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Chesterfield Behind the Mic

88 episodes - English - Latest episode: 7 days ago - ★★★★★ - 6 ratings

A podcast focused on the people, stories, and happenings of Chesterfield County, Virginia.

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Episodes

Episode 33: Explaining Chesterfield’s Recycling Changes

November 30, 2022 11:00 - 16 minutes - 30.4 MB

On the latest episode of Chesterfield Behind the Mic, we talk to John Neal, Director of General Services for Chesterfield, about upcoming changes to the way the county does recycling, how they came about, what was behind choosing the way forward, and what it all means for residents.   Credits: Director: Martin Stith Executive Producer: Teresa Bonifas Producer/Writer/Host: Brad Franklin Director of Photography/Editor: Matt Boyce Producer/Camera Operator: Martin Stith and Matt Ne...

Episode 32: The Role of Community Enhancement in Chesterfield

November 16, 2022 11:00 - 24 minutes - 45.3 MB

On the latest episode of Chesterfield Behind the Mic, we talk to Dan Cohen, the director of community enhancement, about what his department does, what revitalization means for Chesterfield, how critical affordable housing is, and much more.   Credits: Director: Martin Stith Executive Producer: Teresa Bonifas Producer/Writer/Host: Brad Franklin Director of Photography/Editor: Matt Boyce Producer/Camera Operator: Martin Stith and Matt Neese Graphics: Debbie Wrenn Promotions ...

Episode 31: Getting Involved This Holiday Season in Chesterfield

November 02, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 45.9 MB

On the latest episode of Chesterfield Behind the Mic, we talk to Dawn McCoy, executive director of CCHASM, and Bonnie Cauthorn, the 2022 Christmas Mother, about how you can get involved this holiday season to make Thanksgiving and Christmas a little better for those in need in Chesterfield County.    Credits: Director: Martin Stith Executive Producer: Teresa Bonifas Producer/Writer/Host: Brad Franklin Director of Photography/Editor: Matt Boyce Producer/Camera Operator: Martin S...

Episode 30: Gearing Up For the 2022 General Election In Chesterfield

October 19, 2022 10:00 - 14 minutes - 26.9 MB

On the latest episode of Chesterfield Behind the Mic, we talk to Missy Vera, who is the General Registrar for Chesterfield County, about the upcoming elections next month. We’ll discuss the important dates and information voters need to know as they head to the polls on Nov. 8 or look to vote by other means.    Credits: Director: Martin Stith Executive Producer: Teresa Bonifas Producer/Writer/Host: Brad Franklin Director of Photography/Editor: Matt Boyce Producer/Camera Operato...

Episode 29: Talking HARP with Bailey Hilliard

October 05, 2022 10:00 - 28 minutes - 51.5 MB

On the latest episode of Chesterfield Behind the Mic, we welcome program manager Bailey Hilliard to talk more in-depth about the Helping Addicts Recover Progressively (HARP) program, its origin, its mission, its successes, its lessons, and how it’s working to change the lives of so many throughout our area.   Credits: Director: Martin Stith Executive Producer: Teresa Bonifas Producer/Writer/Host: Brad Franklin Director of Photography/Editor: Matt Boyce Producer/Camera Operator:...

Episode 28: A Deep Dive Into the Community Facilities Bond Plan

September 21, 2022 10:00 - 20 minutes - 38.4 MB

On the latest episode of Chesterfield Behind the Mic, we dive deep into the upcoming bond referendum by talking to Dr. Merv Daugherty and Gerard Durkin to go through the various projects included in the Community Facilities Bond Plan and share specifics on each one. Visit chesterfield.gov/bond for more information.   Credits: Director: Martin Stith Executive Producer: Teresa Bonifas Producer/Writer/Host: Brad Franklin Director of Photography/Editor: Matt Boyce Producer/Camera O...

Episode 27: Celebrating One Year of Behind the Mic

September 07, 2022 10:00 - 27 minutes - 50.1 MB

On this special episode of Chesterfield Behind the Mic, we celebrate Year 1 of the show with a look back at how it came to be and share some glimpses behind the scenes of how its made, as those involved recount their stories in celebration of the show’s first anniversary.   Credits: Director: Martin Stith Executive Producer: Susan S. Pollard Co-Executive Producer: Teresa Bonifas Producer/Writer/Host: Brad Franklin Director of Photography/Editor: Matt Boyce Producer/Camera Ope...

