The Love of Here | Life and Work in Northwest Georgia

Erika Mosteller & Lauren Sneary

For the Love of Here is a podcast about Dalton, Georgia and life across Northwest Georgia—from local businesses and entrepreneurship to community leadership and hometown pride. Hosts Erika Mosteller and Lauren Sneary sit down with founders, civic leaders, creatives, and neighbors from Dalton, Chatsworth, Ringgold, and Calhoun to talk about the ideas, challenges, and opportunities shaping our region. If you care about small-town business, local culture, economic growth, and building a life where you live, this podcast is for you. Because you don’t need a bigger city. You just need a better lens. Produced by Here Local Media.

Episodes

  1. 5d ago

    Vision Dalton and the Future of Community Growth with Anna Adamson

    What does it take to make a small city a place people choose — not just to work, but to stay, to raise kids, and to build something that lasts? Anna Adamson has been wrestling with that question for years, and the answers are more layered than you might expect. From bringing a Junior Achievement Discovery Center to the smallest community in the country to ever open one, to poring over housing data that explains why Target never came to town, to piloting construction technology that can frame a house in a single day — Anna's work with Believe Greater Dalton and the Florin Capital Development Corporation sits at the intersection of data, relationships, and long-term vision. We trace her unlikely path back to Dalton, unpack the housing challenges facing the region, tour the projects going vertical right now, and explore the Vision Dalton Master Plan that could reshape the urban core. Along the way we talk about the "jewels" that make Dalton extraordinary, why connection is the real theme of this conversation, and where to find the best oysters in town. HIGHLIGHTS Anna's circuitous route back to Dalton: born in Atlanta, raised in Dalton, high school in Chattanooga, college in Texas — and a boyfriend from Dalton that pulled her backHow her father's career pivot from Arthur Andersen to building The Farm Golf Club shaped her eventual path into community developmentSix years at Junior Achievement and the realization that workforce preparedness starts in the classroomDalton opening the JA Discovery Center as the smallest community in the country to do so — serving roughly 15,000 students per yearThe housing study that uncovered aging housing stock, no new multifamily since the early 2000s, and lasting damage from the 2008 recession"Retail follows rooftops" — why population decline and stagnant growth affect everything from school funding to restaurant optionsHamilton Village: how land donated by Mohawk became an innovative workforce housing developmentA pilot using structurally insulated panels to frame and dry-in a house in a single day, funded by a grant and low-interest loansThe Vision Dalton Master Plan: 40+ stakeholder interviews, two public meetings, a public survey, and engineering vetting of potential sitesWhy planning is about controlling the quality of growth, not stopping it — from wider sidewalks to tree-lined corridorsThe "jewels in a crown" metaphor from Dr. Venable: Dalton State College, Georgia Northwestern Technical College, a regional healthcare system, and interdisciplinary arts — all in a community of about 100,000 peopleAnna's favorite Dalton things: Friday nights at Burr Park with live music and dancing across generations, breakfast at the Oakwood, and oysters and an old fashioned at Cyra's CHAPTERS 2:11 — Meet Anna Adamson 4:58 — Big Picture Vision 6:28 — Junior Achievement Journey 7:48 — Discovery Center Impact 9:45 — Shift to Housing Work 11:21 — Why Believe Greater Dalton Matters 13:25 — Housing Challenges Data 20:14 — Projects Going Vertical 24:45 — Dalton Secret Sauce 30:14 — Planning Fears Answered 35:49 — Food Scene Favorites 37:03 — Why She Came Back 39:07 — Final Thoughts and How to Connect RESOURCES MENTIONED Believe Greater Dalton FOLLOW THE SHOW Instagram: @behere.dalton Facebook: Here Magazine LinkedIn: Here Local Media Thanks for listening! Be sure to support the show by subscribing on your podcast player and leave us a review!

  2. Aug 3

    Connecting Dots with Heart: A Conversation with Allyson Coker

    Have you ever met someone who doesn't just love a place, but sees its people, its potential, and its story all at once? That's exactly who we're sitting down with today. Lauren and Erika welcome Allyson Coker — former Executive Director of Believe Greater Dalton and current Executive Director of the Whitfield Health Care Foundation — for a conversation about roots, reinvention, and what it really takes to build a community. Allyson shares her family's deep ties to Dalton (including her dad's tenure as mayor), her winding career path from Washington D.C. politics to Fiji Water's early days, and how she found her way back home to raise her kids. She opens up about being a "professional dot connector" behind projects like Walton Fields housing development, and gets personal about her own breast cancer diagnosis and how it's shaping her current work launching a mobile mammography unit through the Peeples Cancer Institute. It's a warm, honest conversation about faith, family, philanthropy, and why Dalton keeps pulling people back home. HIGHLIGHTS Allyson's family roots in Dalton, including her father's 12 years as mayorHer unconventional career path: D.C. politics, the Michigan governor's office, and joining Fiji Water as employee number fiveHow she landed the role that became Believe Greater Dalton, and the "dot connector" philosophy that guided her workThe story behind Walton Fields, a housing development inspired by a trip to GainesvilleComing back to Dalton in 2002 to raise her kids close to familyHer new role at the Whitfield Health Care Foundation and the stories she's uncovering thereHer personal stage-zero breast cancer diagnosis and how early detection saved herDetails on the new mobile mammography unit launching through the Peeples Cancer Institute, including a $1 million matching gift campaignHamilton Medical Center's recognition as Georgia's top heart hospitalBalancing a blended family of five kids with a demanding career in community work CHAPTERS 2:07 – Why Dalton Matters 4:26 – Career Journey to Believe 7:29 – Building Believe Greater Dalton 8:48 – Dot Connector Mindset 9:56 – Housing Win: Walton Fields 13:33 – Dalton Getting Cooler 15:27 – Coming Home for Family 17:41 – Remembering Peeples Stories 18:55 – Foundation Role and New Stories 19:41 – Mobile Mammography Mission 22:04 – Navigating Screening Barriers 23:20 – Keeping Care Close to Home 24:33 – Heart Program Growth and Awards 26:05 – Philanthropy Makes It Better 27:50 – How to Book and Give 28:43 – Favorite Dalton Thing 30:44 – Balancing Family and Calling RESOURCES MENTIONED Vitruvian Health (https://www.vitruvianhealth.com)Believe Greater Dalton FOLLOW THE SHOW Instagram: @behere.dalton Facebook: Here Magazine LinkedIn: Here Local Media Thanks for listening! Be sure to support the show by subscribing on your podcast player and leave us a review!

