This episode is packed with Richmond music, hilarious band stories, internet absurdity, and everything we love about RVA.

We sit down with our friends from Aw Chucks, to talk about how they came together, Craigslist bandmates, forgotten lyrics, winery gigs, original music, and why having fun is the secret to staying together as a band. If you saw them perform at our podcast party, you already know why we had to get them on the show.

We also dive into one of the wildest internet trends we've ever covered: people completing outrageous stunts for cryptocurrency through online "bounties." Would you tattoo a website on your forehead? Climb Mount Everest? Flush your head in a toilet? Big Daddy brings another conversation guaranteed to make you question humanity.

As always, we wrap things up with Richmond events, local businesses, and shout-outs to some amazing people making our city special.

📍 Richmond Events

• Black Pride RVA
• Richmond Shakespeare Festival
• Tonal Recall Music Festival

🥐 Business of the Week

• Sub Rosa Bakery

❤️ Community Shout-Outs

• Shine4th Foster Care
• IT4Causes
• Bryan Park
• Fallout
• Conex RVA

Upcoming Aw Chucks Shows

🎵 July 5 — Ashton Creek Vineyard (Acoustic)

🎵 July 24 — Omega Bar & Grill (Full Band)

Follow Aw Chucks for future show announcements and new music:

https://www.facebook.com/awwwchucks7/

https://www.youtube.com/@AwwwChucks/videos

https://www.instagram.com/awwwchucks7

And make sure to follow us too!

📸 Instagram: @olala_rva

Have someone we should interview? Own a local business? Know an artist making RVA more interesting?

We'd love to hear from you.

Thanks for listening, supporting local, and celebrating everything that makes Richmond weird, creative, and wonderful. We'll see you after our summer hiatus!

This week, we sit down with one of Richmond's most recognizable voices and DJs, DJ Kobe! 🎶🎤 From hosting a syndicated morning radio show heard across multiple cities to keeping Tobacco Club's dance floor packed every Saturday night, Kobe shares the incredible journey that took him from upstate New York radio intern to RVA nightlife staple.

We first connected with Kobe through Instagram, but after seeing him absolutely crush it at Daft Disco at Ember Music Hall, we knew we had to get him on the show. The energy was electric, the dance floor was packed, and the vibes were unforgettable. ⚡🪩

In This Episode:

🎧 How Kobe got his start in radio and DJing

📻 What it's really like hosting a syndicated morning radio show

🕺 The magic behind Daft Disco and why that crowd left such a lasting impression

🎵 Opening for artists like Mac Miller, Big Sean, Flo Rida, Tinashe, and more

⭐ Meeting celebrities including Taylor Swift and Justin Timberlake

🍻 How changing drinking habits are reshaping nightlife and club culture

☕ The rise of coffee raves, wellness events, and sober social experiences

🎚️ Why today's DJs rely on remixes, nostalgia, and crowd psychology

🏙️ Richmond's evolving music scene and where Kobe thinks it's headed next

🎤 Stories from Tobacco Club, New York Deli, The Park, and beyond

😂 Plus: Wu-Tang Clan stories, gummy-fueled late-night DJ sessions, and the wild world of radio behind the scenes

Follow DJ Kobe

📸 Instagram: @kobeontheradio

🎙️ Listen to Kobe weekdays on Classic Rock 96.5

Big Daddy Drops It On Us

This week's segment dives into the world of "maxing" culture—from looksmaxing to biomaxing, self-improvement trends, optimization culture, and what it means to level up the parts of life people don't always see. 💪🧠📈

If you enjoyed this episode: ⭐ Subscribe ⭐ Leave a review ⭐ Share with a friend ⭐ Tag us on Instagram @olala_rva

On this episode of O Lala! In RVA, we sit down with the incredibly talented Chelsea McCoy, better known around RVA as DJ Chuck T. By day, Chelsea is a District Behavioral Specialist with Richmond Public Schools, helping educators create positive learning environments and supporting students across the district. By night, she's behind the DJ booth, bringing energy, connection, and unforgettable vibes to events all over Richmond.

Chelsea shares her journey from education to entertainment, how a lifelong love of music inspired her to become a DJ, and the story behind the nickname "Chuck T." We also dive into the mentorship that helped launch her career, including the impact of Richmond DJ legend DJ Duffy, who helped open doors and encouraged her to chase her passion.

🎤 Big Daddy Drops It On Us

This week's "Drop It On Us, Big Daddy!" segment explores the bizarre and rapidly growing internet trend of Looksmaxxing—from skincare and fitness to the more extreme side of online beauty culture. The crew discusses social media, self-image, unrealistic standards, and why self-acceptance still matters most.

