The Nooga Belle Podcast

Gabrielle Blades says a lot of her life is based on intuition. She moved to Chattanooga when she was 16, and from there she has flourished into a creative business owner and entrepreneur. We cover a lot of ground in our conversation: her creative and artistic background, how her business Blades Creative got started, why she loves being a creative entrepreneur, her creative process, "refilling the well" as a professional creative, and much more.  Thanks so much for listening, y'all! Follow Gabby on Instagram @blades_creative and head to her website to see her work and get in touch.

When Natasha Ferrier started doing stand-up comedy five years ago, there was only one open-mic for comics in Chattanooga. Now there are seven open-mics and several monthly shows, one of which is Once a Month, Natasha's all-female comedy showcase at The Palace Theater. In our epic conversation, Natasha shares how she got started in stand-up, her writing process, what inspires her material, how her career has evolved, what it's like being a woman in comedy, how she sees the comedy scene in Chattanooga evolving, and more. She also talks through how Once a Month comes together each month, from hosting solo to booking comedians and supporting local businesses like The Palace Theater. Thanks so much for listening, y'all! Follow Natasha on Instagram @natashaferrier, and check out The Palace Theater for more info on upcoming shows.

Briana Garza-Wilson launched Chatt Taste to bring people together over good food and community. In the latest #BadassWomenInBiz episode, Briana and I talk about how Chatt Taste got started, how listening to her customers and the community changed her business, what it means to be an entrepreneur, balancing business, family, and self, and our favorite food spots in Chattanooga.  Thanks so much for listening, y'all! Follow Chatt Taste on Facebook and Instagram @chatttaste, and head to the website to learn more and book your tour!

For International Women's Month, I'm celebrating female entrepreneurs in Chattanooga and everything they bring to our city. First up is Tiffany Malapanes, founder of Positiffitea, who we met on the podcast in January. (Listen to her first episode here.) In this episode, Tiffany breaks down her journey of building her herbal tea business from the ground up: from R&D and making her own labels to conquering a devastating setback. We also chat about the amazing small business community in Chattanooga and all the resources available to aspiring entrepreneurs (shoutout Chattanooga Public Library, Startup Week/CoLab, Chattanooga Workspace, and INCubator!). Thanks so much for listening, y'all! Learn more about Tiffany's tea blends and the benefits of herbal tea on the Positiffitea website—and order some while you're there! Look for Tiffany at the Chattanooga Market when it starts again in April. This episode was recorded in December 2019.

Author Audrey Keown first visited Chattanooga in 1999 as a high school student, fell in love, came back for college, and has been here ever since. Her debut novel Murder at Hotel 1911 comes out August 11, and it's set right here in the Scenic City. In our conversation, Audrey and I talk about the beauty of telling stories, being a good storyteller, the process of researching and writing a mystery novel, the challenges of authorship, working with agents, and she gives a preview of Murder at Hotel 1911. We also discuss anxiety and mental health in creative professionals: what contributes to it, the importance of a support system, and ways to manage stress, anxiety, and mental health as a creative professional. Audrey mentions tons of resources and inspirations that have helped her throughout her journey: Alan Bradley (Canadian author) Randy Ingermanson (Advanced Fiction Writing) K.M. Weiland (Helping Writers Become Authors) CBD for anxiety (Hemp House Chattanooga) L-Theanine supplement Meditation (Headspace) Mental Illness Happy Hour podcast The Writing Excuses podcast Thanks so much for listening, y'all! Follow Audrey on Instagram @audreykeownwrites, check out her website, find her book on goodreads, and preorder her novel on Amazon.  Murder at Hotel 1911 by Audrey Keown comes out August 11, 2020.

When Tiffany Malapanes started making herbal, medicinal tea blends for herself and her friends, she had no idea it would turn into a business. She now runs Positiffitea and creates organic medicinal tea blends that are good and good for you. In this week's episode, Tiffany shares how her business got started, why she got into tea in the first place, and gives us a rundown on some of her most popular tea blends and their health properties.  Thanks so much for listening, y'all! Head to Tiffany's website www.positiffitea.com to learn more and order some tea for yourself. You can contact Tiffany with any questions at tiff@positiffitea.com and look for her at the Chattanooga Market on Sundays April - November!