  3. Jul 20

    Building Community and Connection: A Conversation with David Aft

    What  does it take to build a hometown people can't seem to leave? In this episode, we sit down with David Aft, President of the Community Foundation of Northwest Georgia, to talk about what he calls the "Dalton differences": short commutes, civic engagement, and a town full of people who showed up planning to stay a few years and never left. From building Burr Park with a single donor's million-dollar check to reviving the historic Dalton Depot, David shares the stories behind Dalton's transformation — plus a few unexpected moments from his travels that prove Dalton's reputation truly does get around. HIGHLIGHTS David shares how he moved to Dalton in 1996 for a job with the United Way and never leftThe "Dalton differences": short commutes and how that time gave him decades with his familyDavid's philosophy on civic engagement — you don't start at the top, you just start showing upThe origin story of the Community Foundation of Northwest Georgia and David's nearly 24-year career thereHow the foundation grew from $7 million to over $100 million in assets and has made 1,000+ grants in the past year aloneThe story behind Burr Park: how a conversation with donor Jean Burr led to a $1 million gift and a decade of community eventsThe renovation of the historic Dalton Depot in partnership with Barrett PropertiesA memorable run-in with a stranger in the Toronto airport who knew Dalton for its senior softball sceneDavid and his wife Paulie's story of opening Dave and Paulie's Art EmporiumDavid's reflections on watching the next generation — including his own son and Lauren — grow up and stay rooted in DaltonDavid's favorite thing about Dalton: its growing trail system and vibrant downtown CHAPTERS 1:00 — Meet David Aft 2:03 — Moving to Dalton 3:28 — Dalton Differences 5:01 — Career in Community 7:26 — Civic Engagement Mindset 9:25 — Community Foundation Origins 12:28 — Grants and Growth 17:33 — Burr Park Story 24:58 — Depot Revival and Stories 26:40 — Unexpected Dalton Moments 34:13 — Favorite Dalton Things RESOURCES MENTIONED Community Foundation of Northwest Georgia  https://www.communityfoundationnwga.org/Dalton Depot https://visitdaltonga.com/directory/name/dalton-freight-depot/Dave and Paulie's Art EmporiumDalton Brewing CompanyScoops Ice Cream Follow the show: Instagram: @behere.dalton Facebook: Here Magazine LinkedIn: Here Local Media Thanks for listening! Be sure to support the show by subscribing on your podcast player and leave us a review!

