Talk Local To Me

In today’s episode of Talk Local to Me, we’re talking about family traditions, growing a business, leadership, and knowing when it’s time to refuel.Ryan and Delilah with Ry’s Pies N’ Cobblers share how Grandma Nellie Bell’s kitchen and their family legacy became the heart of their business. They talk about growing at the right pace, staying true to their roots, and some of their crowd favorites, including sweet potato cheesecake and banana pudding bread pudding. Plus, they share details on placing orders for the upcoming holiday season.Then, Temika Younger with Virginia Adult Care Education shares the inspiration behind the Lead On Fire Conference. After years of training healthcare leaders, Temika realized they needed more than compliance education. They needed an opportunity to recharge, connect, and grow as leaders. She also shares practical advice on learning to delegate and gives us a look ahead at the 2027 Lead On Fire Conference.It’s another great episode filled with local stories, practical business advice, and inspiration from people making an impact in Central Virginia.

A house fire revealed a gap in Adam’s smoke-alarm setup and helped lead him to start Tech Goat, where he now helps homes and businesses improve security, Wi-Fi and smart-home systems. Adam shares how cameras can miss crucial footage, why separating guest Wi-Fi matters, and how a leak sensor can shut off water before damage spreads. Then Medicare adviser Joe breaks down what to review during open enrollment, including why spouses may need different plans and how moving can affect coverage. Heather and Mike also share local parade news and practical insights from two Central Virginia business owners.

In this episode of Talk Local to Me, host Heather Alto recaps the successful Bedford CenterFest and announces upcoming Christmas parades. She also explains the history and mission of the Central Virginia Business Coalition, which supports over 500 local businesses through networking, marketing, and community events. Heather then interviews Courtney from the Healing Home Foundation, a nonprofit supporting foster, adoptive, and kinship families through trauma-informed resources and caregiver education. Courtney discusses the emotional challenges these families face and shares details about their upcoming Christmas pop-up and ribbon-cutting event on November 14th in Lynchburg.

In this episode of Tea Time, Maggie McCanna, owner of Maggie Takes Pix, shares how her love of photography grew from a childhood hobby into a professional portrait photography business focused on empowering women.Maggie shares how she creates a personalized, luxury photography experience for her clients, from initial consultations and wardrobe planning to professional hair and makeup. She also discusses the challenges of running a business on her own, the importance of knowing your worth, and how joining the Central Virginia Business Coalition (CVABC) helped her build connections within the Central Virginia community after relocating to Amherst County.

In this episode of Talk Local to Me, Heather Alto and Mike Norfield highlight the upcoming Bedford CenterFest on September 19, a free street festival in downtown Bedford from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. They share what attendees can expect, including vendors, live music, kids’ activities, food, parking information, and other event-day details.Later, Allison and Dave from Independent Lifestyles join the conversation to share how their family-owned mobility business helps people maintain their independence. Celebrating 24 years in business, Independent Lifestyles offers a wide range of mobility products and services, including wheelchairs, stair lifts, wheelchair-accessible vehicle modifications, rentals, repairs, and financing options.