Shows
The Local WomanEpisode 34-Quatoyiah MurryWhen I started this podcast my only goal was to highlight local women in the most authentic way—highlighting their passions, engaging the topics that bring them joy, and showcasing the talents that make each dynamic.
Quatoyiah is a film critic and writer who has worked for Turner Classic Movies and FilmStruck and has written under the moniker The Cinephiliac for over 10 years. Her work often focuses on diversity and representation as well as the film's historical context. Born and raised in Georgia, she now resides in Paris, France!
Today, I am grateful for the op...
2022-10-261h 08
The Local WomanEpisode 33- Catherine BreazealeIt's Friday and we've got another awesome episode of The Local Woman for you to enjoy! Today, we are featuring a stained glass artist, Catherine Breazeale, owner of The Cat Glass Studio! After trying her hand at a number of DIY project ideas, Catherine found herself drawn to the medium of stained glass. Though her skill initially began as a hobby she quickly found herself drawing interest and a customer base through her participation in local events. From private commissions, to pet portraits, classes, and more Catherine is making her way in the art world one piece at a time! I...
2022-07-1522 min
The Local WomanEpisode 32-Shadasia LewisSummertime is here and travel season is in full swing! But for Shadasia Lewis, traveling isn't a luxury, it's a lifestyle! From Jamacia to her current travel destination, Italy, Shadasia has found her joy in the sky!
In addition to her love for travel, Shadaisa also runs a thriving catering business, Above & Beyond Catering! After leaving her secure job, Shadasia knew that to be successful, she would have to work hard to maintain her daily life, while still having the opportunity to travel. In this episode, we discuss the joys and struggles of entrepreneurship, while also discussing the importance of p...
2022-07-1447 min
The Local WomanEpisode 31-Joelle KonzeOur week of Local Woman episodes is moving right along with another inspiring episode featuring, business owner, Joelle Konze! After working her way up the corporate ladder, Joelle and her husband decided to turn their family hobby, into a lucrative business. In the midst of the pandemic, as many businesses struggled to find their footing, Joelle and her husband, took the first steps toward their entrepreneurial dream. Just two short years later, their business Escape RV Rental has grown to include over 50 RVs that they deliver for family vacations and corporate events all over Flordia! It's been said that...
2022-07-1326 min
The Local WomanEpisode 30-Angel CollinsYes, we were serious, a whole week of The Local Woman!
On today's episode, I had the opportunity to interview my friend and fellow podcaster, Angel Collins! As you would expect, when you get two podcasters together, no topic was off-limits and time was no concern! On Angel's podcast, In Front of the Telly, she and her cohost discuss everything from television to movies both new and old! With their engaging, thoughtful, and often passionate reviews, if you're a fan of television and film, this is the podcast for you!
In addition to her podcast, w...
2022-07-121h 22
The Local WomanEpisode 29-Kelley DixsonAs Season 2 comes to a close, we are celebrating with a week of Local Woman episodes! That's right, Monday-Sunday, you can check-in and find a new episode of The Local Woman.
We're starting this week, with the local songbird herself, Kelley Dixson! Since her return to Macon, she has worked tirelessly to bring music, theatre, art, and collaboration center stage! During the week we recorded this episode, she was dazzling the stage in a sold-out (NIGHTLY) Theatre Macon production of The Color Purple as Sophia. However, acting is only one of Kelley's many talents. In her role...
2022-07-1155 min
The Local WomanEpisode 28-Andrea CookeMay is Mental Health Awareness Month and on The Local Woman's social media sites, we will be sharing resources and events to encourage our listeners to prioritize mental health in their daily lives.
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, I was excited to chat with the founder and facilitator of Macon Mental Health Matters, Andrea Cooke, to discuss the growing number of mental health resources available right here in Macon-Bibb! Macon Mental Health Matters is a program that provides mental health counseling for both individuals and families, financial counseling, conflict resolution, and non-traditional mental health activities...
