What does it really feel like to hold a plank for 55 minutes?

What goes through your mind, and not just at the 7 minute mark or the 22 minute mark, but as you tick past 30 minutes, 40 minutes, 50... does it all blur together? Do you enter a Zen-like state? How do you emerge from that kind of focus and concentration? 

And most of all, what does it take to be able to do it in the first place?

Nhat Pham is an author, coach and teacher, a consultant and speaker in Virginia, a child of immigrants from Vietnam, father of three, and someone passionate about fitness and tactical training. 

But even he was taking a big step into the unknown when what started as a 5 minute plank exercise suddenly kept going and going.

Amongst many things, Nhat realized that accomplishing this goal, and being able to do it consistently, required more than just commitment and focus. It meant an identity change, a metamorphosis, a reassessment of priorities and lifestyle. 

Nhat came to understand the discipline required to break through self-imposed limits, transmuting pain into power, and the true meaning of quitting.

His new book, ElevatEˣ: Unlock Your Exponential Potential, provides the tools, strategies, and insights to not only live a successful life, but one that is deeply meaningful and fulfilled. 

"Stop at that next question of why, and ask why again. And then ask why again. Go five why's deep if you can. My job is to dig deep enough to understand, why is it so important that you have to do this?" - Nhat Pham

Learn more about Nhat Pham and SUCCESSWERKS Coaching & Consulting:

• https://successwerks.com
• https://www.getelevatex.com
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/nhatpham

Chapters

0:00 Introduction and the story behind the 55-minute plank challenge
6:27 The mental game behind endurance and coaching
14:57 Asking “why” and finding purpose
17:36 Nat’s coaching process with clients
24:41 The importance of changing your circle
28:18 Becoming the person before the outcome
32:15 Watching clients transform
36:41 Mental health, pain into power, and support systems

If we can ever be of help to you, give us a call at 1-877-VETS WIN, or visit https://www.graybroughton.com.

Virginia's Jeff Fitch has enjoyed a fascinating, varied career, from school teacher to city council, non-profit management, financial education for youth, sports event management and ultimately, Sales Manager at the PGA Tour. He even had a stint as a Civil War (re-enactment) General!

The common thread throughout? 

Community impact.

Jeff's events and activities have always been framed around their impact on people, whether the students in his economics class, the voters he represented on Hopewell city council, or the broader impacts of sports tourism on the local economy.

As a sales manager on the PGA's Korn Ferry Tour, whose championship tournament in 2026 is coming to Richmond (October 8-11 at the Federal Club in Glen Allen), Jeff sees up close and personal how events like this are crucial for city branding, community activity, and economic growth, and inspire the next generation of athletes and community leaders.

Jeff gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how the tournament is structured, its role in the PGA ecosystem, and the unique family-friendly activities and opportunities for fans. For the greater Richmond area, this is our major league, marquee event, where fans get direct access to both established stars and those of the next generation.

Ultimately, the top 20 players at the end of the championship will see their dreams fulfilled and receive their PGA card. Whether you're a golf enthusiast, fitness buff or interested in sports management, our conversation today with Jeff shares a fascinating perspective on how major golf events shape communities and create opportunities.

"They're ten-twelve hour days for these guys, although only three or four hours might be on the golf course. And for me, I just find that super, super interesting to witness how much work these guys put in to realize their dream of playing on the PGA Tour." - Jeff Fitch

Learn more about Jeff Fitch and the PGA Korn Ferry Tour Championship:

• www.kornferrytourchampionship.com
• www.pgatour.com
• www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-fitch

Chapters

00:00 Jeff Fitch's background and connection with the community
04:00 Impact of Richmond’s international events and local champions
05:27 The significance of the upcoming Korn Ferry Tour Championship
06:09 Jeff's early life and career in Hopewell
07:39 Jeff's experience as a Civil War reenactor
16:13 Starting in sports management and event organization
22:13 The role of sports commissions and tourism in Richmond
28:40 The Korn Ferry Tour Championship location, facilities, and schedule
34:28 The Pro Am experience and tournament atmosphere
38:13 How to attend and get involved in the event
43:00 Family-friendly activities and community engagement
44:46 Attending the Corn Ferry Tour Championship

If we can ever be of help to you, give us a call at 1-877-VETS WIN, or visit https://www.graybroughton.com.

Trey Barham's years in professional baseball formed the foundation of the work he does today, whether it's resilience, perseverance, or community involvement.

A native of Norfolk, Trey spent 8 years as a pitcher in the Oakland A's farm system, and our conversation today starts with a behind-the-scenes look at the process of being scouted, recruited, drafted and then moving from level to level through the minors, playing with and against stars like Mike Trout, Manny Ramirez, Josh Hamilton and more.

Playing so many games per year, changing teams, meeting new teammates and saying goodbye to old ones, even moving countries: there's nothing quite like the reality of pro ball. 

