• 230. The StoryTown Radio Show in Jonesborough!
    May 23 2025

    Summary

    In this episode of the Johnson City Living Podcast, host Colin Johnson engages with Anne G'fellers-Mason, the program manager at the McKinney Center in Jonesborough, who runs the StoryTown Radio Show. They discuss Anne's deep roots in Johnson City, her passion for storytelling, and the importance of preserving local history through oral narratives. The conversation explores the growth of Jonesborough as a cultural hub, the process of playwriting, and the significance of community engagement in the arts. Anne shares insights on the challenges and joys of storytelling, as well as advice for aspiring playwrights. The episode concludes with a look at upcoming events and the future of storytelling in the region.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Johnson City Living Podcast
    00:57 Growing Up in Johnson City
    02:56 The Art of Storytelling
    06:02 Jonesborough: The Storytelling Capital
    09:12 The StoryTown Radio Show
    12:14 Theater and Playwriting in Jonesborough
    14:58 Researching and Writing Plays
    17:59 The Jackson Theater and Local Arts
    21:10 Community Events and Growth in Jonesborough
    24:07 Collecting Stories from the Community
    27:04 The Future of Podcasting and Storytelling
    29:48 Closing Thoughts and Future Goals

    https://mckinneycenter.com/storytown

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    40 mins
  • 229. The Boxing Journey: From Hobby to Competition
    May 9 2025

    Summary

    In this episode of the Johnson City Living Podcast, host Collin Johnson speaks with Kemp Johnson, a barber and boxer from Johnson City. They discuss the beauty of the community, the growth of the barbering and boxing industries, and the importance of mentoring youth. Kemp shares his journey into boxing, his competitive achievements, and his goals for the future, including winning a WBC belt. The conversation also touches on personal growth, faith, and raising awareness about social injustice. In this engaging conversation, Kemp shares his journey as a boxer and the importance of community, family, and faith in his life. He discusses the challenges he faces in the ring and how he learns from every experience, whether a win or a loss. Kemp emphasizes the significance of treating others with kindness and the impact of mentorship in shaping his path. His positive attitude and dedication to his craft inspire those around him, as he aims to uplift the next generation through boxing and personal development.

    Resources: https://fanetofades.com/

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    48 mins
  • 228. Empowering Women Through the Magnolia Project
    Apr 25 2025

    Summary

    In this episode of the Johnson City Living Podcast, host Collin Johnson speaks with Jennifer Ritter about her journey as a domestic violence survivor and the creation of the Magnolia Project, an initiative aimed at empowering women recovering from trauma. They discuss the beauty and growth of Johnson City, the importance of community support, and the various resources available for women in need. Jennifer shares insights into the program's structure, the significance of hope and connection, and her aspirations for the future of the Magnolia Project. The conversation emphasizes the importance of reaching out, supporting one another, and fostering a sense of community.

    Takeaways

    Jennifer Ritter is a domestic violence survivor who founded the Magnolia Project.
    The Magnolia Project aims to empower women recovering from trauma.
    Community support is crucial for individuals facing domestic violence.
    Signs of domestic violence include isolation and fear in the home.
    The program includes personal and professional development for women.
    Hope is a powerful motivator for change and recovery.
    The Magnolia Project offers resources and connections for women in need.
    Building a supportive community can help individuals heal and grow.
    The program has evolved to include a 13-week structure for participants.
    Jennifer envisions expanding the Magnolia Project nationally to help more women.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Welcome to Johnson City Living Podcast
    03:02 Exploring the Growth and Diversity of Johnson City
    05:53 The Magnolia Project: A Personal Journey
    09:12 The Birth of the Magnolia Project
    12:04 Recognizing Signs of Domestic Violence
    14:53 Steps to Escape Abusive Situations
    17:58 The Importance of Community and Connection
    21:00 The Magnolia Project's Program Overview
    24:04 Financial Planning and Self-Care in Recovery
    26:30 Radical Self-Care and Boundaries
    29:00 Empowerment Through Job Readiness
    31:55 The Dream Fair: Opportunities for Growth
    36:46 Building a Community of Support
    39:42 Funding and Resources for the Magnolia Project
    50:28 Celebrating Small Victories

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    52 mins
  • 227. Mental Wellness & Community with FLP Counseling
    Apr 18 2025

    In this episode of the Johnson City Living Podcast, host Colin Johnson welcomes Dustin Peters from FLP Counseling. They discuss the importance of mental health, the various therapeutic approaches offered at FLP, and Dustin's personal journey into counseling. The conversation covers topics such as addiction recovery, marriage counseling, and the significance of family dynamics. Dustin shares insights on the stigma surrounding therapy, the role of diet and exercise in mental health, and the future goals for FLP Counseling. Listeners are encouraged to seek help and connect with counseling services in their community.

    Takeaways

    Dustin Peters is the CEO of FLP Counseling, which stands for Foundations for Life Principles.
    FLP Counseling offers a variety of therapeutic approaches including CBT, DBT, and marriage counseling.
    Dustin's journey into counseling was influenced by personal experiences with his wife's mental health struggles.
    The importance of intentional family time is emphasized as a way to strengthen family dynamics.
    Therapy can be beneficial even when there are no major issues; it can help build stronger relationships.
    Addiction recovery is a long process that requires ongoing support and strategies for maintaining sobriety.
    Dustin believes that expressing emotions is crucial for mental health and can prevent emotional overflow.
    FLP Counseling works with DCS to provide services for children and families in need.
    Diet and exercise play a significant role in mental health and can aid in recovery from mental health issues.
    Dustin encourages aspiring counselors to be prepared for the challenges and rewards of the profession.

