Best WNC Podcasts (2026)

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EP# 367: From Cubicles To Closings: Building Community Through Elite Realty 13:01

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7d ago13:01

13:01

Ready for a real estate conversation that puts people before transactions and data in service of real decisions? We sit down with broker Savannah Price of Elite Realty, who turned a “you’ll never make it” moment into a career helping hundreds of families buy, sell, invest, and plant roots across East Tennessee and Western North Carolina. From first…

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‘Physically taxing’ and ‘emotional.’ MountainTrue crews tackle the long-term work of debris cleanup in WNC 3:56

23d ago3:56

3:56

When Hurricane Helene struck Western North Carolina over a year ago, it left behind millions of cubic yards of debris in waterways. Although the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers cleaned a lot of it, the environmental group MountainTrue continues the cleanup effort for smaller waterways in the region.By Jose Sandoval

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Making Your Brand Unforgettable with Steven Lalla/Dynamic Image Marketing Systems, Inc. 21:46

3h ago21:46

21:46

Meet Today’s Guest: Stephen Lalla Our guest on this episode is Stephen Lalla, CEO and President of Dynamic Image Marketing Systems, Inc., a Hendersonville, North Carolina-based company specializing in promotional products, custom printing, and branded marketing solutions. Since founding Dynamic Image in 1994, Stephen has guided the company in helpi…

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In the In-Between: Loss, Listening, and Looking Ahead 8:00

4h ago8:00

8:00

Send us a text In this short episode of the Kudzu Project, host Nick Lucey reflects on the quiet, unsettling space between Christmas and the New Year — the pause before everything resumes moving again. As 2026 rapidly approaches, we look back on a year marked by loss, growth, and unexpected momentum. This episode explores why meaningful change rare…

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An inside look at some NC environmental justice projects impacted by Trump administration’s EPA cuts 4:27

3d ago4:27

4:27

Several federally funded environmental justice projects in North Carolina have been paused or stopped, due to the Trump administration’s cancellation of EPA programs.By Kani'ya Davis

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The Power of Family: Turning Survival into Strength with Cheryl Stuller 47:59

3d ago47:59

47:59

Send us a text In this episode, I sit down with Cheryl Stuller, owner of Stuller Power Solutions in Hendersonville, North Carolina, for an honest and inspiring conversation about resilience, perseverance, and rebuilding life from the ground up. Cheryl shares her humble beginnings and opens up about surviving domestic violence, a journey that ultima…

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EP# 362: Stop Scrolling, Start Going: Your Weekend Just Got Easier: The Upcoming Events Story 8:40

17d ago8:40

8:40

Ever feel like you only hear about the best local events after they’re over? We talk with Martin Young about turning that frustration into a nationwide directory that surfaces what’s happening right now across 740 U.S. cities—without relying on fickle social algorithms. From big festivals to small community gatherings, Martin shares how a simple, c…

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EP# 365: From Firewood To Full-Service: Building A Trusted Tree Company 9:41

10d ago9:41

9:41

Need more than a quick cut and a pile of brush left behind? We sit down with CJ Bible, owner-operator of Xpert Xteriors Tree Service in Rogersville, Tennessee, for a candid look at what safe, professional tree care really requires—and why the cheapest quote can become the most expensive mistake. CJ opens up about launching his company in 2019, pres…

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EP# 366: From Polk County Roots To Trusted Knoxville Guide In Homes And Hospitality 15:23

17d ago15:23

15:23

A house fire in childhood doesn’t sound like the start of a thriving real estate career, but for Rob Howard—better known as “Knoxville Rob”—that early disruption became a compass. We sit down with Rob to trace his 23-year journey from a $32,000 first home to a relationship-first practice that guides clients through some of life’s most stressful tra…

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EP# 361: Inside LeGrand Music Studios: Teaching, Community, And Affordable Guitars 10:17

7d ago10:17

10:17

What if the difference between “I’m not musical” and “I can play” is the room you walk into? We sit down with Andy LeGrand, owner of LeGrand Music Studios in Knoxville, to unpack how a welcoming arts environment, professional coaching, and the right instruments help real people make real progress. From first-timers to working musicians, Andy shares…

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EP# 363: Inside Oldfield Law: Care, Clarity, And Courage In East Tennessee 11:57

