This week on O Lala in RVA, we’re sitting down with someone who truly helped shape how Richmond sees itself — Juan Conde. Journalist. Broadcaster. Community voice. Motorcycle enthusiast. And yes… that voice you’ve trusted for decades.
From his early days in radio to 22 years behind the anchor desk, Juan has covered some of the most defining moments of our time — and he’s got the stories (and perspective) to prove it. We talk journalism, trust, the evolution of local news, and what it really takes to stay credible in an age of constant noise. Plus, Juan spills just enough about a very mysterious radio comeback 👀.
And because it is O Lala — we also get festive, nostalgic, a little unhinged, and very Richmond.
✨ In This Episode:
- Juan’s journey from Brooklyn → DC → RVA
- How he landed a TV anchor job without traditional newsroom training
- What’s changed (and what’s been lost) in local journalism
- Covering major events like 9/11, the DC Sniper case, hurricanes, and tragedies close to home
- Why there is no such thing as unbiased news — and how to work responsibly anyway
- The power of saying “no” in your career 💅
- What viewers don’t realize about producing daily local news
- Being recognized, stalked, praised, and misunderstood in a public-facing role
- The moment Juan knew it was time to walk away from TV
- Journalism vs. theater (and why authenticity always wins)
- Life after the anchor desk: commercial real estate, PBS work, and consulting
- That tease 👀 — Juan’s limited-run return to radio
- His favorite holiday traditions, RVA nostalgia, and why this city still feels like home
🎄 Holiday Side Quests:
Because we cannot stay serious for too long…
- Christmas tree trivia 🌲
- The pickle ornament tradition 🥒
- Drunk tree decorating (a classic)
- Tacky light tours gone very wrong
- Favorite Richmond holiday pop-up bars:
🔍 Follow Juan:
- Facebook: Juan Conde
- Instagram: @juan_condé_rva (lurking > posting)
- Catch Juan on PBS National during fundraising campaigns
- Keep an eye out for updates on his upcoming radio project 👀
