• Jasmine Zavala: A Voice for Wake Forest
    Oct 30 2025

    Summary-

    In this episode of the Workspace Podcast, host Grant Paxton interviews Jasmine Zavala, a candidate for the Wake Forest Board of Commissioners. They discuss Jasmine's journey from growing up in Wake Forest to her current campaign, her passion for education and community involvement, and her vision for local government. Jasmine shares insights into her background in business and public administration, her work with nonprofits, and her commitment to making a positive impact in her community.

    Keywords

    Wake Forest, Jasmine Zavala, local government, community involvement, education, nonprofits, public administration, campaign, Wake Forest Board of Commissioners, Grant Paxton

    Takeaways

    • Jasmine Zavala is running for the Wake Forest Board of Commissioners.
    • She has a strong background in business and public administration.
    • Jasmine is passionate about education and community involvement.
    • She emphasizes the importance of nonprofits in supporting government efforts.
    • Jasmine's campaign focuses on data, equity, and heart.
    • She believes in the power of diverse voices in leadership.
    • Jasmine advocates for more women in leadership roles.
    • She highlights the role of local government in community development.
    • Jasmine shares her personal journey and growth through the campaign.
    • She encourages community engagement and participation in local elections.


    Chapters

    • 00:00:00 Introduction and Background
    • 00:00:00 Jasmine's Journey and Campaign
    • 00:00:00 Community Involvement and Nonprofits
    • 00:00:00 Education and Local Government
    • 00:00:01 Vision for Wake Forest


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    28 mins
  • From Frosty Treats to Business Feats with Richie Veverka
    Oct 14 2025

    Summary-

    In this episode, Grant Paxton interviews Richie Veverka, the executive director of the Greater Franklin County Chamber of Commerce. They discuss Richie's journey from owning Kona Ice franchises to leading the Chamber, highlighting his experiences in business advocacy, community building, and local economic development.

    Takeaways

    • Richie Veverka transitioned from owning Kona Ice franchises to leading the Chamber of Commerce.
    • The Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit organization, not a government entity.
    • Richie emphasizes the importance of community building and local economic development.
    • The Chamber hosts events like 'Deck the Halls' to support local vendors.
    • Richie shares insights on using AI tools for business efficiency.
    • The Chamber helps businesses with networking and promotional opportunities.
    • Richie discusses the growth and development in Franklin County.
    • The Chamber's role includes advocating for businesses and providing resources.
    • Richie highlights the challenges and rewards of running a business.
    • The episode concludes with a focus on upcoming Chamber events.


    Chapters

    • 00:00:00 Introduction and Guest Background
    • 00:03:00 Richie's Journey from Kona Ice
    • 00:06:00 Chamber of Commerce Overview
    • 00:09:00 Community Building and Events
    • 00:12:00 Using AI in Business
    • 00:15:00 Networking and Promotion
    • 00:18:00 Franklin County Growth
    • 00:21:00 Business Advocacy and Resources
    • 00:24:00 Challenges and Rewards of Business
    • 00:27:00 Conclusion and Upcoming Events


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    41 mins
  • The Power of Direct Primary Care: with Dr. Barrett
    Oct 7 2025

    Summary-

    In this episode, Dr. Courtney Barrett discusses her innovative approach to healthcare through direct primary care, emphasizing the importance of personal attention and time with patients. She explains how removing insurance from the equation allows for more affordable and comprehensive care, and shares insights into her practice, True Insight Direct Care.


    Takeaways

    • Direct primary care offers more time with patients.
    • Removing insurance simplifies healthcare and reduces costs.
    • True Insight Direct Care provides comprehensive care with a monthly membership.
    • Patients appreciate the personal attention and affordability.
    • Telehealth is a convenient option for minor issues.
    • Dr. Barrett emphasizes the importance of understanding patient needs.
    • The practice offers a home-like atmosphere and direct access to care.
    • Dr. Barrett's approach includes a mini pharmacy for convenience.
    • The practice collaborates with small businesses for employee healthcare.
    • Dr. Barrett values personalized medicine and patient relationships.


