Tidewater Talk
The Best Podcast In Tidewater
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Tamagotchis, Task Forces, and Tidewater Traditions

Description

In this cozy, community-centered episode of Tidewater Talk, Co and Brodie kick things off with some laughs about fireplace projects and Tamagotchi nostalgia before turning to local headlines and life in Coastal Virginia. We discuss a tragic e-bike crash, a new e-bike task force forming in Virginia Beach’s District 8, and WalletHub’s rankings that place Virginia Beach and Chesapeake among the nation’s best places for veterans—highlighting strengths in housing stability, job opportunities, and quality of life. We also weigh the pros and cons of a potential plastic bag fee in Virginia Beach and share an updated weather outlook: a chilly start with flurries, then a gradual warm-up into the weekend with breezy spots and plenty of sun.

We wrap with community engagement: last week’s cozy-weather traditions (hello, indoor and outdoor fires!) and next week’s prompt asking who in the Tidewater community has made a difference in your life. For your local calendar, we spotlight Dominion Energy’s Garden of Lights at the Norfolk Botanical Garden (nightly from 5 PM with a mobility shuttle), the Winter Wonderland Train unveiling at MacArthur Square Light Rail Station on November 14 (4–6 PM), and WinterFest at Nauticus opening night on November 14 (6:30–10 PM). Send your tips and stories to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and share the show with neighbors to keep the community conversation going.

Ask Question

  • Who in the Tidewater community has made a difference in your life lately?

Follow Ups

  • E-bike death

News

  • E-bike task force
  • What would you change about Town Center
  • City Ranking for Veterans
  • Plastic Bag Fee?

Tidewater Tips

  • Botanical Gardens Lights
  • Winter Wonderland Train McArthur Mall
  • WinterFest on the Wisconsin

Fun Links

  • www.13newsnow.com/article/news/local/mycity/virginia-beach/fatal-e-bike-accident-virginia-beach-cypress-avenue/291-43583e9d-ae5f-48a7-89c3-4aa6ca765b00
  • www.facebook.com/share/p/1Bmxjgu7zL/
  • www.facebook.com/share/p/1GhnnRA31D/
  • wallethub.com/edu/best-and-worst-cities-for-veterans/8156
  • www.dailypress.com/2025/11/11/virginia-beach-plastic-bags-fees/
  • norfolkbotanicalgarden.org/dominion-energy-garden-lights/
  • nauticus.org/events/winterfest/

Seven Words to Stronger Missions: A Nonprofit Playbook for Tidewater

Description

In this week’s Tidewater Talk, we welcome neighbor and author-consultant Patrick Belcher to dig into the heart of local philanthropy across Coastal Virginia. Patrick shares his journey from sales to the Red Cross to founding PB&J Marcom, why he titled his book “Fundraising is Everything Done Before Asking for Money,” and the unexpected writing exercise—seven-word statements—that helped him shape clearer chapters and now helps nonprofit boards clarify mission. We explore Tidewater’s unique fundraising landscape, from the region’s rich venue options to how relationships power great events, plus creative, year-round ways families can support food pantries and shelters beyond the holiday rush, like drives for socks, underwear, smaller-size clothing, and women’s hygiene products. Patrick also spotlights assistive technology access, foster-care birthday programs, and why asking “How else can we help?” matters. We wrap with local weather, fall vibes, and a few neighborhood tips—from classic cars and coffee to a bargain book sale. Resources mentioned and local tips: organize a neighborhood or school drive using wish lists from area food pantries and shelters; consider socks (including compression socks), underwear, and smaller-size clothing; look for hygiene product drives; check out regional assistive technology and foster-care support organizations; Virginia Peninsula Foodbank’s spring food-truck festival; Classic Cars & Coffee at Old Town Farmers Market (Portsmouth, Saturdays 10 a.m.–2 p.m.); Recycled Re-Reads Used Book Sale at Slover Library (Norfolk).

Ask Question

  • What’s your favorite cozy or comforting Tidewater tradition when the weather turns chilly?

Guest

  • Patrick Belcher
  • Author of: Fundraising Is: Everything Done BeforeAsking For Money

  • https://pbjmarcomm.net/

Tidewater Tips

  • Classic Cars and Coffee
  • Recycled used book sale

Fun Links

  • pbjmarcomm.net/
  • Oasis Social Ministry
  • Suffolk Christian Fellowship
  • Friends of Foster Care
  • Connect with a Wish
  • My book – FundraisingIs.net

