Welcome to "Gaston's Great," the podcast that delves into the dynamic world of non-profits and leadership in Gaston County, North Carolina! I'm your host Steven Long, and I'm excited to guide you through the inspiring stories, impactful initiatives, and visionary leaders who are making a difference in our community. In each episode, "Gaston's Great" shines a spotlight on the dedicated individuals and organizations that contribute to the social fabric of Gaston County through their work in th ...
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Sharing knowledge, hacks, and ideas on work-life balance and personal productivity, and talking to knowledgeable people in those areas.
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Serving with Purpose: A Conversation with David Phelps of The Salvation Army
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Send us a text This week, we welcome David Phelps from The Salvation Army to discuss the incredible work being done right here in Gaston and Lincoln County. From providing essential services like food to supporting families during difficult times, The Salvation Army continues to make a profound difference in our community. David shares the challeng…
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Breaking Your Team's Biggest Success Barrier: 7 Simple Changes - with Maura Thomas
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Productivity expert Maura Thomas joins Brian to tackle this #truthbomb: Your team's biggest productivity barrier might be you. Through engaging stories and practical examples, Maura reveals how leaders unknowingly create chaos through their communication habits and "always available" mentality. Learn simple yet powerful changes you can make as a le…
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Send us a text Happy Thanksgiving from Gaston's Great! 🎙️ This week, Steven and Naomi are bringing the holiday cheer with funny Thanksgiving stories and lighthearted questions that'll keep you entertained. 😂✨ We're also sharing YOUR Facebook comments on why you're thankful for Gaston County—because there's so much to love about our community. ❤️ Tu…
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Bridging the Healthcare Gap: A Conversation with HealthNet Gaston
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Send us a text In this episode of Gaston's Great, we sit down with representatives from HealthNet Gaston, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing comprehensive, affordable healthcare to low-income, uninsured residents of Gaston County. We explore their mission to assist individuals with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, high bloo…
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Empowering Education: A Conversation with the Gaston County Education Foundation 📚💡
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Send us a text In this episode of Gaston's Great, we sit down with Amy Spencer, Executive Director of the Gaston County Education Foundation, to explore their mission of enhancing educational opportunities in Gaston County! 🎉📝 We dive into their amazing grant programs, like the Ron L. Ensley Grant and the Jennie Stultz Grant for Art Education, whic…
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Building Hope: Affordable Housing with Our Neighbors, Inc
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Send us a text In this week's episode, we sit down with Stephen A. Crane, Executive Director of Our Neighbors, Inc., a Gastonia-based nonprofit dedicated to improving affordable housing opportunities in the community. Stephen shares insights into their mission, the challenges of developing and managing affordable housing, and the impact of their pr…
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Surprise Guests & Spooky Giggles: A Halloween Special!
