America's Healthiest City
America's Healthiest City is a podcast about how Richmond, VA, is building a healthier community — one initiative, one leader, one idea at a time.
Hosted by Will Melton, each episode goes inside the people and programs reshaping Richmond's approach to health: the local leaders driving change, the solutions working on the ground, and the practical steps you can take to make a difference where you live. From food access and mental health to fitness, healthcare, and the systems that connect them, the show looks at what a healthy city actually requires — and who's doing the work.
If you care about Richmond and want to understand what moves the needle on community health, this is your show.
Learn more at americashealthiestcity.com or subscribe at channelrva.com/shows/americas-healthiest-city.
Instagram: @americashealthiestcity
America's Healthiest City is a production of Channel RVA.
Episodes
96 episodes
Maria Carra Rose Candidate Richmond City Council 3rd District
This week on America's Healthiest City, our host Will Melton interviews Maria Carra Rose, a candidate for Richmond’s 3rd District City Council seat. Carra shares insights on her 20+ years living in North Side Richmond, her passion for community...
Chris Frelke From the City of Richmond Parks and Recreation Department
In this episode of America's Healthiest City, host Will Melton sits down with Chris Frelke, Director of Parks, Recreation, and Community Facilities for the City of Richmond, to explore the exciting growth of Richmond’s park system. From hidden ...
Lark Washington from Maggie Walker Community Land Trust
Dive into an inspiring conversation with Lark Washington, Chief Operating Officer of Maggie Walker Community Land Trust. Host Will Melton uncovers Lark’s path to MWCLT, their impactful work in expanding affordable housing in Richmond, and her o...
Josh Stutz from Friends of James River Parks
In this episode, we speak with Josh Stutz, Executive Director of **Friends of the James River Park**, who takes us behind the scenes of Richmond’s beloved park system. Josh shares insights on the park’s $800,000+ budget, the importance of commu...
Myra Goodman-Smith from Leadership Metro Richmond
In this episode, Will Melton sits down with Myra Goodman-Smith, the Executive Director of Leadership Metro Richmond (LMR), to discuss their recent community leader awardees and celebrate Myra’s impactful career as she prepares for retirement. T...
Todd Waldo from the Shockoe Institute
Ever wondered how a seasoned engineer transitions into a pivotal community leader with an unwavering commitment to societal impact? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Todd Waldo, V...
Casey Jordan, Neurodivergent Coach
Casey shares her journey from serving in the military, where she sustained a traumatic brain injury, to discovering her passion for coaching others. Her insights into how neurodivergent individuals can use their differences as strengths, rather...
Kimmy Cummings from Richmond Ivy
In this episode of "America's Healthiest City," Will Melton, founder of Xponent21, interviews Kimmy Cummings, head coach for the Richmond Ivy, the new USL W soccer team in Richmo...
Steve Perkins from Greenhouse
In this episode of "America's Healthiest City," Will Melton, founder of Xponent21, interviews Steve Perkins, owner and chief coach at Greenhouse Coaching. They explore the importance of having a clear life vision, how workplace culture impacts ...
Ashley Williams from The Well Collective
In this episode, Will Melton interviews Ashley Williams, founder of BareSoul Wellness and Th...
Kelli Lemon from Richmond Time's Dispatch
In this episode, Will Melton interviews Kelli Lemon, a dynamic entrepreneur, media personality, and community leader in Richmond. Kelli shares her journey from working in VCU athletics...
Oscar Contreras from Radio Poder 1380
In this episode, Will Melton talks with Oscar Contreras from Radio Poder 1380 AM about supporting the diverse Hispanic and Latin community in Greater Rich...
Duron Chavis from Happily Natural Day
In this episode, Will Melton interviews Duron Chavis, the founder of Happily Natural Day. Duron shares his journey from community activism to u...
AI Ready RVA Committee
In this episode, Will Melton interviews Liz Baker, Alexander Whiteway, and P...
Traymanesha Lamy from NextUp RVA
In this episode, Will Melton interviews Traymanesha Lamy, CEO and President of NextUp RVA. They discuss the organization's mission to increase access to quali...
Queon Martin Carter Magazine
In this episode, Will Melton interviews Queon Martin, CEO and founder of Carter Magazine. They discuss Queon's journey from growing up in Bro...
Jennifer Wakefield & Kiryako Sharikas Greater Richmond Partnership
In this episode, Will Melton interviews Jennifer Wakefield and Kiryako Sharikas from the
Alex and Sam Nordheimer from Padel Plant
In this episode, Will Melton interviews Alex and Sam Nordheimer, co-founders of Paddle Plant...
Jacqui Bauer from The Community Climate Collaborative
In this episode of "America's Healthiest City" on ESPN Richmond 106.1, host Will Melton interviews Jacqui Bauer, Climate Services Manager at the Community Climate Collaborative (C3...
Matt Leighty from Grant Flow
In this episode of "America's Healthiest City" on ESPN Richmond 106.1, host Will Melton interviews Matt Leighty, Chief Strategy Officer of Grant Flow
Christian Markow & Mark Brown The Lost Office Collaborative
In this episode of "America's Healthiest City," host Will Melton speaks with Christian Marco and Mark Brown, co-founders of Lost Office Collaborative, about their innovative workspace designed to enhance creativity, collaboration, and well-bein...
Dr. Ram Bhagat Drums No Guns Foundation
In this episode of "America's Healthiest City," host Will Melton speaks with Dr. Ram Bhagat, founder of Drums No Guns Foundation, about his innovativ...
Nicole Jones from Art 180
In this episode of "America's Healthiest City," host Will Melton speaks with Nicole Jones, City Councilwoman for Richmond's 9th District and Deputy Director of