Best WNC Podcasts (2025)

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EP# 354: From HR Myths To Measurable Growth With Justice Leadership 13:48

5h ago13:48

13:48

Growth doesn’t stall because the strategy is weak. It stalls because people are unclear, overloaded, and under-coached. That’s why we brought in Sharon Justice, founder of Justice Leadership, to share how small and mid-sized businesses can build simple, scalable people systems that actually stick. Sharon blends decades in financial services leaders…

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Back to Basics: Fiscal Fundamentals & the Future of WNC with Daniel Andreotta 52:46

2h ago52:46

52:46

Send us a text In this episode of the Kudzu Project, I sit down with Daniel Andreotta of Integrity Financial Group to talk about where the economy really stands—nationally, regionally, and right here in Henderson County, NC. Daniel works every day with families, business owners, and local professionals, bringing a grounded perspective on how broade…

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EP# 355: From Food Truck To Weddings: How Ciao Y’all Elevates Event Dining 11:56

16h ago11:56

11:56

What if your wedding meal didn’t just “do the job,” but became the part guests talk about for years? We sit down with Mac Cooper, owner of Ciao Y’all Catering, to unpack how a former Asheville food truck turned into a go‑to events team by elevating flavor, discipline, and hospitality. The secret isn’t flash—it’s a calm, methodical prep cadence that…

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EP# 353: How Man Cave Ministries Helps Men Heal And Find Faith 14:37

3h ago14:37

14:37

A handful of sandwiches, a small garage, and a bold idea turned into a lifeline for dozens of men each week. We sit down with Steve Ward, founder and president of Man Cave Ministry, to trace how a six-week plan blossomed into a thriving community that helps men confront hurts, habits, and hangups without judgment—and with a clear path forward. Stev…

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EP# 352: Redefining Luxury Real Estate In Western North Carolina with Real Luxury Life 8:55

3h ago8:55

8:55

What if luxury real estate had nothing to do with price and everything to do with how you’re treated? We sit down with broker Alicia Bean MacDonald of Christie's International Real Estate to unpack a service-first approach that helps buyers, sellers, and investors in Western North Carolina make smarter moves with less stress. Alicia explains why ac…

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EP# 351: Inside Asheville Septic And Well: Inspections, Installs, And Mountain Springs 10:39

4d ago10:39

10:39

Hidden systems make or break a home. That’s why we brought on David Bar Shimon, co-owner of Asheville Septic and Well, to pull back the curtain on septic tanks, well inspections, sewer scopes, and the mountain springs that still supply water to some homes across Western North Carolina. If you’ve ever bought a house, sold a house, or wondered what’s…

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Carolina HealthWorks explained and Lessons for Success in Leadership 39:49

4h ago39:49

39:49

Among the many things business leaders must consider these days is the rising cost of health insurance, and how extending these benefits can impact the bottom line. On this week's Mind Your Business, we examine Carolina HealthWorks, a new program offered in partnership between the North Carolina Chamber and its Federation members and Blue Cross Blu…

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Mind Your Business Bonus Content - Passing the Torch - A Dialogue on Leadership Transition 52:19

4h ago52:19

52:19

On Monday, November 3, 2025, the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce and its Watauga Leadership Institute presented Passing the Torch: A Dialogue on Leadership Transitions. This program was made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of App State's Walker College of Business and Mast General Store. Our featured guests included: Dr. Leslie Alexander,…

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Faith and Falling Towers: The Jeff Sokol 9/11 Interview 47:20

3d ago47:20

47:20

Send us a text When the world changed on the morning of September 11th, 2001, Jeff Sokol says his life — and everything he thought he knew about the world around him — changed with it. In this gripping conversation, Jeff recounts his experience of surviving that fateful day, and the spiritual reckoning that ensued. What began as a story of survival…

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October Business Performance & the Latest on Howard Street Construction 41:04

7d ago41:04

41:04

As businesses watch the calendar turn to November, many across the High Country are taking stock of October performance metrics. They are also trying to catch-up on everything else that's been going on during one of the busiest times of the year. On this week's Mind Your Business, we visit with Eric Brinker of The Speckled Trout to get insight on O…

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EP# 350: How A Local Firm Cuts Through Medicare Confusion And Puts Seniors First 12:23