Episode 26: Bond Referendum 101

August 24, 2022 10:00 - 22 minutes - 30.5 MB

On the latest episode of Chesterfield Behind the Mic, we talk to Deputy County Administrator Matt Harris to get the background on Chesterfield’s upcoming bond referendum this fall. We dive into the basics of what a referendum is, how bonds work, what savings they can present, how the projects in the Community Facilities Bond Plan were chosen, and much more. Find out more at chesterfield.gov/bond.   Credits: Director: Martin Stith Executive Producer: Susan S. Pollard Co-Executive Pr...

Episode 25: Preparing Your Child For a Successful Year

August 10, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 35.2 MB

On the latest episode of Chesterfield Behind the Mic, we talk to Valerie Fowlkes and Ginger Dotter from Chesterfield Mental Health Support Services about the ways that parents can best prepare and support their children and teens as they get ready to start a new school year. We talk through tips and strategies for homework, sleep, screen time and how parents can be involved in order to help their kids navigate what can be a stressful time.   For more information contact Prevention Servic...

Episode 24: Helping Answer Child Care Questions

July 27, 2022 10:00 - 22 minutes - 30.5 MB

On the latest episode of Chesterfield Behind the Mic, we talk to Janice Stovall and Caitlyn Plaskett about child care in Chesterfield County. We go over questions families might have about trying to find a provider and what to look for in that process as well as talking about what to do if you think becoming a provider—either in your own home or with an established daycare—is the right move for you.   Credits: Director: Martin Stith Executive Producer: Susan S. Pollard Co-Executive...

Episode 23: After Hours Concert Series

July 13, 2022 10:00 - 15 minutes - 21.3 MB

On the latest episode of Chesterfield Behind the Mic, we talk to Matt Creeger about the After Hours Concert Series coming soon to River City Sportsplex. We’ll discuss how the event came to Chesterfield, what they learned in the initial run at the Fairgrounds last year, what the venue at the Sportsplex will look like and offer, and much more. Visit AfterHoursConcertSeries.com for ticket information.   Credits: Director: Martin Stith Executive Producer: Susan S. Pollard Co-Executive ...

Episode 22: Talking Parks and Recreation with Neil Luther

June 29, 2022 10:00 - 20 minutes - 27.9 MB

On the latest episode of Chesterfield Behind the Mic, we talk to Parks and Recreation Director Neil Luther about his recent return to the county as head of the department, the busy season for Parks and Rec, and some of the upcoming events that county residents should have on their calendars.   Credits: Director: Martin Stith Executive Producer: Susan S. Pollard Co-Executive Producer: Teresa Bonifas Producer/Writer/Host: Brad Franklin Director of Photography/Editor: Matt Boyce ...

Episode 21: Entering the World of Library Bots

June 15, 2022 10:00 - 27 minutes - 37.1 MB

On the latest episode of Chesterfield Behind the Mic, we talk to members of Library Bots, a team of local high schoolers who meet at Central Library and compete in FIRST Tech Challenge robotics. Their “coach” and two team members talk about their experience of building the robot and competing against other teams, including how important the term “gracious professionalism” matters in all that they do.   Credits: Director: Martin Stith Executive Producer: Susan S. Pollard Co-Executiv...

Episode 20: American Idol Contestant Carrie Brockwell

June 01, 2022 10:00 - 22 minutes - 41.8 MB

On the latest episode of Chesterfield Behind the Mic, we talk to Chesterfield’s own Carrie Brockwell about a whirlwind few months as the 15-year old turned an open audition call on Zoom into a golden ticket, a trip to Hollywood, and the adventure of a lifetime on ABC’s American Idol.   Credits: Director: Martin Stith Executive Producer: Susan S. Pollard Co-Executive Producer: Teresa Bonifas Producer/Writer/Host: Brad Franklin Director of Photography/Editor: Matt Boyce Camera ...

Episode 19: Important Parking Changes for Chesterfield

May 18, 2022 10:00 - 17 minutes - 23.6 MB

On the latest episode of Chesterfield Behind the Mic, we talk to Cpl. Tim Morton of the Chesterfield County Police Department to find out about several important changes to county ordinances related to parking. If you’re someone who parks a vehicle in Chesterfield County, this is information you’re probably going to want to know.   Credits: Director: Martin Stith Executive Producer: Susan S. Pollard Co-Executive Producer: Teresa Bonifas Producer/Writer/Host: Brad Franklin Direc...