2022-05-101h 01
The Local WomanEpisode 27-Kim AquaminaOn Episode 27 of The Local Woman, I interview Kim Aquamina. When we began The Local Woman, Kim was exactly the type of community member I desired to bring to the forefront. After a successful career at the Miami Herald, inspired by her father, Kim made her home in the rural community of Hawkinsville and brought the excitement and liveliness of the city with her. However, Kim isn't missing the city! She has embraced life in the country and truly made Hawkinsville her home. Upon arriving in Hawkinsville, Kim made her home at the Newberry Foundation and has embraced her...
2022-05-0334 min
The Local WomanEpisode 26-Rhonda PearsonOn this episode of The Local Woman, I sit down with one of my favorite co-hosts Robert Grant, to interview Rhonda Tandy-Pearson, the CEO and Executive Designer of Belle Ame Designs.
In 2018 when she embarked on her entrepreneurial journey, she knew she wanted to create a brand that embodied her belief that, “your size does not define you or what you can do”. This desire led Rhonda to begin designing custom t-shirts with encouraging affirmations that highlighted her love for fashion, while still providing clients with a comfortable t-shirt that could be styled for both work and play...
2022-04-2628 min
The Local WomanEpisode 25-Andreas CookeAs the owner and host of Bankedoutt Radio Show, Andreas Cooke needs no introduction! From hosting the #1 podcast in Middle Georgia to partnering and supporting a number of local initiatives Andreas Cooke believes in supporting and promoting businesses in our community! Check out his episode to learn more about his podcast and his ongoing work in the community!
Tune in and subscribe to his podcast here: http://www.bankedouttradioshow.com/
2022-04-191h 06
The Local WomanSeason 2-Episode 24-Eden JacksonWedding bells are ringing for this week's local woman, Eden Jackson, and her fiance, Ryan Stykel!
Attorney Eden Jackson is a Macon, Ga native with a love for travel! Although she loves her hometown, she has always felt most at home in the skies. As an undergrad, Eden studied at Georgia State University in Atlanta, received her Law degree at Florida Coastal School of Law in Jacksonville, Fl, and completed her legal coursework by receiving her Legal Masters from Brunel University in London.
Now, Eden is embarking on her next big adventure, starting her own...
2022-02-2840 min
The Local WomanSeason 2-Episode 23-Sara WhittenOn this episode of The Local Woman, I chat with local woman Sara Whitten about her work as a music therapist. In 2020 during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, Sara started her mobile music therapy service, Pentatonic Therapies! The service was designed to provide individuals unique and individualized therapeutic services in the safety of their home, in person or via video telehealth outlets. Check out this episode to learn more about her work in the community and her goal to make specialized therapeutic services such as music therapy accessible for all.
2022-02-1659 min
Music & Business TalkLocal Woman Podcast, nonprofit & moreSierra Martin graced us with her presence. We were able to dive into her creating a platform to highlight women in the local area along with ideas for expansion. Sierra is also a grant writer. She gave us gems on that world as well along with some other topics of conversation. Check out here IG Page The Local Woman (@thelocalwoman) • Instagram photos and videos
and don't forget to download our app on apple or google stores Bankedoutt Radio Show – Listen Live or To Our Podcasts
2022-01-2646 min
The Local WomanSeason 2-Episode 22-Susie PrinceThanks for tuning in to your new favorite podcast The Local Woman! That's right, your favorite local podcast is back and ready to share more incredible interviews with local women like you and me!
We are kicking off Season 2, with a fun and heartwarming episode we recorded over the summer with Atlanta-based interior designer Susie Prince!
Susie Prince, owner of Susie Mae Design is a residential interior designer based in Atlanta, Georgia. Prior to launching her own business, Susie worked in corporate graphic and package design before accepting a position on HGTV’s Emmy Award-winning “Elbo...
2022-01-1139 min
The Local WomanSeason 2-Macon Startup Week Mini-Series- Eden JacksonAttorney Eden Jackson was born and raised in Macon, Georgia. Being from a family of generations of Maconites, Eden’s mother encouraged at a young age to move away, to gain perspective. Eden went to undergrad in Atlanta at Georgia State University, Law school in Jacksonville, Florida at Florida Coastal School of Law, and received her Legal Masters from Brunel University London.
