The Brad Rykal Brief: Recent Episodes
Brad Rykal
Thinking things out and having conversations with interesting people.Email me: bradrykalbrief@gmail.com
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.com
Twitter: @bradrykal
Blog: 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. -Brad
Bonus Points if you can email me the move this cold open came from.
Email: bradrykalbrief@gmail.com
Twitter: @bradrykal
Blog: 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.com
Twitter: @bradrykal
Blog: 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. -Brad
Previous Shows
Episode 89 - Part 5
Episode 60 - Part 4
Episode 49 - Part 3
Episode 34 - Part 2
Episode 5 - Part 1
Email: bradrykalbrief@gmail.com
Twitter: @bradrykal
Blog: 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.com
Twitter: @bradrykal
Blog: 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.com
Twitter: @bradrykal
Blog: 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.com
Twitter: @bradrykal
Blog: 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.com
Twitter: @bradrykal
Blog: 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.com
Twitter: @bradrykal
Blog: https://bradrykal.blogspot.com/
If 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.com
Twitter: @bradrykal
Blog: https://bradrykal.blogspot.com/
If 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.
Shownotes
Episode 113 - White Hall Election Overview w/Eric Schmitz
Election Results
Email: bradrykalbrief@gmail.com
Twitter: @bradrykal
Blog: https://bradrykal.blogspot.com/
If 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.com
Twitter: @bradrykal
Blog: https://bradrykal.blogspot.com/
If 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.com
Twitter: @bradrykal
website: bradrykal.com
If 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. -Brad
Show Notes:
Praha Bohemian Bakery and Cafe
Praha Instagram
The Velvet Revolution
Email: bradrykalbrief@gmail.com
Twitter: @bradrykal
website: bradrykal.com
If 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. -Brad
Shownotes:
Relay (Amazon)
Email: bradrykalbrief@gmail.com
Twitter: @bradrykal
website: bradrykal.com
If 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. -Brad
Shownotes:
Arcadia Falcon
Keswick Tennis Center
Email: bradrykalbrief@gmail.com
Twitter: @bradrykal
website: bradrykal.com
If 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.com
Twitter: @bradrykal
website: bradrykal.com
If 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 Winery
Flying Fox Vineyard and Winery
Starry Nights
Email: bradrykalbrief@gmail.com
Twitter: @bradrykal
website: bradrykal.com
If 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.com
Twitter: @bradrykal
website: bradrykal.com
If 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.com
Twitter: @bradrykal
website: bradrykal.com
If 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.com
Twitter: @bradrykal
website: bradrykal.com
If 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.com
Twitter: @bradrykal
website: bradrykal.com
If 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.com
Twitter: @bradrykal
website: bradrykal.com
If 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
Twitter
Website
Substack
Email: bradrykalbrief@gmail.com
Twitter: @bradrykal
website: bradrykal.com
If 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.com
Twitter: @bradrykal
website: bradrykal.com
If you like the show - subscribe, leave a review or tell a friend.
Email: bradrykalbrief@gmail.com
Twitter: @bradrykal
website: bradrykal.com
If 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.com
Twitter: @bradrykal
website: bradrykal.com
If 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.com
Twitter: @bradrykal
website: bradrykal.com
If 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
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. -Brad
Show notes:
https://crozetfire.org/
garydillon@gmail.com
Email: bradrykalbrief@gmail.com
Twitter: @bradrykal
website: bradrykal.com
If 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 talking about the legislation process in Virginia. Nathan created a guide (LIS 101) walking through navigation of the government site, how to check on delegate votes and how bills move through to 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. -Brad
Show notes:
LIS 101
https://lis.virginia.gov/
Virginia State Senate Salaries
Nathan Alderman on The Incomparable Mothership Podasts
Email: bradrykalbrief@gmail.com
Twitter: @bradrykal
website: bradrykal.com
If 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.com
Twitter: @bradrykal
website: bradrykal.com
If 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.com
Twitter: @bradrykal
website: bradrykal.com
If 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
Email: bradrykalbrief@gmail.com
Twitter: @bradrykal
website: bradrykal.com
If you like the show - subscribe, leave a review or tell a friend.