Halloween in Tidewater

Description

In this week’s Tidewater Talk, Brodie and Co keep it cozy with chilly-weather vibes, a quick safety chat about the surge of e-bikes on local streets, and a deep dive into the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel expansion, why the planned traffic shift was postponed, what’s changing (eight lanes, full shoulders), and a look back at the bridge-tunnel’s history and traffic growth. We swap commute war stories (including the legend of the “median rock”), and share practical Halloween essentials: local trick-or-treating rules by city (most ending at 8 PM, age limits in some localities), plus a refresher on what different pumpkin colors mean; from teal (food allergies) to purple (epilepsy awareness) and blue (autism/sensory considerations). We highlight a feel-good local resource - free wig boutiques at area hospitals offering wigs, scarves, and support for patients experiencing medical-related hair loss. Weather-wise, expect rain, wind, and a coastal flood advisory through Thursday morning, then a breezy, sunny cool-down leading into a sweater-weather Saturday. In community picks: vote for inclusive costume builds at hallowheels.org, Halloweekend deals at The Melting Pot (Oct 31–Nov 2), kids-eat-free on Halloween at The Habit Burger & Grill (VB location, with purchase), and a Nov 1 silent disco at The Market. Question of the week: What’s one small thing about living in Tidewater that always makes you smile? Share your stories and Tidewater This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Ask Question

  • What’s one small thing about living in Tidewater that always makes you smile?

Follow Ups

  • E-Bikes. I've almost run over two kids on e-bikes

News

  • Traffic
  • https://www.wtkr.com/news/in-the-community/norfolk/hampton-roads-bridge-tunnel-expansion-project-marking-big-milestone-with-south-trestle-opening-this-weekend
  • Trick-Or_Treat Rules
  • https://www.dailypress.com/2025/10/28/the-rules-for-trick-or-treating-in-hampton-roads-6/
  • Windy Washout Cold
  • https://www.wtkr.com/weather/todays-forecast/davids-first-warning-forecast-rainy-and-windy-on-tuesday

Tidewater Tips

  • Silent disco
  • https://watersidedistrict.com/Events-and-Entertainment/Events/20250705-SilentDisco
  • Melting Pot $39 Halloween Deal
  • https://www.facebook.com/share/17bCK9Vie2/

Fun Links

  • www.wtkr.com/news/in-the-community/norfolk/hampton-roads-bridge-tunnel-expansion-project-marking-big-milestone-with-south-trestle-opening-this-weekend
  • www.dailypress.com/2025/10/28/the-rules-for-trick-or-treating-in-hampton-roads-6/
  • www.wtkr.com/weather/todays-forecast/davids-first-warning-forecast-rainy-and-windy-on-tuesday
  • watersidedistrict.com/Events-and-Entertainment/Events/20250705-SilentDisco
  • www.facebook.com/share/17bCK9Vie2/

Scandalous Strolls, Ghostly Tales, and Family-Friendly Fun in Tidewater

Description

In this week’s Tidewater Talk, Co and Brodie kick things off by admitting what so many of us feel—life is busy and we’re tired—and then bring it back to a simple reminder: pause, be present, and carve out small moments for yourself and your family. From bedtime reading to quick park breaks, we share a few real-life ways we’re trying to slow down and enjoy the now.

We then dive into local headlines: reports of black vulture deaths across Virginia tied to the H5N1 avian flu and what to watch for if you spot clusters of dead birds (plus how to contact the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources). We also talk about a playground mulch fire at Norfolk’s Broad Creek Legacy Park, this week’s gorgeous fall forecast, and a watchful eye on Hurricane Melissa lingering in the Caribbean. For community happenings, we spotlight the Witch of Pungo Festival at Blue Pete’s, a downtown Norfolk walking tour exploring the city’s scandalous past, an inclusive Accessible Trunk-or-Treat in Virginia Beach, and late-night ghost tours at the historic Granby Theatre. We wrap with next week’s question: What’s one small change that would make life in Tidewater better for everyone?

Ask Question

  • What’s one small change you think would make life in Tidewater better for everyone?

News

  • Norfolk Playground Destroyed by Large Fire
  • https://www.pilotonline.com/2025/10/20/broad-creek-park-playground-fire/?lctg=04222582F47F74A424B9C4C5BC&utm_email=04222582F47F74A424B9C4C5BC&active=no

Tidewater Tips

  • Witch of Pungo Festival
  • https://www.facebook.com/share/1CLaaM8tpw/
  • Accessible Trunk Or Treat
  • https://www.facebook.com/share/p/175Fvhc2k7/
  • Norfolk Walking Tour Scandalous Past
  • https://www.visitnorfolk.com/event/true-crime-a-downtown-norfolk-walking-tour/
  • Ghost Tour at haunted Granby theater
  • https://www.downtownnorfolk.org/event/ghost-tours-at-the-haunted-granby-theater

Fun Links

  • www.pilotonline.com/2025/10/20/broad-creek-park-playground-fire/?lctg=04222582F47F74A424B9C4C5BC&utm_email=04222582F47F74A424B9C4C5BC&active=no
  • www.facebook.com/share/1CLaaM8tpw/
  • www.facebook.com/share/p/175Fvhc2k7/
  • www.visitnorfolk.com/event/true-crime-a-downtown-norfolk-walking-tour/
  • www.downtownnorfolk.org/event/ghost-tours-at-the-haunted-granby-theater

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