9d ago12:23

12:23

Medicare shouldn’t feel like a riddle with moving parts, yet so many seniors are stuck choosing between confusing options, conflicting advice, and high-pressure pitches. We sat down with Danny Haire—who’s spent 52 years in the insurance world leading Financial Services Inc. and Senior Benefit Inc.—to break through the noise with straight talk, prac…

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Missing But Not Forgotten: Major Bob Johnson & Henderson County’s MIA Heroes 57:11

11d ago57:11

57:11

Send us a text Retired Army Major Bob Johnson has made it his mission to ensure that Henderson County's Missing in Action servicemembers from World War II are never lost to time. In this powerful episode, we talk about VFW Post 5206’s efforts to honor and locate 13 local heroes still unaccounted for, including Marine Corps Private Luther Rhodes, wh…

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EP#347: A Pastor’s Journey from Police Beat to Pulpit in Asheville’s Only Global Methodist Church 18:18

16d ago18:18

18:18

A brand-new church with ancient roots is taking shape in Asheville, and we sat down with Pastor Jeremiah Chapman to share how it happened and why it matters. Born from a lay-led movement in late 2023, Providence Global Methodist Church brings a clear, Scripture-first ethos into a warm, come-as-you-are community just off UNCA’s campus. Jeremiah’s st…

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EP # 346: This is what a relationship-first real estate firm looks: Noble &Co. Realty 14:08

10d ago14:08

14:08

Ever wonder what really holds a home purchase together when the clock is ticking and the inspection just got messy? We sat down with Mary Noble Braden—co-owner of Noble and Company Realty—to unpack what a relationship-first real estate practice looks like when the pressure rises. From Black Mountain roots to a regional footprint across Western Nort…

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EP# 345: Family-Owned Property Management with PMI Blue Ridge 8:48

10d ago8:48

8:48

Want proof that resilience beats headlines? We’re joined by Corey Prince of PMI Blue Ridge, a family-run property management company serving Western North Carolina and East Tennessee, to unpack how a region regains momentum after a storm and how a team can outperform a tough market. Corey shares the origin story—from a rough real estate deal to buy…

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EP#348: A Fee-Only Path to Financial Confidence with Skee Orr of Kinetic Wealth 11:12

16d ago11:12

11:12

A declined debit card, a wise grandmother, and a promise to put clients first—this conversation with Kinetic Wealth founder Skee Orr gets personal and practical about what real financial planning looks like. We trace Ski’s path from a small Western North Carolina town to launching a fee-only firm in Knoxville with his wife, and we dig into why tran…

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EP#349: Choosing The Right Floors For Every Home And Budget With BPS Southeast Flooring 13:09

16d ago13:09

13:09

Ever wondered why some floors gap, buckle, or underperform while others stay flawless for years? We sit down with Jason Trim, owner of BPS Southeast Flooring in Rutherford County, to unpack the choices that truly matter: materials, installation quality, and how to match flooring to your life, not just your Pinterest board. Jason walks us through a …

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EP# 324: The Blue Church: Finding Community in Morristown 13:49

10d ago13:49

13:49

Ever driven past that striking blue church in Morristown and wondered what goes on inside? Pastor Sonny Thomas of Peace Free Will Baptist Church joins the Good Neighbor Podcast to shatter misconceptions about church communities and share how they're creating a welcoming space for everyone in the Lakeway area. Celebrating nearly 40 years of ministry…

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EP#342: From Brewery Fixes to Bright Futures: Adam Agee on Crafting Outdoor Lighting that Lasts With AVL Outdoor Lighting & Design 11:52

16d ago11:52

11:52

A brewery’s dark corners turned into a bright idea. When we sat down with Adam Agee, owner-operator of AVL Outdoor Lighting and Design, we traced how a career in landscaping and facility maintenance evolved into a specialty: crafting low-voltage lighting that looks beautiful on night one and still performs years later. From diagnosing legacy issues…

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EP#332: Crafting Home Dreams with Nova Kitchen and Bath 11:51

14d ago11:51

11:51

What does it truly mean to be a local business serving the community for almost 50 years? Adam Stephens, President of Nova Kitchen and Bath, pulls back the curtain on the kitchen and bath remodeling industry in this engaging conversation. Stevens reveals the journey that brought him from a history education degree to leadership at one of Western No…

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EP# #338: Gorgeous Stays: A family finds purpose and community by turning a glamping campground into a place to reconnect. 11:58

