About the Guest:

Matthew Dodd-Berry: Matthew Dodd-Berry is a talented young golfer hailing from the Wirral in England. With a strong background in competitive golf, Matthew has excelled at East Tennessee State University (ETSU) under the guidance of Coach Jake Amos. He is now transitioning to Louisiana State University (LSU) to pursue his golfing career at a higher competitive level. Matthew’s achievements include making it to the national championships with ETSU, playing in the prestigious Open Championship, and establishing a robust reputation in the golfing community both in the UK and the US.

Episode Summary:

In this engaging episode of the podcast, Colin Johnson sits down with Matthew Dodd-Berry, an accomplished golfer from England who has recently made waves by participating in the Open Championship. Traveling all the way from the Wirral, Matthew shares insights into his journey from East Tennessee State University (ETSU) to joining Louisiana State University (LSU) for an exciting new chapter in his golfing career.

Matthew delves into the nuances of moving from a tightly-knit community in Johnson City to the bustling and competitive environment of Baton Rouge. He discusses the challenges and rewards of playing collegiate golf, his preference for the close-knit feel of ETSU, and his decisions that have paved the way for his transition to LSU. Furthermore, listeners get a rare glimpse into his experience at the Open Championship, ranging from the rigorous qualifications to the awe-inspiring moments playing alongside golfing legends like Scotty Scheffler.

Key Takeaways:

• Transition in Collegiate Golf: Matthew explains his move from ETSU to LSU and the factors that influenced his decision, including seeking a higher level of competition and the opportunity to play in the SEC.
• Golfing Beginnings and Family Influence: The episode explores Matthew's early introduction to golf, influenced by his grandmother, and his realization of his potential at a young age.
• Attitude and Mental Toughness: Matthew emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and mental resilience, both on the golf course and in life—echoing lessons taught by his coaches and experiences in competitive play.
• Open Championship Insights: Detailed recount of Matthew’s journey to the Open Championship, including overcoming the final qualifiers and playing against top golfers like Scotty Scheffler.
• Future Aspirations: Matthew shares his goals for the upcoming year, including winning more college tournaments and making another appearance at the Open Championship.

Notable Quotes:

1. "I think I made a good decision choosing golf [over football], you can play golf forever."
2. "People around me had told me that you need to go in there with an attitude of just, it's nothing special, just go there like you're trying to win."
3. "It's not about how we're playing right now, it's about how we play in post season."
4. "The pros aren't actually—they don't strike it as good as you think they would, but the six inches between their ears is where they really step ahead of everyone."
5. "If I hadn't made [that 15ft putt], I wouldn't have made it into the final qualifying and who knows what would have happened. I possibly wouldn't have played the Open."

Resources:

• Instagram: @matty_dodd_berry
• Twitter: @matty_dodd_berry

Enjoy the full episode to hear Matthew's journey firsthand and stay tuned for more insightful episodes from our series. Whether you're a golf enthusiast or looking for inspiration and life lessons from sports, this episode is sure to offer valuable insights.

About the Guest:

Damon Johnson\ Damon Johnson is a former professional basketball player hailing from Johnson City. He has played for various international teams, including those in Iceland, Spain, Indonesia, and Chile. After a successful 15-year career, he returned to his hometown to give back to the community. Currently, Damon is the Executive Director of LXI, an after-school program focused on supporting underprivileged youth, particularly those dealing with trauma and mental health challenges. Damon's journey from a local athlete to a global basketball player and now a community leader demonstrates his commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of children in Johnson City.

Episode Summary:

In this episode, host Colin Johnson sits down with longtime friend and community leader Damon Johnson. It's a heartfelt conversation about growing up in Johnson City, the transformative power of basketball, and the importance of giving back. Damon details his journey from participating in local basketball teams to playing professionally overseas, and eventually, returning home to make a difference in his community.

Damon talks at length about his role as Executive Director at LXI, an after-school program centered around addressing trauma and mental health in youth. The discussion highlights LXI's unique approach, which diverges from traditional curriculum-based after-school programs by focusing more on mental health and providing a safe space for kids to express and deal with their trauma. Damon shares his future vision for LXI, including exciting partnerships and potential expansions aimed at providing even more resources to children in need.

