O Lala! (In RVA) gets spooky with a special Halloween edition featuring author and journalist Catherine Baab — whose book Poe for Your Problems turned Edgar Allan Poe into an unlikely self-help icon. Now she’s back at it with her upcoming project, Gothic Glow-Up: Mary Shelley’s Guide to Stitching Yourself Back Together.

We talk Frankenstein, free love, grief, genius, and the surprisingly messy (and sexy?) lives of 19th-century writers. It’s brains, bangers, and a whole lot of gothic gossip — perfect for a cozy October listen.

Then, Big Voodoo Daddy drops his “Big Daddy Topic” — the eerie origins of trick-or-treating and the world’s weirdest Halloween traditions (yes, some countries hide their knives 👀). We also highlight a spooky Richmond band, a bold new Carytown boutique, and all the Halloween happenings you don’t wanna miss.

🧠 Topics We Cover

• Cat’s upcoming book Gothic Glow-Up and her deep dive into Mary Shelley’s life
• Why Shelley’s husband Percy was the ultimate gothic f-boy
• How grief, trauma, and genius collide in Frankenstein
• Gothic trivia showdown (Olivia vs. Big Daddy — who wins?)
• The eerie history of trick-or-treating and Halloween across the globe
• Local RVA shoutouts: from the Broadberry’s Halloween Bash to the return of the Gunhole (yes, that Gunhole)
• Our Band of the Week: Windhand
• Our Business of the Week: Hiss Off, a Harajuku-inspired boutique in Carytown

💀 Guest Spotlight: Cat Baab

🖤 Author of Poe for Your Problems 📖 Working on Gothic Glow-Up (coming soon!) 💬 Find her at @authorcatherinebaab 👻 Follow her on Facebook for gothic humor and literary musings.

🍸 Local Shoutouts

• Windhand — Doom metal darlings of RVA
• Hiss Off — Vintage goth-meets-Y2K boutique by Sophie Smith (behind Can Can)
• Reveler at Carytown — Hosting The Embalmers & Crack Fox this Halloween
• Red Vein Haunted House — Our favorite haunted hangout (VIP tickets = worth it)
• The Gunhole at The Valentine Museum — She’s back, baby!

O Lala! This week we’re joined by Charles Inch—a criminal trial lawyer turned nervous system strategist who’s showing us how the body really holds stress and how to reset it. From murder trials to one-wheeling through RVA, Charles has seen it all and created the Neuro-Somatic Reset to help people break free from trauma and find clarity.

We chat about:

✨ What happens in the body during stress + freeze mode

✨ How the Vegas shooting became a turning point in his life

✨ His vision for Holistic Life Studios + “preventative law”

✨ Singing with the Richmond Symphony + Jeep rebuilding

Support Charles:

inchlawva.com

His YouTube Channel

His Office

His LinkedIn

Plus, you know we’ve got:

🍸 Big Daddy Drops It On Us – our first taste of the new Cirrus Vodka room in Scott’s Addition

📍 Business of the Week – Brittany Anderson’s new spot Bar Buoy

🎶 Show of the Week – Cheap Shot live at The Great American Ranch

Grab a martini (truffled if you’re fancy) and dive in—it’s deep, it’s goofy, it’s RVA. And don't forget to give us a follow, like and share!

This week we pop the cork on an unforgettable episode featuring Deon Abrams of Grayhaven Winery. From his wild days in South Africa (motorcycles, military escapades, and sneaking back into base disguised as a visitor 👀) to bringing South Africa’s signature grape, Pinotage, to Virginia, Deon’s story is equal parts action, romance, and wine-fueled comedy.

