The Brad Rykal Brief

Eric Rykal, Kevin Rykal and I met up at Ft. Laurderdale this year. We catch up - talk about what has been happing, the merits of public school, Eric becoming a judge in Montana and how much money Kevin is willing to spend on his pets. I hope you enjoy the show. -Brad Rykal---Email: bradrykalbrief@gmail.comTwitter: @bradrykalBlog: https://bradrykal.blogspot.com/If you like the show - subscribe, leave a review or tell a friend.

On today's show I have James Spencley. A lot has changed for Spencley since the first time he appeared on this show and we discuss the pursuit of happiness, approaches to retirement, evaluating the long term threat of a China, sending our kids to kindergarten and a lot more on this workhorse of a episode.I hope you enjoy the show. -Brad ---Email: bradrykalbrief@gmail.comTwitter: @bradrykalBlog: https://bradrykal.blogspot.com/If you like the show - subscribe, leave a review or tell a friend.

Brett, Bode and Madison come on the podcast to talk about what has been happening over Christmas, Bode's 5th Birthday, how the school year has been going and much more.  It is a good show if you know the family but can probably skip if you don't.   -Brad---Email: bradrykalbrief@gmail.comTwitter: @bradrykalBlog: https://bradrykal.blogspot.com/If you like the show - subscribe, leave a review or tell a friend.

Brett had a project his audio/visual class where he interviewed me. I figured we would do just do it on the show as well. He did a great job and this should get and 'A'.  Hope you enjoy. -Brad---Email: bradrykalbrief@gmail.comTwitter: @bradrykalBlog: https://bradrykal.blogspot.com/If you like the show - subscribe, leave a review or tell a friend.

The B Boys are on today. First, I talk with Bode who is amped up to be on and then I talk with Brett.  We are talking about how the school year went, thoughts on next year, favorite books, toys, and trips that happened over the last six months.  I remember when Brett used to sound like Bode. Time goes by fast. Enjoy the show. - Brad---Email: bradrykalbrief@gmail.comTwitter: @bradrykalBlog: https://bradrykal.blogspot.com/If you like the show - subscribe, leave a review or tell a friend.

It has been a while and I have not been podcasting much this year. I talk about why and some ideas I have been thinking about a lot lately.  It's a fast show. Enjoy. -BradBonus Points if you can email me the move this cold open came from. ---Email: bradrykalbrief@gmail.comTwitter: @bradrykalBlog: https://bradrykal.blogspot.com/If you like the show - subscribe, leave a review or tell a friend.

Tom DeCoster is turning 70! His favorite daughter Mallory has interviewed old friends, colleagues, and family to share how he has impacted their lives, tell stories, and describe Tom in three words.Happy Birthday, Tom. Enjoy the show!---Email: bradrykalbrief@gmail.comTwitter: @bradrykalBlog: https://bradrykal.blogspot.com/If you like the show - subscribe, leave a review or tell a friend.

Tom DeCoster, M.D. is back on the show where we are covering the chronicles of his life. Today Tom talks about arriving into ABQ, NM with his wife, Ginny, and talk about the first decade working as an Orthopedic Surgeon, writing papers and having twins. Enjoy the show. -BradPrevious Shows Episode 89 - Part 5Episode 60 - Part 4Episode 49 - Part 3Episode 34 - Part 2Episode 5 - Part 1---Email: bradrykalbrief@gmail.comTwitter: @bradrykalBlog: https://bradrykal.blogspot.com/If you like the show - subscribe, leave a review or tell a friend.

James Spencley is on the show but because today (April 14th) is my birthday he is asking questions and giving me room to talk. Always a lot of laughs having Spencley on and today was no different. I hope you enjoy the show. -Brad---Email: bradrykalbrief@gmail.comTwitter: @bradrykalBlog: https://bradrykal.blogspot.com/If you like the show - subscribe, leave a review or tell a friend.

Brothers weekend 2024! We met up in Phoenix, AZ. Went to a few spring training games, I hit up the casino and donated some money, we golfed. We cover a lot here like starting 5 on the Minong courts, Eric's car getting stuck and Big T getting him out only to have a mishap with it, and Eric tells the story of a jail escape now that he is retired. Enjoy the show. ---Email: bradrykalbrief@gmail.comTwitter: @bradrykalBlog: https://bradrykal.blogspot.com/If you like the show - subscribe, leave a review or tell a friend.

