Stories from the Center of the Universe

Episode 122: Dwight Vick

Dwight Vick was born in North Carolina, but grew up in the Newport News/Hampton area of Virginia. Dwight, Paul and Kevin talked about his great “old school” childhood and how it became clear that football would be an important part of his life. Dwight was always a big guy and played at Hampton HS for a legendary coach. He was heavily recruited by colleges and ended up playing at Virginia Tech.  The guys discussed his fondest memories at VT which included meeting his wife.  They finished by discussing his business, his podcasts, how he loves movies and his family.

Episode 121: BG James Zollar

Paul and retired Brigadier General James Zollar know each other from serving together in the Virginia Army National Guard. James was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois and lived on both sides of the Windy City. He was in ROTC in high school which he originally thought would lead him to the Marine Corps. Instead, James enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in various capacities during an almost thirty-seven year career. James finished the podcast by talking about his wife and his kids.

Happy Veterans Day to all of our veterans out there!  

 

Episode 120: Nick Clarke

Nick Clarke comes to the podcast via two paths.  Paul’s son Zach and Nick’s brother Colby are good friends and Nick is business partners with Alec Eberle (Episode #107). Nick was born in Fairfax, Va., but came to Hanover County at a young age. He played all kinds of sports growing up, but football became his passion.  Paul and Nick talked about his football journey from recreation to playing at Old Dominion University. Nick told a lot of stories and they had a special discussion about the 2018 ODU/VT game. They finished by talking about Nick’s business and his family.

Episode 119: Chuck Hawkins - US Coast Guard

Chuck Hawkins and Paul have known each other since they were kids and Chuck was even taught by Paul’s mom Brenda (Episode 46) in kindergarten. Chuck grew up in eastern Hanover, but went to Patrick Henry because his parents taught there. Chuck spoke of his admiration for his parents and also about his dad’s sports accomplishments. Paul and Chuck talked about his time in college and how after school and a few different jobs, he decided to enter military service with the United States Coast Guard. Chuck led a distinguished career that spanned twenty-six years. Paul and Chuck finished by talking about that career and his kids.

Episode 118: Ken Oxendine

Ken Oxendine is a former Va Tech and NFL player who grew up in Chester, Virginia. Ken and Paul talked about his youth and growing up in the “big house” with lots of family. They discussed his recruiting process, how he decided on VT and how recruiting is different for today’s athletes. They talked about his non-profit and some of the charity work he is involved with through the non-profit. They finished by talking about his wife Mei-Ling and their two daughters, Ivy and Willow.

Episode 117: Laura Colombell Marshall

Laura Collombell Marshall knows Paul from being in school together at UVA. She talked to Paul about growing up in different places because of her dad’s job and she landed in Northern VA for high school.  Laura attended UVA where she ran track and then went to the University of Richmond for law school.  Paul and Laura discussed her professional career including one of her more memorable cases and it’s impact. Laura also talked about her parents, her four sisters and finished by talking about her husband Curtis and their five children. 

Episode 116: Foodio - Jamie Grant

Part 7 of a 7 part series on small businesses in Ashland, VA (each business is part of the Downtown Ashland Association). 

Jamie Grant is bringing a unique business to Ashland. Jamie described it as a non-traditional farmer’s market while also offering food education and food preparation tips. Jamie has a background in the food industry from helping her dad at his business in Tappahannock to being a food blogger and being a BBQ judge. Jamie knows Ashland because she finished her degree at RMC and is now employed at the college. Paul, Kevin and Jamie discussed their favorite seafood and BBQ and what the future may hold for FoodiO in Ashland. Jamie ended by talking about her mom and dad’s families and her wife, Lachelle.

Episode 115: Rodney Ashby

Rodney Ashby is the sixth VCU basketball player to be on the podcast! Rodney talks with Paul and Kevin about his unlikely basketball journey and how he ended up being a part of the VCU family. He referred to this as the “Ramily” and he discussed the culture and the special life long connections of the program and the school itself. He talked about his business and how he also does broadcasting as well. Rodney, Paul and Kevin finished up by discussing golf and then Rodney talked about his kids.

Episode 114: Iron Horse Restaurant - Rusty Stone

Part 6 of a 7 part series on small businesses in Ashland, VA (each business is part of the Downtown Ashland Association). 

Rusty Stone became the owner of the Iron Horse Restaurant in 2019, but he has worked there for quite a while before buying the restaurant.  Rusty bought the Iron Horse just before the Corona Virus Pandemic started and he discussed with Paul and Kevin the challenges that presented. He discussed his journey at the Iron Horse, the benefits of the restaurant being in the great town of Ashland and he finished by talking about is wife and three kids. Rusty is very excited for the future of the restaurant and said if you haven’t been yet, to please come as it will be worth the trip!

Episode 113: Steve Sands

Steve Sands has interviewed some of the biggest names in sports. Paul and Kevin interview Steve in this episode via a connection with Ward Fasold (Episode #111) who knows Kevin. Steve talks about his time growing up in Washington, DC, how he went out west for college and how much he enjoyed working at WWBT which is the local NBC affiliate here in the Richmond area. He has worked for the Golf Channel for 20+ years and also works for NBC and has covered multiple Olympics. Steve finished by talking about a typical work week, some of his fondest/greatest memories and his wife Val and their three sons.