This podcast is my weekly go-to for Virginia state news and issues. I like hearing from journalists who really know their communities. I also like both the variety and depth of the stories and the knowledge that Michael brings to the conversations.

Look forward to this show every week. Most recent ep included a diatribe by a guest encouraging grace for those accused of sexual assault or inappropriate behavior. And how damaging those accusations are. Would’ve really preferred a bit of that to be left out. As a survivor, that’s a damaging viewpoint that casts blame and judgement on those brave enough to speak up.

I thoroughly enjoy this podcast and I’ve listened for weeks. However I wish you would only include journalists. I didn’t enjoy hearing John Reid in the most recent podcast since he’s such a partisan. He took every chance possible to be overly negative about Democrats—some of the criticism was fair, but I’d rather not have political operatives from either side join. Reid is a good example of who to exclude because he’s excellent at delivering a message from his time on talk radio and he’s not capable of being non-partisan.

I look forward to this podcast every Monday. Podcast hosts and contributors always offer, relevant, smart analysis and some humor along the way.

Keeping up with state politics couldn’t be more fun. Michael Pope brings a wealth of historical knowledge and just the right amount of levity to this entertaining roundtable. Good way to appreciate the work the press corps does to bring the stories to readers.

...gets 5/5 stars. It is what it is!

Informative with the perfect amount of humor.

I love this show because it is very informative and its ad lib unedited style conveys the mundane aspects of how journalists do their work . I’m confused about the “buy, sell or hold” question. If you’re selling doesn’t that mean the issue is not worth pursuing and if you’re holding doesn’t that mean you’re not sure?

Loved the show. Love the young bloods. Definitely going back and listening to old episodes.

This show gives me a quick and informative outline of what is going on in Virginia. It also educates me on who are some of the best reporters in our Commonwealth and I am then able to follow them.

I usually laugh out loud at the game show segment introduction. The guests always have such odd points of view. I thought it was supposed to be a news show?

An indispensable part of any Virginia politics weekly digest. Perfect for those long drives on 95, 64 or 81 heading to the GAB. In this weekly review, Michael Lee Pope brings together an excellent rotating gaggle of state reporters. If you want the facts, the feels and a glimpse behind the curtain at the people moving and shaking Virginia—listening the Virginia press room is an excellent place to start.

It’s a treat to hear actual journalists talk about their stories and go behind the scenes of Virginia news. I appreciate that all regions of the Commonwealth are thoroughly covered.

This is a great way to catch up with local happenings brought to you by some really good journalists. Michael Pope makes it fun and the format keeps the show on track. Very good!

This is just a great podcast to have. You get regular coverage about what’s going on in Virginia that is both very detailed and very accessible. Michael Pope is a great personality and a talented host. 45 minutes to an hour a week, and I know WAY more about the stuff that actually matters to my life.

Great entry into VA politics and news. I recently moved to NoVa, and this was the perfect podcast to get plugged into what was going on in VA politics. Also, I love the tonal contrast between the hosts chipper attitude and the reporters cautious skepticism.

A great way to learn about issues impacting Virginia, from reporters around the Commonwealth, with a focus on local and state government.

Full disclosure I’ve been a guest on this podcast. But I find it indispensable for me to do my work and catch up on with my colleagues are doing. I recommend it to anyone who is trying to follow what’s going on in Virginia and is interested in catching up and looking forward to what has and may happen.

love. love. love. an ESSENTIAL listen for any citizen of this fine Commonwealth.

I love Michael Pope as a host, but I don’t enjoy the pod enough to listen every single week. It feels somehow simultaneously more organized and less organized than Pod Virginia. I don’t feel I learn as much or get as complete a view at the goings on in our lovely state.

The Virginia Press Room is a phenomenal podcast always featuring some of the brightest and most insightful journalists in the commonwealth. I appreciate the wide range of topics and geographical diversity of the journalists. A must listen if you work in, think about, or are interested in VA politics. Plus the game show segment is stellar! (Side note: sometimes I miss Michael Pope trying to sell a book he wrote).

The Virginia Press Room is a grab bag of what’s happening around Virginia, whether the stories are statewide or hyper local. Like many, I lamented the end of Pod Virginia but Michael Pope performs a valuable service by showcasing some of the excellent journalists we have in Virginia.

I expected less partisan commentary, and yet there’s an episode in which the reporters all freak over Republicans having the most diverse ticket yet opposing DEI, calling it hypocritical. It isn’t hypocritical because we didn’t pick our nominees based on immutable characteristics (aka DEI). If you guys want it to slant leftward, at least be open about it like Pod Virginia kind of was.

