Afleveringen
-
Jim's next gig is Saturday, March 22 at the Eastwood Farm & Winery at 2531 Scottsville Rd, Charlottesville from 12:30 to 3:30pm.
After a twenty-eight year career, Jim OâFarrell retired from the Army about sixteen years ago. Jim has been playing a guitar since childhood and now between being in a band and singing solo, a lot of his retirement is filled with writing and playing music. He told Paul what types of venues he plays, the type of music he plays solo as well as with the band and his method for writing songs. They then had a discussion about the history of the Blues, his musical influences and who some of his favorite artists are, both past and present. They talked about Jim being a Vegan along with the way he has changed his gym time mentality and how that has changed his life for the better. They also spoke about how Jim was affected by his interaction with the USO when he was a young soldier. For about the last eight years, Jim has been a volunteer for the USO at the Richmond International Airport and he told Paul about the mission of the USO and why Richmond is a unique USO Center. They discussed him growing up in northern Virginia and his interests which were motorcycles, playing the guitar and martial arts. Jim told Paul he knew he was going into the military at an early age, but he was the first in his family to make it a career. They discussed his military career including his hardest training and his deployments and then they finished by talking about his three sons
-
Dumi Mabhena had lived in four countries by the time he was 22 years old. The four countries were Zimbabwe where he was born, then Canada for a couple of years, South Africa for boarding school and Scotland for college. Dumi talked to Paul about what is was like growing up in Zimbabwe and why he, his mom and his sister moved to Canada for a period of time. He talked about the pros and cons of going to boarding school and how he went to college in Scotland to study one thing and switched to another. Dumi told the story of how a prayer by his father changed the trajectory of his work life. Paul and Dumi discussed the many different cultures he has experienced and he told the story of how he met his wife Anita who has also lived in various places around the globe as well. They finished by talking about his family, Anitaâs family, what he thought of the USA before and after he moved here and he how used to watched a lot of MTV!
-
Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
-
Colonel Winton âDipâ Spiller comes to the podcast via a connection with Paulâs dad Larry (Episode 9). Colonel Winton Spiller was born in Hanover, Virginia and grew up in the Richmond area, mostly on a farm in Henrico County. They talked about how he got his nickname Dip, what his schedule was like growing up on a farm and him remembering when they first got a television. Dip graduated high school and went to Virginia Tech and was in the Corps of Cadets. They discussed his likes and dislikes about being in the Corps at VaTech and how he became active duty United States Army after he graduated in 1960. Dip and Paul spoke about his thirty year career in the U.S. Army which included two tours of duty in Vietnam during the war. They discussed his progression through the ranks, his times in Vietnam as well as some of his state side assignments. They finished by talking about his four sons and his grandchildren.
-
Chuck Casey returns to Stories from the Center of the Universe from when he was on with John Hollis and Jeremy Bowling in Episode #309. Paul and Chuck touched on their organization, The Longest Climb Foundation and Paul reiterated his commitment to help the organization. They then started to talk about Chuck and his military background. Chuck accurately labeled his career as a Unicorn. Chuckâs path is unique and varied as he touched three of the branches of the military during his education and career. After graduating high school, Chuck went into the U.S. Air Force and after about two years, he entered the U.S. Air Force Academy. During that time, he participated in an exchange program and spent a semester at the U.S. Naval Academy. It was there that he met and observed some U.S. Marines and that influenced him to switch from the USAF to the United States Marine Corps after graduating from the USAF Academy. They discussed his career over his nineteen years as a USMC Officer which was also varied and unique. They also talked about Chuck growing up in Massachusetts doing anything and everything on a board and being a drummer. They finished by talking about his wife Annie and how they have four kids.
-
Pai Charasika returns to the podcast to chat with Paul about a few different things. Pai first told Paul about his first hand experience dealing with Hurricane Helene. Pai is a high school football coach in Asheville, NC., an area that was hit very hard by the hurricane in late September 2024. Pai talked about the team having to miss games, but how the boys used that time to help the community which ended up winning them an award from the Army National Guard. It was life lesson they will never forget and when they got back to playing football, they came together and made it to the playoffs! Pai discussed being a financial advisor in Episode 301 and he and Paul talked further about finance and some lessons he teaches his clients. They discussed the NIL and getting student athletes excited about finance and they also covered subjects such as diversification, whether to rent or own and investing. They finished up by talking about the upcoming Super Bowl and Pai told Paul he is a Bears fan because of the 1985 Bears. For Super Bowl LIX, Pai said he is pulling for the Eagles and would like to see them win.