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. -Brad
Show notes:
Joe Fore (UVA)
Punctuated Law
Email: bradrykalbrief@gmail.com
Twitter: @bradrykal
website: bradrykal.com
If 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 & Winery
Autumn Olive Farms
Email: bradrykalbrief@gmail.com
Twitter: @bradrykal
website: bradrykal.com
If 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. -Brad
Show notes:
Josh Cromwell (LinkedIn)
Starr Hill Brewery
Paul's Deli in Williamsburg
Email: bradrykalbrief@gmail.com
Twitter: @bradrykal
website: bradrykal.com
If 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. -Brad
Show notes:
UVA Echols Scholars
The Enneagram Institute (9 personality types)
Allie Pesch LinkedIn
The Crozet Gazette (Stories of Allie)
Email: bradrykalbrief@gmail.com
Twitter: @bradrykal
If 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 24401
I hope you enjoy today's show.
Email: bradrykalbrief@gmail.com
Twitter: @bradrykal
If 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.com
Even better - you can visit the tasting room at 6550 Roseland Farm, Crozet, VA
I hope you enjoy today's show. -Brad
Email: bradrykalbrief@gmail.com
Twitter: @bradrykal
If 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.org
The 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
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/dart
You can also watch NASA TV on September 26th 2022 from 6:30 - 7:30PM EST at:
https://www.youtube.com/user/NASAtelevision
Enjoy the show. -Brad
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
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
I have a mid-week emergency podcast drop because Brett Rykal got back from backpacking part of the AT here in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It was a week long, rainy time and he enjoyed the challenge and I wanted to get him on to talk about it and capture the memories.
I hope you enjoy the show. -Brad
Gary Amoroso is taking over the hosting duties of the show today and interviewing me. He came up with this idea a few weeks back to ask me questions. Gary came prepared and asked a lot of great questions.
This podcast was a lot of fun for me and to be honest it is way easier to be asked the questions then listen and ask them for a change.
Enjoy today's show. -Brad
Leonard Sandridge is on the show today. He is talking to me about being literally born in Crozet, growing up here in the 1950's, the businesses that existed and how things were starting to change during a crucial period in Crozet.
Leonard is well known through central Virginia but if you would like some more background on him you can click on the link below.
https://uvamagazine.org/articles/thank_you_leonard
Leonard and I had such a great conversation that he is going to be back on the the shown in a few weeks.
Enjoy today's show. -Brad
Dave Wagner is on today to talk about the history of his family's grocery store in Crozet. Opened in 1954 and he and partners sold in 2016. That is a lot of years in the grocery business.
I hope you enjoy today's show. -Brad
Today on the show Terri Miyamoto is on talking about the Crozet Trail Crew. The trails in and around Crozet are one of the best parts of this town.
For more information on the CTC or to donate visit:
https://crozettrailscrew.org
Enjoy the show. -Brad
Bill Schrader is back on the show talking about the revenue sharing agreement between Albemarle County and the City of Charlottesville. This RSA started in 1982 and the county has paid the city a lot of money over the course of this time. A lot of this information was news to me and Bill does a great job describing the climate in 1982, how it got started, the effects and how to approach a solution in the future.
I hope you enjoy today's show. -Brad
Show notes:
https://www.crozetgazette.com/2017/09/08/sharing-the-wealth-why-the-county-pays-the-city-millions-each-year/
https://freeenterpriseforum.wordpress.com/2010/03/23/revenue-sharing-agreement-penalizes-albemarles-green-contribution/
Brett Rykal is back on for his semi-annual update. Since Spencley is crashing with us he joins us. We talk about Brett's 7th grade year, books, movies, sports, and what is planned for the summer.
