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. Aug 10

    Inside the Historic Belk Mansion | Susan Volz on History, Faith, & Bringing the Mansion Back to Life

    What if you felt called to do something years before you were actually ready to do it? In this episode of the Fully Stoked Podcast, Sarah Stokes and Melinda Willison sit down with Susan Volz, owner of the historic Belk Mansion in Monroe, North Carolina, to talk about the remarkable history of the home—and Susan’s journey to becoming its owner. More than 20 years ago, Susan was working as a real estate broker when she saw the mansion and felt that one day she would own it. The property was enormous, needed significant work, and the idea scared her enough that she initially walked away. But she never forgot about it. Years later, the Belk Mansion came back on the market, and Susan decided to take the leap. The mansion itself has an incredible story. It was home to Dr. John Belk, one of the original Belk brothers who helped establish the Belk Brothers department store with his brother, William Henry Belk. Dr. Belk raised seven daughters in the home, and descendants of the family have even returned to stay at the mansion and share their family stories and photographs. Today, Susan is working to preserve that history while giving the mansion an entirely new life. We talk about the restoration of the property, its nonprofit mission, Airbnb and overnight stays, weddings, showers, business meetings, community gatherings, photography and video opportunities, and Susan’s vision for making the Belk Mansion an affordable and welcoming gathering place for Monroe and Union County. We also get a peek inside some of the mansion’s beautiful rooms and hear about upcoming events—including the Bridgerton Masquerade Ball. If you live in the Charlotte, Monroe or Union County area and haven’t discovered the Belk Mansion yet, this is one local gem you’ll want to know about. 🏛️ THE BELK MANSION | SUSAN VOLZ 📧 susan@thebelkmansion.com📱 704-651-8309🌐 https://thebelkmansion.com📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/belkmansion/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBelkMansion📍 Google: https://share.google/3y6Gk0M1PXenanyhJ Contact Susan for information about overnight stays, tours, weddings, private events, meetings, community gatherings and upcoming events. 🎙️ FULLY STOKED PODCAST | SARAH STOKES Sarah StokesSenior Mortgage Loan AdvisorCoast2Coast Mortgage LendingNMLS #1743154 📱 828-333-7278📧 hello@sarahstokesgroup.com🌐 https://fullystokedhomeloans.com🎙️ https://fullystokedpodcast.com📸 Instagram: @sarahwhitleystokes🎵 TikTok: @lendersarahstokes▶️ YouTube: @fullystokedpodcast | @SarahWhitleyStokes Follow the Fully Stoked Podcast for conversations with entrepreneurs, community leaders and people doing interesting things throughout our communities. #BelkMansion #MonroeNC #UnionCountyNC #NorthCarolinaHistory #SusanVolz #FullyStokedPodcast #HistoricHomes #WomenInBusiness #CommunityLeadership #MonroeNorthCarolina DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute mortgage or investment advice. All loans are subject to credit approval.

    Inside the Historic Belk Mansion | Susan Volz on History, Faith, & Bringing the Mansion Back to Life
  2. Aug 3

    Fully Stoked Podcast | Tara McAlister | Why the Best Business Strategy Starts with People

