The team sits down with Jared Mounts of Jake’s Bait and Tackle to discuss the joys of outdoor activities along with his journey as a teacher, coach, and ultimately a leader in our local fishing circles. Links for the Episode: Frederick County Bass Homepage Local Events: MSV Pottery Show & Sale Hop Blossom Craft Beer Festival Belle Grove Garden Fest Father's Day Car Truck Show, Middletown Community Park…

Mark and Caleb sit down with Abby Linaburg, co-owner of Wholesome Media, to talk about the latest social media marketing trends and share practical tips to help you promote your brand more easily and effectively. Links for the episode: Wholesome Media Homepage Upcoming Local Events: Healing Field of Honor ICONic Talk local sponsors: ICON Media Mark Francis Realtor…

Learn all about Claudio’s Pizza as Mark, Caleb, and Rachel chat with co-owner, Tommy Buono, as he shares his passion for soccer, pizza, and our local Winchester community - plus get the recap of last week’s Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival! Links for the Show: Claudios Pizzeria Home Page Upcoming Events: Garden Fair - May 10-11, Blandy Farm Murder on the Orient Express - May 9-24, Winchester Little Theater ShenCoLab - May 17, Shenandoah University…

Mark, Rachel, and Caleb share their past experiences with The Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival and chat about the various events that they are excited about! Links Below: The Bloom’s Events: https://www.thebloom.com/events.html Past ICONic Talk episode about Apple Blossom… All Things Apple BlossomICONic Talk · April 7, 2022 All About ApplesICONic Talk · March 30, 2023…

Caleb and Rachel officially join Mark as the co-hosts of ICONic Talk and talk about the hopes and dreams of how this podcast can impact the local community and beyond…with plenty of jokes and cackling at the same time!

What would you like to see open up in our Winchester area? Mark invites friends back to the show to discuss their viewpoints of that topic - Caleb Pearson and Rachel Racey.

Mark shares his take on what the current real estate market looks like in Winchester/Frederick County, as well as the one year follow up report to the NAR settlement that happened last year. Upcoming Events : Friday, March 14, 6:30pm-9:30pm @ West Oaks Market “St Patrick’s Party” https://www.westoaksfarm-market.com/events/st-pattys-party-at-west-oaks Saturday, March 22, 6:30pm-8:00pm “Sip and Savor” - live theatrical sitcom https://friendsofoldtown.org/event/sip-savor-a-live-theatrical-sitcom/ Monday, March 24, 6pm-9pm Ravenwood Foundation benefit screening of “A Knights Tale” @ Alamo https://friendsofoldtown.org/event/a-knights-tale-benefit-screening-ravenwood-foundation/…

Learn all about the potential future of money in this conversation with local Bitcoin expert, Gary Krause, as he shares his perspectives and knowledge on the pioneering of this leading crypto-currency. Shenandoah Bitcoin Club: https://shenandoahbitcoin.club/index.html US News story on Bitcoin (February 18, 2025) https://money.usnews.com/investing/articles/the-history-of-bitcoin Upcoming Events : Shenandoah University, “Monte Python’s Spamalot”, February 27 - March 2 https://www.su.edu/performs/event/25-02-monty-pythons-spamalot/ Travelin’ McCoureys concert @ Backseat Events / Backseat Bar and Grill, Friday, March 7 https://www.tixr.com/groups/backseatevents/events/backseatevents-the-travelin-mccourys-128450 Celtic Fest, downtown Winchester, Saturday, March 8 https://friendsofoldtown.org/event/celtic-fest/…

Gain a greater appreciation for servers in the restaurant industry as you hear some of the behind-the-scenes stories with Mark’s chat with long-time server at “Roma Old Town”, Rachel Racey. For show notes: Roma Old Town: https://romawoodfiredpizza.com Upcoming Events : History Conference: Washington’s First War, Feb 14-15 https://www.shenandoahatwar.org/washington Restaurant Week - Winchester, Feb 17-23 https://www.winchesterrestaurantweek.com “Coldest Night of the Year” Walk, Feb 22 Support for WATTS (Winchester Area Temporary Transitional Shelter) https://cnoy.com/location/winchester…

Gain some insights on what life in Winchester is like for young adults as they look to navigate and balance a career, a social calendar, and even dating, as Mark chats with Caleb Pearson. Links for this episode: Keystone gatherings, Thursday evenings @ 7pm Fellowship Bible Church https://fbcva.org/keystone Chocolate Escape, Saturday, February 8, 2pm-5pm Downtown Winchester https://friendsofoldtown.org/event/chocolate-escape/…

