Shows
Good Neighbor Podcast: TN-WNC-SWVAEP# 327: From Dry County to Craft Beer Hub: The Homeplace Beer Company StoryCraft 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 community.John shares the remarkable eight-year journey of transforming a tiny incubator space into a thriving community hub with a kitchen, music stage, and loyal following. What started as a wholesale-focused operation quickly evolved when locals embraced the taproom as their gathering...
2025-10-2714 min
Good Neighbor Podcast: TN-WNC-SWVAEP# 329: After 96 Years, First Christian Church Continues to Impact LivesWhat 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 Dr. Feathers' spiritual calling led him from Bluff City to Indiana, Long Island, and Virginia before returning home seven years ago to lead the church where he now serves. This geographical journey mirrors a deeper spiritual exploration about authentic community service and...
2025-10-2711 min
Good Neighbor Podcast: TN-WNC-SWVAEP#321: From Engineering Dreams to Distillery Reality: The Cultivated Cocktails StorySkip 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 handling administrative duties to becoming CEO showcases the reality of small business ownership – where leadership means being willing to take on any task, from executive decisions to cleaning mop sinks. Through her engaging storytelling, we discover how Cultivated Cocktails expanded beyond spirits production to encompass cocktail mixers, a retail store of...
2025-10-2717 min
Good Neighbor Podcast: TN-WNC-SWVAEP# 296: True North Counselors are changing how mental health services support both clients and employees.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 wellbeing.The conversation reveals a refreshing philosophy rarely discussed in healthcare: therapists who feel supported provide better care for their clients. With their impressive 100% staff retention rate, Brittany and Hilary demonstrate how valuing employees translates to exceptional client experiences. "We've worked places where the client matters... but then...
2025-10-2410 min
Good Neighbor Podcast: TN-WNC-SWVAEP# 297: From Chef to Leader: Adam Lamb's Journey to Transforming Culinary CareersWhat 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 nothing about leading people—leaving many chefs unprepared when they're handed the keys and told to manage a team.Drawing from his own failures and successes since 2006, Lamb now coaches chefs to develop what he calls "presence over position"—the ability to lead...
2025-10-2412 min
Good Neighbor Podcast: TN-WNC-SWVAEP#301: Where Scripture Speaks: 70 Years of Ministry at Boone's CreekWhat 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 personal journey to ministry leadership.With disarming candor, Pastor Andrew tackles the common criticism that Christians are hypocrites. Rather than becoming defensive, he simply agrees: "I think that's true. I think we are all hypocrites because I have sinned today." This acknowledgment...
2025-10-2413 min
Good Neighbor Podcast: TN-WNC-SWVAEP# 309: Beyond Marvel and DC: Discovering the World of Indie Comics with Fan-Tastic Cards and ComicsWhat Makes Chris Bischoff with Fan-tastic Cards & Comics a good Neighbor? When Chris Bischoff moved to North Carolina with his family just before the pandemic, he was looking for a way to connect with his new community. The answer? Turn a lifelong passion for comics, cards, and games into a thriving local business. Now approaching its third anniversary, Fan-tastic Cards and Comics has become much more than just a store—it's a gathering place where enthusiasts feel they belong.During this heartfelt conversation with host Skip Mauney, Chris pulls back the curtain on the comic boo...
2025-10-0214 min
Good Neighbor Podcast: TN-WNC-SWVAEP# 278: Unleashing Community: The Johnson City Dog Park StoryWhat makes Jennifer Kirkby & Paulett Kehm with The Johnson City Dog Park a good neighbor?The power of community shines brightly at the Johnson City Dog Park, where passionate volunteers have created something extraordinary over nearly two decades. Board members Jennifer Kirkby and Paulette Kehm join Skip Mauney to reveal the inspiring story behind this hidden gem that operates entirely on membership dues without a penny of government funding.Founded in 2006, the Johnson City Dog Park stands as the Tri-Cities' first dedicated canine playground, earning national recognition when Modern Dog Magazine named it...
