About the Guest: Nathan Brand is a seasoned culinary expert and entrepreneur known for his transformative contributions to the restaurant industry. As a former chef and partner at the renowned Timber! restaurant, Nathan has established himself as a figure of innovation in modern dining. Currently, he embarks on a new business venture, launching a retail food and wine shop focusing on charcuterie, cheeses, wines, and gourmet products. His commitment to sourcing quality ingredients and offering un...
Dec 06, 2024•47 min•Ep. 210
About the Guest: Brandon Bell is the entrepreneurial force behind Risin' Vibes Kitchen, a vibrant food truck and catering business. With roots in Miami and career stints spanning globally-renowned culinary locales like Atlanta, Texas, and Northern California, Brandon's culinary journey is enriched with diverse cultural tastes and experiences. Having built his career from dishwashing to general management in the restaurant industry, Brandon’s unique journey saw him transition from restaurant mana...
Nov 22, 2024•43 min•Ep. 209
About the Guests: Eva and Cory Bachetti are the passionate founders of Spa of Eden, a holistic wellness center located in Johnson City. With a background in the beauty and wellness industry, Eva has been drawn to aesthetic practices since middle school, bringing extensive experience in wedding makeup and aesthetics. Cory, originally from Connecticut, shares a deep commitment to holistic health, reflected in his yoga training. Together, their goal is to create an inclusive and rejuvenating space ...
Nov 08, 2024•23 min•Ep. 208
About the Guest: Meisha Turner is an established entrepreneur based in Erwin, Tennessee. She owns the Magnolia Room, a charming event venue offering a unique space for gatherings and family events. Meisha is also deeply involved in community initiatives, notably as a leading figure in Rise Erwin, a local organization fostering community engagement and supporting local businesses. Having grown up in Bristol, Tennessee and spending time in Chattanooga, Meisha has found her passion in nurturing the...
Nov 01, 2024•36 min•Ep. 207
About the Guests: Dr. Fred Alsop : An esteemed figure in ornithology and biology, Dr. Fred Alsop has dedicated decades to academia at East Tennessee State University (ETSU). After 48 years of full-time teaching, he remains active by directing the Johnson City Railroad Experience, a passion project combining his love for trains and education. His extensive background includes chairing ETSU's Department of Biology and authoring 18 books on birds. Carson Sailor : With a background in museum managem...
Oct 25, 2024•50 min•Ep. 206
About the Guests: Adrian and Ddendyl Rogers are the dynamic founders of "The Feisty Pigeon," Johnson City's newest wine bar. Adrian is a certified sommelier with extensive experience in the restaurant industry, having worked in multiple facets from kitchen roles to bartending, and has developed a passion for wine through years of industry exposure. Ddendyl, a musician with a rich history as a performing artist, has graced stages across the country, including a residency on the Las Vegas Strip an...
Oct 18, 2024•40 min•Ep. 205
About the Guest: Thomas DeHart is a knowledgeable accountant who transitioned from roles in call centers to establishing his own firm, Insight CFO. With a profound understanding of both traditional and modern accounting strategies, Thomas offers innovative financial solutions like the "Profit First" strategy. His educational background includes a degree in Philosophy and a second degree in Accounting from East Tennessee State University. Thomas excels in focusing on service-based and constructio...
Oct 11, 2024•49 min•Ep. 204
About the Guest: Cooper Reaves is the Director of Marketing and Government Relations at the Johnson City Chamber of Commerce. With a background in advertising and public relations from East Tennessee State University (ETSU), Cooper has progressed from intern to his current full-time role, where he specializes in handling press communications and liaising with legislators at various government levels. Over his career, Cooper has been instrumental in encouraging business development and fostering ...
Oct 04, 2024•42 min•Ep. 203
About the Guest: Emily Sikora \ Emily Sikora is a dynamic entrepreneur and the owner of two flourishing businesses, Gray Bird Label and TriStar Trading. With a background in exercise science and occupational therapy, Emily transitioned from the healthcare industry to the world of fashion and online commerce. She founded Gray Bird Label in 2016, which has grown from an online boutique to a manufacturer and wholesaler of fashion accessories across the globe. Alongside Johnny Bragg, Emily also co-o...
Sep 27, 2024•42 min•Ep. 202
About the Guest: Rebecca Alexander is a dedicated and experienced State Representative for Tennessee's 7th District. Elected in 2020, she has devoted her tenure to serving her community with passion and integrity. Besides her legislative role, Rebecca prides herself on her commitment to public service, focusing on various issues ranging from educational reforms to healthcare improvements. She is known for her strong faith, community involvement, and advocacy for key regional issues, making signi...