At the end of the show Brett lays out his plan for post high school as well.
I hope you enjoy today's show. -Brad
According to the CDC the life expectancy of a person born in the United states is 78 years. Little less for males and a little more for females but that is the average. The average works for this show. That is just over 4,000 weeks worth of life that you have on this planet.
This should be a existential crisis . It should move us to action on things that mean the most to us. Not just important things - unfortunately some important things will not get accomplished because life is too short. So we need to focus on the things most meaningful to us in the short time we get.
These are thoughts from reading Oliver Burkeman's book '4,000 Weeks: Time Management for Mortals'.
I hope you enjoy today's show. -Brad
Dennis Odinov and Betsy Eaten are on today to talk about why they and the other members of the Village of Rivanna Community Advisory Committee (VORCAC) felt it necessary to resign in protest. Dennis was the Chair of the VORCAC and Betsy was a long time member of the committee.
There are tensions between the county and these community advisory committee's and this is an example where the differences were irreconcilable.
For background they posted their story and the email's between them and their board of supervisor, Donna Price, on their substack. Here is the
link:https://vorcac.substack.com/p/where-we-live-3?s=r.
I was interested in having them on as this was the most extreme example of the prevailing thoughts that something is broken between Albemarle County and the citizens.
I hope you enjoy today's show. -Brad
My guest today is Bill Schrader. Bill is is Chairman of the Build Crozet Library Fundraising Committee.
Bill came on the show to talk about how the Crozet library got built, the huge lift by the people of Crozet to make it happen and interesting notes on how libraries work.
I hope you enjoy today's show! -Brad
MINONG SERIES
My buddy Jeremy Visger is back on the show to give the audience an update on his health, how he keeps his relentless optimism and facing tough times.
It was a great conversation with Jeremy and I hope you enjoy the show. -Brad
MINONG SERIES
Big T is back after a year. We talk about what he has been up to, how is family is doing, what it is like to own a bar and much more.
If you like the shows from my friends in Wisconsin you will like this one.
I hope you enjoy the show. -Brad
On today’s show I have another Crozetian and fellow Western Ridge resident - Eric Bryant. We talk about how he got to Crozet, working at Rolls-Royce and , and renewable energy.
You can find more of Eric on his LinkedIn @ https://www.linkedin.com/in/-eric-bryant
I hope you enjoy today’s show! -Brad
Today on the show I have Michael Marshall, long time resident of Crozet and founder of the Crozet Gazette - our local, award winning newspaper.
I reached out to Mr. Marshall to more fully understand what the conditions were of Crozet when he started the paper. Crozet has changed a lot. We talk about his work experience and life leading up to starting the Crozet Gazette, how the town has changed, and we discuss some important issues happening now.
Even if you are not a resident of the Crozet area you will enjoy hearing this conversation. Mike Marshall is dialed into the events of today across the nation.
With that I hope you enjoy today’s show. -Brad
I recently finished the book Die with Zero by Bill Perkins. I discuss the book and the concepts of how to spend your money throughout your life to get maximum value out of it instead of accumulating wealth and dying with a bunch of money.
I hope you enjoy today's show. -Brad
In today's show we cover the stock market (S&P 500) being down 14% from all time high's. This is a great opportunity to check in with yourself and see if you are invested correctly because drawdowns happen all the time.
I hope you enjoy the show. -Brad
D3A is the targeting process in the US Army. It helps defeat your enemies, see them driven before you and I have found it as a model to help my life when I need to put cognitive effort towards a problem. It is model that can be used from macro to micro and I go into detail about why it is better than other decision making processes out there.
I hope you enjoy the show. -Brad
Dr. Tom DeCoster is back on the show discussing his final years of residency at the University of Vermont back in the 1980's. This a part 4 of a series of shows that I am doing with Tom about his life story.
