This episode of Vera House is brought to you by SoBar Speakeasy:
814 W Broad St
Richmond, VA 23220
(inside Alchemy Coffee)
https://www.instagram.com/sober.speakeasy
If you’ve ever wanted somewhere to go at night in Richmond that doesn’t just completely revolve around alcohol and getting drunk, this is the place. More than ever, we need spaces like this — where you can slow down, reconnect with people, and reset.
SoBar is an alcohol-free lounge located at 814 West Broad Street, right near VCU. During the day it’s known as Alchemy Coffee, and on Friday and Saturday nights it transforms into a low-lit, speakeasy-style 3rd space with frequent live music, conversation, and a curated menu of delicious hand crafted mocktails and simple snacks. Everything on the menu contains less than 5% alcohol.
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Hosted by Myke Metzger & Perri Young:
https://instagram.com/mykemetzger
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In this episode of Vera House Unscripted, we discuss a range of Richmond topics including seasonal changes, nightlife, local culture, and recent events across the city. We start with Richmond’s springtime shift, including intense pollen, allergies, and how the change in seasons affects daily life.
The conversation moves into Richmond nightlife, including the decline of clubs, changing social habits, and the loss of third spaces that once brought people together. We talk about how rising costs, regulations, and shifting culture have impacted going out, and why social connection feels different today.
We also explore the role of alcohol in social settings, the rise of alternative spaces like sober lounges, and how modern social behavior has changed with increased screen time and digital interaction.
Later in the episode, we discuss recent incidents like the Short Pump Mall takeover and other public altercations, and what they say about generational behavior, social media influence, and public spaces. We also touch on housing costs, renting vs owning, and how affordability continues to shape life in Richmond.
Topics include Richmond spring weather, pollen and allergies, Richmond nightlife, third spaces, social connection, alcohol culture, sober lounges, Short Pump Mall incident, public behavior, housing costs, renting vs owning, and Richmond culture.
This podcast is produced by Vera House — a creative club and media studio based in Richmond, Virginia. Our studio exists to champion creative expression, elevate culture, and produce high-impact content for founders, makers, and modern brands in Richmond.
