Virginia Focus

Electric cars are not new. In 1888, the German Andreas Flocken designed the Flocken Elektrowagen, regarded by some as the first "real" electric car and there have been plenty more built since then. Global EV sales more than doubled from 2020 to 2021 but seem to be stalling. On this episode, we're talking to the Director of Product at GM Energy, Derek Sequeira, about the myths surrounding buying an electric vehicle.

This episode is a two-part show. First, we'll be discussing how the Sierra Club's Military Outdoors Program hopes to get feedback from veterans on the best ways to use nature to help reduce the experiences of mental health distress commonly felt by servicemen and women. Vedia Barnett, a Senior Campaign Strategist with the Sierra Club will be our guest to help us learn more. Then, we'll talk to Bradley Phifer, the Executive Director for the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. He'll update us on the importance of ongoing training for our furry friends and the shift in philosophy on the best ways to teach your pup manners both inside and outside of the home.

Americans living in the White House today and throughout history are no strangers to critcism and controversy. However, one child of a former president seems to be a favorite because of her outlandish antics. On this episode, we're discussing the fascinating historical biography of America's most memorable first daughter, Alice Lee Roosevelt. Shelley Fraser Mickle is the author of the book "White House Wild Child: How Alice Roosevelt Broke All the Rules and Won the Heart of America".

In December 2023, the Housing Market Index showed that home builders reported an "uptick" in traffic among prospective buyers who previously felt priced out of the market. The Mortgage Bankers Association says mortgage refinancing applications are up the same month significantly for Federal Housing Association and Veterans Affairs refinance applications. Meanwhile, NBC Radio reports the average monthly new mortgage payment nationally is 52-percent higher than the average apartment rent. So, we're talking to So-Fi Certified Financial Planner Brian Walsh to get some advice for you for the future.

Some people enjoy drama-free get-togethers with their loved ones, while others feel anxiety at the thought of enduring a holiday party with their families. If you expect to hear critical or harsh remarks about your appearance, relationship status, mental or physical health, financial struggles, or career challenges, you likely know the struggles of being in a toxic family structure. On today's episode, we're talking to Licensed Clinical Psychologist Dr. Tirrell DeGannes about ways to deal with the issues and ways to find out if you are part of the problem.

When a trauma therapist is traumatized by loss, where do they turn? Trauma Therapist Meghan Riordan Jarvis knew how to help her patients process grief. Although, she came undone when her father died after a year-long battle with cancer, followed by her mother’s unexpected and sudden passing while on their family vacation. The book "End of the Hour" chronicles her journey trading the therapist’s chair for the patient’s couch, where Meghan took her first steps toward healing.

The Alliance for a Healthier Generation hosted hundreds of school and district leaders at the "Americas Healthiest Schools Leaders Summit" in Washington, D.C. recently. They boast the title of "Americas Healthiest Schools", which is Healthier Generation’s annual recognition program that honors schools for adopting best practices to advance the physical, mental, and social-emotional health of staff and students. On today's episode we're talking to Carol McQuillan, a teacher from Bristow, Virginia.

Estimates suggest that advancements in generative artificial intelligence have the potential to drive a 5 to 6 percent per annum increase in global GDP over the next 10 years. A new report titled Beyond AI: Generative AI and the next wave of disruption highlights generative AI’s transformative capabilities and provides guidance on how organizations could embrace this rapidly evolving technology. GHD Digital launched a new platform to empower clients to harness the full potential of AI and it's all based on years of research. On today's episode, company President Kumar Parakala will discuss how the global market for generative AI is exploding and address some common fears.

A Virginia-based business has employed over hundreds of employees over the past 35 years and is well versed in the latest food and catering trends in the industry. The pandemic gave them an opportunity to evolve and adapt to new ways of doing business which includes a new platform they plan to use to create more opportunities within the state. Windows Catering is now launching a new platform that aims to further innovate the industry and create opportunities for potential employees and customers alike. On this episode we're talking with CEO Andrew Gerstel to learn more.

Stories of survival can easily become inspiration to others. On this episode, we're talking to the author of "Hell If We Don't Change Our Ways", a People magazine pick for the Best Books Fall 2023. Descriptions call it, “A breathtaking memoir about surviving a horrifying childhood; Means...transforms memories...into a work of art.” Let's get inspired together and speak directly to the writer, Brittany Means.