Joe Flanagan's Hampton Roads

Joe Flanagan

After 31 years at 13 News, now I was probably best known for my Joe's Job series. At the core of 42 years in local TV newsrooms, one important word defines me. Curiosity. Yes. I've always been curious about the who, what, where, when, and why who my subjects are, what they're curious about, where are their roots, and why do they do what they do. On this podcast, we'll talk to the people from Hampton Roads, Virginia who make this region so unique.

  1. Jun 16

    From the Shipyard to the Ballpark: Stories with Johnny Sires

    *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:544e39ea-2fee-4a0b-ae31-cf99aab8109a-1" data-turn-id-container= "request-WEB:544e39ea-2fee-4a0b-ae31-cf99aab8109a-1" data-testid= "conversation-turn-4" data-turn="assistant"> Johnny Sires, affectionately known throughout Hampton Roads as "Johnny Norfolk," is a lifelong advocate for the maritime industry and one of the region's most recognizable champions of ship repair and skilled trades. A Norfolk native, Sires built a respected career in the shipbuilding and repair business, becoming a well-known leader at BAE Systems and a passionate supporter of the workforce that keeps America's Navy mission-ready. His deep knowledge of shipyard operations, combined with his ability to connect with people from every walk of life, has earned him admiration across the maritime community. Beyond the shipyard, Sires is known for his enthusiasm for music, sports, and local history. A devoted fan of Leon Russell, he appreciates the storytelling and authenticity that defined Russell's legendary career. That same appreciation for tradition and character extends to baseball, where Sires has long enjoyed discussing the rich history of the former St. Louis Cardinals organizations and the colorful legacy of Tidewater baseball. Whether recalling memorable players, local ballparks, or the role sports have played in bringing communities together, he brings both knowledge and passion to every conversation. Sires shared many of these experiences as a guest on Joe Flanagan's Hampton Roads podcast, joined by co-host Mike Gooding. During the conversation, he reflected on Norfolk's maritime heritage, the evolution of ship repair in Hampton Roads, his love of music and baseball, and the people who have shaped the region's identity. Known for his wit, storytelling ability, and unwavering pride in his hometown, Johnny Norfolk remains a respected voice whose career and interests reflect the character and spirit of coastal Virginia.

    28 min

  2. Jun 12

    Jack Ankerson: The Soundtrack of Hampton Roads Sports

    Jack Ankerson is a legendary figure in Hampton Roads sports whose career has spanned athletics, professional sports management, broadcasting, and community leadership. A native of Wisconsin who ultimately made Norfolk, Virginia, his home, Ankerson first gained recognition as an outstanding multi-sport athlete at Ripon College, where he excelled in football, basketball, and tennis. His athletic talents earned him an opportunity in professional football when he was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals, launching a lifelong connection to the world of sports. Following his playing career, Ankerson transitioned into sports administration and executive leadership. He held prominent positions with the San Antonio Spurs and later served as general manager of the Virginia Squires during the American Basketball Association era. His ability to connect with athletes, organizations, and fans helped establish him as a respected leader in professional sports. Upon moving to Hampton Roads, he expanded his influence through sports radio, where his insight, enthusiasm, and deep knowledge of athletics made him a trusted and familiar voice throughout the region. For generations of local sports fans, Ankerson has become synonymous with the Hampton Roads sports scene. As the longtime public-address announcer for the Norfolk Tides and the celebrated "Voice of the Monarchs" for Old Dominion University athletics, he has called countless memorable moments and helped shape the game-day experience for thousands of fans. Beyond the microphone, his leadership with the Hampton Roads Sports Commission and his tireless support of community athletics have left a lasting impact on the region. Today, Jack Ankerson is widely regarded as one of the most influential and enduring ambassadors of sports in Norfolk and across Hampton Roads.

    45 min

  3. Jun 11

    Finding the Light: Glen McClure's Stories Behind the Camera

    While listening to this podcast, visit Glen McClure's website:  www.glenmcclure.com  Glen McClure is an award-winning photographer whose work has helped define the visual history of Hampton Roads for more than forty years. A Norfolk native, McClure has built a career documenting the people, industries, and communities that make coastal Virginia unique. His photographs are known for their authenticity and emotional depth, capturing everyone from shipyard workers and Chesapeake Bay watermen to civic leaders and everyday citizens. Through exhibitions across the United States and Europe, his images have earned widespread recognition for their storytelling power and artistic excellence. Beyond Virginia, McClure has developed a deep connection to Ireland, making numerous trips to the country over the years to photograph its rugged coastlines, historic villages, and remarkable landscapes. The ever-changing light and rich culture of western Ireland have become recurring themes in his work, inspiring some of his most celebrated images. His photography from Ireland reflects a lifelong pursuit of meaningful moments and a passion for discovering the beauty found in both extraordinary places and ordinary lives. In addition to his extensive body of photographic work, McClure is the author of numerous books that preserve the stories, traditions, and character of the people and places he has encountered. His publications have explored subjects ranging from Virginia's maritime heritage and working communities to the landscapes and culture of Ireland. Today, he joins host Joe Flanagan and Co-Host Mike Gooding on Joe Flanagan's Hampton Roads Podcast to share insights from behind the lens, discuss the experiences that shaped his career, and reflect on a lifetime dedicated to documenting the world around him.