2025-09-1010 min
Good Neighbor Podcast: TN-WNC-SWVAEP# 282: Do What You Say: The Refreshing Business Philosophy of Budget Blinds of the Tri-CitiesWhat makes Emmett Brost with Budget Blinds of The Tri-Cities a good neighbor?Ever wondered what goes into creating those perfect window treatments that transform a house into a home? Skip Mauney sits down with Emmett Brost, owner of Budget Blinds of Tri-Cities, who reveals the fascinating journey that took him from theater school to restaurant management and finally to becoming the region's window covering expert.With refreshing candor, Emmett dispels common misconceptions about his industry – starting with the company name itself. "Budget" doesn't mean cheap; rather, they offer "a style for every bu...
2025-09-1012 min
Good Neighbor Podcast: TN-WNC-SWVAEP# 256: Protecting Your Mobile Castle: Why RV Inspections Matter with 5-Star RV ServiceWhat makes Martie and Beth Roe with 5-Star RV Service a good neighbor?Thinking about buying an RV? You'll want to hear what Martie and Beth Roe have to say first. These owners of Five Star RV Service join Skip Mauney to reveal insider knowledge that could save you thousands of dollars and countless headaches.Did you know that brand new RVs arrive at dealerships only 80% complete? This startling revelation from Martie explains why even fresh-off-the-lot vehicles can have significant problems. "You don't want to be at a campsite and the black tank...
2025-07-0511 min
Good Neighbor Podcast: TN-WNC-SWVAEP # 252: Glamping, Cabins, and Southern Hospitality in the Smokies with Hospitable HomesWhat makes John and Jenni Faison with Hospitable Homes a good neighbor?Skip Mauney welcomes John and Jenni Faison, the husband-and-wife team behind Hospitable Homes and Honeysuckle Springs, to explore their unique approach to vacation rentals and camping in the Great Smoky Mountains.The conversation unfolds with the story of how a simple Airbnb stay in Washington DC sparked a business idea that would transform the Faisons' lives. Beginning in 2015 with just their basement in Raleigh, they gradually expanded to owning multiple properties and eventually relocating to Tennessee where they now operate cabins...
2025-07-0514 min
Good Neighbor Podcast: TN-WNC-SWVAEP# 253: From Personal Journey to Professional Mission: Getting Fit After 60 with Joe WeaverWhat makes Joe Weaver with Getting Fit After 60 a good neighbor?Aging doesn't have to mean getting weaker. In fact, the opposite can be true with the right approach to fitness after 60. As someone approaching his sixth decade, host Skip Mauney connects with Joe Weaver, founder of Be Fit After 60, for a conversation that challenges everything we think we know about aging and physical capability.Joe shares his remarkable personal journey that began when his teenage son asked for workout guidance. Setting a goal to be in the best shape of his life...
2025-07-0514 min
Good Neighbor Podcast: TN-WNC-SWVAEP# 235: Luxury in the Wild: How Molly Rhoades Created the Perfect Mountain Glamping ExperienceWhat makes Molly Rhoades with Into the Wild Retreat a good neighbor? Ever dreamed of trading your office chair for a camp chair, fluorescent lights for starry skies, and climate control for a fresh mountain breeze? Join Skip Mauney as he welcomes Molly Rhoades, owner of Into the Wild Retreat, who brings glamping to new heights in the pristine mountains of Ashe County, North Carolina.Molly's journey from dedicated educator to glamping entrepreneur began with a transformative honeymoon experience in Vail, Colorado. What started as a retirement aspiration blossomed into a fully-realized luxury r...
2025-05-3012 min
Good Neighbor Podcast: TN-WNC-SWVAEP# 222: Men's Emotional Freedom: Banks Anderson's Journey from Pain to PurposeWhat makes Banks Anderson with Banks Anderson Massage and Bodywork a good neighbor?What happens when men are given permission to feel? Banks Anderson knows firsthand the transformative power of emotional vulnerability for men. After hitting rock bottom - quitting his job, moving from his home, and eventually landing in jail - Banks discovered that his greatest pain held the seeds of his purpose.Today, Banks runs groups that create safe spaces for men to express difficult emotions and confront personal challenges. "Men are capable of so much, and that's why there's so m...
