101.1 The Pulse

Join us as Darien and Asa discuss overalls and what they mean to them.  Find out what Darien thinks about the pants that go all the way to the shoulders. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a thrilling final pitch, the Pickens High Dragons become 2026 GHSA Class 3A State Baseball Champions! Dave Garner's electrifying call captures the decisive strikeout by Robert Turner, sealing an unforgettable victory for the team and their fans. A perfect moment of high school sports glory. Visit  The Pulse today to buy your championship shirt! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy infor...

What if radio was invented tomorrow — would you line up to buy one? On this Small Town Soapbox, Darien delivers a powerful reminder of radio’s incredible value as a free source of music, news, sports, weather, community connection, and hometown voices in an age of expensive subscriptions. Follow us on  Facebook  and  Instagram  or download our app to stay connected!...

Ted Turner’s passing leaves North Georgia reflecting on a larger-than-life legacy. In this somber Small Town Soapbox, Darien honors the bold visionary who turned Atlanta into a world-class city through CNN, the Braves, the Superstation, and sheer determination—reminding us that one person with big dreams can change everything. A heartfelt tribute blending gratitude, local pride, and qu...

On Cinco de Mayo, Darien delivers a heartfelt Small Town Soapbox comparing tacos versus taters, celebrating how Southern country cooking and Mexican flavors bring people together. From fried chicken and gravy to salsa and tortillas, this warm reflection shows that while the plates may differ, the values of family, community, and sharing a meal remain the same. Follow us on  Facebook  and...

Not everything is fixable — even for small-town folks who can fix anything with duct tape and prayer. In this powerful Small Town Soapbox, Darien shares a hard truth: while we’re wired to fix things, sometimes the wisest move is knowing when to walk away. Relationships, habits, and situations that keep breaking might be breaking you too. Strength isn’t always in holding on &mdash...

When the Inspirations stepped onto the Grand Ole Opry stage beside the Oak Ridge Boys, it wasn't just a performance — it was proof that gospel and country were never really that different. Darien draws a powerful parallel between that unforgettable night and the bold vision behind 101.1 The Pulse. Sometimes God doesn't call you to stay in a lane — He calls you to build a road. A remind...

What if the real problem with today’s world isn’t politics or technology—but our mouths? Darien delivers a no-filter reflection on why “clean mouths” once meant character, respect, and discipline. From grandma’s soap bar to modern-day anything-goes language, he explores how words reveal the heart—and what we lose when standards slip. Part confession,...

Have we forgotten to say “thank you”? In this heartfelt Small Town Soapbox, Darien challenges listeners to rediscover simple gratitude in a busy, distracted world. From Chick-fil-A’s genuine “my pleasure” culture to lost small-town manners like holding doors and tipping hats, he reminds us that a sincere thank you builds people up and strengthens communities. It&rsquo...

What if the greatest champions you ever knew never won a trophy or made headlines? On this Small Town Soapbox, Darein reminds us that true championship isn’t about titles or spotlight—it’s about grit, finishing strong, and refusing to quit. From dusty ball fields to everyday life, he challenges listeners of all ages to rediscover the champion within and keep giving their best, no...

Ever wondered how a three-year-old drinking homemade moonshine earned a lifelong nickname? Meet Shane “Booger” Williams, the preacher known across North Georgia as Booger Williams. In this heartfelt conversation, he shares his wild childhood story, dramatic salvation at age 30, and the moment God called him to preach—despite running from it for two and a half years. A powerful re...

In a small town, you don’t just bump into people—you run straight into your painful history. Darien delivers raw truth about forgiveness in tight-knit communities and families. Learn why you must forgive without granting unlimited access, how bitterness destroys from within, and when wisdom demands walking away from repeating hurt. Rooted in faith and real-life experience, this powerfu...

Ever notice how society keeps flipping what’s “normal” — from long hair and tattoos to bright pink and green hair? Darien challenges us to look past appearances and judge people by their character instead. In this Small Town Soapbox, he asks whether we’re still the kind of folks who see the heart beneath the hair color. Follow us on  Facebook  and  Inst...

