The People You Meet in Old Town

Monte Durham, beloved fashion expert and star of TLC’s Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta, joins host Jane Khodos Beyer to share his remarkable journey from rural West Virginia to television fame and entrepreneurship in Old Town Alexandria.Raised in a home without running water and educated in a one-room schoolhouse, Monte went on to build a career in fashion and beauty, drawing lifelong inspiration from Jacqueline Kennedy’s timeless elegance. He takes us behind the scenes of Say Yes to the Dress, sharing how he landed on the show, what filming was really like and the unforgettable brides and moments that made it a hit.Monte also opens up about launching Salon Monte during the pandemic, the personal meaning behind its design and his commitment to giving back through Say Yes to the Prom. Plus, a possible new project about Jackie Kennedy, fashion trends he wishes would disappear and a lightning round featuring his favorite places around Old Town Alexandria.In This Episode00:00 Meet Monte Durham01:24 How We Met03:19 Humble Beginnings05:18 Jackie Style Influence07:00 Royal Wedding Suit09:00 From Retail to Hair11:00 Landing TLC Show13:50 Fame and Recognition15:07 Behind the Cameras16:39 How Brides Are Cast18:53 Favorite Episode Moments20:42 Show Ends and COVID23:27 Opening Salon Monte25:15 Surviving COVID Growth25:49 Salon Style Symbolism26:34 Say Yes to the Prom30:34 Old Town Changes32:04 Legacy and Giving Back33:35 Jackie Kennedy Project34:25 Old Town Favorites Round37:59 Fashion Rapid Fire40:37 Little Black Dress History41:53 Closing Thanks and FarewellAround Old Town and BeyondSalon Monte: Monte’s signature salon in the heart of Old Town Alexandria. @therealmontedurham Café Soleil: Monte’s neighborhood stop for tea. @cafe_du_soleil_va The Antique Guild: A favorite destination for antique jewelry and unique finds. @theantiqueguild Jula’s on the Potomac: One of Monte’s favorite lunch spots. @julasotpThe Warehouse: A longtime Old Town favorite for dinner. @thewarehouseoldtown Ada’s on the River: A go-to for dinner, brunch and happy hour. @adasontheriver River Farm: A beautiful garden destination along the Potomac, and one of Monte’s favorite places to take out-of-town visitors. @riverfarm_vaGeorge Washington Masonic National Memorial: An often-overlooked Alexandria landmark with spectacular views down King Street. @gwmemorialStay ConnectedEmail us at [email protected] stay up to date with The People You Meet in Old Town, and get all the behind-the-scenes content, follow us on Instagram, YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Spotify.If you enjoyed this episode, please show us some love: subscribe, leave a rating and a review.Instagram: @peopleyoumeet.oldtownalxThe People You Meet in Old Town AlexandriaThe People You Meet in Old Town Alexandria is a podcast that explores the people, places and ideas that shape the historic district. Hosted by Jane Khodos Beyer, the show features wide-ranging discussions with local leaders and experts who bring practical ideas on how to preserve our heritage and build a vibrant community.© 2026 The People You Meet in Old Town Alexandria. All rights reserved.