Welcome back to the Nooga Belle Podcast! For the first episode of 2020, I'm joined by Arnold Ruelas: fitness instructor at Kyle House Fitness, manager at fab'rik Chattanooga, and self-care expert. He shares about his experiences as a fitness instructor and gives advice for those looking to start or further develop their fitness routines in the New Year. Lastly, we discuss the importance of self care and why you should always take time to rest, recharge, and listen to your body. Thanks so much for listening, y'all! Follow Arnold on Instagram @arnoldaruelas for more fitness, fashion, self care, and general awesomeness.

On this edition of Pinkies Up, B*tches, Shelly, Mary, and I look back on our college days, while sipping vodka cranberries. We cover just about everything, including sports, classes, townie life, dorm life, campus food, tailgating, parties and other fun times, and wrap up with advice for freshmen and graduating seniors. 

If you've lived in Chattanooga for a day, you've no doubt heard rumors of haunted Room 311 in the historic Read House Hotel. In this special spooky episode, I sit down with Read House historian Tyler and guest services manager Jared to dig into the hotel's past: from its original construction in the 19th century, to the most recent renovation, completed in 2018. And of course, I am introduced to Annalisa Netherly, Room 311's guest that never left.  Thanks so much for listening! Head to the website to learn more about The Read House and Room 311.

Larry Bradford started his entrepreneurial career more than 20 years ago in Atlanta. Several years ago, an "a-ha!" moment at a tailgate led him to create and launch Armor Shields: personalized, protective covers for Big Green Egg grills.  In this week's episode, Larry walks me through the Armor Shields production process, why he started his company, the different customizations available, and what makes Armor Shields an essential part of your grilling process. We also talk about barbecue and reminisce on our time as judges for Ruby Falls' Battle Below the Clouds BBQ competition earlier this spring.  Thanks so much for listening, y'all! Follow Armor Shields on Facebook and Instagram @armorshields for news and updates. Shop the collection on their website.

Adam Zinser has worked on all sides of the spirits industry. Now he's the marketing manager (TN and northern AL) for Dixie Vodka, under Grain and Barrel Spirits. In this week's episode, Adam talks me through how he landed in the industry, his previous jobs until joining Grain and Barrel, and we sip the gamut of Dixie Vodka's offerings (minus one flavor) and a couple of bourbons also from the Grain and Barrel family.  If you like what you heard, look for Dixie Vodka around Chattanooga at Riverside Wine & Spirits, Imbibe, Total Beverage, Harry's Wine & Spirits, Chattanooga Wine & Spirits, and more. Follow Dixie on Facebook and Instagram @dixievodka for more information and updates.

Back to school, back to work, starting a new job... 'tis the season of new routines. Meal prepping is a huge part of these routines for many people (myself included); it makes mornings easier, helps you eat healthier during the week, and helps you save money, among other great benefits. In this episode, Amanda and I discuss why meal prepping is important, tips and tricks for healthy meal prepping, how to keep it interesting so you don't get bored with your food, and some of our favorite recipes.  If you loved this episode, follow Amanda @fit.food.chatt for more delicious inspiration. Follow the podcast @thenoogabelle and subscribe on your favorite streaming service.

Local teacher and healthy living enthusiast Amanda Angel spent a month in China over the summer, exploring new cities and diving head-first into their culinary culture. In this week's episode, Amanda tells all about her time in China: which cities she stayed in, the different classes she took, her favorite foods and meals, what traveling solo taught her, and how she hopes to incorporate her experiences in her life and classroom back in Chattanooga.  Thanks so much for listening, y'all! Check out Amanda's China Instagram page @a.n.angelwasinchina for snapshots from her trip. Follow @fit.food.chatt for wholesome, nourishing meals and healthy living.

Hannah and Sara-Anne Waggoner have always been artists (in varying forms and media), but they never guessed they'd be making jewelry. Now they craft some of the most colorful, creative, and unique earrings and accessories together as The August Sisters. In this week's episode, I talk with them about working together as sisters, where they find inspiration, how they learned to sew as kids, future designs and plans, and Disney Channel original movies. Thanks so much for listening, y'all! Follow the sisters on Instagram @theaugustsisters, @thehannahwaggoner, and @sunlovesthemoon, and check out their collections on their website.

