The Upstate Trail Talks - podcast cover

The Upstate Trail Talks

Griffin Donleytheupstatetrailtalks.com
Greenville, SC is quickly becoming one of the most popular cities to visit and to call home - from its highly regarded restaurant scene to the beautiful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Each week, tune in as I walk and talk on Greenville's Swamp Rabbit Trail, that runs 22 miles through the heart of downtown, and ask our guests why they decided to make the Upstate their home and how that has impacted them.
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Episodes

On the Trail with: Paul Hinton

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin in joined but the internet-famous, banjo man himself, Paul Hinton. Paul shares his love for the instrument and how he found himself going viral after making funny videos and sharing them online - and why he continues to do so in order to bring joy to others! Sponsor: Listeners get 15% off you stay at WYLDSTAY Greenville using code TRAIL! https://www.wyldstaygreenvillesc.com/

Jul 09, 202524 minEp. 104

On the Trail with: Alex Stalvey

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, we are talking all things safety, what to do in the case of a collision on the trail, and how to best prevent them! Griffin is joined by Alex Stalvey, a partner at a GVL lawfirm with experience of personal injury cases involving accidents on the trail. We hope you never need this advice but definitely want you to hear it!

Jul 02, 202537 minEp. 103

On the Trail with: Scout Mechanical

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin chats with Bishop Scott, CEO of Scout Mechanical, a new mechanical, electrical, plumbing company formed from succesful, longtime, local trades businesses here in the Upstate. This week's sponsor is WYLDSTAY Greenvile at Serenity Lake Farm: Book your stay with 15% off with code TRAIL. https://www.wyldstaygreenvillesc.com/ Join our newsletter: https://theupstatetrailtalks.com/

Jun 25, 202542 minEp. 102

On the Trail with: Greenville Sports Foundation

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin joins Jack Bacot to hear all about his successful career creating and building magazines for wide range of clients before starting on this new adventure - Greenville Sports Foundation, an organization hoping to create and manage annual sporting events in the Upstate that drives economic development. This week's sponsor is WYLDSTAY Greenvile at Serenity Lake Farm: Book your stay with 15% off with code TRAIL. https://www.wyldstaygreenvillesc.com/ Join ...

Jun 18, 202536 minEp. 101

On the Trail with: Mayor Knox White

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, we celebrate Episode 100 with Mayor of the City of Greenville, Knox White! Griffin and Mayor White walk and talk their way through his GVL roots, what inspired him to run for local office, and the story behind projects like Unity Park and the Swamp Rabbit Trail.

Jun 11, 202543 minEp. 100

On the Trail with: Katie Pizzo Orthodontics

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, "we are all smiles" as we chat with Dr. Katie Pizzo about her new orthodontics practice! Dr. Katie shares her story of starting her own practice that focuses on creating a connection with her clients and transforming smiles that boost confidence. Take a listen!

Jun 04, 202524 minEp. 99

On the Trail with: Poe Mill Music

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin strolls through Unity Park with Brice Smith, co-founder of Poe Mill Music - a new space for veteran and emerging musicians alike with recording studios, practice rooms, and a live music venue. Brice shares his vision for what Poe Mill Music can be for young musicians in the area and how a Nashville designer helped create this unique space.

May 21, 202529 minEp. 98

On the Trail with: Marion Crawford

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin strolls through downtown with Marion Crawford, CEO of her own full service marketing firm, Crawford. Marion shares her story of growing up here, her path to starting her own business, and her passion for making the Upstate an amazing place to be!

May 14, 202538 minEp. 97

On the Trail with: Southern Tide

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin chats with Carey Ann Campbell, CEO of Southern Tide in their new HQ located just steps away from the Swamp Rabbit Trail! Carey Ann shares her story of working in the retail/apparel industry and why coming to Southern Tide and The Upstate checked all her boxes.

