This conversation covers:

What actually happens when you walk through the gates of a Renaissance Fair

Preserving historic trades in a modern, automated world

Building a Richmond-specific narrative (no kings and queens required)

A multicultural approach to Renaissance history

Supporting local artisans, makers, educators, and performers

Community-building, slow culture, and hands-on creativity

The long-term vision for a permanent historic trades facility in Richmond

📅 Richmond Renaissance Fair: April 18–19

📍 Dorey Park, Henrico County, VA

If you care about local culture, history, creativity, and community, this one’s for you. #SharpsIsland #RichmondRenaissanceFair #RichmondVA #RenFaire #LocalArtisans #HistoricTrades #CommunityBuilding #RichmondCulture #MedievalFestival #RVAEvents #Jousting #Blacksmithing #SlowCulture #DIYCulture

CHECK OUT MORE FROM SHARP'S ISLAND

Sharp's Island Road Trip! Take the (Cold) Plunge and Hop in a Sauna with the Rivanna River Company https://youtu.be/gvIZIWqXZXY

RIVANNA RIVER COMPANY in Charlottesville, Virginia! https://rivannarivercompany.com/

National Geographic Explorer, Photographer Katie Orlinsky Stops By for Hot Cocoa and a Chat https://youtu.be/SfG1Se_Kc7E

ANDREW ALLI - JAMES RIVER PARK SUPERINTENDENT / BLUES MUSICIAN - FULL EPISODE https://youtu.be/6zO1sL9c7XM

SHARPSFEST 2025 - https://youtu.be/BbSJ4MLflpE SHARP'S ISLAND on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sharpsislandrva

INTERESTED IN STAYING AT SHARP'S ISLAND? https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/893378644257716500

PRODUCED BY: @nodderly https://www.instagram.com/nodderly

In this episode of Sharp’s Island, we welcome Brian Bell, founder of Keep Virginia Cozy, to a tiny island in the James River for a wide-ranging conversation about litter, land stewardship and community. Brian shares the origin story of Keep Virginia Cozy, how a small grassroots cleanup effort grew into a million-plus pounds of trash removed from Virginia’s outdoor spaces, and why “cozy” is the perfect word for environmental work.

Along the way, we talk about:

Discovering ruins, flood debris, and hidden history along the James River

The realities of river cleanup and how trash travels downstream Starting a nonprofit by accident—and sustaining it for nearly a decade

Corporate cleanups, community buy-in, and low-barrier volunteering

Outdoor access, belonging, and making nature feel welcoming

Favorite Virginia trails, camping spots, and hidden corners of the state

Why leaving a place better than you found it matters more than credit

This episode is part river hang, part environmental philosophy, and part love letter to Virginia’s wild places—and the people who show up for them.

Learn more about Keep Virginia Cozy: Follow @keepvirginiacozy on Instagram to find upcoming cleanups, volunteer opportunities, and ways to get involved.

If you enjoy conversations about the James River, Richmond outdoors, conservation, and community-led action, be sure to like, subscribe, and share this episode.

CHECK OUT MORE FROM SHARP'S ISLAND

Sharp's Island Road Trip! Take the (Cold) Plunge and Hop in a Sauna with the Rivanna River Company https://youtu.be/gvIZIWqXZXY

RIVANNA RIVER COMPANY in Charlottesville, Virginia! https://rivannarivercompany.com/ @rivannarivercompany - instagram

National Geographic Explorer, Photographer Katie Orlinsky Stops By for Hot Cocoa and a Chat https://youtu.be/SfG1Se_Kc7E

MAEVE JONES - THE POE MUSEUM - FULL EPISODE https://youtu.be/ni9968n4EAg https://poemuseum.org/

ANDREW ALLI - JAMES RIVER PARK SUPERINTENDENT / BLUES MUSICIAN - FULL EPISODE https://youtu.be/6zO1sL9c7XM

SHARPSFEST 2025 - https://youtu.be/BbSJ4MLflpE

SHARP'S ISLAND on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sharpsislandrva

