Summary In this episode of the Johnson City Living Podcast, host Colin Johnson speaks with Andrew and Ally McElroy, the founders of Johnson's Literary Depot. They discuss their journey in establishing a community-focused bookstore, the importance of local authors, and their innovative programs like 'Kids Read for Free.' The conversation also touches on the challenges of balancing multiple businesses and their aspirations for the future of the bookstore. The McElroys emphasize the significance of...
Aug 15, 2025•18 min•Ep. 240
Summary In this conversation, Eric Brown shares his journey from Missouri to Johnson City, Tennessee, discussing his experiences in the hardwood flooring industry and the founding of Spero Hardwoods. He emphasizes the importance of community, family, and outdoor activities in his life, as well as the significance of quality and sustainability in flooring options. Eric also highlights his company's commitment to giving back to the community and supporting local initiatives. Takeaways Eric Brown t...
Jul 18, 2025•56 min•Ep. 239
Summary In this episode of the Johnson City Living Podcast, host Colin Johnson interviews artist Madison Ramey, who shares her journey into the world of art and murals. Madison discusses her love for Johnson City, her artistic process, and the importance of community involvement in her projects. She also talks about her teaching experiences, encouraging creativity in children, and her new venture into face painting. The conversation highlights the emotional impact of art and the support system t...
Jul 11, 2025•42 min•Ep. 238
Episode Summary: In this episode of the Johnson City Living Podcast , host Collin Johnson sits down with Joseph Beardshear and John Dewberry, from Do It Right Remodel . They share how the story behind their launch of their remodeling business, and offer real-world advice on everything from renovation costs to financing options. Whether you're dreaming of a home makeover or just love a good entrepreneurial story, this episode is full of practical tips, personal stories, and local pride. Tune in t...
Jul 04, 2025•47 min•Ep. 237
Summary In this episode of the Johnson City Living Podcast, host Collin Johnson engages with Ben Christian, Chief Strategy Officer at Price and Ramey. They discuss the vibrant community of Johnson City, the importance of insurance in people's lives, and the role of local businesses. Ben shares his journey from sales to strategy, his experiences growing up in Gate City, and the significance of faith and community involvement. The conversation also touches on the challenges of the insurance indust...
Jun 27, 2025•46 min•Ep. 236
Summary In this episode of Johnson City Living, hosts Colin Johnson and Carla welcome Randy and Tanya Bonnette, owners of Sweeter Than Sweet Candy Company. The conversation explores their journey from Florida to East Tennessee, the charm of Johnson City, and the unique offerings of their candy business. They discuss the importance of community engagement, their plans for the future, and the challenges of running a small business while balancing family life. The Bonnettes share their passion for ...
Jun 20, 2025•48 min•Ep. 235
Summary In this episode of the Johnson City Living Podcast, host Collin Johnson welcomes Evan Harr, the director of business development for Rearview Rentals. They discuss the charm of Johnson City, local favorites, and the growth of the community. Evan shares insights about the business he works for, which specializes in 15-passenger van rentals, emphasizing a customer-centric approach and innovative business model. The conversation also touches on the importance of building relationships withi...
Jun 13, 2025•28 min•Ep. 234
Summary In this engaging conversation, Dylan O'Sullivan shares his journey from New York to Johnson City, his experiences as a professional MMA fighter, and the establishment of Claddagh Combat Academy. He discusses the importance of community, personal growth through fighting, and the lessons learned from both victories and defeats. Dylan emphasizes the significance of building a supportive environment for others, especially the youth, through programs like anti-bullying. He also touches on tra...
Jun 06, 2025•54 min•Ep. 233
Summary In this episode of Johnson City Living, host Colin Johnson welcomes Veronica Alsop, who shares her journey from Mexico to Arizona and finally to Johnson City. Veronica discusses her love for the community, her experiences with recovery, and her new role as the director of the Elizabethton Chamber of Commerce. The conversation touches on the importance of community support, recognizing red flags in relationships, and the impact of addiction on families. Veronica emphasizes the need for op...
May 30, 2025•35 min•Ep. 232
Summary In this episode of the Johnson City Living Podcast, host Colin Johnson engages with Anne G'fellers-Mason, the program manager at the McKinney Center in Jonesborough, who runs the StoryTown Radio Show. They discuss Anne's deep roots in Johnson City, her passion for storytelling, and the importance of preserving local history through oral narratives. The conversation explores the growth of Jonesborough as a cultural hub, the process of playwriting, and the significance of community engagem...