A friend who is more like family, James Spencley, is on the show. He created the music and we always end up laughing hard when we have a few hours and a few beers. Enjoy the show. -Brad---Email: bradrykalbrief@gmail.comTwitter: @bradrykalBlog: https://bradrykal.blogspot.com/If you like the show - subscribe, leave a review or tell a friend.

Brett Rykal is doing his yearly show telling everyone what he has been up to, how school is going, what he is reading and what he thinks about the future. Bode Rykal makes an appearance for the last few minutes. We talk about this 4th birthday party, friends and toys.  Hope you enjoy the show! -Brad---Email: bradrykalbrief@gmail.comTwitter: @bradrykalBlog: https://bradrykal.blogspot.com/If you like the show - subscribe, leave a review or tell a friend.

Jeff Stone is on the show today.  I got introduced Jeff through Eric Schmitz to help with the campaign as our communications/marketing subject matter expert and he is one of the best. I sit down with Jeff today talking about his random walk through life - growing up in Northern VA, college radio DJ, working at CNN....and we didn't even get to the good stuff of him working at 5-hour Energy.  Enjoy the show. -Brad---Email: bradrykalbrief@gmail.comTwitter: @bradrykalIf you like the show - subscribe, leave a review or tell a friend.

Finally my own Mom is on the show - Roxi Rykal!  She comes on the show to correct some stories my Dad told,  tell us about growing up with horses, her jobs growing up, and her going back to college in her 30's with three kids in the house.  Enjoy the show. -Brad---Email: bradrykalbrief@gmail.comTwitter: @bradrykalIf you like the show - subscribe, leave a review or tell a friend.

On today's episode, I am joined by Eric Schmitz and Jeff Stone, my political campaign team during my run for WH Supervisor. In this reflective conversation recorded on November 12th, just five days after the election, we delve into the 9-month campaign journey, highlighting significant moments, exploring the emotional landscape, and extracting lessons learned.   ShownotesEpisode 113 - White Hall Election Overview w/Eric SchmitzElection Results ---Email: bradrykalbrief@gmail.comTwitter: @bradrykalIf you like the show - subscribe, leave a review or tell a friend.

Quickly reviewing the White Hall Supervisor Election, I faced a 5% defeat (4.5k to 4k), which, by any measure, marks a significant success for both the campaign and Crozet. In an insightful discussion, Eric Schmitz joins the show to analyze precinct data, campaign finances, and highlight noteworthy trends for prospective future candidates.I hope you enjoy the show.  -Brad---Email: bradrykalbrief@gmail.comTwitter: @bradrykalwebsite: bradrykal.comIf you like the show - subscribe, leave a review or tell a friend.

Mallory, I and the kids traveled back to WI to visit family. This time I brought the equipment to record a show with Dad - Tom Rykal!  Highly anticipated and he brought the heat.  Dad sits down and talks about his family, growing up in Cadott meeting Mom, the grocery store in Minong, kids shenanigans and a lot more. It was a lot of fun to record with Dad and my brother Kevin.  I hope you enjoy the show. -Brad---Email: bradrykalbrief@gmail.comTwitter: @bradrykalwebsite: bradrykal.comIf you like the show - subscribe, leave a review or tell a friend.

The co-owner of Praha Bohemian Bakery and Cafe in Crozet is on the show!  Marketa opened up Praha with her husband a few months ago and the people of Crozet dig it.  Marketa and I talk about her growing up in the Czech Republic, the velvet revolution, working out, the bakery, adding bread and lots more.  I hope you enjoy the show. -BradShow Notes:Praha Bohemian Bakery and Cafe Praha InstagramThe Velvet Revolution---Email: bradrykalbrief@gmail.comTwitter: @bradrykalwebsite: bradrykal.comIf you like the show - subscribe, leave a review or tell a friend.

My guest is Max Lefcowitz is on the show. A few years younger than I am Max ran in different social circles with different class dynamics. He was on the football team and I also worked for his family at The Longbranch so we hung out a decent amount and always had a fun time around each other. We also talk about his book 'Relay' and how hard it is to write a book.    Max brings a good perspective to the Minong series.  I hope you enjoy the show. -BradShownotes:Relay (Amazon)---Email: bradrykalbrief@gmail.comTwitter: @bradrykalwebsite: bradrykal.comIf you like the show - subscribe, leave a review or tell a friend.

