Episodes

  • Sweet Indulgence Bakery and Visiting Angels Lynchburg, VA

    Sweet Indulgence Bakery and Visiting Angels Lynchburg, VA
    Oct 28 2026
    In this episode of Talk Local to Me, hosts Heather Alto and Mike sit down with Ashley from Sweet Indulgence Bakery to hear the inspiring story behind her business. After leaving an abusive marriage, Ashley turned her passion for baking into a business with a greater purpose. She shares how her grandmother’s legacy continues to influence her work, the creativity behind her custom cakes, and how bakery profits help provide childcare and counseling for employees rebuilding their lives after domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking.Then, Mike shares more about his work with Visiting Angels Lynchburg and how the organization helps older adults maintain their independence while remaining in the comfort of their own homes. He also discusses the importance of supporting family caregivers and giving loved ones the opportunity to focus on being family rather than full-time caregivers.From overcoming challenges and building a business with purpose to providing compassionate care for families, this episode highlights the people and organizations making a meaningful difference throughout Central Virginia.
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Ry's Pies 'N Cobblers and Virginia Adult Care Education

    Ry's Pies 'N Cobblers and Virginia Adult Care Education
    Oct 7 2026
    1 hr and 16 mins
  • TekGoat and Deffner Insurance

    TekGoat and Deffner Insurance
    Sep 30 2026
    A house fire revealed a gap in Adam’s smoke-alarm setup and helped lead him to start Tech Goat, where he now helps homes and businesses improve security, Wi-Fi and smart-home systems. Adam shares how cameras can miss crucial footage, why separating guest Wi-Fi matters, and how a leak sensor can shut off water before damage spreads. Then Medicare adviser Joe breaks down what to review during open enrollment, including why spouses may need different plans and how moving can affect coverage. Heather and Mike also share local parade news and practical insights from two Central Virginia business owners.
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    1 hr and 16 mins
  • The Healing Home Foundation

    The Healing Home Foundation
    Sep 23 2026
    In this episode of Talk Local to Me, host Heather Alto recaps the successful Bedford CenterFest and announces upcoming Christmas parades. She also explains the history and mission of the Central Virginia Business Coalition, which supports over 500 local businesses through networking, marketing, and community events. Heather then interviews Courtney from the Healing Home Foundation, a nonprofit supporting foster, adoptive, and kinship families through trauma-informed resources and caregiver education. Courtney discusses the emotional challenges these families face and shares details about their upcoming Christmas pop-up and ribbon-cutting event on November 14th in Lynchburg.
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    55 mins
  • Tea Time: Maggie Takes Pix

    Tea Time: Maggie Takes Pix
    Sep 22 2026
    In this episode of Tea Time, Maggie McCanna, owner of Maggie Takes Pix, shares how her love of photography grew from a childhood hobby into a professional portrait photography business focused on empowering women.

    Maggie shares how she creates a personalized, luxury photography experience for her clients, from initial consultations and wardrobe planning to professional hair and makeup. She also discusses the challenges of running a business on her own, the importance of knowing your worth, and how joining the Central Virginia Business Coalition (CVABC) helped her build connections within the Central Virginia community after relocating to Amherst County.
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    16 mins
  • Bedford Centerfest and Independent Lifestyles

    Bedford Centerfest and Independent Lifestyles
    Sep 16 2026
    In this episode of Talk Local to Me, Heather Alto and Mike Norfield highlight the upcoming Bedford CenterFest on September 19, a free street festival in downtown Bedford from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. They share what attendees can expect, including vendors, live music, kids’ activities, food, parking information, and other event-day details.

    Later, Allison and Dave from Independent Lifestyles join the conversation to share how their family-owned mobility business helps people maintain their independence. Celebrating 24 years in business, Independent Lifestyles offers a wide range of mobility products and services, including wheelchairs, stair lifts, wheelchair-accessible vehicle modifications, rentals, repairs, and financing options.
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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • Insight Bookkeeping & Consulting and Forest Living

    Insight Bookkeeping & Consulting and Forest Living
    Sep 9 2026
    In this episode of Talk Local to Me, Mike Norfield and Heather Alto welcome Meghan Cucci of Insight Bookkeeping and Consulting, who shares expert advice on managing business finances, recognizing when professional bookkeeping help is needed, and preparing for year-end.

    Later, Bryan Brammer discusses Forest Living Magazine and its targeted advertising opportunities for local businesses. Throughout the episode, Mike and Heather also highlight upcoming Central Virginia Business Coalition events and discuss the importance of networking, community engagement, and building strong connections to support local business growth.
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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Brothers that Just Do Gutters and Brook Hill Farm

    Brothers that Just Do Gutters and Brook Hill Farm
    Sep 2 2026
    In this episode of Talk Local to Me, hosts Heather and Mike cover local community news, including the Bedford Center Fest and upcoming CVABC events. They interview Cam from Brothers That Just Do Gutters, who discusses the importance of proper gutter maintenance and his company's honest, specialized approach to home protection. Georgia then shares the inspiring work of Brooke Hill Farms, a Bedford County nonprofit using equine therapy to transform the lives of over 210 youth and individuals facing mental, physical, and emotional challenges. Listeners are encouraged to support both organizations and engage with their local community.
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    1 hr and 1 min