    Chapters

    00:00 Welcome to Johnson City Living Podcast
    09:21 Therapeutic Approaches at FLP Counseling
    17:29 The Importance of Marriage Counseling
    23:41 The Power of Expressing Emotions
    31:23 Breaking Generational Cycles of Abuse
    38:54 The Impact of Diet on Mental Health
    44:34 Advice for Aspiring Counselors

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    51 mins
  • 226. Kind Body Pilates: More Than Just a Workout
    Apr 11 2025

    In this episode of the Johnson City Living Podcast, host Collin Johnson welcomes Mallory Hansen, a Pilates instructor and trauma therapist. They discuss Mallory's journey from Utah to Johnson City, her love for the local animal shelter, and her experiences in social work and therapy. Mallory shares insights on the importance of mental health, the healing power of Pilates, and her mission to create a welcoming space for clients to improve their physical and mental well-being. The conversation emphasizes the significance of therapy, community, and personal growth. In this conversation, we explore the transformative power of Pilates and its impact on physical health, body image, and self-acceptance. The speaker emphasizes the importance of tailoring fitness to individual needs, regardless of age, and highlights the significance of core strength and mobility in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The discussion also delves into the societal pressures surrounding body image, the influence of media, and the journey of overcoming personal insecurities in the fitness industry. Ultimately, the conversation aims to inspire listeners to embrace their bodies and prioritize their well-being.

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    55 mins
  • 225. Exploring Bark Bound Dog Daycare & Boarding with Jeff Webber
    Apr 4 2025

    Exploring Bark Bound Dog Daycare & Boarding with Jeff Webber | Johnson City Living

    Join host Colin Johnson as he sits down with Jeff Webber from Bark Bound Dog Daycare and Boarding in East Tennessee. Jeff shares his journey from college student to entrepreneur, the daily operations at Bark Bound, the differences between daycare and boarding, and future plans for expansion. Learn about their unique approach to dog care that ensures socialization and exercise for dogs of all sizes. Whether you’re a dog owner looking for quality daycare or interested in the pet care industry, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

    00:00 Welcome to a Beautiful Day in East Tennessee
    00:18 Meet Jeff Webber from Bark Bound Dog Daycare
    00:30 Exploring Johnson City and Gray
    02:57 The Concept of Dog Daycare vs. Boarding
    04:54 Ensuring Safety and Compatibility in Dog Daycare
    08:41 Jeff's Journey into the Dog Business
    11:35 Future Plans for Bark Bound
    16:15 Daily Activities and Programs for Dogs
    17:38 Planning for Dog Boarding During Vacations
    18:37 Navigating Barkbound's Website and App
    19:11 The Joy of Customer Connections
    19:58 Community and Support at Barkbound
    20:40 Influences and Personal Reflections
    22:17 Local Dog-Friendly Spots
    23:31 Tips for Dog Owners
    26:03 Future Plans and Expansion
    30:01 Advice for Aspiring Dog Daycare Owners
    34:24 Local Favorites and Personal Life
    35:59 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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    38 mins
  • 224. Community Spotlight: TEDx Johnson City with McKenzie Templeton
    Mar 28 2025

    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 Podcast
    00:34 Discovering Johnson City
    01:23 The Birth of TEDx Johnson City
    02:26 Growing Up in Gate City
    03:10 Life in Johnson City
    03:31 Engagement and Outdoor Adventures
    04:50 Professional Journey
    07:21 TEDx Johnson City: Event Details
    11:18 Planning and Challenges of TEDx
    17:16 The Future of TEDx and Community Impact
    20:44 Reflecting on Past Conferences
    21:16 Challenges of Event Planning
    22:52 Introducing the Bridge Initiative
    23:56 Regional Economic Development
    25:37 Community Growth and Collaboration
    27:10 Promoting Local Air Travel
    31:31 Young Professionals Groups
    33:53 Favorite Local Spots
    37:17 Excitement for Upcoming Events

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    40 mins
  • 223. Community, Fitness, and Resilience: Inside iTrain Fitness with Michael and DeAnna Hardin
    Mar 21 2025


    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 Day
    00:09 Meet Michael and Dee Harden
    00:33 Community Spirit in Johnson City
    02:30 Flooding Impact and Community Response
    05:30 The Journey to Opening iTrain Fitness
    06:22 Building and Growing the Gym
    11:34 Fitness Philosophy and Personal Stories
    15:40 Training and Community at iTrain Fitness
    34:58 The Importance of Daily Movement
    35:06 Building a Gym Community
    35:35 Balancing Fitness and Personal Life
    36:20 Nutrition Tips for Beginners
    39:23 Understanding Macros
    40:33 The Role of Protein in Your Diet
    43:32 Healthy Eating on the Go
    48:44 Starting and Running a Gym
    49:43 Maintaining Gym Equipment
    55:38 Creating a Clean and Safe Gym Environment
    01:01:23 Reflecting on Gym Ownership
    01:04:09 Closing Remarks and Gratitude

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    1 hr and 6 mins