-
Courtney Kimble used to work with Paul and they reconnected after Paul met Courtneyâs dad Anthony last week. Courtney is from Middlesex County, Virginia and Paul and a couple of friends went to eat lunch at Something Different (https://somediff.com) in Urbanna which Anthony and his wife Sarah own. They talked about where Courtney grew up, what Urbanna and Middlesex County are known for and how her best friend is a cousin of another guest that has been on the podcast. Courtney has been laid off for about the last five months. They discussed some great advice she got from her Dad, the perspective she has gained over these five months and what she has learned from going through a lay off. Courtney told Paul what she has done during this time to increase her skills and what she has accomplished to make herself a better candidate for her next job. Courtney talked about growing up, what sports she played, the different schools she went to and being coached by her Dad for a lot of years. They spoke about her schooling after high school and they finished by talking about her love for true crime, the Philadelphia Eagles and how she is looking forward to March Madness after the Super Bowl.
-
COL Jeremy Bowling makes a return to the podcast when he was last on Episode 309 with John Hollis and Chuck Casey. They discussed their efforts to honor Sgt. Rodney Davis as well as their overall goal of helping veterans. Jeremy told Paul that their 501(c)(3), The Longest Climb Foundation has become official, is growing and how it will help them meet their goal. Jeremy and Paul first talked about how Jeremy got involved and how the idea of helping Vietnam vets came from being a part of and witnessing the power of a D-Day commemoration. This led to the trip to Vietnam for the U.S. Army veterans that participated in the Battle of Hamburger Hill. Jeremy told Paul about the experience for the participants, their escorts and for him. They then shifted to talk about Jeremy and how he was raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee where he grew up playing football. Playing in a city championship in middle school got him noticed by an elite boarding school in Chattanooga and Jeremy said that led to the most important thing that happened to him as a young person. He was able to attend that boarding school for high school and Jeremy said it opened up many different opportunities which helped shape his life. They briefly discussed his deployments as well as his interesting experience going through U.S. Army Ranger School. They finished by talking about his wife Kerry and their two sons, Ethan and Jack. Jeremy expressed how very proud of and fortunate he is to have his family.
-
In Episode 181, Paul interviewed his son Zach after he had turned 21 and now it is daughter Lindsayâs turn! The whole family was together to talk to Lindsay and Lisa started by telling us about the day that Lindsay was born. It involved a trip to Target, Lisaâs Mom telling her something when she got home and then a decision to go to the hospital. Lindsay being born that day (at 8:47pm) meant she had the same birthday as Lisaâs grandmother. Paul and Lisa talked about some early memories of Lindsay and a common theme was her ability to climb at a very young age. Lindsay talked about her earliest memory and Lindsay and Zach both talked about Paul being deployed when they were little. Lindsay talked about some of her early childhood passions which included Dora the Explorer, being a voracious reader, memorizing the presidents and becoming obsessed with the Beatles. Mel spoke about her first memory ⊠it involved painting and how she wanted to be like her big sister. They talked about family and how Lindsay is particularly fascinated with the Sicilian heritage of one of her grandparents. Zach told us about one of his favorite memories and how Lindsay showed off her throwing arm when they were at a friendâs house. Lindsay is studying History at Randolph Macon and they discussed what her plans may be after college. We learned what nicknames she has had and still has and when asked for her final thought on turning 21, Lindsay said she is just Happy to be 21 and legal. They all wished her a Happy Birthday and said that they loved her! Happy Birthday Lindsay!!