Attorney Eden recently hung her shingle and started The Law Office of Eden A. Jackson, a trademark and business law firm. When Eden is not practicing law, she is taking care of her energetic infant son...
2021-12-0446 min
The Local WomanSeason 2-Macon Startup Week Mini-Series- Christele ParhamCo-founder of Macon Black Tech and HamTECH Solutions, Christèle Parham shares her love of Macon and her experience cultivating community in the tech and innovation space. As a consultant and the founder of two companies, Parham recognizes that building something is hard and often isolating. As a board member, organizer, and regular presenter at Macon Startup Christele is a force for positive, inclusivity, and good in the Middle Georgia community.
Parham is dedicated to building a healthy local ecosystem for Black creatives through non-traditional events and networking. She works to push others to nurture their genius an...
2021-12-0450 min
The Local WomanSeason 2-Macon Startup Week Mini-Series- Kaitlynn KressinIn today's episode, we chat with local entrepreneur Kaitlynn Kressin about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship while, discussing the ongoing fortitude needed to withstand difficult times and challenges as a business owner. Running one business can be difficult, but running multiple successful businesses is no laughing matter! Yet Kaitlynn still finds daily joy in the operations of her various businesses!
As a Mercer graduate with ties to the Middle Georgia community, when Kaitlynn began her ascent into the world of entrepreneurship she knew downtown would be the anchor for her growth. Whether you've stopped into Just...
2021-12-0220 min
The Local WomanSeason 2-Macon Startup Week Mini-Series-Tina DicksonNoting a gap in the Macon market, owner, Tina Dickson, filled it with pizza. Known as “Our Lady of Pizza”, Tina has remained the driving force behind Ingleside Village Pizza since its doors opened. Great service, great pizza, salads, and sandwiches, and great atmosphere is exactly what the bustling pizzeria delivers. The “Macon-style” pizza, described as medium thickness, hand-tossed, and loaded generously with fresh toppings, is created using dough made on premises each day.
You can't call yourself a Maconite if you've never enjoyed an iconic slice from IVP. From the eclectic decor to the phenomenal staff, Tina Dic...
2021-12-0119 min
The Local WomanSeason 2-Macon Startup Week Mini-Series-Richie JonesRichie Jones is the proprietor of the Downtown Grill. He purchased the restaurant in April of 2008 from the founder of the restaurant, Tom Noelke. Richie is a Macon native who is a graduate of First Presbyterian Day School. After leaving Macon, Richie attended the University of Georgia in Athens and obtained two Bachelor's degrees from the Terry College of Business. Athens is where Richie became interested in the restaurant industry. He worked his way up in different restaurants and taverns. After college, he continued his dream as he moved to Breckenridge, CO where he skied and worked at the...
2021-11-3030 min
The Local WomanEpisode 21-Rachelle Wilson-BONUS-EXCLUSIVE LOCAL LOVE BOX UNBOXINGCheck out our special bonus episode, featuring our unboxing of the SUMMER LOCAL LOVE BOX!
That's right, Rachelle granted the ladies of The Local Woman access to an exclusive sneak peek of the Summer Local Love Box! Stay tuned all week to learn about the artists and makers featured in the summer box. Then head right over to https://www.the567center.org/locallovebox to grab your summer box today!
2021-05-1218 min
The Local WomanEpisode 21-Rachelle WilsonOn this episode of The Local Woman, Sierra and Jade chat with Local Woman, Rachelle Wilson!
Rachelle is a proud Maconite and advocate for all things local. Currently serving as the Vice President of Mission Advancement & Chief Development Officer for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Georgia, she is able to connect her passion for her community with her experience in non-profit and with youth development in the Peace Corps. She also founded and curates the Local Love Box, a quarterly subscription box that features locally made items. Though she finds herself wearing many hats, writing about w...
