• EP 381: How A Balloon Artist Built Joy, Community, And A Side Hustle In Real Estate Photography
    Dec 22 2025

    What makes Wendell “Stretch” Clendennen with Stretch & Company a good neighbor?

    Stretch believes joy doesn’t have to be complicated—sometimes it starts with a single balloon twist. In this episode, we sit down with the veteran entertainer behind “Stretch the Balloon Dude” to trace a journey that began in children’s church and evolved from clown makeup into a clean, approachable style that welcomes kids and adults alike. He shares how a carnival theme sparked a decades-long career, why removing the makeup opened doors for people who fear clowns, and how reading the room shapes every design—from quick balloon dogs and swords to princess crowns and towering dinosaurs.

    At the heart of the conversation is joy as a business model. Stretch explains the wide range of audiences he serves, from toddlers to centenarians, and why even a one-balloon dog can become a core memory when it lands in the right hands. We unpack common myths about balloon artists, the difference between edgy adult designs and his family-first promise, and how clear values make it easier for parents, schools, and companies to book with confidence. He also shares how he markets locally by showing up at events, funneling interest through Facebook and Instagram, organizing everything with Linktree, and teaching aspiring twisters on his YouTube channel.

    When COVID disrupted live events, Stretch diversified into real estate photography, sharpening his eye for composition and storytelling while keeping balloons at the heart of his brand. He’s also a photographer specializing in nature, wildlife, and real estate, adding another creative layer to Stretch & Company. Through it all, the theme stays constant: create delight you can see, build trust you can feel, and keep your craft accessible to “kids of any age.”

    Stretch & Company is a family- and veteran-owned business providing balloon art, face painting, and Santa appearances for events of all types—bringing imagination and warmth wherever they’re invited.

    If you care about local small business, creative entrepreneurship, or simply love the magic of a well-timed dinosaur balloon, this story will stick with you.

    To learn more about Stretch & Company go to:
    https://stretchc.com

    Stretch & Company

    +1 (214) 868-2917

    Show More Show Less
    10 mins
  • EP 380: From Clutter To Clarity With Absolute Touch Organizing
    Dec 22 2025

    What makes Marisa Hayes with Absolute Touch Organizing a good neighbor?

    Marisa believes clutter is rarely about storage—it’s about stories. In this episode, we sit down with the founder of Absolute Touch Organizing to explore how grief, scarcity, and childhood beliefs quietly shape the piles in our closets and the stacks in our garages. Instead of chasing picture-perfect pantries, Marisa focuses on compassionate, sustainable change—helping people reclaim peace, dignity, and control by understanding the emotions beneath their belongings.

    Marisa shares her journey from more than two decades in healthcare to over a decade in professional organizing, sparked by a single act of service for a woman in need. That moment revealed a deeper calling: guiding clients through emotionally complex situations, including hoarding, which she approaches as a mental health issue that may require therapeutic support before any bins come out. She explains why the common myth—“it’s just stuff”—misses the truth, and how emotional decluttering helps clients rewrite old scripts rooted in grief, fear of not having enough, or the pressure to hold onto every memory.

    We also explore how Absolute Touch Organizing grew largely through word of mouth, supported by Google, Yelp, Facebook, and candid TikTok Live sessions where Marisa answers tough questions in real time. She previews two upcoming books—one focused on grief decluttering and another on letting go of what no longer serves you—and explains how her services span in-home assessments, virtual organizing, and life coaching for clients across state lines. Based in Dallas, Texas, Absolute Touch Organizing specializes in professional home organizing services designed to bring clarity, function, and calm back into everyday living spaces. Each project—from closets and kitchens to entire homes—is approached with intention, structure, and respect for the client’s lifestyle and routines.

    If you’re ready to take a gentle first step toward clarity and calm, this conversation offers a compassionate place to begin.

    To learn more about Absolute Touch Organizing go to:
    https://www.absolutetouchcleaning.com/

    Absolute Touch Organizing
    +1 (972) 513-6750


    Show More Show Less
    13 mins
  • EP 379: Trauma Tools, Nervous System Science, And Real-Life Healing With Dr. Rebecca Harvey
    Dec 22 2025

    What makes Dr. Rebecca Harvey with Total Wellness Consultants a good neighbor?

    Dr. Rebecca Harvey believes that insight alone isn’t enough to heal trauma—the nervous system holds the keys to lasting change. In this episode, we trace her unexpected path from working inside federal and state prisons to building a thriving trauma-focused private practice. Along the way, Rebecca shares a core truth she’s learned through years of clinical work: understanding your past can open compassion, but regulation and safety in the body are what create real freedom.

    Rebecca breaks down why so many high-functioning people still feel stuck despite years of talk therapy. She explains how trauma shows up as state, not just story, and how once-protective patterns like perfectionism, numbing, people-pleasing, and hypervigilance can quietly limit our ability to love, lead, and rest. We walk through practical tools she uses with clients—simple nervous system regulation strategies, parts-aware therapy, and integration practices that help transform insight into stable, embodied change.