Previous shows:
Episode 49 (Part 3)
Episode 34 (Part 2)
Episode 5 (Part 1)
Gary Amoroso is back on the show to discuss his book - A Call To Reframe US Intelligence Analysis and US National Security.
We discuss the background of our book, the problems with in the US Intelligence Community (US IC) and some solutions.
You can order the book on Amazon.
https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin=B09TCZLR9T&preview=newtab&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_NAXG4H9Y7GTJXZ16RN3R
I hope you enjoy today's show! -Brad
From the back cover:
The United States is the most powerful country in the history of humankind. The process by which it interprets its security impacts not only itself but the world. We argue that this process is increasingly unclear and ineffective.
The authors of this book spent decades within a national level knowledge-creation vocation; the U.S. Intelligence Community (US IC). Over the last 20 years, especially since the attacks on the United States on 9/11/2001, a US IC perpetuated narrative has falsely identified an increasingly uncertain and threatening world. The US Government’s (USG) actions associated with this narrative have had extraordinary consequences in not only American but also human blood and treasure.
An ill-defined and impractical concept of US national security (rather than US intelligence failure) on 9/11/2001 was the principal cause for America’s losses. After twenty years, continued confusion surrounding the concept represents an existential threat to not only America but also the world.
Gary Amoroso is back on the show. We talk about his fight with multiple myeloma, his time with the Peace Corp, and his retirement from the Defense Intelligence Agency.
I hope you enjoy today's show. -Brad
My guest today is Amanda Amoroso. Amanda sits down to tell her story about growing up in Bogota, Colombia. We cover her growing up 20 people to a house, her relationship with her mother, the FARC, street venders selling cows blood and much more.
I hope you enjoy today's show. -Brad
How do you find the things that you value the most in life? A little randomness in life can help us discover it.
I hope you enjoy. -Brad
James Spencley live from Italy is on today's show. The creator of the shows music sits down to talk about working as a defense contractor, his time supporting special forces, COVID updates, parenting, aging parents, money and where we will be in a year.
I hope you enjoy today's show. -Brad
On today's show I talk about my thoughts and feelings on the current stock market pullback, on my crypto experience and the hard lessons I need to relearn every so often to be a good long term investor.
I hope you enjoy the show. -Brad
Easily my book of the year - American Test Kitchen's Ultimate Guide to Meal Prep has made a huge impact in my household and alleviated a lot of stress about putting weeknight dinners on the table for the family.
I enjoy cooking already but hated the stress of coming up with food to make every single night. ATK created a practical guide to help with this problem and I talk about how I use it at our house.
If you like cooking or especially if you don't this is a highly recommend book for your house.
I hope you enjoy the show. -Brad
I recently read Fortune's Children: The Fall of the House of Vanderbilt by Arther Vanderbilt. I recap the story of how the Vanderbilts went from the richest family in America to having nothing left within 100 years. It would be like if you passed $4 BILLION dollars to your family and it was all gone by your grandchildren.
Reading this book got me thinking about estate planning and the concept of generational wealth. I discuss my thoughts on it, the importance of wills and what we can do to really help our kids after we pass.
I hope you enjoy the show. -Brad
Brett Rykal is back! His bi-annual show is today. We are talking about Christmas, his birthday, school and what is is looking forward to for the next six months.
I hope you enjoy today's show. -Brad
Scott Bojanich, former teacher and administrator, came on today's show to talk about the current state of education, some the problems we are facing and the way forward.
I hope you enjoy the show. -Brad
My guest today is world renowned orthopedist Dr. Tom DeCoster. This is his third time on the show and we are making his way through his life story. On part three today we discuss his medical school and the very beginnings of residency. We talk about treating the wounded from prison, marathons, and people going crazy on their way to getting their M.D.
I hope you enjoy todays show. -Brad
I have been thinking a lot recently about how the world is better than it used to be. A large part of that thought was reading Matt Ridley's book The Rational Optimist. I wanted to share how it has impacted my thinking and hoping today's show helps you believe the world is getting better as well.