Bonus Episode: Telling the Story of Jailhouse Redemption

May 12, 2022 10:00 - 27 minutes - 38 MB

On this special episode of Chesterfield Behind the Mic, we focus on the new four-part Discovery+ docuseries Jailhouse Redemption, which chronicles the Helping Addicts Recover Progressively (HARP) program at the Chesterfield County Jail. We talked to executive producer and show runner Beth Wichterich as well as Chesterfield County Sheriff Karl Leonard ahead of the world premiere of Episode 1, which was held at the Perkinson Center in Chester.   Credits: Director: Matt Boyce Executive ...

Episode 18: Talking CVTA with Frank Thornton and Kevin Carroll

May 04, 2022 10:00 - 26 minutes - 36 MB

On the latest episode of Chesterfield Behind the Mic, we talk about the Central Virginia Transportation Authority with chair Frank Thornton of Henrico and vice chair Kevin Carroll of Chesterfield. In this installment, we discuss what the CVTA is, the goal in its formation, how the group goes about doing its work, and how projects are coming along including the Fall Line Trail.   Credits: Director: Martin Stith Executive Producer: Susan S. Pollard Co-Executive Producer: Teresa Bonif...

Episode 17: Talking Master Gardeners with Sierra Seekford

April 20, 2022 10:00 - 14 minutes - 20.5 MB

On the latest episode of Chesterfield Behind the Mic, we talk to Sierra Seekford with the Virginia Cooperative Extension to discuss Master Gardeners, who they are and what they do, as well as break down all of the programming they have this spring and summer. Lastly, with so many people ready to get their hands in the dirt this spring we also discuss what to plant and when to do it.   Credits: Director: Martin Stith Executive Producer: Susan S. Pollard Co-Executive Producer: Teresa...

Bonus Episode: Lorin Sodell talks advanced manufacturing

April 15, 2022 20:00 - 14 minutes - 20.5 MB

On this special edition of Chesterfield Behind the Mic,  we talk to Lorin Sodell, director of the advanced manufacturing education program at the Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CCAM) and director of external and industry engagement for the College of Engineering and Technology at Virginia State University. In this bonus episode, Sodell talks about advanced manufacturing, what it means in modern times, how integral it is for development, and much more.   Credits: Direct...

Episode 16: Don’t Be an Accidental Drug Dealer

April 06, 2022 10:00 - 13 minutes - 19 MB

On the latest episode of Chesterfield Behind the Mic, we talk to Allyson Butler, a prevention specialist with Chesterfield County’s Mental Health Support Services, about the “Don’t Be an Accidental Drug Dealer” campaign and the role that accidental access can have. As part of this initiative, the county is providing free prescription drug disposal pouches and locking bags to residents on a first-come, first-serve basis so those medications don’t fall into the hands of anyone who shouldn’t ha...

Episode 15: A Case Study on Florence (SC) and its Growth

March 30, 2022 10:00 - 18 minutes - 24.8 MB

On the latest episode of Chesterfield Behind the Mic, we talk to Mayor Teresa Myers Ervin of Florence (SC) about the growth of development and industry in her city, how that’s helped to position things for the future, the way it played out among various partners, and what all of that means for the residents in the area.   Credits: Director: Martin Stith Executive Producer: Susan S. Pollard Co-Executive Producer: Teresa Bonifas Producer/Writer/Host: Brad Franklin Director of Pho...

Episode 14: Breaking Down Chesterfield’s Proposed FY2023 Budget

March 16, 2022 12:19 - 27 minutes - 37.5 MB

On the latest episode of Chesterfield Behind the Mic, we talk to Deputy County Administrator Matt Harris about the proposed FY2023 budget, the decisions that went into crafting it, the tax relief that it would bring, how the county is dealing with recruiting and retention challenges, and much more.   Credits: Director: Martin Stith Executive Producer: Susan S. Pollard Co-Executive Producer: Teresa Bonifas Producer/Writer/Host: Brad Franklin Director of Photography/Editor: Matt ...