INTERESTED IN STAYING AT SHARP'S ISLAND? https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/893378644257716500

PRODUCED BY: @nodderly https://www.instagram.com/nodderly

In this episode of Sharp’s Island, we welcome Brian Bell, founder of Keep Virginia Cozy, to a tiny island in the James River for a wide-ranging conversation about litter, land stewardship and community. Brian shares the origin story of Keep Virginia Cozy, how a small grassroots cleanup effort grew into a million-plus pounds of trash removed from Virginia’s outdoor spaces, and why “cozy” is the perfect word for environmental work.

Along the way, we talk about:

Discovering ruins, flood debris, and hidden history along the James River

The realities of river cleanup and how trash travels downstream

Starting a nonprofit by accident—and sustaining it for nearly a decade

Corporate cleanups, community buy-in, and low-barrier volunteering

Outdoor access, belonging, and making nature feel welcoming Favorite Virginia trails, camping spots, and hidden corners of the state

Why leaving a place better than you found it matters more than credit

This episode is part river hang, part environmental philosophy, and part love letter to Virginia’s wild places—and the people who show up for them.

Learn more about Keep Virginia Cozy: Follow @keepvirginiacozy on Instagram to find upcoming cleanups, volunteer opportunities, and ways to get involved.

If you enjoy conversations about the James River, Richmond outdoors, conservation, and community-led action, be sure to like, subscribe, and share this episode.

CHECK OUT MORE FROM SHARP'S ISLAND

Sharp's Island Road Trip! Take the (Cold) Plunge and Hop in a Sauna with the Rivanna River Company https://youtu.be/gvIZIWqXZXY RIVANNA RIVER COMPANY in Charlottesville, Virginia!

https://rivannarivercompany.com/ @rivannarivercompany - instagram

National Geographic Explorer, Photographer Katie Orlinsky Stops By for Hot Cocoa and a Chat https://youtu.be/SfG1Se_Kc7E MAEVE JONES -

THE POE MUSEUM - FULL EPISODE https://youtu.be/ni9968n4EAg https://poemuseum.org/

ANDREW ALLI - JAMES RIVER PARK SUPERINTENDENT / BLUES MUSICIAN - FULL EPISODE https://youtu.be/6zO1sL9c7XM

SHARPSFEST 2025 - https://youtu.be/BbSJ4MLflpE

SHARP'S ISLAND on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sharpsislandrva

INTERESTED IN STAYING AT SHARP'S ISLAND? https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/893378644257716500

PRODUCED BY: @nodderly https://www.instagram.com/nodderly

#SharpsIsland #JamesRiver #RichmondVA #WRVA #JeffKatz #RVAHistory #RiverLife

Jeff Katz

Newsradio WRVA 96.1 FM, 1140 AM, and audacy.com

https://www.thejeffkatzshow.com/

CHECK OUT MORE FROM SHARP'S ISLAND -

Sharp's Island Road Trip! Take the (Cold) Plunge and Hop in a Sauna with the Rivanna River Company

https://youtu.be/gvIZIWqXZXY

National Geographic Explorer, Photographer Katie Orlinsky Stops By for Hot Cocoa and a Chat

https://youtu.be/SfG1Se_Kc7E

MAEVE JONES - THE POE MUSEUM - FULL EPISODE

https://youtu.be/ni9968n4EAg

https://poemuseum.org/

ANDREW ALLI - JAMES RIVER PARK SUPERINTENDENT / BLUES MUSICIAN - FULL EPISODE

https://youtu.be/6zO1sL9c7XM

https://jamesriverpark.org/a-familiar-face-in-a-new-role/

SHARPSFEST 2025 -

https://youtu.be/BbSJ4MLflpE

SHARP'S ISLAND on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/sharpsislandrva

INTERESTED IN STAYING AT SHARP'S ISLAND?

