A somber yet inspiring tribute to Charlie Kirk fills our latest episode as we reflect on the shocking loss of a Christian leader whose impact reached far beyond political spheres. Charlie's assassination on September 10th—what many are calling the first Christian martyrdom in America in decades—has left a void that cannot be filled by any single voice.

Charlie Kirk began his journey at just 18 years old, founding Turning Point USA in 2012 after being rejected from West Point. What started with a simple card table on college campuses grew into a global movement. Known for his tagline "I go out and talk to college kids on college campuses so you don't have to," Charlie became a beacon of light in spaces often hostile to conservative viewpoints.

What distinguished Charlie wasn't just his intellectual prowess but his character. Despite facing hostile questions on campuses nationwide, he never responded with anger, always maintained respect, and frequently reminded his audience to show courtesy to those who disagreed. This commitment to civil discourse while standing firmly for biblical truth made him extraordinary. As his influence grew, so did his openness about his Christian faith, often expressing his desire to "make heaven crowded."

Steve shares a heartfelt poem titled "Remembering Charlie," capturing the grief and gratitude many feel for Kirk's life and legacy. We discuss how his work must now be carried forward not by one person but by thousands willing to have difficult conversations with grace and truth. Charlie's example reminds us that being "bold as a lion" doesn't mean abandoning kindness or respect.

As we navigate this loss together, we're reminded that light dispels darkness. Charlie Kirk's legacy challenges us to be that light in our own communities, standing firm in biblical truth while extending grace to those with whom we disagree. Though we mourn his absence, we're inspired by his example to continue speaking truth with both conviction and compassion.

To help you to navigate the home buying and mortgage process, Jonathan & Steve are currently licensed in Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia, contact us today at 423-491-5405 or visit www.jonathanandsteve.com.

Discovering your authentic style isn't just about looking good—it's about reconnecting with your natural beauty and finding confidence that radiates from within. In this enlightening conversation, Christine Reed welcomes Shelli Holechek, owner of House of Colour in Johnson City and Bristol, who reveals how color analysis is transforming lives across East Tennessee.

Shelli shares her fascinating journey from 24 years in education to becoming an image consultant who has served over 600 clients since opening in May 2023. As a Midwest transplant who fell in love with East Tennessee's beauty and people, she brings a fresh perspective to personal styling that goes far beyond fashion trends.

What makes House of Colour unique is their holistic approach. Color analysis begins by examining your natural features in pure daylight, identifying the palette that perfectly harmonizes with your God-given coloring. But Shelli doesn't stop there—she addresses makeup (using European standards that ban 1,300 harmful ingredients compared to just 11 in the US), jewelry metals that complement your undertones, and a style analysis that considers both body architecture and personality.

The transformative power of this work extends beyond aesthetics. "There are people who have gone through life changes," Shelli explains, "and somehow their confidence has been taken from them." By reconnecting clients with their natural beauty, she helps them reclaim their self-assurance. The ultimate goal? When you're dressed as your authentic self, you can stop focusing on your appearance and start serving others.

Whether you're preparing for professional headshots, transitioning between life phases, or simply seeking to build a more intentional wardrobe, Shelli's approach offers tools—not rules—for presenting your best self to the world. Follow House of Colour Johnson City, Bristol on Instagram and Facebook @houseofcolourjohnsonctybristol to see client transformations and learn about upcoming events that could change how you see yourself forever.

To help you to navigate the home buying and mortgage process, Jonathan & Steve are currently licensed in Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia, contact us today at 423-491-5405 or visit www.jonathanandsteve.com.

What happens when creative passion meets entrepreneurial spirit? Suzanne McKinney's journey with Beauty in Stone Jewelry provides a masterclass in turning artistic talent into a thriving business.

Suzanne believes jewelry is the essential finishing touch that completes any outfit. "Even if you're wearing just a T-shirt and jeans, when you add beautiful jewelry, you've put the icing on the cake and expressed your personal style," she shares. This philosophy has guided her from hobbyist to professional jewelry designer, creating pieces that help women feel polished and beautiful.

Working primarily with freshwater pearls, leather, and gemstones, Suzanne crafts everything from chunky statement necklaces with interchangeable pendants to precision-cut leather bracelets adorned with hand-wired crystals. What truly distinguishes her work is the personal connection she establishes with each piece and customer. One of her most meaningful services involves transforming family heirlooms into modern, wearable jewelry—preserving sentimental value while creating fresh, contemporary designs that often bring customers to tears.

