Under the Oaks with Amy Romfo & Jenny Harrison

Amy Romfo and Jenny Harrison

Welcome to Under the Oaks, where we give you a front row seat to everything you've ever wanted to know about building a personal brand, growing a business, and weaving your faith into every step of it. Join your hosts, Amy Romfo, creator of The Coastal Oak on Instagram, and Jenny Harrison, your go-to social media manager, as they sit down each week with some of your favorite creators to dive deep into the messy, beautiful, and sometimes hilarious realities of what it takes to run a personal brand, live with intention, and keep things authentic in an online world that's anything but. The duo is pulling back the curtain on all things: - Building an authentic personal brand, - Running a business while figuring it out along the way, - Integrating your faith into all aspects of life, - Creating an engaged online community, and - Juggling being real with running a business. With their roots planted in Charleston, SC, the Under The Oaks podcast is here to provide a happy, warm, and nurturing spot in your week, much like the historic Oak Trees that Charleston is known for. Whether you're a creator yourself or just here for the behind-the-scenes scoop, we've got something for you. So, pull up a chair, grab a coffee and let's get real Under the Oaks.

  1. 5d ago

    40. Joshua Dixon | How to Find Hope When You Have Every Reason Not To

    ⚠️ Disclaimer: This episode contains discussions of trauma, suicide attempts, and mental health struggles. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. If you have ever felt like the pieces of your life are too scattered to ever come back together — Joshua Dixon's story is going to remind you that broken is not the end. Amy and Jenny sit down with Joshua Dixon, motivational speaker, founder of AdmireWear, and one of the most quietly powerful voices in the mental health space, who at eight years old lost 80% of his face in a dog attack — and has spent the 18 years since rebuilding, healing, and turning every scar into a reason for someone else to hold on. Joshua walks us through the harrowing details of that December afternoon in Chicago, waking up from a month-long coma with no memory of what happened, and learning to walk, talk, eat, and smile again — all before the age of nine. What he couldn't have known then was that those hospital hallways, where he dragged himself with IV machines in tow just to sit with other patients, were the very beginning of a calling that would one day reach 500,000 people across the globe. In this episode, Joshua shares: What it was like to wake up from a coma at eight years old and face 62 surgeries over 18 years The rose bushes his mom planted during his recovery — and the life lesson they taught him that became the foundation of his entire brand How a suicide attempt, homelessness, and years of private struggle led him to build AdmireWear and a community of people who refuse to give up Why he believes you can be shattered without being broken — and what it looks like to pick up the pieces with the help of a chosen family The snowstorm that kept his surgeon in Chicago the night of the accident, and why Joshua believes every single detail of his survival was orchestrated by God Joshua is weeks away from marrying his high school sweetheart — the girl who told him to smile more before he even had the muscles to do it. His story is not one of tragedy. It is one of the most stunning examples of what it looks like to take every hard thing life hands you and turn it, slowly and faithfully, into roses. Follow Joshua here: https://www.instagram.com/admirewear_

    53 min
  2. Jun 3

    39. Tony Tran | When Slowing Down Is the Hardest Thing You'll Do

    If the pace of your life is louder than the life you actually want — this one is for you. Amy and Jenny sit down with Tony Tran, content creator, first-generation Vietnamese-American, husband, and dad, who walked away from a fast-paced fashion content career to build something quieter, more intentional, and far more honest — a mid-century modern home in Florida, a slower pace of life, and a message that more is rarely better. Tony opens up about growing up as a first generation immigrant child in inner-city Chicago, the church three blocks away that became his village before he even knew what a village was, and how watching his parents sacrifice everything to work gave him the opportunity to be something different — a present father. From Vietnam to TikTok, from fashion to home renovation, his story is a full circle one, shaped by cultures, loss, faith, and the quiet realization that the happiest people in the world usually have less than you. In this episode, Tony shares: Why he walked away from lucrative brand deals and a thriving fashion career to pursue something slower and more soul-filling What a trip back to Vietnam with his two-year-old son taught him about community, family, and what a real village looks like The powerful lesson his immigrant parents modeled — and the one thing he is doing completely differently Why presence, not provision, is the single greatest gift a parent can give a child How a church three blocks from his Chicago home became the turning point that changed the entire trajectory of his life Tony is also the first to admit that the curated calm you see on his page does not always reflect the beautiful chaos happening behind the scenes — and that honesty is exactly what makes him worth following. He is a reminder that slowing down is not a retreat. It is a choice, and one of the most courageous ones you can make. Follow Tony here: https://www.instagram.com/tonytran