Key Takeaways:

• Damon's Basketball Journey: His career spanned countries like Iceland, Spain, Indonesia, and Chile, ultimately shaping his perspective and bringing him back to his roots in Johnson City.
• LXI's Mission: The program is committed to dealing with trauma and mental health rather than adhering strictly to conventional curriculum-based activities.
• Future Plans for LXI: Exciting partnerships and community collaborations are in the works to ensure the nonprofit can reach more children and provide substantial resources.
• Community Impact: Damon emphasizes the importance of community support and collaboration to drive meaningful change in the lives of youth.
• Personal Stories: Damon shares anecdotes about his professional basketball career and his motivation to mentor and support kids through their struggles.

Notable Quotes:

1. "I don't think we can heal people at LXI, but we can start the process of healing."
2. "Kids in basketball just kept swirling in my mind. So I started TCF, which was a nonprofit basketball program."
3. "We really focus on mental health and trauma more than most after-school programs."
4. "Find somebody to talk to if you can't go through a therapist, find a support system that will challenge you."
5. "I think just go after it and be prepared to fail. Failure is just a way of learning."

Resources:

• Damon Johnson's Email: dash.m.o@movelxi.com
• LXI Website: Move LXI

Call to Action:

Explore this deep dive into Damon Johnson’s inspiring journey from professional basketball to community leadership. Learn about the transformative work being done at LXI and how addressing trauma and mental health can significantly impact the lives of underprivileged youth. Tune in and be inspired to make a positive difference in your own community! Stay tuned for more insightful episodes from the Colin and Carter Group.

About the Guest:

Nancy Williams is an author, teacher, and freelance public relations professional based in Johnson City. With degrees in French and History, Nancy transitioned into advertising, working for renowned agencies and companies like FedEx. She later taught public relations at Milligan College and pursued her passion for writing, authoring books that include a devotional for women facing infertility and the historical fiction novel "To Love a Falcon." Nancy’s work is deeply influenced by her background in history, her experiences with Russian culture, and her strong Christian faith.

Episode Summary:

Join Colin Johnson as he welcomes Nancy Williams, a prolific author, teacher, and beloved neighbor from Johnson City, to the podcast. Nancy shares her journey from working in advertising and corporate communications to becoming an author. Her extensive background in history and writing shines through as she discusses her various projects, including her novel "To Love a Falcon," which beautifully intertwines historical fiction with elements of romance, mystery, and Christian faith.

In this episode, Nancy delves deep into her writing process, the inspiration behind her stories, and the historical context that enriches her novels. She highlights remarkable stories, such as Project Hula—a top-secret World War II mission, and discusses how her travel and family experiences, including adopting her son from Siberia, have influenced her writing. Nancy also offers invaluable advice for aspiring writers and previews her next project, a time-slip novel based in Johnson City. Don’t miss this captivating conversation full of local history, literary insights, and personal anecdotes.

Key Takeaways:

• Nancy Williams’ novel "To Love a Falcon" is rooted in the true story of Project Hula, a secret World War II mission.
• Historical fiction can provide a unique platform to explore themes like faith, persecution, and forgiveness.
• Nancy draws inspiration from personal experiences, such as adopting her son from Siberia.
• Aspiring writers should begin by simply getting their ideas down on paper and consider joining writers' groups for support.
• Nancy is working on a new novel based in Johnson City, blending historical and contemporary narratives through a time-slip format.