Christine Lamborne launched Alms + Fare a little over a year ago to combine her passions for health and wellness, helping others, and giving back. Her flagship product is the "Better Bites," which are snack bites made with wholesome, real ingredients, no refined sugars or preservatives, with flavors inspired by our favorite childhood treats.  In this episode, Christine tells me about her inspiration and vision for Alms + Fare, and we chat about healthy living, diet culture, eating for your body, giving back to your community, growing your own food, chocolate croissants, and more.  Thanks so much for listening! Follow Alms + Fare on Facebook and Instagram @almsandfare for updates and new flavors. Look for Better Bites around Chattanooga at: Niedlov's, Wildflower Tea Shop, Together Cafe, Goodman Coffee Roasters, The Local Juice, Nutrition World, Pruett's Market, Naked Foods, Locals Only, Society of Work, Bread & Butter, and more. 

Chris Matthews started Jack'd Coffee Co. when he wanted a better, healthier way to get the proteins and supplements he needed. It started as a protein-infused ground coffee, and then evolved into a protein-infused nitro cold brew. He joined me on the podcast to talk about his journey as an entrepreneur, the evolution of his products, his production process, new products, and more.  Thanks so much for listening! Follow Jack'd Coffee on Facebook and Instagram @jackdcoffeeco to learn more and get updates. Head to the website for even more info and to explore products.

If you've ever taken a class at The Chattery, or been to one of their events, you know how hard-working, devoted, and fantastic co-founders Jennifer Holder and Shawanda Mason-Moore are. They launched the adult education non-profit in 2014, and have hit some impressive milestones in their five years in business together. Tune in to this week's episode to hear The Chattery's origin story, how they plan and schedule classes, how they work together as friends, the success of their recent iFundWomen campaign, plans for the future, our favorite breakfast food and pop singers, and more.  Thanks so much for listening, y'all! Follow The Chattery on Facebook and Instagram, and check out their website for class schedule and to donate.

Beth Neuhoff is a co-host on Chattanooga's Morning Show on Big 95.3 FM, but her journey to the mic in Chattanooga was anything but ordinary. From studio art, to TV and movie sets, to flight attendant, and much more in between, Beth says she's not done yet. In this week's episode, we talk about our careers thus far, living life to the fullest, not being afraid to do something crazy, our favorite local hangouts, thrift shopping, our summer bucket lists, and much more.  Catch Beth on air with Gary and Eric weekdays from 5-10am, and then over on Easy 106.9 in the afternoons. Follow her on Instagram @bethdneuhoff to see more of her adventures. Thanks so much for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please share, rate, and/or leave a review.

Does pineapple belong on pizza? What's the worst Harry Potter movie? Is avocado toast overrated? Has Breezy even seen a Marvel movie? All of these questions and more are answered in the latest installment of Pinkies Up, B*tches. I've got Matt, Breezy, and Smitty here taking on the hottest of hot takes, with some Clumpies ice cream to help cool 'em down throughout the process (thank you, Clumpies!). Got a hot take? Drop me a comment or DM on Instagram with it, and we may include it in the next installment! Clumpies flavors featured: Mixed Berry Cobbler, Key Lime Pie, Peach Tea White Balsamic.

A few weeks ago, I stopped by Knox Whiskey Works up in Knoxville and visited assistant distiller Ryan, who I met in Chattanooga in April. We talk through all 12 of their products, including bourbon whiskey, heirloom corn whiskey, gin, rum, vodka, and a couple liqueurs. I tasted a few of them myself, and was impressed with the variety of flavors and spirits they're producing up there. Vols fans, there's a vodka especially for y'all. Next time you're in Knoxville, visit Ryan at Knox Whiskey Works at 516 W Jackson Avenue. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date with what they've got going on!

On this edition of Pinkies Up, B*tches, our friends from Sigler's Craft Beer hooked us up with some funky (and absolutely delicious) beers, and we paired them with homemade baked goods inspired by (and using) those beers. Pairings include: Meridian Hive Dynamo Tart Cherry Mead + Peach Bread Pudding Straight to Ale Stout at the Devil Oatmeal Stout + Stout Brownies D9 Brewer's Day Off Cucumber & Cantaloupe Gose + Cantaloupe Cupcakes New Heights Holy Mole Milk Stout + Horchata Cake Thanks to Phil from Sigler's for his awesome beer selections! Visit him at 1309 Panorama Dr. Ste 117, right off East Brainerd Road in Chattanooga.  If you want the recipes for these tasty treats, y'all can find them on my blog: www.athoughtandahalf.com.

Local comedian Donnie Marsh is back on the podcast, with some updates on the Lookout Comedy Festival and Chatt Talk Tonight. The festival is going into its second year, and Donnie talks about how year one went and what's going to be different this year. He also gives me a history lesson on basketball, we chat about the growing comedy scene in Chattanooga, and we find out where you're likely to find him on a Sunday afternoon. Thanks so much for listening, y'all! Give Donnie a follow on Instagram @istherelifeonmarsh, and check out Lookout Comedy Festival and Chatt Talk Tonight on Facebook for updates. If you're interested, you can listen to Donnie talk about religion on the wellRED Podcast.

