America's Healthiest City
America's Healthiest City is a podcast about how Richmond, VA, is building a healthier community — one initiative, one leader, one idea at a time. Hosted by Will Melton, each episode goes inside the people and programs reshaping Richmond's approach to health: the local leaders driving change, the solutions working on the ground, and the practical steps you can take to make a difference where you live. From food access and mental health to fitness, healthcare, and the systems that connect them, the show looks at what a healthy city actually requires — and who's doing the work. If you care about Richmond and want to understand what moves the needle on community health, this is your show. Learn more at americashealthiestcity.com or subscribe at channelrva.com/shows/americas-healthiest-city. Instagram: @americashealthiestcity America's Healthiest City is a production of Channel RVA.
Episodes
Fall prevention has a new tool: a smartphone camera. Vincent Vu, founder of Kinis AI, demos the balance test built to catch instability weeks before it becomes a fall.
Falling gets treated like an inevitable part of aging, but the CDC numbers Vu found tell a different story. Falls are the leading cause of injury death for adults over 65, cost the U.S. $80 billion a year, and result in a hip fracture for 95% of people who experience ...
Erin Gallagher became one of Richmond's leading voices on suicide prevention after her 18-year-old son, Jay, died by suicide in 2016, with no prior diagnosis and no warning signs anyone recognized in time. On this episode of America's Healthiest City, host Will Melton sits down with Gallagher, founder of Jay Walkers, to talk about grief, stigma, and the prevention tools most families have never heard of.
Gallagher walks through the ...
Sports Backers sold out the Allianz Richmond Marathon in June, five months before anyone lines up to run in November. On race weekend, the organization puts 22,000 runners on Richmond streets, backed by thousands of volunteers and tens of thousands of spectators. Another 1,400 people meet every weekend for 24 weeks just to get ready for it.
Will Dixon runs all of it. He has been with Sports Backers for 19 years and took over as exec...
Alex Kocher moved to Richmond from Oregon four years ago and started designing jerseys for a team that didn't exist yet. That team became the Richmond Ivy, Richmond's women's soccer team. But logos and kits can look perfect, and still fail if the experience around it feels hollow. That’s why talking with Alex's perspectives on design and how it plays into the larger story of how soccer can unite a community matters for Richmo...
Richmond personal trainer Aubrey Eicher built a 3-location fitness business on one idea: the physical transformation is the least interesting part.
🔗 Try a free exploratory session: https://thewellpf.com
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Aubrey Eicher, founder of The Well Personal Fitness, has been in the Richmond fitness and wellness space since 2014 — w...
What happens when a public health physician becomes mayor and immediately faces a massive infrastructure failure? In this riveting conversation, Dr. Danny Avula takes us behind the scenes of Richmond's recent water crises and shares his unexpected journey from medicine to municipal leadership.
Just five days after taking office in January 2024, Mayor Avula found himself navigating an emergency that affected nearly half a mil...
Did you know that Virginians are literally throwing away one-third of the energy we pay for? As our state faces the challenge of energy demand doubling over the next decade, understanding how to use energy efficiently has never been more critical.
Rochelle Sommer, Senior Communications Specialist with the Virginia State Corporation Commission, joins us to explain how Virginia Energy Sense—the state's only mandated ener...
MetaFit Rx brings clinical testing usually reserved for elite athletes to everyday people seeking longevity and improved health through data-driven approaches. Founders Melissa and David Ambrose combine physiological testing with behavioral support to help clients understand their unique metabolic profiles and implement sustainable lifestyle changes.
• Clinical exercise physiologist Melissa Ambrose provides scientific testin...
Richmond's evolution into a healthier, more vibrant community flows directly through the Virginia Capital Trail, a 52-mile pathway connecting the city to Williamsburg that has transformed how residents experience outdoor recreation and community connection.
Kat Anthony, Executive Director of the Capital Trail Foundation, brings her passion for outdoor accessibility to her role overseeing this vital community asset. As a Rich...