2025-05-2412 min
Good Neighbor Podcast: TN-WNC-SWVAEP# 209: From Harvard to the Hearth: How Ofri Hirsch Built Asheville Mountain KitchenWhat makes Ofri Hirsch with Asheville Mountain Kitchen a good neighbor?Skip Mauney welcomes Ofri Hirsch to the Good Neighbor Podcast, where she shares her fascinating journey from Harvard-trained architect to the passionate owner of Asheville Mountain Kitchen. Her recreational cooking school has become a local favorite for team-building events, cooking competitions, and summer day camps for children throughout Western North Carolina.With warmth and enthusiasm, Ofri reveals how cooking was always her side passion before becoming her full-time calling. Her mission? Dispelling the myth that cooking is complicated and restoring confidence to...
2025-05-1612 min
Good Neighbor Podcast: TN-WNC-SWVAEP# 198: Finding Calm in Chaos: Marina Shakour Haber's Hypnotherapy JourneyWhat makes Life Coach Marina Shakour Haber a good neighbor?Marina Shakour Haber turns conventional therapy on its head in this illuminating conversation about the power of clinical hypnotherapy and neurolinguistic programming. Skip Mauney delves into Marina's unique approach that bypasses the conscious mind to create lasting change without dwelling in problems—a refreshing departure from traditional therapeutic models that can feel endless and problem-focused.The fascinating journey begins with Marina explaining the science behind hypnotherapy: "By avoiding the discussion with the conscious mind, we speak directly to the unconscious while the person is...
2025-05-1016 min
Good Neighbor Podcast: TN-WNC-SWVAEP# 197: Positively Delightful: Chef Matt's Culinary JourneyWhat makes Matt Smerdel with Positively Delightful Meals a good neighbor?The aroma of homemade alfredo sauce wafting through a mountain cabin in Gatlinburg. The excitement of a bride finally experiencing the wedding feast she's dreamed of since childhood. These are the moments Chef Matt Smerdel of Positively Delightful Meals cherishes most about his thriving culinary business.Skip Mauney's conversation with Chef Matt reveals the journey of a passionate food entrepreneur who turned his side hustle into a full-time operation that now keeps him busy 4-6 times weekly. Matt's specialty—Italian chicken lasagna ro...
2025-05-1011 min
Good Neighbor Podcast: TN-WNC-SWVAEP# 193: Curls & Veils: Hayley Gregory's Journey at Deluxe on DepotWhat makes Hayley Gregory with Deluxe on Depot a good neighbor?Skip welcomes Hayley Gregory, the creative force behind Deluxe on Depot, a boutique salon nestled in historic downtown Greeneville. What begins as a conversation about hair styling quickly unfolds into a fascinating journey of career reinvention, artistic passion, and personal resilience.Hayley shares how she transitioned from corporate fundraising to becoming a specialized stylist after making an unexpected connection between her gardening hobby and hair cutting. "Maybe cutting hair would be like cutting plants and shaping plants," she recalls thinking—a moment of...
2025-05-1019 min
Good Neighbor Podcast: TN-WNC-SWVAEP#191: Inside Fizzy Fairway: How One Entrepreneur Turned mini-golf into a Downtown DestinationWhat makes Cory Komac with Fizzy Fairway a good neighbor?Putting, arcade games, and entrepreneurial spirit all come together at Fizzy Fairway in downtown Kingsport. Skip Mauney welcomes owner Cory Komac to share the story behind his unique indoor mini golf venue that's become a local favorite since opening in December 2021.What began with just nine holes of mini golf has expanded into a complete entertainment destination featuring classic arcade games, board games, twelve flavors of hand-dipped ice cream, and a beer and soda bar. Cory describes how the venue has evolved, recently...