It's springtime here in Tennessee, so on this edition of Pinkies Up, B*tches, Shelly and Mary join me to talk about all kinds of spring traditions I don't know about in Chattanooga. They share stories from their private-school days and enlighten me on traditions I had no idea existed (#publicschoolkid). But first, we crack open a few cans of a beer we surprisingly didn't hate as much as we thought we would, and discuss some weird celebrity crushes.

Local band Oweda has been playing music together for less than a year, but you'd never know it based on their talent and stage presence. Band members Tyler, Sam, and Casey join me for this week's episode, leading up to their performance on the opening night of Nightfall on Friday, May 3rd. We chat about all things Chattanooga music, their favorite spots to play, Road to Nightfall, and more... and there may or may not be a heated discussion about a popular rapper. Thanks so much for listening, y'all! Follow Oweda on Facebook and Instagram, and check them out at Nightfall on Friday, May 3rd, and at Wanderlinger Brewing Co. on Saturday, May 11, with Aaron Carney Band!

They say #ihateher and #shestheworst, but Lynn Tweedie and Melo Russell are two of the most delightful ladies you'll meet in Chattanooga. Lynn owns Neighborhood Barre, located on Tremont Street, and Melo is the fitness director at Kyle House Fitness. We chat about the two different workout methods and styles, and the benefits of having different types of workouts in your fitness routine. Of course there's Enneagram talk, Melo teaches me about macros, and we hear how Lynn handled her Lent challenge. Thanks so much for listening, y'all! Check out Neighborhood Barre on Instagram @neighborhoodbarrechatt, and KHF @kylehousefitness. Download the NB and KHF apps to see the class schedule and sign up.

Campbell Station (Seth, Elaina, and Campbell) is a three-piece country band out of Nashville, but their sound is unlike any other country band you've heard. They're driven by unique guitar rhythms and instrumentation, powerful female vocals, and lyrics anyone can relate to. They came back to Chattanooga earlier this month for a show at Puckett's, and joined me for an episode before their show. Seth, Elaina, and Campbell talked to me about their beginnings in music, how they met and started playing together, what the Nashville music scene is really like, their new EP, and some fun upcoming shows. Thanks so much for listening, y'all! Follow Campbell Station on Facebook and Instagram, check out their website, and listen on them on Spotify. This episode was recorded at Frothy Monkey in Chattanooga, TN.

In this week's episode, I reconnected with my friend D.J. Cherry, after stumbling upon her incredible music videos on Facebook. She tells me all about what got her into music in the beginning, which instruments she started with, her goals for 2019, her inspirations, and more. We also discuss guilty pleasures and our favorite Girl Scout cookies... because of course. Follow D.J. on Facebook @djcherrymusic for new videos, open-mic appearances, and more updates.

What do you want to know about hemp and CBD? Holly Hackler started using CBD several years ago, and is now passionate about educating people about its uses and benefits. She joins me on the podcast to teach me all the things about hemp and CBD: what it is, where it comes from, what makes it different from the not-so-legal stuff, why it's going to be the future of medicine, and much more.  Thanks so much for listening, y'all! Check out the Scenic City Hemp Co. website to learn more, find new resources, and shop CBD Bio Care products. Follow Holly on Instagram @sceniccityhempco and @cbd.bio.care, too.

Brendan Patrick took one sip of drinking chocolate in California several years ago, and that was all it took. He's now the owner and operator of Belle Chocolates, Chattanooga's first bean-to-bar chocolate company. He joined me to talk about his love of food (and chocolate, of course), what brought him to Chattanooga, his startup process, why white chocolate is the worst, and plenty more.  If you're craving chocolate after listening, you can find Belle Chocolates around town at Bleu Fox Cheese Shop, Four Bridges Outfitters, Locals Only, Common General, and more.  Follow Belle Chocolates on Facebook and Instagram @bellechocolates, and check out the website for product information and more places to find it.

Tara Viland has been around music since she was a teenager. She started as a volunteer at Bonaroo; now she's the venue manager for The Signal, Chattanooga's newest music venue. We chat about what her job entails, the importance of local music, some cool upcoming shows at The Signal, our favorite local organizations, and more.  Stay up to date on what's happening at The Signal on their website, Facebook, and Instagram. Thanks so much for listening, y'all! 