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Send us a text This Halloween, join Steven and 2 surprise guest for a fun-filled episode of spooky jokes and unexpected laughs! From funny stories to Halloween favorites, this episode has just the right amount of "scare" to make you smile. Perfect for getting into the Halloween spirit! 🎃 🔊 Thank you for listening to Gaston's Great! If you enjoyed t…
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How Your Purpose Will Multiply Your Productivity - With Stan Phelps
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Stan Phelps joins Brian and explores the deep connection between purpose and productivity. They dig into the importance of aligning personal and organizational goals with a clear purpose. They also dive into helpful tangents including: The 4 versions of the workplace and how productivity is tied to the current version 4.0 the significance of warmth…
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Transparency in Giving: Mite Organization's Global Impact with Scott & Madison
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Send us a text In this episode of Gaston's Great, we chat with Scott and Madison from the Mite Organization, a nonprofit revolutionizing the world of charitable giving. Learn how they ensure transparency and direct impact by connecting donors to vetted global projects, empowering communities, and tracking every donation's real-world effects. Discov…
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Empowering Words: A Conversation with the Gaston Literacy Council
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Send us a text In this enlightening episode, we sit down with representatives from the Gaston Literacy Council to explore their vital mission of promoting literacy and education in our community. Join us as we discuss the impactful programs they offer, the challenges they face, and how everyone can play a role in fostering a culture of reading and …
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Feeding Hope: How Bountiful Blessings Serves the Community – Part 2
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Send us a text In the conclusion of our two-part series, Rodney Freeman and Mark Taylor share powerful stories of impact and the challenges Bountiful Blessings faces in serving the community. Join us as we explore the future of their mission and how they continue to bring hope through their weekly food distributions. FACEBOOK 🔊 Thank you for listen…
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Feeding Hope: How Bountiful Blessings Serves the Community – Part 1
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Send us a text In this episode of Gaston’s Great, we sit down with Rodney Freeman and Mark Taylor from Bountiful Blessings, a local nonprofit dedicated to making a difference every Thursday by providing food to those in need. In part one of this inspiring two-part series, learn about how Bountiful Blessings was founded, their mission, and the impac…
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5 Productivity Hacks We Disagree On - With Eric Girard
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This episode features a debate between Brian and Eric Girard. There are 5 productivity hacks that these two disagree on. The discussion includes: tasks written on calendar vs to-do list, planning out every minute of the day on your calendar, wake-up times (early vs. late), meditation, and the use of Amazon Subscribe & Save. Throughout the episode, …
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Part 2 of Building Unity and Collaboration: A Conversation with Gaston Together's Leadership
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Send us a text In part two of our conversation with Gaston Together, Leslie Lee and Amia Massey return to dive deeper into their vision for a more connected and collaborative Gaston County. We explore ongoing projects, future goals, and the power of bringing diverse groups to the table to solve community challenges. Don’t miss this insightful conti…
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Building Unity and Collaboration: A Conversation with Gaston Together's Leadership (Part 1)
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Send us a text In this episode of Gaston's Great, we sit down with Leslie Lee, Executive Director, and Amia Massey, Chair of the Board, from Gaston Together. Join us as we discuss their mission of fostering collaboration and unity within Gaston County. Learn about their initiatives that bring citizens, organizations, and communities together to add…
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Reintegrating Heroes: Camp Centurion's Mission - Part 2
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Send us a text In Part 2 of our special episode on Camp Centurion, we continue our conversation with Kenneth Heavner, President, and Joe Dun, Director of the program. They dive deeper into the challenges veterans face when reintegrating into civilian life and the vital support Camp Centurion provides to help local veterans transition smoothly. Join…
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Beat Interruption Overload, Your Hidden Productivity Killer - With Joel MacCharles
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Joel MacCharles joins Brian to discuss discuss managing your interruption overload and staying focused. They share their personal strategies for staying organized and productive, including using to-do lists, calendars, and focus music. They emphasize the need to prioritize tasks and eliminate unnecessary meetings and emails. Joel expresses his frus…
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Reintegrating Heroes: Camp Centurion's Mission - Part 1
