Sunday Afternoon Smokes

Chris Strother
  • 5.0 (7)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

Sunday Afternoon Smokes is a long-form podcast hosted by Chris Strother, featuring unhurried conversations with entrepreneurs, founders, business owners, and leaders across the Upstate of South Carolina. Each episode explores business, leadership, faith, risk, and the realities of building something meaningful. Recorded at the table, not the podium. Cigars are part of the setting — never the requirement. Settle in. Enjoy the conversation.

  1. Luxury Weddings, Entrepreneurship & Hospitality | Episode 70 with Dallas Vickers

    3d ago

    Luxury Weddings, Entrepreneurship & Hospitality | Episode 70 with Dallas Vickers

    In this episode of Sunday Afternoon Smokes, Chris sits down with Dallas Vickers, owner of the Greenville franchise of Stunning & Brilliant Events, for a conversation about wedding planning, entrepreneurship, hospitality, and what luxury really means. Dallas shares her journey from culinary school and private chef work to building a career in event planning, discussing the realities of weddings, corporate events, client expectations, and creating memorable experiences. The conversation explores luxury versus expense, guest experience, vendor relationships, and why service often matters more than aesthetics. Along the way, Chris and Dallas discuss competition, business ownership, relationships, hospitality, and the challenges of building something meaningful in a crowded marketplace. Whether you're planning a wedding, running a business, or simply interested in the art of serving people well, this is a thoughtful conversation about entrepreneurship, hospitality, and creating experiences that last. Guest: Dallas Vickers Stunning & Brilliant Events – Greenville https://www.stunningandbrilliantevents.com/ https://www.instagram.com/dallasnorvickers/ https://www.instagram.com/stunningandbrilliantevents/ Follow the Show: https://www.instagram.com/sundayafternoonsmokes/

    2h 9m
  2. Building Scout’s Doughnuts: Entrepreneurship, Family & Faith | Episode 69 with Ryland Rainsford

    May 31

    Building Scout’s Doughnuts: Entrepreneurship, Family & Faith | Episode 69 with Ryland Rainsford

    In this episode of Sunday Afternoon Smokes, Chris sits down with Ryland Rainsford, co-founder of Scout's Doughnuts, for a thoughtful conversation about entrepreneurship, faith, family, endurance, and building a business with intentionality. Before opening one of Greenville’s most beloved doughnut shops, Ryland worked as a mechanical engineer at Michelin while his wife JP taught elementary school. Together, they spent years wrestling with deeper questions about purpose, work, community, and the kind of people they wanted to become before eventually launching Scout’s Doughnuts from their own kitchen countertop in 2022. Chris and Ryland discuss: * Leaving the security of corporate life * Starting a business from scratch * The story behind Scout’s Doughnuts * Croissant-style doughnuts and the creative process * Family, fatherhood, and intentional living * Burnout, stress, and protecting your health * Running, discipline, and mental clarity * Building community through food and hospitality * Faith, purpose, and playing the long game * Why meaningful work matters more than titles The conversation also dives into the realities of entrepreneurship, the pressure of balancing work and family, and how small businesses can positively shape a community far beyond the products they sell. If you enjoy conversations about business, creativity, faith, family, and building something meaningful, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Scout's Doughnuts: https://www.scoutsdoughnuts.com/ https://www.instagram.com/scoutsdoughnuts/ Follow the show: https://www.instagram.com/sundayafternoonsmokes/ https://www.sundayafternoonsmokes.com/

    1h 54m
  3. Building Saturday’s Best Sports: College Sports, Entrepreneurship & Taking a Chance on Yourself | Episode 68 with Will Bestermann

    May 24

    Building Saturday’s Best Sports: College Sports, Entrepreneurship & Taking a Chance on Yourself | Episode 68 with Will Bestermann

