The Soda Citizen: Local Life in Columbia, SC by The ART of Real Estate Team at eXp Realty

The ART of Real Estate Team at eXp Realty

The Soda Citizen is your inside look at life in Columbia, SC told through the voices of the people who live it. Brought to you by The ART of Real Estate Team at eXp Realty, this podcast spotlights the stories, local businesses, and community moments that make the Soda City such a vibrant place to call home.

  1. 2 hr ago

    More Than Money: Building Wealth & Giving Back in Columbia, SC

    What does it mean to invest in more than just your financial future? 💰 On this episode of Soda Citizen: Local Life in Columbia, SC, Brad Allen and Mary Lane Sloan sit down with Margaret Ellen Pender and Walker Williams of Anchor Investment Management to talk about building wealth, giving back, and the community they’ve called home for decades. From their personal connections to Columbia to the evolution of the city's business scene, Margaret Ellen and Walker share why they believe financial planning is about so much more than managing investments. They also introduce us to the Anchor Impact Fund, a charitable initiative supporting local nonprofits and making a difference throughout the Midlands. Plus, we're talking practical financial advice for young professionals, why it's never too early to start saving, the importance of having a long-term plan, and what makes Columbia such a special place to live, work, and grow. Whether you're looking to take control of your financial future or simply love hearing about the people investing in our community, this is a conversation you won't want to miss! 🎙️ Learn more about Anchor Investment Management: https://www.anchorinvestmentmanagement.com/ 📲 Download The ART of Real Estate App: https://bk.homestack.com/theartofrealestate?aik=testate 🏡 Thinking about making Columbia home? Connect with The ART of Real Estate Team at eXp Realty for local insights, neighborhood guides, and all things Midlands living!

  2. 20 Oct

    What's Next for Riverbanks Zoo? New Animals, Big Changes & More!

    Big things are happening at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, and we're getting the inside scoop! 🦁🐼 On this episode of The Soda Citizen Podcast, Brad Allen and Mary Lane Sloan sit down with Matt Perron, Public Relations Manager at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, to talk about the exciting changes coming to one of Columbia's most beloved attractions. From new lion and tiger habitats and the arrival of red pandas to an immersive primate forest and expanded Botanical Gardens experiences, there's a lot to look forward to! Matt also shares what makes Riverbanks so special, the conservation work happening behind the scenes, and some of the zoo's best-kept secrets, family activities, and upcoming events. Plus, hear about the all-new Brew Lights event and how you could win tickets! Whether you're a longtime Columbia local or planning your first visit, there's always something new to discover at Riverbanks Zoo! 🌿 Learn more about Riverbanks Zoo & Garden: https://www.riverbanks.org/ Brew Lights at Riverbanks Zoo: https://www.riverbanks.org/events/brew-lights 🎙️ The Soda Citizen Podcast is brought to you by The ART of Real Estate Team at eXp Realty, keeping you connected to the people, places, and stories that make Columbia, SC such a special place to call home. 📲 Download Our App

  3. 7 Oct

    How Palmetto Citizens Is Helping Shape Columbia’s Future

    Palmetto Citizens has been part of the Midlands since 1936, but its story is still very much being written. In this episode of The Soda Citizen, Brad Allen and Mary Lane Sloan sit down with Robert Dozier, President and CEO of Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union, to talk about the organization’s nearly 90-year history, its growth throughout the Midlands, and why investing locally matters. Robert shares the story behind Palmetto Citizens’ beginnings with 10 Columbia teachers, the vision for its new downtown Columbia headquarters, and why the credit union continues to invest in communities across South Carolina and beyond. They also dive into Columbia’s growth, retaining local talent, supporting smaller towns, mortgage rates, home affordability, and what the next decade could look like for the Midlands. It’s a conversation about much more than banking. It’s about community, growth, and why Robert believes Columbia’s best days may still be ahead. About Palmetto Citizens Download Our App

  4. 29 Sept

    Inside the 2026 South Carolina State Fair with Nancy Smith

    The South Carolina State Fair is back October 15–25, and there’s a lot more to it than rides and fair food. 🎡 Brad and Mary Lane sit down with Nancy Smith, General Manager of the South Carolina State Fair, for a behind-the-scenes look at one of South Carolina’s biggest annual traditions. Nancy shares what’s new for 2026, the history behind the iconic Rocket, favorite fair foods, new entertainment, and what it takes to bring the fair to life each year. They also dive into the fair’s agricultural roots, the Ride of Your Life Scholarship program, Sensory Friendly Day, the best times to visit, and some of the traditions that have kept people coming back for generations. Plus, hear about new additions coming to the fairgrounds this year, including Palmetto Championship Wrestling, Sea Lion Splash, an expanded South Carolina Grown Marketplace, and more. Whether the State Fair is an annual tradition for you or you’re planning your first visit, this episode will get you ready for the 2026 South Carolina State Fair! SC State Fair Information Download Our App

