Fully Stoked

Cody and Sarah Stokes

Welcome to Fully Stoked, where Sarah and Cody Stokes dive into real conversations about marriage, business, food, and life. As a powerhouse couple balancing entrepreneurship, family, and fun, they explore relationships, growth, leadership, and success with honesty and humor. Featuring chefs, realtors, influencers, and entrepreneurs, each episode delivers inspiration, laughter, and insight. Sarah also spotlights women in business, sharing their wins, lessons, and wisdom. Tune in, connect, and stay Fully Stoked!

  1. 1d ago

    How to Build Real Connections Without Selling with Jenny Moates

    This episode is your guide to building real relationships through networking, one coffee at a time, so your business grows without a single sales pitch. Maybe you're so busy with work and family that you don't really know many people in your community. Maybe the idea of asking someone to coffee makes you nervous. Or maybe you want to know what really works to build a network that sends opportunities your way. Start here. Today, Sarah is joined by Jenny Moates, author of Fifty Coffees and Chief Possibilities Officer of Moving Ideas, the Charlotte marketing agency she co-founded 21 years ago. One year, Jenny set a goal to have coffee with 50 people she didn't know. She's had more than 200 since. You'll learn: - Why your team's differences are your biggest advantage - The one question that makes every coffee lead to the next - Why you should never show up to coffee to sell - The email Jenny used to invite near-strangers to coffee - "FORGE," a simple way to find common ground with anyone - How one coffee turned into her firm's second-largest account As Jenny puts it, when you bring value to your community, it comes back to you. 📺 Watch the full video on YouTube: [YOUTUBE EPISODE LINK] IN THIS EPISODE 00:00 Meet Jenny Moates 01:31 What Is a Chief Possibilities Officer? 05:00 The Story Behind Fifty Coffees 06:39 How to Set a Networking Goal You'll Keep 08:44 Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone to Grow Your Business 12:13 What 50 Coffees Teach You About Feeling Awkward 13:32 Where to Start If You're Nervous About Networking 15:33 Why You Should Never Have Coffee to Sell 18:16 How to Overcome the Fear of Rejection 22:58 The FORGE Method for Finding Common Ground 25:01 Why Curiosity and Failing Faster Lead to Success 26:43 How 50 Coffees Became 200 (and Why Likable People Like People) 29:06 How Faith Shapes Business and Relationships 36:37 What If a Coffee Doesn't Go Well? 38:09 Your Coffee Challenge for This Week 41:12 What Jenny Is Fully Stoked About FOLLOW JENNY MOATES Moving Ideas Fifty Coffees on Amazon: [https://AMAZON LINK] Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/HANDLE] Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/FIFTY COFFEES PAGE] LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/HANDLE] See Jenny speak live in December: [https://EVENTBRITE LINK] FOLLOW SARAH Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahwhitleystokes TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lendersarahstokes YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fullystokedpodcast Ready to buy or refinance? Start here: https://www.fullystokedhomeloans.com CONTACT SARAH STOKES Host, Fully Stoked Podcast Sr. Mortgage Loan Advisor, Coast2Coast Mortgage Lending NMLS #1743154 | Company NMLS #376205 Email: sarah.stokes@coast2coastml.com Phone: 704-301-6040 | 828-772-4638 A NOTE FROM SARAH: This podcast is for information and inspiration. Guests share their own experiences and opinions, which don't necessarily reflect mine or Coast2Coast Mortgage Lending's. Nothing in this episode is an offer or commitment to lend. Equal Housing Opportunity.