2021-05-1140 min
The Local WomanEpisode 20-Jasmine HabershamIn Episode 20 of The Local Woman, Sierra and Jade have an uplifting conversation with American soprano, Jasmine Habersham! As a Macon native, she credits the foundation of her performance experience to participating in local community theatre and to encouraging mentors and family! We loved talking to her about her path from the local stage to Opera stages all around the world!
She most recently performed the role of Pip in Moby Dick with Utah Opera, Pamina in The Magic Flute with Opera Theatre of St. Louis: Opera on the Go, Papagena in Die Zauberflöte with Cincinnati Op...
2021-05-0454 min
The Local WomanEpisode 19-Neisha HimesOn this episode of The Local Woman, Sierra chats with Local Woman Neisha Himes!
After leaving a toxic and abusive relationship in late 2012, Neisha Himes began telling her story years later via her gift of spoken word. Known to the poetry community as “Beautiful Dizaster”, Neisha has featured on many stages and to date, uses her talent as a method of bringing awareness. In August 2016, she founded G.R.O.W. Foundation (Girls Recognizing Our Worth), a 501c3 non-profit assisting domestic violence survivors with rebuilding their lives after abuse. To learn more about victims’ rights and navigating through...
2021-04-2758 min
The Local WomanEpisode 18- Anneliese VanderheydenOn this episode, Sierra and Jade chat with Local Woman, Anneliese Vanderheyden. Born and raised in central Georgia, Anneliese is dedicated to helping victims and survivors of sexual assault and abuse. She began volunteering as a Sexual Assault Advocate in 2011, and has remained active in the advocacy community since. She is currently employed with the Crisis Line & Safe House of Central Georgia as the Sexual Assault Advocacy Coordinator for the Macon office. With offices in Macon and Warner Robins, CL-SH provides services to victims of sexual assault and domestic violence throughout Middle Georgia.
April is Sexual Assault A...
2021-04-2022 min
The Local WomanEpisode 17-Laura ThomasonOn episode 17 of The Local Woman, Sierra chats with Local Woman, Laura Thomason! A Missouri native, Laura lived around the West and Midwest before moving to Georgia in 2006. She is the Provost Fellow for International Programs and Professor of English at Middle Georgia State University. She also leads comprehensive internationalization at MGA, administering study abroad programs and international student services. She is passionate about sharing her love of humanities and embraces the opportunity to help students expand their cultural competency and understanding through travel.
Laura and her husband Daniel Boudreault are dancesport athlete members of USA Dance Gre...
2021-04-0655 min
The Local WomanEpisode 16-Amber Pierce Valentine with Guest Host Amber SkilesOn Episode 16 of The Local Woman, Sierra is joined by guest host Amber Skiles, to interview Amber Pierce Valentine!
Amber is the owner of Star Stuff Yoga & More, The Valentine Cottage, and is a singer/songwriter in The Vineyard Band.
Star Stuff Yoga & More is a mobile yoga & wellness program that strives to create an inclusive, diverse, and accessible space for our community. Star Stuff Yoga & More offers a mat gift program, chair yoga, and free or donation-based wellness events that honor the traditions of yoga.
The Valentine Cottage provides non-toxic, eco-friendly household it...
2021-03-3045 min
The Local WomanEpisode 15-Melissa MackerOn episode 15 of The Local Woman, Sierra and Jade chat with Local Woman, Melissa Macker!
Melissa is the founding executive director of The 567 Center for Renewal in downtown Macon, GA. In her day-to-day, she wears many hats, including marketing director, fundraiser, program planner, bookkeeper, and tech support. In her 10 years as executive director, she has booked concerts, built websites, hung art exhibits, started a pottery studio, and renovated a new building!
Although Melissa runs an art gallery, she does not consider herself an artist (perhaps because she could never pick one thing), but she admittedly enjoys dabbling in the arts...