  5. 24 Sept

    The Truth About Owning a Historic Home in Columbia, SC

    Thinking about buying or renovating a historic home in Columbia? There may be more benefits and fewer restrictions than you think. Brad Allen and Mary Lane Sloan sit down with Betsy Kleinfelder from the City of Columbia’s historic preservation and planning team to discuss what it really means to own a historic property. They cover how to determine whether a home is in a historic district, which exterior renovations may require approval, and why replacing original windows isn’t always the smartest investment. You’ll also learn about the Bailey Bill, a tax-abatement program that can help qualifying property owners offset renovation costs, plus the differences between local historic districts and the National Register of Historic Places. Whether you own an older home, are considering buying one, or simply love Columbia’s history and architecture, this episode offers a fascinating look at the homes and neighborhoods that give our city its character. For more about City of Columbia Planning & Development 📲 Download Our App

  6. 9 Sept

    What’s Next for Columbia Metropolitan Airport? Inside CAE’s Growth and Future

    There’s a lot more happening at Columbia Metropolitan Airport than most travelers realize. In this episode, Brad and Mary Lane sit down with Chris White, President and CEO of Columbia Metropolitan Airport, and Kim Crafton, Vice President of Marketing and Service Development, for an inside look at CAE’s recent growth and what could be coming next. Chris and Kim explain what officially makes CAE an international airport, how its newly completed Customs and Border Protection facility supports private aviation and international business, and why the airport plays such an important role in economic development throughout the Midlands. They also discuss the possibility of a future name change, ongoing efforts to attract additional airlines and nonstop routes, and the biggest factor travelers can influence: choosing to fly local. The conversation also explores the airport’s recent improvements, including an expanded TSA checkpoint, an indoor-outdoor passenger lounge, a new business center, family restrooms, a sensory room, and a meditation and interfaith space. Kim shares how CAE is making travel more accessible through programs like the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, while Chris explains the airport’s cargo operations, military presence, diversion flights, and plans for a solar-powered microgrid. Plus, the guests share some of their favorite features at CAE, why booking early can make flying from Columbia more affordable, and what they enjoy doing when they’re away from the airport and exploring the Midlands. Whether you fly through CAE regularly, automatically head to Charlotte for every trip, or simply want to know how Columbia is preparing for future growth, this episode offers a fascinating look at the airport connecting our community to the rest of the world. ✈️ Learn more about Columbia Metropolitan Airport 🏡 Living in Columbia or thinking about moving here? Download The ART of Real Estate app to search for homes, explore local resources, receive event updates, and connect with our team.

  7. 1 Sept

    She Left Law to Open The Honey Market In Columbia SC

    What happens when you leave a decade-long legal career to finally pursue the business you’ve been dreaming about for years? In this episode of The Soda Citizen Podcast, Brad and Mary Lane sit down with Grace Berger, owner of The Honey Market, a new coffee and wine bar, gourmet market, and housewares shop located on Forest Drive in Forest Acres. Grace shares the childhood fascination that inspired the business’s name, why Forest Acres was always the right location, and what it took to bring her longtime vision to life. We also get a taste of the creativity behind The Honey Market, from the Velvet King made with Coca-Cola and a coffee ice sphere to a brown butter latte topped with 24-karat gold. In this conversation, we discuss: Why Grace left her legal career to open The Honey MarketThe inspiration behind the business and its nameHer experience opening a small business in Forest AcresThe shop’s unexpected drinks, specialty foods, wine, and giftsCreating a welcoming space for parents, children, and the communityColumbia’s evolving restaurant scene and what it still needsWhat’s ahead for The Honey MarketIt’s a conversation about taking a chance on a longtime dream, creating something completely different, and bringing a fresh new experience to Columbia. ☕️🍯 More on The Honey Market 📲 Download Our App

  8. 18 Aug

    Why The Nickelodeon Is One of Columbia's Greatest Treasures | Sumner Bender

    What makes The Nickelodeon Theater one of Columbia's most beloved destinations? It's about much more than the movies.  In this episode of The Soda Citizen Podcast, Brad Allen and Mary Lane Sloan sit down with Sumner Bender, Executive Director of The Nick, to explore the story behind Columbia's only nonprofit art house cinema and the role it plays in shaping the city's culture. From choosing which films make it to the big screen to hosting film festivals, Oscar parties, documentaries, and community events, Sumner shares what goes on behind the scenes at one of Main Street's most iconic landmarks. The conversation also dives into the changing movie industry, how AI is impacting Hollywood, why some films are nearly impossible for independent theaters to show, and what keeps people coming back to The Nick year after year. Along the way, you'll also hear why Sumner believes Columbia continues to grow into one of the best places to live, how The Nick has helped energize Main Street, and why supporting local arts organizations matters more than ever. Whether you're a movie lover, a longtime Columbia resident, or simply looking for unique things to do in the Midlands, this episode will give you a whole new appreciation for The Nick. In this episode:  The history of The Nickelodeon Theater  How independent theaters choose their movies  Why some films can't be shown  The future of movie theaters and AI in Hollywood  The Nick's events, memberships, and community impact  Why Columbia's arts scene continues to thrive🍿 More About The Nick 📱 Download Our App

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The Soda Citizen is your inside look at life in Columbia, SC told through the voices of the people who live it. Brought to you by The ART of Real Estate Team at eXp Realty, this podcast spotlights the stories, local businesses, and community moments that make the Soda City such a vibrant place to call home.

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