In this powerful and heartfelt conversation, Jess Ellett sits down with Jason B. Ingram to discuss his extraordinary journey through grief, healing, and purpose. In a short span of time, Jason has endured unimaginable loss — but rather than letting grief define him, he’s using his story to raise awareness and inspire connection.

Jason opens up about how he is honoring the memory of his loved ones by speaking out on issues close to his heart, including unsolved murders, drunk driving, and the vital importance of community support. Through his YouTube channel and new podcast, Let’s Talk with Jason B. Ingram, he shares personal reflections, hard-earned wisdom, and the music that’s guided him through the darkest moments.

Jason shares the tools and practices that have helped him navigate loss — from therapy and faith to powerful books and daily reminders to cherish every moment. At the heart of Jason’s message is a simple but profound truth: while we all wish for more time, the real gift is learning to be grateful for the time we had.

This episode is a moving reminder of the strength found in vulnerability, the healing power of storytelling, and the deep impact of showing up for one another — even when life feels impossibly hard.

Follow Jason's Podcast Let's Talk with Jason B Ingram here:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-talk-with-jason-b-ingram/id1798560754

Follow Jason's YouTube Jason B. Ingram @jasonbingram  here:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbxozoZKzkIFBfgYh-jdSDg

Thanks for listening to River City Podcast! A River City Consulting Production. To learn more about how your organization can be interviewed on the show, please visit our website at the link below!

www.RiverCityPodcast.com

Today, Jess Ellett speaks with Mark Blankenship, the founder of Blankenship Mechanical. Since launching the company in 2004, Mark and his team have built a reputation for delivering prompt, reliable, and high-quality sales, service, design, and installation for both residential and commercial clients.

In this episode of our special HVAC series with Blankenship Mechanical, Jess and Mark explore the most common HVAC issues homeowners face and their solutions. Mark also shares essential seasonal maintenance tips to help keep your system running smoothly year-round. Don’t miss these expert insights to ensure your home stays comfortable in every season!

Learn more about Blankenship Mechanical at:
www.blankenshipmechanical.com

Follow them on FB:

www.facebook.com/p/Blankenship-Mechanical

Thanks for listening to River City Podcast! A River City Consulting Production. To learn more about how your organization can be interviewed on the show, please visit our website at the link below!

www.RiverCityPodcast.com

Midore Takada is a trauma-informed, certified master coach with over 25 years of experience in architecture, design, and construction. Specializing in career-driven women in midlife, she blends cognitive, mindset, somatic, and nervous system expertise to help her clients overcome burnout, navigate uncertainty, and embrace life transitions with confidence.

In this episode, Jess Ellett sits down with Midore to explore how she empowers women to uncover their core values, recognize their strengths, and align with their deepest desires—creating a life of balance and fulfillment without compromising their professional ambitions.

This conversation is a must-listen for any woman navigating midlife! Plus, Midore has a special gift for you: Mention River City Podcast to receive a free 30-minute mini session with her. 

She has also offered her "Buffet of Free Resources' to our listeners which can be found here: www.midoretakada.com/bio-link

Connect with Midore online at the links below!

www.midoretakada.com

www.linkedin.com/in/midore-takada-coaching

www.facebook.com/Midore.Takada.Coaching

www.instagram.com/midore_takada_coaching

Thanks for listening to River City Podcast! A River City Consulting Production. To learn more about how your organization can be interviewed on the show, please visit our website at the link below!

www.RiverCityPodcast.com

In this episode, Jess Ellett sits down with seasoned real estate expert Vicki Vogt to dive into all things real estate—including her insights and predictions for the 2025 market.

With 26 years of experience at Long & Foster, Vicki has built a reputation for excellence in residential real estate across the Greater Richmond, Virginia area. She represents buyers, sellers, and investors, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. Among her many achievements, she is especially proud of earning the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) designation, a distinction held by only 26 agents in the Richmond area.

If you're planning to buy or sell in the coming year, you won’t want to miss this episode!

To connect with Vicki, reach out via email, cell phone, LinkedIn, or her website.

Website: www.longandfoster.com/VickiVogt

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 804-399-8231

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/vickiandtomvogt

Thanks for listening to River City Podcast! A River City Consulting Production. To learn more about how your organization can be interviewed on the show, please visit our website at the link below!

www.RiverCityPodcast.com

In this episode of River City Podcast, host Jess Ellett sits down with Chris Gutzmer, owner of G & R Contracting, a trusted name in Richmond’s landscaping scene. With over 31 years of experience, Chris has worked on everything from cozy backyard retreats to expansive irrigation projects.

Join us as Chris shares his expert insights on the latest landscaping and hardscaping trends, essential tips for homeowners looking to enhance their outdoor spaces, and the key elements of curb appeal that can boost property value. From irrigation and drainage solutions to the type of foliage that will thrive in the Virginia climate, Chris breaks down how to transform any yard into a beautiful and functional space.

Whether you're a homeowner with a DIY spirit or someone considering professional landscaping services, this episode is packed with valuable advice to help you make the most of your outdoor investment. Don’t miss this deep dive into the art and science of landscaping with one of Richmond’s most experienced pros!