16d ago11:58

11:58

Trade the noise for a night sky and the constant scroll for a deck of cards. We sit with Wendi Kribs, co-owner of Gorgeous Stays near Bryson City, to unpack how a glamping campground can deliver the comforts of home without the distractions—and why that balance changes how people connect. From rustic tent platforms and safari tents to yurts, tiny h…

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EP#323: Blountville Christian Church welcomes families seeking connection through Christ. 14:54

10d ago14:54

14:54

What happens when a Mississippi Gulf Coast worship leader finds himself pastoring a century-old church in the mountains of East Tennessee? The Good Neighbor Podcast welcomes Reverend Justin Daniel of Blountville Christian Church, who shares his unexpected journey into ministry and the vibrant faith community he now leads. Pastor Justin paints a pic…

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EP#339: From Missed Wedding Photos to a Mission for Real Moments with One Focus Photo 9:22

16d ago9:22

9:22

Tense shoulders, fixed smiles, and rushed timelines don’t belong in a love story. We sit down with Cody McCracken of One Focus Photo—serving the Southwest Virginia Tri-Cities—to explore how calm direction, humor, and genuine care turn camera anxiety into natural, joy-filled images. Cody breaks down why great wedding photography is only 10% shutter …

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EP#321: From Engineering Dreams to Distillery Reality: The Cultivated Cocktails Story 17:23

14d ago17:23

17:23

Skip Mauney's conversation with Leah Howard reveals the fascinating evolution of Cultivated Cocktails Distillery from a simple concept to a thriving craft spirits enterprise. What began as an engineer's automated dream has transformed into a hands-on passion project requiring meticulous attention, creativity, and persistence. Howard's journey from …

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EP# 330: Assembly Architecture and Build: Where Blueprint Meets Hammer 14:01

10d ago14:01

14:01

Ever wondered what happens when you combine architectural brilliance with hands-on construction knowledge? Ross Smith, owner of Assembly Architecture and Build, joins the Good Neighbor Podcast to reveal how his unique design-build approach is transforming custom home construction. Ross shares his journey from carpenter to architect to creating a bu…

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EP# 326: From RV Adventures to Laughter: The Blue Ridge Comedy Club Story 12:33

11d ago12:33

12:33

Sarah Morgan never planned to own a comedy club. When the pandemic derailed her husband Sean Carter's comedy tour, the couple found themselves stuck in Bristol, Tennessee with nothing but an RV and an unexpected opportunity. Now co-owners of Blue Ridge Comedy Club, they've created a thriving comedy scene that's changing how the Tri-Cities experienc…

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EP# 325: Exploring Asheville's Culinary Scene: One Bite at a Time with Asheville Food Tours 12:40

16d ago12:40

12:40

Discover the culinary heart of Asheville through the eyes of a passionate local guide in this mouthwatering conversation with Paddy Riels, owner-operator of Asheville Food Tours. What began as a skeptic's reluctant food tour experience transformed into an 11-year career for Paddy, who now leads visitors through downtown Asheville's remarkable food …

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EP# 327: From Dry County to Craft Beer Hub: The Homeplace Beer Company Story 14:36

10d ago14:36

14:36

Craft beer aficionados and small-town charm seekers alike will find something to love in this heartfelt conversation with John Silver, founder of Homeplace Beer Company in Burnsville, North Carolina. Skip Mauney welcomes John for a refreshingly honest look at what it takes to build a successful brewery that serves as the heartbeat of a mountain com…

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EP# 328: Serving with Purpose: Pastor Richard Myers' 26-Year Ministry Journey 15:32

10d ago15:32

15:32

What happens when a person raised to believe their value comes solely from hard work encounters the message of unconditional love? In this heartfelt conversation, Reverend Richard Myers of Oak Grove Baptist Church shares his remarkable 26-year journey in ministry and the powerful transformation that led him there. Pastor Myers opens up about growin…

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EP# 336: From Mechanic to HOA Steward: Charlie Meek on Building Better Communities with R&P Property Managers 12:30

16d ago12:30

12:30

Think HOAs are all red tape and power trips? We sit down with R&P Property Managers owner Charlie Meek to show how a listening-first, boutique model can quiet drama, protect budgets, and keep neighbors on the same page. Charlie shares the journey from military service to landscaping to leading HOA and condo management, and unpacks what many people …