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Send us a text In this episode of Gaston's Great, we sit down with Kenneth Heavner, President of Camp Centurion, and Joe Dun, Director, to explore how this vital program is helping local veterans reintegrate into the community. Join us for part 1 of this inspiring conversation about supporting those who have served. WEBSITE FACEBOOK Book of The Wee…
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Running Toward Empowerment: How Girls on the Run is Changing Lives
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Send us a text In this episode of Gaston's Great, we sit down with Karen Gipson, the Executive Director of Girls on the Run of Greater Charlotte. Karen shares the inspiring mission of the organization, its impactful goals, and her personal journey that led her to become involved in empowering young girls through this incredible program. Tune in to …
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Leading Growth at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden: John’s Vision for Gaston's Green Gem
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Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with John, the Executive Director of the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in Gaston County, NC. Dive into his inspiring journey into the nonprofit world, uncover the garden's core mission, and get a sneak peek into upcoming events and plans that promise to enchant visitors. Whether you're a plant enthusiast …
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Empowering Artists with Kathleen Finch from Carolinas Street Art Collaborative (Part 2)
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Send us a text Join us for the second part of our engaging conversation with Kathleen Finch from the Carolinas Street Art Collaborative. Kathleen shares more insights into the world of street art, discussing the organization's latest projects, community involvement, and the positive impact on local artists. Tune in to hear inspiring stories about h…
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Tactics For Managing People Older Than You - with Ann Kerian
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Ann Kerian, an author, executive coach, & consultant joined Brian for a candid discussion on managing older employees. The episode is full of practical tips and personal insights. Brian and Ann explore strategies for building respect across generations, avoiding common pitfalls, and leveraging diverse strengths in the workplace. It's a must-listen …
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Empowering Artists with Kathleen Finch from Carolinas Street Art Collaborative (Part 1)
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Send us a text In this episode of Gaston's Great, we kick off a two-part series with Kathleen Finch, the driving force behind Carolinas Street Art Collaborative. Discover how this non-profit organization is making a difference by hosting events that support artists financially, offering scholarships, and organizing family-friendly pop-ups. Kathleen…
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Dream Center Academy: Empowering Futures – Part 2
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Send us a text 🎓✨ Dreams Take Flight at the Dream Center Academy! ✨🎓 In this powerful follow-up episode, we continue our conversation with Roxann from the Dream Center Academy, joined by three inspiring graduates. Together, they share their personal journeys, experiences, and the impact the Academy has had on their lives. Listen in as these graduat…
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Dream Center Academy: Empowering Futures – Part 1
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Send us a text 🎓✨ Dreams Take Flight at the Dream Center Academy! ✨🎓 Join us for a heartwarming and inspiring two-part series as we delve into the incredible stories of three graduating students from the Dream Center Academy. In Part 1, we sit down with these remarkable individuals to explore their journeys, aspirations, and the profound impact the…
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Bridging the Gap: Foster Care Solutions with Susanna Kavanaugh
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Send us a text In this insightful episode of Gaston's Great, we sit down with Susanna Kavanaugh, the Executive Director of Least of These Carolinas. Located in Gaston County, this remarkable nonprofit organization is dedicated to bridging the gap in the foster care system. Susanna shares inspiring stories and sheds light on the critical support and…
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Life Balance: The Blueprint You've Been Missing
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In this episode, Brian unveils the Gladiator Life Balance Blueprint, the piece of the puzzle you’ve been missing. The 5-Pointed Star represents your balance, and you’ll want to plan how brightly your star GLOWS - Growth, Love and relationships, Others, Work, and Self (GLOWS). Brian provides a full collection of practical tips advice on implementing…
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Echoes of 1776: The Declaration of Independence Read Aloud
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Send us a text In this special Independence Day episode of Gaston's Great, we're celebrating the spirit of freedom and patriotism with a reading of the Declaration of Independence by our very own Steven. Join us as we take a journey back to 1776, honoring the courageous visionaries who laid the foundation for the United States of America. Tune in, …
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Catherine's House CEO Kathy: Supporting Women in Need