-
John Hollis (Episode 277) returns to the podcast, but this time with a couple of friends, Chuck Casey and Jeremy Bowling. The last 2 times John was on, he and Paul talked about the story of Sergeant Rodney Davis (USMC). They delve more into that story by discussing the Davis family trip to Vietnam for the first time and other incredible stories as well as the 501(c)(3) that the three of them are working on together. Paul first learned how they all met each other and how their mutual interest in helping veterans started as a true grass root development. They have been able to help veterans and their families gain closure through trips to Vietnam. Jeremy in particular talked about the emotional impact and the incredible amount of healing that has taken place not only for the American soldiers, but the Vietnamese soldiers and people as well. They finished by talking about the 501(c)(3) which is called The Longest Climb Foundation. They have a lot of support, but the need is always there and they are working hard using a shared passion and their many connections to help our veterans.
-
Teresa Ofoia comes to the podcast via her Mom and Paul meeting at a networking event. Teresa is a professional dancer and has made that her career for about the last eight years. Teresa was born in Hawaii and raised in Virginia, first moving to northern Virginia and then moving to the Chesterfield/Richmond area. They discussed some of the changes she went through when she moved of which wearing shoes all the time was one of the big ones! Teresa and Paul talked at length about her dancing career including getting her dream job early on as well as other interests such as singing and acting. Teresa told Paul about some of the travel involved and Paul asked her about the favorite places she has been both domestically and internationally. That led to a chat about the differences in food here in the U.S. and other places in the world. Teresa talked about her love of food and how she believes food could very well play a part in her future endeavors. They finished by talking about her time in Los Angeles and how she is welcoming the change of now living in New Jersey/working in New York.
-
Silent Rob met Robyn DâOnofrio and suggested that she come on the podcast ⊠Paul reached out and here she is! Robyn grew up in rural New Jersey where there were lots of kids around and there was always something to do. She attended high school and told Paul she was an âathletic goof-offâ who wasnât concerned with academics that much. That changed in college where she was a captain of the basketball team, worked very hard academically and was the president of the student senate. She continued her schooling and also received her law degree. She and her family moved to Richmond about eleven years ago and Robyn got a chance to coach basketball at the Steward School and then moved to be the coach at St. Gertrude. Paul and Robyn talked about her coaching philosophy, about their program at St. Gertrude and about one player that is a representation of what their program is all about. Robyn also teaches Government at St. Gertrude and they had a great chat about what itâs like to teach Government in an election year. They finished by talking about the upcoming basketball season and about her family.
-
Tom Greco returns to chat about the 2024 Presidential Election.
Happy Veterans Day to all who served!
-
Jamesetta Cleveland comes on the podcast to talk about her company Sports Mom University Consulting. Jamesetta and Paul talked about the company on a high level and how and why she founded it. Jamesetta will be joining Paul and Kevin on the Virginia is for Sports Podcast to talk more about her company and on the subject of NIL in particular. In this episode, Paul talked to Jamesetta about a variety of things. They talked about her growing up as a military brat and where her favorite places were to live and visit. This led to discussions about some differences between Europe and the USA when it came to transportation and fashion. Jamesetta also gave her perspective on the way history is approached and Paul got her opinion on the statues that used to be on Monument Avenue in Richmond, Virginia. Jamesetta talked about what activities she did growing up, how her parents were away for a good part of her time in high school and about her three kids and her two grandchildren.
-
Local real estate legend Woody Hogg joins Paul on the podcast. Woody and Paul talked about his many business ventures in banking, insurance, real estate and jobs he had when he was getting started such as being a taxi driver. They talked about the sports he played in high school and also during his time at East Carolina University. Woody told Paul the main three things that effect a house sale and he even added the fourth key ingredient for good measure! He also gave advice to young people that either want to sell real estate, buy real estate or both! They talked about his family and he and Paul found out they love being at the Rivah and that they are both lovers of blue crabs.
-
In this next installment of the âLook Backâ episodes, Paul, Rob and Brent take a look at Episodes 251-300. They each pick their Top 10 and a fun time was had by all!