I hope you enjoy. -Brad
We recently took a trip to East Corinth Vermont to visit Mallory's Grandmother Joan Brainerd and her Aunt Jan. We had the opportunity to sit down and talk about growing up in that farm life of Vermont, WWII and how she met her husband Harry.
I hope you enjoy the show. -Brad
My brothers and I met up at Kevin's house to go to a Packer game and we recorded a show. Enjoyed rehashing some stories about Mom and Dad's grocery store, the hunting cabin and how we disappointed our parents from time to time.
I hope you enjoy the show. -Brad
My buddy Matt Johnson stops by the show. We talk about his job, his family, cooking techniques and tools, traveling with family and favorite Ice Tea movies.
It was a fun conversation and I hope you enjoy today's show. -Brad
Today's show I am talking about my experience in Afghanistan and my thoughts on the withdrawal of the US Armed Forces. I hope you enjoy today's show. -Brad
In traveling back home to Wisconsin I was able to sit down with my grandmother and record this conversation. We talk about her family, growing up and how she met my grandfather.
This was a very special show for me and I hope you enjoy it. -Brad
Brett Rykal is back on the show. Talking about how his 6th grade year went, virtual school, how summer is going and cooking for the family. I hope you enjoy the show. - Brad
Email me at bradrykalbrief@gmail.com or find me on twitter @bradrykal
Happy Fathers Day!
Taking some of the fathers day to talk about 'if' by Rudyard Kipling as a guide to becoming a man. It resonates with me as I am raising to sons of my own. If they are able to meet most of the standards of this poem they will grow to be greater men than I am.
I hope you enjoy. -Brad
Finished reading Shoe Dog by Phil Knight. Alright book but in it Phil Knight had a saying at Nike: "The cowards never started, the weak died along the way, that leaves us".
That is an impactful statement and I explain how it applies to you as well.
I hope you enjoy todays show. -Brad
Please email: bradrykalbrief@gmail.com or find me on twitter @bradrykal
Dr. Mallory Rykal is back on the show. The big difference is Mallory successfully defended her dissertation and acquired her PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Virginia. It is a big deal and I wanted Mallory on the show to talk about the last 6+ years of her life as a PhD student.
It was a great episode about the trials, tribulations and successes that she had while at UVA and now she is officially Dr. Mallory Rykal.
I hope you enjoy today's show. -Brad
On today's show I have a friend from Minong Jeremy Visger. Jeremy is one of my older brothers best friends and was always around the house growing up. We catch up on what he is currently up to, rehash some high school stories, and he shares his fight against systemic sclerosis.
If you like the Minong series of shows you will definitely like this show. I hope you enjoy. -Brad
Sat down with an old friend Big T Sather. We talk about what he has been up to the last 10 since we last spoke, growing up in the bar and we recap the story of how I tripped the bars alarm one day.
I hope you enjoy todays show. -Brad
Looking back at my first full year of doing the podcast. It has been a long journey and it is funny to think I am still going at this. Recap some episodes, talk about the most downloaded and challenges I had getting this off the ground. I hope you enjoy. -Brad
Brett Rykal is back on the show talking about 2020, Christmas, Bode's Birthday and looking forward to 2021. Of course there is a few 'Would You Rather's'. I hope you enjoy today's show. -Brad
I had a follow on conversation with Dr. Tom DeCoster. He is a orthopedic surgeon out of the University of New Mexico and this is a series of conversations with him going over his life. As I mentioned this is part 2 in the series so if you haven't listened to Episode 5 you should listen to that first as we pick up right where that conversation leaves off.
I hope you enjoy the show. -Brad
Finally talking with my brother Kevin on the show. I would have preferred this to be in person but after a year of doing this show it was needed to have him on so he FaceTimed in. We talk about growing up in Minong, playing sports, college and which award was better Duner-Coons or Joe Brownowski.