  4. Jul 6

    Hurry to Murray: From Local Gems to National Highlights with Barry Gentry

    Ever wondered what it takes to put a small county on the map — not to mention get the attention of Hollywood, HGTV, and out-of-state investors in the process?   On this episode of the Love of Here podcast, Lauren and Erika sit down with Barry Gentry, president of the Murray County Chamber of Commerce, to talk about how one "wrong turn" led to a mission of building up Murray County from the ground up. Barry shares the real story behind Murray's growth — from landing a Taylor Sheridan film production and HGTV star Chip Wade's tree house Airbnbs, to recruiting national retailers, building a new hospital, and creating a slogan ("Hurry to Murray!") that's stuck ever since. It's a candid, funny, and heartfelt conversation about grassroots economic development, believing in your community before the world does, and building something for the next generation — not just for today. Highlights Barry's journey from a chamber in Iowa to becoming president of the Murray County Chamber of CommerceHow Murray County landed a Taylor Sheridan production (Rescue) and became a hotspot for HGTV star Chip Wade's Airbnb developmentsThe behind-the-scenes story of investing in a retail recruiter to bring in brands like Dunkin', Waffle House, and Factory ConnectionMajor healthcare investment coming to Murray County from Hamilton and AdventHealthThe origin story of the "Hurry to Murray" sloganA look at downtown Chatsworth's revival, driven by local investors like Holly MyersNew restaurant openings, including a wood-fired concept from Brooklyn transplant Dominic NapolitanoThe growth of the Murray Arts Council and community-sponsored music eventsWhy Barry believes you have to "build for the youth" to sustain a community long-termUpcoming events: the Teardrop Marathon, Black Bear Festival, and Dancing with the Murray Stars fundraiserThe economics of shopping local and why it matters for community wealthMurray County's ambitious housing growth plans, including 1,000 new homes and affordable housing developments Chapters 1:12 – Meet Barry Gentry 2:51 – Why Murray County 5:31 – Hollywood and Chip Wade 11:02 – Getting Murray on the Map 12:07 – Retail Recruitment Wins 15:26 – Discovering Murray Outdoors 16:00 – Here Murray Magazine News 17:07 – Downtown Chatsworth Tour 18:50 – Investors and New Restaurant 21:28 – Downtown Restaurant Buzz 22:10 – Wood Fired Game Changer 22:35 – Arts Council Momentum 23:50 – Chamber Events Community 25:36 – Can't Miss Murray 26:57 – Grassroots Local Wins 28:01 – Hurry to Murray Origin 31:19 – Build for the Youth 33:28 – Teardrop Marathon Boost 35:55 – Fall Festivals & Fundraisers 38:22 – Regional Partnerships & Daycations 39:58 – Housing Growth & Affordability 41:34 – What's Next Resources Mentioned Murray County Chamber of Commerce https://www.murraycountychamber.org/Red Eyed Rooster https://redeyedroosterco.com/Murray Arts Council https://www.murray-arts.com/Crown Craft Market https://crowncraftmarket.com/Teardrop Marathon http://www.teardrophalf.com/ Follow the show: Instagram: @behere.dalton Facebook: Here Magazine LinkedIn: Here Local Media Thanks for listening! Be sure to support the show by subscribing on your podcast player and leave us a review!

  5. Jun 22

    Soccer Town USA: A Love for the Game

    What happens when a sport becomes the soul of a city? That's exactly what you'll discover in this conversation with Juan and Todd, co-hosts of Monday Night Futbol — the show that has been hyping local soccer players and chronicling Dalton's rise as Soccer Town, USA for five seasons. From the Mexican League games of the early '80s to FIFA-size fields, Atlanta United scouting visits, and a World Cup viewing party at Burr Park, this episode traces the full arc of how soccer became Dalton's identity — and where it's headed next. Highlights The Mexican League started in Dalton as early as 1982–83, making it one of the earliest organized adult soccer communities in the regionYoung players — some as young as 15 — played against 30-year-old men in the Mexican League, and that competition is what forged Dalton High's championship pedigreeDalton's first state soccer championship was in 2003, and from 2013 onward they've won nearly every yearIn 2021, Dalton, Southeast, and Coahulla Creek all won state championships in the same year — with four local teams in the finals totalMonday Night Futbol started in 2022 after a 2021 post-championship celebration at Dalton Brewing Company sparked the ideaThe show's mission is simple: hype local kids and give them a platform they deserveClub soccer — particularly North Georgia Soccer Association (NGSA) and CFC Futbol Correcaminos — has been the pipeline for college and pro opportunitiesAtlanta United's Academy scouts come to Dalton monthly; players like Omar Hernandez have made it to the pro level and continue to give back to the communityThe Atlanta United Foundation partnered with Dalton for one of the first 10 Mini Pitches installed in Georgia, with a goal of 100 statewide by the World CupThe girls' game is the next big wave — with NGSA launching their girls academy about four years ago and Kahula Creek making the first girls' state final from the areaHigh school rivalries have largely dissolved thanks to club soccer, where former rivals now play alongside each other on weekendsJuan and Todd's World Cup picks: Spain to win it all; they both want Mexico and the USA to exceed expectationsWorld Cup watch parties in Dalton: Dalton Brewing Company (all USA and Mexico group stage matches) and Burr Park on June 27th Chapters 0:28 — Soccer Vibes 1:00 — Meet the Guests & Jerseys 3:38 — Dalton Rival Schools and Early Soccer Days 5:33 — How They Got Into Soccer 6:10 — Mexican League Roots in Dalton 9:35 — Dalton Dynasty and the Soccer Culture Shift 12:12 — Soccer Facilities and Community Investment 13:03 — The Magical 2021 Sweep 16:18 — Origin of Monday Night Futbol 17:53 — Early Episodes and Growing Audience 19:47 — Mission to Hype Local Kids 21:49 — Co-Hosts and Show Evolution 24:36 — Dalton Talent Pipeline and Club Soccer 26:23 — National Titles Buzz 27:20 — Club Soccer Changes Everything 29:18 — Soccer Town USA Momentum 30:15 — Stadium Dreams and City Plans 31:01 — The Taco Bell Fields Origin Story 33:02 — Mini Pitches and Local Heroes 35:19 — Rivalries Fade, Club Unites 37:08 — The Girls' Game: The Next Wave 40:18 — College Pathway & Recruiting Tips 41:07 — World Cup Picks and Underdogs 43:04 — Where to Watch in Dalton 43:59 — Socials and Show Shoutouts 45:23 — Why Dalton: Closing Thoughts 49:49 — Final Thanks and Wrap Resources Mentioned Monday Night Futbol — Follow on Facebook and Instagram: @WDNNMondayNightFutbolMonday Night Futbol Youtube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@elliottmediatvDalton Brewing Company (DBC) — World Cup watch parties for all USA and Mexico group stage matches; daltonbrewing.comNorth Georgia Soccer Academy (NGSA) — Local club soccer program for boys and girlsHeritage Point Soccer Complex — Dalton's FIFA-size soccer facilityKick’N Clips — Local soccer shop that lent Todd a jersey for the episode Follow the show: Instagram: @behere.dalton Facebook: Here Magazine LinkedIn: Here Local Media Thanks for listening! Be sure to support the show by subscribing on your podcast player and leave us a review!