-
James Hagler joins Paul and the first subject they covered was to talk about his relationship with his dad, Marvelous Marvin Hagler. They discussed James growing up with his dad, their differences in adulthood and how they reconciled before his dad passed away in 2021. James talked about going to the gym in his youth and the influence his uncle Robbie had on him. James told Paul about his family and they discussed the path that his son James Jr. has taken and while they get along and talk, they donât talk about boxing. Paul asked James about his perspective on several of his dadâs most famous fights against boxers like Duran, Hearns and Leonard. Paul told James how much he admired his Dad and they talked about Jamesâ boxing promotion company and what he hopes to achieve in the future. James finished by talking about and telling a story or two about George Foreman.
-
Paidemoyo Charasika joins Paul courtesy of a connection with Chris Gaskell (Episode 262) as they played football together at Wake Forest. Pai was born in Nashville, but grew up in Louisville. Education was very important to Paiâs parents ⊠especially his Mom! Pai attended Kentucky Country Day, a prep high school in Louisville and then looked at several really good academic colleges. He fell in love with Wake Forest and went there for the education, but also was a walk on for the football team. Pai is proud of the fact that he lettered three out of four years as a walk on. They then discussed his first job out of college which was in banking and then how he ended up in the financial advisor field. He still works as a financial advisor and this led to Pai and Paul talking a great deal on the subject of Name, Image and Likeness (NIL). Paul gave Pai some situations and got his opinion on how he would handle those and then he talked about some real people that he currently advises. They had a great conversation about NIL, the NCAA, the collectives and who he has learned to talk to when he is advising young student athletes.
-
Brent Scopel joins the podcast and is the guest for Episode 300! Brent has listened to almost every episode and he brought Paul some âbrown waterâ to celebrate this momentous occasion. Brent grew up in Ohio and was adopted by his parents who raised him and his two brothers who were 14 & 16 years older than Brent . Growing up, Brent was drawn to music and started playing the drums when he was about 15 years old. Paul and Brent explored the role that music has played in his life by discussing types of music, his opinion on the best drummers of all time, Brent playing in bands and going to all kinds of different concerts. They talked about his career and how he and his wife have succeeded and now how that success is allowing them to make memories. They discussed how he and his wife Julie are âfoodiesâ and he told Paul about the lengths they used to go to for ice cream and pizza. Brent also told Paul about a 31 year tradition and how on one trip he had a âlife flashing before your eyesâ type of incident. He finished by talking about his wife Julie (Red), their two daughters Gabrielle and Annika and how being a grandparent is incredible and the reason that he and Julie moved from Ohio to Virginia.
-
Dwight Vick joined Paul on Episode 122 and is back with Paul and Kevin for a combination episode with the Virginia is for Sports Podcast. Dwight filled in Paul and Kevin on whatâs been going on with his family and life since they last spoke. He spoke about his company Victory Life and how he relied on a very important person to come up with the company motto, âLeave a Legacyâ. Kevin and Paul then discovered what an incredible amount of knowledge Dwight has when it comes to Virginia High School Football. They discussed possible 2024 state champions, the talent of players from Virginia and Dwight spoke about some of the history of the sport in the Old Dominion state. They then turned to a discussion about college football and specifically about Virginia Tech. He spoke about the past prominence of the program, the recent domination over in state rival UVA and Dwight said he believes Coach Pry has the program going in the right direction. They finished by Dwight talking about some of the talent that VT has on the current roster, what they need to do to keep getting better and all three said that they are looking forward to the new college football twelve team playoff.
-
In a unique episode, Ken Wakefield joins the podcast which is doubling with the Virginia is for Sports Podcast as well. Kevin Flippen joins Paul to talk to Ken about a myriad of subjects. Ken is from Buffalo, NY, has been coaching football since he was nineteen years old and is the current Head Football Coach at Patrick Henry High School in Ashland, VA. They talked about growing up in Buffalo and some of the people that had an influence on him for football and in general. Kevin had some questions about Kenâs coaching philosophy, what he tells parents is most important for a player and how he is always learning and adapting as a football coach. Paul and Kevin learned about his most memorable game as a coach, that he likes an NFL team other than the Bills (and why) and they also discussed the portal and NIL and how NIL can effect a high school player. They finished by talking about his wife and son, the moving around they have had to do because of his career and how grateful he is for their support.
- Laat meer zien