Tristan Venables, Director of Tennis (aka Head Tennis Pro) at Keswick, and Western Ridge neighbor is on the show today.   Tristan and I talk about him growing up in Australia, his tennis career, going to University of Denver, his music and art and being an all around cool person.  I hope you enjoy the show. -BradShownotes: Arcadia Falcon Keswick Tennis Center---Email: bradrykalbrief@gmail.comTwitter: @bradrykalwebsite: bradrykal.comIf you like the show - subscribe, leave a review or tell a friend.

Tom DeCoster is back on the show. He recently took the Amtrak with his oldest brother, Richard, coast to coast and then some.  He talks about the trip, tips and tricks, and throws in some wisdom of Mark Twain along the way.  I hope you enjoy the show. -Brad---Email: bradrykalbrief@gmail.comTwitter: @bradrykalwebsite: bradrykal.comIf you like the show - subscribe, leave a review or tell a friend.

George Hodson is on the show today. George is the CEO and Owner of Veritas and Flying Fox Vineyards and Wineries and also the President of the Virginia of Wineries Association.  We have a great conversation about George growing up in FL, college, his career working with Pharma and Medical Companies before moving with his young family to Virginia to run Veritas.This was a great conversation and if you haven't been to Veritas Vineyard for one of their Starry Night Events put in it on your list of things to do in the immediate future.  Show Notes: Veritas Vineyard and WineryFlying Fox Vineyard and WineryStarry Nights---Email: bradrykalbrief@gmail.comTwitter: @bradrykalwebsite: bradrykal.comIf you like the show - subscribe, leave a review or tell a friend.

That is right! The newest of addition of the family Madison Rykal was delivered on Sunday May 21st.  Both Mallory and Madison are healthy and happy!  A very precious baby girl.  I hope you enjoy. -Brad---Email: bradrykalbrief@gmail.comTwitter: @bradrykalwebsite: bradrykal.comIf you like the show - subscribe, leave a review or tell a friend.

Doing a solo show celebrating 100 shows after 3 years of doing the podcast.  Also, Mallory is 40 weeks pregnant as of this show so she is due any day and I will be taking a few weeks off posting new shows but will be be back shortly.  Thank you for all the support!  I hope you enjoy. -Brad---Email: bradrykalbrief@gmail.comTwitter: @bradrykalwebsite: bradrykal.comIf you like the show - subscribe, leave a review or tell a friend.

Jenny Bock (now Jacobson) is on the show!  From the graduating class of 2001 she tells stories of prom, homecoming, being a three sport athlete, living at the house across the street from Fluffy's, and lots more.  I hope you enjoy the show! -Brad---Email: bradrykalbrief@gmail.comTwitter: @bradrykalwebsite: bradrykal.comIf you like the show - subscribe, leave a review or tell a friend.

My brothers and I met down in Tampa, FL for our annual brother's weekend. We went to some baseball games, golfed and made the casino regret letting us in.  In this show we recap the trip and quickly roll into some stories about growing up like Eric being in some car crashes, Denninger gets a big shout out, Northwood locker wars, and the old Minong park basketball hall of fame.  I hope you enjoy the show. -Brad---Email: bradrykalbrief@gmail.comTwitter: @bradrykalwebsite: bradrykal.comIf you like the show - subscribe, leave a review or tell a friend.

Sam Morley and I are old high school buddies and he is sitting down from a studio in MN talking clarifying some stories already told, the time I almost died at his house and boxing matches in the Rykal basement.  I hope you enjoy. -Brad---Email: bradrykalbrief@gmail.comTwitter: @bradrykalwebsite: bradrykal.comIf you like the show - subscribe, leave a review or tell a friend.

Cameron Steele joins me on the show today.  Cameron recently moved to Crozet and we cover her growing up, her job as a Public Safety Reporting out of college, moving to Nebraska getting her PhD and making the move to Crozet with her family.  I hope you enjoy today's show. -Brad---Shownotes---Cameron Steele's LinkedIn TwitterWebsiteSubstack---Email: bradrykalbrief@gmail.comTwitter: @bradrykalwebsite: bradrykal.comIf you like the show - subscribe, leave a review or tell a friend.

