This and That - Life in a Small Town

What’s it like to pack up your life every few months, start over in a new town, and walk into a new workplace ready to go?
In this episode of This and That, host, Bryce Hall sits down with Kristin Wright, a traveling physical therapist who has spent years taking her skills—and her four-legged sidekick, Cooper—from one assignment to the next. Kristin shares the realities of life as a traveling PT, from finding housing and navigating state licenses to quickly getting to know new coworkers, patients, and communities.
Of all the places her work has taken her, Colonial Beach, VA has become a favorite. What started as another contract turned into several contracts in town, along with friendships that extended well beyond the clinic.
Kristin also talks about traveling with Cooper and staying connected with her adult son, Jimi, while on the road. She shares the lessons she’s learned from 30+ years in physical therapy, and what might come next when she finally trades her traveling-PT life for a new adventure.
And because this is This and That, there are plenty of laughs along the way—including a runaway cockatiel, Cooper’s beloved “bone of sleeping,” and a reminder from Kristin that motion is lotion.
Follow us on Podbean & Spotify @thisandthatCBVA. Check out our podcast Instagram photos @thisandthat.cbvaThank you for listening.
 

In this episode of This and That, host Bryce Hall sits down with local creative Rebecca (Becky) Anderson Hunt—an artist, musician, photographer, teacher, and all-around creative spirit.
Becky shares her journey from growing up as a military brat to building a life in the small town of Colonial Beach, VA.  Her creativity shows up in just about everything she does. From art and music to teaching and her love of horses, you’ll hear how all the pieces of her life connect in ways she didn’t always expect.Becky also talks about designing the town’s vintage postcard-style LOVE sign, the role community has played in her work, and what it was like balancing creativity with motherhood. Along the way, Becky offers honest, encouraging advice for anyone trying to follow their own creative path. She also offers insights into her artistic process and the importance of staying true to one's vision. And to wrap it all up, Becky shares a beautiful rendition of “Shady Grove”—a perfect reflection of her style and spirit. 
 
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In this episode This and That podcast host, Bryce Hall, takes you into the skies above the Town of Colonial Beach's peninsula, The Point. Here ospreys dive, bald eagles soar, and great blue herons glide along the shoreline.
Bryce explores the fascinating behaviors of these large coastal birds, from nesting and migration to the surprising (and sometimes messy) realities of sharing space with them, including occasional osprey mishaps and an unexpected surprise left by an eagle. 
You will also discover how the community comes together to protect and celebrate its wildlife through festivals, nest cams, hands-on conservation efforts and various art mediums. With practical tips for coexisting with these incredible birds, this episode offers something for both seasoned birdwatchers and anyone simply curious about life along the water.
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In this heartfelt episode of This and That podcast, host Bryce Hall opens up about her battle with endometrial cancer in an intimate conversation led by guest host Kristine Guido.
Endometrial cancer incidence has been rising in postmenopausal women. Bryce shares the emotional highs and lows of her diagnosis, the anxiety of waiting for results, and the life-changing experience of undergoing a total hysterectomy and chemotherapy for stage 3 endometrial cancer. With honesty and grace, she reflects on the fear, the importance of self-advocacy in the medical system, and the power of emotional support from loved ones. 
Bryce also offers practical tips for navigating treatment and speaks candidly about how faith, community, and the healing comfort of mind, body and soul that she finds by the water in the Town of Colonial Beach, VA.
This episode is a raw and inspiring reminder of resilience, hope, and the quiet strength found in life’s hardest chapters.
 
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In a captivating interview, This and That podcast host, Bryce Hall, delves into the remarkable life and achievements of retired Army Colonel John Biemeck. His storied military career spans dramatic experiences in Alaska and Vietnam. Colonel Biemeck's tales of service are as enthralling as his deep-rooted passion for black powder relics. Settling in Colonial Beach, he dedicated years to researching and publishing extensive works on projectiles, contributing his expertise to advise on explosive ordnance. His influence extends into the local Colonial Beach community. John played a pivotal role in initiatives like introducing golf carts to the town. Being a golf cart town enhanced the town’s charm and accessibility.
Joining the conversation is Debbie Biemeck, John's steadfast partner in both life and scholarly pursuits. Together, they have curated encyclopedic volumes on projectiles. Debbie's keen editorial skills brought these works to fruition. Their collaborative efforts have led to fascinating discoveries, including artifacts like a 1780 British cannon and the creation of a cannonball monument in their yard. This stands as a testament to their shared passion for history and exploration. This interview not only highlights their impressive contributions to historical research but also paints a vivid picture of their impact on the Colonial Beach community.
 
