Discover Virginia Podcast

Hosted by Joseph Trahan

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Episodes

163

Latest episode

Oct 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Welcome to Discover Virginia, the ultimate podcast for anyone looking to uncover the hidden gems, rich history, and vibrant culture of the state of Virginia. Hosted by Joseph Trahan, each episode takes you on a journey through the diverse regions of Virginia. We explore the best places to eat, the most exciting events, and the unique stories that make Virginia a must-visit destination. In every episode, we sit down with local experts, business owners, and community leaders who share their insider knowledge and personal experiences, giving you a true sense of what life is like in Virginia. Whether you're a local, a newcomer, or planning your next vacation, Discover Virginia is your go-to guide for everything this incredible state has to offer. Join us as we dive deep into the heart of Virginia, exploring its past, celebrating its present, and looking ahead to its bright future. Don’t miss out on discovering your Virginia vibe!

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60 recent

October 13, 202629 min

Inside East Side Muay Thai: Eight Limbs, 50+ Titles & the Tradition Behind the Fight | Kru Jose

What does it take to build champions without losing the tradition, discipline, and respect behind the fight? For this episode of the Discover Virginia Podcast, we step inside East Side Muay Thai in Virginia Beach for an on-location conversation with owner and head coach Kru Jose Aguirre. Jose’s journey in martial arts began at just four years old with Taekwondo before he discovered Muay Thai at 13. After building an extensive amateur career, he eventually traveled to Thailand and fought professionally under the Fairtex name in 2012—an experience that would shape not only the fighter he became, but the teacher and coach he would later become. Discover_Virginia_Kru_Jose_Agui… After his own fighting career, Jose turned his attention toward coaching and building East Side Muay Thai, creating a program in Virginia Beach that serves everyone from complete beginners to athletes competing on the national and international stage. East Side credits Jose with coaching fighters to more than 50 national, international, and world championship titles. Discover_Virginia_Kru_Jose_Agui… That work eventually took Jose from Virginia Beach to the world stage. In 2023, Jose served as a United States Muay Thai Federation Head Coach under IFMA. At the IFMA World Championships that year, the United States finished second overall behind Thailand, and Jose was recognized as one of the event’s Head Coaches of the Year. Discover_Virginia_Kru_Jose_Agui… His contribution to the sport was recognized again in 2026, when Jose received an IFMA Presidential Award honoring more than a decade of dedication and contribution to Muay Thai in the United States. Most recently, East Side Muay Thai’s fighters added two more championship belts to the gym’s growing collection of 100 belts and counting. Summer Bronco became a professional WKA World Champion and the first American WMO World Champion, unifying both world titles, while Jordan Wilson captured the professional WKA U.S. Championship and continues to hold the Freedom U.S. title. Together, their wins are another example of the championship culture Jose and the East Side team have built in Virginia Beach. But this episode isn’t only about championships. Jose takes us inside the history and culture of Muay Thai—the Art of Eight Limbs—and explains how fists, elbows, knees, kicks, the teep, and the clinch work together as one fighting system. We also explore the traditions that surround the sport, including the Wai Kru Ram Muay, and why gratitude toward teachers, lineage, and respect remain such an important part of how Jose teaches Muay Thai today. D This episode was filmed inside East Side Muay Thai in Virginia Beach and is Part 1 of our two-part visit to the gym. In the next episode, we continue the story with Chase “The Weapon” Walden—professional fighter, coach, international referee, and Team USA leader—as we go deeper into competition, fighting overseas, international Muay Thai, and what it takes to represent the United States on the world stage. Guest Bio — Kru Jose Aguirre Kru Jose Aguirre is the Owner and Head Coach of East Side Muay Thai in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Jose began martial arts at age four with Taekwondo before transitioning to Muay Thai at 13. After developing an extensive amateur career, he went on to fight professionally in Thailand under the Fairtex name in 2012. Today, Jose is recognized as one of the leading Muay Thai coaches in the United States. He served as a 2023 United States Muay Thai Federation Head Coach under IFMA, was named one of the 2023 IFMA World Championships Head Coaches of the Year, and has also served as a two-time WKA Team USA Head Coach and two-time USMF assistant coach under IFMA. East Side credits him with coaching fighters to more than 50 national, international, and world championship titles. Discover_Virginia_Kru_Jose_Agui… In 2026, Jose received an IFMA Presidential Award, recognizing more than a decade of dedication and contribution to Muay Thai in the United States. At East Side Muay Thai, Jose has built a program that serves everyone from complete beginners to high-level competitors, with an emphasis on technical development, discipline, respect, and preserving the traditions and culture of Muay Thai.