  2. Nov 2

    Bookkeeping Basics Every Business Owner Needs with Jessica Hillinger

    This episode is your guide to bookkeeping basics for small business owners: the numbers to watch, the reports to read, and the habits that turn more income into real wealth. Maybe you're avoiding your bank app because you don't want to see what's in there. Maybe your business is growing, but you're still not paying yourself. Or maybe you want to know what a bookkeeper actually does that your CPA doesn't. Start here. Today, Sarah is joined by Jessica Hillinger, founder of Hillinger Bookkeeping. After nearly 20 years as a stay-at-home mom of four, Jessica built a bookkeeping business that helps entrepreneurs simplify their finances, using the same every-two-weeks budget system that took her own family from cashing out stock for furniture to a two-year savings runway. You'll learn: • The 3 reports every business owner should read each month • "The map": how to tell your money where to go before the bills do • Why most small businesses need both a bookkeeper and a CPA • Why you should pay yourself now, even if it's $200 a month • How a Roth IRA can help your teen buy their first home • The five-minute weekly habit that keeps you in control of your money As Jessica puts it, a good bookkeeper isn't just doing your books; they're a business partner who wants you to win. 📺 Watch the full video on YouTube: [YouTube episode link] 📄 Episode resources: [episode page link] IN THIS EPISODE 00:00 Meet Jessica Hillinger 01:30 From Stay-at-Home Mom to Business Owner 05:30 How to Build a Family Budget That Works 10:30 How to Pay Yourself First 14:30 How to Build Wealth, Not Just Pay Off Debt 19:00 Bookkeeper vs. CPA: What's the Difference? 21:00 What 3 Financial Reports Should Business Owners Read? 23:00 The Biggest Bookkeeping Mistake Business Owners Make 25:00 Why Business Owners Should Pay Themselves Early 28:00 Can a Roth IRA Help You Buy Your First Home? 32:00 When Should You Hire a Bookkeeper? 36:30 Supporting Local Small Businesses 39:00 Rapid Fire: The Money Habit Everyone Needs 41:30 Advice for Women Starting a Business FOLLOW JESSICA HILLINGER Hillinger Bookkeeping Website: https://hillingerbookkeeping.com Book a free discovery call: https://hillingerbookkeeping.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hillingerbookkeeping FOLLOW SARAH Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahwhitleystokes TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lendersarahstokes YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fullystokedpodcast Facebook: [https://link] LinkedIn: [https://link] FREE NEWSLETTERS First-Time Homebuyers: [https://signup link] Real Estate Investors: [https://signup link] Short-Term Rental Investors: [https://signup link] LEARN WITH SARAH Credit Improvement: [https://link] Online Homebuyer Class: [https://link] Ready to buy or refinance? Start here: [https://link] CONTACT SARAH STOKES Host, Fully Stoked Podcast Sr. Mortgage Loan Advisor, Coast2Coast Mortgage Lending NMLS #1743154 | Company NMLS #376205 Email: sarah.stokes@coast2coastml.com Phone: 704-301-6040 | 828-772-4638 A NOTE FROM SARAH: I'm your host and a mortgage advisor, not your therapist, attorney, CPA, or financial planner. This podcast is for information and inspiration, so talk with a qualified professional about your own situation. Guests share their own experiences and opinions, which don't necessarily reflect mine or Coast2Coast Mortgage Lending's. This is not financial, legal, or tax advice. Nothing in this episode is an offer or commitment to lend. Equal Housing Opportunity.

