Best of Johnston County®

What if the best career of your life was waiting just down the road — and all it took to start was a $300 class? Novo Nordisk is quietly building one of the largest pharmaceutical campuses in the world… right here in Johnston County. I sat down with Stacy Beard to uncover how this global giant is changing lives, creating jobs, and proving you don’t have to leave home to do work that matters. Would...

What if getting older didn’t have to mean losing your independence? What if care could come to you—on your terms, in your home, with someone you trust? I sat down with Natasha Armstrong , a registered nurse redefining home care and wellness in Johnston County. From IV drips that boost your energy to respite care that gives caregivers a break… she’s doing it differently. The question is: when your...

What happens when your child lives in one state… and your custody order is in another? What if your ex moves across the country without telling you? And how far does a parent really have to go to stay present in their child’s life? In this episode, I unpack the messy, emotional, and legally complex world of multi-state custody—from emergency returns to cross-country visitations. Because when paren...

What do you do when thousands of bats are living in the ceiling of a medical building — and the law says you can’t touch them? Robert Weaver has the answer. From removing birds in big-box stores to tracking raccoons through crawlspaces, Robert built a thriving wildlife control company out of situations most of us never want to think about. In this episode, I sat down with the man behind Freedom Wi...

What happens when a TV reporter walks away from the camera and ends up inside one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies? Stacy Beard thought she’d be covering wars. Instead, her journalism career led her from the anchor desk to Town Hall—and eventually to Novo Nordisk, right here in Johnston County. In this conversation, we unpack the real reason she left WRAL, the burnout no one talks a...

What if your dream home had a hidden flaw—and no one told you until it was too late? Randy Berry thought he was getting a clean bill of health on his new house... until he realized the inspection was too perfect. That moment launched a mission to fix what’s broken in the home inspection industry. Why do some builders welcome inspectors—and others dread them? What should you look for before you eve...

What if one $300 class could change your entire career? What if your teenager could graduate high school and walk straight into a $25/hour job—no debt, no degree required? In this episode, I sat down with Joy Callahan to uncover the hidden engine behind Johnston County’s workforce boom. From biotech labs to backroads apprenticeship programs, she’s helping thousands of people stay local and level u...

What happens when your child wants to join the school band, but your ex refuses to drive them to practice? What if you agree on everything… except which school they should attend? In this episode, I share the real stories behind school-year custody battles—and the one question that changes everything: Do you have a court order, or don’t you? If you’re co-parenting through the school year, this is...

What if the love you thought you had... was actually control? She left a 22-year relationship with nothing but a futon, an air mattress, and her kids, then built a life beyond anything she imagined. But how do you know if you’re living with a narcissist? And what does it really take to break free? In this episode, I sit down with Denise Kavaliauskas to uncover the silent signs of toxic relationshi...

What happens when law enforcement officers swap their badges for handlebars? Meet the Blue Knights Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club —a group of current and retired officers riding for a cause. From raising money for fallen officers’ families to promoting motorcycle safety, they’re giving back in ways most people don’t see. But how do bikers with badges bridge the gap between law enforcement and the...

What if you could feel better, have more energy, and regain the confidence you thought was lost to age? Dr. Bob Young, an ER physician turned men's health advocate, is revolutionizing the way men approach their well-being at Gameday Men's Health . Struggling with fatigue, low energy, or low testosterone? You're not alone, and you don't have to accept it. How much of a difference could balanced hor...

What does it take to build a business around your passion for dogs? How do you go from washing your own five dogs in a bathtub to creating a thriving pet care empire in Johnston County? In this episode of The Best of Johnston County Podcast , I sit down with Katie Ast, the owner of Just Dog People , to uncover the inspiring story behind her journey. From self-serve dog washes to harness fittings,...

What happens to custody when school lets out — and real life steps in? From track-outs to cross-country travel, custody during school breaks isn’t as simple as splitting time in half. What if your kids are on different school calendars? What happens when parents can't agree? In this episode, family law attorney Jonathan Breeden unpacks the real stories, the surprising complications, and what paren...

