FXBG Neighbors Podcast

Dori Stewart
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Fredericksburg Neighbors Podcast

  1. EP #93 From Fear To Float: Rewriting Water Safety For Young Children

    6D AGO

    EP #93 From Fear To Float: Rewriting Water Safety For Young Children

    Think a six-month-old can’t learn water safety? You’ll rethink that after meeting Allysa Smith, the certified coach behind Mighty Floaters Infant Aquatics in Fredericksburg. We dive into how infants and toddlers build real survival skills—rolling to a float, breathing calmly, and swimming to safety—in focused, 10-minute lessons four days a week. No scare tactics, no shortcuts. Just gentle, proven methods that create confident kids and calmer parents around pools, lakes, and bathtubs. Allysa shares the moment she went from fascinated parent to certified instructor, why credentials matter in a growing industry, and how she tailored a program for local families who needed more than recreational swim. We unpack the biggest myths—like the viral “toss the baby” clips—and explain what actually happens: measured progressions, close supervision, and a child-led pace that reduces fear and builds muscle memory. For infants who can sit up, the initial goal is simple and lifesaving: find air and float. For toddlers and preschoolers, it’s the swim-float-swim sequence that buys time and options when the unexpected happens. We also talk timing and maintenance. Starting earlier often makes adaptation easier, and skill retention improves with brief, ongoing practice throughout the year. Allysa previews new parent-and-baby acclimation sessions for ages two to six months, designed to make the transition into one-on-one survival swim smoother. She’s candid about cost and value, comparing months of traditional lessons that may not deliver safety outcomes with a concentrated program that does. And she never promises “drown proof”—instead, she promotes layered protection: barriers, attentive supervision, and reliable, trained responses from the child. If you’re a parent, caregiver, or local neighbor near water, this conversation offers clear steps to reduce risk and raise confidence. Subscribe for more local stories that make a difference, share this episode with a friend who needs it, and leave a review to help more families find life-saving resources. Allysa Smith Mighty Floaters Infant Aquatics mightyfloatersinfantaquatics.com mightyfloatersia@gmail.com 540-220-8497

    14 min
  2. EP #92 What Happens When Faith, Science, And Courage Align Around Healing

    6D AGO

    EP #92 What Happens When Faith, Science, And Courage Align Around Healing

    What if the missing piece in your health isn’t a new supplement, but a calmer nervous system and simpler food? We sit down with author, podcaster, and local wellness consultant Laura Heflin to unpack a root-cause approach that helps people lower inflammation, regain energy, and, in many cases, reduce reliance on medication. Laura’s blend of functional nutrition and stress regulation turns complex science into clear, livable steps that work in real life. She shares why she starts with the nervous system, how stable blood sugar can quiet cravings and anxiety, and the small daily practices that build resilience without extreme protocols. Laura opens up about her own path through an eating disorder, autoimmune issues, and infertility—and how healing transformed her vocation. That lived experience fuels her show, Live Healthy with Laura, where she interviews experts and distills practical wisdom to cut through a health industry that often profits from confusion. Her focus is on clarity, consistency, and habits that hold up during busy seasons, travel, and stress. If you’ve felt stuck in start-stop cycles, her philosophy offers a gentler way forward grounded in whole foods, breathwork, light exposure, and compassionate self-leadership. We also dig into her new book, Just Jump: an overthinker’s guide to getting unstuck, gaining traction, and taking chances. Laura tackles imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and the fear of regret, encouraging small, courageous steps toward purpose—whether that’s improving your labs, cooking at home, or finally launching a creative dream. You’ll leave with grounded tools, a fresh mindset, and a clear path to sustainable change. If this conversation helps, share it with a friend who needs hope, subscribe for more local stories and practical health tips, and leave a review so others can find us. Laura Heflin Live Healthy with Laura livehealthywithlaura.com Livehealthywithlaura@hotmail.com +1 540-809-4923 Fredericksburg, VA, United States, Virginia

    13 min
  3. EP #91 Perfect Strangers, Local Voice

    6D AGO

    EP #91 Perfect Strangers, Local Voice

    What does it mean to grow up everywhere and belong somewhere? We sit down with Fredericksburg author Justin Marlowe to trace the making of Perfect Strangers: Echoes of a Black Suburban Youth—a candid memoir that follows his journey from toddlerhood through 17, shaped by military moves, culture shock, and the quiet codes of suburban life. Justin opens up about race, politics, and identity seen through neighborhoods most of us overlook, and why telling this story now invites the kind of dialogue many communities avoid but need. We explore the chapter readers ask about most: his time in Louisiana. Coming from DC roots and stops in Germany and Kansas, landing in the deep south meant learning an entirely new language of context. Justin explains how that setting sharpened his sense of self and pushed him to write with precision about what felt normal to locals and alien to him. Along the way, we talk about the craft choices that make the memories feel alive, from anchoring scenes in pop culture to pulling exact textures from vintage TV like Facts of Life that helped him rebuild timelines and tone. The conversation also leans forward. Justin shares how memoir writing differs from his current projects—poetry accepted in multiple literary magazines and a new Black futurism novel that explores power, community, and possibility. He breaks down his creative routines—exercise, music, and the right podcast at the right moment—and gives clear advice for first-time memoirists: immerse in yourself, take your experiences seriously, and write the version of events that changed you. If you’re curious about the realities behind a Black suburban upbringing, how place can reshape identity, or how to move from memory to imagination, this one will stick with you long after the credits. If you enjoyed the conversation, follow and subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review to help more neighbors find the show. Justin Marlowe Local Author of Perfect Strangers justin.marlowe1@gmail.com Follow on IG: @jmarlowewrites