May 07, 202524 minEp. 96

On the Trail with: Gail DePriest

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin learns a wonderful lesson from Gail DePriest, professor at Clemson's MBA program and entrepreneur/executive coach! Gail talks about using her skill set to help her students see the creativity in their work and help guide them on the next chapter of their career.

Apr 30, 202524 minEp. 95

On the Trail with: Incora Health

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin is joined by Theresa Gevaert, co-founder of Incora Health, a health technology company focused on develeoping wearbables specifically for women! Theresa shares what brought her here to the Upstate, how the idea of Incora Health's earrings started, and what they hope to accomplish in the field of women's health. Check out their website - https://incorahealth.com/ Ways to get involved: Join the Incora Community. Anyone interested in early access to the...

Apr 23, 202533 minEp. 94

On the Trail with: TOWN Magazine

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin attempts a tall task of interviewing a journalist! Executive Editor for TOWN Magazine, Leigh Savage, hits the trail with us to discuss her time with the magazine covering the Upstate's favorite businesses from restaurants, to the arts, to travel, and fashion. Sign up for our newsletter by visiting theupstatetrailtalks.com and scroll to the bottom to subscribe! This week's sponsor is Wimp Decaf Coffee Company! Listeners get 10% their first order with ...

Apr 16, 202526 minEp. 93

On the Trail with: John Jeter

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin is joined by local writer, owner of a legendary music venue, and most recently, playwright of the new musical comedy, "Waiting For You," John Jeter! Tune in to hear more about his time owning The Handlebar and more about the new musical debuting this upcoming weekend April 11th-13th at the Chapman Cultural Center in Spartanburg! This week's sponsor is Wimp Decaf Coffee Company! Listeners get 10% their first order with promocode TRAILTALKS at wimpdeca...

Apr 09, 202540 minEp. 92

On the Trail with: Bonnie Papajohn

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin is joined by Bonnie Papajohn, a certified health and nutrition coach who helps clients work towards and overall healthy lifestyle. Bonnie shares about launching her new business and what her time in the Upstate has been like over the years. This week's sponsor is Wimp Decaf Coffee Company! Listeners get 10% their first order with promocode TRAILTALKS at wimpdecaf.com. Check it out!

Apr 02, 202526 minEp. 91

On the Trail with: Greenville Uptempo Sports

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin hits the trail with the owners of Greenville's newest running apparel comany - Greenville Uptempo Sports aka "GUTS" - Nick and Kristine Dibos! The husband and wife duo share their story of how they moved to the Upstate all the way from Oregon, becoming so passionate about this community so quickly, they started this business to not only celebrate it, but to give back as well. This week's sponsor is Wimp Decaf Coffee Company! Listeners get 10% their f...

Mar 26, 202540 minEp. 90

On the Trail with: City Council Candidate Tina Belge

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin walks and talks with City Council Candidate Tina Belge has she launches her campaign for the election this November! Tina shares her story about falling in love with the Upstate visiting as a kid to now her involvement and passion for local government. Take a listen to hear what she hopes to accomplish if elected!

Mar 19, 202531 minEp. 89

On the Trail with: Joshua Trout

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin hits the trail with the CEO of Encompass Health, local author, (and fellow Pittsburgher) Joshua Trout! Joshua's personal story, as well as his experience with Emcompass Health, shaped his unique outlook on what leadership should look like, and inspired his recently published book, "Transformative Leadership."

Mar 12, 202528 minEp. 88

On the Trail with: Hey Amy

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin is joined by another Greenville native and maker of high quality, handmade bags, Amy Burka, owner of Hey Amy! She shares her story of multiple career changes that ended up with her starting her own business sewing fashionable, durable bags for all the Upstate to enjoy.

Mar 05, 202536 minEp. 87

On the Trail with: Amy Thomas

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin is joined by Amy Thomas, real estate agent and Greenville native! Amy shares her love for her hometown and how she loves making the Upstate other people's new hometown too!