  6. Jun 8

    Building Dalton’s Inclusive Community with Marisa Kelley

    What makes the city you hated become the place you call home — and then spend years working to make it that way for everyone else? That's the quiet, powerful question at the heart of this conversation with Marisa Kelley, president of the Dalton-Whitfield NAACP. Marisa arrived in Dalton in 2014, hated it (her words — two thumbs down), and couldn't find her community. Fast forward 12 years, and she's one of the most visible, invested leaders in the city, organizing what may be the largest two-weekend Juneteenth celebration in the country. We talk about what changed, how the NAACP's work is for everyone, and why Juneteenth is one of the most American celebrations there is. Oh, and we also celebrate a little milestone of our own: one year of Hear Local Media. Highlights Marisa arrived in Dalton in 2014 and hated it — no community, no places that felt like hers. Downtown's revitalization was the turning point that made her want to stay.She became NAACP president after a friend told her she was "a little too passive" — and she took that as a challenge she never told anyone about.The Dalton-Whitfield NAACP is open to everyone regardless of race — $30/year membership, meetings the 4th Monday of every month at 6:30 PM at the community center.The NAACP's vision is an inclusive community rooted in liberation, where all persons can exercise their civil and human rights without discrimination.Dalton's Juneteenth celebration is in its 8th year and may be the largest two-weekend Juneteenth event put on by a single organization in the country.Nana's Family Fun Day is named in honor of Ms. Debbie Madden, a vendor from the very first celebration who passed away from breast cancer — a beautiful tribute to the person who planted that seed.Marisa explains the real history of Juneteenth: why the Emancipation Proclamation didn't actually free anyone, what Union General Granger's arrival in Galveston meant, and why formerly enslaved people started celebrating just one year later — in 1866.The Pan-African flag colors explained: red for the blood shed for freedom, green for the richness of the earth and looking forward, black for Black people and unity worldwide.Marisa's favorite thing about Dalton? The people — specifically those who are intentional about doing the work to make it better, not just talking about it. Chapters 0:37 – One Year Milestone 1:17 – Meet Marisa Kelley 3:30 – Dalton Love Overflowing 4:00 – Her Path to Dalton 5:25 – Finding Community 6:42 – Downtown Turning Point 9:17 – Burr Park Connections 10:12 – NAACP Leadership Journey 12:21 – Mission and Vision 14:22 – Get Involved and Juneteenth 16:09 – Events and Service 16:28 – MLK Service Projects 17:16 – Hot Dogs, Hoodies & Haircuts 18:05 – Juneteenth Gets Bigger 18:46 – Origins in Kansas 19:59 – Spades and Fish Fry 21:56 – Nana's Family Fun Day 22:53 – Parade, Concert & Gala 23:44 – Juneteenth History Explained 26:48 – Symbols, Food & Flags 29:32 – Dalton Favorites & Farewell Resources Mentioned Believe Greater Dalton — YouTube channel featuring Marisa and community members: youtube.com/@BelieveGreaterDaltonDalton-Whitfield NAACP — Follow on Facebook and Instagram for event updates and meeting info Follow the show: Instagram: @behere.dalton Facebook: Here Magazine LinkedIn: Here Local Media Thanks for listening! Be sure to support the show by subscribing on your podcast player and leave us a review!

