This week, we’re joined by Keith Bryan, Richmond-area native, Navy veteran, licensed pilot, and President & Managing Partner of HOVA Flight Services RVA at Hanover County Airport. From fueling planes at the very beginning of his career to helping lead one of Central Virginia’s most important (and underrated) aviation hubs, Keith’s story is all about passion, persistence, and staying deeply rooted in the RVA community.

We dive into:

• How Keith got into aviation and his journey through the U.S. Navy
• Life on aircraft carriers (catapults, close calls, and unforgettable moments at sea)
• What actually happens at Hanover County Airport day to day
• Why small airports quietly bring millions into the RVA economy
• Celebrity sightings, private jets, and why some famous folks avoid RIC 👀
• Why flying is still safer than driving (yes, really)
• What it actually takes—time, money, and dedication—to become a pilot
• How HOVA and PRK Aviation give back to the Richmond and Hanover communities

We also talk Richmond’s evolution over the years, aviation egos, airport drama (it’s real), and why general aviation keeps things personal instead of sterile.

Support HOVA Flight Services:

@flyHOVA

https://www.facebook.com/FlyHOVA

💥 Drop It On Us, Big Daddy: Big Daddy breaks down a headline-making local story involving Richmond Mayor Danny Avula and his use of ChatGPT.

Plus: ✨

Business of the Week: HOVA Flight Services RVA 🎶

Show of the Week: Flying Legends of Victory Tour (stay tuned for actual dates)

If you’ve ever driven past Hanover County Airport and wondered what goes on behind the scenes—or if you love learning how RVA really works—this episode is for you.

Band of the Week: Poston Brown - Rolling Stones, Grateful Dead, Snoop Dogg

Also check out Adult Recess at Ember Music Hall from 4-9PM (30+ day time clubbing) Jan 31st

🎧 Buckle up. It’s a smooth takeoff.

Happy New Year, besties 💖 We’re kicking off the year with an episode that’s equal parts sweet, inspiring, and very RVA.

This week we sit down with Fabrizio & Ximena, the new owners of PACHA Spoonables, a Richmond-based Peruvian dessert brand serving up spoonable treats rooted in culture, family, and flavor. Think cozy desserts, rich traditions, and desserts so good they’ll make you rethink everything you know about chocolate cake 🍫✨

🍰 In This Episode:

• How PACHA Spoonables was born from family recipes and Peruvian pride
• What makes “spoonable” desserts the perfect intro to a new food culture
• Peruvian dessert favorites
• Building a business as a family (yes, mom is the chef 👑)
• Why Richmond is the perfect place for global flavors to thrive
• Future plans: seasonal flavors, events, coffee dreams, and more

🇵🇪 Plus… Peruvian Trivia!

We test everyone’s knowledge with fun facts about:

• Peru as a global culinary capital
• 3,000+ varieties of potatoes 🥔
• Pisco sours, Machu Picchu, and iconic Latin desserts

🗓️ RVA Events & Community:

• Lima Fest (Jan 18 & 19) – Richmond’s Peruvian cultural festival with food, music, dancing, and local vendors (yes, Pacha Spoonables will be there!)
• Show of the Week: 🎼 Let’s Groove Tonight with the Richmond Symphony
  • 📍 Carpenter Theatre at Dominion Energy Center
  • 📅 Friday, Feb 20 @ 7 PM
  • Motown classics + full orchestra = classy with a funky twist

✨ New Year, New You (But Make It Realistic):

We also dive into:

• Wild New Year’s resolution stats (spoiler: most people quit 👀)
• How to actually stick to your goals
• Trending 2026 resolutions like:
  • Micro-joy journaling
  • Digital detoxes (in small doses, don’t panic)
  • Functional fitness over burnout workouts

From fitness goals and boundaries to weddings, martial arts, and learning to say no — this episode is full of laughs, honesty, and feel-good motivation.

💕 Support PACHA Spoonables:

Facebook | Instagram | Ordering

Orders close Tuesdays | Deliveries Fridays 📍 Catch them at Lima Fest & upcoming RVA events

As always — thanks for listening, supporting local, and starting the year with us 💖

It’s the final episode of the year and we’re going out sparkly, chaotic, and very on brand ✨ This week, we’re joined by the incredible Melanie Eaton (Helms), Richmond-based luxury fashion, boudoir, and branding photographer, plus ME Program member Hannah, for a conversation about confidence, creativity, community, and taking bold artistic risks.

We talk disposable cameras, Barbie shoots, Vikings, mermaids, snakes (yes, real ones), and why overthinking is the hardest thing to photograph. PLUS—Big Daddy brings us some truly unhinged Bad Santa crimes, and we round things out with high-key and low-key New Year’s Eve plans around Richmond.

💖 This Episode Includes:

• ✨ Main Character vs. Delulu Era energy check for 2025
• 📸 Melanie Eaton’s journey from disposable cameras to high-end editorial photography
• 👑 What confidence really looks like—and how to fake it until it sticks
• 🤍 Inside The ME Program: empowerment, community, and hype-girl energy
• 💄 Barbie shoots, Secret Gardens, Vikings, Sirens, Marie Antoinette, and creative chaos
• 🐍 A photoshoot featuring a REAL snake (and facing fears)
• 🎥 Why community matters more than perfection
• 🏗️ Melanie’s upcoming studio glow-up
• 🎅 Big Daddy’s Bad Santa Crimes (marijuana Santa, chimney Santa, Santa brawls)
• 🥂 New Year’s Eve in RVA: high-key parties and soft-life options

🎉 New Year’s Eve Events We Cover:

High-Key

• Midnight in Manhattan at Harry’s at the Hofheimer (Follow us on instagram for 1/2 off ticket prices on this one!!!)
• Y2K NYE Bash at Ember Music Hall
• Royal Masquerade Ball at The Foundation

Low-Key / Soft Life

• Carytown dinner + stroll
• Wine flights at Brambly Park
• Artsy NYE at the VMFA

🌸 Guest Info:

Instagram: @melanieeatonphoto

Facebook: @melanieeatonphoto

Website: https://melanieeatonphotography.com/

Bookings for 2025 are OPEN 👀✨

As always—thank you for listening, laughing, and being part of our corner of RVA 💕 See you next year, besties 🥂✨ and be sure to follow us!