America's Healthiest City
America's Healthiest City, hosted by Will Melton, dives into the heart of Richmond, VA, uncovering the community-driven initiatives that are transforming the city’s health landscape. Each episode features inspiring stories from local leaders, innovative health solutions, and actionable insights to help you make a difference in your community. Join us as we explore what it takes to build a healthier, happier Richmond.
Learn more about America's Healthiest City at https://americashealthiestcity.com.
INSTAGRAM: @americashealthiestcity
Episodes
86 episodes
The Capital Trail Is Transforming Richmond One Step at a Time
Richmond's evolution into a healthier, more vibrant community flows directly through the Virginia Capital Trail, a 52-mile pathway connecting the city to Williamsburg that has transformed how residents experience outdoor recreation and communit...
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27:47
From Super Bowl Spotlight to Community Champion: The Many Hats of Lance Lemon
Lance Lemon shares his journey from childhood actor to Richmond entrepreneur, spotlighting his Super Bowl commercial for Penny's Wine Shop and his vision for revitalizing Jackson Ward.• Growing up in Mechanicsville with summers in Richm...
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28:57
America's Healthiest City ESPN Richmond 2024 Recap & Farewell
The final episode of America’s Healthiest City reflects on the past year’s efforts and experiences while looking ahead to new community-focused programming in 2025. Key themes include addressing youth violence, promoting out-of-school programmi...
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Season 1
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Episode 84
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30:40
Greta Harris on Affordable Housing, Social Justice, and Transforming Richmond Communities
What if affordable housing could be the key to transforming communities and creating thriving opportunities for all? Join us as Greta Harris, President and CEO of the Better Housing Coalition, shares her remarkable journey from her roots in Dan...
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28:31
Michelle Mercurio on Personal Branding, Embracing Authenticity, and Richmond's Creative Community
Imagine discovering your true path after leaving behind a seemingly perfect corporate life. That's my story, and today, I’m joined by Michelle Mercurio, a dynamic creative entrepreneur, to explore the magic of personal branding and creativity. ...
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Season 1
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Episode 83
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28:27
Sparkle Taylor on Resilience, Community Work, and the Hidden Potential of Richmond's Gilpin Court
Sparkle Taylor joins us for an episode filled with raw honesty and inspiration, as she shares her story of resilience and growth in Richmond’s Gilpin Court. From overcoming homelessness to finding a home, Sparkle navigates the complexities of h...
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Season 1
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Episode 82
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28:51
David Waidelich from Feedmore on Treating Food as Medicine and Revolutionizing Community Health in Richmond
What if the secret to a healthier life lies not in traditional medicine, but in the food we eat? Join us for a conversation with David Wadlick, the Chief Collaboration and Programs Officer for Feedmore, as he shares his incredible journey from ...
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Season 1
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Episode 81
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28:01
Rob Mazzanti on Winning the Richmond Marathon and Embracing the City's Community Spirit
Richmond Marathon champion Rob Mazzanti joins us to share the dynamic story behind his recent victory and the vibrant city he calls home. From his formative years at the University of Richmond to his pivotal role in the tennis world, Rob's jour...
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Season 1
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Episode 80
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27:23
John Lugbill from Sports Backers on Inspiring Youth and Richmond's Active Living Initiatives
Discover how childhood athleticism can pave the way for future success as we sit down with the inspiring John Lugbill, Executive Director of Sports Backers. From world champion canoeist and Olympian to a community leader making waves in Richmon...
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30:55
Jeremy Hoffman from Groundwork USA on Richmond's Path to Becoming America's Healthiest City by 2033
Ever wondered how cities can truly become healthier and more equitable places to live? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Jeremy Hoffman, PhD, the Director of Climate Justice and Impact at Groundwork USA. Jeremy shares his incredible...
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30:33
Racheal Cook from the CEO Collective on Empowering Women Entrepreneurs and Richmond's Vision for 2033
Racheal Cook, CEO and founder of the CEO Collective, joined us to share her inspiring journey from the world of consulting to her mission of empowering women entrepreneurs. Her personal story of reevaluation and transformation offers a powerful...
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Season 1
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Episode 78
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29:24
Reggie Gordon from Richmond Memorial Health Foundation on Transforming Richmond's Health and Equity
Explore the inspiring journey of Richmond's transformation with Reggie Gordon, CEO of the Richmond Memorial Health Foundation. Discover how Reggie's roots in Richmond and his career in law and human services fuel his commitment to tackling soci...
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Season 1
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Episode 77
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29:06
Tasha Dickerson from WellcomeMD on Concierge Medicine and Richmond's Health Goals
Join us as Dr. Tasha Dickerson of WellcomeMD shares her journey from traditional family medicine to concierge and functional medicine, a path shaped by the rapid rise of telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Dickerson delves into how p...
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Season 1
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Episode 76
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27:05
Melody Short from Richmond Night Market and Artisan Cafe
In this episode of America's Healthiest City, host Will Melton speaks with Melody Short, co-founder of the Richmond Night Market. To...
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Season 1
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Episode 75
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29:52
Kelly del Campo Merricks from the Sheltering Arms Foundation
How does one transition from aspiring to be a medical professional to leading a mission to make Richmond the healthiest city in America? Kelly del Campo Merricks, Vice President of Phi...
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Season 1
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Episode 74
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30:51
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 73
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29:15
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 ...
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29:50
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 71
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27:52
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 70
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28:09
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 69
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29:31
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 68
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29:54
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 67
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29:21
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 66
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27:17
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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 65
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27:34