  7. May 25

    Music, Food, and Fire | Josh Taylor’s Culinary Journey

    What does it take to go from washing dishes at your mom's café in Dalton, Georgia to landing on The New York Times list of the 50 best restaurants in the country? Chef Josh Taylor knows. Raised in Dalton, Josh discovered his love of food early — scrubbing pots at his mother's Sweet Basil Café and later pulling shifts at West Walnut Café before chasing a music career took him from Athens to Park City, Utah, and eventually to Charleston, South Carolina. It was in Charleston that he opened Lost Isle, a fully outdoor, live-fire restaurant fusing Southern comfort with Southeast Asian flavors — and the culinary world took notice fast. In just over two years, Lost Isle earned a spot on The New York Times 50 Best Restaurants list and was named Southern Living's Restaurant of the Year. Josh sits down with us to talk about his Dalton roots, the road that led him to a career in food, and what it's really like to build a restaurant from the ground up. Highlights Josh's first kitchen job was washing dishes at his mom's restaurant, the Sweet Basil Café, in downtown Dalton — he was about eight years oldHe originally left Dalton to pursue music, not culinary arts, and worked in restaurants to fund his life as a musicianA girlfriend convinced him to enroll in culinary school in Athens, Georgia — that's when food started to get seriousJosh put together a band in Park City, Utah, released two records (still available on Spotify), and landed his first executive chef job there at age 28His move to Charleston was partly about being closer to family — a quick flight to Chattanooga puts him near Dalton and SavannahThe Thai and Asian influence in his cooking traces back to Dalton: working at a friend's dad's Chinese restaurant in high school, training in Muay Thai, and eventually traveling to Thailand for two weeks of eatingThe fan-favorite dish at Lost Isle? Collard greens with Thai-inspired flavors — they've been on the menu since day one and aren't going anywhereLost Isle is entirely outdoor with all cooking done over open live fire — weather determines whether they're open, which is part of why they operate seven days a weekThe New York Times called Josh for a "fact check" — he didn't realize a critic had already dined at the restaurant months earlierSouthern Living named Lost Isle Restaurant of the Year without Josh knowing what the call was about — he found out when a family member spotted it onlineHis wife Maggie runs all of Lost Isle's social media and marketingJosh is opening a new bar called Sunset Cay Ship Store at a marina on Folly Beach — beach food, drinks, water viewsDalton's food scene has grown enormously: Josh called out Cyrus as a standout he's visited on recent trips home, and the brewing and live music scene downtownHis Dalton nostalgia includes picking vegetables on his grandparents' land, playing coffee houses, and performing at the Depot at ChristmasChapters 0:00 – Sausage Balls Banter0:58 – Meet Josh Taylor of Lost Isle2:46 – Dalton Kitchen Roots3:58 – Music First, Then Culinary5:13 – Leaving Dalton for Athens6:28 – Park City Band Era7:42 – Back South to Charleston8:20 – Thai Flavors Meet Southern10:47 – Dalton Dining Boom13:03 – Pop-Up Dreams and Music14:13 – Building Lost Isle15:47 – Weather or Not16:40 – Bugs and Fire17:25 – Live Fire Learning18:56 – Awards Shockwave21:43 – Maggie and Marketing22:17 – Beach Versus Mountains23:07 – Small Town Longing24:44 – Folly Beach Bar Plans26:32 – Dalton Memories29:36 – Wrap Up and Thanks Resources Lost Isle — Josh's restaurant in Charleston, SC: lostislechs.comLost Isle on social media — InstagramThe New York Times 50 Best Restaurants: nytimes.comSouthern Living Restaurant of the Year: southernliving.comThe Sideshow Ramblers — Josh's Park City band: SpotifyTable 43 Dalton Brewing Company: daltonbrewing.com Follow the show: Instagram: @behere.dalton Facebook: Here Magazine LinkedIn: Here Local Media Thanks for listening! Be sure to support the show by subscribing on your podcast player and leave us a review!

  8. May 11

    Dalton's Digital Humor with Johnny Carpet | The Story of Carpet Capital Memes

    Comedy is the best when someone holds up a mirror to what we would normally ignore and highlight the absurdity of it. That's exactly what our guest, the enigmatic creator behind the Instagram account @carpetcapitalmemes, has been doing for years. With 11,000+ followers and memes that make locals laugh, argue, and feel seen, "Johnny Carpet" has built something genuinely special for Northwest Georgia. We sat down to find out who's behind the account, why they came back to Dalton after leaving, and what they really think about Murray County. HIGHLIGHTS • Johnny Carpet is a Dalton native — born at Hamilton Medical Center, went to school here, left, and eventually came back with fresh eyes and a new appreciation for the region. • The account started as jokes in a guys' group chat that quickly got out of hand (in the best way). • The comedy rule guiding it all: punch up, never punch down. Positivity attracts more in the long run. • The most viral post? A meme about everyone in Northwest Georgia claiming to be "part Cherokee" — it reached close to 100,000 people and was shared by history departments. • The Whitfield/Murray County "rivalry" goes deeper than people think — they were once the same county, with Spring Place as the county seat. • Dalton State College was a turning point: getting involved on campus changed Johnny Carpet's trajectory and kept them from transferring to UGA. • After a stint in Chattanooga during peak hipster era, starting a family brought them back to Dalton — and they arrived to find Bur Park and a downtown they barely recognized. • Food highlights: pupusas, Elk Cook, Cafe Ostra's lentil soup, Garney House coffee, and Esperanza Bakery (for pastries AND piñatas). • Final advice: "Find your people." Get involved — whether that's a civic org, Soul Running Club, the Bandy Heritage Center, or something at the Guild. If you don't get plugged in, you're gonna be miserable. • Carpet Diem. CHAPTERS 0:00 – Introduction & Stink Bug Incident at the Women's Leadership Council Event 1:14 – Meet the Anonymous Guest: Carpet Capital Memes 2:44 – Dalton Roots and Northwest Georgia Love 4:30 – Murray County Rivalry Lore (and Why It's Complicated) 7:24 – The Comedy Philosophy: Punch Up, Stay Positive 9:28 – Origin Story: How the Meme Account Was Born 10:45 – Viral Posts and the "Part Cherokee" Meme 13:04 – Nostalgic Dalton: Magic Carpet Kingdom and the Walnut Square Mall 15:12 – Why Come Back to Dalton? 16:06 – Dalton State College as a Turning Point 19:34 – Interns, Chattanooga Dreams, and the Main Street Poet 21:29 – The Reality of Chattanooga and What Pulled Him Home 23:14 – Coming Back to Dalton: A Fresh Set of Eyes 24:59 – Meme Page Growing Pains and the DMs 26:12 – Keeping the Humor Positive (and Deleting the Ones That Don't Land) 29:49 – Favorite Dalton Food: Pupusas, Elk Cook, Cafe Ostra & More 32:42 – Bakery Finds, Piñatas, and Dalton Bite Club 34:11 – The Carpet Sample Gift & Closing Thoughts 36:11 – Final Advice: Find Your People. Carpet Diem. RESOURCES & MENTIONS • Carpet Capital Memes on Instagram: @carpetcapitalmemes • United Way – Women's Leadership Council / Power of the Purse Event: https://www.ourunitedway.org/ • Hamilton Medical Center: hamiltonhealth.com • Dalton State College: daltonstate.edu • Burr Park – Downtown Dalton: https://visitdaltonga.com/venue/burr-performance-park/ • Red Eye Rooster (Chatsworth/Murray County) • The Shaky Mutt Hot Dogs (Murray County) • Cafe Ostro • Garmony House Coffee • La Esperanza Bakery • Dalton Bite Club on Instagram • The Spinning Room • Soal Running Club: Episode 4 • CFC (Chattanooga FC): chattanoogafc.com  Follow the show: Instagram: @behere.dalton Facebook: Here Magazine LinkedIn: Here Local Media Thanks for listening! Be sure to support the show by subscribing on your podcast player and leave us a review!