2021-03-2338 min
The Local WomanEpisode 14-Jessica MackOn Episode 14 of The Local Woman, Sierra and Sarah chat with local business owner, health enthusiast, and fellow podcaster, Jessica Mack. As the owner of Macon, Georgia's first fully vegan restaurant, Southern Soul Cafe, when we wanted to discuss the topic of veganism, we knew exactly where to turn! After encountering issues with her health caused by her weight, Jessica began her journey towards a healthier lifestyle by not only prioritizing exercise but also developing a new relationship with food. As someone new to the vegan lifestyle, Jessica began making small changes that improved her health, but also helped her...
2021-03-1636 min
The Local WomanEpisode 13-Lindsey FloydOn this episode of The Local Woman, Sierra chats with professional pilot turned Aviation Safety Inspector, Lindsey Floyd!
In episode 13, Lindsey talks about her love of flying and her work to make a difference in the field of Aviation Safety, while constantly attempting to strike the elusive work/life balance. She also shares her path to the skies and provides words of encouragement to other women interested in taking flight!
Fasten your seatbelts to prepare to take off with the newest episode of The Local Woman!
2021-03-0237 min
The Local WomanEpisode 12-Ashli AxtellOn episode 12 of The Local Woman, Sierra chats with Ashli Axtell about the topics of body neutrality and fat liberation. Middle Georgia native Ashli Axtell recently graduated from Middle Georgia State University with a BA in Contemporary Musicianship with an emphasis in Saxophone Performance. In addition to loving music, she's an ardent supporter and attempter of all things art-related. She's much better at clay than painting, but she thinks it's important to nurture creativity for creativity's sake.
She participated in the MAC Speaks forum on Intersectionality, where she shared some of her lived experiences to illustrate the daily obstacles that...
2021-02-231h 07
The Local WomanEpisode 11-Katie MosleyOn this episode of The Local Woman, Sierra and Jade are joined by local songbird Katie Mosley to discuss the release of her debut album.
The daughter of an artist and musician, Katie grew up surrounded by music and the arts. Even as a child she could be found dancing around the room trying to hit every note to her favorite Mariah Cary, Lauren Hill, Christina Aguilera, or Celine Dion song. Like many children raised in the south, she also spent much of her time at church singing hymns and gospel music as a member of the choir. These influences...
2021-02-1650 min
The Local WomanEpisode 10-Louise WarrenOn this episode of The Local Woman, Sierra sits down with Louise Warren. A force to be reckoned with, Louise Warren is a singer, a songwriter, and a heartfelt performer. Born and raised in Macon, Georgia (a town that lays claim to the Allman Brothers and Otis Redding), She grew up with a rich musical background and developed a love for songwriting early on. When she was 14 years old, she picked up the guitar for the first time and started booking shows regionally.
With over 10 years of gigging under her belt, she has shared the stage with the likes of C...
2021-02-0954 min
The Local WomanEpisode 9-Erika WordThere is no event more cherished or romantic than a wedding! Months, even years, of preparation, go into the planning of this one special day. From the time guests arrive at the beautifully decorated venue, to the moment you see the individual of your dreams waiting at the end of the aisle, every detail is planned to ensure the day is unforgettable! To help couples keep the memory of this day alive they need quality photos. On this episode of The Local Woman, Sierra and Sarah kick back with Georgia wedding and boudoir photographer, Erika Word!
As a believer in...
2021-02-0249 min
The Local WomanEpisode 8-Erin KellyOn this episode of The Local Woman, Sierra and Jade are joined by their friend of over a decade, Erin Kelly, to discuss her career as an educator. Erin is an English Language Arts teacher in the Bibb County School District and the 2020-2021 runner-up District Teacher of the Year. In addition to attempting to instill a love of Literature in her 8th graders, Erin coaches girl’s soccer and the Academic Team. She also loves working with the Fine Arts Department at her school by assisting with the makeup and costumes for the various plays and productions.
Erin is he...