Mark chats with Dr. Diane Schnoor, as she shares how her passions in education, story-telling, and the arts, all led her to her current career path of mentoring and assisting educators around the world with her company, “Dr. Diane’s Adventures in Learning”. Today’s Guest: Dr. Diane’s Adventures in Learning https://www.drdianeadventures.com Upcoming Events : Friday, January 17 @ 8:00pm Improv Comedy with Porkchop Volcano https://allevents.in/winchester/improv-comedy-with-porkchop-volcano/100001088767656369 Saturday, January 18 - 11:00am-1:00pm Writer’s Group (with Project Write) @ Handley Library https://allevents.in/winchester/project-notebook-writers-group/200027711320345 Saturday, January 25 - “The Bloom: Cash Party!” Millwood Station, 5pm-10pm https://www.thebloom.com/cash-party.html…

Discover the future vision for downtown Winchester and the transformation of “Winchester Main Street” into “Friends of Old Town” as Mark sits down with Executive Director Brady Cloven for an insightful conversation. Friends of Old Town: https://www.facebook.com/people/Friends-of-Old-Town/61566981196869/?_rdr Upcoming Events : Jan 3 - 18, Winchester Little Theater, “The Witness Tree” https://winchesterlittletheatre.org/production/the-witness-tree/ Jan 15, “Friend of Old Town” meeting @ Winchester Brew Works, 3pm https://www.facebook.com/events/615132037869111…

Mark shares parts of his favorite ICONic Talk conversations from 2024 and breaks down what makes this podcast so special to our local Winchester community. Upcoming Local Events: Nutcracker by Virginia Youth Ballet @ John Handley High School December 21-22 Walking in a Winter Wonderland @ Clearbrook Park Evenings running until January 1 New Year’s Eve Celebration – Glow Party / Laser Light Show and “Apple Drop” December 31, 1:30pm-12:00am…

Listen how Dr. Colette Sabbagh fell in love with our town of Winchester when she and her family moved five years ago - and learn from her what it takes to get connected and be a valuable member of the community. (And there are some bonus tips on good practices on flu/cold prevention!) Upcoming Events : Nutcracker Tea, as The Tea Cart December 5-29 https://visitwinchesterva.com/event/nutcracker-tea/ Follow the Star, at Fellowship Bible Church December 8 and 9 https://fbcva.org/followthestar Winchester Old Town Winter Village Downtown December 6-8 https://visitwinchesterva.com/event/winchester-winter-village/ Holiday Tours at Belle Grove Plantation December 6-30 https://www.bellegrove.org/calendar/holiday_tours…

Mark chats with local historian and author, Mike Robinson, as he unpacks the “tales” of Winchester over the centuries, giving a fun way to reflect and be grateful for our local community in this Thanksgiving season! Links for the episode: Winchester Tales: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057264977086 Upcoming Events : Saturday, November 23, 11am-4pm “Winter Wonderland Christmas Market” War Memorial Building @ Jim Barnett Park https://visitwinchesterva.com/event/winter-wonderland-christmas-market-2/ Thursday, November 28, 8:45am “Thanksgiving Day 5k and Fun Run” Sherando Park https://www.runatthetop.net/thanksgiving-day-5k Friday-Sunday, November 29-December 1 “WINdependent Weekend!” Old Town Winchester shopping https://visitwinchesterva.com/event/windependent-weekend-2/…

The results are in! And so Mark breaks down the winners and losers nationally and locally, and what you can anticipate in our local area as now that the election season is behind us. Links for the episode: Election results: https://enr.elections.virginia.gov/results/public/frederick-county/elections/2024NovemberGeneral https://enr.elections.virginia.gov/results/public/winchester-city/elections/2024NovemberGeneral Financial implications: https://nypost.com/2024/11/06/business/trump-projected-white-house-win-sends-dow-futures-up-1000-points/ Real estate implications: https://www.thestreet.com/real-estate/2024-election-will-have-surprising-effects-on-the-housing-market Upcoming Events : SU, “Waitress”, November 14-16 https://www.su.edu/performs/event/24-11-waitress/ MSV Garden Lights exhibit opens, November 15-December 1) https://visitwinchesterva.com/event/garden-lights/…