I hope you enjoy the show. -Brad
I had a conversation with my friend Gary Amoroso. I have known Gary for the last 6 years or so and he is a great person. He is at the tail end on his treatment of multiple myeloma and I admire how he has conducted himself through such a difficult time. He has a message that everyone should hear about how agency is critical in life. I hope you enjoy the show. -Brad
Comments or questions please email me at: bradrykalbrief@gmail.com or find me on twitter @bradrykal
My nephew Dalton called me up and wanted to do a show. I thought it was a great idea and it turned out to be a good conversation. We talk about growing up playing sports in Montana, delivering for DoorDash, and how his uncle Kevin and I balled up him and his brother on a family vacation a few years ago.
I recently bought an Apple MacBook Pro and tried my hand at recording this in garage band but it was brutal. It took me forever to edit down this conversation so I will be sticking to Audacity from now on.
You can email me any comments at: bradrykalbrief@gmail.com or find me on twitter @bradrykal.
I hope you enjoy today's show. -Brad
I recently finished reading Harry Browne's book "The Secret to Selling Anything". A book not about techniques on how to sell but about human nature and how people around you behave and why. Understanding people can help you in every aspect of your life professionally and personally. I highly recommend the book and hope you enjoy today's show. -Brad
I worked as a hiring manager and helped manage company salaries for a few years and there are a few ideas that will help you go forward and make more money. I hope you enjoy today's show. -Brad
Helping Brett out with school got me thinking about the tool that has helped me the most in life. Charlie Munger famously talked about the power of avoiding stupidity. The foundation for any of my long term success in my life is attributed to the concept of avoiding big mistakes. Surprisingly simple but often overlooked. I hope you enjoy today's show. -Brad
Email me: bradrykalbrief@gmail.com
My brother Eric and our friend Dave just completed a hunt in Broadus, MT and they bagged a few Antelope and Whitetails. We recapped their trip and shared a few laughs. Enjoy today's show. -Brad
Email me: bradrykalbrief@gmail.com
Thinking about personal finance again and things to ask your financial advisor before you give them all of your money. Talking about money is tough and I hope you enjoy the episode. -Brad
Email me: bradrykalbrief@gmail.com
Thinking about life being fair, what that means, and what we should expect out of life. I hope you enjoy. -Brad
Brett Rykal returns as a guest on today's episode. We talk about books, movies, and what we have been up to this summer. I hope you enjoy! -Brad
Recently read Saul Alinsky's 1971 book Rules for Radicals. There is a lot of overlap between what he wrote about 50 years ago regarding radical change and everything I am seeing today. I hope you enjoy the show!
-Brad
Talking about how compounding works in finances, life, business, and relationships. Why the concept of compounding intersects and lattices over nicely with the importance of prioritization. I hope you enjoy.
Also, near the end of the episode, you can hear my son Bode in the background after he woke up from his nap. First guest appearance for him!
-Brad
I have been reading a lot of financial disaster books lately like Liars Poker, FIASCO, and When Genius Fails and it got me thinking about what in our current financial system could be responsible for a future crash when we look back from a historical view. I talk about Modern Portfolio Theory about how you are likely exposed to it and why it might be a problem. I hope you enjoy it. Thanks for listening. -Brad
Talking about making decisions in life and how asking the waiter for their favorite is likely a bad way to go about it. I hope you enjoy. -Brad
I turned 37 on 14 APR. Looking back on the past year and my goals going forward for next year. I hope you enjoy. -Brad
In today’s episode I am excited to finally bring on my partner Mallory Rykal. I have spoken of her a lot and it was exciting to finally carve out some time to sit down and share a little of our relationship. We talk about her Ph.D. pursuits in Mechanical Engineering at UVA, different science topics, her birthday and being parents. I hope you enjoy. -Brad
My guest today is live from Italy in the heat of the coronavirus outbreak. Spencley is the creator of our show's music and has been a great friend over the last decade. We had some laughs, talked about how Italy is being affected by the pandemic and thoughts on taking a sabbatical year.
