Around Town with @ColaMayor

In this episode of Around Town , Mayor Daniel Rickenmann sits down with Richland County School District One Superintendent Dr. Todd Walker to discuss leadership, public education, and the future of Richland One. As he approaches his first year in Columbia, Dr. Walker reflects on the lessons shaping his leadership style, the importance of listening before leading, and why strong schools are essenti...

A new kind of sports training facility is coming to Columbia, and it’s about far more than performance on the field. In this episode of Around Town , Mayor Daniel Rickenmann sits down with Patrick DiMarco, Grayson Greiner, and Travis Tourville, the team behind HUSTL Sports Performance , a new youth-focused training facility designed to help athletes grow physically, mentally, and personally. From...

In this episode of Around Town, Mayor Daniel Rickenmann sits down with Sam Herskovitz, Executive Director of the Boyd Innovation Center, to talk about how Columbia is supporting founders building scalable, tech-driven companies. The Boyd exists to help ideas turn into real businesses, and the impact is already showing. More than 200 entrepreneurs have been served, over 40 tech companies launched o...

In this episode of the Around Town podcast, Mayor Daniel Rickenmann sits down with Todd Martin , the City Landscape Architect who led the design behind one of the most anticipated public projects in recent memory. With years of experience planning parks and public spaces in Columbia, Todd offers a candid look at what it took to reimagine Finlay Park — from honoring its legacy to building for the n...

In this episode of the Around Town podcast, Mayor Daniel Rickenmann sits down with Merritt McNeely, CEO of Flock and Rally, a Columbia-based marketing and communications agency helping clients across the country connect with their communities in meaningful ways. What began as a local mission to support causes and campaigns in the Midlands has grown into a national agency known for creative storyte...

Mayor Daniel Rickenmann sits down with Tamara King, newly appointed Executive Director of Richland Library, to explore how this 13-branch system is redefining what a public library can be. From free classes and social work services to kitchen equipment, fabrication studios, and even fresh produce, Richland Library is delivering more than just books — it’s providing real-world support to the Columb...

In this special episode of Around Town, the tables turn as Mayor Daniel Rickenmann takes the guest seat for a candid conversation with his Policy and Programs Advisor, Payton Lang. From housing and public safety to art, business, and the revitalization of Columbia’s downtown, Mayor Rickenmann reflects on his first term and the bold moves that have shaped the city’s momentum. Hear about the city’s...

On this episode of the Around Town podcast, Mayor Daniel Rickenmann sits down with Nailah Carrie-Inez Darby, the inspiring founder of Carrie Vine Treats. What started with a batch of lemon brownies and a love for Charleston Chewies has grown into a beloved local business and a staple at Columbia’s own Soda City Market. Nailah shares her journey from new mom to entrepreneur, the power of persistenc...

In this episode of the Around Town podcast, Mayor @ColaMayor Daniel Rickenmann is joined by Terri Towle and Storm Burcham from the Indian Waters Council of Scouting America to explore how local Scouts are developing leadership skills while giving back to their communities. From Eagle Scout projects like storm drain marking to inclusive programming that reaches every corner of Columbia, this conver...

In this episode of the Around Town podcast, Mayor @ColaMayor Daniel Rickenmann speaks with Ashley Bookhart about the 5210 South Carolina initiative (@5210sc). The campaign is built on four simple daily habits: consuming five or more servings of fruits and vegetables, limiting screen time to less than two hours, engaging in one hour of physical activity, and avoiding sugary drinks. It’s a statewide...

In this episode of the Around Town podcast, Mayor @ColaMayor Daniel Rickenmann sits down with filmmaker and creative director Jason Kendall, founder of kendallprojects. From his early days documenting Ridge View High School to producing powerful films and community-centered art, Jason shares how storytelling became his mission. They discuss the emotional turning points that shaped his career, his...

In this episode of the Around Town podcast, Mayor @ColaMayor Daniel Rickenmann sits down with Columbia native Cameron Sabin, the creative force behind the YouTube series National Park Diaries. What started as a simple GoPro experiment has become a cinematic journey through some of the country's most awe-inspiring landscapes. Cameron shares how his love of storytelling and nature intersect to spotl...

In this episode of the Around Town podcast, Mayor @ColaMayor Daniel Rickenmann talks with Zelda Waymer , President and CEO of the South Carolina Afterschool Alliance , about how afterschool programs are shaping the future for students across the state. From STEM expos to workforce readiness and leadership development, the Alliance ensures students can access safe, enriching experiences outside of...

