Episodes

Charlotte’s movie scene has something truly special — and it’s not your average theater popcorn experience. The Independent Picture House isn’t just a cinema; it’s a community hub for film lovers, artists, and idea seekers. As Charlotte’s only nonprofit community cinema, IPH is building something more than a movie — a space where cultural conversations, local voices, and international films all meet under one roof. Our guest today is one of the driving forces behind that mission — Claire Lechten...

Today’s guest has gone from dancing in some of Europe’s most respected companies to becoming one of the most distinctive choreographic voices in contemporary ballet. Alejandro Cerrudo, danced professionally before he became Hubbard Street Dance Chicago’s first‑ever resident choreographer in 2008. His work has been performed by more than 20 dance companies around the world, and he has been recognized with honors including the Boomerang Fund for Artists award, the Prince Prize for Commissioning Or...

Today’s guest helps power a national network you may not know by name, but you’ve almost certainly lived with their work. Insulate America is a nationwide group of independently owned insulation contractors that serves builders, remodelers, and homeowners all across the country. At the center of that network is David Beam, who works with member companies to strengthen their businesses, share best practices, and deliver consistent quality. And while Insulate America is firmly in the insulation co...

Today’s guest has built one of Charlotte’s most beloved “shop local” destinations by turning a little bungalow in Plaza Midwood into a treasure hunt of vintage‑inspired gifts, home decor, and local makers. Michelle Castelloe is the owner and operator of Moxie Mercantile, a community‑centric, curated gift boutique that has grown from its original Commonwealth Avenue shop into multiple locations in the Charlotte region. Michelle launched Moxie after a 14‑year career as a Brand Director with Anthro...

Today’s guest wears two very different hats that actually fit together perfectly. Chuck Kistler is the co-owner of Vaulted Oak Brewing, the popular neighborhood brewery on Monroe Road, known for its community vibe, big patio, and eclectic tap list. When he’s not pouring into the local beer scene, Chuck is a General Account Manager at TIAA, bringing a financial professional’s discipline to a small business built on fun, hospitality, and community. Chuck and his partners have turned Vaulted Oak in...

She’s a strategic marketing pro, brand storyteller, and customer experience expert with more than two decades of experience driving growth for top organizations. Carly O’Brien is also the founder of Carly O’Brien Consulting, where she helps businesses refine their marketing, transform their messaging, and build brands that resonate. Her perspective blends creativity with data-driven insight — and her approachable style makes complex marketing strategy feel human and doable. We’re thrilled to wel...

Our guest today is a serial entrepreneur and growth-minded leader who’s built an entire ecosystem around helping other business owners think bigger. Chad Jenkins is the Owner and CEO of SEEDSPARK and the creator of SEEDSPARK CoLAB, a collaboration-focused platform that helps entrepreneurs connect, innovate, and scale. Through SEEDSPARK, he and his team use technology, strategy, and what they call “The Digital Continuum” to solve real business problems and spark meaningful growth. From acquiring ...

Our next guest is a visual brand storyteller who helps businesses look as good as they really are. Mandi Boedicker is the founder of Dry Ink Designs, a Charlotte-based studio specializing in logo design, visual branding, and websites that tell a clear, compelling story. From new launches to rebrands, she guides clients through everything from concept and color to full brand systems and online presence. We’re excited to dig into how she builds brands that stand out and how her design and marketin...

Today’s guest has spent two decades in the trenches of outside sales, from pharmaceuticals and medical devices to capital equipment and beyond. Mike O’Kelly is the founder and host of the Surviving Outside Sales Academy – and podcast, where he helps sales professionals navigate a chaotic, ever-changing landscape with better habits, systems, and mindset. Through his show, coaching, and content, he shares real stories from his own career — the big wins, the missed deals, and the lessons that came ...

She’s built a career around helping people find peace, balance, and real tools for navigating life’s challenges. Tammy Morath is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and the founder of Soho Therapy Group — a practice built on compassion, collaboration, and community. From individuals to families and couples, Tammy and her team focus on practical, strengths-based therapy that helps clients thrive. We’re excited to dive into the story behind Soho Therapy Group and how Tammy’s leadership approach has...

Some stories are so improbable that if they weren’t true, you’d never believe them. Dean Otto’s story is one of them. A lifelong athlete, sales leader, and dad, Dean was out for a Saturday morning bike ride in Charlotte when he was hit from behind by a Ford F-150, paralyzed from the waist down, and given just a 2% chance of ever walking again. Less than a year later, he crossed the finish line of a half marathon—running side by side with his neurosurgeon, Dr. Matthew McGirt, who had performed th...

If you’ve ever tried to shop for home or auto insurance alone, you know it can feel confusing, rushed, and a little bit like guesswork. The McElveen Agency and Goosehead Insurance flips that script. Led by agent and agency president Jay McElveen, the Charlotte-based firm uses cutting-edge technology and relationships with more than two dozen top-rated carriers to shop the market and build custom policies in just minutes. Jay started his agency in 2017 with a focus on serving families and partner...