Trey's career in fact started by playing college ball at the Virginia Military Institute, studying biology, a degree that would set him up well for his current work. VMI was an unexpected turn, but it shaped the character, leadership and decision-making skills that have been so valuable since.

As his playing career came to an end, Trey transitioned from baseball to nonprofit work, focusing on community impact. Trey is now Director of Partnerships for Roc Solid Foundation,  a charity that builds hope for kids fighting cancer nationwide.

Roc Solid distribute Ready Bags to families just after they hear the devastating news that their child has cancer, and also provide backyard playsets to kids in treatment. Since public, general-access playgrounds tend to be pretty heavy with germs, kids who are immunocompromised simply cannot risk playing there. Roc Solid coordinates the fundraising, distribution and assembly of safe playsets so kids can do what they do best: play.

Trey will be the first to tell you the joy and healing that play brings to these children, and the various ways individuals and organizations can get involved to support this cause.

"It's such a fun moment when you have this little kid that's gone through so much, and then all of a sudden just bright smiles and happy. 

But to be the connector, to get the email or the phone call back that says, 'Oh my gosh, this was the most fun team building experience we've ever had. This was the most impactful moment we've ever had as a team together,' it's honestly the most cup-filling part of it." - Trey Barham

Learn more about Trey Barham and Roc Solid Foundation:

• rocsolidfoundation.org/trey-barham

Chapters

00:00 Baseball Career and Experiences
08:49 Parenting and Encouraging Sports in Children
12:57 Life Lessons from Sports and Professional Experiences
22:43 The Standout Players in Baseball and Sports
26:30 The Mission of Roc Solid Foundation
30:01 National Reach and Community Impact
36:22 The Importance of Play in Healing
41:55 Upcoming Events and Opportunities to Help

If we can ever be of help to you, give us a call at 1-877-VETS WIN, or visit https://www.graybroughton.com.

Katie Allen was born to teach.

Don't just take it from us, these are her exact words! Katie has known for as long as she can remember that teaching is what she wanted to do. 

And now that her dream has become a reality, as a 5th grade teacher in Chesterfield, VA, she can truly reflect on and recognize the joy and fulfilment that brings her into work every day. Sometimes at 6:30 in the morning (the school day starts at 9:10 am).

But as she shares with us today, and would be the first to admit, contemporary teaching is not all roses and satisfaction. Teaching is one of the most challenging professions there is, from the simple volume of kids, to getting enough support for neurodivergent students, the bureaucratic maze and, of course, salaries that don't always recognize the value nor the commitment involved.

Katie herself has ADHD, but turns that to her advantage in the classroom, whether through creative projects, the ambience of the classroom, building relationships or or in simply empathizing with neurodivergent students and their reality. 

We learn today how teaching is a blend of hard work and rewarding moments, and why community support can significantly impact teachers' effectiveness. Listen to the teachers in your life, lend them your ear, show them patience: they've earned it!

"You have to trust yourself, because most of teaching is thinking on the fly, reacting to things as they come up. Kids will say stuff to you that you never expected to hear in your whole life. So I trust myself and I listen to my intuition." - Katie Allen

Chapters

00:00 The Joy of Teaching and Personal Identity
03:14 Becoming a Teacher During COVID-19
07:01 A Day in the Life of a Fifth Grade Teacher
12:11 Creating an Engaging Classroom Environment
18:17 The Fulfilment of a Teacher and Student Connection
28:00 Creating a Safe Learning Environment
31:43 The Challenges of Teaching in 2026
36:28 How Teachers Can Be Supported

If we can ever be of help to you, give us a call at 1-877-VETS WIN, or visit https://www.graybroughton.com.

Chris Beach, CEO of the Fatherhood Foundation of Virginia, is a living embodiment of his organization's mission: The beauty of fatherhood lies in shared experiences and learning from one another.

Chris shares the poignant personal story of his father suddenly leaving the family, when Chris was 16, and the gap that suddenly existed in his life. That experience shaped many of Chris' future choices and perspectives on life, from teaching and volunteer work, to his own relationship with his wife and four boys, and ultimately leading to his deeply meaningful and important work with the Fatherhood Foundation.

Work-life balance is a significant challenge for fathers. We know the pressure that exists to provide and be present simultaneously. But when we look back, years from now, time spent with children is more valuable than material success. 

The Fatherhood Foundation of Virginia's objective is to strengthen fatherhood, creating safe spaces for dads to ask questions and address the stigma around seeking help. Through shared experiences, coaching, events and support systems, Chris and his organization are there to give dads recognition and empowerment, for the benefit of themselves and their families.

Take it from Chris: "Life goes way too fast. Kids need their dads." - Chris Beach

Learn more about Chris Beach and the Fatherhood Foundation of Virginia:

• www.vadad.org

Chapters

00:00 Creating Safe Spaces for Dads
05:58 The Impact of Fatherhood on Families
12:11 Breaking the Silence: Men Talking to Men
20:59 Work-Life Balance for Fathers
25:01 Coaching and Counseling: Breaking the Stigma
29:54 The Importance of Communication
33:58 Events and Initiatives for Dads
41:31 The Vital Role of Dads in Children's Lives

If we can ever be of help to you, give us a call at 1-877-VETS WIN, or visit https://www.graybroughton.com.