The shopping experience with Beauty in Stone goes beyond typical retail. Customers can schedule private appointments at Suzanne's home studio, or host "Sippin' Shop" events where friends gather for wine, cheese, and jewelry shopping. For those seeking a more hands-on experience, Suzanne offers jewelry-making workshops where participants create their own pieces while enjoying a ladies' night out.

Suzanne's entrepreneurial wisdom comes from decades of experience, having run a successful glass engraving business for 28 years before finding her "happy place" in jewelry design. Her advice? "Everybody will tell you why you can't do something. You just can't listen to anybody. There really isn't anything stopping you but you." This resilience has not only built her business but created a family legacy, with her daughter now running her own successful glass engraving company.

Discover Suzanne's beautiful creations at beautyinstone.com or on social media @BeautyinStoneJewelry. Contact her directly at 423-262-7840 to schedule a shopping appointment or event.

To help you to navigate the home buying and mortgage process, Jonathan & Steve are currently licensed in Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia, contact us today at 423-491-5405 or visit www.jonathanandsteve.com.

Ever wonder what happens when you release your white-knuckle grip on what seems "too good to let go"? Tina Wilson's remarkable journey from portrait photographer to business maven reveals the surprising gifts that come from open hands and divine timing.

From finding her cordless phone in the freezer as an identity-starved new mom to hearing a mysterious voice on a drive home from Chattanooga, Tina's path to founding Reclaimed Home unfolds with raw honesty and unexpected turns. Her story resonates with anyone who's ever questioned their purpose or wondered if they've taken a wrong career turn.

The conversation explores how Tina's early photography success at JC Penney's portrait studio in 1991 evolved through seasons of pride, painful business lessons, and personal growth. We dive deep into the moment she received the vision for Reclaimed Home and how surrendering control created space for something far beyond her original dreams. Today, her business employs around 20 people across retail, interior design, styling services, and photography – a reality she "couldn't have been sold for a nickel" would exist a decade ago.

Tina shares her beautiful philosophy that we're all "always on the middle step" of life's staircase – reaching up for wisdom while extending a hand to those coming behind us. This perspective has transformed her approach to leadership and creating spaces that "welcome story and warmth" for families throughout Northeast Tennessee.

Whether you're questioning your professional identity, facing tough business decisions, or simply looking to create a more meaningful home environment, this conversation offers wisdom that transcends interior design. Discover why Tina considers her work "stewardship rather than entrepreneurship" and how that mindset creates exceptional experiences from the first phone call to the final pillow placement.

To help you to navigate the home buying and mortgage process, Jonathan & Steve are currently licensed in Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia, contact us today at 423-491-5405 or visit www.jonathanandsteve.com.

The quest for healthier, more youthful skin can be overwhelming with contradictory advice and miracle promises flooding social media. Kelli Rogers from Performance Medicine cuts through the noise in this enlightening conversation about what truly works in skincare.

Kelli reveals why your daily skincare routine forms the essential foundation upon which all other treatments build—comparing skincare neglect to only flossing right before a dentist appointment. She expertly breaks down the science behind the two non-negotiable skincare ingredients everyone needs: Vitamin C for morning application and Vitamin A (retinol or tretinoin) for nighttime use. Far from just another anti-aging recommendation, Kelli explains how Vitamin C actively protects skin not just from sun damage but from indoor lighting, computer screens, and environmental heat exposure that most people never consider.

For those intimidated by retinol, Kelli provides a practical, step-by-step approach to introducing this powerhouse ingredient without irritation—starting with lower concentrations used just once or twice weekly before gradually increasing frequency. She dispels common misconceptions about high-SPF sunscreens and explains why physical sunblocks that reflect UV rays offer superior protection compared to chemical formulations that absorb them.

What sets this conversation apart is Kelli's refreshing honesty about skincare marketing hype. "If it's too good to be true in skincare, it is," she warns, encouraging listeners to approach viral TikTok and Instagram products with healthy skepticism. Instead, she details how professional treatments like Ultherapy, Cool Peel CO2 laser, and microneedling work synergistically to address different aspects of aging skin—all with minimal downtime compared to procedures from a decade ago.

Ready to stop wasting money on trendy products that don't deliver? Listen now to discover how to build a skincare routine that actually works, customize it to your lifestyle, and combine it with the right professional treatments for naturally beautiful, healthy skin that truly stands the test of time.

To help you to navigate the home buying and mortgage process, Jonathan & Steve are currently licensed in Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia, contact us today at 423-491-5405 or visit www.jonathanandsteve.com.

Looking for an affordable path to homeownership in today's challenging market? Steve Reed returns to Benchmark Happenings to dive deeper into Land to Homes, a pioneering solution for would-be homeowners struggling with sky-high housing costs and limited options.