    In this episode of Sunday Afternoon Smokes, Chris sits down with Will Bestermann — recent Clemson graduate, future physical therapist, and creator of Saturday's Best Sports — for a conversation about ambition, entrepreneurship, sports media, discipline, and figuring life out in your twenties. At just 22 years old, Will is balancing college, physical therapy school acceptance at UConn, content creation, podcasting, social media, and building his own sports media brand focused on college football and basketball. Chris and Will discuss: * Starting a sports media brand from scratch * Consistency and social media growth * Entrepreneurship at a young age * College football and college basketball culture * Learning through repetition and experience * Taking chances on yourself * The pressure of doing too much * Why authenticity matters online * Balancing ambition with quality * Building something meaningful while still young The conversation also dives into Will’s upbringing in a military family, living overseas in Italy and the UK, sports culture abroad, Clemson life, and preparing for the next chapter at UConn’s physical therapy doctorate program. More than just a sports conversation, this episode explores ambition, momentum, self-awareness, and the tension between chasing opportunities and learning when to narrow your focus. Saturday's Best Sports: https://www.instagram.com/saturdaysbestsports/ Saturday's Best Substack: https://saturdaysbest.substack.com/ Saturday's Best Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@saturdaysbestsports Sunday Afternoon Smokes: https://sundayafternoonsmokes.com/ https://www.instagram.com/sundayafternoonsmokes/

    1h 50m
  4. From Foster Care to Real Estate Law, Fatherhood & Faith | Episode 67 with Trey Ingram

    May 17

    From Foster Care to Real Estate Law, Fatherhood & Faith | Episode 67 with Trey Ingram

    In this episode of Sunday Afternoon Smokes, Chris sits down with local attorney Trey Ingram of Holliday Ingram Real Estate Law for a wide-ranging conversation about family, faith, entrepreneurship, adoption, and building a meaningful life in a rapidly changing world. Trey shares the story behind Holliday Ingram Real Estate Law, why he walked away from the traditional big-firm path, and how he and his law partner built a people-first business culture focused on relationships over billable hours. The conversation also dives deep into fatherhood, raising nine children, foster care, adoption, and the lessons Trey and his wife learned through their journey serving vulnerable children both locally and abroad. Chris and Trey also explore: The modern impact of AI and technology Cigars, coffee, and slowing down for conversation Homeschooling and raising kids outdoors Farming, cows, and life outside the city Why children are a blessing, not a burden The emotional reality of parenting and watching kids grow up Entrepreneurship, law, and creating a healthier work-life balance Faith, purpose, and building a legacy that lasts beyond money or career success Grab a cigar, pour a cup of coffee, and settle in for one of the most thoughtful and heartfelt conversations yet inside the Sunday Afternoon Smokes Lounge. 🎙️ Sunday Afternoon Smokes is available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere podcasts are streamed. Holliday Ingram Real Estate Law: https://hollidayingram.com/ Follow Trey: https://www.instagram.com/treyingram/ Blackwater Roasters: https://www.blackwaterroasters.com/ Follow the Show: https://www.instagram.com/sundayafternoonsmokes/

    1h 59m
  5. Physical Therapy, Chronic Pain, Faith & Healing | Episode 66 with Collin Beckermeyer, DPT & Michelle Edwards, PTA

    May 10

    Physical Therapy, Chronic Pain, Faith & Healing | Episode 66 with Collin Beckermeyer, DPT & Michelle Edwards, PTA

    In this episode of Sunday Afternoon Smokes, Chris sits down with physical therapist Collin Beckermeyer, DPT, and physical therapist assistant Michelle Edwards, for a thoughtful conversation about chronic pain, recovery, physical therapy, faith, mindset, and what it truly means to help people heal. Michelle brings more than 34 years of experience as a traveling PTA, while Collin represents a younger generation of clinicians focused on movement, patient connection, and long-term wellness. Together, they discuss why physical therapy is about far more than exercises and injuries — it’s about trust, encouragement, discipline, and helping people regain quality of life. The conversation dives into: * Chronic pain and rehabilitation * Injury recovery and “prehab” * The emotional and mental side of healing * Strength training and loading the body correctly * Why patient mindset matters * Sports injuries and mobility * Faith, perseverance, and suffering * The connection between body, mind, and spirit * The importance of compassion in healthcare * Why communication and human connection are often a lost art From funny stories and sports rivalries to deep conversations about healing and purpose, this episode is packed with insight, humor, and real human connection inside the Sunday Afternoon Smokes Lounge. 🎙️ Sunday Afternoon Smokes is available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere podcasts are streamed.