9d ago11:57

11:57

When family life collides with the legal system, the stakes are high and the path is murky. We sat down with attorney Rochelle Oldfield of Oldfield Law Tennessee to bring clarity to the mess, exploring how a client-first, child-centered approach can steady families through adoption, DCS cases, divorce, and custody changes. Rochelle’s journey from p…

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EP# 364: How A Chef Blends Italian Comfort With Southern Smoke To Deliver Quality At A Fair Price: Penne For Your Thoughts 11:08

17d ago11:08

11:08

Craving something familiar yet bold enough to surprise you? Meet Geoffrey Bernstein, the owner-operator of Penne For Your Thoughts, where Italian comfort meets Southern smoke and fast-casual service meets fine-dining technique. We dig into the craft behind dishes like smoked chicken Alfredo and Italian sausage mac and cheese pasta, the kind of plat…

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EP# 368: How Early Therapy, Not Last-Resort Crisis Care, Transforms Relationships And Everyday Mental Health 15:40

19d ago15:40

15:40

What if you didn’t wait for rock bottom to ask for help? We sit down with therapist and Ascending Self owner Barrett Wilson to explore practical, compassionate ways to strengthen relationships, manage anxiety and grief, and start writing a truer version of your story today. Barrett blends evidence-based tools from the Gottman Method with Internal F…

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Real Talk with Rev. Anthony McMinn, President & CEO of the Hendersonville Rescue Mission 47:51

10d ago47:51

47:51

Send us a text In this episode of The Kudzu Project, I sit down with Rev. Anthony McMinn, President and CEO of the Hendersonville Rescue Mission, for a powerful and raw conversation about leadership, faith, and community. Rev. McMinn reflects on his roots in Hendersonville, N.C., what it was like growing up Black in a small Appalachian town, and ul…

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Counseling, Creativity, and Connection: A Conversation with Elizabeth McCorvey 30:01

11d ago30:01

30:01

🎧 Episode Description: Looking for a podcast that blends mental health, music, and meaningful storytelling? You don’t want to miss this episode. We’re thrilled to welcome Elizabeth L. McCorvey, LCSW — a licensed clinical social worker, professional counselor, anti-racism educator, and musician — who takes us on a journey through her unique world wh…

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A Community in Alignment: Dr. Jenn Hensley on Growth, Wellness & Leadership 1:06:25

17d ago1:06:25

1:06:25

Send us a text Dr. Jennifer Hensley has spent more than two decades helping people feel more aligned — as a chiropractor and wellness professional, Hendersonville N.C.’s Mayor Pro Tem and now — candidate for Mayor in 2026. In this episode, we explore the backbone of her leadership philosophy, adjustments she believes the city needs as it grows, and…

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Ring in the Sound of Hendo: Featuring Blaine Russell, Musical Director Blue Ridge Ringers and Fletcher UMC 31:10

19d ago31:10

31:10

This week on Getting to Know Hendo, we’re excited to feature Blaine Russell — Musical Director of the Blue Ridge Ringers and Fletcher United Methodist Church — as we highlight the bright, joyful sound of one of Hendersonville’s most beloved ensembles. Blaine brings deep musical expertise to our region. Originally from Kosciusko, Mississippi, he ear…

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River Watchers look for tiny critters to help understand the health of local waterways 4:06

24d ago4:06

4:06

Hundreds of volunteers across central North Carolina are part the Haw River Watch Program. Since December 1994, the program has collected information that helps inform basin planning.By Celeste Gracia

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EP #358: Inside Sports Treasures: Knoxville’s Hub For Cards, Pokémon, And Memorabilia 16:30

1M ago16:30

16:30

A childhood hobby, a 36-year legacy, and a community that keeps showing up—this conversation with Sports Treasures owner Zach Haire is a tour of what makes a local card shop thrive. We pull back the curtain on Knoxville’s go-to spot for sports cards, Pokémon, and memorabilia, just minutes from the University of Tennessee. Zach shares how a summer j…

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EP#357: From Youth Pastor To Shepherd: Building A Gospel-Centered Church In Kingsport 18:12

24d ago18:12

18:12

A calling rarely arrives on our schedule. Pastor David Hodges traces a winding path from a teenage conversion to years in the secular workforce to a decade in youth ministry—only then stepping into the role of senior pastor at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Kingsport. Along the way, he learned the slow lessons of service, the weight of shepherding du…