✨ What’s Inside This Episode:

• 🍇 Deon’s journey from Johannesburg → New York → Virginia wine country
• 🥂 Pinotage explained (and why it’s so special to Grayhaven)
• 🌍 The South African Food & Wine Festival: tribal dancing, drumming, peri-peri chicken, and unlimited tastings
• 🛠️ Deon’s “MacGyver” moments keeping vintages alive with duct tape, chainsaws, and sheer charm
• 🌡️ How Virginia’s climate (and the occasional hurricane) makes or breaks a vintage
• 🎶 The hosts spill on their experiences at the new RVA amphitheater—the good, the muddy, and the $14 pretzel

💡 Plus:

• Our Business of the Week: Grayhaven Winery (of course!)
• Upcoming RVA events you can’t miss—Iron Blossom Music Festival, R&B Fest, drag spectacular “Work the World,” and more
• Show of the Week: Almost Queen, a killer Queen tribute band that will rock you 💃
• Shoutouts to crispy cones, ABBA tributes, and (thankfully avoided) flesh-eating bacteria 🫠

👉 Tickets for the South African Food & Wine Festival: https://southafricanwinefestival.com/

🍷 Follow Grayhaven Winery on Instagram + Facebook to keep up with Deon, Max, and the magic.

https://grayhavenwinery.com/

https://www.instagram.com/grayhavenwinery

https://www.facebook.com/grayhaven.winery

🎧 And don’t forget to give us a follow! https://linktr.ee/olala_rva

In this episode of O Lala in RVA, we welcome Richmond legend and Filipino-American hip-hop artist Noah O. From his roots in California to becoming a central figure in RVA’s arts scene, Noah shares his journey through music, entrepreneurship, and community activism. We dive into his career beginnings, his indie label and flagship store Charged Up Entertainment, and the powerful mission behind his work.

Support Noah O:

https://www.instagram.com/chargedupnoaho/

https://noah-o.com/

https://www.facebook.com/ChargedUpNoahO

https://www.youtube.com/ChargedUpEnt

https://x.com/ChargedUpNoahO

https://www.tiktok.com/@chargedupnoaho

Big Daddy’s “Drop It On Us” Segment

Top trending 2025 international travel destinations!

Business of the Week

Charged Up – 106 W Broad St, Richmond, VA Flagship store, cultural hub, and home base for Noah O’s brand. Shop exclusive merch, discover local music, and experience RVA’s creative energy.

Band of the Week

Side Piece – eclectic mix of classic rock, country, hip-hop, and funk.

Shoutouts

• BOLO’s Eatery – new brewpub in Manchester with rooftop views.
• Duke’s Mayonnaise, Garnet’s Café, KOA Campground Shenendoah – for keeping summer tasty and adventurous.

Make sure to follow us!

This week, we’re lacing up and leveling up! Coach MJ, founder of RVA Kicks Club (and our literal fitness savior), joins the pod to talk kickboxing, self-defense, and why getting punched might just change your life—in a good way.

We talk:

• How MJ turned street fights into a full-blown fitness career
• The real difference between boxing, kickboxing, and MMA
• Why women’s sparring events are everything
• What makes RVA Kicks so different

Plus, your fave O Lala chaos:

💥 Fight or Flight game (Crocs, choreography, & ice baths)

📚 Big Daddy’s Trivia Drop: contact lenses in the ring + ancient Greek throw-downs

🎉 Local Event Picks: RVA Weens trivia night, JamPacked Festival, and more

🛍️ Business of the Week: Kindhearted Goods in Church Hill

🎶 Show of the Week: Steely Dead at The Broadberry (Yacht Rock meets Deadheads)

🍳 Restaurant Watch: Daisy’s at Tredegar is coming in hot near The Altria

MJ changed our lives (and resting heart rates). Listen in, then go take his class—just tell him O Lala sent you 💪

💚 Support RVA Kicks Club

Website: https://www.rvakicksclub.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561382486328

📍 Self-Made Training Facility – 1331 Carmia Way

💬 DM to book class or personal training—affordable, real, and full of heart

Follow us too: https://linktr.ee/olala_rva

We hit the green (and the glam) with Richmond powerhouse Leslie Marie Mosley—founder of Ladies Golf Too, host of American Dream TV, and certified vibe curator. She shares how she built a thriving, beginner-friendly golf community for women, her journey into TV, and why pickleball might just be your next obsession.