Host Jane Khodos Beyer welcomes Chris Ullman to The People You Meet In Old Town Podcast. Chris shares his communications career spanning Capitol Hill, the SEC, the White House, and 18 years building Carlyle Group’s communications function, including working closely with Glenn Youngkin and philanthropist David Rubenstein. He discusses Rubenstein’s “patriotic philanthropy,” including the new museum space under the Lincoln Memorial funded by an $18.5 million gift. Chris also reveals his other life as a four-time international whistling champion—whistling for presidents and vice presidents, performing with orchestras, and whistling “Happy Birthday” daily (about 700 times a year!). He highlights lessons from his books “Find Your Whistle” and “Four Billionaires and a Parking Attendant” and whistles on show. To learn more about Chris and to purchase his books, visit: https://chrisullman.com/. 00:00 Meet Chris Ullman01:24 Old Town Connection01:48 Career in Communications03:10 Building Carlyle Comms04:35 Advising After Carlyle05:41 Working With Youngkin06:49 Rubenstein Philanthropy08:23 Lincoln Memorial Museum09:55 Champion Whistling Origin11:42 Whistle Meets Day Job13:25 Find Your Whistle Message16:27 Oval Office Whistling19:02 700 Birthday Whistles21:09 Success Lessons Book23:16 Purpose And Bridges25:25 Raise Your Hand27:08 Go Into Office28:07 Whistling Warmups30:35 Happy Birthday Bit32:01 Anthem And Jazz33:24 Old Town Lightning Round35:50 Symphony Season Update37:01 Wrap Up And SupportAround Old Town and Beyond:Misha’s Coffee: mishascoffee.com | IG: @mishascoffeeLandini Brothers: landinibrothers.com | IG: @landinibrothersincAlexandria Symphony Orchestra: alexsym.org | IG: @alex_symphonyGeorge Washington Masonic National Memorial: 101 Callahan Dr. | gwmemorial.org | IG: @gwmemorialRachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall: 4915 E. Campus Dr. | nvcc.edu/schlesinger | IG: @schlesinger_centerCall Your Mother Deli: callyourmotherdeli.com | IG: @callyourmotherdeliStay ConnectedEmail us at [email protected] stay up to date with The People You Meet In Old Town, and get all the behind-the-scenes content, follow us on Instagram, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe/ follow, leave a rating and a review.Instagram: @peopleyoumeet.oldtownalx The People You Meet in Old Town AlexandriaThe People You Meet in Old Town Alexandria is a podcast that explores the people, places, and ideas that shape the historic district. Hosted by Jane Khodos Beyer, the show features wide-ranging discussions with local leaders and experts who bring practical ideas on how to preserve our heritage and build a vibrant community.© 2026 The People You Meet in Old Town Alexandria. All rights reserved.

Host Jane Khodos Beyer welcomes novelist and former journalist Susan Gregg Gilmore to The People You Meet in Old Town Alexandria Podcast to discuss Gilmore’s career pivot from freelance journalism (including the LA Times and Christian Science Monitor) to fiction writing at 40 with no prior fiction experience. Gilmore describes her messy, scene-based drafting process, finding inspiration in everyday life, and the publishing path of writing a book, securing an agent, and submitting to publishers. She recounts the 10-year journey to write The Curious Calling of Leonard Bush, inspired by a tombstone reading “Leonard Bush’s leg, 1923,” including balancing a full-time real estate career, receiving painful feedback from her agent, and reshaping the novel through a Novel Writing 101 workshop. Gilmore shares advice for writers (time in the chair, thick skin), explains the book’s hopeful premise, and celebrates winning the Willie Morris Award for Southern Fiction, then ends with Old Town favorites and where to buy the book.00:00 Meet Susan Gilmore01:48 Pivot to Fiction at 4003:10 Journalism Roots04:41 Writer Joys and Struggles06:02 Messy Novel Process07:58 Finding Inspiration10:00 Leonard Bush Spark12:07 Ten Year Rewrite16:12 Revision and Writing Space17:30 Praise and Harsh Reviews19:29 Publishing Journey Next19:46 Publishing Pathway21:20 Advice For Writers22:18 Building Thick Skin24:05 Holding The Book25:06 Winning Willie Morris26:30 Hopeful Message27:58 What She Reads28:45 Micro Memoir Substack30:13 Old Town Lightning Round32:52 Where To BuyAround Old Town and beyond:Josephine: 400 King St | josephineoldtown.com | IG: @josephineoldtownTatte Bakery & Cafe: 115 King St | tattebakery.com | IG: @tattebakeryComfort One Shoes: 201 King St | comfortone.com | IG: @comfortoneOld Town Books: 106 N St Asaph St | oldtownbooks.com | IG: @oldtownbooksLet’s Stay in TouchEmail us at [email protected]. To stay up to date with The People You Meet In Old Town, and get all the behind-the-scenes content, follow us on Instagram, YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Spotify. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a rating and review on Apple, Spotify or YouTube. The People You Meet in Old Town AlexandriaThe People You Meet in Old Town Alexandria is a podcast that explores the people, places, and ideas that shape the historic district. Hosted by Jane Khodos Beyer, the show features wide-ranging discussions with local leaders and experts who bring practical ideas on how to preserve our heritage and build a vibrant community.© 2026 The People You Meet in Old Town Alexandria. All rights reserved.

