Episodes

Turning passion into purpose isn’t always a straight path—and Robert Young’s journey into the world of craft brewing is proof of that. What started as a curiosity sparked during his travels quickly evolved into something much bigger: a mission to bring culture, creativity, and community into Augusta through craft beer. His story is one of patience, persistence, and boldly stepping into spaces where representation is still growing. We talk about the realities of building a business from the grou...

Creativity doesn’t have to fit into a single box—and Kevin Stark is a perfect example of what happens when you fully embrace every creative passion you have. From building the only Toy and Action Figure Museum of its kind to designing toys for major franchises and creating art across multiple mediums, Kevin shares how following curiosity and creativity can lead to something truly extraordinary. We explore what it looks like to build a life rooted in imagination, the importance of diversifying y...

There’s something incredibly powerful about community, purpose, and creating opportunities where they didn’t exist before. In this episode, I share the story of how GHA Autism Supports and Second Street Sundries are changing lives in Albemarle, North Carolina—one cup of coffee at a time. You’ll hear directly from Alan Cremisi, a talented barista whose passion and dedication have helped him grow both personally and professionally, and Dawn Allen, who has spent decades building a mission-driven or...

Building something meaningful doesn’t always start with a perfect plan—sometimes it begins with a simple idea that takes on a life of its own. In this episode, I share the story of Mary Wysocki and how a small creative outlet turned into a thriving custom apparel business in Albemarle, North Carolina. From working out of her basement to opening a storefront with just $400, her journey is a true testament to following your passion and trusting the process. We also talk about the deeper, more per...

Some stories remind us just how powerful resilience, community, and purpose can be—and Connie Blalock’s journey is one of those stories. In this episode, I share her path from a childhood marked by hardship to becoming the heart behind Glory Beans Coffee House in Albemarle, North Carolina. What started as a business quickly became something much deeper—a place rooted in love, service, and genuine human connection. We talk about overcoming self-doubt, facing life-altering challenges like a breas...

Taking a leap into the unknown can be both exciting and overwhelming—and in this episode, I share a conversation that captures exactly that. Patty Davis opens up about what it really looks like to leave behind a familiar life in the U.S. and start fresh in Portugal. From selling her home without ever visiting the country to navigating a new language, culture, and way of life, her story is filled with bold decisions and honest reflections. We also dive into the beauty of travel, the unexpected c...

Some experiences stay with you forever—and my conversation with Martha Rebour is one of those that brings me right back to the moments that changed how I see the world. From traveling to Zambia and witnessing firsthand the realities families face just to access life-saving vaccines, to understanding the global impact of organizations like Shot@Life, this conversation is both eye-opening and deeply meaningful. We explore the power of advocacy, the progress that has been made in global health, an...

Some journeys unfold in ways we never could have planned, and Shawn Oke’s story is a perfect example of that. What began as a lifelong calling to the fire service eventually grew into something unexpected: preserving and expanding one of Albemarle’s most beloved businesses. From third-generation firefighter to Sweet Shop owner, Shawn shares how faith, family, and a willingness to take risks shaped a path he never saw coming. We talk about legacy, entrepreneurship, community, and the deep respon...

Michele Herrmann has been writing now for a quarter of her life and stays grateful for every byline then and now. Her byline has appeared on outlets ranging from AAA, Thrillist, Shondaland, Forbes and USA Today. While Michele divides her time between New York City and New England, her adventures have taken her as far as Fiji, to date. Follow Michele's adventures -> https://www.instagram.com/micheleherrmann/ https://sheisgoingplaces.com

Amy Bizzarri lives in a circa 1900 home in the Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago. When she isn't at home indulging in her passion for baking, you'll find her wandering the world. Amy has come face to face with gorillas in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, helped to build a school in Mali, drove the length of Route 66 in a minivan with her two kids in the backseat, and is a mermaid having trained with the legendary mermaids of Weeki Wachee, Florida. Amy covers food and travel for the Chicago...

Chris Cowan has been an internationally-recognized leader in Law Enforcement for over 30 years. With experience leading various special ops, security and crime suppression teams, developing professional development programs, and engaging in community policing, media relations, and business and community crime prevention, he has a wealth of knowledge on how to protect and serve the public. As the Chief of the newly formed Cayce Police Department in South Carolina, Chris is dedicated to bringing ...