    We also explore her expanding work with psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy in Colorado, where legal frameworks now allow carefully supervised care. Rebecca outlines who may benefit, why preparation and integration matter more than the peak experience itself, and how this modality can catalyze progress when traditional approaches plateau. Along the way, we touch on the power of word-of-mouth referrals, the subtle social signals that reflect genuine healing, and the personal rituals—travel, fitness, and lifelong learning—that keep her grounded and effective.

    If you’re ready to move beyond understanding why patterns exist and start changing how your body responds to life, this conversation offers a clear, humane path forward rooted in safety, compassion, and sustainable growth.

    To learn more about Total Wellness Consultants go to: https://www.totalwellnessconsultants.com/

    Total Wellness Consultants
    (714)679-6111

    Show More Show Less
    11 mins
  • EP 378: Protecting Your Data With On-Site Service And Scam Education
    Dec 15 2025

    What makes Reginald Blanchard with Computer Pro Network a good neighbor?

    Ever wondered what really happens to your files when you hand over your computer for repair? We sit down with Reginald Blanchard, founder of Computer Pro Network, to unpack a smarter, safer way to get your tech fixed: mobile, on-site service where you can see the work happen and keep control of your data. From password protection to private photos, he explains why transparency beats drop-off counters and how a clear, flat-fee model removes the stress of hourly clocks and hidden surprises.

    Reginald takes us back to his roots in the early days of personal computing and shows how that curiosity turned into a customer-first approach. We dig into the biggest industry myth—that repair shops are always safe—and why off-site shipping can multiply risk. He lays out a practical checklist for choosing a trustworthy provider: ask for proof of insurance, look for background checks and compliance (including HIPAA when relevant), and favor services that let you observe the work. You’ll also hear how word of mouth, public-sector projects, and years of local service built a reputation across Atlanta and the DFW area without sacrificing quality or control.

    The highlight is ScamGuard Academy, a modular training program designed to help anyone recognize and shut down modern cons before they cause damage. Reginald shares real scenarios, the emotional hooks scammers use, and simple rules to slow down, verify through official channels, and say no to pressure tactics. It’s practical, affordable education aimed especially at protecting seniors and families who are targeted most.

    If you want a safer path to computer repair, better habits for online security, and clear steps to vet the people who touch your devices, this conversation offers a roadmap you can use today. Subscribe, share with someone who manages family tech, and leave a review with the one safety tip you’re adopting right now.

    To learn more about Computer Pro Network, go to
    🔗 https://www.computerpronetwork.com

    Computer Pro Network

    +1 (817) 658-0707

    Show More Show Less
    10 mins
  • EP 377: Bomb Brownies, Big Dreams
    Dec 15 2025

    What makes Mason Fisher with Bomb Brownies a good neighbor?

    Craving proof that a sweet idea can become a serious business without a storefront? Meet Mason Fisher, the founder of Bomb Brownies, a gourmet bakery born from a high school goal and a family recipe that refused to stay small. We explore how a minimum-wage constraint sparked creativity, how all-natural ingredients and unique flavors built a loyal fan base, and why a hybrid model of nationwide shipping plus local delivery lets a dessert brand scale faster and serve better.

    We dive into the systems behind the sweets: how DoorDash, Grubhub, and Uber Eats extend reach for instant cravings, and how a direct website turns curious browsers into repeat customers across the country. Mason breaks down the marketing engine driving growth, from peer-to-peer posts in Facebook groups to Instagram stories that spotlight limited-time flavors. Along the way, we unpack a stubborn industry myth—that legitimacy requires a brick-and-mortar shop—and show how modern infrastructure lets craftsmen focus on flavor, packaging, and service instead of rent and signage.

    Beyond the strategy, there’s the heart: family time spent exploring new restaurants, curiosity that fuels flavor R&D, and a simple belief that sugar, butter, love, and attention still matter most. Mason shares a clear five-year vision for franchising inspired by category leaders, plus the daily habits that make it real: consistent baking, sharper operations, and marketing that feels personal. If you care about entrepreneurship, food innovation, or just really good brownies, you’ll leave hungry and motivated.

    Follow Bomb Brownies on social at DaBom Brownies for new flavor drops and easy ordering. If you enjoyed the conversation, subscribe, share with a friend who loves dessert, and leave a review to help more listeners discover the show.

    To learn more about Bomb Brownies, go to
    🔗 https://www.dabombbrownies.com/

    DaBomb Brownies

    Message directly through the website for orders




    Show More Show Less
    9 mins
  • EP 376: Behind The Apron: Private Chefs Of Dallas
    Dec 15 2025

    What makes Chef Mauro Gonzalez with Private Chefs of Dallas a good neighbor?

    Great food can delight a table; great hospitality can transform an evening. That’s the lens chef Mauro Gonzalez brings to Private Chefs of Dallas, a gourmet catering team that turns homes and events into refined dining rooms where service and flavor move in sync. We talk about the moment a teenage cook stepped into a country club kitchen and felt the switch flip—from curiosity to calling—and how that experience shaped a company built on craft, calm, and care.