Sep 20, 2024•38 min•Ep. 201
About the Guest: Greg Turner is the founder and owner of "Get Bricked," a premier Lego store located in Johnson City. With a deep-rooted passion for Lego that began in his childhood, Greg reignited his interest during the COVID-19 pandemic and turned it into a thriving business. Beyond Legos, Greg has extensive experience in retail, having owned multiple brick-and-mortar stores specializing in minerals and fossils. His wife, too, is an entrepreneur, owning the West Main Antique Store in Johnson ...
Sep 13, 2024•37 min•Ep. 200
About the Guest: Erica Turner Erica Turner is a seasoned business owner and the driving force behind Green Meadow Cleaning, a well-respected residential and commercial cleaning service based in Johnson City. With a commitment to quality, simplicity, and community, Erica has built her company from the ground up, starting with lawn care and expanding into full-fledged cleaning services. Having founded Green Meadow Cleaning in 2013, Erica has been a cornerstone in the community, not only through he...
Sep 06, 2024•41 min•Ep. 199
About the Guests: Julianne Hurst : Julianne Hurst serves as the Director of Enrollment and Advancement at Ashley Academy. Before joining the academy, Julianne spent 17 years in real estate transaction and marketing. She moved to Johnson City 11 years ago and has been heavily involved with the school, both as a parent and a team member, enhancing the school's enrollment strategies and spearheading fundraising initiatives. Ramona Harr : Ramona Harr is the Head of School at Ashley Academy, playing ...
Aug 30, 2024•40 min•Ep. 198
About the Guest: Matthew Dodd-Berry: Matthew Dodd-Berry is a talented young golfer hailing from the Wirral in England. With a strong background in competitive golf, Matthew has excelled at East Tennessee State University (ETSU) under the guidance of Coach Jake Amos. He is now transitioning to Louisiana State University (LSU) to pursue his golfing career at a higher competitive level. Matthew’s achievements include making it to the national championships with ETSU, playing in the prestigious Open...
Aug 23, 2024•36 min•Ep. 197
About the Guest: Damon Johnson \ Damon Johnson is a former professional basketball player hailing from Johnson City. He has played for various international teams, including those in Iceland, Spain, Indonesia, and Chile. After a successful 15-year career, he returned to his hometown to give back to the community. Currently, Damon is the Executive Director of LXI, an after-school program focused on supporting underprivileged youth, particularly those dealing with trauma and mental health challeng...
Aug 16, 2024•44 min•Ep. 196
About the Guest: Nancy Williams is an author, teacher, and freelance public relations professional based in Johnson City. With degrees in French and History, Nancy transitioned into advertising, working for renowned agencies and companies like FedEx. She later taught public relations at Milligan College and pursued her passion for writing, authoring books that include a devotional for women facing infertility and the historical fiction novel "To Love a Falcon." Nancy’s work is deeply influenced ...
Aug 09, 2024•45 min•Ep. 195
About the Guest: Patrick Mannion is an experienced white water rafting guide and the operating partner for Osprey Whitewater, which is part of Hawks Nest in Seven Devils, North Carolina. With over 3,500 commercial days on the Nolichucky River, Patrick holds a degree in recreation management from Appalachian State University, boasting multiple concentrations, including public parks and recreation management, commercial recreation and tourism management, and outdoor experiential leadership. Patric...
Aug 03, 2024•47 min•Ep. 194
About the Guest: Ty Stewart is the owner of Sweet Caroline's Coffee Company, based in Johnson City, Tennessee. With a background in shooting commercials and social media, Ty transitioned to the coffee industry, inspired by his passion for specialty coffee developed during his college years. His coffee company is named after his daughter, Caroline, and it focuses on delivering high-quality, specialty coffee sourced from top-tier producers like Onyx Coffee Labs. Episode Summary: In this episode of...
Jul 26, 2024•45 min•Ep. 193
About the Guest: Tosha Yoder is the Event Coordinator at Visit Johnson City, where she plays a pivotal role in orchestrating major events such as the Meet the Mountains festival. With a background in psychology and extensive experience in customer service, she has successfully transitioned into event management. Her attention to detail, organizational skills, and passion for outdoor activities and family-oriented events make her a vital asset to the Johnson City community. Episode Summary: In th...
Jul 19, 2024•34 min•Ep. 192
About the Guests: Greg and Shirley Mueller are the owners of Olive Oil Divine , a unique specialty store located in Johnson City, Tennessee. With a background in IT and family business, Greg has combined his technical expertise with a passion for high-quality, health-centric products. Shirley, with her experience in construction and business operations, complements Greg by managing customer relations and daily operations. Together, they have grown their business into a local staple, offering a v...