October 6, 202647 min

Back to School, But Still Struggling to Read? What Parents Need to Know | Kirby Frank | TLC

Back-to-school season brings new teachers, new routines—and for some parents, the realization that their child may be struggling more than expected. On this episode of the Discover Virginia Podcast, Joseph Trahan sits down with Kirby Frank, owner of Tidewater Learning Center in Virginia Beach, to talk about what parents should actually be watching for when it comes to reading, learning differences, and academic confidence. Kirby shares her journey from the classroom to becoming the owner of Tidewater Learning Center and why she became passionate about helping families get to the root of a child’s learning challenges. They break down early warning signs, dyslexia and ADHD, educational evaluations, IEPs, structured literacy, and what terms like Orton-Gillingham actually mean for a parent trying to help their child. The conversation also explores a critical transition in a child’s education: the early years are about learning to read, while later grades increasingly require students to read in order to learn. When foundational skills are missing, those gaps can become harder to overcome. Most importantly, this episode gives parents practical questions to ask when their instincts are telling them their child may need more support. Tidewater Learning Center provides educational evaluations, individualized tutoring, structured literacy support, and consultation for families navigating IEPs and other educational needs throughout Hampton Roads. Tidewater Learning Center (https://tidewaterlearningcenter.com/frequently-asked-questions/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Kirby Frank, C-SLDI is the owner of Tidewater Learning Center in Virginia Beach. Kirby holds degrees in Education and Communications from the University of North Florida and has more than a decade of experience as an educator, including five years teaching second grade. Tidewater Learning Center (https://tidewaterlearningcenter.com/about/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Today, she leads a team focused on helping students and families better understand the root causes of academic challenges through individualized tutoring, educational evaluations, structured literacy instruction, and educational consulting. Tidewater Learning Center serves families throughout Virginia Beach and the greater Hampton Roads region. Tidewater Learning Center (https://tidewaterlearningcenter.com/frequently-asked-questions/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Tidewater Learning Center (https://tidewaterlearningcenter.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

September 25, 202634 min

Inside Town Center Cold Press | Tiffany Nieves

What started as a small juice kiosk inside Daily Grind Coffee in Virginia Beach has grown into a multi-location brand serving coffee, smoothie bowls, sandwiches, superfood drinks, and a whole lot more. In this episode of the Discover Virginia Podcast, Joseph Trahan sits down with Tiffany Nieves, co-founder of Town Center Cold Press, to talk about the pivots, experiments, and business decisions that helped shape the company into what it is today. Tiffany shares how the concept evolved from juice to superfood lattes, bowls, salads, coffee, and food and how Covid forced the team to simplify the menu and rethink what customers actually wanted. We also get into Town Center Cold Press’s unique “healthy-ish” identity, why they roast their own coffee locally, what “grade-one” coffee actually means, and how flavors like maple bacon and cinnamon roll make their way into the lineup. The conversation also looks at the company’s next chapter: college campuses and airports explorations. With a presence at William & Mary, an ODU location opening in fall 2026, and future interest in colleges and airports Town Center Cold Press is using campus partnerships to introduce the brand to customers early and build recognition across Virginia. Tiffany and Joseph also talk about working with Aramark, learning from William & Mary MBA students, growing with multiple business partners, and figuring out how to expand without losing the personality that made the brand work in the first place. It’s a conversation about coffee, food, branding, business pivots, college expansion, and what it really takes to keep evolving as a local company grows.