💬 Plus: – How she makes golf approachable, inclusive, and fabulous – Her fave events (Bougie Movie Night + Golfer’s Giving = goals) – Tea from House Hunters + Real Housewives run-ins (👀) – Why Richmond is in its ✨ “new era” ✨ – The caviar-level event you’ll want to crash later this month 👀

📍 Business Shoutouts:

• Ladies Golf Too – @officialladiesgolftoo
• Giorno Market – dreamy Italian market in Church Hill
• The Underground Kitchen – culinary magic with heart
• RVA Kicks Club – kickboxing, strength, sauna, and sparring
• The Hoffheimer – candlelight acoustic vibes + open mic dreams
• New Kent Winery – wine & music = perfect summer combo
• Lucky in Love Chapel – RVA’s new Vegas-style wedding spot
• Ben’s Barbershop – fresh cuts in Church Hill
• Main Line Brewery – local music + great pours

🎶 Band of the Week: The Prabir Trio – Indian-inspired rock with RVA roots

🗓️ Events Rundown: – Watermelon Fest, Anime Con, Dragon Boats, Peach Fest, and more – Waitress: The Musical now showing at Virginia Rep – Shagwüf + Sweet Tooth playing with Prabir Trio July 24 @ Broadberry

👉 Follow us @olalainrva and hit that follow button wherever you listen. 💗 Rate, review, and share with someone fabulous.

This week on the pod: We sit down with true Renaissance man Alan Pell Crawford—author, journalist, private investigator, and founding member of The Hambiscuits. From writing for The Washington Post during the Watergate era to covering Capitol Hill, going undercover as a private investigator, and starting a bluesy jazz band with a nod to NOLA later in life, Alan’s journey is anything but ordinary.

✨ Hear about:

• His path from Indiana to Richmond via D.C. and The Martin Agency
• Writing for The Wall Street Journal, Vogue, National Review, and more
• His undercover P.I. days (yes, folding hospital towels was involved)
• His latest book This Fierce People, plus other favorites like Twilight at Monticello
• The origin of The Hambiscuits and their vintage sound
• A fun George Harrison story you’ve probably never heard
• Tips on taking creative leaps—and making them count

📚 Order Alan's books here!

💅 Big Daddy's Glow-Up Guide to Tanning: Base tans, tingle lotions, bronzers, and what “tanorexia” really means. Plus, why SPF 30 should be your ride or die.

🎶 Events in RVA:

• Friday Cheers (6/27): Say She She – soul, funk, and good vibes
• Cocktails & Kittens (6/29) @ Virago Spirits – $20 for cuddles & cocktails
• Grateful for Biggie (7/26) @ Ember Music Hall – Grateful Dead x Biggie mashup
• West Broad Concert (7/5): Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute, free!
• Red, White & Lights (7/4) @ Crump Park – Symphony, fireworks, & laser show

📚 Business of the Week: Brian’s Books in Church Hill – Used & vintage gems, most under $10!

🎸 Band of the Week: The Hambiscuits! Catch them July 1st & 22nd @ Bryan Park Bar & Grill.

💖 Shoutouts: Mainline Brewery, Radar Theory, Ryan (Liz’s IT guy), Tim & Ned Crawford, and Trouvaille Restaurant—don’t miss their short ribs and ever-changing farm-to-table menu!

👀 Next week: Ladies Golf Too! 📲 Follow us @OLala_RVA & DM us if you want to be a guest or shout out your band.

This week, we chat with our friend Alejandro, a Cuban immigrant, about his incredible journey to Richmond, VA. He shares the hurdles of getting a US visa, the culture shock of abundance in America, and his efforts to support his family in Cuba.