Lance Lemon shares his journey from childhood actor to Richmond entrepreneur, spotlighting his Super Bowl commercial for Penny's Wine Shop and his vision for revitalizing Jackson Ward.
• Growing up in Mechanicsville with summers in Richmond gave Lance a unique perspective bridging city and country upbringings
• Named Penny's Wine Shop after Maggie Walker's St. Luke Penny Savings Bank, honoring Jackson Ward's rich history ...
The final episode of America’s Healthiest City reflects on the past year’s efforts and experiences while looking ahead to new community-focused programming in 2025. Key themes include addressing youth violence, promoting out-of-school programming, and emphasizing grassroots activism as essential components in building a healthier Richmond.
• Reflecting on the show’s journey and mission
• Addressing...
What if affordable housing could be the key to transforming communities and creating thriving opportunities for all? Join us as Greta Harris, President and CEO of the Better Housing Coalition, shares her remarkable journey from her roots in Danville, Virginia, to becoming a force for change in Richmond. Greta opens up about how her upbringing and her family's commitment to social justice inspired her to lead an organization that ha...
Imagine discovering your true path after leaving behind a seemingly perfect corporate life. That's my story, and today, I’m joined by Michelle Mercurio, a dynamic creative entrepreneur, to explore the magic of personal branding and creativity. Together, we unlock the foundational importance of self-awareness, emphasizing that truly liking, knowing, and trusting oneself is essential before expecting others to follow suit. Mich...
Sparkle Taylor joins us for an episode filled with raw honesty and inspiration, as she shares her story of resilience and growth in Richmond’s Gilpin Court. From overcoming homelessness to finding a home, Sparkle navigates the complexities of her community with a unique perspective. Her experiences during the COVID pandemic highlight how online EBT transactions provided crucial support for her and her family. Through her eyes...
What if the secret to a healthier life lies not in traditional medicine, but in the food we eat? Join us for a conversation with David Wadlick, the Chief Collaboration and Programs Officer for Feedmore, as he shares his incredible journey from a 20-year career in the US Navy to reshaping community health initiatives in Richmond. With an MBA from the University of Virginia and a diverse background in healthcare, David is spearheadin...
Richmond Marathon champion Rob Mazzanti joins us to share the dynamic story behind his recent victory and the vibrant city he calls home. From his formative years at the University of Richmond to his pivotal role in the tennis world, Rob's journey is marked by determination and a profound connection to Richmond. Get ready to uncover the inspiration behind his return to this lively city and how it perfectly balances the energy of ur...
Discover how childhood athleticism can pave the way for future success as we sit down with the inspiring John Lugbill, Executive Director of Sports Backers. From world champion canoeist and Olympian to a community leader making waves in Richmond, John's journey is as fascinating as it is motivating. He shares how initiatives like the "Kids on the Move" clubs are breaking barriers to physical activity in low-income areas, helping to...
Ever wondered how cities can truly become healthier and more equitable places to live? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Jeremy Hoffman, PhD, the Director of Climate Justice and Impact at Groundwork USA. Jeremy shares his incredible journey from the Midwest to Richmond, igniting a passion for environmental science and climate justice. We uncover Richmond's ambitious plans to become America's healthiest city by 2033, foc...
Racheal Cook, CEO and founder of the CEO Collective, joined us to share her inspiring journey from the world of consulting to her mission of empowering women entrepreneurs. Her personal story of reevaluation and transformation offers a powerful narrative about prioritizing a life-first business model, especially for women striving to define success on their own terms. We explore Racheal's vision of a healthier Richmond by 2033 and ...
Explore the inspiring journey of Richmond's transformation with Reggie Gordon, CEO of the Richmond Memorial Health Foundation. Discover how Reggie's roots in Richmond and his career in law and human services fuel his commitment to tackling social determinants of health. We promise you'll gain insights into the power of mentorship and life skills in empowering under-resourced communities. Reggie's personal and professional experienc...
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