Stories from the Center of the Universe

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.

Episode 112: Homemades by Suzanne - Suzanne Wolstenholme & Kim Mills

Part 5 of a 7 part series on small businesses in Ashland, VA (each business is part of the Downtown Ashland Association). 

Homemades by Suzanne is an icon in Ashland and the surrounding area.  Suzanne Wolstenholme and Kim Mills joined Paul and Kevin to discuss the restaurant and its past, present and future.  Suzanne started the restaurant in 1984.  She talked about how the core menu has remained the same over the years and then Kim talked about the new specials and the catering side of the business.  They both talked about their families, how they love what they do and how great it is have the restaurant in Ashland.

Episode 111: Ward Fasold

Ward Fasold joins the podcast courtesy of guest host, Kevin Flippen. Ward grew up in Alexandria, VA and went to T.C. Williams (Remember the Titans fame!) He went to VCU, majored in Mass Communications and has been covering sports as a  cameraman and as a producer for twenty-eight years. Ward talks with Paul and Kevin about winning an Emmy, Texas HS football and his twin boys.

Episode 110: Railside Law Group - John Working

Part 4 of a 7 part series on small businesses in Ashland, VA (each business is part of the Downtown Ashland Association). 

John Working and his partner started their law firm in Ashland in 2015. His wife has a business in town as well. John got to know Ashland originally when he attended RMC where he majored in English and played football. John’s dad was a football coach and before becoming a lawyer, John was an educator and a coach. John discussed with Paul and Kevin how he got into law and how he met Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. They also talked football and John finished by talking about his wife Jessica and their two daughters.

Episode 109: Bill Walker

Bill Walker works with Paul and was born in New Jersey not too far from Philadelphia. Bill and Paul talk about growing up in NJ and collecting baseball cards and sports memorabilia.  They also discussed Bill playing competitive poker, his love for all Philadelphia professional sports teams and entrepreneurship. Bill finished by talking about his family and he gave some personal finance advice to his unborn grandkids.

Episode 108: Carolyn Hemphill & Kelly Payne - Hanover Co Black Heritage Society

Part 3 of a 7 part series on small businesses in Ashland, VA (each business is part of the Downtown Ashland Association). 

Carolyn Hemphill and Kelly Payne join the podcast to talk about the Hanover County Black Heritage Society.  Carolyn started the society in 1994 and Kelly, her daughter, is heavily involved as well.  The mission of the society is to collect, research and exhibit historical items to show the contributions made by African Americans in Hanover County. Carolyn and Kelly finished by talking about their families and that they are always looking for members to join the Hanover County Black Heritage Society.

Episode 107: Alec Eberle

Alec Eberle was born in Tennessee and moved to Hanover County, Va. when he was in 6th grade. He attended Atlee HS where he was a standout on the football team.  Alec was recruited by several big time Division 1 schools and played college football at Florida State University. He tells Paul about his football journey from 6th grade to trying out for the NFL to now where he helps train and guide today’s young offensive and defensive linemen. He ended by talking about his parents and his two sisters.

Episode 106: Dawn Beninghove - Companion Extraordinaire

Part 2 of a 7 part series on small businesses in Ashland, VA (each business is part of the Downtown Ashland Association). 

Dawn Beninghove started her nursing career forty years ago and started her own business in Ashland in 2003.  Dawn is from Florida, but said she is an “Ashlander” because she and her family have lived here for 36 years. Dawn talked about her wonderful team at Companion Extraordinaire and all the services that they provide. Located in the heart of Ashland on England Street, Dawn and her staff work tirelessly to help people in need. Being on a podcast was nothing new to Dawn as she has her own where she talks about a variety of subjects that are germane to her clients. Dawn talked about her family as well as the wonderful extended Ashland family including the great folks at the Downtown Ashland Association.

Episode 105: Paul Cormier

Paul Cormier grew up all over Virginia, but he spent his teen years in the Center of the Universe. Paul and Kevin talked with Paul C. about his work life from high school into adulthood, his musical tastes past and present and his many, many tattoos. They also discussed with Paul C. the world of professional wrestling and how he’s been a fan since he was a boy.  They finished by talking about what he’s doing now and his family.

Episode 104: Chris Ray - COTU Brewery

Part 1 of a 7 part series on small businesses in Ashland, VA (each business is part of the Downtown Ashland Association). 

Chris Ray is a former Major League Baseball player and he and his brother opened the Center of the Universe Brewing Company in Ashland in 2011.  Paul and Kevin talked to Chris about his baseball career and they also discussed the COTU Brewery and how it came to be a reality. Chris spoke about how he started brewing at home and as a hobby and how that has developed over the years.  Now, Chris, his brother, Phil and their families share their great craft brews with everyone and they have a great time doing it! Chris ended by talking about his wife Alice and their two kids, Ginny and Thomas.