In this episode of the Around Town podcast, Mayor @ColaMayor Daniel Rickenmann sits down with Sarah Lyles , Executive Director of PalmettoPride , to talk about how this statewide nonprofit is tackling litter, promoting beautification, and building a culture of civic pride across South Carolina. From supporting volunteers and educating students to empowering communities through grants and cleanups,...

In this episode of the Around Town podcast, Mayor @ColaMayor Daniel Rickenmann sits down with Jessica Harrell and Jennifer Gregg from the United States Tennis Association South Carolina (USTA SC) to talk about how tennis is growing across Columbia. From introducing kids to the game and making lessons more accessible, to facility improvements and the potential to host professional tournaments, USTA...

In this episode of the Around Town podcast, Mayor @ColaMayor Daniel Rickenmann speaks with LaTonya Jackson, JAG Specialist at Columbia High School, about the transformative impact of the Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) program in Richland One schools. LaTonya shares how JAG equips students with life skills, leadership training, career readiness, and emotional support from 9th grade through thei...

In this episode of the Around Town podcast, Mayor @ColaMayor Daniel Rickenmann sits down with University of South Carolina seniors Alex Blumenthal and Sophia Mercurio to talk about their experience in USC’s public relations program and their national campaign for EveryLibrary. From pitching events and managing media to advocating for libraries across South Carolina, Alex and Sophia share how hands...

In this episode of the Around Town podcast, Mayor @ColaMayor Daniel Rickenmann sits down with Mary Martha Greene—also known as the “Cheese Biscuit Queen”—to discuss her latest cookbook, Kiss My Aspic . From family traditions and legendary Columbia restaurants to the lost art of writing down recipes, Mary shares the stories behind her beloved Southern dishes. Tune in for a lively conversation about...

In this episode of the Around Town podcast, Mayor @ColaMayor Daniel Rickenmann spotlights the dynamic Rosewood Drive corridor with Anne Miller of Rooted Yoga and Bryan Tayara of Rosewood Market. Anne shares how her yoga studio fosters inclusivity and connection, while Bryan discusses the market’s dedication to fresh, local foods and community engagement. Tune in to hear how these two businesses co...

In this episode of the Around Town podcast, Mayor @ColaMayor Daniel Rickenmann sits down with Michael Woodland of ESNTL Headshots to discuss his journey from military service to becoming one of Columbia’s top headshot photographers. Michael shares how his experience shaped his approach to photography, his focus on helping clients look their best, and his dedication to supporting veterans through t...

In this episode of the Around Town podcast, Mayor @ColaMayor Daniel Rickenmann chats with Sara Middleton Stiles and Chris Lutkowski from Peak Drift Brewery about their journey in the ever-evolving world of craft brewing. From creative offerings like their rotating sours and seasonal beers to the rising interest in THC/CBD-infused beverages, they share insights into what sets Peak Drift apart. The...

In this episode of the Around Town podcast, Mayor @ColaMayor Daniel Rickenmann talks with David May and Shayla Merritt of Cyberwoven, the Columbia-based digital agency helping clients across industries transform their digital presence. Discover how Cyberwoven’s expertise in web design, digital marketing, and branding empowers organizations from local nonprofits to national institutions. Learn abou...

In this episode of the Around Town podcast, Mayor Daniel Rickenmann sits down with Austin Saggus, President of Columbia Green, to discuss the nonprofit's incredible efforts in enhancing Columbia's natural beauty and tackling environmental challenges. From planting thousands of trees to launching the "Beat the Heat" initiative aimed at cooling disadvantaged neighborhoods, Columbia Green is making a...

In this inspiring episode of Around Town, Mayor Daniel Rickenmann sits down with Noah Asher, an author and motivational speaker who has turned his own tumultuous past into a powerful message of hope. Noah shares his journey from addiction and incarceration to writing his book Chaos: Overcoming the Overwhelming, which aims to help others navigate through life’s toughest challenges. He discusses the...

In this episode of the Around Town podcast, Mayor Daniel Rickenmann speaks with John Dozier, President of Columbia College, about the institution's exciting developments and challenges. From its deep-rooted history as a women’s college to its expansion into a coeducational environment, Columbia College is evolving while staying true to its mission. John shares insights on how the college prepares...