  3. Oct 26

    Reclaiming Desire After Baby with Elizabeth Permenter

    This episode is your guide to reconnecting with desire, pleasure, and yourself after baby and through perimenopause. Maybe you're a new mom who doesn't recognize your body or your drive anymore. Maybe perimenopause has you wondering if this is just how it is now. Or maybe you want to know what actually helps women feel present and connected again. Start here. Today, Sarah is joined by Elizabeth Permenter, founder of The Catnip Co, a women's wellness brand supporting female sexual health through supplements, education, events, and community. A former founding team member at Pearl Health, Elizabeth turned her own postpartum journey into a mission to help women prioritize pleasure and intimacy. You'll learn:• Why sexual health is a core part of women's health, not a luxury• How postpartum and perimenopause overlap, and why symptoms are hard to tell apart• Why Elizabeth partnered with a Columbia-trained medicinal chemist to formulate Catnip• What "increased embodiment" means and why testers noticed fewer intrusive thoughts• The surprisingly simple way partners can support intimacy (do the dishes)• Why scheduling intimacy works only if you reconnect with yourself first As Elizabeth puts it, you can have it all, just not at the same time. 📺 Watch the full video on YouTube: [YouTube episode link] FOLLOW ELIZABETH PERMENTERThe Catnip CoWebsite: https://www.thecatnip.coInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/project.catnipEmail: liz@thecatnip.co FOLLOW SARAHInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahwhitleystokesTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lendersarahstokesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fullystokedpodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarahwhitleystokesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-stokes-85096b16a/ Ready to buy or refinance? Start here: https://www.fullystokedhomeloans.com CONTACT SARAH STOKESHost, Fully Stoked PodcastSr. Mortgage Loan Advisor, Coast2Coast Mortgage LendingNMLS #1743154 | Company NMLS #376205Email: sarah.stokes@coast2coastml.comPhone: 704-301-6040 | 828-772-4638 If you're struggling during pregnancy or after having a baby, you don't have to carry it alone. In the U.S., call or text the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-852-6262. A NOTE FROM SARAH: I'm your host and a mortgage advisor, not a doctor or therapist. This episode is for education and inspiration only and is not medical advice. Talk with your healthcare provider before starting any supplement, especially if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication, or managing a health condition. Guests share their own experiences, opinions, and product claims, which don't necessarily reflect mine or Coast2Coast Mortgage Lending's. Nothing in this episode is an offer or commitment to lend. Equal Housing Opportunity.

  4. Oct 19

    When High-Functioning Becomes Survival Mode: Nervous System Regulation with Stephanie Graves

    Can you look successful, productive, healthy, and completely put together—and still be living in survival mode? In this episode of the Fully Stoked Podcast, Sarah Stokes sits down with Stephanie Graves, former Physician Assistant turned Functional Medicine Nutritionist, nervous system educator, and co-founder of The Conscious Crew. Stephanie shares her personal journey from working 12-hour shifts, raising young children, training for marathons, and constantly pushing herself to experiencing profound fatigue, anxiety, digestive issues, and nearly 20 years without a menstrual cycle. Her search for answers eventually led her to functional nutrition and nervous system regulation. Sarah and Stephanie talk about how nervous system dysregulation can show up as overworking, perfectionism, procrastination, people-pleasing, irritability, difficulty resting, and constantly feeling behind. They also explore parenting, nutrition, blood sugar, functional wellness, childhood patterns, and simple practices families can use to create greater calm and connection. Stephanie also introduces her Nervous System Reset for Parents and shares the vision behind The Conscious Crew, a holistic family wellness brand focused on functional nutrition, holistic living, conscious parenting, and family connection. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Welcome & meet Stephanie Graves01:19 – High-functioning on the outside, struggling underneath04:22 – Stephanie's healing journey06:17 – Understanding nervous system dysregulation09:10 – Procrastination, overworking & survival mode12:50 – Childhood patterns & self-worth13:58 – Creating regulation as a family15:39 – Parenting, patience & dysregulation17:27 – The Nervous System Reset for Parents20:08 – Functional Medicine Nutrition24:35 – Nutrition, blood sugar & children's behavior27:34 – Functional labs & food sensitivities28:35 – The Conscious Crew30:23 – Family wellness events & retreats31:35 – Connecting with Stephanie & closing conversation CONNECT WITH STEPHANIE The Conscious Crewwww.theconsciouscrew.comhello@theconsciouscrew.comInstagram: @the.consciouscrewYouTube: @the.consciouscrew CONNECT WITH SARAH Sarah StokesSenior Mortgage Loan Advisor | Coast2Coast Mortgage LendingNMLS 1743154 | Company NMLS 376205Licensed NC, SC & VA828-772-4638 | 704-301-6040Instagram: @sarahwhitleystokesTikTok: @lendersarahstokesYouTube: @SarahWhitleyStokes | @fullystokedpodcast DISCLAIMER This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical, mental health, nutritional, financial, legal, or other professional advice. Consult an appropriately qualified professional regarding your individual circumstances. Sarah Stokes | NMLS 1743154 | Coast2Coast Mortgage Lending | NMLS 376205.