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/893378644257716500

PRODUCED BY: @nodderly

https://www.instagram.com/nodderly

From dreaming of a “river center” while living in Richmond… to launching a river outfitter beside a noisy auto body shop… to building a beloved hub of recreation, conservation, and culture — this episode captures the full journey.

Join us as we explore:

• How a simple idea to connect people with the river became a 10-year movement

• Why Charlottesville once overlooked the Rivanna — and how that perception changed

• The early struggles (crashed cars, weird bridge launches, skeptical landowners)

• The moment the community rallied to protect the riverfront

• The explosive growth of tubing, kayaking, and paddling in the city

• How small business, local advocacy, and outdoor culture strengthened an entire community

You’ll also hear stories about:

🛶 The founding vision behind Rivanna River Company

🌳 The role of small businesses in conservation

🚣‍♀️ The rise in recreational river use—customers AND non-customers

🌉 Free Bridge history and the unique character of this stretch of the Rivanna

🎶 RRC’s concerts, festivals, and community gatherings that transformed the riverfront into a cultural anchor

💥 The development threat that nearly ended everything—and how the city responded

🌿 Why this exact spot on the river means everything to thousands of local families

CHECK OUT - PART ONE

Sharp's Island Road Trip! Take the (Cold) Plunge and Hop in a Sauna with the Rivanna River Company

https://youtu.be/gvIZIWqXZXY

RIVANNA RIVER COMPANY in Charlottesville, Virginia!

https://rivannarivercompany.com/

@rivannarivercompany - instagram

MORE FROM SHARP'S ISLAND -

National Geographic Explorer, Photographer Katie Orlinsky Stops By for Hot Cocoa and a Chat

https://youtu.be/SfG1Se_Kc7E

MAEVE JONES - THE POE MUSEUM - FULL EPISODE

https://youtu.be/ni9968n4EAg

https://poemuseum.org/

ANDREW ALLI - JAMES RIVER PARK SUPERINTENDENT / BLUES MUSICIAN - FULL EPISODE

https://youtu.be/6zO1sL9c7XM

SHARPSFEST 2025 -

https://youtu.be/BbSJ4MLflpE

SHARP'S ISLAND on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/sharpsislandrva

INTERESTED IN STAYING AT SHARP'S ISLAND?

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/893378644257716500

PRODUCED BY: @nodderly

https://www.instagram.com/nodderly

CHECK OUT RIVANNA RIVER COMPANY in Charlottesville, Virginia!

https://rivannarivercompany.com/

@rivannarivercompany - instagram

CHECK OUT MORE FROM SHARP'S ISLAND -

National Geographic Explorer, Photographer Katie Orlinsky Stops By for Hot Cocoa and a Chat

https://youtu.be/SfG1Se_Kc7E

MAEVE JONES - THE POE MUSEUM - FULL EPISODE

https://youtu.be/ni9968n4EAg

https://poemuseum.org/

ANDREW ALLI - JAMES RIVER PARK SUPERINTENDENT / BLUES MUSICIAN - FULL EPISODE

https://youtu.be/6zO1sL9c7XM

https://jamesriverpark.org/a-familiar-face-in-a-new-role/

SHARPSFEST 2025 -

https://youtu.be/BbSJ4MLflpE

SHARP'S ISLAND on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/sharpsislandrva

INTERESTED IN STAYING AT SHARP'S ISLAND?

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/893378644257716500

PRODUCED BY: @nodderly

https://www.instagram.com/nodderly

In this episode, we explore the hidden past of the James River islands — from granite quarries and commercial fishing operations to party spots, home sites, and lost communities. Henry Tensor shares how he first spotted the island from his daily commute, tracked down the owner at the courthouse, and purchased the island in the late 1960s from the Sharp family, who had owned it for more than a century.