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EP#360: High-Performance Coaching That Protects Your Health And Career 12:03

24d ago12:03

12:03

What if burnout isn’t about how many hours you work, but how you recover and perform under pressure? We sit with high-performance coach and licensed mental health counselor Emily Heird, founder of Vantage View Coaching, to unpack a practical, science-backed approach to thriving in high-stress roles without sacrificing health, relationships, or purp…

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EP#359: Inside Ascending Self: Practical Therapy For Real Life 8:26

24d ago8:26

8:26

Ever wondered why some conversations spiral while others heal? We sit down with Barrett Wilson, owner of Ascending Self, to unpack how practical therapy tools and real empathy can transform daily life—whether you’re navigating grief, stuck in recurring arguments, or just craving more ease in your relationships. Barrett traces his path from a spark …

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EP#356: Fifty Years Of Sunny Hill: Family, Faith, And Hard Work 11:58

24d ago11:58

11:58

A collapsing greenhouse, a howling blizzard, and a decision that changed everything—that’s the moment Sunny Hill turned from growing plants to building landscapes that last. We sit down with Steve Ward and Bruce Ballard to trace a 50-year family journey from a small Buncombe County greenhouse to a trusted regional landscaping team serving Western N…

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TAKEOVER // Finding Lucinda: Episode 1 25:28

23d ago25:28

25:28

Today on the program, we're letting our friends at The Bluegrass Situation takeover our feed with a brand new series called "Finding Lucinda." Episode One: Introducing Finding Lucinda As we join the story, Ismay has been living and working on their family ranch for almost a decade – and they're looking for change. For several years the independent …

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A Love Letter to Hendersonville: Interview with Bryan Byrd of Flat Rock Cinema 59:12

24d ago59:12

59:12

Send us a text In this episode of the Kudzu Project, we sit down with Bryan Byrd — a Hendersonville resident for the past two decades, a local realtor, jovial emcee, and owner of the Flat Rock Cinema, a beloved neighborhood movie theater off the Greenville Highway. Bryan shares what first drew him to Western North Carolina, how his life has become …

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Man on a Mission: Interview with Commander Bill Manofsky, USN (Ret.) 1:20:00

1M ago1:20:00

1:20:00

Send us a text In this episode of the Kudzu Project, we sit down with Commander Bill Manofsky, USN (Ret.), a remarkable figure whose life blends aviation, engineering, and quiet dedication in ways few ever see — or hear. A retired naval officer and P-3 Orion flight officer, Manofsky has spent his career navigating everything from the opening moment…

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Rooted in Hendo: The Legacy of Bright Branch Farms with Trey Enloe 21:33

1M ago21:33

21:33

Getting to Know Hendo Welcome to Getting to Know Hendo, where our mission is simple: celebrate Hendersonville by elevating the people who give this town its heartbeat. In this episode, we’re featuring one of Hendo’s most rooted legacies — Bright Branch Farms, led today by fifth-generation farmer Trey Enloe. Trey shares how Bright Branch continues t…

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(Ep 39) I Saw God in the Anarchists 20:40

1M ago20:40

20:40

This episode is the audio edition of I Saw God in the Anarchists: On Surviving Helene, Building Heaven on Earth, and Seeing God in Each Other, an essay that was published in September of 2025. For more work by Rednecks Rising Media, and to support our work, you can find us at rednecksrising.com and on our linktree. We would love to work with you! P…

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A Life of Service: My Conversation with Alan Yeck of the Veterans Healing Farm 59:56

2M ago59:56

59:56

Send us a text In this special episode, I sit down with Alan Yeck, Director of the Veterans Healing Farm in Mills River, N.C., to talk through a lifetime shaped by service. Alan shares stories from growing up in a military family, joining the United States Marine Corps, and serving at remote foreign service outposts around the world. We discuss his…

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EP# 354: From HR Myths To Measurable Growth With Justice Leadership 13:48

2M ago13:48

13:48

Growth doesn’t stall because the strategy is weak. It stalls because people are unclear, overloaded, and under-coached. That’s why we brought in Sharon Justice, founder of Justice Leadership, to share how small and mid-sized businesses can build simple, scalable people systems that actually stick. Sharon blends decades in financial services leaders…

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EP# 355: From Food Truck To Weddings: How Ciao Y’all Elevates Event Dining 11:56

