The latest episode of Happy Hour Vibes on K101.2 POP Richmond poured out laughter, networking, and a healthy dose of community pride during its October Recording and Networking Party—featuring some of Central Virginia’s most creative entrepreneurs and small business leaders.
Over Shaken Not Spurred’s mocktail of the month—the Minted Mare—guests were challenged to dive into six red solo cups, each filled with a classic party game and a twist of local flair. Whether tossing pong balls, crafting elevator pitch rhymes, or confessing marketing mix-ups, attendees couldn’t help but laugh, sip, and connect.
Listeners are invited to sip along and laugh along every Thirsty Thursday at 6 PM on K101.2 POP Richmond, learning how to make the featured mocktail of the month and a meal to match from Gianna Does It All’s very own Chef Gianna Stanley.
“Happy Hour Vibes is where business, creativity, and laughter meet,” said Barry Farmer, co-host and representative of the Farmer Media Company, a proud in-kind gold sponsor of the show. “It’s a place for neighbors to network, celebrate local events, and cheer on what makes Central Virginia so vibrant.”
🍹 Local Flavor Takes the Mic
This month’s guests brought the flavor, creativity, and community spirit in a way only Central Virginia can. Homemades by Suzanne set the tone as both guest and food sponsor, serving up their signature pimento cheese spread and dessert selections that had everyone swooning—especially producer Barry Farmer, who happily claimed a lemon tart or two off-mic. The team gave listeners a mouthwatering preview of their upcoming Thanksgiving menu, a full holiday feast made with love and the comfort of a home-cooked meal—just like the downtown Ashland favorite has always been known for. Their holiday tea parties in the John Marshall Ballroom and right in the Center of the Universe promise to be a highlight of the season, and their “Very Important Pup” seating—with pup plates, toys, and proceeds benefiting the Hanover Humane Society—makes it clear that Homemades by Suzanne knows how to serve up heart with every bite.
Things got spicy when RVA Wing Wars joined the table to talk about their annual showdown on October 18 at Triple Crossing Beer in Fulton, where twenty restaurants will compete to prove who truly has the best wings in the region. Of course, the Downtown Ashland Association is cheering for hometown heroes Ashland Sports Page, whose wings have a loyal following of their own. In true Happy Hour Vibes fashion, the Wing Wars crew found themselves caught up in the fun when they landed in the “Never Have YOU Ever” cup—forced to admit they’ve also accidentally posted a “See y’all tomorrow!” when the event was actually the following week. The room erupted in laughter and raised their glasses, because, really, who hasn’t been there?
Jason McClenny of McClenny Insurance Agency got his moment in the spotlight when his pong ball landed in the “Serve” cup, challenging him to come up with a two-line rhyming elevator pitch. A poet without realizing it, Jason delivered a clever couplet that stuck in everyone’s head for the rest of the night—proving that even insurance can be lyrical with a little creative spark.
Then came Sarah Glasco of ADHD Peri Punks, who brought a mix of humor and honesty as she discussed how ADHD uniquely affects women in perimenopause and menopause. With her signature sarcastic self-care style and a podcast voice made for the mic, Sarah drew the room in while keeping everyone laughing. Listeners can tune into her show, ADHD Peri Punks, on Spotify or find her and her co-creators sharing relatable content on Instagram at @adhdperipunks.
To top it all off, Minuteman Press of Ashland reminded everyone that “mail marketing is not dead.” They’re currently running their Mailathon ahead of the holiday season—offering $20 off any size mailing and free design services—helping small businesses share their message far and wide. Learn more at minuteman.com/us/locations/va/ashland.
Each guest brought something special to the table—flavor, fun, creativity, or connection—and together, they reminded listeners why Happy Hour Vibes isn’t just a show. It’s a celebration of the people, businesses, and stories that make Central Virginia such a vibrant place to live, work, and play.
Downtown Ashland Association on Happy Hour Vibes
Lou Keeton and Coach Antonio Miller of Downtown Ashland Association joined the episode to highlight the town’s 31 Days of Ashland Halloween celebration and the upcoming Off the Rails Craft Beer & Wine Festival: Boos, Brews, and BBQ, sponsored by Amtrak Virginia, on Saturday, October 25 at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center.
Festival-goers can sip craft beer from Center of the Universe Brewing aboard Amtrak Virginia, then crawl toward craft beer, wine, food, arts, and business vendors all while enjoying live music from Buckville Hootenanny. Thy can even snag free candy for Ashland’s trick-or-treat heavy neighborhoods. Afterward, the party continues with a downtown “After Crawl” featuring Ashland’s favorite spots—Caboose Market & Café, Origin Beer Company, Ash & Olive, Cask and Stave, Iron Horse Restaurant, and The Henry Clay Inn.
Listeners are also encouraged to submit recipes to the Ashland Community Cookbook or name the Ashland Candy Bar by November 1. The Ashland Community Cookbook will be available for purchase in time for Light Up the Tracks: The Grand Illumination on November 22. The winning Ashland Chocolate Bar name will be wrapped up with golden ticket prizes redeemable at the Center of the Universe by New Year’s Eve.
🌟 Foster the Mic: Broadcasting Change
Foster the Mic will reach 1.3 million listeners across Central Virginia through The Barry Farmer Morning Show with Sharon Lizzy, blending storytelling with sponsorship opportunities that make an impact. Sponsorship levels range from $150 to $2,550, each offering on-air exposure, social media promotion, and magazine placement—all while supporting nonprofits that serve foster youth.
“Foster care is more than a system—it’s a community,” said Farmer. “By sponsoring Foster the Mic, your business amplifies real stories while aligning with a powerful cause.”
Sponsorship inquiries: connect@farmercompanyllc.com | 804-243-0731
🎧 Don’t Miss the Final Recording Party of 2025!
The final Happy Hour Vibes Networking and Recording Party of 2025 takes place Monday, October 27 at 6 PM at Farmer Company Media Studios in Richmond.
Join the fun in person—or tune in from home every Thirsty Thursday at 6 PM on K101.2 POP Richmond to sip along, laugh along, and connect with the region’s most entertaining network of entrepreneurs, event planners, and creatives.
Happy Hour Vibes is co-produced by Farmer Media Company, K101.2 POP Richmond, and Downtown Ashland Association, with in-kind Downtown Ashland Association Gold Sponsors Barry Farmer Media, Shaken Not Spurred Mobile Bar, Gianna Does It All, and POWER UP Productions.