Henry recounts:

• Life on the island before his purchase
• The 1895 two-story house destroyed by Hurricane Camille
• Receiving permission from the City of Richmond to burn the house down
• What remained after the fire
• His incredible plan to build a prefabricated steel-cube and plexiglass dome structure
• How he and his friends transported 8-foot steel cubes across the river using lashed-together jon boats
• The heartbreak of Hurricane Agnes wiping out the nearly completed project
• Reflections on luck, timing, creativity, community, and the spirit of the James River

This conversation is a rare look into Richmond’s hidden river history, human resilience, architectural imagination, and the wild stories behind the places we pass by every day without realizing what once happened there.

If you love Richmond history, James River stories, architecture, lost structures, or old-school DIY river life, this episode is for you.

CHECK OUT MORE FROM SHARP'S ISLAND -

National Geographic Explorer, Photographer Katie Orlinsky Stops By for Hot Cocoa and a Chat

 • National Geographic Explorer, Photographer...  

MAEVE JONES - THE POE MUSEUM - FULL EPISODE

 • Poe Museum Director, Maeve Jones,  Shares ...  

https://poemuseum.org/

ANDREW ALLI - JAMES RIVER PARK SUPERINTENDENT / BLUES MUSICIAN - FULL EPISODE

 • 'Mayor of RVA Outdoors', Blues Musician An...  

https://jamesriverpark.org/a-familiar...

SHARPSFEST...]]>Discover the forgotten history of Sharp’s Island and the remarkable, almost unbelievable story of Henry Tensor — the man who bought a James River island for $2,000 and attempted to build one of the strangest architectural structures Richmond has ever seen.

In this episode, we explore the hidden past of the James River islands — from granite quarries and commercial fishing operations to party spots, home sites, and lost communities. Henry Tensor shares how he first spotted the island from his daily commute, tracked down the owner at the courthouse, and purchased the island in the late 1960s from the Sharp family, who had owned it for more than a century.

Henry recounts:

• Life on the island before his purchase
• The 1895 two-story house destroyed by Hurricane Camille
• Receiving permission from the City of Richmond to burn the house down
• What remained after the fire
• His incredible plan to build a prefabricated steel-cube and plexiglass dome structure
• How he and his friends transported 8-foot steel cubes across the river using lashed-together jon boats
• The heartbreak of Hurricane Agnes wiping out the nearly completed project
• Reflections on luck, timing, creativity, community, and the spirit of the James River

This conversation is a rare look into Richmond’s hidden river history, human resilience, architectural imagination, and the wild stories behind the places we pass by every day without realizing what once happened there.

If you love Richmond history, James River stories, architecture, lost structures, or old-school DIY river life, this episode is for you.

CHECK OUT MORE FROM SHARP'S ISLAND -

National Geographic Explorer, Photographer Katie Orlinsky Stops By for Hot Cocoa and a Chat

 • National Geographic Explorer, Photographer...  

MAEVE JONES - THE POE MUSEUM - FULL EPISODE

 • Poe Museum Director, Maeve Jones,  Shares ...  

https://poemuseum.org/

ANDREW ALLI - JAMES RIVER PARK SUPERINTENDENT / BLUES MUSICIAN - FULL EPISODE

 • 'Mayor of RVA Outdoors', Blues Musician An...  

https://jamesriverpark.org/a-familiar...

SHARPSFEST 2025 -

 • Sharp's Fest 2025 - Food, Fun and Live Mus...  

SHARP'S ISLAND on Instagram

 / sharpsislandrva  

INTERESTED IN STAYING AT SHARP'S ISLAND?

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/89337864...

PRODUCED BY: @nodderly

 / nodderly  

https://www.instagram.com/katieorlinsky

https://www.katieorlinskyphoto.com/

CHECK OUT MORE FROM SHARP'S ISLAND -

MAEVE JONES - THE POE MUSEUM - FULL EPISODE

https://youtu.be/ni9968n4EAg

https://poemuseum.org/

ANDREW ALLI - JAMES RIVER PARK SUPERINTENDENT / BLUES MUSICIAN - FULL EPISODE

https://youtu.be/6zO1sL9c7XM

https://jamesriverpark.org/a-familiar-face-in-a-new-role/

SHARPSFEST 2025 -

https://youtu.be/BbSJ4MLflpE

SHARP'S ISLAND on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/sharpsislandrva

INTERESTED IN STAYING AT SHARP'S ISLAND?