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Send us a text Join us in this inspiring episode of Gaston's Great as we sit down with Kathy, the President and CEO of Catherine's House. Catherine's House is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment for women in need. Kathy shares her incredible journey, the mission of Catherine's House, and the impactful work they do to empower wo…
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Celebrating 40 Years of Impact: Joshua Adkins on Gaston School of the Arts
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Send us a text 🎨 Join us for a special celebration! 🎉 This week, we sit down with Joshua Adkins, the dynamic Executive Director of the Gaston School of the Arts, as we mark their 40th birthday! 🎂 Discover the incredible journey of this nonprofit arts hub and how it's been a cornerstone of creativity in our community. 🌟 Joshua shares why arts educat…
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Tips You Missed On Successfully Starting Something New - with Dr. Amanda Crowell
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Dr. Amanda Crowell, a cognitive psychologist and author of "Great Work", shares powerful insights on successfully starting something new. From overcoming mental blocks to having honest conversations about bandwidth, she provides a refreshing perspective on thriving at work without sacrificing everything else. Her relatable personal journey adds dep…
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Email Overload? No More! Reclaim Your Inbox With These Underutilized Hacks & Tactics
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Drowning in emails? This is your life raft. Discover the shockingly simple 4D system for inbox mastery and the little-known hacks top performers use to never miss an important email and stay on top of tasks. Listen now, so you can close your inbox with confidence. See the full details and links on the episode's page: https://www.productivitygladiat…
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The Difference Between Good vs. GREAT Leaders: A Deep Dive - with Sara Canaday
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Leadership strategist Sara Canaday joins Brian and shares insights on the key differences that turn a good leader into a great one. Unlike vague general leadership training, this conversation is specific for a change, delving into what a good leader and a great leader would do in the same situation, to unlock their team's potential and become truly…
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AI Productivity Hacks: 14 Game-Changing Prompts to Transform Your Work & Life
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Brian Nelson-Palmer shares 14 creative prompts to leverage generative AI (like ChatGPT) to supercharge your productivity at work and in your personal life. This is especially relevant to Project Managers and Aspiring Leaders. From data analysis to contract summaries to infusing humor into speeches, he provides practical examples of how AI can be yo…
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A Mission to Brighten Lives at Camp Sunshine ft Beth Patton
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Send us a text WATCH NOW: https://youtu.be/TDL6P3Sk7pg?si=GdizXW7xFxgFmWNX In this heartwarming episode of "Gaston's Great," we sit down with Beth Patton, a key figure behind Camp Sunshine's transformative mission. Beth shares the remarkable story of how Camp Sunshine offers an unforgettable summer experience to children who might otherwise miss ou…
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Guiding with Purpose: Unpacking Principle #5 from 'The Way of The Shepherd
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Send us a text WATCH NOW: https://youtu.be/7LQvROdXrAo?si=gbWdQsMl0NkBfGX- In this episode, hosts Steven and Mark delve into the essence of leadership through a discussion centered around Principle #5 from "The Way of The Shepherd." Exploring the vital role of direction in effective leadership, they reflect on how guidance and clarity pave the path…
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Women Shaping Change: Conversation with Community Catalyst Jennifer Davis
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Send us a text WATCH NOW: https://youtu.be/52A-lIaa-vI Join us as we delve into the remarkable journey of Jennifer Davis, a driving force behind community development. Discover Jennifer's compelling 'why' as we explore her beginnings, motivations, and the pivotal moments that ignited her passion for making a difference. Tune in to uncover the inspi…
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What Is Your Productivity Animal? Understand Your Natural Tendencies - with Chris Croft
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Chris Croft, an author and speaker on productivity and happiness, joins Brian on the show to share his unique "productivity animal" framework. He explains how different animal personalities represent different combinations of goals, efficiency, enjoyment, and achievement. The banter between Chris and Brian is humorous and insightful. Take the quiz …
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Building a Safe Work Environment: Deciphering Leadership Principle 4
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Send us a text Join us as we explore the essential facets of leadership through the wisdom of "The Way of the Shepherd." As an HVAC company, we understand the significance of fostering a secure and supportive workplace. In this episode, our operations leader, Mark Benton, joins us to delve into Principle 4: "Making Your Pasture a Safe Place." Toget…