Andrew Giuliani, Executive Director of the White House Task Force for FIFA World Cup 2026, sits down with host Jane Khodos Beyer to pull back the curtain on the most complex security and logistics operation in American sports history. From his days playing golf at Duke to serving in the Trump White House and running for governor of New York, Andrew's path to leading the federal effort behind a 48-team, 78-game, 40-day tournament is anything but ordinary. Andrew breaks down exactly what it takes to coordinate eight federal agencies, state and local law enforcement partners across 11 host cities, and counterparts in Mexico and Canada, all while protecting 1.6 billion viewers and making sure the world sees American exceptionalism on full display. Plus: why Old Town Alexandria was chosen as the home base for Team Croatia, how fans can still get tickets, and — because Jane and Andrew are both proud New Yorkers — who actually makes the best pizza. Plus, a lightning round on their favorite places around Old Town.00:00 World Cup Stakes Intro01:24 Meet Andrew Giuliani02:58 Security Scale Explained07:15 Task Force Structure10:05 Trilateral Host Coordination12:27 Tickets and Fan Festivals15:10 Croatia Picks Old Town17:56 Croatia in Town Impact20:23 Why Soccer Rules Globally22:31 Soccer Boom America22:47 World Cup Sparks MLS23:23 Womens Game Surge24:00 2026 World Cup Outlook24:26 New York Pizza Pivot24:51 Iconic NYC Slices25:44 West Village Pizza Tour26:49 Old Town Pizza Taste27:43 Soccer Terms Banter28:14 Old Town Lightning Round29:15 Coffee Dinner Drinks Picks31:50 Game Watching Spots32:29 Closing Thanks And Teamwork Around Old Town and BeyondCooper Mill Pizza: IG: @thecoopermillLandini Brothers: IG: @landinibrothersincSwings Coffee: IG: @swingscoffeeMia's: IG: @mias_italian_kitchenThompson Italian: IG: @thompsonitalianJosephine: IG: @josephineoldtownBarca Pier & Wine Bar: IG: @barca_alxThe Study at the Morrison House: IG: @thestudyalxAugie's: IG: @augiesbeergardenCall Your Mother Deli: IG: @callyourmotherdeli Stay ConnectedEmail us at [email protected] stay up to date with The People You Meet In Old Town, and get all the behind-the-scenes content, follow us on Instagram, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a rating and a review. Instagram: @peopleyoumeet.oldtownalxThe People You Meet in Old Town AlexandriaThe People You Meet in Old Town Alexandria is a podcast that explores the people, places, and ideas that shape the historic district. Hosted by Jane Khodos Beyer, the show features wide-ranging discussions with local leaders and experts who bring practical ideas on how to preserve our heritage and build a vibrant community.© 2026 The People You Meet in Old Town Alexandria. All rights reserved.