    2h 2m
  6. From Civil Engineering to Sauna House: Burnout, Entrepreneurship, and Building a Wellness Business in Greenville | Episode 65 with Woody Liles

    May 3

    From Civil Engineering to Sauna House: Burnout, Entrepreneurship, and Building a Wellness Business in Greenville | Episode 65 with Woody Liles

    In this episode of Sunday Afternoon Smokes, Chris sits down with Woody Liles, co-founder of Sauna House Greenville, to talk about his transition from civil engineering and large-scale infrastructure projects to launching a modern European-style bathhouse in Upstate South Carolina. Woody shares how long hours, job stress, and burnout pushed him to rethink his career path—and how a single experience at Sauna House in Asheville led to the idea of bringing the concept to Greenville. With no background in hospitality, Woody and his wife took on the challenge of starting a business from scratch, navigating funding obstacles, construction hurdles, and the realities of entrepreneurship. This conversation covers: * Leaving a stable engineering career to start a business * Burnout, work-life balance, and redefining success * Building Sauna House Greenville from concept to opening * The benefits of sauna, cold plunge, and recovery practices * Creating a tech-free, community-driven wellness environment * Lessons learned in entrepreneurship and resilience If you’re interested in entrepreneurship, wellness, recovery, or building something meaningful from the ground up, this episode offers a real look at what it takes. SAUNA HOUSE: https://www.saunahouse.com https://www.instagram.com/saunahousegreenville FOLLOW THE SHOW: https://www.instagram.com/sundayafternoonsmokes

    1h 45m
  7. From Loss to Perspective: Nico DiNunzio on Family, Stroke Recovery & Finding Direction | Episode 64

    Apr 26

    From Loss to Perspective: Nico DiNunzio on Family, Stroke Recovery & Finding Direction | Episode 64

    In Episode 64 of Sunday Afternoon Smokes, Nico DiNunzio shares a powerful story shaped by family, loss, and resilience. From growing up through divorce to losing his father—and later surviving a life-altering stroke—Nico reflects on the moments that forced him to confront what really matters. We talk about therapy, personal growth, career direction, and what it means to be present as a husband and father. This is a conversation about perspective, second chances, and building something stronger on the other side of hardship. FOLLOW NICO: https://www.instagram.com/dinunzio/ TTI: https://www.ttigroup.com/ RYOBI: https://www.ryobitools.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ryobitoolsusa/ ROGER C. PEACE YOUNG STROKE: https://prismahealth.org/locations/hospitals/roger-c-peace-rehabilitation-hospital/outpatient-rehabilitation-services/outpatient-brain-injury-and-young-stroke-program https://www.instagram.com/ph_rogercpeace/ RED BREAST: https://www.instagram.com/redbreastus/ FOLLOW THE SHOW: https://www.instagram.com/sundayafternoonsmokes/

    2h 3m
  8. From Coolers to Community: The Making of Broadwater Shrimp and Building Something That Lasts | Episode 63 with Jason Janson

    Apr 19

    From Coolers to Community: The Making of Broadwater Shrimp and Building Something That Lasts | Episode 63 with Jason Janson

    In Episode 63 of Sunday Afternoon Smokes, Chris sits down with Jason Jansen, owner of Broadwater Shrimp Supply & Seafood Market — and the guest of honor for the very first video episode recorded inside the new Sunday Afternoon Smokes Lounge. Jason's story starts with coolers, a truck, and a one-way move from Charleston to Greenville with no customers, no connections, and no plan B. What followed was five years of grinding, pivoting, and building one of the most recognized small businesses in the Upstate from the ground up. In this conversation, Jason breaks down what it actually takes to start something from nothing — overcoming fear, knowing when to say yes and when to say no, why slowing down is sometimes the fastest way to grow, and how the pursuit of legacy shifts when family enters the picture. This episode marks a new chapter for Sunday Afternoon Smokes — same cigars, same conversation, now on video. Sunday Afternoon Smokes. Upstate SC. Every Sunday. BROADWATER SHRIMP: https://www.broadwatershrimp.com https://www.instagram.com/broadwatershrimp FOLLOW THE SHOW: https://www.instagram.com/sundayafternoonsmokes EPISODE CIGAR: Artista Harvest Sumatra www.artistacigars.com/brands/artista-harvest

    2h 30m
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5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Sunday Afternoon Smokes is a long-form podcast hosted by Chris Strother, featuring unhurried conversations with entrepreneurs, founders, business owners, and leaders across the Upstate of South Carolina. Each episode explores business, leadership, faith, risk, and the realities of building something meaningful. Recorded at the table, not the podium. Cigars are part of the setting — never the requirement. Settle in. Enjoy the conversation.

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