Notable Quotes:

1. “It is a hot but beautiful August day here in Johnson City, and kids are going back to school.” - Colin Johnson
2. “I've kind of watched the growth over that span of time. But my husband is from here originally.” - Nancy Williams
3. “I think Memphis is special… the people were fantastic.” - Colin Johnson
4. “I wanted to have a mission for the book… I wanted them to know that there was a real persecution.” - Nancy Williams
5. “Start writing. Just sit down and start. Just put it all down, and it'll… you will look back at it when you finished it and go, oh, that. That's gotta be changed.” - Nancy Williams

Resources:

• Nancy Williams’ Website: nancycwilliams.com
• Books by Nancy Williams:
• To Love a Falcon
• Devotional for Women Facing Infertility (title not specifically mentioned)
• References in the Episode:
• Project Hula on Wikipedia
• Finnist the Falcon (Russian fairy tale) on Wikipedia
• Westminster Presbyterian Church (YouTube available services)
• Various local dining and hiking spots in Johnson City

Stay tuned for more enlightening conversations on the podcast and dive into the full episode to discover more about Nancy Williams’ literary journey and her deep connections with history and faith.

About the Guest:

Patrick Mannion is an experienced white water rafting guide and the operating partner for Osprey Whitewater, which is part of Hawks Nest in Seven Devils, North Carolina. With over 3,500 commercial days on the Nolichucky River, Patrick holds a degree in recreation management from Appalachian State University, boasting multiple concentrations, including public parks and recreation management, commercial recreation and tourism management, and outdoor experiential leadership. Patrick’s profound love for the outdoors, combined with a seasoned career involving various white water rivers, positions him as one of the most knowledgeable and passionate guides in the industry.

Episode Summary:

Join Colin Johnson from the Colin and Carly Group with Keller Williams Realty as he converses with Patrick Mannion of Osprey Whitewater Rafting Outdoors. On this sunny July day, they discuss the joys and intricacies of white water rafting in East Tennessee's beautiful Nolichucky River. Patrick shares his journey from a military upbringing across various countries to becoming a seasoned white water rafting expert. Discover how rainfall affects the river's complexity and how Osprey ensures safety while ensuring exhilarating experiences for adventurers.

Delving deeper, Patrick talks about his fondness for the outdoors, recounting exciting wildlife sightings, dynamic river conditions, and memorable trips. With humorous anecdotes about guiding diverse groups, including one encounter with a large Korean tour group, and discussing the collaborative spirit among the Nolichucky’s rafting companies, this episode provides an engaging behind-the-scenes look at white water rafting. Whether you're a thrill-seeker or someone curious about outdoor adventure careers, you'll find valuable insights and reasons to explore white water rafting in East Tennessee.

Key Takeaways:

• Dynamic River Conditions: The Nolichucky River offers varying experiences based on its water levels, influenced consistently by rainfall.
• Extensive Experience and Passion: Patrick Mannion’s expertise stems from over 3,500 commercial days on the river and a specialized degree in recreation management.
• Wildlife Encounters: The Nolichucky Gorge boasts rich wildlife sightings, from bald eagles and river otters to occasional bears and deer.
• Collaboration Over Competition: Rafters on the Nolichucky maintain a strong spirit of camaraderie, often working together across companies to ensure safety and enjoyment.
• Memorable Experiences: Patrick shares his most unforgettable adventures on the river, emphasizing the unpredictable yet thrilling nature of white water rafting.

Notable Quotes:

1. "The Nolichucky is an interesting and very dynamic section of river to work on, to play on. The water levels are always going up or coming down." - Patrick Mannion
2. "We use smaller boats that we had custom-built for the Nolichucky. At this water level, we’ll lower the ratio of guests to guides." - Patrick Mannion
3. "I think one of the cool things about the Nolichucky is it's always different. The water levels are always different. The scenery is always amazing." - Patrick Mannion
4. "On high water, it's a splashy, exciting, exhilarating day. At low water, it's equally splashy and fun, but it ends up being a technical challenge for the staff." - Patrick Mannion
5. "If you don’t have a good time out there, we’ll send you rafting with another company out there, and maybe they can give you a good time." - Patrick Mannion

Resources:

• Osprey Whitewater Website: Hawks Nest Whitewater
• Contact: 828-963-6561
• Instagram: @ospreywhitewater
• Facebook: Hawks Nest’s Osprey Nolichucky Outpost

Start your adventure by tuning into this engaging episode to learn more about white water rafting in East Tennessee, and stay tuned for more enlightening conversations from the Colin and Carly podcast series!