    Fully Stoked Podcast | Tara McAlister | Why the Best Business Strategy Starts with People What if your biggest business problem isn't sales, marketing, or operations—but people? In this episode of the Fully Stoked Podcast, host Sarah Stokes sits down with Tara McAlister, Founder of The People Strategy Group, to discuss leadership, hiring, workplace culture, employee retention, emotional intelligence, networking, and why people strategy is often the missing piece in business growth. Tara shares practical advice for business owners, entrepreneurs, executives, and managers on how to build stronger teams, hire more intentionally, develop effective leaders, and create workplace cultures where both people and performance thrive. Whether you're a small business owner hiring your first employee, leading a growing organization, or simply looking to become a better leader, this conversation is packed with actionable takeaways. In this episode, you'll learn: ✅ Why the best business strategy starts with people✅ The hidden cost of poor hiring decisions✅ How to hire employees who move your business forward✅ Leadership development strategies that actually work✅ The role emotional intelligence plays in leadership success✅ How to create accountability without micromanaging✅ Why workplace culture impacts profitability and retention✅ Networking strategies that build real relationships✅ Common mistakes entrepreneurs make when building teams✅ How to stop constantly putting out people fires and lead proactively Tara also shares lessons from her own entrepreneurial journey, including what she learned from career pivots, leadership challenges, and launching The People Strategy Group. 📌 Connect with Tara McAlister: 🌐 Website: https://www.thepeoplestrategy.com📧 Email: tara@thepeoplestrategy.com📞 Phone: (704) 957-7837🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tara-mcalister/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepe_oplestrategy1/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585229285505 📌 Connect with Sarah Stokes: 🌐 Website: https://www.fullystokedhomeloans.com📧 Email: hello@sarahstokesgroup.com🎙️ Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@fullystokedpodcast📸 Instagram: @sarahwhitleystokes🔗 LinkedIn: Sarah Stokes About Fully Stoked Podcast:The Fully Stoked Podcast features entrepreneurs, business leaders, community influencers, and experts who share real-world insights on leadership, business growth, personal development, entrepreneurship, relationships, mindset, and success. #LeadershipDevelopment #PeopleStrategy #HiringTips #BusinessLeadership #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusinessOwner #LeadershipSkills #WorkplaceCulture #EmployeeRetention #HumanResources #HRConsulting #EmotionalIntelligence #BusinessGrowth #Networking #WomenInBusiness #CharlotteNC #UnionCountyNC #FullyStokedPodcast #SarahStokes #TaraMcAlister

  3. Jul 20

    Visibility Starts Within | Personal Branding for Women with Mayeluz Navarro

    FULLY STOKED PODCAST | LISTEN NOW What does it really take to become visible in business—and why are so many women holding themselves back? In this inspiring episode of the Fully Stoked Podcast, Sarah Stokes sits down with Mayeluz Navarro, founder of Soulful Portraits by Mayeluz, for a heart-centered conversation about confidence, personal branding, leadership, imposter syndrome, entrepreneurship, and the courage to truly be seen. Mayeluz shares her incredible story—from growing up in Cuba and cherishing the few photographs her grandmother made possible, to becoming a sought-after personal branding photographer in Charlotte helping women entrepreneurs show up powerfully and authentically. In this episode, we discuss: • Why visibility starts from within• How women unknowingly hide behind their business• Alignment, leadership & recognition in entrepreneurship• Confidence vs. action—which comes first?• How personal branding photography impacts business growth• Overcoming imposter syndrome as a woman in business• Why updated photos matter for entrepreneurs & professionals• The emotional power of truly seeing yourself This episode is packed with encouragement for women ready to stop playing small and start showing up fully in their businesses and lives. Connect with Mayeluz Navarro: 📸 The Brand Photography Studio 📱 305-771-2510 📸 Instagram: @thebrandphotographystudio 💼 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mayeluz-navarro📘 Facebook: The Brand Photography Studio Hosted by: Sarah StokesSr. Mortgage Loan AdvisorNMLS 1743154 | 376205Coast2Coast Mortgage Lending 📩 sarah.stokes@coast2coastml.com📱 704-301-6040 & 828-772-4638 📸 Instagram: @sarahwhitleystokes🎥 YouTube: Fully Stoked Podcast & Sarah Stokes🎵 TikTok: @lendersarahstokes📘 Facebook: Sarah Whitley Stokes🔗 https://linktr.ee/sarahwhitleystokes 🎙️ Podcast Disclaimer:Guest views and opinions are their own and may not reflect my personal beliefs. The Fully Stoked Podcast exists to encourage authentic conversations, growth, and meaningful dialogue. While my life is guided by faith in Yeshua HaMashiach, I welcome diverse perspectives with the hope of inspiring listeners to grow and live with purpose.✨ Stay Fully Stoked. #FullyStokedPodcast #WomenInBusiness #PersonalBranding #FemaleEntrepreneurs #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #Confidence #BrandPhotography #CharlotteNC