  9. Apr 27

    Dalton's Running Revolution: From Soccer Fields to Soal Running Club

    What if the thing that changed your life started with a stranger posting their run on Instagram? That's exactly how Soal Running Club came to be — and now it's changing the culture of wellness in Dalton, one Saturday morning at a time. We sat down with founders Geovanni (Geo) Villa and Jorge (Jorgey) Hurtado to talk about how two childhood soccer rivals reconnected through running, why they opened the club to everyone regardless of pace, and what makes Dalton feel like home even after you leave. HIGHLIGHTS Geo and Jorgey met as kids playing for the East Ridge Express, a travel soccer team out of Chattanooga, and later became rivals at Northwest and Southeast high schools.A college ankle injury ended Geo's soccer career but ultimately pushed him toward running — and eventually, reconnecting with Jorgey.The Bill Gregory race was Jorgey's first eye-opener to competitive running — he thought his soccer fitness would carry him and learned quickly that running is its own beast.Soal started in 2023 with just a handful of friends and a group chat; by mid-2025 they were regularly drawing 25–35 runners on Saturday mornings.The club runs Wednesdays at Dalton High School (track night, 6 PM) and Saturdays at rotating local coffee shops including LoFi, Highland Bake Shop, Casa de Café, and Common Ground.Beginners are not just welcome — they're the whole point. Soal runs in "laps," with a 3-mile option designed to make showing up feel possible.Training in summer heat is actually a secret weapon: when race season hits in the fall, your body is already built for endurance.Rocky Face Ridge is Jorgey's favorite trail; the Dalton State (Raisin Woods) trails are a humbling hill workout; Hag Mill is a community staple.Local businesses have been key sponsors, and Soal literally wears that support — they call themselves "a running billboard" for Dalton.One club member is heading to San Francisco to run his first marathon. Geo and Jorgey are just getting started. CHAPTERS 2:08 – Soccer Roots Reunite4:30 – High School Rivalries8:51 – From Soccer to Running13:06 – Finding the Running Hook14:25 – Beginner Friendly Mission17:34 – Weekly Runs and Coffee20:23 – Club Growth and Training23:54 – Races and Big Wins27:22 – Why Dalton Feels Home28:50 – College Drives Home29:56 – Dalton Pulls You Back30:28 – Creating Local Positivity31:39 – Dalton Food Favorites33:17 – Downtown Growth Vibes34:42 – How to Join SOAL35:11 – Support and Celebration36:51 – Upcoming Races Calendar38:22 – Beginner Running Tips41:02 – Best Local Trails45:10 – Wildlife and Trail Resources46:57 – Local Sponsors Shoutout48:41 – Final Thanks and Wrap RESOURCES SOAL Running Club on Instagram: @soalrunningclubSOAL Running Club on Facebook: Soal Running ClubSOAL Running Club website:https://runsignup.com/MemberOrg/SoalRunningClubBelieve Greater Dalton – Discover Dalton Hike & Bike Pass: believegreaterdalton.org Follow the show: Instagram: @behere.dalton Facebook: Here Magazine LinkedIn: Here Local Media Thanks for listening! Be sure to support the show by subscribing on your podcast player and leave us a review!

