Conversations Beyond Table 5

Get ready for an inspiring episode of "Our Table Is Ready" dropping tomorrow! We're thrilled to have William Starrett, the Artistic and Executive Director, and Principal Choreographer for the South Carolina Ballet, as our special guest! William shares his incredible journey, from overcoming bullying for his love of dance to his performing all over the world and discovering sobriety. Don't miss this one! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-brunty/message

I met Dianne when I applied to work for her on Assembly street in 1989.  I had no idea the bond we would have from then until the end of time... --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-brunty/message

In this inspiring episode of Our Table is Ready, a former attorney who has transformed his life through recovery, becoming a devoted father and finding fulfillment in a job that allows him to give back every day. Join us as Ed shares his powerful story of overcoming addiction, leaving behind a high-pressure legal career, and discovering a new path that aligns with his values and passion for helping others. Through candid conversations, he opens up about the challenges he faced, the support systems that played a crucial role in his recovery, and the life-changing decisions that led him to where he is today. Listeners will be inspired by Ed's journey of resilience and redemption, learning valuable insights on finding balance, purpose, and joy in both personal and professional life. Whether you are struggling with similar challenges, seeking motivation, or looking to make a meaningful change in your own life, this episode offers hope and actionable advice. Tune in to hear how Ed has turned his life around and now thrives in a career that not only fulfills him but also makes a positive impact on the community every day. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-brunty/message

Casie Gee, therapist, LISW-CP, ADC, shares her experiences of growing up in an abusive household, going through conversion therapy to not be gay and getting kicked out of a local bible college because of her sexuality. Casie's story is one of endurance and forgiveness. Casie, thank you for sharing! Casie's website: https://www.heartspringwellness.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-brunty/message

Doing a podcast with the three of us was so much fun last year, we decided to do it again! This year we dove deeper into our own addictions and how we got sober. Of course, the holidays came up with all the fun expectations and eating. Then we talked about the eating... --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-brunty/message

Meet Lallie Goldmas. Lallie grew up in the Waverly Community during the 50's and 60's, here in Columbia, SC. Lallie's mom owned her own nursery school, before becoming a public school teacher and her father was the first African American telephone installer for Southern Bell. After attending local private schools, Lallie attended college at South Carolina State in Orangeburg. While at college, Lallie got introduced to drugs, alcohol, marriage and motherhood. After dropping out of school, divorcing her child's father, Lallie's parents helped make it possible for her to go back and get her degree. She eventually get a Master's degree in education. Unfortunately, substance misuse became her top priority. After being on all local news outlets as a teacher arrested for drug use, she was humiliated in the community that had given her so much. Her sobriety date is May 30, 2003 and today she is a peer support specialist with the Courage Center in Lexington, South Carolina. I met her and was instantly inspired. Every time I talk to her, I want to hear more. I am sure you will feel the same way. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-brunty/message

Intro --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-brunty/message

Here it is! Meet Lesley Coggiola! After going to Law School at the age of 40, Lee has been helping people ever since. Find out how someone who basically failed out of her first college went on to write editions of editions of The Criminal Law of South Carolina. Among MANY other accomplishments. Thanks Lee Ann Kornegay for producing, filming, editing and directing and Kenny Bryan for writing and performing our theme song! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-brunty/message

In my farewell to Crave, I discuss the challenges of making a small business a huge success. Hear about the past, present and future of this little lunch spot located next to a pet store on Millwood Avenue. Thank you to the amazing communities and staff throughout the years! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-brunty/message

Crave video test --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-brunty/message

My sister, Laura Brunty Sonefeld, Alison McGowan and I discuss some of the addictions and triggers that come up during the holiday season. I should say, ESPECIALLY during the holidays. Enjoy! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-brunty/message

Holly is the owner of Atkins Law Firm, a workmen's compensation law firm that helps injured workers. Growing up in the limelight of being a State Senator's daughter wasn't always easy for 'rebellious' Holly. Join us as we hear the "crooked path" Holly chose to help so many people injured on the job. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-brunty/message

Bret Mealing, Jr. or Bret M., as we say in the recovery world.  Always great hearing about what it was like, what happened and what their life is like now.  Bret was nice enough to sit down and share some insight to getting sober and living that way.  This guy got sober when he was 21.  Whhaaaatttt???? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-brunty/message

I sat down with my nephew, Noah, after his first week as a freshman at USC.  We talked about everything from advice for his younger sisters to how he handles the pressure of being an 18 year old in today's society. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-brunty/message

I met Dianne in 1989 when I applied to be a server at Dianne's on Assembly Street, not knowing what a friend and mentor she would be throughout my life. For Sixty years, Dianne had at least one restaurant open and they were all successful. This is the story of a business woman who grew up in Columbia, South Carolina, during the 1950's and became a local icon in an industry where many fail. Enjoy! Click on the link below! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-brunty/message

My Cousin, Claire Bryant!  A sought-after and distinctive performer, Claire has collaborated with such master artists as Emanuel Ax, Sir Simon Rattle and Dawn Upshaw, and worked closely with luminary composers from Meredith Monk to Steve Reich to Herbie Hancock. Over the past 25 years, she has enjoyed a prominent solo career, appearing with major orchestras around the world including the Spartanburg Symphony Orchestra, Finland's Kuopio Symphony Orchestra and The National Symphony of Honduras.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-brunty/message