  5. Oct 12

    From Survival Mode to Self-Trust: Resilience, Healing & Owning Your Story with Sandy Dyson Reid

    What happens when you stop allowing your past to define your future and start using your story to help someone else? In this powerful episode of the Fully Stoked Podcast, host Sarah Stokes sits down with Sandy Dyson Reid, inspirational speaker, creative producer, published author, and founder of Boldly Evolve and The Well Vision. Sandy shares an incredibly personal story of resilience, faith, healing, and transformation. She opens up about childhood abandonment, the foster care system, domestic violence, homelessness, attachment struggles, and the experiences that ultimately shaped the woman and leader she is today. But this episode isn't simply about surviving difficult circumstances. It's about what happens next. Sandy explains how storytelling and creative expression can help people process their experiences, release shame, build self-trust, and begin moving forward. She also shares how unresolved trauma can quietly affect our relationships, decisions, boundaries, confidence, and leadership. We talk about: • Moving from survival mode to clarity, confidence, and self-trust• Why owning and sharing your story can be part of healing• Sandy's experiences with childhood abandonment and foster care• Experiencing homelessness as a single mother during the 2008 recession• How difficult experiences shaped Sandy's passion for advocacy• Trauma-informed leadership and serving people without adding to their trauma• Boundaries, burnout, self-care, and purpose-driven work• Authenticity and learning to show up as yourself• Forgiveness and understanding generational trauma• Support groups, coaching, journaling, and therapeutic art• The WOMB (Women on a Mission Boldly) support program• Sandy's UPrint program and helping people understand where they've been, where they are, and where they're going• Sandy's books and facilitator training programs• Her stage production Nancy's Exodus and plans to develop the story into a film• Why acknowledging "I'm not okay" can be an important step toward getting the support you need• The importance of finding a safe space and asking for help Through Boldly Evolve, Sandy works with women, teens, groups, and organizations, using storytelling, coaching, support programs, creative expression, and trauma-informed practices to help people recognize that their circumstances do not determine what comes next. One of the most powerful messages from this conversation: Your past can be part of your story without having to become your future. Whether you're navigating a difficult season, working through your own story, leading others, experiencing burnout, or simply trying to understand yourself better, this conversation offers an honest look at what it means to keep evolving. CONNECT WITH SANDY DYSON REID Sandy Dyson ReidBoldly Evolve Website: www.boldlyevolve.orgEmail: sandy@boldlyevolve.comPhone: 704-254-5416Instagram: @boldlyevolve_beFacebook: @boldlyevolve CONNECT WITH SARAH STOKES Sarah StokesHost, Fully Stoked PodcastSr. Mortgage Loan AdvisorCoast2Coast Mortgage LendingNMLS 1743154 | 376205 Email: sarah.stokes@coast2coastml.comPhone: 704-301-6040 | 828-772-4638Instagram: @sarahwhitleystokesTikTok: @lendersarahstokesYouTube: @fullystokedpodcastYouTube: @SarahWhitleyStokes DISCLAIMER The Fully Stoked Podcast is for informational and inspirational purposes. Guests share their own experiences and perspectives, which do not necessarily reflect those of the host. Discussions involving trauma, mental health, or personal growth are not a substitute for professional medical or mental health care. HASHTAGS #FullyStokedPodcast #SandyDysonReid #BoldlyEvolve #Resilience #TraumaInformedLeadership #PersonalGrowth #Storytelling #SelfTrust #HealingJourney #WomenInLeadership #EmotionalIntelligence #NonprofitLeadership #PurposeDrivenLeadership #OvercomingAdversity #SarahStokes

  6. Oct 9

    Real Estate Roundtable: Charlotte Housing Market, Mortgage Buydowns & Rental Investing