🦇 Business/Event Spotlight

Olivia shares her experience at Richmond's iconic goth destination, Fallout Nightclub, and the crew talks about local happenings, shout-outs, and all the usual O Lala chaos and fun.

🎧 Follow DJ Chuck T

Instagram: @dj.chuckt TikTok: @ladieslovechuckt

Catch Chelsea every Saturday at the wildly popular sing-along brunches at Harry's and keep an eye out for her at private events, school functions, community celebrations, and venues across Richmond.

&& don't forget to follow us and rate us! <3 https://www.instagram.com/olala_rva/

Season 4 is officially underway, and we’re kicking things off with a guest who has poured her entire heart into Richmond’s brunch scene. This week, we sit down with the one and only Sarabeth — aka SB — the owner and creative force behind SB's Lakeside Loveshack. From unicorn pancakes and glitter-covered coffee drinks to handwritten menus, fairy hair nights, and a whole lot of community love, SB has built more than a restaurant — she’s built a true RVA institution.

In this episode, SB opens up about growing up between New York and Virginia Beach, working since she was 11 years old, becoming a single mom, and teaching herself how to cook on a line while opening her dream restaurant with only $5K, food stamps, and pure determination. We talk about restaurant chaos, brunch culture, confidence, mental health, building community, and why “Love Shack” became the perfect name for the colorful little spot that now feels like home to so many Richmonders.

We also dive into:

• The story behind SB’s iconic menu names inspired by the B-52s
• Why brunch is an experience, not just a meal
• The realities of surviving COVID as a restaurant owner
• Richmond’s food scene and some of SB’s favorite local spots
• Fairy hair, drag bingo, Pride collabs, and Halloween in the Hub
• Raising her son while building a business from the ground up
• Why confidence and authenticity are true superpowers

Plus:

• Big Daddy drops it on us with a deep dive into the raw milk trend and whether the “unpasteurized movement” is worth the risk
• Upcoming RVA events including Dominion Energy Riverrock, Hello Summer Festival, line dancing at River City Roll, and more
• Business of the Week: K-Bop at Väsen Brewing Company
• LOTS of Richmond restaurant love and local shoutouts

This episode is funny, heartfelt, chaotic in the best way, and full of reminders to lead with kindness, authenticity, and love. Grab a mimosa, order the Knock A Little Louder Sugar Buns, and come hang with us. 💖✨

This week’s episode is giving jazzy, dapper, and just a little unhinged (in the best way) 💅✨

We’re joined by returning guest Jay Brown — bandleader, saxophonist, and the creative force behind Grace Street Seven and the Triple Crossing Jazz Project. If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into a Gatsby party, a speakeasy, or a Sinatra-era lounge… this is your guy.

From 1920s swing to 1960s crooner classics, Jay is keeping Richmond jazzy, classy, and very much alive 🎶

📍 Upcoming Jay Brown Events (RUN don’t walk):

• Gatsby Gala @ The Hofheimer – May 30
• Estate at River Run 1920s soirée – June 26
• Military Aviation Museum Hangar Dance + Luau – July 11
• Glen Echo Ballroom Swing Dance – July 25
• Wilton House “Jazz on the James” – August 8

💌 Pro tip: DM Jay for exclusive ticket links + details

🍸 Local Spots + Music Mentions:

• Verdant Lady (monthly jazz + dress-up perks 👀)
• Goldwing (hidden speakeasy vibes)
• VMFA Jazz Nights (free + iconic)
• Révéler Experiences (live music hotspot)
• Tobacco Company (monthly shows)

Big Daddy drops a very spicy topic 🌶️

We dive into:

• Katy Perry controversy + allegations
• Celebrity accountability + double standards
• Consent, power dynamics, and public perception

🎉 RVA Events to Check Out:

• Burlesque Bingo @ Blue Bee Cider – May 1
• Derby Day @ Bar West – May 2 (hats REQUIRED 👒)
• Ben Folds @ The Carpenter Theatre

🥐 Business of the Week:

Brunchella Café 📍 3445 W Cary St Mediterranean-inspired brunch with:

• Breakfast pizzas + tacos
• Churros, espresso, mocktails
• Cute vibes guaranteed

💖 Shoutouts:

• Harry’s at the Hofheimer (party hosts!!)
• Melanie Eaton Photo 📸
• Amanda Cook MUA + Ashley Sanchez Beauty 💄
• Sports Backers (10K queens + kings 👟)

This episode is giving empowerment, vulnerability, AND a little unhinged fun 💅

In honor of women's history month: we’re joined by the incredible Sarah Bonney, founder of She Kicks VA — a community bringing women together through martial arts, confidence, and straight-up badass energy.