2021-01-121h 04
The Local WomanEpisode 7-Merveille GrantOn this episode of The Local Woman, Merveille Grant chats with Sierra about women’s health. Merveille is a Medical Laboratory Scientist, who is originally front the Congo (Africa), but currently resides in Macon. Merveille graduated from Armstrong State University (now Georgia Southern University) with a Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Laboratory Science is currently pursuing a Masters degree in Leadership and Management at WGU. At 33 Merveille was diagnosed with uterine fibroids after experiencing a miscarriage. This tragic event ignited her passion for women’s health and on this episode she opens up about this difficult experience in hopes of encour...
2021-01-0531 min
The Local WomanEpsiode 6- Discussion on Imposter Syndrome with Special Guests Bree and RileyOn this episode of The Local Woman, Sierra, Jade, and Emily are joined by Bree and Riley to discuss the topic of Imposter Syndrome. Psychology Today defines imposter syndrome as a psychological term referring to a pattern of behavior where people doubt their accomplishments and have a persistent, often internalized fear of being exposed as a fraud. The term was coined by clinical psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes in 1978, when they found that, despite having adequate external evidence of accomplishments, people with imposter syndrome remained convinced that they don’t deserve the success they have. They call their success lu...
2020-12-2941 min
The Local WomanEpisode 5-Heidi CliniteOn this episode of The Local Woman, Sarah and Sierra chat with self-proclaimed weirdo extraordinaire, Heidi Clinite!
You can find Heidi hustling around town developing art happenings, participating in community events and craft fairs, working on commissions, creating, and displaying art at local businesses. She also makes imaginative works of art in acrylic on canvas and walls, wood-burned crafts, and fine art, mixed media dream catchers, and more. Her checkered past includes apprenticing with a blacksmith, interning at a gold leaf atelier, studying figure drawing at The Art Students' League of New York, building sets for Mercer Theatre and Form...
2020-12-2259 min
The Local WomanEpisode 4-Cara VelascoOn this episode of The Local Woman, Sierra and Jade chat with Wellness Coach Cara Velasco and get advice on tackling those New Years' resolutions with confidence! Cara Velasco is a Wellness Life Coach who helps her clients love the life they are living RIGHT NOW. For the majority of her life, Cara has been obsessed with heath and wellness. She loves self-help books and is learning to become her best self! In her work, Cara focuses not only on the physical aspects of wellness (weight loss, diet & exercise), but also explores and the mental, emotional, environmental, social, and spiritual a...
2020-12-151h 26
The Local WomanEpisode 3-Jessica CarrOn this episode of The Local Woman, Sierra and Jade chat with Freelance Artist, Jessica Carr. Jessica Carr is a Macon-born freelance artist who now resides in Decatur, GA. Her art is influenced by her love of fantasy and folklore. Growing up she always illustrated herself and those around her in whimsical environments and shape-shifting into supernatural beings, which continues in her art today.
Her skills range from sewing to make-up artistry, with a primary focus on fine arts. She worked as an assistant seamstress at Time Traveler Outfitters Costume Design. She received her Makeup Mastery Certificate from Joe Blasco S...
2020-12-081h 11
The Local WomanEpsiode 2-Heather WaldronOn this episode of The Local Woman, Sierra interviews her friend of over a decade and the official graphic designer for The Local Woman, Heather Waldron. Heather is a born and raised Maconite who grew up with a paintbrush in hand, ready to redecorate her walls with whatever Disney character was her favorite that day. Fortunately, her family didn’t discourage her from vandalizing the house and she was able to develop that into an art degree with an emphasis in Graphic Design. She has been designing for 10 years, with 8 of those years spent at M&R Marketing, where she no...
2020-12-0137 min
The Local WomanEpsiode 1-Tori IrbyOn this episode of The Local Woman, Sierra and Jade interview Tori Irby of Terrible Terrariums. Terrible Terrariums is a one-stop-shop for all your terrarium needs. Using proper drainage techniques, custom soil mix, and plants suitable for specific environments, they create custom terrariums to suit every personality. From Kawaii to Creepy, they cover all aesthetics! Tune in and check them out on Facebook at terribleterrariums and on Instagram at terrible.terrariums!
2020-11-2426 min