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In this episode of Vera House Unscripted, we talk through what it was like navigating Richmond during the Winter Ice Storm Fern and how the city responded when weather exposes gaps in infrastructure and planning.

We discuss the ice storm itself, untreated streets and sidewalks, and the viral moments that came out of the chaos. The conversation moves into city infrastructure, preparedness, and how public systems tend to break down in predictable ways when conditions get extreme. We also touch on skate culture as a way people physically and creatively adapt to the city, including the recent James City County skate park controversy and broader conversations around public design.

Later in the episode, we shift into Richmond’s cultural identity, including punk and DIY history, the evolution of “RVA” as a nickname, and how nostalgia, subcultures, and generational shifts continue to shape how people relate to the city. Throughout the discussion, we reflect on how Richmond changes, what it holds onto, and what gets lost along the way.

Quick interjection to invite you to Vera House Studios. If you are a local Richmond business, entrepreneur, brand owner, or service provider—and you know you need to create better content to get your products and services in front of the right people—we can help.

Get more info about our studio here.

This podcast is produced by Vera House — a creative club and premium media studio based in Richmond, Virginia. Our studio exists to champion local brands, creative expression, rva culture, and produce high-impact content for founders, makers, and modern businesses.

Follow the movement:

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youtube.com/@verahousepod

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Hosted by Myke Metzger & Perri Young:

instagram.com/mykemetzger

instagram.com/planetperri

Got thoughts? Throw them at us by sending a text here

10% OFF your next purchase at Point 5 in Carytown:

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In this episode of Vera House Unscripted, we sit down with Aspen DeRosa, a Richmond-based photographer, educator, and community builder.

Follow Aspen:

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https://www.aspenderosa.com

Riffs and Recovery:

https://www.instagram.com/riffsandrecovery

We talk about Aspen’s approach to photography as people-focused work, including how they help subjects feel comfortable, present, and confident in front of the camera. The conversation covers them teaching at the Visual Arts Center of Richmond, how education informs their creative practice, and what it means to balance multiple roles as a working creative.

We also discuss sobriety within Richmond’s music and creative scenes, including the realities of navigating social spaces without alcohol and the work Aspen is doing through Riffs and Recovery to build intentional, sober-friendly community spaces. The episode touches on non-alcoholic culture, local collaborations, and how events and gatherings can be designed around presence and connection rather than drinking.

Throughout the conversation, we explore photography, teaching, sobriety, and community building as practical, lived experiences, with a focus on how people show up for themselves and each other in creative spaces.

Quick interjection to invite you to Vera House Studios. If you are a local Richmond business, entrepreneur, brand owner, or service provider—and you know you need to create better content to get your products and services in front of the right people—we can help.

Get more info about our studio here.

This podcast is produced by Vera House — a creative club and premium media studio based in Richmond, Virginia. Our studio exists to champion local brands, creative expression, rva culture, and produce high-impact content for founders, makers, and modern businesses.

Follow the movement:

instagram.com/verahouse.co

youtube.com/@verahousepod

verahouse.co

Hosted by Myke Metzger & Perri Young:

instagram.com/mykemetzger

instagram.com/planetperri

Got thoughts? Throw them at us by sending a text here

10% OFF your next purchase at Point 5 in Carytown:

https://verahouse.co/point5⁠

Subscribe to the audio podcast:
https://verahouse.buzzsprout.com/follow

Follow us:
https://instagram.com/verahouse.co

In this episode of Vera House Unscripted, we talk through how people move through Richmond — physically, socially, and culturally — and how the city functions on a day-to-day level for the people who live here.

We discuss public transportation ideas in Richmond, parks and trail access, and how shared spaces like the James River, North Bank Trail, Canal Walk, and downtown Main Street are actually used. We also address ongoing river safety concerns, recent drownings, and what’s missing when it comes to infrastructure, public amenities, and accessibility.

The conversation moves into several recent and uniquely Richmond stories, including the Benedictine College Prep quarterback fire station incident, the Richmond cone parade, and reactions to the plastic bag fee and surprise charges at local grocery stores like Kroger. We also touch on downtown development, older buildings along Main Street, and how small policies and systems quietly shape daily life in the city.

Throughout the episode, we share personal experiences, local observations, and commentary on what works, what doesn’t, and what Richmond still feels like it’s figuring out — blending practical concerns, civic frustration, and the kind of strange, specific stories that make the city what it is.

Quick interjection to invite you to Vera House Studios. If you are a local Richmond business, entrepreneur, brand owner, or service provider—and you know you need to create better content to get your products and services in front of the right people—we can help.

Get more info about our studio here.

This podcast is produced by Vera House — a creative club and premium media studio based in Richmond, Virginia. Our studio exists to champion local brands, creative expression, rva culture, and produce high-impact content for founders, makers, and modern businesses.

Follow the movement:

instagram.com/verahouse.co

youtube.com/@verahousepod

verahouse.co

Hosted by Myke Metzger & Perri Young:

instagram.com/mykemetzger

instagram.com/planetperri