We dive into:

• 🥊 How martial arts builds confidence (inside AND outside the ring)
• 💔 Turning trauma into purpose and creating safer spaces for women
• 👯‍♀️ Why training with women hits different
• 💭 What being a “strong woman” actually means (this one hits)

AND of course…

🎤 Drop It On Us, Big Daddy!

We’re diving into RVA’s karaoke scene 🎶

From wild nights to hidden gems, here’s where you can grab a mic:

🎤 Sticky Rice

🎤 Caddy’s Karaoke Bar & Grill

🎤 Sine Irish Pub

🎤 Barcode

🎤 Babes of Carytown

🎤 Get Tight Lounge

🎤 Thirsty’s

🎤 Lakeside Tavern

🎤 Wonderland

🎤 My Noodle & Bar

🎤 Random iconic karaoke moment at Barboursville (we were THERE 😂)

We also break down the origin of karaoke (yes, it’s actually fascinating) and why singing your heart out is basically therapy.

📅 RVA Events We’re Loving

• 🐰 Dominion Energy Family Easter at Maymont
• 🤠 Bombshell at The Ranch (Midlothian)

Whether you’re trying to be artsy, wholesome, or ready to black out and sing… we got you.

🗣️ Shoutouts

• Melanie Eaton Photography 📸
• Ashley Sanchez (hair) 💇‍♀️
• Amanda Cook (makeup) 💄
• LVLUP Combat Club + MJ 🥊

This week we’re joined by Nan and Kam from Sports Backers, the Richmond nonprofit behind some of the city’s most iconic fitness events like the Monument Avenue 10K, Richmond Marathon, and Dominion Energy Riverrock.

Nan (PR & Communications Manager) and Kam (Social Media Strategist) share what it’s like working behind the scenes of these massive community events and how Sports Backers has helped build Richmond’s active culture. From organizing races with tens of thousands of runners to managing social media, volunteers, and race-day logistics, they give us a look at what it really takes to pull these events off.

We talk about the incredible energy of the Monument Avenue 10K, why it feels like Richmond’s biggest block party, and some of the funniest costumes people have worn during the race. Nan and Kam also share race-day tips for runners, plus some of their favorite Richmond restaurants and post-run brunch spots.

The girls also host their own podcast, On the Move with Nan & Kam, where they highlight Richmond events, active lifestyles, and stories from the local fitness community.

Along the way we also discuss upcoming St. Patrick’s Day events around RVA, take a look at the new Flying Squirrels stadium at CarMax Park, and announce our $50 Harry’s Sing-Along Brunch giveaway (follow along on our Instagram feed and stories for the rules and how to enter. Winner will be announced later this month).

It’s a fun conversation about Richmond culture, community, and the events that bring the city together.

This week we sit down with Erika — Sales & Marketing Manager at Tobacco Company, VCU marketing grad, Canva Queen, and full-time nightlife girly.

She shares:

• How she went from corporate cold-calling to curating Richmond culture
• The history (and near-death moments) of Tobacco Company
• Friday vs. Saturday club vibes
• VIP birthday perks
• Winter White Party chaos
• And why the bathroom mirror selfie is mandatory

Upstairs: steak dinners and anniversaries. Downstairs: espresso martini shooters and early-2000s bangers. Duality.

Support Tobacco Company:

https://www.thetobaccocompany.com/

@tobaccocorva

https://www.facebook.com/TobaccoCoDine/

Follow Erika:

@erikawaszak

🌿 Big Daddy Segment

We also break down Virginia’s move toward a regulated recreational marijuana market and what it could mean for the economy. Yes, stimulated economy jokes included.

We also gush (again) about Harry's at Hofheimer and their Sing-Along Brunch — not just a meal, but a full-room main-character experience. DJs spinning nostalgic hits, strangers becoming backup vocalists, espresso martinis flowing, and the entire room committed to the bit. It’s chaotic in the best way and peak Richmond energy.

We also want to give the biggest shoutout to Melanie Eaton, a Richmond-based luxury fashion, boudoir, and branding photographer who is truly redefining what confidence looks like behind (and in front of) the camera. Through her artistry and her ME Program, Melanie creates spaces where women feel seen, celebrated, and empowered. Her work blends editorial edge with heartfelt intention, and the community she’s built is just as beautiful as the images she captures. RVA is lucky to have her creative energy!

Be sure to follow us for more great episodes! https://linktr.ee/olala_rva