Johnson City Living

Colin Johnson
  • 4.9 (35)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Johnson City Living

We're chatting about the people, places, events, and flavors that make Johnson City, Tennessee a lovely place to live. An interview show hosted by Colin Johnson. Proud member of the Maypop Media family of podcasts.

  1. 1D AGO

    224. Community Spotlight: TEDx Johnson City with McKenzie Templeton

    Community Spotlight: TEDx Johnson City with McKenzie Templeton In this episode, host Colin Johnson welcomes McKenzie Templeton to discuss various community initiatives and the success of TEDx Johnson City. Learn how a spontaneous idea at a local event turned into an annual gathering that celebrates the voices and ideas of Appalachians. McKenzie also shares insights into her background, including her love for Johnson City, plans with her fiancé, and her work at Bridge, a non-traditional economic development organization. From the challenges of organizing TEDx events to the joys of community involvement, this episode provides a heartwarming look into local efforts aimed at enriching Johnson City and its surrounding areas. 00:00 Welcome to the Podcast00:34 Discovering Johnson City01:23 The Birth of TEDx Johnson City02:26 Growing Up in Gate City03:10 Life in Johnson City03:31 Engagement and Outdoor Adventures04:50 Professional Journey07:21 TEDx Johnson City: Event Details11:18 Planning and Challenges of TEDx17:16 The Future of TEDx and Community Impact20:44 Reflecting on Past Conferences21:16 Challenges of Event Planning22:52 Introducing the Bridge Initiative23:56 Regional Economic Development25:37 Community Growth and Collaboration27:10 Promoting Local Air Travel31:31 Young Professionals Groups33:53 Favorite Local Spots37:17 Excitement for Upcoming Events

    40 min

  2. MAR 21

    223. Community, Fitness, and Resilience: Inside iTrain Fitness with Michael and DeAnna Hardin

    In this episode, Colin Johnson sits down with Michael and DeAnna Hardin, the dynamic duo behind iTrain Fitness in Johnson City. They share their love for Johnson City, detailing the supportive community, the impact of faith in their business, and their origins in fitness. From trading a house for a gym to fostering a communal environment where everyone from 18 to 89 can train, Michael and Dee delve into their unique journey. They discuss the challenges and rewards of running a gym, the importance of nutrition, and new developments like the ITF Marketplace. Tune in to hear their inspiring stories and insights into fitness, community spirit, and entrepreneurship. 00:00 A Beautiful March Day00:09 Meet Michael and Dee Harden00:33 Community Spirit in Johnson City02:30 Flooding Impact and Community Response05:30 The Journey to Opening iTrain Fitness06:22 Building and Growing the Gym11:34 Fitness Philosophy and Personal Stories15:40 Training and Community at iTrain Fitness34:58 The Importance of Daily Movement35:06 Building a Gym Community35:35 Balancing Fitness and Personal Life36:20 Nutrition Tips for Beginners39:23 Understanding Macros40:33 The Role of Protein in Your Diet43:32 Healthy Eating on the Go48:44 Starting and Running a Gym49:43 Maintaining Gym Equipment55:38 Creating a Clean and Safe Gym Environment01:01:23 Reflecting on Gym Ownership01:04:09 Closing Remarks and Gratitude

    1h 6m

  3. MAR 14

    222. From NASCAR to Golf: Landon Owen's Story

    In this episode of the Johnson City Living Podcast, host Colin Johnson sits down with Landon Owen, Vice President of Consumer Sales at Bristol Motor Speedway. Landon shares insights about his professional journey, the unique charm of Johnson City, and the excitement of working in sports. The conversation also delves into Landon's passion for golf, his impressive course portfolio, and his fascinating Golf Crusade project. Listen in to discover more about the thriving community and sports culture in Johnson City, as well as Landon's adventures in the world of golf. 00:00 A Beautiful March Day in Johnson City 00:14 Introducing Landon Owen 00:53 Landon's Journey to Johnson City 02:58 Career in Sports and Ticket Sales 05:53 The Bristol Motor Speedway Experience 10:19 Challenges and Rewards in Ticket Sales 15:06 Exciting Events at Bristol Motor Speedway 20:31 Landon's Passion for Golf 22:37 The Birth of Golf Crusade 23:06 Building the Golf Crusade Website 23:42 Journey to 600 Courses 24:32 Golf Crusade's Impact and Philosophy 25:33 Challenges and Future Goals 28:20 Top Golf Courses Played 31:31 Honoring Golf Architect Mike Strantz 35:51 Promoting Golf Crusade and Local Golf 39:41 Reflections on Bristol and Community 43:21 Conclusion and Farewell