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/893378644257716500

PRODUCED BY: @nodderly

https://www.instagram.com/nodderly

From his days touring the world in sweaty punk clubs to his stripped-down solo sets at hometown favorites like The Camel, Tim opens up about connection, fear, performance, and raising daughters who now sing beside him on stage. We also talk about the history of the river, creative endurance, and how Richmond’s spirit keeps pulling him back home.

📍Recorded on Sharp’s Island, a real island in the middle of the James River — this is more than a podcast. It’s a threshold between city and nature, noise and silence, past and present.

🎶 Topics in this episode:

- Growing up in Richmond’s 90s punk scene

- Life after Avail and the evolution of his songwriting

- Recording a new album with Spacebomb Studios

- Balancing touring, fatherhood, and creativity

- The power of live shows and small-room connection

- Stories from the river and the roots of Richmond’s music history

Website: https://timbarryrva.com

Instagram: @timbarryrva

CHECK OUT OTHER FULL EPISODES FROM SHARP'S ISLAND -

Bestselling Richmond Historical Fiction Author Talks About Her Craft, New Novel Out This Summer

https://youtu.be/MYAWXnj8YfE

'Mayor of RVA Outdoors', Blues Musician

Andrew Alli Paddles Over, Puts on a Show

https://youtu.be/6zO1sL9c7XM

SHARPSFEST 2025 -

https://youtu.be/BbSJ4MLflpE

SHARP'S ISLAND on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/sharpsislandrva

INTERESTED IN STAYING AT SHARP'S ISLAND?

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/893378644257716500

PRODUCED BY: @nodderly

https://www.instagram.com/nodderly

https://poemuseum.org/

Richmond, Va

CHECK OUT OTHER FULL EPISODES FROM SHARP'S ISLAND -

Bestselling Richmond Historical Fiction Author Talks About Her Craft, New Novel Out This Summer

   • Bestselling Richmond Author Talks About He...  

'Mayor of RVA Outdoors', Blues Musician

Andrew Alli Paddles Over, Puts on a Show

 • 'Mayor of RVA Outdoors', Blues Musician An...  

SHARPSFEST 2025 -

 • Sharp's Fest 2025 - Food, Fun and Live Mus...  

SHARP'S ISLAND on Instagram

 / sharpsislandrva  

INTERESTED IN STAYING AT SHARP'S ISLAND?

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/89337864...

PRODUCED BY: @nodderly

Andy welcomes Maeve Jones -- Executive Director of The Poe Museum -- to the island to discuss one of the most influential and innovative figures in American and world literature - Edgar Allan Poe. And they definitely discuss his shocking feat of endurance swimming!

https://poemuseum.org/

Richmond, Va

CHECK OUT OTHER FULL EPISODES FROM SHARP'S ISLAND -

Bestselling Richmond Historical Fiction Author Talks About Her Craft, New Novel Out This Summer

   • Bestselling Richmond Author Talks About He...  

'Mayor of RVA Outdoors', Blues Musician

Andrew Alli Paddles Over, Puts on a Show

 • 'Mayor of RVA Outdoors', Blues Musician An...  

SHARPSFEST 2025 -

 • Sharp's Fest 2025 - Food, Fun and Live Mus...  

SHARP'S ISLAND on Instagram

 / sharpsislandrva  

INTERESTED IN STAYING AT SHARP'S ISLAND?

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/89337864...

