Love Local Chattanooga Podcast

We wrote a children's book! Dr. Chris Collins and illustrator McKenzie Bergenback are celebrating the launch of It Takes a Village , a children's book inspired by Chattanooga, Tennessee, and the people who make our community special. In this short episode of Love Local Chatt, we share the story behind the book, a few sneak peeks, and what inspired us to bring it to life. Get your copy of It Takes...

On this episode of Love Local Chatt, McKenzie Bergenback and I sit down with Regina Gee of Community Gains Chattanooga to talk about burnout, energy, and the neuroscience tools she uses to help people feel more like themselves again. We also talk about the power of community and her free third-Thursday gathering at Understory Tea House in Chattanooga. https://communitygains.net

Briana and McKenzie sit down with Rachel Eagleton of Rachel's Home Management to talk about creating homes that feel more peaceful, functional, and restorative. They explore how organization isn't about perfection—it's about building systems that fit the way your family actually lives. Because everyone deserves to come home to a space that feels like home. Website: https://www.rachelshomemanagemen...

Enjoy this interview with Jered Scott of Hearsay Press, a new (and needed) Chattanooga physical publication inspired by the local music scene and curated by the local music scene! Briana and Chris sit down with Jered to hear his story and why he believes it's time to cut through the internet noise and turn up the volume on Chattanooga's music scene. 

In this episode of Love Local Chatt, Dr. Chris Collins and McKenzie Bergenback sit down with Luis Silva of Local Juice to talk about business, culture, and community. Luis shares the story behind Local Juice, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and why culture matters just as much as product. From creating a consistent customer experience to building a team rooted in connection, this conversat...

In this episode of Love Local Chatt, Dr. Chris Collins and McKenzie Bergenback sit down with Taylor Traglia Stephenson, owner of Understory Tea Shop. Taylor shares her journey of moving to Chattanooga with a vision to create an intentional space where people can unplug, integrate, and connect through tea. We also talk about the heart behind Understory, the power of slowing down, and how spaces lik...

In this episode of Love Local Chatt , Chris sits down with Chattanooga musician Levi Ouimet as he gears up to release his new EP. They talk through Levi’s journey as an artist, what it takes to stay consistent, and how a strong local community can shape the future of Chattanooga’s music scene. Most recent EP:  Listen on Spotify Stay tuned for new music and follow here .

In this episode of Love Local Chatt , Chris Collins and McKenzie Bergenback sit down with Beth Forrester , owner of The Bunny Hive - Chattanooga . Beth shares the story behind bringing this unique “grownup-and-me” community space to Chattanooga and why connection during the early years of parenting matters so much. The conversation explores how play-based learning, early childhood classes, and sha...

Briana and Chris sit down with Julie Holder, owner of the newly branded Studio Day, to talk about the impactful project work she’s bringing into Chattanooga as a photographer and creative director. She shares her unique vision for the creative space she cultivates. https://www.anaono.com

On this episode of Love Local Chatt, Briana and Chris sit down with Casey Haywood of Dance Tonight Chattanooga to talk about dancing in Chattanooga. Whether you're interested in learning from the ground up or increasing your confidence, connection, and community through movement, Dance Tonight offers a space in Chattanooga for just that. Casey also shares his experience with Dare to Dance and how...

In this episode, McKenzie and Chris talk with Bill Reed of  Pedestrian Wine and Cheese about our community, craft, and what it looks like to grow something meaningful in Chattanooga. We explore what intentional business and shared experiences can bring to our neighborhoods. Visit > pedestrianwineandcheese.com Follow > instagram.com/pedestrianwineandcheeseshop/ Follow Love Local Chatt > instagram.c...

Special Links! https://chattanooga.gov/government/parks-and-outdoors https://www.mainx24.com  

Fowler Brothers Home and Patio Love Local Chatt

Related links: Follow Shayna: @webbchatts https://www.kidneyfoundation.com/dare-to-dance Visit us at: lovelocalchatt.com

Love Local Chattanooga Podcast (Apple/Spotify) — keep up with past & current episodes ( Apple/ Spotify ) Highland Park Porchfest (official site) — event details, lineup, FAQs ( Highland Park Porchfest ) WDEF’s profile “Driving Our Economy Forward: White Duck Taco” — background on Nelson Taylor and the concept ( WDEF ) YouTube video "Highland Park Porchfest" — gives a visual feel for the event ( Yo...

Discover ways to get involved and learn what’s next for these grassroots movements in our city Join us for Community Connections this month at Common House: RSVP here Links & Handles Mentioned:    •    Visit the Highland Park Porchfest site: highlandparkporchfest.com    •    Follow @highlandparkporchfest and @thirdplacechatt on Instagram    •    Explore TEDxChattanooga events by visiting tedxchatt...

We’re also giving a special shoutout to her upcoming event, Rhinestone Cowgirl, happening September 13th from 12–6 PM at White Duck Taco. Expect live music, local vendors, and a whole lot of Chattanooga creativity. 🔗 Event details: Rhinestone Cowgirl 2025 🌐 Learn more about Kait: kaitmakes.com

✨ Curious about upcoming classes and events? Visit thechattery.org to explore what’s coming up and how you can get involved!

The Love Experience event -- Sold Out ChattTaste upcoming event: Dinner En Dark: Use code TASTE15 FOR 15% Community Connections by Love Local Chatt

In this episode, McKenzie and Chris chat with Caroline Lewis, owner of Lawson-House Marketing, about her rise from employee to business owner—and how she’s helping small businesses find that sweet spot between DIY and big-budget marketing. If you’re an entrepreneur, small business owner and need an edge on your strategy, this one’s for you. Check out Lawson-House and Caroline Lewis here . Join our...

ChattTaste Food Tours events and more information here Paire Charm Bar events and more information here Candle-making work shop here The Specific Chiropractic Center Chattanooga more information here Community Connections Happy Hour here   Nervous System Regulation Workshop with The Chattery here  

Sign Up for the Chattanooga Chase here. Check out Fast Break Athletics here . Come to Community Connections this month, May 28th at Common House. RSVP here  

In this episode of Love Local Chatt, Briana and Chris sit down for a chat with the vibrant and multifaceted Haile Nottage. She shares about her involvement in Chattanooga 2.0, community advocacy and content creation with @wydchatt, and how she gets people moving as a local fitness instructor. Haile shares what inspires her about life in Chattanooga, how she stays connected, and a few fun things to...

In this episode, McKenzie and Chris sit down with local restaurateur Jason Bowers to talk about his journey and the Chattanooga food scene. From Daily Ration to Fifty-Fifty Wine Bar , Jason shares insights on running multiple businesses and what’s next. Plus, we chat about the Chattanooga Outdoor Festival happening April 5 at the Choo Choo. Tune in! Mentions: https://www.fiftyfiftywinebar.com Sour...

In this episode of Love Local Chatt, McKenzie and Briana sit down with Amy Walters, the inspiring mind behind The Scout Guide Chattanooga. They dive into an open conversation on what it means to be an entrepreneur, the art of balancing work and home life, and the importance of commitment to work and personal relationships. From lessons in alignment to candid reflections on wellness and resilience,...