Heart of the City

This week, we're turning the camera around. After spending the last year helping tell everyone else's stories, our director and cinematographer, Cameron Calderon, steps in front of the lens for the first time. We talk about teaching himself filmmaking, building 618 Productions from the ground up, the entrepreneurial drive that's fueled his growth, and what it really takes to build a bu...

In this episode of Heart of the City , Amy sits down with Johnny Krause—the creative behind Johnny's Home Designs and one of Chattanooga's most beloved online personalities. While many know Johnny for his beautiful gardens, seasonal decorating, baking, and home inspiration, there's much more to his story. By day, he works a full-time corporate job. Outside of work, he's built a com...

For more than 75 years, Siskin Children’s Institute has been helping children with special needs and their families navigate some of life's most important moments. In this episode, Amy sits down with President & CEO Don Mueller to discuss the power of early intervention, the evolving landscape of children's healthcare, and what it means to lead a mission-driven organization into its ne...

Everybody knows Shoey. Or at least they think they do. As a DJ, local personality, and self-proclaimed "Mr. Chattanooga," Shoey Russell has spent years at the center of some of the city's biggest events, celebrations, and memories. But beyond the music, the following, and the familiar face around town, who is Shoey really? This week, Amy sits down with Shoey to talk about the story b...

In this episode of Heart of the City, Amy sits down with Emily Brewer, dermatology nurse practitioner and owner of The Derm Center, for a conversation that goes far beyond skincare trends and beauty routines. From skin cancer awareness and the importance of routine skin checks to sunscreen myths, sun exposure, and navigating today's overwhelming world of skincare products, Emily shares practic...

In this episode of Heart of the City , Amy sits down with Clay Watson, partner at Mountain View Ford Auto Group, for a conversation that goes far beyond the car business. Clay shares what it means to lead in an industry often met with skepticism, how credibility and trust are built, and why customer experience remains at the center of long-term success. From cultivating company culture to navigati...

What does it really take to build a business that feels different the moment you walk in? In this episode, we sit down with Cindy Wilson, the founder of Curate MedAesthetics, to talk about the story behind one of the most sought-after medspas in the city. From opening multiple locations in a short time to building a team known for its warmth, professionalism, and attention to detail, Cindy shares...

This week on Heart of the City, we sit down with Dr. Neha Shah, founder of BEAM Pediatric Dentistry, for an honest conversation about motherhood, maternity leave, and what it really looks like to make it all work. Fresh off welcoming her third child and currently embracing a full maternity leave, Dr. Shah shares what this season looks like as a business owner, mother of three, and founder who has...

This week on Heart of the City, Amy sits down with interior designer Robin Praino for a conversation about career pivots, creative risk, and what it really looks like to build something of your own. From radio sales to membership leadership to ultimately stepping out on his own in interior design, Rob shares the non-linear path that led him here, the fears and breakthroughs behind leaving corporat...

What if the goal isn’t just to live longer—but to feel better while you’re living? In this episode, Amy sits down with Tayna Manoni, VP of Designer Drugs Labs, to explore the concept of healthspan over lifespan—and why the way we think about health might be due for a shift. From hormone therapy to skincare to full-body wellness, Designer Drugs Labs has evolved far beyond a traditional pharmacy. Ta...

Big news for Chattanooga—Clumpies Ice Cream is entering a new chapter. In this episode, we sit down with Ashley Bottoms as she steps into ownership of one of the city’s most beloved institutions. From her journey on the team to taking the leap into ownership, Ashley shares what this moment really looks like behind the scenes—the excitement, the pressure, and the responsibility of carrying somethin...

Opening Day is here—and Chattanooga is stepping into something entirely new. In this episode, we sit down with Andrew Zito, Vice President of the Chattanooga Lookouts, to go behind the scenes of one of the most ambitious projects our city has seen. From starting as an intern to helping lead a state-of-the-art stadium and entertainment district, Andrew shares what it really takes to build something...

What started as a simple idea quickly turned into one of Chattanooga’s most talked-about businesses. In this episode, Amy sits down with Josh Pratt, owner of Brothers Bagel, to talk about the story behind the city’s first true bagel shop—and how it grew faster than anyone expected. From lines out the door in the early days to opening a second location in under two years, Josh shares what it really...