    14 min
  4. EP #90 How A Stylist Built A Brand Where Women Feel Seen

    NOV 28

    EP #90 How A Stylist Built A Brand Where Women Feel Seen

    A salon can be more than a service—it can be a sanctuary. We sit with stylist and founder Erica Mynar to unpack how Girl Time, her one-on-one salon suite in Fredericksburg, delivers calm energy, honest guidance, and gorgeous blonding without the noise or rush of a crowded floor. From the first hello to the final style, Erica designs every moment to feel personal, present, and pressure-free, so clients leave with great hair and real confidence. Erica traces her journey from Paul Mitchell to commission salons and finally to ownership, sharing the lessons she kept—and the habits she left behind. If you’ve ever wondered what makes blonding shine over time, she breaks down techniques like balayage, highlights, and ombre, along with the maintenance routines that protect tone and hair health. She also busts a stubborn myth: conditioning your roots is not the enemy. Treat the scalp like skin, allow a short adjustment period, and enjoy less dryness, better balance, and brighter color. We also go deeper than hair. Erica lives with POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome) and explains how hydration, movement, and pacing allow her to thrive without letting the condition define her. That resilience shows up in her business: no double-booking, no stylist disappearing act, just focused time that respects both the client and the craft. Fredericksburg provides the perfect backdrop—close to mountains, beach, and DC—while community roots grow through Instagram, Google, and word of mouth. If you’re dreaming of starting your own business, Erica’s advice will ground you: believe fully, practice perseverance, and celebrate the small wins that stack into momentum. Press play to learn how a clear brand, a calm suite, and a craftsman’s mindset can turn a vision into a neighborhood staple. If you enjoyed this conversation, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review to help more neighbors discover it. Erica Mynar Girl Time girltimellc.glossgenius.com 1380 Carl D Silver Pkwy Suite 126, Fredericksburg, VA 22401

    10 min
  5. EP #89 Creating Smoke And Mirrors: An Inclusive Cigar Lounge In Downtown Fredericksburg

    NOV 28

    EP #89 Creating Smoke And Mirrors: An Inclusive Cigar Lounge In Downtown Fredericksburg

    A quiet room can change how we connect. That’s the spark behind our conversation with Leanne, the voice and vision of Smoke and Mirrors Cigar Lounge in downtown Fredericksburg—a grownup space with soft lighting, light jazz, and a heated, covered patio that invites you to slow down. We talk about why an adults-only lounge matters in a city full of great spots, and how thoughtful design choices can make a place feel both elevated and welcoming at the same time. Leanne shares the family journey from Seattle to Fredericksburg and the decision to build the room they wanted but couldn’t find: zones for conversation, nooks for reading or remote work, premium cigars without the pretense, and a culture that meets newcomers with patience and good guidance. We unpack the biggest myths about cigar lounges—intimidating, exclusive, “for men only”—and replace them with a picture of diverse regulars, curious first-timers, and staff who ask simple questions to match people with the right cigar for their moment. You’ll hear how details like music volume, seating layout, and airflow turn smoking into a social ritual rather than a noisy scene. We also dig into Leanne’s approach to building a local brand: start before perfect, trust your vision, and let relationships carry more weight than marketing hype. That philosophy shows up in everything from curated pairings to respectful service and events that feel organic. And when she’s not at the lounge, Leanne explores Fredericksburg’s wineries, distilleries, and restaurants, bringing back ideas that make the space better for the next visit. If you’re curious about inclusive cigar culture, community-centered hospitality, and how to design an environment where adults can breathe, this conversation will hit home. Subscribe, share with a friend who loves local gems, and leave a quick review to help more neighbors find the show. Leanne Cola Smoke and Mirrors Cigar Lounge smcigarlounge.com hello@smcigarlounge.com +1 540-818-2969 1411 Princess Anne St, Fredericksburg, VA, United States, Virginia