    50 min
  3. May 27

    38. Molly Sanborn | If You Have a Pulse, You Have a Purpose

    If you've ever wondered whether God can use the most ordinary, unexpected, even a little ridiculous thing in your life to reach someone else — this episode is going to leave you with a full heart and probably a craving for cheese balls. Amy and Jenny sit down with Molly Sanborn, speaker, author, and founder of Whatever You Do Ministries, whose wild obedience to a simple calling has taken her from a middle seat on an airplane to viral videos, open heart surgery, and divine encounters she never could have scripted. Molly walks us through the story that started it all — a giant container of cheese balls, a flight attendant with a microphone, and a conversation that went from snacks to Jesus in ten seconds flat. What began as a fun moment in 2008 has grown into a ministry built on the belief that God uses the foolish things of this world to accomplish His purposes, and that every single person you meet is carrying a story worth drawing out. In this episode, Molly shares: How a bicuspid aortic valve discovered in childhood led to open heart surgery, two unexpected follow-up surgeries, and a faith that only grew stronger through all of it The viral moment with Nurse Jen that sent her book flying off Amazon, connected her with a rancher in Texas, and launched Whatever You Do Ministries into a new season What it looks like to say yes to God when you're grumpy, running late, and absolutely do not want to strap on the cheese balls The divine encounters — in elevators, MRI machines, and hospital waiting rooms — that prove obedience always leads somewhere beautiful Why she and her husband launched their ministry in the middle of the hardest season of their lives, and how God showed up anyway Molly is also working on her next book, Surrender to the Surgeon, a devotional born from her open heart surgery journey — and yes, she is already back competing in Ninja after three surgeries, because of course she is. She is a living reminder that God doesn't need you to be polished, prepared, or even in a good mood. He just needs your yes. Follow Molly here: https://www.instagram.com/cheeseballchick

    47 min
  4. May 20

    37. Sam Balto | No Permission Needed: How the Bike Bus Is Changing the World

    If you've ever sat in a school car line, scrolling your phone for the third time, wondering if there's a better way to start the morning — this episode is going to feel like a breath of fresh air. Amy and Jenny sit down with Sam Balto, physical education teacher turned nonprofit founder and the heart behind Bike Bus World, a global movement that is transforming the way kids get to school one pedal stroke at a time. Sam shares how a single spring morning with five kids and a walking school bus set him on a path he never could have predicted — one that would eventually go viral, land on Good Morning America, and bring Justin Timberlake, Benson Boone, and Zara Larsson along for the ride. What started as a simple idea to get kids moving before school has grown into a worldwide community of parents, seniors, volunteers, and yes, a few music icons, all united by the belief that joy, connection, and fresh air are always worth showing up for. In this episode, Sam shares: How a video from Barcelona sparked the very first Bike Bus on Earth Day four years ago — and what happened next The confidence, friendships, and sense of belonging kids gain just from showing up and riding together How a parent's TikTok video going from 200,000 to two million views overnight changed everything Why being joyful and positive — not combative — is the most powerful strategy for building a movement His practical step-by-step advice for anyone who wants to start a Bike Bus in their own neighborhood Sam's goal is 10,000 bike buses worldwide by 2030, and after spending an hour with him, you will believe it is absolutely possible. He is a reminder that you don't need a title, a budget, or anyone's permission to make something beautiful happen right where you are. Follow Sam here: https://www.instagram.com/coachbalto/