    What should buyers, sellers, and investors consider in the Greater Charlotte real estate market? Sarah Stokes with Coast2Coast Mortgage Lending sits down with Christen Ripoli, REALTOR® with REAL, and Lisa Sarullo, real estate investor with JM&L Company & Monroe Mike, to discuss housing, financing, and rental investment strategies in Charlotte, Monroe, Union County, and surrounding communities. Hear their perspectives on home price reductions, relocation, seller concessions, temporary 2-1 mortgage buydowns, permanent discount points, and how credit scores can influence financing options. Lisa also shares how she evaluates renovations, rental properties, refinancing, and multiple exit strategies, while Christen discusses buyer activity and the housing needs of families moving to the Charlotte area. The conversation also explores midterm rentals for buyers waiting on new construction, relocating households, and people needing temporary housing. Real Estate Roundtable is live now on your favorite podcast platform! Follow the podcast and share this episode with a friend planning to buy, sell, or invest. CONNECT WITH US Sarah StokesSr. Mortgage Loan Advisor | Coast2Coast Mortgage LendingNMLS #1743154 | Company NMLS #376205Licensed in NC, SC & VAPhone: 704-301-6040 | 828-772-4638Email: sarah.stokes@coast2coastml.comInstagram: @sarahwhitleystokesTikTok: @lendersarahstokesYouTube: @SarahWhitleyStokes | @fullystokedpodcastLinks: https://linktr.ee/sarahwhitleystokes Christen RipoliREALTOR® | REAL / Real Broker, LLCServing North Carolina and South CarolinaPhone: 330-301-0687Email: christen.ripoli@gmail.comWebsite: https://www.movewithchristen.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChristenRipoli/YouTube: Living in Charlotte — accessible through her website Lisa SarulloReal Estate Investor | JM&L Company & Monroe MikeServing Monroe, Union County & Greater CharlottePhone: 704-275-8871Email: lisamsarullo@gmail.comInstagram & TikTok: @lisasarulloFacebook: JML Company & Monroe Mike Rates and examples reflect the conversation at recording and may change. Temporary buydowns reduce initial payments; borrowers must qualify at the note rate. Future refinancing is subject to qualification and available terms.

  7. Oct 5

    Real Estate, Relationships & Building a Business That Lasts with Haley Gant

    Real Estate, Relationships & Building a Business That Lasts | Haley Gant of Dealmaker WNC What does it really take to build a successful business, create genuine relationships, and become known in your community? In this episode of the Fully Stoked Podcast, Sarah Stokes sits down with Haley Gant, mortgage loan advisor with Rate and founder of Dealmaker WNC, a growing real estate investing and networking community in Asheville, North Carolina. Haley grew up immersed in entrepreneurship and real estate investing. Her parents left the corporate world when she was young, built a real estate investment business, and later launched a hard-money lending company. Those early experiences gave Haley a unique education in real estate, investing, entrepreneurship, networking, and relationship building long before she entered the mortgage industry herself. Sarah and Haley talk about Haley’s journey from Houston to Western North Carolina, her experience with self-directed IRAs, becoming a mortgage lender, launching Dealmaker WNC, investing in short-term rentals, and the power of consistently showing up, both online and in person. They also dive into: • Real estate investing in Western North Carolina• Building a mortgage business through relationships• Why Haley created Dealmaker WNC in Asheville• Networking without constantly asking for referrals• Social media marketing for entrepreneurs and real estate professionals• Why consistency creates a compound effect in business• Short-term rental investing in the Asheville and Brevard area• Work-life balance as an entrepreneur• Finding mentors instead of trying to reinvent the wheel• Moving from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset• Making intentional decisions about your career and your life• Jesse Itzler's Big A## Calendar concept and intentionally planning life experiences• Why sometimes you simply have to start before you feel ready One of Haley’s biggest messages is simple: you have to consistently put yourself out there. Whether that means hosting an event, attending an open house, posting on social media, following up with a new connection, or taking one small step toward your goal, those actions compound over time. If you're a real estate investor, Realtor, mortgage professional, entrepreneur, small-business owner, or someone interested in building wealth through real estate, this conversation is packed with practical ideas you can use. CONNECT WITH HALEY GANT Mortgage Lending - Rate:https://www.rate.com/HaleyGantt NMLS 2666636 | 2611 Instagram:@HaleyWNCLender Dealmaker WNC:@DealmakerWNC Dealmaker WNC is an Asheville-area real estate investing meetup designed to bring together investors, real estate professionals, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in learning more about real estate investing and making valuable connections. CONNECT WITH SARAH STOKES Sarah Whitley StokesSenior Mortgage Loan AdvisorCoast2Coast Mortgage Lending NMLS 1743154 | Company NMLS 376205Licensed in NC, SC & VA Phone: 828-772-4638 | 704-301-6040Email: sarah.stokes@coasttocoastml.comWebsite: fullystokedhomeloans.com Instagram: @sarahwhitleystokesTikTok: @lendersarahstokesYouTube: @SarahWhitleyStokesFully Stoked Podcast: @fullystokedpodcast Subscribe to the Fully Stoked Podcast for conversations with entrepreneurs, business leaders, real estate professionals, and women doing interesting things in their businesses and communities. #FullyStokedPodcast #HaleyGant #DealmakerWNC #AshevilleRealEstate #WesternNorthCarolina #RealEstateInvesting #MortgageLender #RealEstateNetworking #AshevilleNC #Entrepreneurship #WomenInBusiness #BusinessNetworking #ShortTermRental #RealEstateInvestor #MortgageIndustry