2M ago11:56

11:56

What if your wedding meal didn’t just “do the job,” but became the part guests talk about for years? We sit down with Mac Cooper, owner of Ciao Y’all Catering, to unpack how a former Asheville food truck turned into a go‑to events team by elevating flavor, discipline, and hospitality. The secret isn’t flash—it’s a calm, methodical prep cadence that…

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Back to Basics: Fiscal Fundamentals & the Future of WNC with Daniel Andreotta 52:46

2M ago52:46

52:46

Send us a text In this episode of the Kudzu Project, I sit down with Daniel Andreotta of Integrity Financial Group to talk about where the economy really stands—nationally, regionally, and right here in Henderson County, NC. Daniel works every day with families, business owners, and local professionals, bringing a grounded perspective on how broade…

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EP# 352: Redefining Luxury Real Estate In Western North Carolina with Real Luxury Life 8:55

2M ago8:55

8:55

What if luxury real estate had nothing to do with price and everything to do with how you’re treated? We sit down with broker Alicia Bean MacDonald of Christie's International Real Estate to unpack a service-first approach that helps buyers, sellers, and investors in Western North Carolina make smarter moves with less stress. Alicia explains why ac…

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EP# 351: Inside Asheville Septic And Well: Inspections, Installs, And Mountain Springs 10:39

2M ago10:39

10:39

Hidden systems make or break a home. That’s why we brought on David Bar Shimon, co-owner of Asheville Septic and Well, to pull back the curtain on septic tanks, well inspections, sewer scopes, and the mountain springs that still supply water to some homes across Western North Carolina. If you’ve ever bought a house, sold a house, or wondered what’s…

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EP# 353: How Man Cave Ministries Helps Men Heal And Find Faith 14:37

2M ago14:37

14:37

A handful of sandwiches, a small garage, and a bold idea turned into a lifeline for dozens of men each week. We sit down with Steve Ward, founder and president of Man Cave Ministry, to trace how a six-week plan blossomed into a thriving community that helps men confront hurts, habits, and hangups without judgment—and with a clear path forward. Stev…

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Faith and Falling Towers: The Jeff Sokol 9/11 Interview 47:20

2M ago47:20

47:20

Send us a text When the world changed on the morning of September 11th, 2001, Jeff Sokol says his life — and everything he thought he knew about the world around him — changed with it. In this gripping conversation, Jeff recounts his experience of surviving that fateful day, and the spiritual reckoning that ensued. What began as a story of survival…

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EP# 350: How A Local Firm Cuts Through Medicare Confusion And Puts Seniors First 12:23

2M ago12:23

12:23

Medicare shouldn’t feel like a riddle with moving parts, yet so many seniors are stuck choosing between confusing options, conflicting advice, and high-pressure pitches. We sat down with Danny Haire—who’s spent 52 years in the insurance world leading Financial Services Inc. and Senior Benefit Inc.—to break through the noise with straight talk, prac…

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Missing But Not Forgotten: Major Bob Johnson & Henderson County’s MIA Heroes 57:11

2M ago57:11

57:11

Send us a text Retired Army Major Bob Johnson has made it his mission to ensure that Henderson County's Missing in Action servicemembers from World War II are never lost to time. In this powerful episode, we talk about VFW Post 5206’s efforts to honor and locate 13 local heroes still unaccounted for, including Marine Corps Private Luther Rhodes, wh…

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EP# 345: Family-Owned Property Management with PMI Blue Ridge 8:48

2M ago8:48

8:48

Want proof that resilience beats headlines? We’re joined by Corey Prince of PMI Blue Ridge, a family-run property management company serving Western North Carolina and East Tennessee, to unpack how a region regains momentum after a storm and how a team can outperform a tough market. Corey shares the origin story—from a rough real estate deal to buy…

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EP#347: A Pastor’s Journey from Police Beat to Pulpit in Asheville’s Only Global Methodist Church 18:18

2M ago18:18

18:18

A brand-new church with ancient roots is taking shape in Asheville, and we sat down with Pastor Jeremiah Chapman to share how it happened and why it matters. Born from a lay-led movement in late 2023, Providence Global Methodist Church brings a clear, Scripture-first ethos into a warm, come-as-you-are community just off UNCA’s campus. Jeremiah’s st…