About the Guest:

Ty Stewart is the owner of Sweet Caroline's Coffee Company, based in Johnson City, Tennessee. With a background in shooting commercials and social media, Ty transitioned to the coffee industry, inspired by his passion for specialty coffee developed during his college years. His coffee company is named after his daughter, Caroline, and it focuses on delivering high-quality, specialty coffee sourced from top-tier producers like Onyx Coffee Labs.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the Johnson City Living podcast, host Colin Johnson sits down with Ty Stewart, the coffee enthusiast and owner of Sweet Caroline's Coffee Company. They discuss Ty's journey from Texas to Tennessee, his unexpected dive into the specialty coffee industry, and the story behind the name "Sweet Caroline's Coffee Company." Listeners will enjoy Ty's insights into the art of coffee making, his passion for quality ingredients, and his experiences as a young entrepreneur.

Throughout the conversation, Ty talks about his love for the mountains of Tennessee, his previous career in video production, and how a joke by his brother-in-law inspired the name of his coffee business. SEO keywords such as "specialty coffee," "Johnson City," and "entrepreneurship" are highlighted as Ty delves into the careful process of creating the perfect cup of coffee. He also shares his experiences working with Onyx Coffee Labs and his plans for the future of his coffee company.

The episode also touches on Ty's personal life, including his enjoyment of NASCAR races and life in Johnson City with his family. He discusses the importance of community and customer interaction, different coffee preparation methods, and the challenges and rewards of running a coffee business from a custom-built trailer.

Key Takeaways:

• From Texas to Tennessee: Ty Stewart shares his journey from growing up in Texas to moving to Johnson City and becoming a coffee entrepreneur.
• Sweet Caroline's Coffee Company: The origin story behind the name and Ty’s dedication to quality and specialty coffee.
• Specialty Coffee Insights: Ty educates listeners about different coffee types, preparation methods, and the importance of high-quality ingredients.
• Challenges of a Mobile Coffee Business: Insights into the logistics, customer engagement, and challenges of operating from a custom-built coffee trailer.
• Personal Passions: Ty’s love for NASCAR and his appreciation for the community and natural beauty of Johnson City.

Notable Quotes:

1. "Caroline is actually my one-year-old. She runs all over the house."
2. "They showed me that specifically milk makes a massive difference in the coffee you're drinking."
3. "I have my regular, which is a monarch, kind of a more traditional blend, and then I have one called geometry from Onyx."
4. "I usually tell people she's in a lot of debt and not me."
5. "Getting that specialty coffee in your hand is just a good goal of mine."

Resources:

• Sweet Caroline's Coffee Co. Instagram
• Sweet Caroline's Coffee Co. Facebook
• Breaker Barber Company

Be sure to tune in to this insightful episode to learn more about the fascinating world of specialty coffee, the journey of an entrepreneurial spirit, and the vibrant community life in Johnson City. Stay connected for more inspiring stories and practical insights from the Johnson City Living podcast.

About the Guest:

Tosha Yoder is the Event Coordinator at Visit Johnson City, where she plays a pivotal role in orchestrating major events such as the Meet the Mountains festival. With a background in psychology and extensive experience in customer service, she has successfully transitioned into event management. Her attention to detail, organizational skills, and passion for outdoor activities and family-oriented events make her a vital asset to the Johnson City community.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the Johnson City Living Podcast, host Colin Johnson sits down with Tosha Yoder, Event Coordinator at Visit Johnson City. The conversation delves into the preparations for the upcoming Meet the Mountains festival, scheduled for August 9th and 10th at Winged Deer Park. Tosha shares behind-the-scenes insights into event planning and highlights the family-friendly and outdoor-focused activities that attendees can look forward to.

Are you ready to discover the vibrant community events happening in Johnson City? Join Colin Johnson as he chats with Tosha Yoder about the much-anticipated Meet the Mountains festival. This episode is filled with details about the festival's offerings, from rock climbing and zip-lining to a unique dog dock diving competition. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike, this festival promises a memorable experience.

Not only does Tosha provide a comprehensive overview of Meet the Mountains, but she also touches on her life in Johnson City, her career path, and the local education system. The discussion extends to the broader contributions and collaborations of Visit Johnson City, aiming to promote regional tourism. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the dynamic intersection of community engagement and tourism development.