For episode 100 Spencley wanted to get Scotty B and Gary together to do a Rykal extravaganza. Mission Accomplished.  A lot of laughs and a lot of love plus Scott talking about being too old to care.  I hope you enjoy today's show. -Brad---Shownotes---Shownotes: Episode 32 - Gary Amoroso (Beating the shit out of cancer)Episode 57 - Amanda Amoroso (Growing up in Colombia)Episode 58 - Gary Amoroso (Growing up Pittsburgh, Peace Corp and DIA)Episode 59 - A Call to Reframe US Intelligence (Our book)Episode 17 - James Spencley (Pandemic Edition)Episode 55 - James Spencley  (Being a new dad)Episode 50 - Scott Bojanich (Confessions of a School Administrator)---Email: bradrykalbrief@gmail.comTwitter: @bradrykalwebsite: bradrykal.comIf you like the show - subscribe, leave a review or tell a friend. ---Email: bradrykalbrief@gmail.comTwitter: @bradrykalwebsite: bradrykal.comIf you like the show - subscribe, leave a review or tell a friend.

Gary and Amanda Amoroso are on the show.  These two have been on the show before talking separately about their lives but uniquely to them they are also married and I had them on to talk about how their stories merged and met in Columbia and became a family.  Being around Gary and Amanda is good for the heart because you can feel the love and respect they have for each other.  Also in today's show Gary tells his story of working in the Pentagon on 9/11 and Amanda shares what it was like for a new wife and mother experiencing that day at home.Please look at the show notes for Gary and Amanda's earlier episode including Gary's first appearance when he was on the tail end of fighting cancer.  I hope you enjoy the show. Shownotes: Episode 32 - Gary Amoroso (Beating the shit out of cancer)Episode 57 - Amanda Amoroso (Growing up in Colombia)Episode 58 - Gary Amoroso (Growing up Pittsburgh, Peace Corp and DIA)Episode 59 - A Call to Reframe US Intelligence (Our book)---Email: bradrykalbrief@gmail.comTwitter: @bradrykalwebsite: bradrykal.comIf you like the show - subscribe, leave a review or tell a friend. 

Cynthia Chiles from Chiles Family Orchards is on the show!  Cynthia sits down with me to talk about the early bloom for the peach trees, Chiswell Vineyards, how the business has evolved over time, and the importance of liking the name Henry when you start dating.  It was great having Cynthia on and I am sure most of you are already gearing up to visit sometime in the near future but it is beautiful out there this time of year when the peach trees are in bloom. I hope you enjoy today's show. https://chilesfamilyorchards.com/---Email: bradrykalbrief@gmail.comTwitter: @bradrykalwebsite: bradrykal.comIf you like the show - subscribe, leave a review or tell a friend. 

One of my oldest friends is on the show! Josh Radzak and I went through Northwood school together goofing around and playing sports.  Unfortunately I haven't spoken to him in almost 10 years so this is him and I catching up and telling some stories about growing up, dominating Solon Springs in sports, and a suicide squeeze that will live on forever.  Enjoy the show. -Brad---Email: bradrykalbrief@gmail.comTwitter: @bradrykalwebsite: bradrykal.comIf you like the show - subscribe, leave a review or tell a friend. 

A.W. Critzer Sr. was born on St. George Ave back in 1930.  He has lived here in Crozet ever since.  A.W. is on the show today talking about his decades in the Crozet Volunteer Fire Department, the different jobs he worked sanding peaches, working at the barrel factory and his time in the U.S. Army.  His son, A.W. Critzer Jr., joins us as well.  I hope you enjoy today's show. -Brad

Dave Henson is on the show!  He and I talk about meeting in high school, his athletic prowess, partying hard after the Series 7 exam, his wedding and more.  If you enjoy the Minong series you will like this one. Enjoy the show. -Brad

My guest today is the Crozet Volunteer Fire Department Chief, Gary Dillon.  I talk with Gary about growing up, the different jobs he worked, his career in law enforcement and of course we talk about the Crozet Fire Station, what they are doing, what their plans are and how less courageous humans like me can help them.  It is great to get to know Gary better and I hope you enjoy today's show.  -BradShow notes: https://crozetfire.org/garydillon@gmail.com---Email: bradrykalbrief@gmail.comTwitter: @bradrykalwebsite: bradrykal.comIf you like the show - subscribe, leave a review or tell a friend. 