  8. Sep 28

    Supporting Teachers, Strengthening Students & Leading With Vision | Amy Sperry

    What happens when we invest in teachers? Ultimately, we invest in students—and in the strength of the entire community. In this episode of the Fully Stoked Podcast, Sarah Stokes sits down with Amy Sperry, Executive Director of the Union County Education Foundation, to talk about supporting educators, strengthening public schools, nonprofit leadership, community involvement, and the power of listening. Amy has led UCEF since 2013, helping grow an organization dedicated to supporting Union County Public Schools educators and students. She explains what an education foundation actually does and shares some of UCEF's initiatives, including LIFT, GROW and THRIVE Grants, Welcome Home, Erase the Need, and scholarships for future educators. Pasted text Amy and Sarah also discuss the challenges surrounding teacher retention and why losing an educator—especially during the school year—creates an emotional and financial ripple effect throughout an entire school. As Amy explains, supporting teachers ultimately means supporting children. Pasted text The conversation then turns to leadership. Amy shares why listening is one of her highest values, how she approaches difficult conversations with “humble chutzpah,” and why great leaders should recognize the strengths of the people around them and give them opportunities to shine. Pasted text Pasted text You'll also hear practical ways parents, businesses, and community members can support local schools—from participating in PTOs and school fundraisers to supporting UCEF, connecting the Foundation with sponsors, and simply helping spread awareness. If you care about education, leadership, nonprofits, teachers, students, or building stronger communities, this is an episode you'll want to hear. 🎙️ Episode live now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & Amazon Music! Amy Sperry | Union County Education Foundation🌐 www.ucedfoundation.org✉️ asperry@ucedfoundation.org📞 704-296-0725📱 Instagram: @ucedfoundation Sarah Stokes | Fully Stoked Podcast HostSenior Mortgage Loan Advisor | Coast2Coast Mortgage Lending📞 828-772-4638 | 704-301-6040✉️ sarah.stokes@coast2coastml.comNMLS 1743154 | 376205 Guest opinions shared on the Fully Stoked Podcast are their own and are offered for educational and inspirational purposes only. While perspectives may differ, each episode is intended to encourage growth, reflection, and meaningful conversation. Sarah Stokes hosts this podcast with a foundation rooted in faith and a belief in Yeshua HaMashiach (the Messiah), seeking to uplift and empower listeners through thoughtful dialogue and shared wisdom. #FullyStokedPodcast #AmySperry #UnionCountyEducationFoundation #SupportTeachers #PublicEducation #UnionCountyNC #TeacherSupport #CommunityImpact #NonprofitLeadership #WomenInLeadership #Leadership #EducationMatters #CommunityLeadership #SupportStudents #UCEF

About

Welcome to Fully Stoked, where Sarah and Cody Stokes dive into real conversations about marriage, business, food, and life. As a powerhouse couple balancing entrepreneurship, family, and fun, they explore relationships, growth, leadership, and success with honesty and humor. Featuring chefs, realtors, influencers, and entrepreneurs, each episode delivers inspiration, laughter, and insight. Sarah also spotlights women in business, sharing their wins, lessons, and wisdom. Tune in, connect, and stay Fully Stoked!