It's a pleasure to have Licensed Professional Counselor Tracey Goldson share her

Welcome back to the Carbonated Conversations podcast! This week's guest, Zita Riser, is the zine creator and collector behind the South Carolina Zine Collection at Richland Library, where zine authors can have their creations catalogued for check out just like any book in the library's collection. Zita shares their journey from online blogger to zine artist and author, recalls first discovering Columbia's world of zines after moving to the city, and explains how zines function as a symptom of a thriving arts community. Ge your tissues ready because this episode is full of Pisces energy and as always carbonated holiness: laughter.

This week Claire, one of the founding organizers of Columbia Community Fridges, joins us to talk food insecurity, rescue, recovery, and redistribution. CCF is a grassroots organization working to bring outdoor, publicly accessible community fridges to our city. These fridges are beautifully decorated with murals by local artists and community members and will be accessible 24/7 without supervision. Claire discusses mutual aid in detail, including how mutual aid is the naural order of the universe biologically , and how to support CCF and their mission. You will not want to miss this one!

This week's guest is Kat's bestie of 25 years, Jim O'Malley, a Nurse Practitioner, world traveler, yoga instructor, and the podcasts first pop drinker!! Jim shares his perspectives on Columbia, SC as a now two-time visitor. Jim also talks about his recent move to Grand Rapids, MI and how he has made new friends through different activities, groups, and opportunities. Tune in to find out why Jim is "falling for" Soda City and what he wants to see next time he visits.

This week, Kat is joined by her dear friend Maria Paz Villanueva, a local body artist from Santiago, Chile. Maria shares her experience learning English through Columbia’s ESL classes, where Soda City residents from all over the world come together to practice language, build community, and support one another. She also talks about making new friends through Bumble BFF and how those friendships have helped her grow more confident in her English speaking. What makes Maria feel most confident in speaking English? The answer may surprise you ;) And stick around until the end for a little musical surprise.

This week, Holly Johnson, organizer of Columbia Girls Who Walk, shares the story behind this beloved Cola organization responsible for creating a safe and meaningful space for female connection, friendship, and empowerment in our city. Holly takes us back to her first time attending a Columbia Girls Who Walk event, shows listeners the behind the scenes of the nationwide Girls Who Walk Movement, and discusses the way the org has blossomed and bloomed thanks to its dedicated volunteers and unique community partnerships. Kat and Holly also discuss creating and maintaining meaningful friendships as an adult and adding verve and sparkle to your weekdays. Tune in to learn more about Columbia's park and trail scene from a trite and true parks enthusiast and third space lover.

Join Kat in a colorful, carbonated conversation with local artist and muralist Cait Patel. Cait discusses her experiences turning her passion for art into a career with her business, The Blissful Hippie, and navigating the local art scene as a festival vendor and lover of the arts herself. Cait also shares the behind the scenes on starting her own non-profit, Palmetto Purpose, with the mission of supporting local organizations as through philanthropic events and community building.

Host Kat Kezon kicks off Carbonated Conversations — the local storytelling podcast celebrating Columbia, South Carolina. From local artists to community builders and everyday changemakers, each episode captures stories that bubble up from the heart of Soda City. Follow along at @carbonated.conversations on Instagram or email ⁠carbonated.conversations@gmail.com⁠ to nominate a future guest!