Ever wondered what fuels Johnston County’s rapid rise from farmland to a bustling community of 250,000? In this episode, I sit down with County Manager Rick Hester , who swapped a dream of Major League Baseball for a career in public service, to uncover the secret behind our zoning rules, water networks, school funding, and more. How did naming every road and building water districts set us up for...

Discover the transformative power of community and second chances in Johnston County. In this episode, I sit down with Mark Hall of Hope Center Ministries to explore how a recovery home—where early mornings, disciplined routines, and real-life partnerships converge—can become a haven for those rebuilding their lives after addiction. How does a blend of faith and tangible hope spark true change? Wh...

Ever wondered what it takes to pivot from chasing a baseball dream to steering a $350 million county budget? In my conversation with Rick Hester , Johnston County’s trailblazing manager, we uncovered the raw moments of minor league life, the high stakes of public service, and the art of balancing passion with fiscal responsibility. How do you transform failure into a legacy? What does it mean to t...

Join me as I chat with Princeton native Mike Rose, our newest County Commissioner. How does a lifelong resident balance growth with keeping home’s heart intact? From transforming local infrastructure during torrential rains to navigating a 70% jump in property evaluations, Mike shares his candid, hands-on approach to serving Johnston County. Curious about his journey from teacher and town board le...

What if a meal could spark a revolution? In my latest journey through Johnston County’s Old North State Food Hall, I uncovered a place where every dish tells a story and every bite fuels a community’s heartbeat. From gourmet hot dogs to bold Cuban flavors, could this be the future of dining? Join me as I explore the magic behind the meals—and ask: How far can a shared plate take us?

Have you ever wondered how a small town reinvents itself? In my latest conversation with Selma’s Mayor Byron McAllister, we explore his journey from New York to the heart of Johnston County—and how Selma transformed from a quiet antique haven into a vibrant, innovative hub. What does it take to turn financial challenges into opportunities and revitalize a community from within? Join me as we uncov...

Who gets Christmas morning? What happens if your ex refuses to return the kids? Can you take them out of state without permission? Custody battles don’t take a holiday, and for separated parents, the most wonderful time of the year can feel like a legal minefield. In this special episode, I break down how courts divide holiday time, what happens if custody orders are violated, and why communicatio...

Ever wondered what fuels a local legend? At Salon 42, Sandi Adams transforms hair into art right in the heart of Johnston County. How does she blend raw talent with scientific know-how to build a thriving salon rooted in community spirit? Join me as I uncover her journey—from a hands-on apprentice to an inspiring salon owner—exploring the bold choices and secret techniques that make every cut a st...

What if baseball wasn’t just a game, but a miracle in motion? Imagine a place where every child, no matter their ability, steps up to bat with a crowd cheering them on. A place where wheelchairs race to first base, where volunteers become teammates, and where parents get to sit back and just watch their kids play—maybe for the first time ever. This is the Miracle League of Johnston County, and it’...

Ever wonder how a community can change a life in an instant? Join me, Jonathan Breeden, as I dive into a conversation with Randa Gay about the groundbreaking Isaiah 117 House—a 3,000-square-foot sanctuary replacing cold DSS offices with warmth, care, and hope. What does it truly mean to say “yes” when the system only offers “no”? Ready to explore how compassion transforms a crisis into a new begin...

What makes a great attorney-client relationship? Is it trust? Honesty? Communication? In this episode, I break down the secrets to working effectively with your lawyer—what strengthens the relationship, what sabotages it, and how you can get the best outcome possible. Ever wondered why some legal battles feel endless while others resolve smoothly? It all comes down to strategy and connection. Let’...

What makes a great attorney-client relationship? Is it trust? Honesty? Communication? In this episode, I break down the secrets to working effectively with your lawyer—what strengthens the relationship, what sabotages it, and how you can get the best outcome possible. Ever wondered why some legal battles feel endless while others resolve smoothly? It all comes down to strategy and connection. Let’...