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EP# 337: From Bread Routes to Big Roofs: Konrad Schimmel on Craft, Care, and Commercial Roofing 6:57

16d ago6:57

6:57

A roof is never just a roof when it protects a restaurant kitchen, a production line, or a warehouse full of goods. We welcome Konrad Schimmel, Business Development Manager at WNC Roofing, for a grounded tour of commercial roofing—what separates it from residential work, where leaks really start, and how a specialist keeps big buildings dry without…

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EP#333: A small kitchen proves scratch-made comfort food can thrive in the most unlikely place 12:23

11d ago12:23

12:23

If you think great food can’t come from a gas station, prepare to be delighted. We sit down with chef-owner Jamie Wade of Sand Hill Kitchen in West Asheville to unpack how a tiny BP kitchen turned into a beloved neighborhood staple—one buttermilk-fried chicken sandwich at a time. Jamie shares the origin story, from spotting a fully built kitchen in…

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EP# 322: Building a Community-First Brewery Experience: The Salt Face Mule Story 16:05

10d ago16:05

16:05

Tucked just off I-26 at exit 21 in Western North Carolina, Salt Face Mule Brewing Company stands as a testament to what happens when passionate entrepreneurs reimagine what a brewery can be. As Partners Anthony Randolph and Christopher Luce approach their second anniversary, they share the remarkable journey of transforming a former arcade complex …

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EP# 329: After 96 Years, First Christian Church Continues to Impact Lives 11:52

11d ago11:52

11:52

What makes a nearly century-old church remain vibrant and relevant in today's world? Pastor Jonathan Feathers answers this question by sharing the remarkable 96-year journey of First Christian Church of Bluff City and his own 25-year ministry path that brought him back to his East Tennessee roots. The conversation with host Skip Mauney reveals how …

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EP# 334: From Ohio to Knoxville: How a Family Built Five Clean Eatz Cafes and a Community Around Better Food 12:45

16d ago12:45

12:45

A surprise meal delivered to a hospital room changed everything for our guest, Zach Sattler. What began as a favor from the Clean Eatz founders became the spark that led his family to sell nearly everything, move to Knoxville, and build five thriving cafés dedicated to clean eating that actually tastes good. This is a story about risk, community, a…

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EP# 303: Crafting Local Connections: The Asheville Goods Story 16:46

20d ago16:46

16:46

What happens when a graphic designer loses her job during a recession but refuses to leave the mountain community she loves? For Celia Naranjo, it sparked the creation of Asheville Goods, a thriving gift box business now entering its 14th holiday season. From her studio in Weaverville, North Carolina, Celia curates beautiful, eco-friendly gift boxe…

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EP# 296: True North Counselors are changing how mental health services support both clients and employees. 10:33

20d ago10:33

10:33

Ever wondered what happens when mental health professionals decide to create the counseling practice they've always dreamed of? Skip Mauney sits down with Brittany Krakow and Hilary Musgrove, founders of True North Counselors in Abingdon, Virginia, who are revolutionizing mental health care by prioritizing both client outcomes and therapist wellbei…

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EP#320: The spirits are always flowing at Pack's Tavern, both in glasses and through the walls 13:22

20d ago13:22

13:22

Step back in time at Pack's Tavern, a family-owned Asheville gem where history, hauntings, and hospitality create an unforgettable dining experience. General Manager Tyler Brown pulls back the curtain on this 1907-built establishment, revealing far more than just their impressive 36 beer taps and scratch-made food philosophy. The conversation takes…

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EP# 300: Finding God's Calling in the Sanctuary of The Tri-Cities Hidden Gem with Rev. Joel Bean 16:36

20d ago16:36

16:36

What happens when life's most tragic moments become the foundation for profound strength? Reverend Joel Bean's remarkable journey from personal tragedy to pastoral purpose reveals exactly this transformation. The pastor of Sanctuary of the Tri-Cities shares his unexpected path from San Francisco to East Tennessee, a place he describes as a "hidden …

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EP# 308: Training from Your Dog's Perspective: Kathryn Gubista's Revolutionary Approach 12:21

20d ago12:21

12:21

Ever wondered why your dog doesn't respond to training techniques that worked for your friend's pet? The answer might surprise you. In this enlightening conversation with Kathryn Gubista, owner of Lucky Dog Training Asheville, we discover why traditional dog training methods often miss the mark and how a biology-based approach yields remarkable res…