PRODUCED BY: @nodderly

 / nodderly  

CHECK OUT ANDREW ALLI:

https://www.andrewallirva.com/

https://www.thecountryblues.com/artist-reviews/andrew-alli/

https://www.richmondfolkfestival.org/2024-folklife-demonstrations/2024/8/21/andrew-alli

https://jamesriverpark.org/a-familiar-face-in-a-new-role/

RACHEL BEANLAND - Author of The House Is On Fire and Florence Adler Swims Forever - FULL EPISODE - https://youtu.be/MYAWXnj8YfE

KEITH M RAMSEY - Artist and Designer - FULL EPISODE - https://youtu.be/-U8Id8trURA

SHARPSFEST 2025 – https://youtu.be/BbSJ4MLflpE

SHARP'S ISLAND on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/sharpsislandrva

INTERESTED IN STAYING AT SHARP'S ISLAND?

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/893378644257716500

PRODUCED BY: @nodderly

https://www.instagram.com/nodderly

Jeff shares insights from his years reporting on Richmond and beyond, discussing the challenges of storytelling, the intersection of culture and community, and the craft of capturing moments that matter. From local history to contemporary issues, Jeff’s perspective offers a rich view into how writing can illuminate the world around us.

If you’re passionate about journalism, storytelling, culture, or the creative life, this episode is packed with wisdom and inspiration.

What we cover in this episode:

- Jeff’s journey as a journalist and storyteller

- The stories from Richmond that left a lasting impact

- How community, culture, and place influence writing

👍 If you enjoy this episode, please Like, Comment, and Subscribe to help more people discover the podcast.

CHECK OUT OTHER FULL EPISODES FROM SHARP'S ISLAND:

SARAH ABUBAKER – Fourth District City Council – FULL EPISODE

https://youtu.be/HhZ8tZprOEo

SHARPSFEST 2025 –

https://youtu.be/BbSJ4MLflpE

SHARP'S ISLAND on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/sharpsislandrva

INTERESTED IN STAYING AT SHARP'S ISLAND?

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/893378644257716500

PRODUCED BY: @nodderly

https://www.instagram.com/nodderly

#RVA #JeffSchapiro #RichmondJournalism #Storytelling #Podcast #RichmondVA #CreativeCommunity

Rachel is the author of Florence Adler Swims Forever and The House Is On Fire, a gripping novel based on the true story of the Richmond Theater Fire of 1811, one of the deadliest urban disasters in American history. She shares how she weaves fact with fiction, what draws her to stories rooted in community, and how Richmond, VA continues to shape her writing.

If you’re passionate about books, history, storytelling, or the creative life, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.

What we cover in this episode:

Rachel’s journey as a novelist and storyteller

The real history behind the Richmond Theater Fire

How place and memory shape literature

Advice for aspiring writers and book lovers

📚 Learn more about Rachel Beanland:

Website: https://rachelbeanland.com

Books: Florence Adler Swims Forever | The House Is On Fire

🎙️ About Sharp’s Island Podcast:

Broadcast from Richmond, VA, Sharp’s Island highlights authentic conversations with artists, thinkers, and creators who are shaping culture and community.

👍 If you enjoy this episode, please Like, Comment, and Subscribe to help more people discover the podcast.

CHECK OUT OTHER FULL EPISODES FROM SHARP'S ISLAND -

SARAH ABUBAKER - Fourth District City Council - FULL EPISODE

https://youtu.be/HhZ8tZprOEo

SHARPSFEST 2025 -

https://youtu.be/BbSJ4MLflpE

SHARP'S ISLAND on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/sharpsislandrva

INTERESTED IN STAYING AT SHARP'S ISLAND?

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/893378644257716500

PRODUCED BY: @nodderly

https://www.instagram.com/nodderly

#RVA #RachelBeanland #RichmondHistory #HistoricalFiction #AuthorInterview #Podcast #RichmondVA #BookLovers

https://www.facebook.com/AndrewFreiden/

https://www.12onyourside.com/authors/andrew-freiden/

https://www.instagram.com/instafreiden/

INTERESTED IN STAYING AT SHARP'S ISLAND?

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/89337864...

This is not a normal podcast; we're on Sharp's Island in the James River in downtown Richmond with Andy Thompson. People camp here, fish here, party here - it's a true RVA experience in Virginia. For us, the water that surrounds the river isn't a barrier, but a threshold.