    45 min
  5. May 13

    36. Carrie Davis | The Roots That Hold You When the Storm Comes

    If you or someone you love has ever faced a diagnosis that stopped time, or if you've simply wondered how anyone finds light in the middle of the darkest kind of news — this conversation will meet you right where you are. Amy and Jenny sit down with their dear friend Carrie Davis, known to many as Carrie Davis Art — a fine artist, mother, wife, and one of the most quietly powerful voices you will ever encounter — who opens up for the first time about her invasive ductal carcinoma diagnosis, the year that followed, and the unexpected beauty she found inside it. Carrie walks us through the slow, confusing collection of symptoms that preceded her diagnosis, the surreal moment she received the news, and what it felt like to watch her own life unfold as if from the ceiling — present, but not fully inside her own body. With extraordinary honesty, she shares how she navigated telling her family, leaning on community, and choosing, even on the hardest days, to face life rather than only fear death. In this episode, Carrie shares: The small, seemingly unrelated symptoms she didn't know to look for What it felt like to receive a cancer diagnosis and the strange, disorienting grief that followed in the days after How writing became her survival tool — and how 160 personal excerpts may become something much bigger Why she had to consciously choose to pursue wellness, even when holding onto illness felt safer The power of community, sitting shiva, and what it really means to let people carry you Carrie also speaks beautifully about facing death with curiosity rather than fear, the thin veil between here and heaven, and the moment God asked her a question that changed everything: Do you want to be well? Her Substack, where she continues to share her story with stunning vulnerability and grace, recently landed in the top 10 emerging writers on the platform — and after this episode, you will understand exactly why. We are so honored Carrie trusted us with this story while it is still being written. She is a living reminder that your identity is not your diagnosis, your relationships, or your roles — it is something far deeper, and far more beautiful, than any of us give ourselves credit for. Follow her on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/carriedavisart/ And her Substack here: https://carriejacobsdavis.substack.com/

    1h 16m
  6. May 6

    35. Rachel Cruze | Why Money Feels So Hard (And How to Make It Simple)

    If you've ever felt the quiet weight of comparison, wondered why money stirs up so much emotion, or simply wished someone would make the conversation about finances feel a little less overwhelming — this episode is exactly what you needed today. Amy and Jenny sit down with Rachel Cruze, bestselling author, personal finance expert, and daughter of Dave Ramsey, who has built her own incredible voice helping families and individuals find true financial freedom rooted in faith, self-awareness, and intentionality. Rachel opens up about what it was really like growing up in the Ramsey household — and it might surprise you. Money was never a source of rigidity or pressure, but rather woven naturally into everyday conversations, equipping her and her siblings with a foundation that only became clearer once she stepped into the real world. That contrast sparked her passion for reaching the next generation before debt and financial stress take hold. In this episode, Rachel shares: Why personal finance is 80% behavior and only 20% head knowledge — and what that means for how we change How money becomes tangled with identity, and the spiritual and emotional work it takes to separate the two The comparison trap, what's actually happening in our brains when we compare, and why celebration is the antidote Her own honest confession about where money still has a stronghold on her — and the question she asks herself before every purchase Her practical first step for anyone ready to take control: a forward-looking budget, and the free tool she recommends to get started Rachel also speaks beautifully to the intersection of faith and finances — how living with an open hand shapes not just your bank account but your character, your relationships, and your soul. Whether you're just starting out or have been on this journey for years, her warmth and honesty make the hard stuff feel genuinely approachable. We are so grateful Rachel brought her wisdom, her humor, and her whole self to this conversation. She is a reminder that financial health and spiritual health are far more connected than most of us realize — and that it is never too late to start. Follow Rachel here: https://www.instagram.com/rachelcruze/ Learn more about the Ramsey Cruise here: https://www.ramseysolutions.com/events/live-like-no-one-else-cruise Start budgeting today: https://www.ramseysolutions.com/money/everydollar

    47 min
  7. Apr 22

    When God's Grace Shines Through Unimaginable Loss with Hadley Eddings (Re-release)