Feb 26, 202533 minEp. 86

On the Trail with: Oasis Animal Hospital

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin is joined by Dr. Atticus Mabry, founder and director of Oasis Animal Hospital. Atticus grew up right here in Greenville, attended Clemson University and then later Univeristy of Georgia for veterinary school, eventually leading him to start his own practice here back in the Upstate - where the combination of being a family vet practice with an emergency component really set Oasis apart.

Feb 19, 202542 minEp. 85

On the Trail with: Max Stewart, CEO of Greenville Area Development Corporation

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin is joined by Max Stewart, who is the CEO of the Greenville Area Development Corporation. Max shares what he and GADC look for when bringing in new businesses and helping current ones expand in Greenville County in hopes they are a good fit and bring value to our community.

Feb 12, 202526 minEp. 84

On the Trail with: Scoundrel

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin hits the trail with Greenville native and owner of Scoundrel, Chef Joe Cash! Chef Joe recounts his early days in the food industry here in the Upstate before taking on some of the emost acclaimed restaurants in NYC and abroad until he decided it was time to come home to make something his own.

Jan 29, 202530 minEp. 83

On the Trail with: Cancer Survivors Park Alliance

This week on The Upstate Trail Talk, Griffin gets a tour from Executive Director, Kay Roper, and boardmember, Michael McCullough, of Cancer Survivors Park. The two share the history of the park and why its a place of hope and healing to some many of those here in the Upstate.

Jan 22, 202552 minEp. 82

On the Trail with: FUEL

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin is joined by CEO and Head of Creative at FUEL branding agency, Mary Church Cornette. Mary shares what her experience was like sharpening her skills in the branding industry during her time in LA and New York City before bringing her talents here to the Upstate. FUEL has helped build up some of the most well known brands here in the Upstate!

Jan 15, 202534 minEp. 81

On the Trail with: Wimp Decaf Coffee Co.

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin is introduced to what the decaf life is like by Matthew Smith, owner of Wimp Decaf Coffee Co. Matthew shares why he has embarked on this journey to bring high quality decaf coffee to the world!

Jan 08, 202547 minEp. 80

On the Trail with: Nate Lipscomb

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin gets the chance to chat with the former Executive VP of the Greenville Drive! Nate Lipscomb shares his story about bringing the team here to Greenville along with some of his favorite memories over the year. Go Drive!

Nov 27, 202437 minEp. 79

On the Trail with: BikeWalkGVL + Upstate Greenways and Trail Alliance

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin is joined by Mary McGowan (BikeWalkGVL) and Sam Davis (Upstat Greenways and Trails Alliance) to talk about the amazing clean up effort of the Swamp Rabbit Trail after Hurricane Helene. Plus some insight on some other trail projects!

Nov 20, 202428 minEp. 78

On the Trail with: Blair Knobel & VSSL Magazine

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin is joined by founder of Vessel Magazine, Blair Knobel. As a native to the Upstate, Blair shares her unique experience of growing up here, moving to New York to work on her publishing craft, only to answer her calling to come back home. Blair worked for a decade as editor in chief for TOWN Magazine before starting her new venture of VSSL.

Nov 13, 202456 minEp. 77

On the Trail with: Avryn Co.

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin hits the trail with Kate Gaffney, founder of Avryn Co. Kate shares her story of how making a leather wristlet out of necessity turned into launching her own business that hand crafts these products right here in Greenville! Sponsor: WYLDSTAY Greenville. https://www.wyldstaygreenvillesc.com/ Enter promo code TRAILTALKS for 15% your stay!

Nov 06, 202431 minEp. 76

On the Trail with: Jianna Pt. 2

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin is joined by the amazing duo behind Jianna - Chef Michael Kramer and GM Andrea Royko. New to the show, Andrea shares a bit about her story and then the pair dive into the making of the new Jianna Cookbook! Available now! Jianna Cookbook: https://c7b93c-86.myshopify.com/products/jianna-cookbook Sponsor: WYLDSTAY Greenville. https://www.wyldstaygreenvillesc.com/ Enter promo code TRAILTALKS for 15% your stay!

Oct 30, 202432 minEp. 75
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