My guest this week is Rebecca Barron, executive chef of St. John's Restaurant and the Meeting Place, and recently nominated as a James Beard Award semifinalist for the Southeast. We cover lots of bases in our conversation—from the food she grew up eating, her first jobs in the food industry, her travels to India and Thailand, where Chattanooga's culinary scene is going next, and much more.  Thanks so much for listening, y'all! Follow Rebecca on Instagram @chefrebeccabarron, check out St. John's on Facebook and Instagram, and find the menus for St. John's and The Meeting Place on the website.

It all started in a catering business with his brother, Ryan. Now Luther Cutchins is making Chattanooga's favorite (and best) granola. In this week's episode, Luther tells the story behind Nokes Granola, and we chat about their most popular blends and what's coming down the pipeline later this year. And of course, we throw some love at our local friends Bleu Fox Cheese Shop, Belle Chocolates, Mayfly Coffee, and the Chattanooga and Collegedale Markets. Thanks so much for listening, y'all! Follow Nokes on Facebook and Instagram for news, updates, and new flavors.

Kaleena Goldsworthy was an OG Flying Squirrel-er and helped mold their cocktail program. Now she's a small-business owner and is changing the game with her homemade bitters, tinctures, and cocktails. She launched The Bitter Bottle two years ago, secured manufacturing space in 2018, and is ready to start sharing her products with Chattanooga and beyond. In this episode, Kaleena shares her story coming from upstate New York down to Chattanooga to open a bar, how she learned bartending on the job, what inspired her to work with bitters, her love for classic cocktail and apothecary culture, and much more. Thanks so much for listening, y'all! Follow Kaleena on Instagram @thebittersgirl, and stay up to date on her business at @thebitterbottle.

Chattanooga's local speakeasy London Calling is already a favorite. I sat down with owner James Heeley and principal bartender Mikenzy Smith to chat about the first three months of business and what to expect this spring. Their spring cocktail menu launches March 12, and it's full of flavors inspired by forest, flora, and fauna. I already know which cocktail I'm ordering first. Thanks so much for listening, y'all! Follow London Calling on Facebook and Instagram @londoncallingbar for more menu and event updates.

This week, I'm joined by Ashley Bottoms, ice cream and pastry chef at the beloved Clumpies Ice Cream Company, right here in Chattanooga. She tells us about her beginnings in the kitchen with her mom and grandmother (and Easy Bake ovens, of course), her time in culinary school in North Carolina, a stint at the historic Biltmore Estate, and some time in Nashville before coming to Chattanooga in 2015. Most importantly, we taste and tease their new spring and St. Patrick's Day flavors, like Lucky Charms, Pina Colada, Irish Coffee, and more. Believe me, y'all are going to LOVE them.  Thanks so much for listening, y'all! Check out Clumpies' website to see their current flavors and order your own pint pack. Like and follow them on Facebook and Instagram, and follow Ashley on Instagram at @aebottoms. 

BONUS EPISODE! Remember when Shelly, Mary, and I talked about the McCall's article about 129 ways to get a husband? (If you haven't listened to that episode yet, go listen to it now.) We thought it was time to get a gentleman's perspective, so we invited two dear, trusted friends, George and Matt, to talk about it with us. And y'all, this is a good one. Pour yourself a drink and listen along.

Natalie Mason has her hands in so many different businesses and projects around Chattanooga, like Slay Dance Fit and the London Calling speakeasy. You've probably seen or met her and didn't even realize it.  In this episode, we talk about dance fitness, massage therapy, being a woman in business, supporting local performance art, and of course throw some major love to James and the crew at London Calling. Thanks so much for listening, y'all! Follow Natalie on Instagram @destination.infinite and @slaydancefit, and check out @LondonCallingBar, too.  If you're interested in auditioning to be a London Calling performer, email Natalie at slaydancefit@gmail.com. 

This week, I'm joined by Jeremiah Kinser and Jacob Henley, and they know a thing or three about coffee and its culture. Jeremiah talks about the Chattanooga Coffee Crawl and cupping, Jacob educates me on what nitro coffee is, and we discuss the importance of making coffee more accessible to everyone.  Thanks so much for listening, y'all! Follow Jeremiah on Instagram at @coffeewithkinser and @chattacoffeecrawl, find Jacob at @n7coffeelab, and book your spot on the Chattanooga Coffee Crawl on their website. If you enjoy listening to the podcast, please subscribe, rate and/or leave a review!