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Welcome to my This and That podcast, Beauty in the Beach, Part 1. Join Bryce Hall, your host, as she shares personal anecdotes about her favorite seasonal plants that adorn the coastal landscape of Colonial Beach's beloved Point. The ancient oaks, sycamore and towering pine trees stand as silent witnesses to the storied past of the family beach cottage, Pollyanna. Her narrative doesn't shy away from the challenges faced by the community, such as the devastation wrought by Hurricane Isabel in 2003 and the 2017 straight-line windstorm. These events, not only tested Colonial Beach but also showcased its resilience, strength and unity. #CBSTRONG
Bryce invites listeners to see The Point not just as a picturesque spot, but as a place rich with personal history, memory and community spirit. Stay tuned for Beauty in the Beach, Part 2, where Bryce introduces you to the diverse wildlife and unexpected beauty that make The Point unforgettable.Follow us on Podbean & Spotify @thisandthatCBVA and Instagram @thisandthat.cbva

In this episode of my This and That podcast, we discover the fascinating tradition of naming beach houses and the stories that give them character and charm. Our journey begins in the summer of 1995 in Colonial Beach. From uncovering the rich history of a charming cottage named Pollyanna, to understanding the sentimental reasons behind beach house names. 
Once named, enhancing the experience with a family guestbook can add a meaningful touch. Over time, this guestbook becomes a treasured keepsake, capturing the essence of shared memories and the evolving story of your beach house.
Join us as we recount several heartwarming entries from Pollyanna's guestbook, revealing tales of joy, nostalgia, and the continuity of family traditions that strengthen bonds and celebrate the essence of coastal living.
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Welcome to my This and That podcast. Kris Guido's Colonial Beach story started as childhood visits filled with beach days, bike rides and riding horses. Stories of her great-grandfather’s legendary poker game turned into a lifelong love affair with this riverside town. Kris shares how her Irish roots led her to discover Colonial Beach and how the memories made here pulled her back year after year until she finally made it home for good.
We’ll hear how she navigated the twists and turns of family transitions, embraced the auction chaos of inheriting a family home, and found her footing as a full-time resident. Through volunteer work and deep community ties, Kris carved out a meaningful life here, one connection at a time.
Her story is full of warmth, grit, and the kind of small-town magic that keeps people coming back. Whether you're a Colonial Beach local or just curious about life in a close-knit community, this episode will leave you feeling inspired.
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Welcome to my This and That podcast. Join us as we explore a deeply personal journey of enduring chronic knee pain and the surprising discovery of its true source. Over years of doctor visits, knee replacements, and physical therapy, a different story unfolds—one that underscores the hidden complexities within our bodies.
Travel the long, winding road from knee replacements that promised relief to the revelation of misaligned diagnosis, culminating in an unexpected link to the true source. Experience the emotional and physical toll of chronic knee pain, as well as the profound impact on everyday life and cherished roles, like being a grandmother.
A look into the vital importance of self-advocacy in healthcare, highlighting how overlooked connections can lead to relentless discomfort. Discover how insights and second opinions can make a world of difference, providing much-needed answers and new beginnings. Through candid storytelling, this episode offers solace to those battling similar struggles and shines a light on the interconnected nature of our musculoskeletal system.
Tune in to unravel this intimate narrative of perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity, and stay tuned for more compelling stories.Follow us on Podbean, Spotify and Instagram @thisandthat.cbva

Join us in this special episode of my This and That podcast as we celebrate the 90th birthday of Ethel Jenkyns, an extraordinary resident of Colonial Beach. Ethel shares her unique journey from her childhood days helping on her family's tobacco farm in Clinton, Maryland, to her vibrant life in Colonial Beach, where she has been a cornerstone of the community for over three decades.
In our conversation, Ethel reflects on her experiences growing up and her work at St. Jerome's Catholic School, her involvement in her local church, and her continuous passion for learning and trying new things, even in her senior years. Ethel also shares touching memories of her family life, including her late husband, Ernest, and her daughter, Theresa.
With insights into the significant historical events she's witnessed, such as the assassination of President Kennedy and 9/11, Ethel provides a profound perspective on overcoming life's challenges and prejudices. Her stories remind us of the importance of resilience, adaptation, and respect for all.
 
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