Episode 13: Chesterfield Fire & EMS’ Sal Luciano Talks PulsePoint

March 09, 2022 11:00 - 16 minutes - 23.2 MB

On the latest episode of Chesterfield Behind the Mic, we talk to Chief Deputy Fire Marshal Sal Luciano of Chesterfield County Fire & EMS about PulsePoint, an exciting new program that gives everyday people the chance to save a life. In this episode, Luciano explains how PulsePoint works, why it can play such a critical role in emergency response, what county residents need to know to get involved, and much more.   Credits: Director: Martin Stith Executive Producer: Susan S. Pollard ...

Episode 12: Chesterfield County Supervisor Leslie Haley (Midlothian)

February 23, 2022 11:00 - 27 minutes - 37.6 MB

On the latest episode of Chesterfield Behind the Mic, we talk to Leslie Haley of the Chesterfield County (VA) Board of Supervisors about her path to public service and how intentionality has always helped to shape her views. We discuss her time working with PTA groups and get her point of view on projects like Village of Midlothian, Spring Rock Green, and Upper Magnolia before talking about the recent round re-evaluations and how that impacts the upcoming budget.   Credits: Director: M...

Episode 11: Brightpoint's Dr. Ted Raspiller

February 09, 2022 11:00 - 24 minutes - 33.2 MB

On the latest episode of Chesterfield Behind the Mic, we talk to Dr. Ted Raspiller of Brightpoint Community College (formerly John Tyler) to talk about the role the college plays in Chesterfield’s and central Virginia’s economy growth, the new opportunities it provides to potential students and businesses in the area, and how recent trends in various types of industry have lead directly to a new and different view of what the future looks like for those who attend.   Credits: Director:...

Bonus Episode: Jason El Koubi talks economic development

January 31, 2022 11:00 - 17 minutes - 23.3 MB

On this bonus edition of Chesterfield Behind the Mic, Virginia Economic Development Partnership’s Jason El Koubi joins the show to talk about bringing jobs to the Commonwealth, how localities can best prepare for those potential projects, and what’s keeping companies from choosing places like Chesterfield.   Credits: Director: Martin Stith Executive Producer: Susan S. Pollard Co-Executive Producer: Teresa Bonifas Producer/Writer/Host: Brad Franklin Director of Photography/Edito...

Episode 10: Chesterfield County Supervisor Kevin Carroll (Matoaca)

January 26, 2022 11:00 - 28 minutes - 39.3 MB

On the latest episode of Chesterfield Behind the Mic, we talk to Kevin Carroll of the Chesterfield County (VA) Board of Supervisors about the value he places on public service and how his change in perspective from being involved in law enforcement to his time as a member of board has shaped his views. That’s especially true of the way he sees public infrastructure, particularly roads and the pending rezoning case at Upper Magnolia.   Credits: Director: Martin Stith Executive Produce...

Episode 9: State of the County with Dr. Joe Casey

January 12, 2022 11:00 - 26 minutes - 36.4 MB

On the latest episode of Chesterfield Behind the Mic, we talk to County Administrator Dr. Joe Casey about the year that was and what’s ahead. You can watch his recent State of the County address in its entirety on our YouTube channel but in this episode, Dr. Casey discusses the great news about Chesterfield’s economic situation, how the county plans to use a number of federal funds, and how that all impacts the tax rate and the outlook for what’s ahead in 2022.      Credits: Director...

Episode 8: How Communications Have Changed

December 29, 2021 11:00 - 25 minutes - 35 MB

On the latest episode of Chesterfield Behind the Mic, we talk to Communications and Media Director Susan Pollard to discuss how the department was prepared to adapt to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and how it connected, and continues to do so, with residents through a variety of communications tools.   Credits: Director: Martin Stith Executive Producer: Susan S. Pollard Co-Executive Producer: Teresa Bonifas Producer/Writer/Host: Brad Franklin Director of Photography/Edito...

Episode 7: Ways to Have a Safe Holiday in Chesterfield

December 15, 2021 11:00 - 29 minutes - 40.1 MB

On the latest episode of Chesterfield Behind the Mic, we talk to Fire Chief Loy Senter and Col. Jeffrey Katz, Chief of Police for Chesterfield, to talk about ways to stay safe this holiday season. From kitchen and tree safety to how to be safe while shopping and after gifts have arrived, we talk to both chiefs about how you and your family can have a happy and safe holiday this year.    Credits: Director: Martin Stith Executive Producer: Susan S. Pollard Co-Executive Producer: Tere...

