Country Sole Podcast

We made it to #20... This episode is going to be dedicated to Thanksgiving! Which, is why I am releasing this one a bit ahead of schedule. I've seen many areas that have groups (Mesa/Gilbert/Phoenix, San Antonio, Dallas, Houston, Denver) dedicated to getting better on the dance floor. Ultimately, those groups form amazing friendships; but, I had yet to come across one in San Diego, until these folks. I sat down with Katie Boyle and Brandon Thorsten (IG: @bthor462) to discuss their group: Lifts, Dips, & Tricks as well as the community of dancers that they cultivated in San Diego. It was great spending some time getting into their stories and seeing the joy that comes with dancing and friendship. I hope you enjoy. https://theedgedanceevent.wixsite.com/theedge

This episode, I spoke with Lisa Bodnar, she is a line dance instructor from Binghamton, New York, Founding member of Crew Country Line Dancing (CCLD). She gained notoriety in the country scene in 2015 with her first dance "Kick it Up". She now teaches at various places, but you might have seen her on social media on the famous illuminated dance floor of The Cave. We discussed her journey, challenges she faced, challenging conventional thinking, and being yourself. It was a great conversation, and I hope you enjoy. https://www.facebook.com/crewcountry/ IG: LBOD12 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC80k_qfkZA1eDOFOqUbxPA Remember to check out The Edge Dance Event! https://www.facebook.com/TheEdgeDance/?view_public_for=103998771022055

Let's get this couple on America's Got Talent and or Ellen! Had a remote conversation with Shalee and Grant, the King and Queen of Country Swing (the name has an origin you wouldn't expect). We talked about the moves they do, practice, the dance scene in their area, and where they see themselves in the community. They are genuinely awesome people and I had an great time speaking with them. Follow them at @KingandQueenofCountrySwing on facebook and Instagram. Also, be on the lookout for an Instagram giveaway they have coming up!

I sat down with two MC's from San Diego's most popular country bar. We discussed the evolution of line dance in San Diego, feeling at home at a bar, and helping folks along the way. Moonshine Beach and Moonshine Flats in San Diego have found the secret sauce in creating an environment that will draw in the masses.

FINALLY!!! I got to sit down and chat with Morgan Leigh Band, a local San Diego group that tours nationwide and is one of my favorites. We talk about their beginnings, playing for empty rooms to causing traffic jams with the size of their crowds, and most importantly...camaraderie. They were a pleasure to speak to, so I hope you enjoy! You can follow them on Facebook, YouTube, IG @MorganLeighBand, as well as www.MorganLeighBand.com

In this episode, I spoke with the founder of Country Gal Paradise, Rita Pearl. We talked about her time in San Diego, hobbies she enjoys and the success of her social media presence. She made it clear, that authenticity and being true to yourself will contribute to your success and ultimately, your happiness. You can find her on IG @RitaPearl_ and @CountryGalParadise.

I sat down with Amber from 103.7FM KSON to talk about her journey in radio. I tried to convince her that she is a local celebrity and get her to come to a line dance lesson. You can listen to her on air on https://kson.radio.com/ at 9am weekdays!

Brittany is one of those people you watch and can't help but think...WOW. She is such an entertainer. But in addition to her skills on the dance floor, she is involved in some fascinating activities that has brought her national and international recognition! Also, she is one of the first people that I noticed that stood out above the rest on the floor. You can follow her on IG at _bee.inspired_ If you're in San Diego, you can visit her at JuneShine Hard Kambucha

Great time hanging out with Anthony and Rose of @CountryDanceX out of Houston, Texas as they spent some time doing Bootcamps in San Diego. We talked about the Houston dance scene, the Country Dance X story, and the evolution of country dancing.

I liked up with the Redneck Social Club out of San Francisco to discuss their origin story, the growth of the country music and dance scene in the area. They have a lot of momentum going and seem to be growing the community in the Bay. @RNSCSF @MEAGANALLERS @LAVEND3ER @BOBALIFTS @COUNTRYMIKE_SF @LILSWEEKA @JAXONSF

Pumped about this one! I had an 8 hour layover, in Denver and met up with two solid folks! Aaron (@i.am.lackey) and Madison (@cocountryswingdancers) are two dancers that have grown with the Colorado country dance scene. They've become two of the mainstays in Central Colorado dance halls. We talks about getting started, seeing the scene grow, goals, move inspiration, and various others topics!

This episode, I sat down with a great friend of mine, Mrs. Adia Nuno. She's exploded on to the southern California line dance scene with her dance style, original choreography, as well as line dance videos to accompany the songs the dances are written to. She's going to do great things. Check out her newest video https://youtu.be/l-mV19voIzw.

In my first Ask me Anything, we get into some advise for new dancers, What feeds my passion, a few favorites, plans for the year and a few other random questions. If you like the AMAs feel free to message me your questions. If there is an "AMA" in the text, I'll give you a shoutout in the next AMA episode.

Luke Shafer, founder of ND Country Fest (IG - NDCOUNTRYFEST) in New Salem North Dakota! We talked about the upcoming festival (July 11-13), how it got started, artists, attractions inside and outside of the grounds, food, and some of the cool things they have planned for the festival. This was a super fun one, I hope y'all enjoy!

The audio is going to sound different, as this was my first remote podcast interview. Was feeling a little under the weather for this one. But, I am super pumped that I was able to meet with a few other the folks that dance in a group of dedicated country dancers and competitors out in San Antonio. We discussed their family of dancers, dance scene, various dance halls, as well as a bit of the competition scene. Check them out on IG @cnfsatx Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CNFSATX/

Had a great time speaking with Jason Z (IG @DJ30RACK, also @countrysandiego and founding member of @Campmoonhootin. You can also follow his dope fishing adventures at @spankbanksportfishing). Had an awesome time catching up with Jason about his journey in the country community. He's basically a staple at any country event in San Diego, and was crucial for the success of the Electric Thunder tent at Country Thunder. He has so many interests, and they revolve around his sense of community.

This episode, I chatted with a good friend and bomb fiddler/violinist Melissa Barrison (IG - @melissabarrison). She recently discovered her love for country music and the community and has made the most of it, playing regularly at Moonshine Beach and Moonshine Flats. Recently, she was out in Nashville playing on Broadway, but has also played at major sporting events (NBA All-Star game and for the Anaheim Ducks). Enjoy!

I sat down with my friends Ray (@raysdca) and Tiffany (@tiffanyannfloyd) to talk about their Stagecoach experience, dating in the country dance community and the places they've danced.

What are the things you need to prep for stagecoach?? I sat down with a Stagecoach vet Mandy (@mandymez)and a newbie Owen "Memphis"(@theog93) to talk about what to bring with ya, expectations, being on the dance team, and fun stories from Stagecoaches past. And maybe some sangin'???

Well I'm talking now! Trying my hand at podcasting. This episode is introducing what the podcast is going to be about, and a bit about who I am.