To learn more about G & R Contracting or to get a quote on your next project, you can find them at:

www.gandrcontracting.com

Follow G & R Contracting on social media:

www.facebook.com/gandrcontractingllc

www.instagram.com/gandrcontracting

Thanks for listening to River City Podcast! A River City Consulting Production. To learn more about how your organization can be interviewed on the show, please visit our website at the link below!

www.RiverCityPodcast.com

Jess sits down with Andrea Starr to find out the latest happenings at Forward Foundation. They are a unique nonprofit that serves a very niched demographic of single parents who typically cannot receive help from the state due to earning too high of an income. Through their 12-18 month program, they empower single parent families to move forward beyond their current hardship.

Andrea also shares information about their upcoming Celebratory Gala taking place on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at the Cultural Center of India. 

If you are a working, single parent in need of assistance, please reach out to Forward Foundation through any of the links below or by calling (804) 840-8687.

forwardfoundationva.org

Social Media Links:
facebook.com/forwardfoundationva
instagram.com/forwardfoundation_va
linkedin.com/company/forwardfoundationva
www.youtube.com/channel

And for tickets to the 6th Annual Forward Foundation Celebrity Gala go to:

Buy Tickets 

This episode was sponsored by River City Consulting 

Thanks for listening to River City Podcast! A River City Consulting Production. To learn more about how your organization can be interviewed on the show, please visit our website at the link below!

www.RiverCityPodcast.com

Jess Ellett welcomes nationally renowned business networking expert Dawne Brooks Gulla for an insightful discussion on all things networking. This episode is packed with invaluable information, offering something for everyone—from newcomers stepping into the business world to seasoned professionals. You'll gain practical tips to help you truly master the art of successful networking.

At 76, Dawne is the epitome of a serial entrepreneur, currently owning 33 URLs for future business ideas and books she’s planning to create. She was an absolute delight to speak with, and we hope you enjoy this inspiring episode!

Connect with Dawne to learn more about BNI or to book her for an inspiring speaking engagement:

[email protected]
www.linkedin.com/in/dawnestarr/

Thanks for listening to River City Podcast! A River City Consulting Production. To learn more about how your organization can be interviewed on the show, please visit our website at the link below!

www.RiverCityPodcast.com

Whether you're looking to enhance your beauty with Botox or fillers, perfect your brows with microblading, achieve weight loss goals, explore hormone replacement therapy, indulge in an amazing facial, or tighten and tone your body, DermaHue has you covered. In this episode, Jess sits down with Kristin Peck, the owner of DermaHue Total Wellness Studio, to discuss their exciting new services, upcoming space expansion, and the incredible work they're doing for women's health. 





To learn more about DermaHue Total Wellness Studio

Website: dermahue.com
FB: https://www.facebook.com/dermahue/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/dermhue_totall_wellness/

Thanks for listening to River City Podcast! A River City Consulting Production. To learn more about how your organization can be interviewed on the show, please visit our website at the link below!

www.RiverCityPodcast.com

Today, Jess Ellett chats with Kristin Davis and Mike Wentworth, who work with Leashes of Valor, a Virginia nonprofit that provides highly-trained service dogs at no cost to wounded and disabled post-9/11 veterans. Their motto is ONE LEASH SAVES TWO LIVES. 

Leashes of Valor could not do what they do for our veterans without your help. They are always seeking foster homes for their service dogs for the duration of their training time as they get ready for their service. And donor contributions are also critical. And now through Dec. 31, the James K. Wright Fund will double all donations up to $100,000. You can help them cover the cost of 8 service dogs in 2025. 🐕‍🦺

This Leashes of Valor River City Podcast episode was sponsored by DermaHue Total Wellness Studio.

To learn more about Leashes of Valor:
Website: leashesofvalor.org
FB: https://www.facebook.com/LeashesofValor/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/leashesofvalor
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/leashes-of-valor/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/leashesofvalor

To learn more about DermaHue Total Wellness Studio
Website: dermahue.com 
FB: https://www.facebook.com/dermahue/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/dermhue_totall_wellness/

Thanks for listening to River City Podcast! A River City Consulting Production. To learn more about how your organization can be interviewed on the show, please visit our website at the link below!

www.RiverCityPodcast.com

Business owners! Do you have an Accountable Plan in place? It could offer your business significant tax benefits and be beneficial to your employees who work from home. 

Today, Retha Valderas stops by to chat with host Jess Ellett about what Accountable Plans are, how to implement them and why they might be a benefit to your business. 

Valderas Financial prides themselves in their expertise and superior client service. They form a relationship with their clients where they work to make sure every aspect of their finances are in order through cool, calm, accounting.

Stay informed... with Retha!

Learn more about Valderas Financial Services:
www.vfscpa.com

Follow Valderas Financial Services on Linkedin:
www.linkedin.com/in/margaretha-retha-valderas-cpa-3bb47940

Thanks for listening to River City Podcast! A River City Consulting Production. To learn more about how your organization can be interviewed on the show, please visit our website at the link below!

www.RiverCityPodcast.com