ICONic Talk
Society & Culture
About
Join Mark Francis and Rachel Racey along with their local guests as they chat about community, local happenings, and all things Winchester, Virginia!
Episodes
- 179. The Bloom Recap!
Mark and Rachel of ICONic Talk discuss their Apple Blossom Festival experiences, debriefing the recent events in Winchester. They share the good, bad, and ugly aspects of the season.
- 178. Apple Blossom 2026
ICONic Talk episode 178 covers the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival. Hosts Mark and Rachel share nostalgic stories, event highlights, and tips for the festival.
- 177. A Taste of Germany in Our Backyard!
ICONic Talk episode 177 features hosts Mark and Rachel interviewing Jay and Missy Duvall, owners of Twisted Oak Farm Brewery. They discuss the creation of their venue, its brews, and the farm atmosphere. The episode also briefly mentions u…
- 176. Scarleth’s Beauty Bar
In episode 176 of ICONic Talk, Mark and Rachel discuss Scarleth Guerrero, a young entrepreneur who started her nail salon, Scarleth's Beauty Bar, during her teenage years in Winchester.
- 175. Spring Time is Here!
In episode 175, hosts Mark and Rachel discuss their favorite spring outdoor activities around Winchester. The episode also lists upcoming local events: Celtic Fest on March 14 and the First Battle of Kernstown Tour on March 21.
- 174. BrandFest Recap
In episode 174 of ICONic Talk, Mark and Ross Lehman recap BrandFest, discussing key takeaways from the community marketing seminar. Danielle Spriggs also joins to share insights about the ongoing Winchester Restaurant Week.
- 173. Hope on the Horizon
Mark interviews the CEO of the Winchester Rescue Mission about their efforts to help men and women in the community. The organization offers shelter, food, clothing, and essential life skills for success.
- 172. When is Wedding Season?
ICONic Talk episode 172 features a conversation with John Berry of Appalachian Wedding Chapel and Boutique. He discusses officiating numerous wedding ceremonies and shares insights into life at a quaint wedding venue in Capon Bridge.
- 171. To Casino or Not To Casino - That is the Question!
In episode 171, hosts Mark, Rachel, and Caleb discuss the Winchester EDA's proposal to build a casino and event center. They review the pros and cons presented in a Winchester Star article and on the EDA's website.
- 170. Special Release - Year in Review Show
In this Year in Review episode, hosts Mark and Rachel share their 2025 highlights, covering topics from pop culture and local insights to special moments from ICONic Talk.
- 169. The Laurel Center - Restoring Hope from the Inside Out
Mark interviews Dr. Faith Power, Executive Director of The Laurel Center, about the organization's work to support abuse survivors and combat domestic violence in the community. Information on the abuse hotline and upcoming community event…
- 168. From Kidneys to Kids
Sarah Fishel, the new director of the Youth Development Center, shares her experiences and discusses her commitment to serving the local youth. The episode also mentions upcoming events like Plaid Friday and those hosted by the YDC.
- 167. The Local Lowdown!
ICONic Talk features Brady Cloven discussing Winchester's past year of events and future vision with hosts Mark and Rachel. More details are available at friendsofoldtown.org.
- 166. Ravenwood Faire
Stacey Rowe, co-founder of the Ravenwood Faire, joins Mark and Rachel on ICONic Talk to share the history of the annual medieval-themed event. The episode provides details and links for attending the faire and other local events.
- 165. Rachel’s Bloomers
In this episode of ICONic Talk, host Mark learns about his co-host Rachel's passion for horticulture. Rachel shares the story behind her floral arrangement business, Rachel's Bloomers, detailing its development and growth.
- 164. Historical Integrity in the City
In episode 164, Mark and Rachel discuss Winchester news. Stephanie Ryall from the city’s Board of Architectural Review explains the board's function in preserving the historic character of downtown properties.
- 163. Local Sports Knowledge
In episode 163 of ICONic Talk, host Mark welcomes local sports podcaster Josh Kirby to discuss insights and predictions for local high school and professional football teams.
- 162. The True Icon of Winchester: Patsy Cline
Mark and Rachel speak with local historian John Flood about the life of singer-songwriter Patsy Cline. The discussion covers the Patsy Cline Historic House and mentions upcoming local events.
- 161. What all Good Winchester “Townies” Would Remember!
In episode 161 of ICONic Talk, hosts Mark and Rachel are joined by Winchester native William Orth to reminisce about the town's history and its evolution. The episode also highlights upcoming local events, the Moonlit Movie Series and the…
- 160. Full Circle Marketing
In this ICONic Talk episode, Mark and Caleb interview Dario Savarese and intern Lauren Racer from Full Circle Marketing. They explore the significance of internships, practical on-the-job training, and effective relational marketing strate…
- 159. Special Release - Broadway Legend!
ICONic Talk features a discussion with J. Robert Spencer, a Broadway veteran nominated for a Tony Award and known for his roles in "Jersey Boys" and "Next to Normal". He discusses an upcoming special event at Shenandoah University and the…
- 158. Winchester's Top 5 List
Mark, Rachel, and Caleb present their top 5 Winchester attractions, contrasting their views with online rankings and exploring their knowledge of local history.
- Local Entrepreneurs Who Serve
ICONic Talk features John and Kristin Moore, a local couple who have established businesses centered on personal fitness, pets, and well-being, motivated by their commitment to serving the community.