I hope you enjoy today's episode. -Brad
Having Brett Rykal back on the podcast. We are cramped in the house with the coronavirus lockdown and we are talking about Mallory's birthday that is coming up, the stock market, homeschool and working out. I hope you enjoy! -Brad
Coronavirus, stock market crash and schools closing. Thinking a lot about how life shakes out with everything crashing around you. Do yourself a favor and don't read the daily papers and set up a life that you can be proud of even when the times are not so good. I hope you enjoy. -Brad
My oldest brother came out to visit the east coast from Montana. He and I were able to sit down and rehash some stories about growing up in Wisconsin and some of his hunting adventures! I hope you enjoy. -Brad
Jim Paul wrote a book about losing everything as an options trader and the factors that played into it. Gave me a lot of thought about how I treat investing and the use of money. I talk about my money, paying off a mortgage vs investing and risk vs probability. Hope you enjoy. -Brad
I have been messing around with fermenting various things in my kitchen over the years and I have found that the community is awesome. Thoughts on kimchi, kefir, sauerkraut, kombucha and sourdough along with a couple of side stories along the way.
Hope you enjoy! -Brad
Book review of How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big by Scott Adams. I liked this book so much I have read it more than once. Scott Adams is the creator of Dilbert and has an interesting perspective on life. Unlike most, he talks about his failures and how they helped him succeed.
You can find his book on Amazon but you may want to check your local library first.
Hope you enjoy. -Brad
Talking with Sam Harris from Patina Wealth. Patina Wealth is an independent Registered Investment Advisor with offices in Charlottesville, VA and Richmond, VA. They work with each individual client to build a portfolio that meets their specific needs.
More at: https://patinawealth.com/
It is important to find a fiduciary advisor if you are going to have someone else manage your money.
We discussed:
-Review of the market in 2019
-The importance of diversification and the benefits of a passive portfolio.
-Superbowl 54 predictions!
If you haven't already please subscribe to the podcast.
Hope you enjoy! -Brad
After re-reading some Scott Adams (creator of Dilbert and best-selling author) I was inspired to expand on some points he made about how to effectively manage a conversation and story telling.
Hope you enjoy. -Brad
Just finished reading Impro by Keith Johnstone. While he is writing about improvisational theatre he hits some truths bombs about life in general. Keith Johnstone may have written the most concise book on human behavior ever.
Hope you enjoy. -Brad
https://www.amazon.com/Impro-Improvisation-Theatre-Keith-Johnstone-ebook/dp/B00AC26KUU
My take on Leadership. We are surrounded by leaders, bosses and guru's but what makes a good leader and what does the progression of leadership look like if you are trying to be a better leader yourself.
Bonus: Instructions on how to fire someone.
Hope you enjoy. -Brad
Talking about the concept of Financial Independence Retirement Early and what it means to me.
Subscribe to the podcast!
Having a conversation with my father-in-law Tom DeCoster, MD. Covered a wide range of topics and a little of his backstory before I get the news that it is time to go to the hospital and support Mallory at the hospital.
Dr. Tom DeCoster out of the University of New Mexico is nationally recognized for his surgical expertise. For more information on him visit: https://orthopaedics.unm.edu/physicians/doctor-bios/decoster.html
I hope you enjoy! -Brad
My first guest Brett Rykal. We talk about Christmas presents, school and play a few rounds of would you rather. Enjoy!
Simple rules for managing personal finances and getting out of the rat race. You have control over your life and the game isn't as hard as the experts want you to believe.
Why listen?
I am doing a podcast about things I find interesting, books I am reading and people that are in my life. Nothing human escapes me and you will probably find that a lot of what I talk about overlaps in your life.
I hope you enjoy.
-Brad Rykal