Key Takeaways:

• Meet the Mountains Festival: Scheduled for August 9th and 10th at Winged Deer Park, offering diverse activities like zip-lining, rock climbing, kayaking, and a Sorba bike obstacle course.
• Family-Friendly Fun: The festival caters to all ages, featuring nearly 93 vendors, educational clinics, and interactive experiences designed to engage both children and adults.
• Local School System: Tosha commends Johnson City's schools for their excellent communication and supportive environment, making it a great place for families to thrive.
• Regional Collaborations: Emphasis on the importance of regional cooperation with entities like Northeast Tennessee Tourism association to bolster tourism and community spirit.
• Personal Insights: Tosha shares her journey from a background in psychology to becoming an event coordinator and reflects on the joys of living in Johnson City.

Notable Quotes:

1. “We thank you for just the Visit Johnson City organization and how they're bringing people to this place that we think is your country.” - Colin Johnson
2. "It takes at least nine months to a year to fully plan out the festival." - Tosha Yoder
3. "Buffalo Mountain is one that we, at Visit Johnson City, really try to push for people to go to." - Tosha Yoder
4. "Just knowing that I get to help those kids experience something worthwhile, it really fires me up." - Tosha Yoder
5. "We have a great lineup of education folks and a great lineup of music which we'll be announcing very soon." - Tosha Yoder

Resources:

• Visit Johnson City:
  • Website: Visit Johnson City TN
  • Email: Yoder@visitjohnsoncitytn.com
• Meet the Mountains Festival:
  • Website: MTM Fest
• Johnson City Brewing Company

Ready to dive deeper into what makes Johnson City a special place to live and visit? Listen to the full episode for more exciting details about the Meet the Mountains festival and stay tuned for future episodes filled with community insights and local events.

About the Guests:

Greg and Shirley Mueller are the owners of Olive Oil Divine, a unique specialty store located in Johnson City, Tennessee. With a background in IT and family business, Greg has combined his technical expertise with a passion for high-quality, health-centric products. Shirley, with her experience in construction and business operations, complements Greg by managing customer relations and daily operations. Together, they have grown their business into a local staple, offering a variety of high-quality olive oils, balsamic vinegars, and other gourmet products sourced from around the world.

Episode Summary:

In this engaging episode of "Johnson City Living," host Colin Johnson speaks with Greg and Shirley Mueller, the dynamic duo behind Olive Oil Divine, a specialty store offering high-quality olive oils and balsamic vinegars in Johnson City, Tennessee. Colin delves deep into their personal backgrounds, their journey into the olive oil business, and the spiritual motivations that drive their enterprise.

Greg and Shirley share how their passion for health benefits and spiritual significance of olive oil inspired them to open Olive Oil Divine. Their store offers over 70 different flavors of olive oil and balsamic vinegar sourced globally. They discuss the health benefits, proper storage, and usage tips for olive oil, emphasizing their commitment to product quality and customer education. Unique in its dedication to community and spirituality, Olive Oil Divine even features a prayer room where customers can meditate and pray. The Muellers also highlight their partnerships with local and national businesses and their future expansion plans, providing valuable insights into running a successful specialty store.

Key Takeaways:

• Starting a Unique Business: How Greg and Shirley Mueller transitioned from their previous careers to open Olive Oil Divine by following a spiritual calling.
• Health Benefits of Olive Oil: Detailed explanation of the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of high-quality olive oil and how to use it in cooking.
• Importance of Quality and Integrity: The Muellers' commitment to lab-certifying their products and offering only the best to their customers.
• Community and Spiritual Focus: Their unique inclusion of a prayer room in their store and the positive impact it has on both their business and customers.
• Future Aspirations: Plans for expanding their product range and presence both online and in physical stores, alongside special collaborations like tours to olive oil-producing regions.