Episode Highlights: ✨

• Visa Interview Strategy: Alejandro shares his unique approach to a successful visa interview, emphasizing showing intent to return home. ☕️
• A Five-Year Visa?! Discover how Alejandro secured a rare five-year visa! 🤩
• Costco Culture Shock: Alejandro recounts his "mind-blowing" first trip to Costco, highlighting the contrast in food availability compared to Cuba. 🤯
• Conscious Living: Learn about Alejandro's heightened awareness of waste and gratitude for resources, stemming from his upbringing where rationing was a reality. 🙏
• Supporting Family in Cuba: Alejandro discusses regularly sending essential items to his family in Cuba. ❤️
• The Cuban Exodus: He touches on the pervasive theme of immigration in Cuban society. 🌍
• Internet Access in Cuba: Alejandro clarifies the current state of internet access in Cuba, noting its cost and limitations. 📶
• Family's Hopes for the US: Hear about his family's interest in moving to the United States and the complexities of the legal immigration process. 📜
• "Wet-Foot, Dry-Foot" Policy: A brief mention of this controversial policy and its impact on Cuban immigration. ⚖️

Also Featured: 🤩

• Exercise Equipment Origins: Learn the surprising history behind common gym equipment like the treadmill (originally a torture device!), kettlebells, medicine balls, and dumbbells. 🏋️
• Local Richmond Events: Get the scoop on upcoming events! 🎉
  • Carytown Sidewalk Sale 🛍️
  • Pride Night at the Diamond ⚾️🌈
  • Drag Brunch at The Hof Garden 👑
  • Nappy Roots at the Ember Music Hall 🎤
  • Pride on Forest Hill 🌳🌈
  • Ribs and Reds at Ashton Creek Vineyards for Father's Day! 🍖🍷
• Band of the Week: This week's featured band is Radar Theory, a raw rock and roll band. 🎸
• Business of the Week: Shout out to Still Life Studio RVA, a new pottery place in Scott's Addition. 🏺
• Brewery Updates: Updates on Lickinghole Creek Brewery and Hardywood opening a new spot at the airport. 🍻
• Fitness Shout-out: A special mention for RVA Kicks Club and MJ, a trainer at Self Made Training Facility. 💪
• Father's Day Appreciation: A heartfelt shout-out to all the dads! 🙌
• Garden Grove Closing: A bittersweet announcement about Garden Grove brewery shutting down after 10 years. 😢
• Upcoming Episode Tease: A sneak peek at the next episode featuring Alan an RVA author and musician with The Ham Biscuits!

In this lively episode, Liz and Big Daddy sit down to share their "rose and thorn" moments from the past few weeks—celebrating the highs and unpacking the lows with their funny but honest takes. The couple then turns up the fun with a married couple game that reveals just how well they really know each other.

Listeners also get an update on the Drop it On Us, Big Daddy segment, where Big Daddy dishes out his takes on the continuing drama surrounding Fyre Fest 2, the ongoing drama with Carytown Burgers and Fries, and upcoming developments surrounding Brown’s Island. The duo shares exciting news about upcoming events and dive into what’s so yummy about the business of the week, Slay Burger.

To top it all off, the show of the week is a nostalgic nod to the 90s with The White Ford Bronco concert Saturday May 3rd at The Broadberry—expect some major throwback vibes and musical memories.

Tune in for laughs, love, business buzz, and a little 90s magic!

Shoutouts: Ronnie's BBQ, Chez Nous, Diva Nails

Other businesses mentioned: The Shockoe Institute, Ballast RVA, Cirrus Vodka, Yellow Umbrella Provisions, Slack Tide Fish Company

✨ This Episode’s Vibe: Rabbi Patrick, the founder of Kehillah RVA, joins us to talk about building welcoming Jewish spaces, making rituals approachable, and what it means to be part of a modern faith community—especially in a city like Richmond.

💬 What We Cover:

• Creating spiritual spaces that center around belonging
• Why Kehillah doesn’t look or feel like your typical synagogue—and why that’s the point
• Intergenerational wisdom, parenting through a Jewish lens, and letting kids explore their own paths
• Officiating weddings and making room for personal meaning in old traditions
• Pollen complaints, park hangs, and some love for local RVA events

🎧 Whether you’re deep into your faith, figuring it out, or just here for the community vibes—this episode invites you to rethink what spiritual connection can look like.

Support Kehillah:

https://kehillahrva.org/

https://www.facebook.com/kehillahrva

https://www.instagram.com/KehillahRVA/

Businesses Of The Week:

Allianz Amphitheater (opens this June!)

RVA's Beaucoup

Petit Four