The People You Meet in Old Town

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.

Heather Penney, an Old Town Alexandria resident, former U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter pilot, and Director of Studies at the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies, joins The People You Meet in Old Town podcast to share the full arc of her remarkable career. Penney recounts growing up around aviation, becoming part of the first generation of women in combat aviation, and what it was like to train and serve as the only woman in many of her units. She reflects on her 9/11 mission to intercept United Flight 93 and the leadership lessons shaped by high-stakes decision-making.Penney also breaks down key national security and aerospace policy issues, including U.S. airpower, space as a warfighting domain, and conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. She discusses the future of warfare—from aging aircraft and military modernization to AI and autonomous systems—and what it all means for the next generation of airmen.00:00 9/11 Mission Tease01:05 Neighbors and Book Club03:01 Early Dream to Fly04:37 Women Enter Fighters08:08 Being the Only Woman10:45 Mentors and Nuance12:02 Leadership and Culture14:26 Vintage Planes Passion17:14 Saving 9/11 Aircraft19:03 F-16 Policy and Sales20:57 Stealth Tech Fascination22:47 Mitchell Institute Role24:59 Middle East Nuclear Stakes26:52 Air Power Against Iran29:09 Space as Warfighting Domain31:10 Funding the Space Force32:19 Can We Control the Skies34:04 F-35 Procurement Gap35:03 Ukraine Drone Air War37:48 Modernization and Readiness38:59 AI and Autonomous Wingmen43:47 Future of Fighter Autonomy44:21 Next Generation Airmen45:12 Old Town Lightning Round49:24 Museums and Closing Thoughts Here’s a list of all the local establishments we discuss:The Majestic: 911 King St | majesticoldtown.com | IG: @majesticoldtownJosephine: 109 S St Asaph St | josephineoldtown.com | IG: @josephineoldtownSouthside 815: 815 S Washington St | southside815.com | IG: @southside815Chadwicks: 203 Strand St | chadwicksrestaurant.com | IG: @chadwicksoldtownUnion Street Public House: 121 S Union St | unionstreetpub.com | IG: @unionstreetpubSteven F. Udvar-Hazy Center: 14390 Air and Space Museum Pkwy | airandspace.si.edu/visit/udvar-hazy-center | IG: @airandspacemuseumThe 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. 

An introduction to the podcast The People You Meet in Old Town.