Jul 12, 2024•44 min•Ep. 191
About the Guest: Jose Castillo is a multifaceted professional with a remarkable career spanning various domains such as media, NASCAR, and entrepreneurship. He is the founder of Flavor Inc., Think Jose, and co-hosts NASCAR Trackside Live, a popular talk show in the racing community. Jose is also the mastermind behind Spark Plaza, a pioneering coworking space in Johnson City, Tennessee, which prides itself on fostering community among remote workers. His dynamic career also includes upcoming vent...
Jul 05, 2024•47 min•Ep. 190
About the Guest: David Wiley is the owner, operator, and manager of Serenity Knoll Farm. With a diverse professional background including roles in advertising, education, and even professional sports management, David ultimately found his calling in East Tennessee's local food and farming community. He is deeply involved in cultivating the farming landscape through Serenity Knoll Farm, organizing community events, and hosting unique culinary experiences. David’s vision extends to contra dance an...
Jun 28, 2024•49 min•Ep. 189
About the Guests: Ally McElroy : Ally McElroy is the co-owner and instructor at Soluna Sage yoga studio and wellness center in Johnson City. She has a background in elementary education from East Tennessee State University (ETSU) and a rich history with yoga that began in high school. Formerly a school teacher who transitioned during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ally is now a certified yoga instructor passionate about building community and holistic well-being. Andrew McElroy : Andrew McElroy is the c...
Jun 14, 2024•36 min•Ep. 188
About the Guests: Terry Kazmier and Chenoa Pruitt are the dynamic duo behind Jenny Lea Academy and Sugar Mama Waxing and Spa in Johnson City, Tennessee. Terry Kazmier, originally from Washington, DC, is a Milligan College graduate with a degree in accounting and a former pharmaceutical rep. She transitioned into the beauty industry with a focus on spas. Chenoa Pruitt, a licensed esthetician and a graduate of Jenny Lea, has a strong management background and a passion for the skincare aspect of t...
Jun 07, 2024•49 min•Ep. 187
About the Guest: Craig Charles is the entrepreneurial force behind Crown Cutz Academy, having established a significant presence in the barbering and beauty education industry. With a Caribbean background and a journey that took him from Boston to East Tennessee State on a football scholarship, Craig's passion for cutting hair began at an early age. After a stint in NFL football with the San Francisco 49ers, Craig pivoted back to his barbering roots, starting his own business in Johnson City in ...
May 31, 2024•40 min•Ep. 186
About the Guest: Jonathan Fields is a dynamic marketing strategist and creative advocate based in Johnson City, Tennessee. Known for his versatile skill-set, Jonathan has built a career around guiding small businesses, non-profits, and entrepreneurs in crafting their narratives and finding the best channels for their messages. His approach to marketing is deeply rooted in relational selling, offering customized solutions rather than one-size-fits-all strategies. Besides being a marketing profess...
May 24, 2024•34 min•Ep. 185
About the Guests: In this episode, we're introduced to Kirsten Turner and Amit Prabhakar, the dynamic duo from icode Tri-Cities. Kirsten Turner, originally from Phoenix, Arizona, has an educational background with experience in teaching and school administration. Amit Prabhakar brings a wealth of knowledge from the IT sector, having immigrated from India in 2007 with a passion for new technologies and cultures. Together, they represent icode Tri-Cities, an organization dedicated to bringing STEM...
May 17, 2024•40 min•Ep. 184
About the Guest: Allie Bynum is a dedicated advocate for the promotion and sustainability of tourism in Northeast Tennessee. She serves as the Membership and Marketing Curator for the Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association, where she plays a pivotal role in advancing the region's economic and community growth. Outside of her role, Allie hosts her own podcast, "Meet Me in Tennessee," collaboratively produced by Maypop Media, where she explores activities, events, and the scenic beauty of Northea...
May 10, 2024•44 min•Ep. 183
About the Guest: Natalie Pickering is a licensed psychologist with expertise in trauma and clinical work. With a Ph.D. in psychology, Natalie has traversed diverse professional paths including her initial career as a high school language arts teacher, serving as a counselor in Nigeria, acquiring her master's in counseling, and eventually a psychologist trained in the Enneagram and nutritional psychology. She operates her business, High Places Coaching and Consulting, where she employs the Enneag...
May 03, 2024•49 min•Ep. 182
About the Guest: Rebecca Russell, known fondly as Becky among friends, is an accomplished author and holistic wellness mentor with a penchant for personal development. Having published traditional romance novels with Harlequin Silhouette and contributed to empowering anthologies like "Uncover Your Light," Rebecca's literary journey reflects her multifaceted interests and relentless spirit. Her advocacy for female professional growth leads her to preside over the Femm City chapter, a networking g...
Apr 26, 2024•49 min•Ep. 181