Brett Rykal is back on the show talking about what is happening in the 2nd half of 2022.  We talk school, sports, books and Christmas.  At the end of the show Bode Rykal comes on for the first time and we get to hear this talented 3 year old sing his ABC's, tell us his best friends names - he is all over the place.  I hope you enjoy todays show. -Brad

Nathan Alderman is on the show talking about the legislation in Virginia.  Nathan created a document LIS 101 talking about how to navigate the government site, how to check on how or delegates vote and how bills become a law in Virginia. If you live in Virginia this is a useful episode for your toolbox to become a more informed citizen. Nathan makes this topic interesting and digestible.  I hope you enjoy today's show. -BradShow notes: LIS 101https://lis.virginia.gov/Virginia State Senate Salaries Nathan Alderman on The Incomparable Mothership Podasts---Email: bradrykalbrief@gmail.comTwitter: @bradrykalwebsite: bradrykal.comIf you like the show - subscribe, leave a review or tell a friend. 

Going to a supermarket in America is one the great wonders of the world.  You can buy almost anything you can imagine from all over the world - and if you consider everything that goes into that ear of corn or pound of ground beef it is amazing it doesn't cost orders of magnitude more.  My guest today is Dale Martin who owns six farms over in Stuarts Draft raising crops and cattle.  Dale's father farmed and Dale has been doing it all of his life.  Dale talks about farming, the costs of equipment, practices and technology that has changed over time.  I hope you enjoy today's show. -Brad---Email: bradrykalbrief@gmail.comTwitter: @bradrykalwebsite: bradrykal.comIf you like the show - subscribe, leave a review or tell a friend. 

John Schoeb, owner of Pro Re Nata (PRN) Brewery, is on the show today talking about how he got to Crozet, the original plans for the business, how PRN got built and that his brewmaster doesn't let him brew any beer.  I hope you enjoy today's show. -Brad---Email: bradrykalbrief@gmail.comTwitter: @bradrykalwebsite: bradrykal.comIf you like the show - subscribe, leave a review or tell a friend. 

Dr. Tom DeCoster is back on the show continuing on to Part 5 of his story.  We are covering his year back at the University of Iowa for his fellowship with Ginny on their way to the ABQ.I hope you enjoy today's show. -Brad

My guest today is Professor of UVA Law and Chair of the CCAC - Joe Fore.  Joe  is on talking about Crozet and the CCAC by and large. We start the conversation with Joe's history but get into Crozet and the CCAC around the 20 minute mark if you prefer to start there.  I hope you enjoy today's show. -BradShow notes: Joe Fore (UVA)Punctuated Law ---Email: bradrykalbrief@gmail.comTwitter: @bradrykalwebsite: bradrykal.comIf you like the show - subscribe, leave a review or tell a friend. 

Luke Trainum, the head winemaker from Hazy Mountain Hazy Mountain Vineyards & Brewery is on the show today talking about how Hazy Mountain got built, inspirations from Tuscany, thoughts on wine, what is in store for the future, the vineyards relationship with their neighbors and much more.  I hope you enjoy today's show.  -Brad Show Notes: Hazy Mountain Vineyard Helwig Vineyards & WineryAutumn Olive Farms---Email: bradrykalbrief@gmail.comTwitter: @bradrykalwebsite: bradrykal.comIf you like the show - subscribe, leave a review, or tell a friend. 

Josh Cromwell from Starr Hill Brewery is on the show today.  Fellow Western Ridge resident, Josh has been working at Starr Hill for the last 10 years.  Josh talks about the journey of refocusing Starr Hill from over extending along the east coast to focusing hyper locally on Crozet/Charlottesville and working out concentrically from there.  We also talk about the macro landscape of the beer industry, how they won the RFP for their UVA beer Wahoowa Pale Ale, and things in store for Starr Hill.  I hope you enjoy today's show. -BradShow notes: Josh Cromwell (LinkedIn) Starr Hill BreweryPaul's Deli in Williamsburg---Email: bradrykalbrief@gmail.comTwitter: @bradrykalwebsite: bradrykal.comIf you like the show - subscribe, leave a review or tell a friend. 