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Fossil Fun: Embarking on a NEW Jurassic Journey at The Schiele Museum
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Send us a text Join us in this exciting episode as we sit down with Tony Pasour, assistant director at the Schiele Museum, to unveil the thrilling details of their upcoming fossil exhibit. Tony takes us on a journey through time as he shares the inspiration behind the exhibit, the fascinating fossils that will be on display, and the incredible stor…
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Building Stronger Families with AJ and Bria Main from Family Life Ministry
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Send us a text Join us as we interview AJ and Bria Main with Family Life Ministry! In this episode, AJ and Bria share their heartfelt experiences and the transformative impact of answering God's call to serve. From navigating challenges to nurturing resilience, join us as we explore their unique path to becoming pillars of strength within the Famil…
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Exploring Fossils - Unearthing the Past at the Schiele Museum Fossil Fair
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Send us a text Join us we interview Nathan Chapman with the Schiele Museum. This week we will be highlighting the Fossil Fair that is coming up soon! Step into a prehistoric adventure at the Schiele Museum's Fossil Fair! Dive deep into the ancient world as you roam through captivating fossil displays and partake in thrilling activities inspired by …
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Steps Towards Hope: Inside Our Community's Fight Against Alzheimer's
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Send us a text In this episode, we delve into the heart of our community's efforts to combat Alzheimer's disease by spotlighting the impactful work of the Alzheimer's Association and their annual Walk to End Alzheimer's event. Join us as we sit down with Brittany Blain, the dedicated manager behind the scenes of our local walk, and Christine John-F…
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Everyday Persuasion: The Sales Tactics That Work With Kids, Bosses, AND Clients - with Dean Karrel
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Dean Karrel, a sales trainer and career advisor, joins Brian to discuss everyday sales tactics that can be used to influence and persuade, not just in a sales role but in all aspects of life - with kids, family, bosses, and clients. They discuss emotional intelligence, listening, understanding the other person's perspective, telling stories, being …
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A Lifetime of Service and Compassion FT: Barbara Voorhees
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Send us a text Barbara's impact is everywhere you look. But it's not just what she does, it's how she does it—with heart and genuine care. She's the neighbor you can always count on and the friend who's there in good times and bad. Barbara Voorhees isn't just making a difference; she's making our community a better, brighter place to be. BOOK OF TH…
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A Coach's Impact on Shaping Young Men's Lives FT: Troy Phillips
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Send us a text In this inspiring podcast episode, join us as we delve into the transformative journey led by Coach Troy Phillips, the dedicated mentor and basketball coach at Hunter Huss High in Gastonia, NC. In this episode we explore the profound influence Coach Phillips has on the lives of the young athletes under his guidance. From instilling d…
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Could This Meeting Have Been An Email? - 28 Hacks, Tips, & Tricks
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Ever been in a meeting and thought “UGH, this meeting could have been an email?” This episode is a massive knowledge share, where Brian reveals some of the tips, tricks, and hacks he teaches in his training on this topic. It’s time to pull back the curtain on meeting efficiency, effectiveness, and skill. See the full details and links on the episod…
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Revitalizing America: A Journey to Better Health with Ken Neeld
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Send us a text Explore the remarkable journey of Ken Neeld in this inspiring episode, where we trace his path from military service to entrepreneurial success. A true hero, Ken's transition from the disciplined life of a soldier to one of the founders of Optimum Result Fitness reflects a deep commitment to wellness. Through anecdotes and insights, …
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Community Catalyst: Inspiring Change with Dwayne Burks
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Send us a text WATCH NOW: https://youtu.be/9FbvilAaGOY Join us in a powerful episode of Gaston's Great as we sit down with Dwayne Burks, a true community catalyst whose journey from humble beginnings to impactful leadership is nothing short of inspiring. Through personal anecdotes, Dwayne shares the pivotal moments that fueled his dedication to com…
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Unleashing Strength and Brotherhood- F3 Gastonia
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Send us a text WATCH NOW: https://youtu.be/DMPdTaKNZWg 🔥 Get ready to break a sweat and forge lasting bonds as we dive into the world of F3 Gastonia in this week's episode! 🏋️♂️ Join us as we explore the dynamic and empowering journey of men coming together to push their physical and mental limits through the F3 Gastonia workout group. 💪 Discover …
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