Tiffany VanDeMark believes your brand is felt before it is understood — and she has spent her career helping people and organizations make that feeling count. From launching global experiential marketing and wellness initiatives at Chobani, to leading brand and revenue growth for health and fitness companies, she has built a reputation as a dynamic leader who blends strategy, storytelling, and heart. After founding her own consultancy, VanDeMark Partners, Tiffany expanded her work as a speaker, ...

If you’ve ever bought or sold a home around the Charlotte area, you’ve probably seen the work of our next guest — even if you didn’t realize it. Those crisp, professional real estate signs that pop up on lawns and properties all over town often come from Carolina Realty Signs. Behind those signs is Wes Martin, owner and president of the company, who’s been growing this family business since he took it over more than two decades ago. Wes and his team handle everything from design and printing to ...

Food has a unique way of bringing people together, especially in life’s hardest moments. Feast for Good does exactly that for cancer patients in the Charlotte area — organizing meals from local restaurants and food partners for folks braving treatment. By tapping into Charlotte’s culinary community, Feast for Good not only feeds people physically, but also provides comfort, dignity, and a reminder that they are not facing cancer alone. Our guest today, Kristi Martin, is the Founder and Executive...

A former first company dancer with Charlotte Ballet, Sarah spent 15 seasons on stage before pivoting into teaching Argentine tango and helping run one of the city’s most versatile, artist-friendly event spaces. From weddings and live performances to weekly tango sessions and brunches, The Long Room and Tango CLT are creating a warm, intimate home for dancers, musicians, and creatives of all kinds. Sarah, welcome to the program!

Charlotte’s arts scene continues to thrive, thanks to institutions that make creativity accessible and inspiring for everyone. At the heart of that movement stands the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art — a cultural landmark known for its stunning architecture, world-class collection, and inclusive approach to modern art. Since opening in 2010, the museum has become a hub for connection, conversation, and creative exploration for visitors from every walk of life. Our guest today, Todd Smith, is the E...

There’s a lot of talk about “grind” and “hustle” in the marketplace. But how exactly does that translate to “success” in sales, sports, and business?? Attitude, Effort, Results was built to change that. Through coaching, speaking, and the Attitude, Effort, Results Podcast, the brand gives students, young professionals, and sales teams practical tools to level up their mindset, sharpen their skills, and break into competitive industries like sports. Our guest today, Tanner Natzke, is the founder ...

In a booming city like Charlotte, real estate isn’t just about selling homes — it’s about building communities, telling stories, and helping people find their place. At Charlotte Living Realty Group, that philosophy is at the heart of everything they do. Known for hyper-local expertise and client-first service, the firm has become a trusted name in one of the country’s most competitive housing markets. Our guest today, is Kayla Haase. She’s the Marketing Manager at Charlotte Living Realty Group....

Few things are more powerful than the feeling of being cared for when you need it most. That’s exactly what the Hospitality House of Charlotte provides — a welcoming “home away from home” for patients and families traveling to the Charlotte for medical care. Since 1985, the organization has offered comfort, hope, and community to thousands of people during some of life’s most difficult moments. Our guest today is Angie Bush. She’s the Chief Executive Officer of Hospitality House of Charlotte. Wi...

When it comes to securing your financial future, confidence and clarity make all the difference. Carnegie Private Wealth is a SouthPark-based wealth management firm, where Mary Ware and her team are proving that financial planning is about more than just numbers—it’s about tailoring strategies to help clients live their best lives and reduce stress around their finances. Named one of Forbes’ Top Wealth Advisors and a Working Mother Top Wealth Advisor Mom, Mary brings more than expertise—she brin...

Most people don’t think twice about who cleans their office, bank, church, or car dealership… until something goes wrong. But for businesses that care about first impressions, safety, and employee experience, having the right cleaning partner isn’t a nice-to-have—it’s essential. Pure Commercial Cleaning has built a five-star reputation in the Charlotte area by promising something simple, but rare: above-and-beyond service, every single day. They specialize in janitorial services for offices, ban...

It’s no secret that the way we work has changed a lot in recent years—whether it’s the move to remote setups, hybrid teams, or flexible spaces that can do it all. But one thing that hasn’t changed? The need for a functional, comfortable, and inspiring workspace. That’s where Larner’s Office Furniture comes in. For more than 60 years, Larner’s has been helping businesses across the Carolinas create spaces that reflect who they are and how they work. From small startups and home offices to corpora...

Today’s guest brings a strategic mindset and a “people-first” approach to one of the most complex and important industries out there: employee benefits and insurance. Price Litton is a Client Executive at OneDigital, where he’s spent the last several years guiding companies through the ever-changing landscape of healthcare, insurance, and workforce solutions. Known for his ability to create long-term business growth while never losing sight of the human side, Price draws on a strong background ...