    45 min

  4. MAR 7

    221. Inside the Whiskey Industry: Kat Scalf's Journey from Wine to Whiskey

    Inside the Whiskey Industry: Kat Scalf's Journey from Wine to Whiskey In this episode, host Colin Johnson sits down with Kat Scalf, the Regional Sales Manager for Happenstance Whiskey. Kat discusses her roots in Johnson City, her journey in the alcohol industry, and her role in promoting a women-owned whiskey company. She shares insights about the unique qualities of Happenstance Whiskey, the challenges of breaking into the market, and her passion for the Magnolia Project, a non-profit supporting women in need. Join us for an inspiring conversation about resilience, career growth, and the art of whiskey making. 00:00 Introduction and Weather Update00:14 Meet Kat Scalf00:38 Favorite Things About Johnson City02:13 Kat's Background and Journey03:14 Happenstance Whiskey09:01 The Alcohol Industry and Trends10:50 Personal Stories and Experiences16:16 Whiskey Tasting and Tips24:36 Insights from Industry Experts25:11 Jack Daniels' Global Dominance25:50 Bourbon Women's Brunch Event26:40 The Magnolia Project: Empowering Women28:26 Personal Reflections and Influences35:26 Navigating the Alcohol Industry35:43 Challenges and Resilience40:59 The Three-Tier System and Distribution42:48 Brand Ambassadors and Marketing43:57 Private Tastings and Pairings46:43 Connecting with the Community48:57 Final Thoughts and Farewell

    51 min

  5. FEB 28

    220. Frankie Bailey On Running the Iconic Coffee Company in Elizabethton

    Frankie Bailey is the Owner of The Coffee Company. The Coffee Company coined "The living room of Elizabethton," has been a foundation of the downtown community for 27 years. Frankie has been running this business for 7 of those years and loves the community and the magic that happens over an amazing cup of coffee and healthy nourishing food.  The Coffee Company housed in a building built in 1937, offers the environment and ambiance perfect for meetings, studying, collaborations and celebrations of any kind. The heart of leadership development and community growth has led Frankie to volunteer her time sitting on multiple boards including Main Street Elizabethton and the Chamber of Commerce. She spends her free time and most treasured time having fun and supporting her two daughters whose lives keep her on her toes! She loves playing with her Great Pyrenees pup, Walter and sweet elderly cat, Jack Copper Bottom.  Connect with Frankie & The Coffee Company: Instagram- @thecoffeeco_tn   Facebook- The Coffee Company  Order online at https://tncoffeecompany.com/  Whether you're interested in entrepreneurship, community engagement, or just love a good cup of coffee, this episode has something for everyone! 00:00 Introduction and Weather Talk 00:31 Welcoming Miss Frankie Bailey 01:49 Frankie's Background and Journey 04:22 The Coffee Company Story 11:51 Community Involvement and Future Plans 20:11 First Job Experiences 21:46 Working in the Coffee Industry 23:08 Influential People and Mentors 24:33 Challenges of Running a Business 32:37 Community and Personal Life 36:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    39 min