September 15, 202636 min

More Than Learning Steps: How Dance Builds Confidence & Connection | Krystyna Dubrovshchenko & Vital

In this episode of the Discover Virginia Podcast, Joseph Trahan sits down with Krystyna Dubrovshchenko and Vitalii Starikov, owners and instructors at Fred Astaire Dance Studios – Chesapeake East, to talk about ballroom dancing, building confidence, creating community, and the journey that brought them to Chesapeake, Virginia. Their story stretches from Ukraine to Dubai, North Carolina, and eventually Hampton Roads. Krystyna began dancing at just six years old, later earning a degree in dance education in Ukraine, while Vitalii’s journey eventually took him to teaching ballroom in Dubai. The two met while attending university in Ukraine and ultimately built a life and career around the thing they both loved: dance. After years of teaching with Fred Astaire, they pursued a longtime goal of opening their own studio in Chesapeake. Since opening, they’ve introduced hundreds of students to more than 20 styles of ballroom dance — from Waltz and Foxtrot to Salsa, Bachata, Swing, Cha Cha, Rumba, and Krystyna’s personal favorite, Tango. But this conversation goes beyond learning where to put your feet. Krystyna and Vitalii explain why many students initially say they’re dancing simply for fun, while underneath that answer may be a desire to get out of the house, reconnect with a spouse, meet people, exercise, rebuild confidence, work through a difficult season, or simply try something new. We also explore what a first ballroom lesson actually looks like, why beginners don’t need any previous dance experience, how instructors help students find the styles that fit them best, and how the friendships formed inside the studio often continue long after the lesson ends. And of course, we have to answer the important questions: Who’s harder to impress on the dance floor? Why does Krystyna love Tango? And can someone who swears they have absolutely no rhythm actually learn to dance? It’s a fun conversation about dance, relationships, confidence, community, starting over, and discovering something new right here in Chesapeake.

September 8, 202621 min

How Sojourn Fermentory Is Changing the Brewery Experience in Suffolk ft. Nicole Couch

How much foam should actually be on top of your beer? In this episode of the Discover Virginia Podcast, Joseph Trahan sits down with Nicole Couch of Sojourn Fermentory for a fun, lighthearted conversation about beer, brewery culture, and life in Suffolk, Virginia. Nicole helps break down some of the little things most people never think about when they order a beer — including why the head, or foam, on a beer actually matters, what makes certain styles taste different, and how learning a little more about what is in your glass can make the experience more enjoyable. But Sojourn is about much more than alcohol. The conversation explores how the brewery has created a place where people can come together for food, events, conversation, community, and a good time, whether they are serious craft beer fans or simply looking for somewhere to hang out. https://sojournfermentory.com/

September 1, 202631 min

Still Small, Still Local: Inside Wasserhund Brewing’s Growth Across Hampton Roads, Virginia

What starts with a home brewing book, a chemical engineering degree, and a trip to Oktoberfest can apparently become three brewery-restaurants across Hampton Roads. In this episode of the Discover Virginia Podcast, Joseph Trahan sits down with Christine Holley, co-owner of Wasserhund Brewing Company, to unpack the real story behind one of Hampton Roads’ most recognizable local brewery brands. Christine shares how she and her husband Aaron went from high-school sweethearts and Virginia Tech chemical engineers to building a brewery from scratch in Virginia Beach. A 60-page business plan helped get the idea off the ground, but an unexpected pizza oven inside their first location helped change the direction of the business before the doors even opened. Christine also explains why Wasserhund never wanted to serve ordinary frozen bar food. Pizza, bratwurst, mozzarella sticks, chicken and other menu items became part of a larger commitment to making the business feel personal, intentional, and handcrafted. As Christine puts it, walking into a small business can feel like walking into someone’s “love language” — because everything from the logo to the food to the beer has grown from something deeply personal. The conversation also gets into what it really looks like to grow from one location to three while remaining a true small business. Christine talks about keeping ownership in-house, learning how to trust employees with more freedom, adapting to customer feedback, and finding a different personality for each Wasserhund location in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Norfolk. There are also plenty of unexpected moments along the way — from Wasserhund quickly abandoning its “no IPA” stance after customers demanded one, to Christine convincing the team to make an Oreo-inspired beer that sold out in a single day. And underneath the beer, food, and growth is a bigger story about community. Wasserhund continues to host weekly charity nights, build partnerships with local organizations, and remind customers that even with three locations, this is still a locally owned business that cares deeply about what it puts into the community and onto the table. https://wasserhundbrewing.com/

August 25, 202621 min

Who Are You Becoming? Candice West on Somatic Healing, Permission Granted & MatchMaker VA