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EP# 305: North Lodge Bed and Breakfast: Where Service Meets Hospitality 14:17

20d ago14:17

14:17

Ever wondered what separates a true bed and breakfast from the countless vacation rentals flooding the market? Chris Vergani, owner of North Lodge Bed and Breakfast, shares the defining difference: "Service and hospitality." His award-winning establishment in Asheville offers far more than just accommodation—it delivers an experience rooted in pers…

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EP# 306: Digital Strategies for Small Business Success 16:12

18d ago16:12

16:12

Tony Zioli didn't just stumble into digital marketing—he pioneered it. Starting in the mid-90s with one of the first platforms for sharing DJ mixes online, Tony navigated the dot-com boom and bust before establishing Digital Strategy Works, now helping small businesses throughout Asheville and beyond create meaningful digital presences. What makes …

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EP# 297: From Chef to Leader: Adam Lamb's Journey to Transforming Culinary Careers 12:08

20d ago12:08

12:08

What makes some chefs natural leaders while others struggle to build cohesive teams? Adam Lamb, owner-operator of Chef Life Media LLC, embarked on a journey to answer this question after recognizing a critical gap in culinary education. As he shares with host Skip Mauneyon the Good Neighbor Podcast, culinary schools teach everything about food but …

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EP# 299: Holy Mountain Baptist: Building Community for Almost 50 Years 14:32

15d ago14:32

14:32

Meet Reverend Tim Price, the dedicated pastor of Holy Mountain Baptist Church, who brings warmth, humor, and practical faith to the Kingsport community. As the church approaches its milestone 50th anniversary next year, Tim shares how this traditional Baptist congregation has remained deeply relevant in today's world through intentional community e…

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EP# 302: No Judgment Zone: How Resurrection Power Church Meets People Where They Are 9:28

20d ago9:28

9:28

"Everyone's welcome in it. It's a no judgment zone." These powerful words from Pastor Michael Blankenship perfectly capture the heart behind Resurrection Power Church in Johnson City, Tennessee. In this candid conversation, Pastor Michael shares his remarkable journey from career professional to church leader—a path interrupted by a life-threatenin…

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EP# 298: Building Strategic Marketing Foundations Instead of Throwing Spaghetti at the Wall 11:41

20d ago11:41

11:41

Marketing doesn't have to be overwhelming. That's the refreshing message Holly Fisher, founder of Fisher Creative Marketing, brings to this episode of the Good Neighbor Podcast. Drawing from her background as a newspaper journalist, Holly shares how she pivoted to marketing after the 2008 economic downturn, transforming a career setback into a thri…

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EP# 316: First Contact Ministries: A Beacon of Hope in the Recovery Journey 14:57

18d ago14:57

14:57

What happens when personal tragedy transforms into a mission of hope? Craig Halford never imagined he'd be running an addiction recovery ministry, but when a loved one fell into the grip of methamphetamine and heroin addiction 13 years ago, everything changed. Before the opioid crisis became headline news, Halford found himself navigating a landsca…

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EP#301: Where Scripture Speaks: 70 Years of Ministry at Boone's Creek 13:00

20d ago13:00

13:00

What does authentic faith look like in today's world? Pastor Andrew Isbell of Boone's Creek Bible Church offers a refreshingly honest perspective on this question during his conversation with Skip Monty on the Good Neighbor Podcast. As his church approaches its 70th anniversary next September, Pastor Andrew reflects on both its rich history and his…

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EP# 304: Sleep Luxury for Less: The Affordable Bedding Success Story 15:06

15d ago15:06

15:06

Ever wondered why mattresses cost so much? Patrick McMahon, owner of Affordable Bedding in Asheville, North Carolina, pulls back the curtain on the mattress industry in this eye-opening conversation. After working in his uncle's furniture business for eleven years, Patrick branched out in 2001 to create what has become western North Carolina's olde…

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EP# 307: Blackford Wellness: Revolutionizing Affordable Weight Loss in Western NC 10:02

20d ago10:02

10:02

Ever wondered how personal transformation can spark a mission to help others? Morgan Holden from Blackford Wellness shares the remarkable story behind their female-led weight loss center in Western North Carolina—a story that begins with founder Priscilla Hendricks shedding over 100 pounds and discovering a passion for helping others achieve simila…

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