  10. Apr 13

    Global Lens, Small Town Heart | Ashlea Snell’s Photography Journey

    What does it actually look like to travel the world for work — and still choose northwest Georgia as home? Ashlea Snell of Snell Photography has photographed weddings and commercial shoots across Europe, the Caribbean, Africa, and beyond — with her work featured in People, Gardening Gun, and the New York Times. But when it came time to plant roots, she and her husband Tyler chose Dalton, Georgia. In this conversation, Ashlea opens up about building a business from a tax refund and a borrowed camera, the moment Tyler almost lost a $5,000 drone over the ocean in Maui, and why she believes the community you're looking for might just be waiting for you to reach out first. She also shares her heart for kids in foster care and how anyone — not just foster parents — can make a difference in Whitfield County. Highlights Ashlea was one of the earliest supporters of the Dalton magazine, and her photography has been central to its vision from the startShe and Tyler built their photography business from a single tax refund during their senior year of college — and booked 32 weddings in their first yearThe Snells moved to the Dalton area six years ago during COVID, drawn by proximity to family, Atlanta's airport, and nonstop international flightsThey renovated a home in Dalton's historic district — essentially taking it down to the studsAshlea has volunteered as a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) for Whitfield County for three years, advocating for children in foster careThere are currently over 150 kids in foster care in Whitfield County — and there are many ways to help beyond becoming a foster parentAshlea's kids are already budding entrepreneurs: one is investing in stocks, another sold homemade hand sanitizer to classmates, and they're eyeing a table at the local farmer's marketThe Let Them theory by Mel Robbins reframed how Ashley thinks about building community — don't wait, just reach outAshlea's favorite local spots include Native Kitchen, El Maguey, and Table 43The Snells attend church in Chattanooga but say leaving Dalton is hard to imagine — the community they've built keeps them rooted Chapters 0:00 — Meet Ashlea Snell1:29 — How We Connected2:33 — Moving to Dalton4:00 — Downtown Home Life5:46 — Hawaii Drone Drama9:05 — Dalton Magazine Vision9:49 — Starting the Photography Business13:41 — Favorite Destinations15:40 — Why Dalton Feels Like Home16:59 — Dalton Food Favorites18:44 — Old Text Tease19:05 — Brand Photos Memories20:04 — Art and Community Investment20:15 — CASA Foster Care Advocacy23:24 — Wild Photo Shoot Story25:20 — Favorite Local Finds25:48 — Farmers Markets and Gardening26:39 — Kids Entrepreneurship Lessons29:03 — Staying in Dalton29:51 — Community Building Mindset32:07 — Closing Plugs and Local Love Resources Snell Photography — Follow on Instagram at @thesnells_Native Kitchen — Ashlea's go-to local coffee and dining spot in DaltonEl Maguey — Local Dalton restaurant recommended by AshleaTable 43 — Dalton restaurant; Ashley's recent first visit was a hitThe Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins — Book Ashlea referenced on building community; available hereDalton Farmer's Market — Mentioned as a local favoriteRinggold Farmer's Market (Rabbit Valley) — A nearby market the Snell family also visits Follow the show: Instagram: @behere.dalton Facebook: Here Magazine LinkedIn: Here Local Media Thanks for listening! Be sure to support the show by subscribing on your podcast player and leave us a review!

  11. Mar 30

    Creative Paths and Craft Beer | Amanda and Chris Brown’s Adventure

    What does it look like when you hike 2,000 miles, fall in love, move across the country, and somehow end up exactly where you were meant to be? Amanda Michaels-Brown and Chris Brown didn't plan to plant roots in Dalton, Georgia — but Dalton had other plans. From a chance college connection to a tragedy that revealed the power of community, their story is a reminder that the place you come home to shapes you in ways you never expect. Amanda leads the Creative Arts Guild, one of Georgia's oldest multidisciplinary arts nonprofits, and Chris founded Dalton Brewing Company with friends while working as a lawyer at Geiger Legal. Together, they've become two of the most invested voices in Dalton's revitalization. Highlights Amanda and Chris were born in the same hospital in Syracuse, New York — but didn't meet until their first semester at the University of the South (Sewanee), connected through a mutual friend from DaltonThe two hiked the entire Appalachian Trail together after college before deciding to build a life togetherAmanda grew up immersed in the arts in Dalton, ultimately majoring in theater after a pivotal senior-year audition for The King and IAfter law school in Denver, Chris commuted between Dalton and Colorado for years — eventually choosing to fully plant roots in DaltonThe loss of Amanda's father brought her back to Dalton and showed both of them what true community looks like: neighbors who showed up, cooked meals, and didn't leave for nearly two weeksAmanda was hired at the Creative Arts Guild almost by accident — a visit to see a friend turned into a job offer and eventually the Executive Director positionThe Creative Arts Guild was founded in 1963 and is one of the first multidisciplinary arts nonprofits in the state of GeorgiaChris and partners launched Dalton Brewing Company in 2018 on his 35th birthday, inspired by Denver's neighborhood brewery cultureBoth see the brewery and the Guild as "third places" — community gathering spaces that go far beyond their primary functionsTheir best advice for newcomers: show up, get involved, and don't be fooled into thinking there's nothing to do here Chapters 0:00 — Welcome Back0:28 — Meet Amanda and Chris1:33 — Amanda's Roots in Dalton3:55 — College Connection4:47 — First Impressions of Dalton5:25 — Arts Path and the Guild9:08 — Denver Move and Proposal10:00 — Life in Denver Changes11:58 — Loss and Community Support14:05 — Guild Director Opportunity16:44 — Returning to Revitalize Dalton17:49 — Dreaming Up the Brewery18:53 — Community Party Vibes19:13 — Brewery as Third Place19:50 — Family-Friendly Pushback20:37 — Guild During the Recession21:50 — Building Dalton's Live Music Scene23:38 — The Guild as Extended Family24:58 — Staying or Leaving Dalton27:06 — Advice for Newcomers29:32 — So Much to Do Here32:27 — Favorite Dalton Moments34:06 — Dalton Stories and Laughs36:13 — Wrap Up and Plugs Resources Mentioned Creative Arts Guild — Dalton's multidisciplinary nonprofit arts organization, founded in 1963Dalton Brewing Company — Craft brewery and community gathering space in downtown DaltonGeiger Legal — Law firm where Chris Brown practicesUniversity of the South (Sewanee) — Where Amanda and Chris met as freshmen Follow the show: Instagram: @behere.dalton Facebook: Here Magazine LinkedIn: Here Local Media Thanks for listening! Be sure to support the show by subscribing on your podcast player and leave us a review!