Production @nodderly

This is not a normal podcast; we're on Sharp's Island in the James River in downtown Richmond with Andy Thompson. People camp here, fish here, party here - it's a true RVA experience in Virginia. For us, the water that surrounds the river isn't a barrier, but a threshold, brought to you by Nodderly.

INTERESTED IN STAYING AT SHARP'S ISLAND?

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/893378644257716500?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=aba81d78-4109-42ed-a51f-c5366ab6e953

Production  @nodderly 

www.nodderly.com

Check out James River Park .org for a comprehensive guide to all things James River! https://jamesriverpark.org/

https://jamesriverpark.org/meet-our-first-executive-director/

Check out our episode with Mayor of Richmond, Danny Avula!

https://youtu.be/wRW6JH3er4I

INTERESTED IN STAYING AT SHARP'S ISLAND?

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/893378644257716500?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=aba81d78-4109-42ed-a51f-c5366ab6e953

Production  @nodderly 

www.nodderly.com

This is not a normal podcast; we're on Sharp's Island in the James River in downtown Richmond with Andy Thompson. People camp here, fish here, party here - it's a true RVA experience in Virginia. For us, the water that surrounds the river isn't a barrier, but a threshold, brought to you by Nodderly.

INTERESTED IN STAYING AT SHARP'S ISLAND?

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/893378644257716500?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=aba81d78-4109-42ed-a51f-c5366ab6e953

Production @nodderly

www.nodderly.com

Surrounded by the sights and sounds of the James River, Sarah and Andy talk about what it means to represent Richmond’s diverse Fourth District — from city budgets and community engagement to balancing growth with neighborhood character.

https://sarahabubaker.com/

https://wilder.vcu.edu/news-and-events/news-posts/alumni-changemaker-from-mpa-grad-to-richmond-city-council.html

INTERESTED IN STAYING AT SHARP'S ISLAND?

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/893378644257716500?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=aba81d78-4109-42ed-a51f-c5366ab6e953

Production @nodderly

www.nodderly.com

🎧 Whether you’re an art lover, a punk at heart, or just someone who loves a good story about people shaping their communities, this episode has something for you. Hit play, subscribe to Sharp’s Island, and join the conversation about Richmond’s future—one brushstroke at a time.

INTERESTED IN STAYING AT SHARP'S ISLAND?

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/89337864...

Production @nodderly

www.nodderly.com

From the banks of the James River, Michael and Andy explore the mission behind The Richmonder, the challenges of building an independent news platform, and the role of journalism in shaping community identity. They also talk about Richmond’s shifting narratives and what it means to cover a city with nuance and care.

South of Mayo Island and upstream of Mayo Bridge, Sharp’s Island is Richmond’s premiere camping destination

(https:airbnb.com/h/sharpsisland), and Andy Thompson is the mad scientist experimenting with the one-acre oasis in the middle of the James River in the heart of downtown RVA. Outdoor recreation? Check. Public art? Yup. Historic ruins? Indeed. Podcast destination? Why not? Sharp’s Island is now host to Richmond’s most surprising conversations. Future guests include artist Ed Trask, NBC12 weather forecaster Andrew Freiden, city council person Sarah Abubaker and Mayor Danny Avula!

www.therichmonder.org

Production @nodderly

www.nodderly.com

South of Mayo Island and upstream of Mayo Bridge, Sharp’s Island is Richmond’s premiere camping destination (https:airbnb.com/h/sharpsisland)

Andy Thompson is the mad scientist experimenting with the one-acre oasis in the middle of the James River in the heart of downtown RVA. Outdoor recreation? Check. Public art? Yup. Historic ruins? Indeed. Podcast destination? Why not? Sharp’s Island is now host to Richmond’s most surprising conversations. Future guests include artist Ed Trask, NBC12 weather forecaster Andrew Freiden, city council person Sarah Abubaker and Mayor Danny Avula!

https://www.riversideoutfitters.com/

Production by Nodderly

www.nodderly.com