What happens when we give young people more than just an education? We give them the tools, confidence, connections, and opportunities to shape their own futures.

On this episode of River City Podcast, host Jess Ellett sits down with Dre'mon Miller, educator, entrepreneur, youth advocate, and founder of Street Smartz Over Safety and the Street Smartz Foundation, to explore how his Richmond-based organization is changing lives through mentorship, real-world education, and community connections.

From teaching financial literacy, leadership, and conflict resolution to introducing young people to career opportunities, college experiences, and life-saving certifications, Street Smartz is going far beyond traditional after-school programming.

Dre'mon shares his own journey growing up in Richmond, his experiences in law enforcement and education, and the inspiration behind launching Street Smartz. He also talks about the power of long-term mentorship, the importance of meeting young people where they are, and the incredible impact of watching participants graduate, earn scholarships, and return to help the next generation.

Plus, hear what's ahead for the organization, including its December 13th fundraising gala at the Speakeasy at the Hippodrome, and how local businesses and community members can get involved through mentorship, internships, sponsorships, and donations.

It's an inspiring conversation about breaking barriers, building confidence, and creating a community where every young person has the opportunity to succeed.

Learn more, get involved, or support Street Smartz:

🌐 Street Smartz Foundation

Organizations mentioned:

• Reynolds Community College
• Richmond Public Schools
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond
• University of Richmond
• Virginia Commonwealth University

Thanks for listening to River City Podcast! A River City Consulting Production. To learn more about how your organization can be interviewed on the show, please visit River City Podcast online!

What happens when a life-changing diagnosis becomes a mission to help others?

On this episode of River City Podcast, host Jess Ellett sits down with John Poma, Chair of Mission and Outreach for the Parkinson's Foundation Mid-Atlantic Chapter and Chair of Moving Day Richmond, and Sean Liverman of the Medical Society of Virginia.

John shares his personal journey with Parkinson's disease, from the unexpected sleep disorder that led to his diagnosis to the challenges of living with a progressive neurological condition. He also talks about the importance of exercise, early intervention, groundbreaking research, and why he has dedicated himself to advocating for others living with Parkinson's.

Sean joins the conversation to discuss the Medical Society of Virginia's commitment to improving healthcare and why supporting Moving Day Richmond has become such a meaningful part of that mission.

Together, they explore the latest developments in Parkinson's research, the potential connection between environmental factors and the disease, and the incredible resources available right here in Richmond.

Plus, learn about Moving Day Richmond! More than a fundraising walk, this annual event brings together individuals living with Parkinson's, their families, healthcare professionals, and community supporters for a day of connection, education, movement, and hope.

Moving Day Richmond 2026

Saturday, October 24 | 10 AM–1 PM

Richmond Raceway | Richmond, VA

Registration is FREE, and everyone is welcome! Whether you'd like to walk, volunteer, form a team, sponsor, or simply show your support, there's a place for you.

Register or learn more: https://www.parkinson.org/events/2026/md-richmond-va

Organizations & Resources Mentioned:

• Parkinson's Foundation
• Parkinson's Foundation Mid-Atlantic Chapter
• Moving Day Richmond
• Medical Society of Virginia
• VCU Parkinson's and Movement Disorders Center
• PD GENEration – Genetic Testing & Research
• Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research

An inspiring conversation about resilience, advocacy, and the power of a community coming together to make a difference.

#RiverCityPodcast #ParkinsonsAwareness #MovingDayRichmond #ParkinsonsFoundation #RichmondVA #ParkinsonsResearch #CommunityMatters

Thanks for listening to River City Podcast! A River City Consulting Production. To learn more about how your organization can be interviewed on the show, please visit River City Podcast online!

What if the secret to growing your business isn’t selling harder — but connecting better?

In this episode of River City Podcast, Jess sits down with Anna Sothen, founder of RVA Connected, publisher with Best Version Media, entrepreneur, community builder, and the woman who has earned the nickname “The Human Rolodex.”

Anna has built her business — and much of her life — around one simple idea: when someone says, “I need…,” she wants to be the person who knows exactly who can help.

Anna shares how she went from being a health coach, yoga instructor, and Reiki practitioner to becoming a publisher and one of Richmond’s most recognizable connectors. She and Jess dive into what good networking actually looks like, why walking into a room trying to sell is usually the wrong approach, how to make yourself memorable, the importance (and challenge!) of following up, and why your competitors can sometimes become your greatest assets.

They also talk about RVA Connected, Anna’s work with Best Version Media, the power of community-based marketing, and why businesses that genuinely invest in the communities they serve can build stronger, more lasting brands.

Plus, Anna and Jess discover they may have more in common than either realized — including a love of high-energy networking, an aversion to administrative work, and the need for a little structure to keep their “floaty” entrepreneurial personalities on track.

In this episode:
• Why Anna calls herself a “human Rolodex”
• How RVA Connected grew out of her publishing business
• The biggest mistakes people make at networking events
• Why networking should be about helping, not pitching
• How to make genuine connections people remember
• Why competitors can actually be valuable business allies
• The importance of follow-up — even when you’re terrible at it
• How community involvement builds brand recognition and goodwill
• How Best Version Media connects businesses with Richmond-area neighborhoods
• Anna’s philosophy on leadership, relationships, and finding harmony instead of “balance”

Connect with Anna Sothen:

Website: RVA Connected
Facebook: Search Anna Sothen / RVA Connected
Instagram: instagram.com/annasothenrvaconnected
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annasothenrvaconnected

Anna’s advice if you’re new to Richmond, growing a business, or simply want to become better connected?

Call her. She’ll connect you.

Thanks for listening to River City Podcast! A River City Consulting Production. To learn more about how your organization can be interviewed on the show, please visit River City Podcast online!