Good Neighbor Podcast: Auburn and Opelika

We trace how a recording dream became a concert venue, a sold-out supper club, and Opelika’s biggest music weekend. Rob Slocumb shares the festival schedule, the student showcase, and the pivots that kept The Sound Wall thriving after COVID. • what The Sound Wall is and why it works • Supper Club as a community builder • Opelika Songwriters Festival schedule and highlights • six venues and 40 arti...

We share how pelvic floor health, breath mechanics, and smart strength training help women move from “common” problems to real solutions. Hilary’s path from grad school to entrepreneurship shows why autonomy and recovery matter as much as reps. • What the pelvic floor does and why it matters • Breath work as the foundation for pressure management • Stepwise training from table to floor to standing...

We sit down with Elizabeth Boyle, general manager of Colab in downtown Opelika, to explore how a onetime Woolworths became a flexible home for private offices, coworking, and studios. The story blends renovation, hospitality, and community into a hub where work actually works. • What Colab offers across offices, coworking, conference rooms, and a shared studio • Renovation and expansion to 46 offi...

We share how a lonely season pushed Elizabeth Bethune to create Gathering AO, a warm, in-person community for female business owners in Auburn and Opelika. From free meetups to a sustainable model, we dig into hosting at women-owned venues, real connection, and why belonging beats business cards. • origin of Gathering AO as an antidote to isolation • early growth and the shift forced by the pandem...

We explore how the Oaks Retreat helps freshmen and transfer students find faith, friends, and a church home before classes begin, and how that Auburn-born idea scaled into the Oaks Collaborative across campuses nationwide. Trace shares the heart, the hurdles, and the leadership pipeline that turns a weekend into a year of mentorship. • What the Oaks Retreat is and who it serves • Why freshman fear...

We meet Dr. Richard Stevens of Westerwell Gynecology Health and Wellness to talk about focused menopause care, the long shadow of the Women’s Health Initiative, and bringing better hormone options closer to Auburn. He shares why evidence has shifted, how access is improving, and why midlife can feel better than expected. • what Westerwell does and why it excludes obstetrics • why menopause and per...

We share how women’s health physical therapy treats leaks, pain, prolapse, and postpartum recovery with evidence-based care and compassion. Marcy’s journey from athlete to specialist, the myth that “common is normal,” and how a family-first clinic design makes care accessible. • what women’s health PT treats across the lifespan • why leaks and pain are common but not normal • practical ways PT res...

Dozier Smith T, a third-generation owner, shares how a 1931 family hardware business stays lean, fast, and rooted in relationships while adapting to new tech and changing customer habits. We trace the store’s heritage, the realities of small-business life, and the charm of a historic building with a hidden Coca-Cola mural. • origins of the store and family lineage  • how summers in the shop and ac...

We sit down with clinician-turned-entrepreneur Travis Woodley to explore how preventative care can keep people out of crisis medicine. He shares why he built Revitalized Medical, Nutrition, and Aesthetics, what his book teaches, and how to start a smarter wellness plan today. • origins in cardiology and ER care • launch of Revitalized Medical Clinic in 2021 • Midtown supplement shop with smoothie...

A home kitchen, a grandmother’s legacy, and a balanced buttercream power a local cottage bakery into a community favorite. We share how Sweet Virginia Maze began, what makes the cookies stand out, and how to order for your next celebration. • the meaning of a cottage food bakery and license • signature soft sugar cookies with vanilla buttercream • recipe testing and the decision to avoid overly sw...

A nurse-turned-contractor shares how a family company became a regional builder by focusing on trust, education, and durable results. We talk career pivots, beating self-doubt, and the systems that keep budgets honest and buildings strong for decades. • what Russell Construction builds across healthcare, residential and commercial  • how three divisions speed delivery and sharpen pricing  • Josie’...

We sit down with Jamie Taylor to explore how Four Corners Thrift Stores keep prices low for neighbors while funding a school, jobs, and care programs in Uganda. Jamie shares the Opelika store’s early success, his path to leadership, and why “thrift therapy” is real community care. • Store locations in Roanoke, Talladega, Valley, and Opelika • Opelika launch and customer-voted recognition • How sal...