May 23, 2025•40 min•Ep. 231
Summary In this episode of the Johnson City Living Podcast, host Collin Johnson speaks with Kemp Johnson, a barber and boxer from Johnson City. They discuss the beauty of the community, the growth of the barbering and boxing industries, and the importance of mentoring youth. Kemp shares his journey into boxing, his competitive achievements, and his goals for the future, including winning a WBC belt. The conversation also touches on personal growth, faith, and raising awareness about social injus...
May 09, 2025•48 min•Ep. 230
Summary In this episode of the Johnson City Living Podcast, host Collin Johnson speaks with Jennifer Ritter about her journey as a domestic violence survivor and the creation of the Magnolia Project, an initiative aimed at empowering women recovering from trauma. They discuss the beauty and growth of Johnson City, the importance of community support, and the various resources available for women in need. Jennifer shares insights into the program's structure, the significance of hope and connecti...
Apr 25, 2025•52 min•Ep. 229
In this episode of the Johnson City Living Podcast, host Colin Johnson welcomes Dustin Peters from FLP Counseling. They discuss the importance of mental health, the various therapeutic approaches offered at FLP, and Dustin's personal journey into counseling. The conversation covers topics such as addiction recovery, marriage counseling, and the significance of family dynamics. Dustin shares insights on the stigma surrounding therapy, the role of diet and exercise in mental health, and the future...
Apr 18, 2025•51 min•Ep. 228
In this episode of the Johnson City Living Podcast, host Collin Johnson welcomes Mallory Hansen, a Pilates instructor and trauma therapist. They discuss Mallory's journey from Utah to Johnson City, her love for the local animal shelter, and her experiences in social work and therapy. Mallory shares insights on the importance of mental health, the healing power of Pilates, and her mission to create a welcoming space for clients to improve their physical and mental well-being. The conversation emp...
Apr 11, 2025•55 min•Ep. 227
Exploring Bark Bound Dog Daycare & Boarding with Jeff Webber | Johnson City Living Join host Colin Johnson as he sits down with Jeff Webber from Bark Bound Dog Daycare and Boarding in East Tennessee. Jeff shares his journey from college student to entrepreneur, the daily operations at Bark Bound, the differences between daycare and boarding, and future plans for expansion. Learn about their unique approach to dog care that ensures socialization and exercise for dogs of all sizes. Whether you...
Apr 04, 2025•38 min•Ep. 226
Community Spotlight: TEDx Johnson City with McKenzie Templeton In this episode, host Colin Johnson welcomes McKenzie Templeton to discuss various community initiatives and the success of TEDx Johnson City. Learn how a spontaneous idea at a local event turned into an annual gathering that celebrates the voices and ideas of Appalachians. McKenzie also shares insights into her background, including her love for Johnson City, plans with her fiancé, and her work at Bridge, a non-traditional economic ...
Mar 28, 2025•40 min•Ep. 225
In this episode, Colin Johnson sits down with Michael and DeAnna Hardin, the dynamic duo behind iTrain Fitness in Johnson City. They share their love for Johnson City, detailing the supportive community, the impact of faith in their business, and their origins in fitness. From trading a house for a gym to fostering a communal environment where everyone from 18 to 89 can train, Michael and Dee delve into their unique journey. They discuss the challenges and rewards of running a gym, the importanc...
Mar 21, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 224
In this episode of the Johnson City Living Podcast, host Colin Johnson sits down with Landon Owen, Vice President of Consumer Sales at Bristol Motor Speedway. Landon shares insights about his professional journey, the unique charm of Johnson City, and the excitement of working in sports. The conversation also delves into Landon's passion for golf, his impressive course portfolio, and his fascinating Golf Crusade project. Listen in to discover more about the thriving community and sports culture ...
Mar 14, 2025•45 min•Ep. 223
Inside the Whiskey Industry: Kat Scalf's Journey from Wine to Whiskey In this episode, host Colin Johnson sits down with Kat Scalf, the Regional Sales Manager for Happenstance Whiskey. Kat discusses her roots in Johnson City, her journey in the alcohol industry, and her role in promoting a women-owned whiskey company. She shares insights about the unique qualities of Happenstance Whiskey, the challenges of breaking into the market, and her passion for the Magnolia Project, a non-profit supportin...
Mar 07, 2025•51 min•Ep. 222
Frankie Bailey is the Owner of The Coffee Company. The Coffee Company coined "The living room of Elizabethton," has been a foundation of the downtown community for 27 years. Frankie has been running this business for 7 of those years and loves the community and the magic that happens over an amazing cup of coffee and healthy nourishing food. The Coffee Company housed in a building built in 1937, offers the environment and ambiance perfect for meetings, studying, collaborations and celebrations o...