    28 min

  4. May 29

    Hampton Roads Through a Reporter's Eyes: Mike Gooding – Part 2

    Mike Gooding returns to Joe Flanagan's Hampton Roads Podcast for Part 2 of a conversation shaped by decades of journalism, storytelling, and service to the community. Best known throughout Hampton Roads as the longtime Military Reporter for WVEC-TV 13, Gooding built a reputation for delivering insightful coverage of the region's vast military presence, earning the trust of service members, veterans, military families, and civilian leaders alike. His reporting brought audiences beyond the headlines, offering a deeper understanding of the people, missions, and challenges connected to one of the nation's most significant military communities. In this episode, Gooding reflects on lessons learned throughout his career, memorable stories from the field, and the evolving relationship between the military and the Hampton Roads region. Drawing on years of firsthand experience covering local, national, and international military issues, he provides a unique perspective on leadership, public service, and the events that have shaped the community. Part 2 continues an engaging discussion with one of Hampton Roads' most respected journalists and storytellers.

    30 min

  5. May 24

    Keeping Tradition Alive at Doumar's Restaurant

    Doumar's Cones & Barbecue owner Thad Doumar has spent his life preserving one of Hampton Roads' most iconic family businesses while continuing the traditions that have made the restaurant a Norfolk institution for generations. As a third-generation member of the Doumar family, he grew up immersed in the restaurant's daily operations and developed a deep appreciation for its history, customer relationships, and commitment to quality. Under his leadership, Doumar's has remained known for its handmade waffle cones, classic curb service, barbecue sandwiches, and vintage diner atmosphere that continues to attract both longtime locals and first-time visitors. Thad Doumar is recognized not only as a restaurateur, but also as a steward of Norfolk history and culture. He has worked to maintain the authenticity and character of Doumar's while adapting the business to serve new generations of customers without losing its timeless appeal. His dedication to family tradition, community connection, and consistent hospitality has helped solidify Doumar's reputation as one of Virginia's most beloved historic restaurants and a lasting symbol of Norfolk's culinary heritage.

    28 min

  6. May 11

    From Vietnam to Desert Storm: The Remarkable Career of Captain Kent Ewing

    Captain Kent Ewing is a retired United States Navy officer and highly respected naval aviator whose distinguished military career spanned nearly three decades. Best known in Hampton Roads and throughout the naval aviation community as the former Commanding Officer of the aircraft carrier USS America (CV-66), Ewing led the legendary warship during Operation Desert Storm, where the carrier and its air wing conducted combat operations in both the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf. Throughout his Navy career, he also commanded Carrier Air Wing Seventeen, Attack Squadron 66, and the combat stores ship USS Sylvania.  A graduate of the prestigious U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, Captain Ewing logged more than 18,000 flight hours in over 100 military and civilian aircraft and completed more than 1,100 aircraft carrier landings. His service included combat missions during the Vietnam War and Desert Storm, earning numerous decorations including the Bronze Star and multiple Air Medals. Widely recognized for his leadership and aviation expertise, he became known as one of the Navy's most accomplished carrier aviators of his generation.  Following his retirement from the Navy, Captain Ewing continued an accomplished career in aviation and aerospace leadership, serving in executive and flight operations roles with several major aviation organizations and companies. A longtime resident of the Hampton Roads region, he remains active in the aviation community as an instructor, mentor, and speaker, sharing stories and insights from a remarkable career that stretched from Vietnam-era naval aviation to commanding one of America's most iconic aircraft carriers during wartime.

    27 min

  7. Apr 1

    Joe Flanagan's Hampton Roads Introduction (Mike Gooding)

    In this episode Joe sits down with Military reporter Mike Gooding from WVEC-TV13.  Mike Gooding built a distinguished career as a trusted voice on military affairs for WVEC-TV13 in Norfolk, Virginia. Over decades of reporting in the Hampton Roads region—home to one of the largest concentrations of military installations in the world—he developed a reputation for accuracy, integrity, and deep subject-matter knowledge. Gooding covered everything from deployments and homecomings to defense policy, shipyard operations, and the evolving challenges facing service members and their families. His work consistently bridged the gap between the civilian community and the military, helping viewers better understand the critical role the armed forces play both locally and globally. Throughout his career, Gooding was known not only for his reporting skills but also for the relationships he built within the military community. He earned the trust of sailors, soldiers, airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen alike, often telling their stories with authenticity and respect. As he steps into retirement, Gooding leaves behind a legacy of impactful journalism and public service, having informed and connected the Hampton Roads community for many years. His contributions have made a lasting impression on both his colleagues in broadcasting and the countless viewers who relied on his coverage.

    25 min
  8. Behind the Scenes with Sandra Parker Covering Tragedy, Hurricanes, and Community in Hampton Roads

    06/15/2025

    Behind the Scenes with Sandra Parker Covering Tragedy, Hurricanes, and Community in Hampton Roads

    Welcome back to Joe Flanagan's Hampton Roads Podcasts! In this episode, Joe is joined by his longtime friend and former colleague, Sandra Parker, who spent an incredible 28 years at Channel 13. Together, they take a heartfelt and candid walk down memory lane, recalling some of the most impactful stories they covered—from the Oklahoma City bombing and 9/11 Pentagon attack to major hurricanes along the East Coast. Sandra shares not only the emotional highs and lows of covering breaking news, but also the behind-the-scenes stories and favorite lighter moments, like her "Does It Work?" product testing segment and the old Friday homecoming features. They reminisce about the challenges and joys of a life in local journalism, the evolution of the TV news industry, and how each found purpose after leaving the anchor desk. Tune in for a revealing, touching, and often funny conversation that celebrates the people, places, and stories of Hampton Roads. Look up Joe on Facebook Joe Flanagan's Hampton Roads

    30 min
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Ratings & Reviews

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About

After 31 years at 13 News, now I was probably best known for my Joe's Job series. At the core of 42 years in local TV newsrooms, one important word defines me. Curiosity. Yes. I've always been curious about the who, what, where, when, and why who my subjects are, what they're curious about, where are their roots, and why do they do what they do. On this podcast, we'll talk to the people from Hampton Roads, Virginia who make this region so unique.

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