful conversation about leadership, growth, and community.

With more than 30 years in municipal management, Matthew shares his journey from Maryland to South Boston, what inspired him to pursue public service, and why culture always comes before strategy. Together, they discuss what goes into running a town day-to-day, building strong internal teams, and making long-term decisions that impact families, businesses, and future generations.

This conversation dives deep into:

• What a town manager actually does (and why it matters)

• Why people must come before businesses in downtown revitalization

• Housing, amenities, and what today's families look for when relocating

• The upcoming boutique hotel, rooftop bar, and what it means for downtown

• South Boston's strengths, challenges, and five-year vision for growth

• How residents and businesses can play a role in shaping the future

If you care about community, leadership, or the future of South Boston, this is a must-listen episode that blends real talk, thoughtful planning, and genuine optimism.

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In this unforgettable episode of the Hello Hello Podcast, Alyssa Rogers sits down with someone who just might be the youngest guest—and the biggest star—yet: 7-year-old race car driver Tate Crosby. 🏁

Tate has been racing for three years, starting on dirt bikes and quickly moving into race cars, where his love for speed, circle tracks, and competition shines. From Millbridge Speedway to dreams of racing at Daytona and Talladega, Tate shares what it's like to chase big goals at a young age—with confidence, humility, and a whole lot of heart.

You'll hear about:

• How Tate prepares for races 🏎️

• His favorite tracks and drivers (hello, Chase Elliott!)

• What it feels like to win—and how he handles loss

• His now-viral interviews and signature line

• The role his family plays in his racing journey

• How YOU can support him as a sponsor

This episode is full of laughs, inspiration, and moments that will remind you that passion doesn't have an age limit. Tate is wise beyond his years, full of gratitude, and already chasing his NASCAR dreams—one race at a time.

🎯 Bonus: Tate is actively looking for sponsors, and Alyssa shares how listeners can get involved in supporting his journey.

Trust us—you'll finish this episode with a smile on your face and a new favorite race car driver.

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On this episode of the Hello Hello Podcast, Alyssa Rogers sits down with a guest who means the world to her, her sister, Kara Gavitt, and the Install Coordinator at Rogers Heating & Cooling.

Kara shares her journey from a career in culinary arts and hospitality to stepping into the fast-paced world of HVAC, and what led her to move back home after 15 years away. Together, they talk about the real behind-the-scenes work that goes into major installs: permits, inspections, schedules, power drops, and making sure all the moving parts align.

But this conversation goes deeper than careers. Alyssa and Kara open up about their sibling relationship, including the seasons of distance, the process of rebuilding trust, and what it looks like to move forward without living in the past.

They also dive into:

• Kara's experience with 75 Hard

• Why structure matters more in your 30s

• What Kara loves most about Rogers from an "outsider turned insider" perspective

• Personal and professional goals for 2026

• Rapid-fire sister questions you don't want to miss

If you've ever wondered what it's like to work with family, make a big career pivot, or start fresh — this one's for you.

🎧 Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe, and drop your questions in the comments if you want Kara back on the show!

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It's officially the final episode of 2025 — recorded in real time on December 30th — and we're closing out the year with a candid, no-filter conversation. Joey Rogers joins me to reflect on what was easily one of the hardest (and most growth-filled) years we've ever experienced as business owners.

We're talking about the tough lessons, the momentum we built in the second half of the year, and the big wins that kept us going — including Lynchburg's one-year anniversary, launching the DCC apprenticeship partnership, and bringing the Krush Race to South Boston Speedway. Plus, we're sharing personal highlights, from 75 Hard to Love for Golf, and what we're most excited about heading into 2026.

And of course… we're starting the episode with a birthday shoutout to Kenney — the creative force behind everything you see from Hello Hello and Rogers media.

If you've ever wanted a real behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to grow through chaos, stay disciplined through pressure, and still show up every day… this episode is for you.

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