Dr. Clay Mountcastle is the director of the Virginia War Memorial, the Commonwealth of Virginia’s premier monument, museum, and educational center, dedicated to Virginians who served to defend the United States from World War II through today.

Clay himself grew up in a military family stationed abroad, spending most of his childhood growing up in Germany, witnessing the impacts of the Cold War and the fight against Communism first hand. These experiences would form a lasting impact on his perspectives and world view.

A retired U.S. Army officer, his military service took him to Germany, South Korea and Iraq on assignments with the 82nd Airborne Division, U.S. Army 5th Corps and U.S. Army Special Operations Command. He is a 1994 graduate of the Virginia Military Institute and holds a Masters and PhD in History from Duke University. 

Most recently, he served as Professor of Military History at the University of Washington in Seattle and as an Assistant Professor of Military History at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Lee, Virginia.

Our conversation today highlights the importance of interactive military history, and in this respect the Virginia War Memorial is a national standard bearer in its combination of memorial and active programming. Through education and storytelling, the memorial serves as a bridge between civilians and veterans.

Our thanks to Dr. Clay for joining us today, sharing his story and the mission of the VWM. No matter where you live in Virginia, or if you are visiting our state, know that this memorial caters to everyone, is for everyone, and encourages exploration of this living tribute to sacrifice.

"It wasn't just about seeing names on a wall. It became about understanding the history of those names and stories. To honor those that have made the ultimate sacrifice, and learn about service to the country." - Dr. Clay Mountcastle

Learn more about Dr. Clay Mountcastle and the Virginia War Memorial:

• www.vawarmemorial.org 
• www.linkedin.com/in/clay-mountcastle

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Virginia War Memorial
02:55 Growing Up in a Military Family
09:03 The Impact of Military Life on Personal Development
15:01 The Importance of History and Military Heritage
29:44 The Virginia War Memorial: Honoring Sacrifice
37:52 The Power of Storytelling: Engaging Generations
40:59 The Impact of the Virginia War Memorial
43:38 Preserving History: Capturing Veterans' Stories
46:57 How to Support the Virginia War Memorial

If we can ever be of help to you, give us a call at 1-877-VETS WIN, or visit https://www.graybroughton.com.

In the first episode of The People Who Make Virginia, presented by Gray Broughton Injury Law, hosts Sharif Gray, Gray Broughton and Harry Fonseca introduce themselves and explain the show’s purpose. 

Gray shares his Richmond upbringing, Army JAG service after 9/11 with deployments including Iraq, and ultimately the founding of Broughton Injury Law in Richmond, Virginia in 2018, now a 15-person firm. 

Harry recounts immigrating with his mother from Managua, Nicaragua to Virginia in 2007, at the age of 12, starting personal injury intake work in 2016, and now serving as head of intake and business development for the Gray Broughton firm. 

Sharif describes growing up in Northern Virginia, but also spending years of his childhood in Egypt and Lebanon, before attending VMI and UVA Law. Years of army trial experience, federal clerkships and working in big law ultimately led to discovering personal injury law, which has become his passion. Sharif also hosts the popular "Courtroom Stories & Tactics" podcast, which profiles trial lawyers from across the country and their advice for young lawyers entering the field.

The People Who Make Virginia however does not have a legal focus specifically, but rather a broader aim of shining a spotlight on Virginia's community leaders, behind-the-scenes contributors and unsung heroes, to give them a platform to share their stories and projects. With put a particular focus on veterans, and their unique angle and experience.

The goal is to show how people are contributing to Virginia, to give them recognition, and to enable connections that make our communities stronger.

These are The People Who Make Virginia: “Real Stories from Virginia’s Leaders.”

If we can ever be of help to you, give us a call at 1-877-VETS WIN, or visit https://www.graybroughton.com.

These are the people who make Virginia.

Whether born and raised here, or have come to Virginia and made it their home, these are our neighbors and colleagues, people who are contributing to the health and growth of our communities.

In this podcast, we have engaging and inspiring conversations with leaders in Virginia. And not just political leaders or business leaders, but people from all walks of life who are making a difference, and have amazing stories to share.

Because we want to give them a platform and spotlight, so people know who they are and what they bring to the table.

And ultimately: to provide you, our listeners and viewers, the opportunity to discover and connect with our guests, and strengthen the bonds of community across this great state.

The People Who Make Virginia is presented by our firm, Gray Broughton Injury Law, a personal injury law firm that represents those who have been seriously injured through no fault of their own. We fight to protect the injured and see that they get the compensation they deserve. 

If we can ever be of help to you, give us a call at 1-877-VETS WIN, or visit https://www.graybroughton.com.