A Safe Haven: Supporting Survivors at Haven of the Dan River Region
Release Date: 08/20/2025
From Blueberry Donuts to Community Joy: The Story of Pumpkin & Bugs Bake Shop
Hello Hello
In this episode of Hello, Hello, Alyssa Rogers takes us inside Pumpkin & Bugs Bake Shop in Halifax, Virginia—a place that smells like happiness the moment you walk in. Owner Thomas Whitt shares how a simple request for a blueberry donut during COVID turned into a beloved community staple known for handmade baked goods, small-batch ice cream, and unforgettable customer experiences. From starting at a farmer’s market to building a shop rooted in family, creativity, and listening to customers, this episode is all about taking the leap, working with your hands, and creating joy—one scoop...
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Hometown Hustle in Real Life: Natalie Hodge on Building a Creative Empire in Martinsville, VA
Hello Hello
On this episode of the Hello Hello Podcast, host Alyssa Rogers sits down with writer, filmmaker, author, and creative visionary Natalie Hodge, founder of Rudy’s Girl Media, inside her stunning studio in Martinsville, Virginia. Natalie shares her powerful journey from growing up in a small town to working in major cities like New York and Los Angeles—and ultimately returning home to build a thriving film and media company where many said it couldn’t be done. From background acting to writing screenplays, producing short films, authoring multiple books, and launching impactful...
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People Before Buildings: Downtown Growth, Housing & Vision with South Boston’s Town Manager
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What does it really take to lead a town forward — without losing what makes it special? In this episode of The Hello Hello Podcast, Alyssa Rogers sits down with Matthew Candland, Town Manager of South Boston, Virginia, for an honest and insightful conversation about leadership, growth, and community. With more than 30 years in municipal management, Matthew shares his journey from Maryland to South Boston, what inspired him to pursue public service, and why culture always comes before strategy. Together, they discuss what goes into running a town day-to-day, building strong internal teams,...
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Mom, Dad, God & All the Purdy Mamas: Meet 7-Year-Old Racer Tate Crosby
Hello Hello
In this unforgettable episode of the Hello Hello Podcast, Alyssa Rogers sits down with someone who just might be the youngest guest—and the biggest star—yet: 7-year-old race car driver Tate Crosby. 🏁 Tate has been racing for three years, starting on dirt bikes and quickly moving into race cars, where his love for speed, circle tracks, and competition shines. From Millbridge Speedway to dreams of racing at Daytona and Talladega, Tate shares what it’s like to chase big goals at a young age—with confidence, humility, and a whole lot of heart. You’ll hear about: How Tate prepares...
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Hospitality to HVAC: Kara Gavitt’s Career Shift & Coming Home
Hello Hello
On this episode of the Hello Hello Podcast, Alyssa Rogers sits down with a guest who means the world to her, her sister, Kara Gavitt, and the Install Coordinator at Rogers Heating & Cooling. Kara shares her journey from a career in culinary arts and hospitality to stepping into the fast-paced world of HVAC, and what led her to move back home after 15 years away. Together, they talk about the real behind-the-scenes work that goes into major installs: permits, inspections, schedules, power drops, and making sure all the moving parts align. But this conversation goes deeper than careers....
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The 2025 Recap: The Wins, the Hard Days, and What’s Coming in 2026 (with Joey Rogers)
Hello Hello
It’s officially the final episode of 2025 — recorded in real time on December 30th — and we’re closing out the year with a candid, no-filter conversation. Joey Rogers joins me to reflect on what was easily one of the hardest (and most growth-filled) years we’ve ever experienced as business owners. We’re talking about the tough lessons, the momentum we built in the second half of the year, and the big wins that kept us going — including Lynchburg’s one-year anniversary, launching the DCC apprenticeship partnership, and bringing the Krush Race to South Boston Speedway. Plus,...
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A New Year, A New Beginning: Prayer, Healing, and Hope in the Sinai Community
Hello Hello
In this deeply moving episode of the Hello, Hello Podcast, host Alyssa Rogers sits down with community leader, pastor, and entrepreneur Anthony Womack for an honest conversation about faith, redemption, and the power of community. Anthony shares his powerful journey growing up in the Sinai community—navigating violence, hardship, and life-altering choices—and how his faith transformed pain into purpose. From surviving trauma at a young age to earning his master’s degree, becoming a minister, and founding businesses rooted in service, Anthony’s story is a testament to resilience and...
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I Don’t Have It Together
Hello Hello
In this solo episode of the Hello Hello Podcast, Alyssa is keeping it real. December has flown by, the weather is wild, business is booming, and if she’s being honest—she doesn’t have it all together. Between record-breaking call volume, a hardworking team showing up every day, and the pressure of the holiday season, Alyssa reflects on what it really looks like when the year gets away from you. She shares a behind-the-scenes look at stepping back into the day-to-day at Rogers, being humbled by the work her team does, and remembering the early days when she prayed for the phone to ring....
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Robotics, Rural Roots, and Road to Worlds with Team 977 CometBots
Hello Hello
This week on the Hello Hello Podcast, Alyssa Rogers visits Main Street United Methodist Church in South Boston, Virginia to meet the CometBots — Halifax County’s own FIRST Robotics Team 977. In a lively, behind-the-scenes conversation, team members Jude, Helen, Preston, and Matthew break down what it really takes to build a competition robot, from design and programming to hands-on technical work and drive practice. You’ll hear how they find their roles, train new members, and stay bonded through the inevitable stress of build season. The CometBots walk us through what competition...
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Hospitality with Heart: The Story Behind The Bee, Holbrook, and The Laurel
Hello Hello
In this episode of the Hello, Hello Podcast, Alyssa Rogers is coming to you from the gorgeous Holbrook Hotel in Danville, Virginia — and yes, it’s the presidential suite. She’s joined by Madison Eades, the General Manager of Danville’s beloved boutique hotel collection: The Bee Hotel, The Holbrook, and the soon-to-open Laurel Hotel. Madison shares her journey from catching the “hospitality bug” as a high-school country club employee to earning her degree at Virginia Tech, opening a Hilton Curio property right after graduation, navigating the industry through COVID, and...
info_outlineIn this moving episode of the Hello Hello Podcast, Alyssa Rogers sits down with Sharon from Haven of the Dan River Region, a shelter providing safety, support, and hope for survivors of domestic and sexual abuse. Sharon shares the powerful work her team is doing—from offering housing and counseling to rebuilding financial literacy and confidence. Together, they discuss the realities of abuse in our communities, the challenges of limited resources, and the small but life-changing ways people can get involved. This heartfelt conversation sheds light on a critical issue and the incredible mission of turning victims into survivors.
If you or someone you know is in need of these services, please call Haven of the Dan River Region’s 24/7 hotline at (434) 554-0605.
Learn more: https://vsdvalliance.org/agency/haven-of-the-dan-river-region/
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