BELIEVE
2020 was a horrible year. Looking back five years ago, it’s one of those once-in-a-generation years that changed all of us – and not for the better. Maybe that’s why that era is still a topic I turn to when writing The Weekly Report.
After months of Covid-19 fears and shutdowns, 2020 hit us with a hard summer – BLM riots, protests, civil unrest and the 4th hottest summer on record. We suffered double-digit unemployment, triple-digit temps, supply chain interruptions and people literally punching each other in the toilet paper aisle. Not to mention, we were all cooped at home with nothing to do and nowhere to go. We watched a LOT of TV.
America needed a Hero. And we got one….Ted Lasso. He was an American college coach hired by a fictitious English Premiere League team, AFC Richmond. Despite knowing almost nothing about European “football,” he gradually wins over everyone with his folksy optimism, cornball humor, and kind demeanor.
And since we had nothing else to do except sit on a couch and watch TV, the Apple TV series became the top streaming show (it’s still one of their top 20 shows, five years later). Jason Sudeikis, and a cast of quirky yet vulnerable misfits, prevailed against all odds. It’s funny. It’s heartwarming. And it’s just what we needed during those dark days.
At its core, Ted Lasso was about kindness, empathy, and optimism — values that were refreshing when the show debuted during global uncertainty. The show expertly blended sharp, witty humor with genuine emotional storytelling. Unlike many comedies that rely on cynicism or sarcasm, the show was sincere.
And the show’s simple core message is “BELIEVE.” Ted makes a sign and tapes it above his office door. “Believe” as a motto meant different things to different people. It meany choosing hope over cynicism, trust over fear, and kindness over ego — every single day.
On Tuesday, the entire Madison+Main team dressed up for Halloween. I brought back Ted Lasso. Sunglasses, whistle, AFC Richmond Jacket and red sneakers. Yep, believe me, I went all out. I even dyed my hair and shaved my goatee.
2025 is better in many ways than 2020, but I feel we could all be a little nicer. A little more lighthearted. A little more like Ted. I BELIEVE we can.
Last month they started filming season four of Ted Lasso, slated for release in 2026. I cannot wait.
#BoldBrandsWin
MONDAY:
MAKING HEADWAY IN HOPEWELL
Accounts Director Allison Nida headed to Hopewell’s Beacon Theatre this week for a Ceasefire Virginia roundtable with city officials, law enforcement, and community leaders. The discussion spotlighted the program’s success so far—and charted a path toward an even safer Hopewell in the future. Here’s to progress that doesn’t just talk—it takes action.
TUESDAY:
GHOULS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN
Out with the briefcases, in with the broomsticks. This week we turned the office into a full-blown fright fest—for ourselves and our poor, poor student visitors (keep reading…). Cupcakes were obliterated, costumes were confusing, and productivity was ghosted like a bad date. Totally worth it, though. Creativity thrives best on sugar and mild regret.
WEDNESDAY:
TRICK-OR-TOUR
Apologies for dragging Tuesday’s chaos into Wednesday, but special days demand double entries. Students from the VCU Ad Club stopped by for an agency tour and presentation, getting a peek behind the spooky curtain during an inspired Q&A and snack-fueled crash course in agency life. They learned, they laughed, and they probably left wondering if every ad agency is this weird. (Answer: we hope not.)
THURSDAY:
THE DOUGH STOPS HERE
The Madison+Main crew sat down with new client Zorch Pizza this week for a creative discovery session that delivered more heat than the ovens. Big ideas rose fast, strategy was sprinkled in, and minds were melted along the way. If this meeting was the appetizer, the main course is gonna scorch.
FRIDAY:
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Being born on Halloween is the best. Everyone gets dressed up for your party. There’s candy everywhere. The downside is the same joke every year: “Oh, so that explains it!” #hardyharhar
Even this birthday morning, I joined Rich Herrera, at 9:05 am this morning on Richmond’s Morning News to chat about pre-Halloween happenings and much more this weekend in RVA. ICYMI, here’s the link.
A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE EVENTS
20th Annual All the Saints Richmond Halloween Parade
Date: Friday, October 31st
Time: 7:00pm
Tickets: FREE
Location: Monroe Park
One of the most popular and freaky parades of the year always features a spot-on theme, and this year is no different. Don your costume (or not) and meet at Monroe Park by 7 p.m. for the New Orleans-style party train through Oregon Hill. Look for the giant puppets.
The Rocky Horror Show with Richmond Triangle Players
Date: Friday, October 31st
Time: 7pm
Tickets: Starting at $20
Location: Dominion Energy Center for the Performing Arts
Still a cult smash hit after 50+ years, this unusual performance of “Rocky Horror” pairs the Richmond Symphony with actors from Richmond Triangle Players for one night only.
BOOZ CRAWL – Scott’s Addition Beverage District
Date: Saturday, November 1st
Time: 12:00pm – 8:00pm
Location: 3331 Moore Street
Join the Scotts Addition Beverage District for a day of spooky spirits. Come ready to scare in your costumes as you make your way through the breweries, cideries, distilleries, and beyond!
“I believe in hope. I believe in BELIEVE.” – Ted Lasso