Learn about the status of the current fall real estate market along with some of Mark’s favorite things about fall - including top podcasts he listens to! Upcoming Events : Ravenwood Faire, Oct 25-27 @ Fred Co Fairgrounds https://ravenwoodfaire.us/tickets/ Haunted Tour of Historic Blue Ball Inn, Oct 26-27 https://visitwinchesterva.com/event/haunted-tour-of-the-historic-blue-ball-inn/2024-10-26/ Little Shop of Rocky Horror Murder Mystery Dinner, Oct 31 @ Wayside Inn https://visitwinchesterva.com/event/little-shop-of-rocky-horror-murder-mystery-dinner/ Harvest Hoedown - Sat, Nov 2 (5pm-10pm) @ Landfill Lodge (Presented by The Bloom) https://www.thebloom.com/harvest-hoedown.html…

Mark chats with Bob Hess, a former local public servant in both Frederick County and Winchester, who displays his passion for government and history as he breaks down the landscape of our local political affairs. Links associated with this episode: https://www.winchesterva.gov/Government/Voting https://www.fcva.us/departments/office-of-elections-voter-registration/elections…

Mark connects with Dave Compton, a Pastor a Congregational Care & Seniors at Fellowship Bible Church, as they discuss all things related to the high quality of life for retired adults in Winchester, which is consistently one of the top retirement towns in the country. Links for the episode: Fellowship Bible Church, Seniors gatherings Events: September 28, 7:30pm - Shenandoah University, Symphony Orchestra concert October 3-6 - Shenandoah University, Legally Blonde October 4-6 - North-South Skirmish Association events…

Mark shares a bit of his own personal story of what led him to Winchester and his various career paths, all leading up to hear more about how he spends his time on a daily and weekly basis to best serve those he works with. Upcoming Events : Charity Dog Walk and Pool Pawty - Saturday, September 14, 10AM-3PM Sherando Park and Pool https://visitwinchesterva.com/event/charity-dog-walk-and-pool-pawty/ A Scottish Evening at the Battlefield - Saturday, September 14, 6PM-7:30PM Kernstown Battlefield https://visitwinchesterva.com/event/a-scottish-evening-at-the-battlefield/ Celebración of Winchester Festival - Saturday, September 21, 12PM-4PM Old Town Mall downtown https://visitwinchesterva.com/event/celebracion-of-winchester-festival/ Shenandoah Valley Apple Harvest Festival - Sat-Sun, September 21-22 Frederick County Fairgrounds (Presented by Rotary Club) https://www.rotaryclubofwinchester.org/index.php/shenandoah-apple-harvest-festival/…

Mark tackles some of the listener’s tough questions about the new NAR settlement. Upcoming Events: August 31: ● Exoticon: Exotic Pet Expo: 9AM-4PM. Millwood Station https://visitwinchesterva.com/event/exoticon-exotic-pet-expo/ ● Patsy Cline Block Party: 10AM-4PM. 608 South Kent Street Winchester, VA 22601. https://visitwinchesterva.com/event/patsy-cline-block-party/ September 7: ● Comic Expo: 11AM-3PM. War Memorial Building https://visitwinchesterva.com/event/comic-expo/ ● Picklechester Festival: 11AM-5PM, West Oaks Marketplace https://visitwinchesterva.com/event/picklechester-festival/…

Mark gives his opinions and thoughts on the new changes in the real estate market due to the NAR settlement - what are the things the media ISN’T telling you! Related Links to the Show: NAR Reminder - https://www.nar.realtor/newsroom/national-association-of-realtors-reminds-members-and-consumers-of-real-estate-practice-change CNN post - https://www.cnn.com/2024/08/12/economy/nar-realtor-settlement-august-commissions/index.html Today Show video - https://www.today.com/video/how-changes-to-real-estate-broker-commission-fees-will-impact-you-217134149754 Events: Saturday, August 17: Middletown’s Annual Car, Truck, and Tractor Show: 3-8PM. $10 entry fee. 7793 Main Street, Middletown, VA 22645 https://www.middletownva.gov/2024/02/06/14t-annual-car-truck-tractor-show-saturday-august-17-2024/ Saturday, August 24: Belle Grove Wine Fest: 11AM-6PM. 336 Belle Grove Rd. Middletown, VA 22656. Live music, tastings, food and artisan/merchandise vendors. https://bellegrove.org/calendar/winefest Watermelon Wine Festival: 12-5PM. James Charles Winery. Watermelon wine slushies, local beers, complimentary glass of wine, food trucks, local craft vendors, and live music. https://jamescharleswine.com/event/watermelon-fest-2024/ August 24 - September 2: “Hungry for History” Food History Event: Museums and historic sites in our community will offer a variety of programs and special events such as presentations, cooking demonstrations, children’s activities, food tastings, special handouts and giveaways, historic recipes, agriculture related programs and more. https://visitwinchesterva.com/event/hungry-for-history-food-history-event/…