In this episode of Heart of the City , we sit down with Bill Reed, owner of Pedestrian Wine & Cheese, a new Northshore spot bringing fresh energy to Frazier Avenue. With a background in New York’s restaurant scene and a personality that instantly fills a room, Bill shares what led him to Chattanooga—and why he chose to go all in on opening something of his own here. We talk about the realities...

What happens when the life you’re living no longer feels aligned with who you are? In this episode of Heart of the City, Amy sits down with inflection point coach Ruth Galpin to talk about the moments that quietly reshape our lives. Ruth shares her journey from the high-pressure world of tech sales to helping others navigate career transitions, leadership challenges, and the deeply personal work o...

This week on Heart of the City, we sit down with Tim Moore of Tim Eats to talk about the evolving story of Chattanooga’s food scene. From spotlighting local restaurants on social media to helping build community-driven food events, Tim shares what it really means to support the people behind the plate. We talk influence and responsibility, hype versus longevity, and the unseen work that goes into...

Nick and Heather Clark of FORTECH join us to talk about the part of a home most people never see — the smart systems built into the walls that quietly shape how you live every day. We built the ultimate smart dream home together, room by room, breaking down everything from entry systems and security to seamless audio, lighting, networking, and outdoor setups. Along the way, we unpack what’s actual...

In this special episode of Heart of the City, host Amy—owner of The Scout Guide Chattanooga—sits down with her own team, Associate Editor, Sallie Tipton and Co-Creative Director + Photographer, Casey Yoshida, to pull back the curtain on the making of Volume 13. Together, they reflect on the season behind the guide, sharing behind-the-scenes stories from shoot days, creative pivots, and the thought...

In this episode of Heart of the City, we sit down with Emily, Sarah, and Blaes, the three women behind The Book and Cover. We talk about what it really takes to open and sustain an independent bookstore — from the financial realities and fundraising that made it possible to the intention behind building something small and community-rooted. The conversation moves through their individual book pers...

Wellness shows up everywhere in Kelsey Vasileff’s life — in how she eats, how she parents, how she leads, and how she builds. It’s not performative or seasonal; it’s foundational. In this conversation, we sit down with Kelsey, co-owner of Southern Squeeze and The Living Well, to talk about what it looks like to live wellness all the way through — not just in products, but in decisions, boundaries,...

In this episode, Amy sits down with Abi Madonia, founder of Your Local Fur Mama — a nonprofit rescue dedicated to neonatal puppies and kittens. From her very first foster to caring for more than 600 animals, Abi shares the emotional weight, resilience, and heart behind saving the tiniest lives. She also reflects on the incredible community of fosters, volunteers, and supporters who rally around th...

In this episode, Amy sits down with Chris Collins for a conversation that’s honest, easy, and impactful. With great banter and real openness, Chris shares how he thinks about health—not as a trend or checklist, but as a way of living. We talk about habits that actually matter, what people tend to overcomplicate about wellness, and how quiet consistency often outweighs intensity when it comes to fe...

From a small food truck on Main Street to one of Chattanooga’s most beloved restaurants, Jorge Parra’s journey is rooted in family, resilience, and showing up wherever help was needed. Raised in a legacy of cooking that began in Mexico, Jorge never planned to run restaurants — but when the family business called, he answered. In this episode, we talk about growing Taqueria Jalisco from a neighborh...

In this episode, we sit down with award-winning stylist, educator, and global artist Genia Church to explore how she’s redefining what happens behind—and beyond—the chair. From breaking old stereotypes in the beauty world to teaching the next generation of stylists, Genia shares how she balances Fashion Week hustle with the intimacy of her Chattanooga salon. We talk leadership, authenticity, trend...

Pull up a chair At the Table with Josh Carter, where one of Chattanooga’s most seasoned restaurateurs talks candidly about the grind, the gratitude, and the grit it takes to stay in this industry. Josh reflects on the recent move to West Village, the culture that keeps his team loyal, and the moments that remind him why he still loves this work. Warm, real, and filled with the stories behind St. J...