While apartment renters face $1,200-$2,000 monthly payments with nothing to show for it, Land to Homes is creating a genuinely accessible alternative. Their turnkey manufactured housing service handles everything from permits and site preparation to landscaping and final touches, delivering beautiful, move-in ready homes on acre-sized lots for $220,000-$300,000. Unlike traditional dealers who leave buyers to navigate complex permitting and construction processes alone, Land to Homes coordinates every detail over a streamlined 120-day timeline.

The conversation reveals how Reed and his business partner Jonathan Tipton are transforming the manufactured housing experience with quality features often missing from competitor offerings – paved driveways instead of gravel, proper decking, professional landscaping, and attractive stone skirting. Their financing options make homeownership even more accessible, with zero-down USDA loans and 3.5% down FHA options that can include covered closing costs.

What truly sets Land to Homes apart is their commitment to community impact. Reed shares touching stories of helping families in difficult situations, including moving a family of six from a cramper into a spacious manufactured home. "We want people to say Northeast Tennessee is a better community because Land to Homes is in it," Reed explains, highlighting their people-before-profit philosophy.

Ready to explore affordable homeownership? Visit land2homes.us to see available properties and homes under construction, or call 423-491-5405 to start your journey toward owning your slice of the American dream.

To help you to navigate the home buying and mortgage process, Jonathan & Steve are currently licensed in Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia, contact us today at 423-491-5405 or visit www.jonathanandsteve.com.

Steve Reed, Co-owner of Benchmark Home Loans, shares the story behind his new venture Land2Homes, which provides affordable turnkey manufactured housing solutions for buyers priced out of the traditional market.

• Land2Homes developed after seeing first-time homebuyers priced out by high interest rates and rising home prices
• The company purchases land, handles permitting, orders homes directly from factories, and delivers complete turnkey properties
• Modern manufactured homes feature quality construction with 2x6 framing, energy efficiency, and durability
• Homes typically range from 1,500-1,800 square feet on approximately one-acre lots for $250,000-$270,000
• Properties include extras like landscaping, gutters, and blacktopped driveways not typically found with manufactured homes
• The "agent commission builder" program pays realtors 2.5% on referred clients who purchase complete packages
• Future plans include creating a small "village" setting with model homes for buyers to tour
• Credit rehabilitation services available to help buyers improve scores and qualify for better rates

If you have questions about mortgages or Land2Homes, call us at 423-491-5405 or visit our website at www.JonathanAndSteve.com.

To help you to navigate the home buying and mortgage process, Jonathan & Steve are currently licensed in Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia, contact us today at 423-491-5405 or visit www.jonathanandsteve.com.

Freedom isn't free—a truth Michelle Stewart and the Honor Flight program understand deeply. As president of Honor Flight of the Appalachian Highlands, Michelle has dedicated herself to giving veterans the recognition they earned through their service and sacrifice.

What began as a Facebook message from a high school friend in 2021 has transformed into a mission that's touched hundreds of veterans' lives throughout Northeast Tennessee. Michelle reveals the powerful journey these veterans experience during their three-day Honor Flight trips to Washington DC. From the moment they board the bus amid motorcycle escorts and flag-waving supporters, these veterans—many who never received proper recognition upon returning home—are finally given the "welcome home" they deserved decades ago.

The itinerary is both exhaustive and emotionally charged. Veterans visit Arlington Cemetery for wreath-laying ceremonies, tour memorials dedicated to their specific conflicts, and experience the camaraderie of fellow servicemembers who truly understand their experiences. For Vietnam veterans especially, who often faced hostility rather than gratitude upon their return, these trips heal wounds carried for half a century. As Michelle poignantly shares, "We want to change that. We want to give them that welcome home."

Perhaps most touching is the Memorial Mission program, where photographs of deceased veterans are carried throughout the journey, ensuring those who never had the chance to participate are still honored at every memorial. "You die your first death when you leave this earth," Michelle explains, "but as long as your name is spoken, you don't ever die a second death." Through these missions, veterans' sacrifices are acknowledged, their stories preserved, and their service celebrated.

With approximately 50,000 Vietnam veterans nationwide still waiting for their Honor Flight opportunity, Michelle and her team rely on community support to continue their mission. Follow their journey on Facebook and Instagram at Honor Flight of the Appalachian Highlands or email gotodc@honorflightah.org to discover how you can help honor those who gave so much for our freedom.

To help you to navigate the home buying and mortgage process, Jonathan & Steve are currently licensed in Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia, contact us today at 423-491-5405 or visit www.jonathanandsteve.com.