  12. Mar 16

    Rooted in Dalton | From Skepticism to Real Love

    What does it take to fall in love with the place you live? And then actually stay? In our first episode of the Love of Here podcast, hosts Lauren Sneary and Erika Mosteller sit down together to share their own Dalton stories. One grew up here and swore she'd leave. The other moved here reluctantly and couldn't imagine living anywhere else. Together, they explore why Northwest Georgia deserves a better story — and why they're committed to telling it. Highlights Lauren and Erika introduce themselves and share why they launched a podcast to tell the untold good-news stories of Dalton and Northwest GeorgiaErika reflects on how she adopted the "nothing to do here" narrative when she moved to Dalton — and how that story simply isn't trueLauren admits she was fully committed to leaving Dalton after college and recounts the summers bartending at the Dalton Depot that kept pulling her backBoth hosts get real about Dalton's imperfections — from economic disparity to cultural divides — while making the case that the momentum is real and worth celebratingErika shares practical advice for newcomers: find your third space, plug into groups like Believe Greater Dalton, and show up where people are gatheringThe conversation gets into entrepreneurship in Dalton, including why the "shop local" mentality makes it a great place to start a businessLauren gives a behind-the-scenes look at the Here magazine dining guide — more than 100 locally owned and managed restaurants in one placeThe hosts gush over the food scene transformation, name-drop some favorites, and debate which cocktail is "basic"Erika makes her case for the mountains as Dalton's most underrated featureA preview of what's coming next: more guest stories, more community voices, and an open invitation for listeners to reach out Chapters 0:00 — Welcome & Introductions 0:41 — Meet Erika and Lauren 2:03 — Why These Stories Matter 3:39 — Erika's Move to Dalton 4:46 — Changing the Dalton Narrative 5:40 — Lauren's Hometown Perspective 8:18 — Staying and Building a Life 10:06 — Dalton's Challenges and Momentum 10:57 — Getting Connected as a Newcomer 13:25 — Entrepreneurship in Dalton 16:13 — Have You Ever Wanted to Leave? 17:34 — Why We Stayed 17:38 — Dalton Opportunities 18:38 — Craziest Story Setup 19:04 — Food Scene Glow Up 20:34 — Cocktails and Nightlife 21:25 — Local Dining Guide 22:47 — Favorite Thing: The People 24:20 — Trading Local Culture 25:35 — Mountains and the Outdoors 26:59 — Touch Grass Reset 27:42 — Next Guests and Stories 28:44 — Where to Find Us Resources Mentioned Here Local Media — herelocalmedia.comHere Magazine — Available in print around town and as a digital issue online; subscribe at herelocalmedia.comHere Local Dining Guide — 100+ locally owned and managed restaurants in Dalton; available online at herelocalmedia.comBelieve Greater Dalton — believegreaterdalton.com — Community organization with a resource directory of local groups and organizations to plug intoDalton Brewing Company — Local gathering spot and third spaceThe Mill — Local venue with live music and events (Syno mentioned)United Way of Northwest Georgia — https://www.ourunitedway.org/ — Volunteer opportunities in the Dalton communityHag Mill Lake Park — Local outdoor recreation spot (4-mile loop around a lake)The Gallon Goat — Local bar with outdoor seatingThe Carpentry — Rooftop bar with outdoor igloo seatingMaricó Camarón — Local restaurant featuring a unique take on Mexican cuisineHighline Bake Shop — Local bakerySmall Batch — Local bakery (sourdough)The Dalton Depot — Historic local venue (referenced nostalgically) Follow the show: Instagram: @behere.dalton Facebook: Here Magazine LinkedIn: Here Local Media Thanks for listening! Be sure to support the show by subscribing on your podcast player and leave us a review!

  • 12 Episodes

5
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

For the Love of Here is a podcast about Dalton, Georgia and life across Northwest Georgia—from local businesses and entrepreneurship to community leadership and hometown pride. Hosts Erika Mosteller and Lauren Sneary sit down with founders, civic leaders, creatives, and neighbors from Dalton, Chatsworth, Ringgold, and Calhoun to talk about the ideas, challenges, and opportunities shaping our region. If you care about small-town business, local culture, economic growth, and building a life where you live, this podcast is for you. Because you don’t need a bigger city. You just need a better lens. Produced by Here Local Media.

Information

  • Creator
    Erika Mosteller & Lauren Sneary
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Here Local Media 2026

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