Notable Quotes:

1. "The fact that it's in the Bible Belt and the people are just so warm and friendly. We don't have a stranger in Johnson City." - Greg Mueller
2. "Just bring it up to low heat and you'll be just fine. If you overcook it, you'll know it'll start to smell." - Greg Mueller on cooking with olive oil
3. "God moved a lot of mountains to get us in business, and so it was the least we could do for Him, for doing that for us." - Greg Mueller
4. "When you anoint someone, you're basically sharing the spirit of Jesus with them." - Greg Mueller
5. "We don't push it down anybody's throats, but if you come ask about it, we're not going to shy away from it." - Greg Mueller

Resources:

• Olive Oil Divine Website: oliveoildivine.com
• Social Media:
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Truth Social
  • Public Square: Available on Public Square platform

For a deeper dive into the fascinating journey and insightful tips from Greg and Shirley Mueller, listen to the full episode and stay tuned for more inspiring content on the “Johnson City Living” podcast.

About the Guest:

Jose Castillo is a multifaceted professional with a remarkable career spanning various domains such as media, NASCAR, and entrepreneurship. He is the founder of Flavor Inc., Think Jose, and co-hosts NASCAR Trackside Live, a popular talk show in the racing community. Jose is also the mastermind behind Spark Plaza, a pioneering coworking space in Johnson City, Tennessee, which prides itself on fostering community among remote workers. His dynamic career also includes upcoming ventures such as hosting for Team USA House at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Episode Summary:

Join host Colin Johnson as he welcomes his longtime friend and local celebrity, Jose Castillo, for an enlightening discussion. This episode ventures into the heart of Johnson City, capturing the spirit of community, business innovation, and the exhilarating world of NASCAR. Jose, who has been a friend for nearly two decades, shares insights into his life journey—from his humble beginnings in Philadelphia to his achievements in media and the racing arena.

Jose delves into his entrepreneurial endeavors, highlighting the success of Spark Plaza over the past 15 years. He emphasizes the importance of community in coworking spaces and sheds light on the dynamic environment at Spark Plaza which caters to a broad range of remote workers. Moreover, listeners get an insider's perspective on the world of NASCAR, with Jose sharing fascinating stories from his travels and his role in promoting the sport. Be enthralled by his latest exciting project: hosting for Team USA House during the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Key Takeaways:

• Community First: Jose stresses that the success of Spark Plaza lies in its vibrant, supportive community that goes beyond just providing a workspace.
• NASCAR Insights: Gain a deeper understanding of NASCAR's evolution, the impact of the Next Gen car, and insights into the current season.
• Olympic Dream: Jose will be hosting at Team USA House in Paris for the 2024 Olympics, an honor that highlights his expanding influence in international event hosting.
• Work-Life Balance: Despite his busy schedule, Jose maintains a strong family connection, often bringing his family along on travels to NASCAR events.
• Regional Pride: Jose has a deep appreciation for Johnson City and the Tri-Cities area, advocating for regionalism and local community support.

Notable Quotes:

1. "The more I travel, the more I love coming home. And it is a great place to be, a great place to raise a family, a great place to start a business." - Jose Castillo
2. "People think they just need a place to work, but what they really need is community. They need water cooler time. They need somebody to talk to about an idea or about the weekend or about whatever." - Jose Castillo
3. "I'm going to be the host of Team USA House for the Paris Olympics 2024, and it is an honor to represent my country and these amazing athletes who work so hard." - Jose Castillo
4. "In the playoffs, yes, the big teams will be there. But we had some surprises last year, and I think we're going to see the same thing this year." - Jose Castillo
5. "It's funny, I talked to some folks, and they were like, most of these people are so driven that they're like, that fuels me to want to go do it even more." - Jose Castillo

Resources:

• Spark Plaza: Learn more about Jose Castillo’s coworking space.
• Jose Castillo on Social Media: Follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
• Team USA House: Information about the Team USA House for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
• NASCAR Trackside Live: Keep up with Jose's NASCAR hosting here.

Dive into this episode to explore the vibrant essence of Johnson City, the dynamic world of NASCAR, and Jose Castillo’s journey towards hosting the Paris 2024 Olympics. Don't miss out on his valuable insights and stay tuned for more unique stories and inspirations on the show!