    Hope you enjoy this throwback! Originally aired on June 25, 2025. In this powerful episode, we sit down with Hadley Eddings, a woman whose story of faith, forgiveness, and resilience has touched countless lives. Hadley shares her journey through unimaginable loss and the miraculous hope that followed. Hadley opens up about the tragic car accident that claimed the lives of her two young sons, Dobbs and Reed, in 2015. She recounts the heart-wrenching moments in the hospital and the strength she and her husband found in their faith during those dark days. A Testament to Faith and Forgiveness What sets Hadley's story apart is the extraordinary act of forgiveness she and her husband extended to the driver responsible for the accident. Their ability to forgive in the face of such profound loss sparked a ripple effect, inspiring others to reconsider their own struggles with forgiveness. From Tragedy to Miracle But Hadley's story doesn't end with loss. She shares the incredible moment when she discovered she was pregnant with twin boys, a revelation that brought joy and healing to their family. The twins, now 8 years old, are a living testament to God's faithfulness and the beauty that can emerge from pain. Honoring Their Legacy Hadley also discusses how they've honored the memory of Dobbs and Reed, including the creation of a school in Haiti bearing their names. She offers insights into how they navigate discussing their family history with the twins and the traditions they maintain to keep the boys' memory alive. Key Takeaways: The power of faith in navigating life's darkest moments How forgiveness can bring healing and inspire others Finding hope and joy after devastating loss Keeping the memory of loved ones alive The impact one family's story can have on countless others Hadley's story is a powerful reminder of the strength of the holy spirit and the transformative power of faith. It's an episode that will leave you inspired, moved, and with a renewed perspective on life's challenges. Follow Hadley Eddings Here: https://www.instagram.com/messenger_co/

    41 min
  8. Apr 15

    34. The Best Sermons Are Lived: Heritage, Healing & Hats with Derek Welborn of Saints Western

    If you've ever walked through a season that felt like loss only to discover it was actually the beginning of something beautiful, Derek Welborn's story is going to meet you right where you are. Derek is the founder of Saints Western, a heritage brand rooted in purpose, craftsmanship, and legacy, who lives in Dripping Springs, Texas with his wife Jill and their two daughters, Jaymes and Gray — and his journey from full-time pastor to hat maker to brand partner with worship artist Brandon Lake is one of the most unexpected and deeply moving stories we've had the privilege of sharing. After 15 years in full-time ministry — including leading a church that met in a bar on Austin's Second Street where baptisms happened on the sidewalk — Derek was blindsided at 36 by a severe case of alopecia that left him losing his hair in clumps overnight. What followed was a year of identity crisis, quiet wrestling with God, and a Father's Day request for a felt block and a sweatband that changed everything. Derek taught himself hat making from YouTube videos, and his first sale came after a church member told him "Paul was a tentmaker — you're a hat maker" and bought him a full set of hat blocks. His community rallied around him from the start — a launch party thrown by a friend, a website built by a small group member, and 20 hats sold out of the gate. A dream to one day make Brandon Lake a hat came true within three months, sparking a friendship that eventually led to Brandon coming on as a partner in Saints Western. Mentor Clint Huff gave Derek his first real shot at Round Top, invested in equipment, and flew him to a century-old family boot factory in Mexico — before moving to Panama to start a school. Derek uses Saints Western as a ministry platform, praying with customers in his booth, gifting hats to children with alopecia, and letting the brand's tagline — the best sermons are lived, not preached — open doors for faith conversations. What makes this episode so special is the way Derek holds his story — and his brand — with open hands. From the Airstream he bought for $4,500 and two hats to touring with Brandon Lake across the country, every chapter points back to a God who, as Derek puts it, restores what was lost and gives it back as a gift. You can find Saints Western online and catch their Airstream pop-up at Brandon Lake tour dates this season.

    48 min

Trailer

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About

Welcome to Under the Oaks, where we give you a front row seat to everything you've ever wanted to know about building a personal brand, growing a business, and weaving your faith into every step of it. Join your hosts, Amy Romfo, creator of The Coastal Oak on Instagram, and Jenny Harrison, your go-to social media manager, as they sit down each week with some of your favorite creators to dive deep into the messy, beautiful, and sometimes hilarious realities of what it takes to run a personal brand, live with intention, and keep things authentic in an online world that's anything but. The duo is pulling back the curtain on all things: - Building an authentic personal brand, - Running a business while figuring it out along the way, - Integrating your faith into all aspects of life, - Creating an engaged online community, and - Juggling being real with running a business. With their roots planted in Charleston, SC, the Under The Oaks podcast is here to provide a happy, warm, and nurturing spot in your week, much like the historic Oak Trees that Charleston is known for. Whether you're a creator yourself or just here for the behind-the-scenes scoop, we've got something for you. So, pull up a chair, grab a coffee and let's get real Under the Oaks.

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