Feb 28, 2025•39 min•Ep. 221
About the Guest: Kristy Dunn is a dynamic entrepreneur and business owner at the Stretch Zone in Johnson City. With a background in social work and experience running a social work agency, Kristy combines her passion for holistic health with entrepreneurship. Her business focuses on practitioner-assisted stretching, promoting healthy lifestyles through non-invasive techniques. Kristy's journey demonstrates her commitment to providing unique wellness solutions and fostering community partnerships...
Feb 21, 2025•30 min•Ep. 220
About the Guest: Brenda Mock Brown is the head women's basketball coach at East Tennessee State University (ETSU), entering her third season in this role. Coach Brown has an extensive career in collegiate basketball, having served as both an assistant and head coach at various institutions, including Georgia Tech and UNC Asheville. She boasts a background as a former professional basketball player in France and holds a master's degree in education. Brenda's coaching philosophy is grounded in str...
Feb 14, 2025•51 min•Ep. 219
About the Guest: Candice Hilton is the founder of Hilton Horizons Academy, a hybrid micro school for K-8 homeschoolers. As a former public school teacher, Candice transitioned into homeschooling to foster personalized education that emphasizes flexibility, enrichment, and community-oriented learning. With her profound commitment to educational innovation and personalized instruction, she has developed a thriving environment where children can excel and explore their passions. Episode Summary: In...
Feb 07, 2025•41 min•Ep. 218
About the Guest: Polly Horne is a licensed architect and owner of PolyArch Architecture and Design. Boasting an impressive educational background with an architecture degree from the University of Tennessee, Polly's career has spanned various locations, including Knoxville, New York, and now Johnson City. Her experience includes working with renowned firms and craftsmen, focusing on high-end residential projects and expanding into affordable housing. Polly moved back to Tennessee in 2022, drawn ...
Jan 31, 2025•40 min•Ep. 217
About the Guest: Josh Cook is a former police officer and the founder of Enter the Lion, a nonprofit ministry dedicated to supporting first responders and military personnel. After experiencing personal struggles with trauma while working as a police officer, Josh was inspired to create a community that offers spiritual and emotional support to others in similar positions. He now focuses full-time on this ministry, running retreats and programs aimed at healing and equipping those in service fie...
Jan 24, 2025•49 min•Ep. 216
Sentimental Journeys and Downtown Antiques: An Interview with Cam McAllister In this episode of the Johnson City Living Podcast, host Colin Johnson speaks with Cam McAllister, the proud owner of Sentimental Journey Antiques, a massive 21,000 square foot antique store located in downtown Johnson City. Cam shares the sentimental story behind the store's name, its rich family history, and the journey of opening a new business amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. They delve into the vibra...
Jan 17, 2025•36 min•Ep. 215
About the Guest: Gary Ellis is a dedicated coffee roaster and entrepreneur with four years of experience in the coffee industry. He started roasting coffee from his porch with a simple setup and has grown his passion into a successful business. Gary is passionate about hospitality and loves serving others through his coffee ventures. Previously, he was associated with Summit Leadership. Tyler Mackie has a diverse professional background with 20 years of experience in insurance and financial serv...
Jan 10, 2025•54 min•Ep. 214
About the Guest: Dr. K. T. Moyer is the founder and leading physical therapist of Homefront Physical Therapy, based in Johnson City. With a background originating from Cleveland, Ohio, and an educational journey through ETSU, K. T. transitioned from city living to embracing the outdoorsy lifestyle of Johnson City. Her professional expertise spans over 13 years, specializing in musculoskeletal issues, and she holds certifications in McKenzie therapy and dry needling. K. T. is also noted for pione...
Jan 03, 2025•54 min•Ep. 213
About the Guest: Laura Kelly is a dedicated leader in the nonprofit housing sector, currently serving as an integral part of Holston Habitat for Humanity. With a rich professional history, including eight years at the Appalachia Service Project, Laura brings deep expertise in housing development and policy advocacy. Her work focuses on creating affordable housing solutions and fostering community development. She is actively involved in civic life, contributing to Johnson City's Planning Commiss...
Dec 20, 2024•54 min•Ep. 212
About the Guest: Jesus Rodriguez is the founder of Coyote Tactical Solutions, a company specializing in manufacturing tactical gear. Originally hailing from South Florida, Jesus moved to the more serene environment of Johnson City to pursue a lifestyle that supports his family's homesteading aspirations. With a professional background that spans nursing and architecture, and experience in the film and video game industry, Jesus has leveraged his diverse skills to design and produce high-quality ...
Dec 13, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 211