Rachel Moon, founder of Remedy Speech Therapy, joins The People You Meet in Old Town podcast to share her journey from early intervention specialist to private practice owner. Rachel breaks down what speech-language pathology covers, from articulation disorders and language delays to autism and stuttering, and offers practical guidance for parents of young children. Rachel walks us through key developmental milestones parents should watch for in the first two years of life, the power of reading aloud and reducing screen time, and how to make the most of educational shows like Ms. Rachel and Danny Go! She also addresses common parental concerns about bilingual households, accent development, and when to seek a professional evaluation for speech impediments.Remedy Speech Therapy is a boutique pediatric speech and occupational therapy practice offering personalized, evidence-based care that nurtures confidence, connection and communication - one child at a time. To learn more about Remedy's speech therapy, occupational therapy, myofunctional therapy, literacy groups, literacy tutoring, k-5 tutoring, feeding therapy and much more, please visit https://www.remedyspeechtherapy.com.Timestamps:00:00 When Kids Start Talking01:05 Meet Rachel Moon02:30 What Speech Therapy Covers03:41 Milestones and Red Flags04:42 Reading and Play Tips05:29 Screen Time Done Right06:58 Sounds Kids Grow Into08:00 Bilingualism and Delays09:47 Accents and Environment11:55 Building Remedy Practice13:04 Finding Therapy and Classes14:17 Old Town Lightning Round15:44 Wrap Up and ThanksAround Old Town and beyond:• Remedy Speech Therapy: Old Town Alexandria | remedyspeechtherapy.com | IG: @remedyspeechtherapy• Landini Brothers: 115 King St | landinibrothers.com | IG: @landinibrothers• For Five Coffee: 1800C Diagonal Rd | forfivecoffee.com• Happy Place: Waterfront, Old Town Alexandria | IG: @happyplaceoldtown

Amanda Mertins, co-owner of Patina Polished Living, Old Town Alexandria’s beloved home goods and interior design shop,  joins The People You Meet in Old Town podcast to talk about a life spent making spaces feel like home. From setting the table at elementary school dinner parties and rearranging furniture in her tiny bedroom, to building a thriving retail and design business alongside her partner Kim, Amanda shares how passion, persistence, and a head for economics turned a lifelong instinct into a 14-year-old business.Amanda breaks down her signature approach to editing a home, how she walks through every room before touching a thing, spots the hidden gem gathering dust in a guest room, and gives clients permission to finally let go of Aunt Sue’s chair. She shares her philosophy on mixing vintage and new, high and low (in both interiors and fashion), the two things you should always spend money on, why you should never buy a sofa online, and the design rules she loves to break. She also talks about the reality of running a retail store in Old Town: the joy of installation day, the grief of broken deliveries, and the partnership that has kept Patina thriving for over a decade.Timing:00:00 What Makes Home01:32 Amanda’s Design Origins04:42 Launching Patina06:38 Retail Reality Check08:21 Editing Homes Superpower13:29 Inside the Storehouse16:48 Paint Color Shortcuts18:53 Retail Joy and Client Reveals23:52 Installation Day Magic27:44 Client Reactions and Referrals28:22 Sourcing Trips and Vintage Finds29:41 Estate Sales and Market Hustle30:26 Retail Grunt Work Realities33:00 Designing for Family and Heirlooms34:42 When Husbands Drive Design37:09 Investing in Quality Furniture38:07 Old Town Lightning Round41:55 Personal Style Over Trends44:14 Designing Semi Permanent Choices46:59 Podcast Praise and Farewell Around Old Town and beyond:Patina Polished Living: 111 S Columbus St | patinapolishedliving.com | IG: @patinapolishedlivingIndochen: 1615 King St | indochen.com | IG: @indochenvaMonogram Logistics: monogramlogistics.com | IG: @monogramlogistics Let’s stay in touchEmail us at [email protected]. To stay up to date with The People You Meet In Old Town, and get all the behind-the-scenes content, follow us on Instagram, YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Spotify. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a rating and review on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.The People You Meet in Old Town AlexandriaThe People You Meet in Old Town Alexandria is a podcast that explores the people, places, and ideas that shape the historic district. Hosted by Jane Khodos Beyer, the show features wide-ranging discussions with local leaders and experts who bring practical ideas on how to preserve our heritage and build a vibrant community.© 2026 The People You Meet in Old Town Alexandria. All rights reserved.