- 156. SSMT - Broadway in Your Backyard
ICONic Talk episode 156 features Mark and Rachel in conversation with Jeremy Blaustein and Elizabeth Albert of Shenandoah Summer Music Theater. They discuss the local company's contribution to the arts in Winchester and preview the upcomin…
- 155. The Joys of Fishing
In episode 155 of ICONic Talk, Jared Mounts of Jake’s Bait and Tackle joins the team to share his experiences with outdoor activities, his career path, and his role in the local fishing community.
- 154. Wholesome Wins on Social
Abby Linaburg, co-owner of Wholesome Media, joins hosts Mark and Caleb to discuss current social media marketing trends. They offer actionable advice for promoting brands effectively.
- 153. From Soccer Star to Pizza Mogul
ICONic Talk episode 153 features co-owner Tommy Buono discussing his journey with Claudio’s Pizza, his love for soccer, and community involvement. The episode also recaps the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival.
- 152. Preppin’ for “The Bloom”
In episode 152, hosts Mark, Rachel, and Caleb share personal experiences and discuss upcoming events for The Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival.
- 151. ICONic Talk “Reboot”!
ICONic Talk welcomes new co-hosts Caleb and Rachel, who join Mark. The trio discusses their vision for the podcast's impact on the local community and beyond, punctuated by jokes and laughter.
- 150. The Winchester “Wish-List”
In episode 150 of ICONic Talk, host Mark is joined by guests Caleb Pearson and Rachel Racey to discuss their wish-list for new businesses and services in the Winchester area.
- 149. The Spring 2025 Market
Episode 149 of ICONic Talk features Mark's analysis of the current real estate market in Winchester/Frederick County and a one-year review of the NAR settlement. The episode also lists upcoming local events.
- 148. Is Bitcoin Coming to Winchester?
ICONic Talk features Bitcoin expert Gary Krause discussing the future of money and the cryptocurrency Bitcoin. The episode touches on local Bitcoin initiatives and provides resources for further information.
- 147. Life as a Server
ICONic Talk episode 147 features a conversation with Rachel Racey, a long-time server at Roma Old Town, sharing behind-the-scenes insights into the restaurant industry.
- 146. The Young Adult Vibe in Winchester
Caleb Pearson discusses the experiences of young adults in Winchester, including navigating careers, social commitments, and dating. The episode mentions local events like Keystone gatherings and Chocolate Escape.
- 145. Adventures in Learning
In ICONic Talk episode 145, Mark interviews Dr. Diane Schnoor. She discusses how her interests in education, storytelling, and the arts shaped her career, culminating in her role mentoring educators globally through her company, Dr. Diane’…
- 144. Friends of Old Town
This episode features a conversation with Brady Cloven, Executive Director of Friends of Old Town, about the future vision for downtown Winchester and the transformation of Winchester Main Street.
- 143. 2024 Year in Review
Episode 143 of ICONic Talk features Mark reviewing his favorite conversations from 2024 and discussing the podcast's significance to the Winchester community. Upcoming local events are also mentioned.
- 142. Embracing the Community
Dr. Colette Sabbagh discusses her connection to Winchester after moving there five years ago, providing insights on community engagement and health tips. The episode also lists local holiday events happening in December.
- 141. Winchester Tales
In episode 141, Mark interviews historian and author Mike Robinson about the history of Winchester. The episode encourages reflection on the local community, especially during the Thanksgiving season, and provides details on upcoming local…
- 140. Election Results, Implications, and Observations
Episode 140 of ICONic Talk features Mark breaking down election results, including national and local winners and losers. The episode discusses anticipated local implications, financial and real estate impacts, and provides links to electi…
- 139. Our Fall Season
This episode of ICONic Talk covers the current fall real estate market and Mark’s personal fall favorites, including podcasts. Several upcoming local events are also mentioned.
- 138. The Local Political Scene
In episode 138 of ICONic Talk, Mark interviews Bob Hess, a former public servant for Frederick County and Winchester. Hess shares his passion for government and history while analyzing the local political scene.
- 137. The Perfect Retirement Community
Dave Compton, Pastor at Fellowship Bible Church, joins Mark to discuss the quality of life for seniors in Winchester, a leading retirement town. The episode provides links to church resources and local events.
- 136. A Day in the Life of Your Host
In ICONic Talk episode 136, host Mark discusses his personal journey to Winchester, his career, and how he structures his days and weeks. The episode also lists upcoming local events.
- 135. Q&A on NAR Settlement
In episode 135 of ICONic Talk, Mark addresses listener questions regarding the new NAR settlement. The episode also provides information on several upcoming local events.
- 134. Facts/Fictions of NAR Settlement News from the National Media
This episode of ICONic Talk features Mark's opinions on the real estate market changes due to the NAR settlement and discusses information potentially omitted by the media. The episode description also lists related links and upcoming loca…
- 133. Storing Your Stuff
ICONic Talk episode 133 features Mark, Mallory Frogale, and Merideth Reyes discussing the benefits of using local storage units, specifically Allied Self Storage in Winchester, to declutter homes before selling. The episode also mentions u…
- 132. Family and History
Mark interviews local author, historian, and ancestry researcher John Flood about local roots and the Wild West. The episode also lists upcoming local events for July.
- 131. Winchester’s Roots to our Independence
Mark recounts the stories of George Washington and Daniel Morgan and their roles in the development of Winchester and Frederick County for Independence Day.
- 130. A Replay on Building Real Estate Wealth
In episode 130 of ICONic Talk, host Mark replays a conversation with local lender Ross Lehman. Lehman shares his personal story and insights on how he has successfully built real estate wealth within their local community.