We sit down with Shenice Smith of She Smith Consulting to explore how disciplined project management and process improvement drive smarter growth. From utilities to nonprofits to local services, we unpack how fresh eyes and added capacity turn big ideas into real results. • What She Smith Consulting does for change and major initiatives • Utility billing system overhaul and phased adoption • City...

A couple turned a COVID detour into Auburn Glamping, a 36-foot geodesic dome on 22 wooded acres near Lake Martin with real comforts and real quiet. We unpack the two-year build, the myths of glamping, and why guests come to disconnect and reconnect. • dome features and layout with hot tub, full kitchen, spa-level bath, and insulated climate control • origin story from canceled trip to first dome s...

We share how to protect your home and budget with smart roof maintenance, local expertise, and a simple claims strategy that avoids costly mistakes. Pam Smith of Omega Roofing explains leak detection, warranties, ventilation, and why small repairs matter. • residential and commercial services, from small fixes to full re-roofs • staged commercial work to target the worst areas first • why leaks tr...

We share how Life Beads turns paper into elegant jewelry and steady income while building a community of worship and study in northern Uganda. Hannah traces her path from a college internship to full-time leadership, and we map clear ways to support the artisans. • what Life Beads is and how it operates • how paper becomes durable, beautiful beads • why steady income funds school and healthcare •...

We talk with John Boles of Himmelwright, Huguley & Boles about the real value of local, relationship-driven accounting and why outsourcing payroll early can save small businesses from costly mistakes. John shares his path from Auburn to public accounting and how culture and community shape better client outcomes. • services overview across tax, payroll, bookkeeping, and assurance • why small b...

A former Atlanta Brave shares how a car crash and 14 surgeries turned a career ending moment into a calling. We trace the path from pro sports to All Washed Up Detailing, where elite paint correction meets a bold, steady witness. • early years, draft by the Braves, global baseball journey • mentor influence from Tim Hudson, family and faith modeled • motorcycle accident, medical setbacks, vow to “...

We share how a backyard consignment idea became a 106,000 square foot furniture destination built on service, selection, and speed. Jimmy walks through upholstery roots, supplier roadblocks, and the “get it to go” promise that keeps customers coming back. • starting as consignment then moving to new retail • family upholstery background shaping quality standards • supplier rejection at Tupelo and...

We explore how a simple yes grew into a citywide network that offers free home repairs, daily prayer, and ongoing discipleship while uniting local churches. Shane shares the five serving lanes, clears up common misconceptions, and invites listeners to match their time and gifts to real needs. • mission to share the love of Jesus through practical service • vision to unify and grow the local church...

We share how neurologically based chiropractic supports the body beyond pain relief and why preventative care matters from infancy to older age. Dr. Paige Edwards tells her path into chiropractic, clears up common myths, and gives practical ways to think about spinal and nervous system health. • what Cornerstone Family Chiropractic does and who they serve • how Paige found her calling and training...

We explore how C12 helps Christian business owners build strong companies with clear mission, healthy culture, and measurable results. Ben shares the model, the history, and why moving from technician to builder changes both businesses and families. • What C12 peer advisory boards are and how they work • Monthly full-day meetings with practical business tools • Integrating ministry focus with prof...

We sit down with Tyler Reynolds of Reynolds Outdoors to trace how a father-son idea became a trusted outdoor store in Opelika and what it takes to keep a small retail team resilient. From COVID pivots to losing key staff, Tyler shares practical lessons, personal stories, and why customer service beats price. • origin story of Reynolds Outdoors and legacy handoff • product range across firearms, ar...

We trace Marannook’s journey from a family’s dream to a thriving, Scripture-driven camp that disciples college students and welcomes 1,408 campers. Taylor Teel shares growth milestones, staff formation, year-round work, and a vision anchored in work and rest. • founding story rooted in Bible training for college students • summer structure, age groups, and leader training • Taylor’s calling and tr...