Best of Johnston County®

What happens to your 401(k), IRA, or pension during a divorce? In this special Ask Jonathan Breeden Anything episode of The Best of Johnston County Podcast , Jonathan Breeden answers some of the most common questions about dividing retirement assets, explaining how courts determine what is marital property, why proper planning matters, and the costly mistakes people should avoid.

What happens when the person caring for everyone else suddenly becomes a caregiver themselves? In this episode of The Best of Johnston County Podcast , Jonathan Breeden sits down with Irene Brooks, owner of No Place Like Home Senior Services, to discuss the realities of senior care, caregiver burnout, and the often-overlooked resources available to families. From navigating dementia care to findin...

Why are so many people moving to Johnston County, and what should homeowners know before buying or selling? In this episode of The Best of Johnston County Podcast , Jonathan Breeden sits down with real estate agent and investor Ryan Overcash to talk about the local housing market, home flipping, first-time buyers, and what makes Clayton and Johnston County such an attractive place to call home. Ry...

When most people think about agriculture, they picture fields, tractors, and harvest season. What they may not realize is that agriculture remains one of the largest economic drivers in Johnston County and North Carolina, touching nearly every aspect of daily life. In this episode of The Best of Johnston County Podcast , Jonathan Breeden sits down with Nicole Youngblood, Johnston County's Agricult...

What happens when one social media post ends up in front of a judge? Can a single undisclosed fact completely change the outcome of a custody case? And is ignoring a court order really as serious as people say it is? In this special Ask Jonathan Breeden Anything episode, Jonathan answers some of the most common questions people have about family court. Drawing on 26 years of experience, he shares...

What if most leadership crises could be prevented before they ever started? In this episode of The Best of Johnston County Podcast, returning guest Melissa Overton shares the inspiration behind her new book, Focused and Fearless Leadership . Drawing from her experiences as a critical care nurse, entrepreneur, trainer, and speaker, Melissa explains why leadership emergencies rarely happen overnight...

What if your business could stop people mid-scroll and make them pay attention? In this episode of The Best of Johnston County Podcast , Jonathan Breeden sits down with Gabriel Smith, owner of AnimNation, to talk about the world of 3D animation, gaming, and digital storytelling. From working on a DreamWorks project to helping local businesses create memorable brand experiences, Gabriel shares how...

What happens when someone reaches a moment where enough is enough? For Amy Locklear, it started with being tired of feeling tired. Years later, that personal decision transformed into something much bigger, a fitness community helping people across Johnston County move more, live healthier lives, and build relationships that extend far beyond workouts. In this episode, Amy shares her journey into...

What starts as a simple nursery can become something much bigger over time. In this episode of The Best of Johnston County Podcast , Jonathan Breeden sits down with Chris Smith of Smith’s Nursery to talk about farming, family, and how a small Johnston County business grew into one of the community’s favorite destinations. From strawberries and hayrides to homemade ice cream and school field trips,...

Divorce is emotional, but the financial side can be just as overwhelming. In this Ask Jonathan Breeden Anything episode, we break down how attorneys charge, what really drives costs up, and the practical decisions that can save you thousands. If you have ever wondered what divorce actually costs, this conversation brings clarity to a complicated process.

What happens when two Army veterans follow a calling, not just to build a business, but to build community? In this episode, Jim and Kim Fry share the story behind Coffee on Raiford, their leap into entrepreneurship, and how a simple cup of coffee can create real connection in a fast-moving world.

What does it look like to grow up in a small town… and then help shape what it becomes? In this episode, Barry Woodard shares his journey from Clayton native to real estate leader, and what it really takes to balance growth, community, and identity in Johnston County.

What does it look like to trade global diplomacy for small-town hospitality? In this episode, Jordan Robinson shares her unexpected journey from Marine Corps embassy guard to owner of a historic boutique inn. This conversation explores reinvention, community connection, and what it really takes to turn a vision into something tangible.

What if the way you train your dog could also transform how you lead your business, your family, and your life? In this episode, Michael Soler shares how discipline, psychology, and daily habits shaped his journey from Marine to entrepreneur—and how those same principles now help leaders grow with clarity and confidence.

What does it really mean to adopt a child, beyond the legal forms and court filings? In this Ask Jonathan Breeden Anything episode, we break down stepparent, relative, and agency adoptions, and the life-changing responsibilities that come with them. If you’ve ever wondered how adoption works, or whether it’s right for your family, this conversation brings clarity to a deeply meaningful decision.

What if hiring the right contractor didn’t feel like a gamble? In this episode, Chet Hardaway shares how he’s turning years of hands-on experience into a smarter way to connect homeowners with trusted tradespeople. From appliance advice to avoiding costly mistakes, this conversation is packed with practical insights that can save you time, money, and frustration.

What does a 35-year career at the North Carolina Department of Transportation look like when you start as a college intern and finish as Secretary? In this episode of The Best of Johnston County Podcast , Jonathan Breeden sits down with recently retired transportation leader Joey Hopkins to talk about his journey from a small town in Rockingham County to leading one of the largest transportation s...

What does it look like to build a fitness community that goes beyond treadmills and weight machines? In this episode of The Best of Johnston County Podcast , Jonathan Breeden sits down with James Woodall, founder of Woodall Fitness in Clayton. From training alongside future UFC legends in Las Vegas to creating a unique functional training gym in Johnston County, James shares the journey that shape...

In this special Ask Jonathan Breeden Anything episode of The Best of Johnston County Podcast , Jonathan answers one of the most important modern family law questions: how does digital evidence impact custody and divorce cases? From text messages and Facebook posts to parenting apps and screenshots, what you send today could be read out loud in a courtroom tomorrow. Here is what you need to know be...

What does it take to step back into public service after stepping away? In this episode, Keith Branch shares why he’s running for Johnston County Commissioner in District 7 and what he believes the county needs most right now: financial discipline, collaboration, and fresh perspective. From fund balance debates to school funding and growth management, this conversation dives into the future of Joh...

Why would someone step away from power… only to ask for it back? After serving eight years as County Commissioner, Chad Stewart resigned. Now he’s running again. Was it strategy? Service? Or unfinished business? In this episode, we unpack fund balances, tax debates, growth fears, and the pressure of public life in the internet age. When experience meets controversy… who do you trust to lead?

What does the sheriff actually do when the cameras are off? Behind the patrol cars and flashing lights is a role most people never see, managing a $32M operation, supporting deputies through trauma, making decisions the public may never agree with, and carrying the weight of every call that comes in. After nearly three decades in the job, Sheriff Steve Bizzell explains why he still believes this r...

Why would someone run for sheriff after being hired by the same department three times? This episode isn’t about attacks or politics. It’s about perspective. I talk with Randall Ackley about what he’s seen on patrol, inside investigations, and from years of working in a rapidly growing county. When staffing can’t keep up, presence disappears. What does that mean for safety, trust, and the future o...

What happens when someone who’s seen government from the inside decides to run for local office — not for power, but to protect a way of life? Adam Caldwell isn’t a career politician. He’s a father of three, a former public servant, and now a candidate trying to balance growth, taxes, and heritage in Johnston County. Can one person help a fast-growing county stay grounded in its roots?

What really decides a local election before Election Day? I sit down with Vice Chair Butch Lawter to ask the questions that shape your wallet and your weekend. Can a county actually build parks without piling on taxes? What fixes a strained school budget when enrollment barely moves? How do you plan water for peak days, not averages? And why does fund balance matter more than slogans? If you live...