    8 min
  6. EP #88 Books On Wheels, Community In Tow

    NOV 28

    EP #88 Books On Wheels, Community In Tow

    A 16-foot trailer, hand-built shelves, and the smell of custom candles set the stage for one of the most heartwarming business stories in Fredericksburg. We sit down with English teacher and founder Katie O’Mara, who turned a spark of inspiration and a meaningful family legacy into The Book Market FXBG—a mobile bookstore that proves curation, community, and local makers can outshine any algorithm. Katie shares how a modest inheritance from her trailblazing grandmother pushed her to stop scrolling and start building. From buying an empty trailer in August to opening by March, she and her husband navigated the nuts and bolts of construction, inventory, and a pop-up strategy that brings readers directly to small businesses across town. You’ll hear how partnerships with Gunnar Ray Monograms, Fifth Sense Candle Company, and Bayside Clay create a bookish experience that feels tactile, rooted, and distinctly local. We also dig into the myths around big-box and online book buying. Katie explains why individualized recommendations, local author spotlights, and community events deliver more value than a lower price tag—and how Bookshop.org and Libro.fm let you buy online while still supporting indie stores. Her advice for would-be founders is refreshingly practical: skip the horror stories, call your SBDC, find a good insurance agent and accountant, and let your community help you win. If you care about supporting local bookstores, discovering new authors, and keeping your dollars in the neighborhood, this conversation will give you a roadmap and a reason to change your next checkout. Follow The Book Market FXBG on Instagram and Facebook, track the trailer’s next stop, and share this episode with a friend who loves the smell of a new book. If you enjoyed the show, subscribe, leave a rating, and tell us which local business we should feature next. Katie O'Mara The Book Market FXBG bookshop.org/shop/thebookmarketfxbg thebookmarketfxbg@gmail.com

    14 min
  7. EP #87 How To Build A Simple Plan For Debt, Savings, And Wealth

    NOV 28

    EP #87 How To Build A Simple Plan For Debt, Savings, And Wealth

    Money should feel calm, not confusing. We sat down with family financial coach Juliana Alcantara of Financial Health Solutions to talk about practical ways parents, couples, and newlyweds can create a plan that fits real life—without giving up joy or relying on rigid rules. From her early days as a bank teller to years in public accounting, Juliana brings a grounded view of cash flow, debt, and the human habits that make or break a budget. We unpack the two most common starting points she sees: households tackling heavy debt and households with little debt but no plan. Juliana walks through how to choose a debt payoff strategy you can actually keep, set guardrails to avoid new balances, and still make smart moves on taxes, insurance, and retirement. If you’ve ever been blindsided by birthdays, holidays, or quarterly renewals, you’ll learn how sinking funds and monthly planning stop those “surprise” expenses from wrecking your momentum. What sets Juliana apart is her rejection of one-size-fits-all advice. Instead of strict mandates, she offers options and trade-offs so families can pick a sustainable path. We talk openly about common misconceptions—like needing to cut every comfort to get ahead—and why a budget that includes joy is easier to follow. She also shares candid advice for anyone eyeing a leap from corporate life to entrepreneurship: build community, find mentors, and borrow proven systems to move faster with less stress. If you’re ready to replace money guilt with clarity and progress, this conversation will help you map a simple plan, automate the basics, and align spending with what matters most. Listen, take what fits, and start small today. If you found value, follow the show, share it with a neighbor, and leave a quick review to help more local families find money peace. Juliana Alcantara Financial Health Solutions fhscoach.com hello@fhscoach.com Loudoun County, VA · Fairfax County, VA · Washington D.C., DC · Winchester, VA · Frederick County, VA

    12 min
  8. EP #86 Inside One Orthodontics: Early Care, Local Roots, Confident Smiles

    NOV 28

    EP #86 Inside One Orthodontics: Early Care, Local Roots, Confident Smiles

    Think orthodontics starts when the last baby tooth leaves? We dig into the earlier, smarter path with Dr. Mohammed Abdulateef of One Orthodontics, revealing how a simple age-seven check can prevent extractions, shorten treatment, and even reduce the chance of jaw surgery. This is a story of a first-day dental school friendship that became a Fredericksburg practice grounded in community, clarity, and care. We walk through what a first visit really looks like: quick digital scans, a focused x-ray, and a thoughtful conversation that often ends with a yearly recall instead of treatment. When Phase I care makes sense, it is precise and practical—creating space for incoming teeth, guiding jaw growth, and setting up a healthier bite so teen braces or aligners are easier and faster. Dr. Mohammed explains how personalized plans for kids, teens, and adults—braces, Invisalign, retainers—keep comfort and outcomes front and center. Beyond clinical steps, we talk about confidence. Patients who once hid their smile begin to enjoy photos, laugh with friends, and feel at ease. That transformation fuels the team’s mission and reflects the warmth of Fredericksburg’s small business community, which welcomed One Orthodontics from day one. Dr. Mohammed also shares grounded advice for new founders: be patient, move steadily, and celebrate small wins. If you’ve wondered when to schedule that first orthodontic visit—or whether aligners are right for you—this conversation offers clear guidance and local insight. If you enjoy conversations that blend practical health tips with real community stories, follow the show, share it with a neighbor, and leave a quick review. Your feedback helps more listeners find trusted local care and uplifting stories. Dr. Mohammed Abdulateef One Orthodontics 1-orthodontics.com Info@1-orthodontics.com +1 826-204-2204

    11 min
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About

Fredericksburg Neighbors Podcast

Information

  • Creator
    Dori Stewart
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    93
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 FXBG Neighbors Podcast
  • Show Website
    FXBG Neighbors Podcast