  6. FEB 21

    219. Discovering Johnson City's Hidden Gems and Stretch Zone Benefits

    About the Guest: Kristy Dunn is a dynamic entrepreneur and business owner at the Stretch Zone in Johnson City. With a background in social work and experience running a social work agency, Kristy combines her passion for holistic health with entrepreneurship. Her business focuses on practitioner-assisted stretching, promoting healthy lifestyles through non-invasive techniques. Kristy's journey demonstrates her commitment to providing unique wellness solutions and fostering community partnerships. Episode Summary: In this episode of the Johnson City Living podcast, Colin Johnson converses with Kristy Dunn from the Stretch Zone, who discusses the innovative practice of practitioner-assisted stretching. As a devoted advocate of holistic health, Kristy shares how her business helps clients improve mobility and wellness through stretching techniques. The episode navigates through the different benefits her company offers to support community health without relying on medications. Dive into the heart of Johnson City as Kristy shares her favorite local restaurants, highlighting the culinary delights from downtown Johnson City to Blountville's hidden gems. She shares her journey from owning a social work agency to finding her niche with the Stretch Zone franchise, revealing her passion for ensuring clients reap the benefits of consistent stretching routines. The episode also delves into the challenges and rewards of hiring and training practitioners committed to client care. Kristy contrasts the Stretch Zone's method with other health and wellness avenues, emphasizing the unifying goal of bettering community health through complementary practices like chiropractic care and massage. Key Takeaways: Stretch Zone offers practitioner-assisted stretching, improving clients’ flexibility and mobility with professional guidance.Kristy is building networks with local wellness businesses in Johnson City for collaborative healthcare approaches.The conversation explores new job opportunities at Stretch Zone, seeking individuals with anatomy backgrounds, while offering corporate training.Kristy aims to incorporate more holistic, non-invasive health strategies, including a health forum with other professionals in the industry.There is a robust discussion about the benefits and future developments in Johnson City's restaurant and wellness sectors.Notable Quotes: "Our trained practitioners do all the work, and you get all the benefits." – Kristy Dunn"If you're not moving, you're dying. Movement is crucial to staying healthy and young." – Kristy Dunn"Stretch Zone was born from a desire to help more people than just the elite athletes." – Kristy Dunn"We invite anyone in the area that would love to check us out to do so." – Kristy DunnResources: Stretch Zone: Check out the Stretch Zone's official website for information about locations, services, and contact details.Facebook: Search for Stretch Zone Johnson City to find their social media page.Instagram: Follow Stretch Zone Johnson City on Instagram for updates and wellness tips.Call for Appointments: Contact Stretch Zone at 423-430-6869Explore the myriad benefits of practitioner-assisted stretching with Kristy Dunn and stay tuned for more engaging discussions in upcoming episodes of Johnson City Living. Listen to the full episode to catch all insights and discover the vibrant life in Johnson City.

    30 min

  7. FEB 14

    218. ETSU Coach Brenda Brown Shares Her Journey and Passion for Basketball

    About the Guest: Brenda Mock Brown is the head women's basketball coach at East Tennessee State University (ETSU), entering her third season in this role. Coach Brown has an extensive career in collegiate basketball, having served as both an assistant and head coach at various institutions, including Georgia Tech and UNC Asheville. She boasts a background as a former professional basketball player in France and holds a master's degree in education. Brenda's coaching philosophy is grounded in strong relationship-building and player development, focusing on both athletic and personal growth for her team members. Episode Summary: In this engaging episode of the Johnson City Living podcast, host Colin Johnson welcomes Coach Brenda Mock Brown, the vibrant head coach of the ETSU women's basketball team. As they dive into the world of collegiate women's basketball, Brenda shares insights into her coaching journey, her experience playing professionally in France, and the dynamic changes in college athletics, including the impact of the NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) regulations. Through a mix of humor and heartfelt stories, the discussion explores the challenges and rewards of building a competitive basketball team at ETSU, set against the backdrop of the charming Johnson City community. Coach Brenda delves into her upbringing in Waynesville, NC, and her academic and athletic journey through Wake Forest University, which eventually led her to a fulfilling coaching career. This episode is rich with valuable SEO keywords like "ETSU women's basketball," "NIL regulations," and "college sports culture," encapsulating Brenda's holistic approach to coaching both on and off the court. Listeners are invited to learn more about the unique aspects of the ETSU women's basketball program, including the engaging atmosphere at Brooks Gym and upcoming events and camps designed to foster young athletes' passion for the sport. Key Takeaways: Brenda Mock Brown highlights the significance of developing strong relationships with her players, fostering a supportive and transformative basketball program at ETSU.The podcast discusses the evolving landscape of college athletics with the increasing influence of NIL regulations and the NCAA transfer portal.Brenda emphasizes the importance of community support, inviting residents to attend women's basketball games to experience the excitement and teamwork firsthand.The episode showcases the diverse academic and extracurricular offerings at East Tennessee State University, aiming to attract prospective students and athletes.Insights into Coach Brown's personal journey reveal the importance of adaptability, faith, and perseverance in navigating the complex world of collegiate sports.Notable Quotes: "I believe we can win. I believe in this team." – Brenda Mock Brown"Coaching is about results through relationships." – Brenda Mock Brown"I don't want to be something our student-athletes have to overcome." – Brenda Mock Brown"The Lord's hand was on my life, even when I wasn't asking." – Brenda Mock Brown"It's not the role; it's how you do the role." – Brenda Mock BrownResources: ETSU Athletics: ETSU Athletics Official WebsiteFollow ETSU Women's Basketball on social media for updates, game schedules, and behind-the-scenes content.Don't miss this episode that offers a genuine glimpse into the compelling world of college basketball coaching as Coach Brenda Mock Brown shares her experiences and vision for the future. Tune in for more episodes of the Johnson City Living podcast to discover stories that celebrate the vibrant community of Johnson City.