Allie Pesch is on the show today.  We talk about her 6 years on the CCAC, growing up in Crozet, her time at NYU, working at the Crozet Gazette with her dad, running and much more.  I hope you enjoy the show. -BradShow notes: UVA Echols ScholarsThe Enneagram Institute (9 personality types)Allie Pesch LinkedInThe Crozet Gazette (Stories of Allie)---Email: bradrykalbrief@gmail.comTwitter: @bradrykalIf you like the show - subscribe, leave a review or tell a friend. 

Jim Duncan is on the show today.  Jim co-founded Nest Realty, and started the RealCrozetVA blog.  As a realtor in this area for 20 years Jim has good insights on the Crozet and Charlottesville area.  We talk about his prep days at STAB, graduating VMI, working in the tech industry in the late 90's and how he got into realty.  I hope you enjoy today's show.  -Brad 

Today on the show I have Brandon Bishop and Kean Ivey on from Crucible Coffee. Started in 2019 Crucible had about a 6 month window to runway until COVID lockdown measures were in place.  This is a story of two friends from high school who had different paths to coffee and developed different skills along the way.  You can find out more about crucible on their website: https://cruciblecoffee.com/Or visit the roaster at - 300 Church St #201, Staunton, VA 24401I hope you enjoy today's show. ---Email: bradrykalbrief@gmail.comTwitter: @bradrykalIf you like the show - subscribe, leave a review or tell a friend. 

James King is on the show talking about the history of King Family Vineyards, how the King family got from Texas to Crozet, how it became the polo sports venue, the journey of the vineyard and their family. This is a great conversation and you get to know the King family by listening to this conversation.You can find out more about them at kingfamilyvineyards.comEven better - you can visit the tasting room at 6550 Roseland Farm, Crozet, VAI hope you enjoy today's show.   -Brad---Email: bradrykalbrief@gmail.comTwitter: @bradrykalIf you like the show - subscribe, leave a review or tell a friend. 

Tim Tolson is on the show to today to talk about the Crozet Community Association (CCA).  The CCA was incorporated in February 1985 by a group of local Crozet residents who saw the need to work together to protect, preserve, and enhance our Crozet community and establish a forum where all are welcome.We also talk about the Downtown Crozet Initiative and the old Acme Visible Facility lots as well as the motorcyling to Alaska.I appreciate Tim coming on and talking about the CCA, its history, contributions and the way ahead.  Find more out at:  https://cca.avenue.orgThe next CCA meeting is Thursday, September 8, 2022 at 7:30 PM at the Crozet Park community building.  Everyone is welcome to attend.Annual dues are just $10.00!Enjoy the show. - Brad---Email: bradrykalbrief@gmail.comTwitter: @bradrykalIf you like the show - subscribe, leave a review or tell a friend. 

NASA's Double Asteroid Redirection Test, or DART, is the world's first full-scale planetary defense test, demonstrating one method of asteroid deflection technology.  For the first time in the history of the planet, a species has the technology to prevent its own extinction.Dr. Mallory DeCoster from the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab is on to talk about this NASA mission to test new technologies and techniques on a non-threating asteroid.  Prepare to strap in a hear about some amazing things that are happening in this international effort.  You can find more information on the NASA website:https://www.nasa.gov/planetarydefense/dartYou can also watch NASA TV on September 26th 2022 from 6:30 - 7:30PM EST at:https://www.youtube.com/user/NASAtelevisionEnjoy the show. -Brad---Email: bradrykalbrief@gmail.comTwitter: @bradrykalIf you like the show - subscribe, leave a review or tell a friend. 

This is part 2 of my conversation with Leonard Sandridge. The first part of the conversation is episode 75 if you want to hear the story from the beginning.  We talk about his time at college, the US Army and coming back to Crozet starting at UVA.  I hope you enjoy the show.  -Brad---Email: bradrykalbrief@gmail.comTwitter: @bradrykalIf you like the show - subscribe, leave a review or tell a friend. 

Tom Loach is on the show today talking about moving to Crozet, his time on the CCAC, iterations of the Crozet Master Plans and his time on the Planning Commission.  I hope you enjoy today's show. -Brad---Email: bradrykalbrief@gmail.comTwitter: @bradrykalIf you like the show - subscribe, leave a review or tell a friend.