  4. Jul 13

    Nora D. Richardson: Branding, Resilience & Building a Business That Feels Like You

    What if the biggest mistake in your business branding is starting with your logo? In this episode of the Fully Stoked Podcast, Sarah Stokes interviews Nora D. Richardson, founder of Spot-On Branding, to discuss what she calls Foundational Branding — the deeper work of clarifying your values, story, positioning, and messaging before ever touching a logo or color palette. Nora shares how entrepreneurs can stop chasing everyone, attract better-fit clients, communicate more clearly, and build a business that feels aligned and authentic. She also opens up about her extraordinary personal story — overcoming a difficult childhood, living under 20 roofs from ages 13–18, putting herself through school, becoming the first in her family to graduate college, and building a thriving business and beautiful life. If you’re an entrepreneur, business owner, speaker, realtor, coach, or simply someone trying to create a life with more purpose and freedom, this episode is for you. Connect with Nora D. Richardson / Spot-On Branding: Website: https://spot-onbranding.com Email: nora@spot-onbranding.com Instagram: @noradrichardson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/norarichardson/ Connect with Sarah Stokes: Instagram: @sarahwhitleystokes TikTok: @lendersarahstokes YouTube: Fully Stoked Podcast Sarah Stokes Sr. Mortgage Loan Advisor Coast2Coast Mortgage Lending NMLS1743154 | 376205 Disclaimer: Guest opinions are their own. This podcast is intended to inspire, educate, and encourage thoughtful conversation.

  5. Jul 6

    From Educator to Publisher: Faith, Identity, Entrepreneurship & Writing Your First Book with Tonya Joyner

    What happens when a former math professor unexpectedly becomes a publisher? In this episode of the Fully Stoked Podcast, Sarah Stokes sits down with Tonya Joyner, founder of TJS Publishing House, to talk about entrepreneurship, faith, identity, obedience, burnout, and what it really takes to write and self-publish a book. Tonya shares her unexpected journey from teaching mathematics at the college level to helping aspiring authors bring their books to life. Along the way, she opens up about learning to trust God, rediscovering her identity, embracing rest, and building a business with purpose. Whether you’ve ever thought about writing a book, starting a business, stepping into something new, or simply want encouragement to trust the process, this conversation is filled with practical wisdom and honest reflection. In this episode, we discuss: • How Tonya transitioned from math professor to publisher• The surprising story behind starting TJS Publishing House• Self-publishing vs. traditional publishing• Common mistakes first-time authors make• Why you should be careful using AI with your manuscript• The importance of identity in Christ and obedience• High achievers, workaholism, and learning to rest• Biblical perspective on “laboring to enter into rest” (Hebrews 4:11)• Advice for women entrepreneurs and business owners• Why you shouldn’t be afraid to start small—or grow About Tonya Joyner Tonya Joyner is an educator, speaker, publisher, and founder of TJS Publishing House, where she helps aspiring authors turn their ideas into professionally published books through coaching, guidance, and self-publishing support. TJS Publishing HouseWebsite: www.tjspublishinghouse.comEmail: Contact@tjspublishinghouse.comPhone: 980-505-7038 Follow Tonya:Instagram: @tjspublishinghouseTikTok: @tjspublishinghouseFacebook: @tjspublishinghouseLinkedIn: Tonya Joyner Connect with Sarah Stokes Sarah StokesSr. Mortgage Loan AdvisorNMLS #1743154 | 376205Coast2Coast Mortgage Lending Email: sarah.stokes@coast2coastml.comPhone: 704-301-6040 | 828-772-4638 Instagram: @sarahwhitleystokesTikTok: @lendersarahstokesYouTube: Fully Stoked Podcast & Sarah StokesFacebook: Sarah Whitley Stokes Podcast Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and are shared for educational, inspirational, and conversational purposes. Sarah Stokes’ faith is rooted in Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus the Messiah), and the goal of this podcast is to encourage meaningful conversations that inspire growth in life, business, faith, and relationships. #BookPublishing #SelfPublishing #WriteABook #WomenInBusiness #Entrepreneurship #ChristianEntrepreneur #FaithBasedBusiness #IdentityInChrist #PersonalGrowth