Michael Pope just said “the podcast is over, now go write a review” so here I am. Since Pod Virginia is gone, this has been a fantastic replacement for my regular fix of Virginia political news - and the regular rotation of voices from other outlets makes sure you’re getting the full fix from across the Commonwealth. Don’t second guess it, just subscribe now.

This is a very useful (and entertaining) weekly podcast. The format lets journalists kick around current issues using a variety interview styles (including a “Buy-Sell-Hold” game). This podcast has become my primary source for information regarding the Commonwealth’s government. Also a plus: The audio quality is so good that it’s easy to listen to at 2.5x speed — which is something I really appreciate.

Michael Pope told me not to submit a review so naturally here I am. This is the best podcast. I have found to get up to speed on Virginia news and I look for it each week in my feed. Thanks to the team for keeping me informed!

If there’s a better way to get oriented to Virginia news on a Monday morning I don’t know it. Fast paced, comprehensive, and just what you need.

When I moved to VA, I was unfamiliar with the politics of the commonwealth and looked for a way to get more in-depth information regarding the politics of the state. I found the earlier iteration of this podcast and have enjoyed the this format. It has kept me updated on matters.

I live overseas and this podcast is helping me feel connected to my hometown. Thanks for keeping me in the know!

I was a big fan of PodVirginia and was sad when that show ended. But this new show is growing on me. I would love to see more of the game shows that Michael Pope does, especially Buy, Sell or Hold. I know he has started it up again but I really liked it when he did it with the Delegates and Senators. I miss hearing Delegate Price, Simon and Lopez the most. They were great! Would love to see Lauren Burke back on occasionally too..

The Virginia Press Room is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to stay informed about Virginia politics. This podcast offers insightful analysis, in-depth discussions, and expert perspectives that help listeners understand not only what’s happening in the Commonwealth but also why it matters. One of the podcast’s greatest strengths is its ability to quickly break down complex political issues in a way that is both engaging and accessible. Whether you’re a policy professional, a political enthusiast, or just someone who wants to keep up with the ever-changing landscape of Virginia governance, this podcast is an excellent listen that can help you stay in-the-know. The host does a fantastic job of unpacking key developments and providing thoughtful commentary on which way the political winds are blowing. For those who want to go beyond the headlines and gain a deeper understanding of Virginia’s political dynamics, The Virginia Press Room is a must-listen. Highly recommended!

Succinct rundown of pertinent political and policy news impacting Virginians

You didn’t need to beg - but I’m glad you did. I’m more informed on what is happening in VA politics from this weekly update than any other news source I have access to. I appreciate the diversity of views, the honest conversation, and quirky banter. I’ll buy - especially the reporter’s notebook!

Being a local freelance reporter (former public radio reporter for one of sponsors here), I like being up to date. It’d be great to have some freelancers on here too.

Thanks for providing this great news summary. I only wish it was more than 1x a week.

I have especially enjoyed conversations about the importance of hydration and whether to walk or take the elevator. Oh, and insightful analysis of government and politics

Definitely a fan! Just wish we got it Monday and Friday (especially during session)!

Listen, I know this show doesn’t NEED my review, but I’m going to leave one anyway. Michael Pope and a rotating cast of Virginia journalists (Brad Kutner is a favorite) provide a weekly roundup of headlines, insider information, and glimpses into developing stories that keep you at the forefront of breaking news across the Commonwealth. The podcast is free, but I’m asking you to BUY into the premise, SELL your inhibitions, and HOLD onto your butts for some fast-paced breaking news!

In spite of their entreaties against reviews this morning, here’s a shout out to The Virginia Press Room podcast. Each week features a different slate of reporters covering Virginia news in a pseudo game show format that offers great insight both on current Virginia affairs and how reporters think about the news and how best to cover it. I started listening in part to fulfill a New Year’s resolution to follow state and local news more closely, and it’s made that resolution much easier to keep than others I gave up by early February. 😆

Great weekly roundup of Virginia politics. It’s a must-listen if you want to stay current with state affairs.

This podcast is a great source of Virginia political news. Local Virginia reports share BTS information from the Richmond press room. This is a must listen for anyone working directly on or adjacent to the Virginia state elections this year. It is an excellent platform for talented local journalists + newspapers.

Led by veteran reporter and author Michael Pope, the Virginia Press Room is a great weekly update on political developments in the Commonwealth. Each week, a group of distinguished reporters discuss breaking stories, give interesting background information, and tell listeners what stories they’re working on going forward.

Provides a good review of developments in Virginia over the last week from different journalists.