Episode 6: Chesterfield County Supervisor Jim Ingle (Bermuda)

December 01, 2021 11:00 - 27 minutes - 37.4 MB

On the latest episode of Chesterfield Behind the Mic, we talk to Jim Ingle of the Chesterfield County (VA) Board of Supervisors, about a number of important topics in the Bermuda District. We spend the bulk of our time talking about the widening of Route 10 and the pending “superstreet” that will help with traffic flow in the area and about the improvements to other infrastructure in the area related to that project, including the construction of a new access road to access Historical Henric...

Episode 5: Thanksgiving Meals and Christmas Donations in Chesterfield

November 17, 2021 11:00 - 29 minutes - 40.7 MB

On the latest episode of Chesterfield Behind the Mic, we focus on the start of the holiday season and discuss a couple of opportunities for you to get involved this year. First we talk to Dawn McCoy, CEO of Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Alliance for Social Ministry (CCHASM) to learn more about that organization’s Thanksgiving meal donations. Then we catch up with Phyllis Poats, who is the 2021 Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Christmas Mother, to talk about how you can help out those in need th...

Episode 4: Chesterfield County Supervisor Chris Winslow (Clover Hill)

November 03, 2021 10:00 - 23 minutes - 32.6 MB

On the latest episode of Chesterfield Behind the Mic, we talk to Chris Winslow of the Chesterfield County (VA) Board of Supervisors, about a number of important topics in the Clover Hill District. We spend the bulk of our time in this show talking about the Genito Road Special Area Plan, the potential changes to the River City Sports complex and Southside Speedway, and what it all means not just for those who live near the area but in Chesterfield as a whole.   Credits: Director: Marti...

Episode 3: Chesterfield County Supervisor Jim Holland (Dale)

October 20, 2021 10:00 - 19 minutes - 26.5 MB

On the latest episode of Chesterfield Behind the Mic, we talk to Chairman Jim Holland of the county’s Board of Supervisors, about a host of projects in the Dale District that will be coming online soon, starting with the mixed-use development at Courthouse Landing, then the renovation of the old school and the transformation into the Beulah Recreation Center, and about the recently-approved additional sites for early voting at five area libraries.   Credits: Director/Promotions: Vernon...

Episode 3: Chesterfield County Supervisor Jim Holland (Dale District)

October 20, 2021 10:00 - 19 minutes - 26.5 MB

On the latest episode of Chesterfield Behind the Mic, we talk to Chairman Jim Holland of the county’s Board of Supervisors, about a host of projects in the Dale District that will be coming online soon, starting with the mixed-use development at Courthouse Landing, then the renovation of the old school and the transformation into the Beulah Recreation Center, and about the recently-approved additional sites for early voting at five area libraries.   Credits: Director/Promotions: Vernon...

Episode 2: Talking preparedness with Emergency Management Coordinator Jess Robison

October 06, 2021 10:00 - 30 minutes - 42.4 MB

On the latest episode of Chesterfield Behind the Mic, we talk to Jessica Robison, who is the county’s coordinator of emergency management, about what her division does, the ways that Chesterfield residents can stay informed and prepared, and what sorts of ways the county plans for emergency responses throughout the year.   Credits: Director: Martin Stith Executive Producer: Susan S. Pollard Co-Executive Producer: Teresa Bonifas Producer/Writer/Host: Brad Franklin Director of Ph...

Episode 1: Revisiting Chesterfield's trip to the Little League World Series

September 22, 2021 10:00 - 28 minutes - 38.9 MB

On the first episode of Chesterfield Behind the Mic, coach Bill Fiege and league president Rosemary Fitzgerald join the show to talk about Chesterfield Little League’s historic run to the LLWS softball tournament’s championship game. We get into what it was like during the summer, especially in Greenville and then at home as the team represented Chesterfield on a national stage.   Credits Director: Martin Stith Executive Producer: Susan S. Pollard Co-Executive Producer: Teresa Boni...

Episode 0: Welcome to Chesterfield Behind the Mic

September 10, 2021 14:50 - 1 minute - 1.84 MB

Check out this teaser trailer of our new podcast, Chesterfield Behind the Mic.

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@chesterfieldva 85 Episodes