  6. Jun 29

    Kim Angeli: Gratitude, Business Growth & Living with Purpose

    In this inspiring episode of the Fully Stoked Podcast, Sarah Stokes sits down with entrepreneur, speaker, and gratitude mentor Kim Angeli for a deep conversation about gratitude, mindset, business growth, resilience, relationships, and living intentionally. Kim shares her journey from corporate sales leadership at Cisco Systems, Sprint Wireless, and Campbell Soup to launching her own insurance agency from a bedroom closet just days after 9/11 — eventually selling the company for 600% profit. The conversation dives into:• gratitude as a business strategy• victimhood vs victory mindset• discernment and alignment• avoiding chaos and burnout• building unforgettable client relationships• entrepreneurship without hustle culture• coaching and mentorship• creating abundance through intentional living• the power of handwritten notes and authentic connection• how gratitude rewires the brain Kim also discusses her programs Grow With Gratitude™ and Grumpy to Grateful™, along with her bestselling My Daily Gratitude Journal. This episode is full of practical wisdom for entrepreneurs, leaders, sales professionals, and anyone seeking more purpose, peace, and fulfillment in life and business. Connect with Kim Angeli:🌐 www.kimangeli.com📸 Instagram: @kimberleyangeli Hosted by Sarah StokesSr. Mortgage Loan AdvisorCoast2Coast Mortgage LendingNMLS #1743154 | 376205 📩 sarah.stokes@coast2coastml.com📱 704-301-6040🔗 https://linktr.ee/sarahwhitleystokes Podcast Disclaimer:Guest opinions are their own and shared for inspiration, education, and conversation.

  7. Jun 22

    From Poverty to Purpose: Building a School in Ghana with Mercy Crawford & Susan Sganga | Fully Stoked Podcast

    What if a child had to walk 5–7 miles to school every day — sometimes crossing dangerous terrain — just for the opportunity to learn? In this inspiring and emotional episode of the Fully Stoked Podcast, host Sarah Stokes sits down with Mercy Bediako Crawford and Susan Frances Sganga of Charismata Steward Ministries to discuss Mercy’s incredible journey from growing up in poverty in rural Ghana to helping build a school for children who desperately need access to education. Mercy shares her powerful testimony of perseverance, entrepreneurship, faith, and resilience — including how she sold mangoes and firewood as a child to pay school fees, overcame immense hardship, and eventually founded a ministry focused on helping vulnerable communities in both Ghana and Union County, North Carolina. Together, Mercy and Susan explain the mission behind Charismata Steward Ministries and the Atuna School Project, where children currently walk miles for education and families struggle with poverty and limited resources. They discuss the importance of education in breaking generational poverty, how communities can help, and what it means to truly serve others. • Growing up in rural Ghana• Walking miles to school and educational inequality• Overcoming poverty through entrepreneurship and faith• Mercy’s personal story of resilience and loss• The mission of Charismata Steward Ministries• Building a school in Ghana to empower children through education• Helping vulnerable communities in Ghana and Union County, NC• How listeners can support the mission Connect with Charismata Steward Ministries:🌍 Website: charismatastewardministries.org📧 Email: crawfordmercy2@gmail.com📱 Phone / Zelle Donations: 704-441-3146 If this episode moved or inspired you, please consider supporting the mission, sharing the episode, or reaching out to learn more. 🎙️ Hosted by Sarah StokesSenior Mortgage Loan AdvisorSarah Stokes Home Loans | Coast2Coast Mortgage LendingNMLS 1743154 | 376205 📩 sarah.stokes@coast2coastml.com📱 704-301-6040 | 828-772-4638 Podcast Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed by guests on the Fully Stoked Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or affiliated organizations. While we welcome meaningful conversations and a variety of perspectives, Sarah Stokes personally believes in Yeshua HaMashiach, the Messiah, and approaches life, business, and relationships through that faith. The goal of every episode is to inspire, encourage growth, and uplift others through authentic conversation.

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!