What if the old TV shows we grew up with were secretly teaching us how to live better than today’s fast-paced world? Darien reflects on timeless lessons from The Andy Griffith Show, Good Times, and All in the Family—patience, family bonds, character, and doing what’s right even when no one’s watching. He reminds us that real growth comes from uncomfortable conversations and...

What if the lessons from Saturday night wrestling could still save our world today? In this Small Town Soapbox, DarIen takes us back to childhood ringside battles with Dusty Rhodes and Ric Flair to remind us of clear lines between good and evil, the power of perseverance, and why standing up still matters—even when life feels scripted. Sometimes the simplest childhood truths hold the deepest...

Bullies aren’t just in school hallways anymore—they’ve gone digital and even hide behind friendly smiles at church. In this Small Town Soapbox, Darien calls out modern bullying, from online jabs to small-town gossip disguised as jokes. He challenges listeners to replace insecurity-fueled put-downs with real strength: building others up through grace and encouragement. A powerful...

What if the strongest thing you could do today… was stay quiet? In this episode of Small Town Soapbox , Darien delivers a heartfelt message about a world that no longer whispers, but broadcasts. From social media pile‑ons to public shaming, we explore what’s been lost when everything becomes front‑porch news. Through small‑town wisdom, faith, and hard-earned life lessons, this episode...

What if your wildest Easter memory involved flying in a tiny helicopter dressed as the Easter Bunny? On this heartwarming episode of Saturdays with Sandra, host Sandra Parrish chats with Colleen, our community queen, about her favorite Easter traditions. From childhood church celebrations and family egg hunts to hilarious family stories—including Colleen’s daring bunny helicopter landi...

What happens when Easter plans get disrupted—and the deeper meaning still shines through? In this special Easter edition of Saturdays with Sandra , Sandra Parrish talks with Pastor Steve Dusek of The Orchard Life Church in Ellijay about shifting Easter celebrations due to weather and why Easter remains the cornerstone of the Christian faith. From outdoor services and egg cannons to the cross...

What if one tiny home village could transform the lives of hundreds of homeless students in Marietta City Schools? On this special Easter episode of Saturdays with Sandra, host Sandra Parrish sits down with Molly Holm, CEO of Glory Haus, to discuss their inspiring partnership with the City of Marietta. Discover Emmanuel’s Village — a faith-based transitional housing community designed...

What does it take to bring the Thunderbirds roaring into a small North Georgia city? On this episode of Saturdays with Sandra , host Sandra Parrish sits down with John Cowman of JLC Air Show Management to preview the Wings Over North Georgia Air Show in Rome. From the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and high‑speed jet teams to night show spectacles and record attendance expectations, this conversation...

Every small town has that one pastor—and he may be the most important person you never brag about. In this episode of Small Town Soapbox , Darien delivers a heartfelt tribute to the local pastor and the small churches that quietly hold communities together. From hospital rooms to muddy cemeteries, these pastors show up, know your name, and love you anyway. This is a powerful reminder that fa...

What if talent isn’t enough—and never really has been? In this Small Town Soapbox , Darien tackles a quiet truth many people notice but few say out loud: the music industry often values image over raw vocal power. From small-town churches in North Georgia to the polished world of professional music, Darien contrasts authenticity with marketability, asking why voices that move the soul...

On April Fools’ Day, when the internet is overflowing with fake news and bad jokes, one thing becomes painfully clear: people can’t tell truth from nonsense anymore. In this Small Town Soapbox, Darien cuts through the noise to challenge the culture of “gotcha” moments, viral hoaxes, and manufactured outrage. With humor and conviction, he makes the case for something radical...

What happens when global crises and teenage homework live on the same tiny screen? In this Small Town Soapbox , Darien takes on the overload of modern life—where headlines about war, rising gas prices, and political tension sit inches away from social media scrolls meant for kids. With reflections rooted in small-town North Georgia, Darien contrasts today’s nonstop digital noise with a...