The Dap and A Hug Podcast

🎙️ In this episode of The Dap and A Hug Podcast, I’m joined by Jamin Couser and Carlos Barnette — ordained ministers, certified personal trainers, and community leaders — for a conversation rooted in faith, discipline, and purpose. We open by exploring the ancient Greek forms of love — storge, philia, eros, and agape — and intentionally center the discussion on agape, the unconditional, self-sacri...

🎙️ In this episode of The Dap and A Hug Podcast, I sit down with Lady V (Valerie Lawson-Watkins) — speaker, leader, and founder of Lady V Speaks and No Sad Story Ministries 🙏🏾. Lady V shares her journey through grief , pain, healing, obedience, and purpose ❤️ — including navigating the long-term impact of domestic violence and what it takes to reclaim your voice, faith, and sense of worth. We al...

🎙️ This episode of The Dap and A Hug Podcast features Evan Gertis — someone whose résumé doesn’t fit into a single lane. At the time of recording, Evan was an Assistant General Manager at LA Fitness 💪, but his background reaches far beyond the gym floor. He’s an author ✍️, a financial advisor 💼, and holds a PhD in Computer Science from the University of Georgia 🎓🐾, a Master’s degree from Georg...

🎙In this episode of The Dap and A Hug Podcast , I sit down with Dr. Lauren Kohut — Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies and Anthropology at Winthrop University — along with students Hugo Buchanan, Maya Flynn, and Alisa Olive, to explore their transformative fieldwork in the Andes of Peru. This team spent their summer studying ancient Indigenous farming practices used between 900–1450 A.D.,...

🎙️On this episode of The Dap and A Hug Podcast , I reconnect with my high school friend Antonio Knox , the founder of One Community Insurance — a company built on the belief that real protection starts with real people. Antonio recently helped me secure health, dental, and vision coverage 🩺🦷👓, and the experience reminded me how important it is to have someone who truly cares walking you through...

🎙️Some conversations remind you that creativity is more than performance — it’s purpose. 🎭 In this episode of The Dap and A Hug Podcast, I sit down with Devontaye Merrill, a talented Winthrop University student and actor who recently performed in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. After watching the musical with my daughter, I knew I had to bring him on the show to talk about the energy,...

🎙️ Some stories don’t just inspire — they set you free. ✨ On this episode of The Dap and A Hug Podcast , I sit down with Jonathan Meeks — Rock Hill native, former Rock Hill Bearcat , Clemson University standout , and Buffalo Bills safety — now the co-founder of Christ Training , a men’s ministry built on discipline, humility, and daily growth in faith. Website: https://www.christtraining.org Jona...

🎙️ Episode Title: 🙏🏾 Breaking the Silence — with Pastor C.T. Kirk of Sanctuary of Life Outreach Center Description: Some stories don’t just inspire — they set you free. ✨ In this powerful episode of The Dap and A Hug Podcast , I sit down with my pastor, 🙌🏾 C.T. Kirk , author of 📖 Breaking the Silence and founder of ⛪ Sanctuary of Life Outreach Center . The first day I visited his church, I...

🎙️ Episode Title: "Building Wellness, Building Community — with Troy Harris of Troy’s Wellness Center" In this special episode of The Dap and A Hug Podcast , I sat down with Troy Harris — founder of Troy’s Wellness Center and the very first sponsor to believe in this vision from day one. Troy opens up about his journey from athlete to entrepreneur, the purpose behind his wellness center,...

🎙️ Episode: “Hindsight Is 20/20” — featuring Dr. David B. Oliver of Oliver Eye Associates (Rock Hill, SC) In this insightful and entertaining episode of The Dap and A Hug Podcast , I sit down with Dr. David B. Oliver of Oliver Eye Associates to talk vision, wellness, and the fascinating world of eye health. The conversation covers everything from the science of sight and ATP energy to the importan...

🎙 Episode Recap: Conversation with Dahlia of Smallcakes Rock Hill, SC In this episode of The Dap and A Hug Podcast , I sit down with Dahlia , the local franchise owner/operator of Smallcakes Cupcakery & Creamery here in Rock Hill. She’s a warm soul whose smile always brightens people’s day, and I wanted to give her recognition for bringing sweet joy to our city. Dahlia shares her journey—how s...

🎙 Episode Recap: Conversation with @hiers_matt of Carolina Crimes Podcast This episode of The Dap and A Hug Podcast is brought to you by @TroyHarris and Troy’s Wellness Center , serving the Rock Hill community with wellness, recovery, and support. I sit down with my good friend @hiers_matt (Matt Hiers), co-host of Carolina Crimes Podcast . Beyond podcasting, Mat is a dedicated community voice—he r...

🥊 Boxing.🥋Jiujitsu. Community. Mental Health. In this episode at Rock Hill Boxing Club, we dive into how training builds confidence, fights off stress, and helps youth stand strong against bullying.  ☮️✨ Learn more about Rock Hill Boxing Club: https://rockhillboxingclub.com Learn more about Carolina Family Jiujitsu: https://carolinafamilyjiujitsu.com 🎙️Sponsored by Get Fit With Troy (Troy Welln...

🎙️In this episode of The Dap and A Hug Podcast , I sit down with Ty and Billy at Supreme Nutrition, one of Rock Hill’s favorite spots for optimal hydration, vitamins, supplements, and recovery products. They offer a free, in person body scan. Furthermore , they help customers set specific fitness goals with a meal plan tailored to each individual. Key Themes We Covered: Health & Wellness in Ro...