Marie Bucoy-Calavan, the Artistic Director of the Choral Arts Society of Washington, joins The People You Meet in Old Town podcast to share her remarkable journey from a Filipino immigrant household to the conductor's podium at the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall. Marie recounts how parental pressure to pursue medicine or law gave way to a deep love of music, and how a mentor's belief in her at age 21 set her on the path to earning a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Conducting from the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. Marie explains why Washington, D.C. is a "choral mecca" — home to a thriving ecosystem of choral ensembles — and highlights the incredible venues across the region where live choral performances come to life. She also speaks passionately about musical education for young children, the Mozart effect, the Suzuki method, and hidden classical music gems in beloved children's shows like Bluey and Danny Go. And she shares what it means to lead the Choral Arts Society to Carnegie Hall for the concert, From Darkness to Light. Timing:00:00 A Baton and Harmony00:59 Meet Marie Bucoy-Calavan01:03 How We Met in Old Town01:32 Finding the Conductor Path04:11 Arts Career Doubts05:37 From Piano to Many Instruments08:53 Empathy for the Orchestra09:57 Doctorate and Training11:10 DC as Choral Mecca12:33 Best Venues and Joining Choirs14:45 Carnegie Hall and New Programs15:59 Kids and Early Music Exposure19:39 Singing Toys to Choirs20:05 Kids Chorus Options21:42 Danny Go Movement Songs23:24 Bluey Classical Easter Eggs27:07 Taylor Swift Parallels29:11 Live Performance Stamina30:33 Handling Mistakes Onstage32:00 Old Town Lightning Round33:27 Closing Thanks and Culture Around Old Town and beyond:•       Maman: 500 King St | mamannyc.com | IG: @mamancafe•       Café du Soleil: 1723 Connecticut Ave NW | IG: @cafedusoleildc•       Le Refuge: 127 N Washington St, Alexandria | IG: @lerefugealexandria•       Orangetheory Fitness Alexandria: 1101 King St | orangetheory.com | IG: @orangetheoryfitness•       Choral Arts Society of Washington: choralarts.org | IG: @choralarts•       Levine Music: levinemusic.org | IG: @levinemusic•       Children's Chorus of Washington: childrenschorusofwashington.org | IG: @childrenschorusdc•       The Strathmore: 5301 Tuckerman Ln, North Bethesda | strathmore.org | IG: @strathmore•       The Kennedy Center: 2700 F St NW, Washington DC | kennedy-center.org | IG: @kennedycenter

Ever wondered what's actually on that two-mile-long train rolling through town? Chriss Nielsen has spent 30 years as a freight rail economist and she ended up there entirely by accident. In this episode, she breaks down how goods move across America, why your Amazon package probably crossed three states by rail, and what AI might mean for driverless trains. Then Chriss shares her other passion: At Home in Alexandria, a village-style nonprofit helping neighbors age in place, including the 92-year-old she drives to the gym every Wednesday. Oh, and she grew up trick-or-treating at Dr. Seuss's house.  00:00 Welcome to Old Town00:56 Book Club Beginnings03:39 From Temp to Rail05:52 Rate Cases Explained07:49 Rail vs Trucks10:40 Deregulation Debate13:05 Big Railroads Today14:59 Future of Freight16:53 AI and Driverless Trains19:46 Amtrak vs Freight21:04 Amtrak vs Freight Priority22:46 Why US Rail Lags Europe23:41 High Speed Rail Reality25:38 Best Rail Systems Today26:32 Transit Subsidies Debate27:23 At Home in Alexandria28:14 Village Services Explained31:40 Volunteer Story at the Y32:58 Dr Seuss Connection36:38 Lightning Round Favorites37:42 Markets and Monopoly38:11 Seuss Railroad Rhyme38:40 Final Thanks and Wrap  Around Old Town - places mentioned in this episode:Fresh Baguette: 1101 King St | freshbaguette.net | IG: @freshbaguettePrinciple Gallery: 208 King St | principlegallery.com | IG: @principlegalleryAt Home in Alexandria (AHA): 3139 Mt. Vernon Ave | athomeinalexandria.org | IG: @athomeinalexandria Email us at [email protected]. To stay up to date with The People You Meet In Old Town, and get all the behind-the-scenes content, follow us on Instagram, YouTube, Apple podcasts and Spotify. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a rating and review on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.  The People You Meet in Old Town AlexandriaThe People You Meet in Old Town Alexandria is a podcast that explores the people, places, and ideas that shape the historic district. Hosted by Jane Khodos Beyer, the show features wide-ranging discussions with local leaders and experts who bring practical ideas on how to preserve our heritage and build a vibrant community.© 2026 The People You Meet in Old Town Alexandria. All rights reserved.