What must you release before you can become the person you know you are meant to be? In this episode of the Discover Virginia Podcast, Joseph sits down with Candice West, somatic practitioner, embodiment facilitator, producer with MatchMaker VA, and bestselling author of Permission Granted: From Who I’ve Been to Who I’m Becoming. Candice helps individuals and groups move out of constant overthinking and reconnect with the wisdom of their bodies. Her work explores what happens when we stop living according to old expectations, acknowledge what is changing within us, and give ourselves permission to evolve. Candice shares the meaning behind one of the central ideas in her book: “To acknowledge your awakening, embrace your truth, and honor your journey of transformation.” She also takes us back to a pivotal experience in the Colorado mountains in 2024 and explains when she realized she was ready to share her story publicly. Together, Joseph and Candice explore the different stages of personal transformation described in her book: The Me Era The Evolution Era The Blooming Era The Self-Renaissance Era Cashing in your permission slip Candice explains the difficult self-evaluation that must happen before real change can begin, the role the body plays in processing our experiences, and what she considers one of the hardest things she has ever had to do. The conversation also goes behind the scenes of MatchMaker VA, a new take on dating culture in Hampton Roads. As an official partner and producer, Candice supports contestants through the emotional realities of the experience, helping create a process that feels more grounded, honest, and human for both the participants and the audience. Candice also previews the Permission Granted Experience, coming to the Sandler Center on September 12, 2026. This episode is for anyone navigating reinvention, questioning an old identity, or trying to understand who they are becoming next.

August 18, 20261 hr 12 min

The Volunteers Behind Virginia Beach’s Biggest Beach Tradition

What does it actually look like when young leaders are trusted with real responsibility in their community? In this special two-part Discover Virginia Podcast series, Joseph sits down with the people behind the Virginia Beach Jaycees and one of Virginia Beach’s most recognizable traditions—the 64th Annual Coastal Edge East Coast Surfing Championships, better known as ECSC. Our guests are: Lisa Agosto — President of VB Jaycees Charities and Executive Assistant with Upward Spiral Management Sean Brady — President of the Virginia Beach Jaycees Lindsey Peard — Chairwoman of the 64th Annual Coastal Edge East Coast Surfing Championships PART 1: The Virginia Beach Jaycees The Virginia Beach Jaycees are part of a larger leadership-development movement built around giving young adults opportunities to lead, serve, build relationships, and create positive change through real-world experience. But what does that actually mean? Lisa and Sean take us behind the organization to explain how members can go from simply looking for a way to meet people or volunteer to eventually leading teams, organizing major projects, developing other leaders, and making decisions that impact the Virginia Beach community. We explore the connection between the local Virginia Beach chapter and Junior Chamber International, the larger global network dedicated to developing young leaders around the world. We also get into the community initiatives supported by the Jaycees and VB Jaycees Charities, including First Citizen of Virginia Beach, the Christmas Shopping Tour, the Flame of Hope POW/MIA Memorial, and the organization’s ongoing commitment to giving back to Hampton Roads. At the center of the conversation is a simple leadership lesson: You don’t have to already see yourself as a leader to start becoming one. PART 2: Behind the East Coast Surfing Championships Then we head to the beach. Lindsey Peard and Lisa Agosto take us behind the scenes of the 64th Annual Coastal Edge East Coast Surfing Championships, happening August 23–30, 2026, at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. ECSC began in 1963 when local surfers approached the Virginia Beach Jaycees for help turning an idea for a surf competition into an organized event. More than six decades later, organizers recognize it as the oldest continually run surfing competition in the world. But what most people see on the beach is only the finished product. Lindsey and Lisa reveal the massive volunteer effort, sponsorships, year-round planning, leadership, logistics, and last-minute problem solving required to bring ECSC to life. Lindsey shares how she originally volunteered because she wanted the iconic ECSC volunteer shirt—and how that decision eventually led her from being nervous speaking in front of a crowd to leading a committee of roughly 30 people and chairing the event herself. Lisa shares her own progression from ECSC volunteer to committee leadership, vice chair, and eventually chair, along with one of the most important leadership lessons she has taken from the Jaycees: develop the person who can eventually take your place. We also unpack some of the wildest moments in ECSC history, including having to tear down and rebuild major portions of the event around severe weather, and how the organization has learned to pivot, adapt, and keep moving when there is no playbook. The conversation goes beyond surfing as we explore Adaptive Beach Day, skating, live music, community activations, the World Surf League, sponsors, local businesses, and the expanding beach culture that now surrounds ECSC. Today, the event spans seven days, welcomes hundreds of competitors, and creates substantial economic activity throughout Virginia Beach. Current ECSC materials report 50,000+ visitors, $16.4 million in visitor expenditures, and more than $25 million in local economic impact. This two-part conversation is ultimately about much more than surfing or volunteering. It is about what can happen when people are given an opportunity to lead, when generations of volunteers take ownership of a local tradition, and when a community decides something is worth continuing to build. LEARN MORE & GET INVOLVED Virginia Beach Jaycees VBJaycees.org Learn about membership, community initiatives, volunteer opportunities, First Citizen of Virginia Beach, Christmas Shopping, and other Jaycees projects. 64th Annual Coastal Edge East Coast Surfing Championships SurfECSC.com (https://www.surfecsc.com/) Find the 2026 schedule, athlete registration, volunteer information, sponsorship opportunities, events, and everything happening August 23–30 at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Junior Chamber International JCI.cc Learn more about the global leadership-development organization behind the larger Junior Chamber movement.