2025-05-1011 min
Good Neighbor Podcast: TN-WNC-SWVAEP# 183: From Corporate Life to 120 Weddings a Year: Bill Harrison's JourneyWhat makes Bill Harrison with Harrision Wedding Officiant a good neighbor?What makes a truly memorable wedding ceremony? Bill Harrison, owner of Harrison Wedding Officiant, reveals it's all about personalization and attention to detail. After performing over 120 weddings annually across the Tri-Cities region and beyond, Bill has mastered the art of creating ceremonies that authentically reflect each couple's unique journey.During his conversation with Skip Mauney on the Good Neighbor Podcast, Bill shares how his officiating career began seven years ago with a friend's request that turned into a thriving retirement business. Now...
2025-05-0110 min
Good Neighbor Podcast: TN-WNC-SWVAEP# 180: Behind the Starting Line: The Story of We Run EventsWhat makes Hank Brown with We Run Events a good neighbor?Lace up your running shoes and join Skip Mauney as he welcomes Hank Brown, owner-operator of We Run Events, for an engaging conversation about the business of organizing running events in the Tri-Cities area. From traditional 5Ks to adventurous mud runs and even soapbox derbies, Hank's company manages over 60 events annually, each supporting local nonprofits and bringing communities together through physical activity.The conversation reveals fascinating insights into the technological evolution of race management. As a pioneer in the local running scene...
2025-05-0118 min
Good Neighbor Podcast: TN-WNC-SWVAEP# 116: Challenging Stereotypes in Home Services: Melissa Arnold's Journey with First Choice Pressure WashingWhat makes Melissa Arnold with First Choice Pressure Washing a good neighbor?Melissa Arnold challenges stereotypes and redefines the home services industry with her journey from serving delicious burgers at Powell's to mastering trades like pressure washing, plumbing, and remodeling. Listen to her inspiring story of transforming not just homes, but also perceptions, as she shares her experiences as a woman in a field often dominated by men. Melissa's passion for her work and commitment to honesty have earned her the trust of her clients, especially the older generation. Learn from her wisdom on building client...
2025-01-2110 min
Good Neighbor Podcast: TN-WNC-SWVAEP# 115: Barbering Resilience and Community: Preston Sprinkle's Success with Breaker Barber CompanyWhat makes Preston Sprinkle with Breaker Barber Company a good neighbor?Preston Sprinkle, co-owner of Breaker Barber Company, reveals how he and his partner, Cody, turned a small two-chair setup into a bustling nine-chair community hub amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Inspired by his cosmetologist mother and supported by his wife, Preston's entry into the barbering world tells a story of determination and resilience. Discover how presidential candidates and local patrons alike find connection and camaraderie in barbershops, which thrive on relationships and community spirit. Preston candidly addresses the myths and misconceptions surrounding the...
2025-01-2115 min
Good Neighbor Podcast: TN-WNC-SWVAEP# 77: Exploring the Evolution of the Paramount Bristol: Mark Andrews' Odyssey in Theater and RadioWhat makes Mark Andrews with Paramount Bristol a good neighbor?Discover the colorful history behind the Paramount Bristol with our special guest, Mark Andrews, the marketing maestro responsible for transforming this iconic theater. In this engaging episode of the Good Neighbor Podcast, Mark takes us on a journey through the fascinating evolution of the Paramount from a 1931 movie house to its current status as a thriving arts and concert venue. Along the way, Mark shares his own story of how a friend's request led him into the world of theater management, where he now juggles...
2024-11-1309 min
Good Neighbor Podcast: TN-WNC-SWVAEP# 76: From Engineering to Bowling: Chip Zimmerman's Journey with Pins and FriendsWhat makes Chip Zimmerman with Pins and Friends a good neighbor?What happens when an engineer swaps blueprints for bowling lanes? Chip Zimmerman, our inspiring guest on this episode, reveals how a simple corporate event in 2012 ignited his dream of creating an upscale duck pin bowling experience right in the heart of Bristol. Listen as Chip shares the riveting transformation story of a historic building on State Street, involving not just modern plumbing and electrics, but also innovative German string setter technology. His journey from engineering to entrepreneurship is a testament to courage and vision...
2024-11-1320 min