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EP#349: Choosing The Right Floors For Every Home And Budget With BPS Southeast Flooring 13:09

2M ago13:09

13:09

Ever wondered why some floors gap, buckle, or underperform while others stay flawless for years? We sit down with Jason Trim, owner of BPS Southeast Flooring in Rutherford County, to unpack the choices that truly matter: materials, installation quality, and how to match flooring to your life, not just your Pinterest board. Jason walks us through a …

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EP # 346: This is what a relationship-first real estate firm looks: Noble &Co. Realty 14:08

2M ago14:08

14:08

Ever wonder what really holds a home purchase together when the clock is ticking and the inspection just got messy? We sat down with Mary Noble Braden—co-owner of Noble and Company Realty—to unpack what a relationship-first real estate practice looks like when the pressure rises. From Black Mountain roots to a regional footprint across Western Nort…

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EP#348: A Fee-Only Path to Financial Confidence with Skee Orr of Kinetic Wealth 11:12

2M ago11:12

11:12

A declined debit card, a wise grandmother, and a promise to put clients first—this conversation with Kinetic Wealth founder Skee Orr gets personal and practical about what real financial planning looks like. We trace Ski’s path from a small Western North Carolina town to launching a fee-only firm in Knoxville with his wife, and we dig into why tran…

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EP# 328: Serving with Purpose: Pastor Richard Myers' 26-Year Ministry Journey 15:32

2M ago15:32

15:32

What happens when a person raised to believe their value comes solely from hard work encounters the message of unconditional love? In this heartfelt conversation, Reverend Richard Myers of Oak Grove Baptist Church shares his remarkable 26-year journey in ministry and the powerful transformation that led him there. Pastor Myers opens up about growin…

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EP# 334: From Ohio to Knoxville: How a Family Built Five Clean Eatz Cafes and a Community Around Better Food 12:45

2M ago12:45

12:45

A surprise meal delivered to a hospital room changed everything for our guest, Zach Sattler. What began as a favor from the Clean Eatz founders became the spark that led his family to sell nearly everything, move to Knoxville, and build five thriving cafés dedicated to clean eating that actually tastes good. This is a story about risk, community, a…

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EP#333: A small kitchen proves scratch-made comfort food can thrive in the most unlikely place 12:23

2M ago12:23

12:23

If you think great food can’t come from a gas station, prepare to be delighted. We sit down with chef-owner Jamie Wade of Sand Hill Kitchen in West Asheville to unpack how a tiny BP kitchen turned into a beloved neighborhood staple—one buttermilk-fried chicken sandwich at a time. Jamie shares the origin story, from spotting a fully built kitchen in…

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EP# 327: From Dry County to Craft Beer Hub: The Homeplace Beer Company Story 14:36

2M ago14:36

14:36

Craft beer aficionados and small-town charm seekers alike will find something to love in this heartfelt conversation with John Silver, founder of Homeplace Beer Company in Burnsville, North Carolina. Skip Mauney welcomes John for a refreshingly honest look at what it takes to build a successful brewery that serves as the heartbeat of a mountain com…

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EP# 325: Exploring Asheville's Culinary Scene: One Bite at a Time with Asheville Food Tours 12:40

2M ago12:40

12:40

Discover the culinary heart of Asheville through the eyes of a passionate local guide in this mouthwatering conversation with Paddy Riels, owner-operator of Asheville Food Tours. What began as a skeptic's reluctant food tour experience transformed into an 11-year career for Paddy, who now leads visitors through downtown Asheville's remarkable food …

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EP# 324: The Blue Church: Finding Community in Morristown 13:49

2M ago13:49

13:49

Ever driven past that striking blue church in Morristown and wondered what goes on inside? Pastor Sonny Thomas of Peace Free Will Baptist Church joins the Good Neighbor Podcast to shatter misconceptions about church communities and share how they're creating a welcoming space for everyone in the Lakeway area. Celebrating nearly 40 years of ministry…

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EP#323: Blountville Christian Church welcomes families seeking connection through Christ. 14:54

2M ago14:54

14:54

What happens when a Mississippi Gulf Coast worship leader finds himself pastoring a century-old church in the mountains of East Tennessee? The Good Neighbor Podcast welcomes Reverend Justin Daniel of Blountville Christian Church, who shares his unexpected journey into ministry and the vibrant faith community he now leads. Pastor Justin paints a pic…