    51 min

  8. FEB 7

    217. Exploring Homeschooling with Hilton Horizons Academy's Candice Hilton

    About the Guest: Candice Hilton is the founder of Hilton Horizons Academy, a hybrid micro school for K-8 homeschoolers. As a former public school teacher, Candice transitioned into homeschooling to foster personalized education that emphasizes flexibility, enrichment, and community-oriented learning. With her profound commitment to educational innovation and personalized instruction, she has developed a thriving environment where children can excel and explore their passions. Episode Summary: In this engaging episode, Colin Johnson hosts Candice Hilton, the innovative mind behind Hilton Horizons Academy, on the "Johnson City Living" podcast. Amid discussions about living in Kingsport and the local educational landscape, Candice delves into her motivations for starting a hybrid micro school and how it caters to homeschoolers by balancing traditional education with personalized learning experiences. As a former public school teacher, Candice's insights into the educational needs of children and her solutions through Hilton Horizons Academy offer listeners a fresh perspective on alternatives to conventional schooling. Candice Hilton shares her journey from public school teaching to founding Hilton Horizons Academy, a unique hybrid micro school designed to blend the homeschooling spirit with enriched educational opportunities. The Academy offers a flexible schedule, personalized curriculum, and hands-on learning activities, aiming to build a nurturing environment where children thrive. With discussions centering around the increasing homeschool trend, Candice provides key insights and practical advice for parents considering homeschooling, highlighting the Academy as a supportive partner in this educational journey. From innovative teaching methods to community integration, this episode vividly captures the essence of redefining education. Key Takeaways: Hybrid Micro School Concept: Hilton Horizons Academy offers a blend of homeschool flexibility with structured, enriching educational experiences.Community and Personalization: The academy focuses on personalized lesson plans and enlists community members to enhance student learning.The Homeschooling Trend: Candice discusses the growing popularity of homeschooling and how her academy supports parents through this transition.Hands-On Learning Activities: The school incorporates activities like fossil making, Spanish lessons, and art classes to foster deeper engagement and understanding.Vision for Growth: While keeping a small scale to retain personalized learning, Hilton Horizons Academy aims to expand its reach and potentially include high school levels.Notable Quotes: "Wouldn't it be great if we could just bring it all together? So we actually help parents get started with homeschooling.""It's all in one place. And I thought, if my daughter would love this, then the community would love this.""Just listen to them and value them and just take into what they're telling you, it's amazing.""Homeschooling and things like this, you can adapt that as well.""It's amazing just to be able to be the parent and be the person that's seeing them as they grow."Resources: Hilton Horizons Academy Website: hiltonhorizonsacademy.com (URL provided as a reference for readers)Encouraging listeners to delve into the full episode promises a deeper understanding of the dynamic and nurturing environment at Hilton Horizons Academy and how it reimagines the homeschooling experience. Stay tuned for more enlightening content and real-life solutions from the Johnson City Living podcast series.

    41 min
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    4.9
    out of 5
    35 Ratings

    About

    We're chatting about the people, places, events, and flavors that make Johnson City, Tennessee a lovely place to live. An interview show hosted by Colin Johnson. Proud member of the Maypop Media family of podcasts.

    Information

    • Creator
      Colin Johnson
    • Years Active
      2020 - 2025
    • Episodes
      224
    • Rating
      Clean
    • Copyright
      © Johnson City Living
    • Show Website
      Johnson City Living

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