This and That - Life in a Small Town

What’s it like to pack up your life every few months, start over in a new town, and walk into a new workplace ready to go? In this episode of This and That, host, Bryce Hall sits down with Kristin Wright, a traveling physical therapist who has spent years taking her skills—and her four-legged sidekick, Cooper—from one assignment to the next. Kristin shares the realities of life as a traveling PT, from finding housing and navigating state licenses to quickly getting to know new coworkers, patients, and communities. Of all the places her work has taken her, Colonial Beach, VA has become a favorite. What started as another contract turned into several contracts in town, along with friendships that extended well beyond the clinic. Kristin also talks about traveling with Cooper and staying connected with her adult son, Jimi, while on the road. She shares the lessons she’s learned from 30+ years in physical therapy, and what might come next when she finally trades her traveling-PT life for a new adventure. And because this is This and That, there are plenty of laughs along the way—including a runaway cockatiel, Cooper’s beloved “bone of sleeping,” and a reminder from Kristin that motion is lotion. Follow us on Podbean & Spotify @thisandthatCBVA. Check out our podcast Instagram photos @thisandthat.cbva Thank you for listening.  

In this episode of This and That, host Bryce Hall sits down with local creative Rebecca (Becky) Anderson Hunt—an artist, musician, photographer, teacher, and all-around creative spirit. Becky shares her journey from growing up as a military brat to building a life in the small town of Colonial Beach, VA.  Her creativity shows up in just about everything she does. From art and music to teaching and her love of horses, you’ll hear how all the pieces of her life connect in ways she didn’t always expect. Becky also talks about designing the town’s vintage postcard-style LOVE sign, the role community has played in her work, and what it was like balancing creativity with motherhood. Along the way, Becky offers honest, encouraging advice for anyone trying to follow their own creative path. She also offers insights into her artistic process and the importance of staying true to one's vision.  And to wrap it all up, Becky shares a beautiful rendition of “Shady Grove”—a perfect reflection of her style and spirit.    Follow us on Podbean & Spotify @thisandthatCBVA and Instagram @thisandthat.cbva  

In this episode This and That podcast host, Bryce Hall, takes you into the skies above the Town of Colonial Beach's peninsula, The Point. Here ospreys dive, bald eagles soar, and great blue herons glide along the shoreline. Bryce explores the fascinating behaviors of these large coastal birds, from nesting and migration to the surprising (and sometimes messy) realities of sharing space with them, including occasional osprey mishaps and an unexpected surprise left by an eagle.  You will also discover how the community comes together to protect and celebrate its wildlife through festivals, nest cams, hands-on conservation efforts and various art mediums. With practical tips for coexisting with these incredible birds, this episode offers something for both seasoned birdwatchers and anyone simply curious about life along the water. Follow us on Podbean & Spotify @thisandthatCBVA and Instagram @thisandthat.cbva 

In this heartfelt episode of This and That podcast, host Bryce Hall opens up about her battle with endometrial cancer in an intimate conversation led by guest host Kristine Guido. Endometrial cancer incidence has been rising in postmenopausal women. Bryce shares the emotional highs and lows of her diagnosis, the anxiety of waiting for results, and the life-changing experience of undergoing a total hysterectomy and chemotherapy for stage 3 endometrial cancer. With honesty and grace, she reflects on the fear, the importance of self-advocacy in the medical system, and the power of emotional support from loved ones.  Bryce also offers practical tips for navigating treatment and speaks candidly about how faith, community, and the healing comfort of mind, body and soul that she finds by the water in the Town of Colonial Beach, VA. This episode is a raw and inspiring reminder of resilience, hope, and the quiet strength found in life’s hardest chapters.   Follow is on Podbean and Spotify @ thisandthatcbva  On Instagram@ thisandthat.cbva

In a captivating interview, This and That podcast host, Bryce Hall, delves into the remarkable life and achievements of retired Army Colonel John Biemeck. His storied military career spans dramatic experiences in Alaska and Vietnam. Colonel Biemeck's tales of service are as enthralling as his deep-rooted passion for black powder relics. Settling in Colonial Beach, he dedicated years to researching and publishing extensive works on projectiles, contributing his expertise to advise on explosive ordnance. His influence extends into the local Colonial Beach community. John played a pivotal role in initiatives like introducing golf carts to the town. Being a golf cart town enhanced the town’s charm and accessibility. Joining the conversation is Debbie Biemeck, John's steadfast partner in both life and scholarly pursuits. Together, they have curated encyclopedic volumes on projectiles. Debbie's keen editorial skills brought these works to fruition. Their collaborative efforts have led to fascinating discoveries, including artifacts like a 1780 British cannon and the creation of a cannonball monument in their yard. This stands as a testament to their shared passion for history and exploration. This interview not only highlights their impressive contributions to historical research but also paints a vivid picture of their impact on the Colonial Beach community.   Follow us on Podbean & Spotify @thisandthatCBVA and Instagram @thisandthat.cbva