I was thrilled to sit down with George and Monica Kessler of Il Giorgione Pizzeria and Wine Bar as they approach their TEN (yes, TEN) year anniversary.  We discussed everything from George's college days at Carolina to living in Manhattan, opening a restaurant in Columbia, surviving Covid and much, much more.  The husband and wife team share some excellent advice for anyone starting a business, especially a restaurant! Thank you, both, for sharing your experiences with us! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-brunty/message

When you can't find anyone else to do your podcast, ask Sarah Hughes. Sarah lives blocks from Crave and we can never seem to get rid of her. I realized on Thursday that I needed to record on Saturday and she is the only one who said yes. Actually, I think fundraising is an interesting topic- especially in wild economic times. Sarah has quite the passion for it and we get to hear why. And so much more about her... --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-brunty/message

Check out Columbia's very own, J.H. Putnam. In this episode, Putnam discusses his newest artistic endeavor, metal light boxes that he created while on a trip to Texas. Hear why J.H. believes, "You've got to get out there and experience the raw product. You're not buying art; you're buying an experience." Whether Putnam was discussing living on a boat during high school, selling art to a gallery fresh out of college or delivering his light boxes to Marfa, Texas, we enjoyed hearing his story. Now you get to! His website is: https://www.theartofjhputnam.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-brunty/message

Meet Jenna and Alex, Crave regulars we have all gotten to know and ADORE. They are two thirty somethings who met while getting their PhDs at USC. Well, Jenna almost has her PHD and is almost 30, but you get the picture. Does Alex propose to Jenna on the podcast??? Listen to find out! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-brunty/message

I have really enjoyed doing the podcast and hearing how much you all like it. Thank you for continuing to listen. For this week, I put together a compilation episode so that you can hear highlights from all of the interviews. I have some exciting guests coming up that I am really looking forward to you meeting. In the meantime, enjoy the great people who have been on so far! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-brunty/message

In 2016, Brad began his career as a civil rights attorney.  He has many eye opening things to say about our criminal justice system.  Brad is an incredible advocate for people out there that for some reason or other do not have many people in their corners.   --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-brunty/message

Attorney Bradley J. Bannon is a Partner with Patterson Harkavy, focusing on criminal defense and criminal appeals, as well as professional licensing defense. Before joining the firm in 2016, he spent 20 years at the prestigious law firm, Cheshire Parker Schneider. In state and federal court, Brad has represented people from all walks of life, accused of everything from speeding to white collar crimes to first-degree murder. Not many attorneys have film credits to their name. However, Brad's work has been featured in the ESPN 30 for 30 documentary film Fantastic Lies, Episode 10 of the Netflix documentary series The Staircase, and the 48 Hours documentary episode A Killer Defense. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-brunty/message

I am the subject of this interview, thanks to my guest hostess, Ola Helsing. From why I am doing this podcast, to things I have really messed up, the effect sobriety has had on my life and much more. Enjoy! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-brunty/message

Whether he was learning to intercept morse code from the Russians, studying in Italy or designing the Koger Center, Robert Kennedy has had an amazing life.  Mr. Kennedy is one of the three original founders of GMK Associates.  His attention to detail and creative designs have made GMK one of the most successful architectural firms in the Southeast. Throughout his career with GMK, Robert has designed several iconic and award-winning structures within the capital city, including the Koger Center for the Arts, the Richland County Judicial Center, and the original College of Business Administration at the University of South Carolina. He has further completed designs for dozens of other educational, institutional, and government clients. He continues to serve the company using a hands-on approach to design and has extensive historic renovation and existing facility up fit experience. Mr. Kennedy has a bachelor's degree in architecture from Clemson University and attended Academia di Belle Arte in Florence, Italy. In addition to his architectural design strength, Robert is an exceptionally talented, active artist whose work is frequently on display throughout the Midlands. (From the GMK website,https://www.gmka.com/robert-kennedy).  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-brunty/message

Meet Sallie Dent Porth, founder and CEO of Sallie's Greatest Jams. Sallie was an instant success her first year in business after being named Garden and Gun's Made in the South Awards winner. Soon after, her jams were listed as on of the coveted Oprah's Favorite Things. Find out how she has been able to navigate a small, local business, provide supply for a huge demand and remain focused on what is best for Sallie's Greatest future. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-brunty/message

I got to sit down with Ruby Mary Mother Shucker Sparrow to learn about why she is like Betty White.  We also discussed her family, many careers and the process of bringing a product to market.  From selling text books to real estate to working in her son's restaurant to being on the bottle of a cocktail sauce to owning and operating a B&B, this lady knows how to work, entertain and educate!  Enjoy the show! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-brunty/message

John speaks with Ola Helsing, a trained chef from the French Culinary Institute in Manhattan, who came to Crave as a part time kitchen employee. Ola created a new menu and eventually became a partner in Crave. She and John recount going from trying to piece together a restaurant with no money to renting a satellite kitchen to keep up with today's demand. Enjoy! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-brunty/message

I am on the board of a detox center here in Columbia, SC, known as LRADAC. They asked me to do a video for a fundraiser we were doing. This is the first time I ever spoke publicly about my sober journey. My sister told me that if it helps one person...I had no idea the amount of people that it would touch. Many comments, emails and texts. There were also three people who came to Crave to tell me thank you and let me know what it did for them. So many gifts! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-brunty/message

Conversation with my 18 year old niece as she prepares to graduate high school and make plans for a career in Art Therapy. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/john-brunty/message