August 11, 202612 min

How New Realm Brewing Builds Buzz, Community & the Perfect Guest Experience | Cassidy Marshall

What does it take to market more than a beer—and turn a brewery into a place people want to return to again and again? In this episode of the Discover Virginia Podcast, Joseph sits down with Cassidy Marshall, marketing manager for New Realm Brewing, to explore how the brand creates excitement around its beer, food, live music, events, partnerships, and growing presence in Hampton Roads. Cassidy shares what brought her to Virginia and how she built her career with New Realm. She also takes us behind the scenes of a brewery brand founded by Bob Powers, Mitch Steele, and Carey Falcone—with no known connection to Gotham City’s Carmine Falcone. The conversation covers New Realm’s approach to creating a signature guest experience, from the beer and dining menu to the atmosphere surrounding each visit. Cassidy explains how her team selects live music, develops events, and keeps the experience consistent while still giving each location its own personality. We also discuss the business value of collaborations with organizations such as Old Dominion University and the Virginia International Tattoo. Cassidy breaks down how the right partnerships can strengthen community relationships, attract new customers, and support both marketing and sales. Finally, we take a closer look at the launch of New Realm’s Party Animal Pack and a few of their new brews that will raise more than your spirits!

August 4, 202636 min

How to succeed in one of the most hated industry... ft Dan Rochon and his new book Teach to Sell

What is the number-one mistake salespeople make that keeps them from closing more deals? According to Dan Rochon, it is believing that selling means convincing, chasing, or pressuring someone into saying yes. Dan is a DMV real estate broker with more than 20 years in business and the author of Teach to Sell, and was recently featured on the TEDX Stage in Italy on how the sales world is changing in favor of more consumer support and transparency. In this episode of the Discover Virginia Podcast, he explains why people do not buy when they feel pushed—they buy when they feel understood. As salespeople and business owners, many of us know the pressure of wondering where the next client will come from. That pressure can lead to bad habits: talking too much, relying on scripts, chasing every lead, and trying to force a decision before understanding the real problem. Dan offers a different approach. Instead of selling, learn how to: Build genuine rapport Ask better questions Listen for pain, desire, and hesitation Help people gain clarity Use systems without losing the human connection Lead prospects toward the best decision for them Create more consistent income without pressure selling We also discuss why so many salespeople remain undertrained, what top performers do differently, and why the greatest obstacle may not be the market, the lead, or the script—but the belief that you are not worthy of success. Dan also shares his perspective on AI’s growing role in sales. Buyers may now have access to more information than the salesperson, but information alone cannot diagnose the real problem, earn trust, or replace a meaningful face-to-face conversation. This episode is for salespeople, real estate agents, founders, coaches, consultants, leaders, and entrepreneurs who want to stop guessing and start understanding the system behind consistent sales. Get Dan Rochon’s book, Teach to Sell, and learn how to create “No Broke Months” by leading with trust instead of pressure. https://teachtosellbook.com/

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