    Mauro shares the origin of Private Chefs of Dallas, founded in 2024 to make high-end dishes accessible beyond exclusive venues. Instead of rigid packages, he designs custom menus around guest count, preferences, and budget, then guides clients through options that balance presentation, pacing, and price. He addresses one of the industry’s biggest myths: the “angry chef.” Television loves chaos; professionals prefer clarity. His leadership style is relaxed by default and firm when timing demands it, creating a kitchen culture that delivers consistent plates and a smooth front-of-house experience.

    We also dive into how Instagram powers growth. As a marketing major at UNT, Mauro treats social as a living portfolio—showcasing plated dishes, sharing event highlights, and inviting direct bookings. Travel shapes his culinary point of view, with a deep respect for Asian techniques and flavor balance: aromatics, spice layers, and bright acidity that bring richness to life. For Mauro, ambiance matters as much as seasoning. Trained servers and bartenders, thoughtful pacing, and attention to detail elevate service from meal to memory.

    If you’re curious about hiring a private chef, crafting a custom menu, or understanding what separates a good dinner from a truly special night, this conversation opens the kitchen door. Subscribe for more stories from local makers, share with a friend who loves food, and leave a review to help others discover the show.

    To learn more about Private Chefs of Dallas, go to
    🔗 Instagram: @pcddtx

    Private Chefs of Dallas

    469-360-7904

    Show More Show Less
    8 mins
  • EP 375: Craft Over Clicks: Building A Purpose-Driven Pet Business
    Dec 15 2025

    What makes Brandon Salazar with Big Pup Fashion a good neighbor?

    A tiny dog, a very specific collar, and a problem no big-box store could solve—this is how Brandon Salazar sparked Big Pup Fashion. What started as a hunt for the right ribbon, nylon, and hardware turned into an eight-year commitment to handmade, customizable pet accessories that reflect each pup’s personality. We dive into the craft behind collars, leashes, bandanas, and holiday pieces, and we unpack the surprising truth about sourcing: no faceless dropshipping, just American-sourced materials and careful, in-house assembly.

    Brandon opens up about the realities of wearing many hats—father, founder, and commercial pilot—while growing a brand on limited time. He shares why Instagram remains his primary marketing channel, what he hopes to do once he can bring in help, and how authenticity and product quality keep customers coming back. Beyond the products, the heart of Big Pup Fashion is its people. You’ll hear how flexible, entry-level roles have helped team members like a single parent and a recent refugee gain experience, learn new skills, and step into the next chapter of their lives. It’s pet fashion with purpose, rooted in community and opportunity.

    We also talk legacy, resilience, and building a future worth handing to the next generation. Brandon’s childhood struggles shaped a mission: create stability, empower others, and craft goods that last. If you love pets, value American-made craftsmanship, and care about small businesses that lift people up, you’ll find a lot to love here. Explore Big Pup Fashion on Etsy and the Dog Pack app, and get inspired to choose gear that tells your dog’s story. Enjoy the conversation, share it with a fellow pet lover, and if it resonates, subscribe and leave a review to help more neighbors discover the show.

    To learn more about Big Pup Fashion, go to
    🔗 www.etsy.com/shop/BigPupFashion

    Big Pup Fashion

    For questions, message directly through their Etsy shop.


    Show More Show Less
    12 mins
  • EP 369: Connection Beats Advertising When Choosing A Wedding Team
    Dec 8 2025

    What makes Sil Azevedo with Film Stills and Co a good neighbor?

    Looking for wedding photos and video that feel like you, not a template? We sit down with boutique photographer and filmmaker Sil Azevedo to unpack how real stories get captured and why the best work starts long before the ceremony. With twenty-five years in the field and roughly six hundred weddings behind him, Sil opens up about the hidden layers of pre-production, the calm of a well-run shoot, and the thoughtful post-production that turns moments into a cohesive visual narrative.

    Sil shares how Film Stills and Co brings photography and videography together under one roof, aligning timelines, audio, and creative vision so couples don’t have to play traffic cop on their wedding day. We talk through common myths about the industry, the difference between snapshots and storytelling, and the specific steps that make a wedding gallery and highlight film feel personal. Sil’s approach is grounded in listening: he meets couples to learn their values, family dynamics, and the small details that matter, then builds a plan that honors those priorities while leaving room for spontaneity.

    The conversation also explores how life beyond the studio shapes the work. Travel with his wife, art-house films at local theaters, and even tennis practice all feed Sil’s eye for timing, color, and human moments. Instead of paid ads, his business grows through word of mouth, a sign that connection and trust still matter most in creative services. If you’re choosing a wedding photographer or considering adding video, you’ll hear practical tips on evaluating portfolios, asking the right process questions, and setting expectations that lead to images worthy of your story.

    If this conversation helped you think about your wedding visuals in a new way, follow the show, share it with a friend who is planning, and leave a quick review to tell us what resonated most.

    To learn more about Film Stills and Co, go to:
    🔗 https://silazevedoweddings.com/

    Film Stills and Co

    972 754-3258


    Show More Show Less
    6 mins