In this episode of People You Meet in Old Town Alexandria, host Jane Khodos Beyer sits down with Anne Metcalf—lobbyist, architectural enthusiast, historic home restorer, and author of Old Town At Home. Together, they explore the rich stories behind Old Town’s iconic homes, from centuries-old construction techniques to the surprising discoveries hidden within their walls.Anne shares her personal journey—from growing up surrounded by architecture and history to restoring historic properties and advocating for cultural institutions. You’ll hear fascinating insights into what it really takes to preserve these homes, the challenges of renovation, and why protecting architectural legacy matters.They also dive into:· The untold history behind Old Town homes· Real-life restoration stories (including oyster shell fireproofing!)· The balance between preservation and modern living· How community, history, and architecture intersect· The inspiration behind Anne’s book and what may come nextWhether you’re a homeowner, history lover, or simply curious about what lies behind those beautiful Old Town facades, this episode offers a rare look inside one of America’s most charming historic neighborhoods.00:00 Introduction to Old Town00:26 Meeting Anne Metcalf02:06 Growing Up in McLean02:44 Early History Connections04:25 Professional Background in Lobbying05:45 Historic Home Restoration Journey09:09 Discovering Hidden History13:16 The Genesis of the Book15:41 The Book Creation Process18:47 Uncovering Home Stories19:10 The Chapman Home Story21:16 Architectural Styles and Favorites23:20 Building Community Through Book Clubs25:16 Lobbying for Museums28:34 Future Book Projects30:16 Where to Buy30:47 Closing ThoughtsThe People You Meet in Old Town AlexandriaThe People You Meet in Old Town Alexandria is a podcast that explores the people, places, and ideas that shape the historic district. Hosted by Jane Khodos Beyer, the show features wide-ranging discussions with local leaders and experts who bring practical ideas on how to preserve our heritage and build a vibrant community.© 2026 The People You Meet in Old Town Alexandria. All rights reserved.

Host Jane Khodos Beyer sits down with Chaz Cirame, founder of Big Fish Recruiting, who specializes in placing top talent in public affairs, public policy, and communications. Chaz shares why LinkedIn applications are basically a black hole, why a handwritten thank-you note is still the ultimate power move, and how AI-generated cover letters are backfiring on candidates in ways they don't expect.You'll also hear:Why networking beats cold applying every single time (the real numbers will surprise you)How to negotiate an offer without pricing yourself outWhat employers are doing wrong — and how it's costing them great hiresWhy experience almost always trumps a graduate degreeThe career pivot framework Chaz used himself to leave public affairs and build Big Fish from scratchPlus book recommendations you'll want to write down: Designing Your Life, Aware, and How to Win Friends and Influence People.Chaz also shares his favorite spots in Old Town Alexandria — from Bollywood Masala to St. Elmo's Coffee — in our lightning round.00:00 AI Job Search Mistakes00:15 Meet Chaz Cirame01:24 How We Met02:18 Career Pivot Story04:27 Designing Your Life07:15 Hiring Market Reality09:01 Standing Out in Interviews11:13 Candidate Interview Donts13:32 Networking Beats Applying16:12 Using LinkedIn Wisely18:53 AI Cover Letter Pitfalls20:07 AI Resume Pitfalls21:26 Beating ATS Bots22:36 Employer Hiring Mistakes25:45 Offer Negotiation Reality32:03 What Drives Top Pay33:44 MBA Versus Experience37:23 Job Search Timelines38:35 Networking And Books40:20 Old Town Lightning Round41:34 Wrap Up And ContactChaz’ favorite places around Old Town:St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub: 529 Montgomery St | stelmoscoffeepub.com | IG: @stelmosSouthside 815: 815 S Washington St | southside815.com | IG: @southside815Bollywood Masala: 219 King St | bollywoodmasalaalexandria.com | IG: @bollywoodalexandriaFurther Reading RecommendationsCirame recommends two pivotal books on career design and self-awareness: "Designing Your Life" by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans, and,"Aware" by Les Csorba. The People You Meet in Old Town AlexandriaThe People You Meet in Old Town Alexandria is a podcast that explores the people, places, and ideas that shape the historic district. Hosted by Jane Khodos Beyer, the show features wide-ranging discussions with local leaders and experts who bring practical ideas on how to preserve our heritage and build a vibrant community.© 2026 The People You Meet in Old Town Alexandria. All rights reserved.