    Chapters

    • 00:00:00 Introduction to Dr. Courtney Barrett
    • 00:03:00 The Concept of Direct Primary Care
    • 00:06:00 Benefits of Removing Insurance
    • 00:09:00 Patient Experiences and Feedback
    • 00:12:00 Telehealth and Convenience
    • 00:15:00 Personalized Medicine and Patient Relationships
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    29 mins
  • From Grape Nuts to Great Tunes: Adam Lee Decker Unplugged
    Oct 2 2025

    Summary-
    In this episode, we sit down with the talented Adam Lee Decker to explore his dynamic journey through the music industry. From his notable appearances on America's Got Talent and American Idol to his role as the official resident playoff singer for the Carolina Hurricanes, Adam shares his insights and experiences with warmth and humor. Discover the stories behind his musical influences, his approach to performance, and the unique blend of genres that define his sound. Join us for an engaging conversation that offers both inspiration and entertainment.

    1. Adam's Musical Journey- Discussion about Adam's experiences on America's Got Talent and American Idol, and his musical influences.
      • Timestamp:02:15
    2. Behind the Scenes of Reality TV- Insights into the reality TV audition process and how it has evolved over time.
      • Timestamp:05:30
    3. The Role of Music in Family Life- Adam talks about balancing music with family responsibilities and the influence of his parents.
      • Timestamp:10:45
    4. Open Mic Adventures- Adam shares his experiences hosting and participating in open mic nights, highlighting the community and networking opportunities.
      • Timestamp:15:20
    5. Cereal and Hot Dogs Debate- A light-hearted discussion on whether cereal is soup and if a hot dog is a sandwich.
      • Timestamp:20:00
    6. Upcoming Events and Closing- Adam discusses his upcoming performances and how listeners can connect with him.
      • Timestamp:25:30
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    44 mins
  • From Farm to Therapy with Kellie Syfan
    Sep 23 2025

    Summary-
    In this episode of the Workspace Podcast, Grant Paxton interviews Kellie Syfan, founder of Clove Hitch Behavior. They discuss the unique approach of using outdoor therapy, particularly with children and teens, to facilitate behavioral change and emotional growth. Kellie shares insights on the importance of understanding behavior through interactions with animals, navigating difficult topics in therapy, and the evolving landscape of mental health awareness. The conversation emphasizes the significance of aligning behaviors with personal values and the challenges of parenting in today's world.

    Takeaways

    • Kellie Syfan emphasizes the importance of aligning behaviors with personal values.
    • Outdoor therapy can be more effective for children who have had negative experiences in traditional therapy settings.
    • Animals can provide valuable feedback on emotional states and behaviors.
    • Understanding a child's behavior requires empathy and awareness of their developmental stage.
    • Parents should consider the values of their family when responding to children's needs.
    • Reinforcing positive advocacy in children is crucial for their emotional development.
    • Self-awareness is key to breaking through self-deception in behavior.
    • Mental health awareness has both positive and negative implications for individuals.
    • Kellie's journey into behavioral health was shaped by her experiences and reflections on her own life.
    • The intake process for therapy should prioritize comfort and fit for the client.

    Sound Bites

    • "This is going to serve them best"
    • "I can be me and that stops at the beginning of your nose"
    • "What matters to us as the adults?"

    Chapters

    00:00
    Introduction to Clove Hitch Behavior

    02:25
    The Benefits of Outdoor Therapy

    05:36
    Understanding Behavior Through Animal Interaction

    09:40
    Navigating Difficult Topics in Therapy

    12:30
    Kellie's Journey into Behavioral Health

    14:26
    Insights on Child Behavior

    18:08
    Strategies for Managing Child Meltdowns

    24:21
    Breaking Through Self-Deception

    34:34
    The Evolving Landscape of Mental Health Awareness

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    37 mins
  • Community and Commerce: A Conversation with Mike Ponsolle
    Sep 16 2025

    Summary-
    In this episode of the Workspace podcast, host Grant Paxton interviews realtor Mike Ponsolle, who shares his journey into real estate, his experiences in the Wake Forest community, and the impact of local growth on his business. Mike discusses the importance of networking, community engagement, and the recent rebranding of his real estate office to Remax Legacy. He offers valuable advice for aspiring realtors and emphasizes the significance of building relationships within the community. The conversation highlights the vibrant local culture and the challenges and rewards of working in a rapidly growing area.