Learn more about how you can declutter your home before selling by using a local storage unit facility, Allied Self Storage, as Mark chats with Mallory Frogale and Merideth Reyes in his on-site conversation with them. Self Storage units in Winchester Events: 1) West Oaks Peach Festival - Saturday, August 3, 11am-5pm 2) Sunset Series at Bowman Library - Thursday, August 8, 6:30pm-8:30pm 3) Rt 11 Yard Crawl - Saturday, August 10, 7am-“until you drop”!…

Mark chats with local author, historian, and ancestry researcher, John Flood, as they dive into local roots and even things from the Wild West! UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS: Friday, July 19 ● Film and Float: Elemental -7-11PM -Sherando Pool -$10.00 - https://visitwinchesterva.com/event/film-and-float-elemental/ ● Glow All Out 5k -7:45-9:30PM -Evendale/Byrd Campus - https://visitwinchesterva.com/event/glow-all-out-5k/ Saturday, July 20 ● Kevin Riley Community Day and Craft Show -9AM-2PM -Food Vendors -Face Painting -Carnival Games -Magic Show - https://visitwinchesterva.com/event/kevin-riley-community-day-and- craft-show/ ● Antique and Model Car Show - Museum of the Shenandoah Valley - 10AM-2PM -Free admission to the car show. Admission fee required for the gardens—including the outdoor exhibition Gardens of Glass—and the galleries. - https://visitwinchesterva.com/event/antique-and-modified-car-show/ Friday, July 26 ● MSV at Night - Museum of the Shenandoah Valley - 5-8PM -Outdoor show from six-piece country/folk band Smoke & The Poet (sets at 5 & 6:30 p.m.), a quilling demonstration by artist Lana Lechkina, and nighttime access to the gardens and the outdoor exhibition Gardens of Glass. - https://visitwinchesterva.com/event/msv-at-night/ Saturday, July 27 ● Reenactment of the Second Battle of Kernstown - July 27 from 5-7PM and July 28 from 3-4PM - Kernstown Battlefield - https://visitwinchesterva.com/event/reenactment-of-the-second -battle-of-kernstown/ Monday, July 29 ● Frederick County Fair - July 29-August 3 - Frederick County Fairgrounds - https://visitwinchesterva.com/event/frederick-county-fair-3/…

For our Independence Day episode, Mark recounts the stories of George Washington and Daniel Morgan and the role they played in developing our local Winchester and Frederick County area. Upcoming Local Events: July 4: Frederick County July 4th Celebration and Fireworks July 5 James Charles Winery July 5: Guided Winchester Walking Tour July 13: George Washington Hotel Concert Series July 13-20: Winchester LIttle Theatre…

Listen to a conversation that Mark had with local lender, Ross Lehman, who shares his story on how he has built real estate wealth in our local community. Local Events (Links): Shenandoah Valley Wine Festival - Sat, June 22, 1pm-7pm SSMT, Fiddler on the Roof West Oaks BBQ, Brews, Bluegrass Festival - Sat, June 29, 11:30am-5pm…

Mark gives his perspectives on the upcoming summer real estate market, sharing some stats and stories, along with predictions of what’s to come.

Mark chats with co-owners of CrossFit Vicerant, Merideth and “Rey”Reyes, as they share their story of becoming gym owners and how they celebrate Memorial Day with the intense workout called “The Murph Challenge”. Related Links to the Show: History of Murph CrossFit Vicerant Events Coming Up: Winchester Police Car Show - Sat, May 25, 12pm-4pm West Oaks Strawberry Festival - Sat, May 25, 11am-5pm Loudoun St Mile - Mon, May 27, 8am Hop Blossom Craft Beer Festival - Sat, June 1, 12pm-6pm…

Mark swaps stories with co-host, Danielle Spriggs, discussing post-Apple Blossom recap along with the history of Mothers Day and its significance to them. Upcoming Events: ShenCo Labs…Sat, May 11 Mother’s Day Brunch…Sun, May 12 - Shen Valley Mother’s Day…Sun, May 12, Winchester Brew Works Chorale Concert…Fri/Sat, May 17/18 Fort Loudoun Day…Sat, May 18…

Mark shares his take on the NAR settlement, including what it means to buyers/sellers and our local Winchester/Frederick County area.