This episode is giving empowerment, vulnerability, AND a little unhinged fun 💅

In honor of women's history month: we’re joined by the incredible Sarah Bonney, founder of She Kicks VA — a community bringing women together through martial arts, confidence, and straight-up badass energy.

We dive into:

• 🥊 How martial arts builds confidence (inside AND outside the ring)
• 💔 Turning trauma into purpose and creating safer spaces for women
• 👯‍♀️ Why training with women hits different
• 💭 What being a “strong woman” actually means (this one hits)

AND of course…

🎤 Drop It On Us, Big Daddy!

We’re diving into RVA’s karaoke scene 🎶

From wild nights to hidden gems, here’s where you can grab a mic:

🎤 Sticky Rice

🎤 Caddy’s Karaoke Bar & Grill

🎤 Sine Irish Pub

🎤 Barcode

🎤 Babes of Carytown

🎤 Get Tight Lounge

🎤 Thirsty’s

🎤 Lakeside Tavern

🎤 Wonderland

🎤 My Noodle & Bar

🎤 Random iconic karaoke moment at Barboursville (we were THERE 😂)

We also break down the origin of karaoke (yes, it’s actually fascinating) and why singing your heart out is basically therapy.

📅 RVA Events We’re Loving

• 🐰 Dominion Energy Family Easter at Maymont
• 🤠 Bombshell at The Ranch (Midlothian)

Whether you’re trying to be artsy, wholesome, or ready to black out and sing… we got you.

🗣️ Shoutouts

• Melanie Eaton Photography 📸
• Ashley Sanchez (hair) 💇‍♀️
• Amanda Cook (makeup) 💄
• LVLUP Combat Club + MJ 🥊

This week we’re joined by Nan and Kam from Sports Backers, the Richmond nonprofit behind some of the city’s most iconic fitness events like the Monument Avenue 10K, Richmond Marathon, and Dominion Energy Riverrock.

Nan (PR & Communications Manager) and Kam (Social Media Strategist) share what it’s like working behind the scenes of these massive community events and how Sports Backers has helped build Richmond’s active culture. From organizing races with tens of thousands of runners to managing social media, volunteers, and race-day logistics, they give us a look at what it really takes to pull these events off.

We talk about the incredible energy of the Monument Avenue 10K, why it feels like Richmond’s biggest block party, and some of the funniest costumes people have worn during the race. Nan and Kam also share race-day tips for runners, plus some of their favorite Richmond restaurants and post-run brunch spots.

The girls also host their own podcast, On the Move with Nan & Kam, where they highlight Richmond events, active lifestyles, and stories from the local fitness community.

Along the way we also discuss upcoming St. Patrick’s Day events around RVA, take a look at the new Flying Squirrels stadium at CarMax Park, and announce our $50 Harry’s Sing-Along Brunch giveaway (follow along on our Instagram feed and stories for the rules and how to enter. Winner will be announced later this month).

It’s a fun conversation about Richmond culture, community, and the events that bring the city together.

This week we sit down with Erika — Sales & Marketing Manager at Tobacco Company, VCU marketing grad, Canva Queen, and full-time nightlife girly.

She shares:

• How she went from corporate cold-calling to curating Richmond culture
• The history (and near-death moments) of Tobacco Company
• Friday vs. Saturday club vibes
• VIP birthday perks
• Winter White Party chaos
• And why the bathroom mirror selfie is mandatory

Upstairs: steak dinners and anniversaries. Downstairs: espresso martini shooters and early-2000s bangers. Duality.

Support Tobacco Company:

https://www.thetobaccocompany.com/

@tobaccocorva

https://www.facebook.com/TobaccoCoDine/

Follow Erika:

@erikawaszak

🌿 Big Daddy Segment

We also break down Virginia’s move toward a regulated recreational marijuana market and what it could mean for the economy. Yes, stimulated economy jokes included.

We also gush (again) about Harry's at Hofheimer and their Sing-Along Brunch — not just a meal, but a full-room main-character experience. DJs spinning nostalgic hits, strangers becoming backup vocalists, espresso martinis flowing, and the entire room committed to the bit. It’s chaotic in the best way and peak Richmond energy.

We also want to give the biggest shoutout to Melanie Eaton, a Richmond-based luxury fashion, boudoir, and branding photographer who is truly redefining what confidence looks like behind (and in front of) the camera. Through her artistry and her ME Program, Melanie creates spaces where women feel seen, celebrated, and empowered. Her work blends editorial edge with heartfelt intention, and the community she’s built is just as beautiful as the images she captures. RVA is lucky to have her creative energy!

Be sure to follow us for more great episodes! https://linktr.ee/olala_rva