    Takeaways

    • Community involvement is key to success in real estate.
    • Rebranding can be challenging but rewarding.
    • Networking is essential for building a client base.
    • New realtors should focus on finding their niche.
    • Real estate education doesn't teach practical skills.
    • Choosing the right brokerage is crucial.
    • The Triangle area has a competitive real estate market.
    • Success requires hard work and dedication.
    • Word of mouth is powerful in real estate.
    • Building connections is vital for referrals.


    Chapters

    • 00:00:00 Introduction to Mike Ponsolle
    • 00:03:00 The Importance of Community Involvement
    • 00:09:00 Challenges and Rewards of Rebranding
    • 00:15:00 Networking and Building Connections
    • 00:21:00 Tips for New Realtors
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    25 mins
  • Episode 3 - From Mortgages to Pickleball with Matt Fries
    Sep 9 2025

    Summary-

    In this episode, Grant interviews Matt Fries, exploring his journey from a mortgage professional to a pickleball enthusiast. They discuss Matt's entrepreneurial spirit, his strategies for balancing work and personal life, and the importance of community and networking.

    Takeaways

    • Matt Fries shares his transition from mortgages to pickleball.
    • The importance of balancing work and personal life.
    • Matt's entrepreneurial journey and lessons learned.
    • How community and networking play a role in business success.
    • Advice for small business owners on maintaining sanity.
    • The role of social media in Matt's business growth.
    • Matt's insights on real estate investment strategies.
    • The impact of COVID-19 on the real estate market.
    • Matt's personal hobbies and how they influence his work.
    • The significance of having a supportive community.


    Sound bites

    • "From mortgages to pickleball."
    • "Balancing work and life."
    • "Entrepreneurial spirit in action."
    • "Community is key."
    • "Advice for small business owners."
    • "Social media boosts business."
    • "Real estate investment insights."
    • "COVID-19's market impact."
    • "Hobbies influence work."
    • "Supportive community matters."

    Chapters

    • 00:00:00 Introduction to Matt Fries
    • 00:05:00 Transition from Mortgages to Pickleball
    • 00:10:00 Entrepreneurial Journey and Lessons
    • 00:15:00 Balancing Work and Personal Life
    • 00:20:00 Community and Networking
    • 00:25:00 Real Estate Investment Strategies
    • 00:30:00 Impact of COVID-19 on Real Estate
    • 00:35:00 Personal Hobbies and Work Influence
    • 00:40:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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    21 mins
  • Episode 2 - Wellness Wisdom with Rita Haddad
    Sep 2 2025

    Summary-

    In this episode, Rita explores the world of holistic healing with a focus on ancient wellness practices. She discusses the importance of food as medicine, herbal tinctures, and essential oils, and shares insights into how these practices can transform one's health journey. The conversation also touches on the integration of traditional and modern healing methods, and the personal experiences that have shaped Rita's approach to wellness.

    Takeaways

    • Sana Anima means to heal the soul in Latin.
    • The wellness center focuses on healing outside the traditional medical model.
    • Food as medicine, herbal tinctures, and essential oils are key practices.
    • Healing the relationship to oneself and food is emphasized.
    • Herbal tinctures like cat's claw are considered anti-everything.
    • Essential oil blends are targeted for specific health issues.
    • The importance of understanding contraindications with Western medicine.
    • The role of energy healing and chakra balancing in wellness.
    • The significance of personal motivation in the healing journey.
    • The connection between emotional, spiritual, and physical health.


    Sound bites

    • "Sana Anima means to heal the soul."
    • "Food as medicine is key."
    • "Herbal tinctures are anti-everything."
    • "Essential oils target specific issues."
    • "Healing the relationship to oneself."
    • "Energy healing is part of wellness."
    • "Motivation is crucial in healing."
    • "Emotional health impacts physical health."
    • "Traditional and modern methods integrate."
    • "Holistic healing transforms lives."

    Chapters

    • 00:00:00 Introduction to Holistic Healing
    • 00:03:00 The Role of Food and Herbs
    • 00:06:00 Essential Oils and Energy Healing
    • 00:09:00 Integrating Healing Practices
    • 00:12:00 Personal Motivation and Wellness Journey


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    29 mins