This week, I'm talking food trends of 2019 with two fellow food bloggers and wonderful ladies, Jodi Lawrence of The Fashionable Foodie and Shawanda Mason-Moore of Eat Drink Frolic. We dive into trends we loved, hated, and/or didn't understand from 2018, and look ahead to food and drink trends coming in 2019. Topics include Brussels sprouts, CDB foods and drinks, rainbow and glittery foods, Aperol spritzes, food halls, and more.  Thanks so much for listening, y'all! Follow Shawanda and Jodi on Instagram @eatdrinkfrolic and @the_fashionablefoodie, and let us know which food trends y'all are excited about in 2019.

This week, I'm joined by Matt Busby, director of The Camp House, one of Chattanooga's most loved coffee shops. Matt and his wife moved to Chattanooga in 2010 and have been involved in the coffee and church communities since day one. In this episode, we talk about The Camp House's beginnings, the relationship between church and coffee, a little theology, a new location for The Camp House, what's on our bar carts (or shelves), and more.  Thanks so much for listening, y'all! Follow The Camp House on Facebook and Instagram, and check out their website for menu, events, podcast, and more.

This week, I sit down with Kyle House and Kyle Miller, co-founders of Kyle House Fitness, known to many as The Kyles. We cover a lot of topics, ranging from what makes their HIIPFit classes and gym so unique, all the way up to which celebrities we'd love to have a drink with. The Kyles also share some tips for beginner HIIPFit-ers and talk about the highs and lows of owning a small business. Thanks so much for listening, y'all! Follow them on Instagram @the_kyles and @kylehousefitness, and head to the KHF website to book a class.

For the first new episode of 2019, I sit down with local artist Aaron Carney. At only 19, he's already lived on three continents and traveled around the U.S. playing music. In this episode, Aaron talks about playing the blues in Memphis (and why he subsequently revolted against the blues), who he looks up to in the Chattanooga music community, how he crafts his own songs, and more. Stay tuned 'til the end to hear one of his latest demo tracks. Thanks so much for listening, y'all! Give Aaron a follow on Instagram @aaronbcarney, and catch him at Songbirds on Wednesday nights and The FEED Co. brunch on Sundays. Stay tuned for more of his music coming to the Internet soon.   

Kicking off the New Year with some listener Q&A! I went live on Instagram to answer some questions from my wonderful listeners, and in case you couldn't tune in, I recorded it. Y'all asked about my favorite foods, the places I've lived, how my cat got her name, what I love most about blogging and podcasting, and more. Thanks so much for listening, y'all! Don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss an episode. I'm going to do listener Q&As more frequently, so send your questions my way and I'll save 'em for the next one.

We're closing out 2018 the right way—with three craft cocktails cooked up by local mixologist and "lifter of spirits" Brian Lindsay. We feature two locally-made spirits, Lass & Lions vodka and J.W. Kelly bourbon, and talk about building a cocktail program and the importance of supporting local brands.  Try these cocktails at home and drink with us! And help me name the first one. CHAI SPICE 1.5 oz Lass & Lions Desire vodka (or your favorite vanilla vodka) 0.5 oz chai simple syrup (2 cups sugar, 1 cup water, 2 chai tea bags) 2 oz. cold-brew coffee 2 dashes orange Angostura bitters Ice Pour all ingredients into a jar or shaker. Stir gently to combine. Strain into rocks glasses and enjoy. BIG O MANHATTAN 2 oz. J.W. Kelly bourbon (we used Old Milford)  0.75 oz Big O ginger liqueur 1/8 oz. sweet vermouth Ice Pour all ingredients into a jar or shaker. Stir gently to combine. Strain into rocks glasses and enjoy. SMOKIN' CUBAN 1.5 oz Smokehead scotch  0.5 oz chai simple syrup (same as above) 2 dashes orange Angostura bitters Mexican Coke to top Squeeze of lime  Pour all ingredients straight into a rocks glass. Top with Mexican Coke. Stir gently to combine. Drink and enjoy. Thanks so much for listening, y'all! Follow Lass & Lions on Facebook and Instagram @lassandlions, and check out more in the Quest Brands portfolio on their website.

This week, local musician and composer Ben Van Winkle joins me to talk about his recent work and upcoming projects. He shares stories from the beginnings of his music career as founder of local funk band Masseuse, all the way to his solo work with the Figment Chamber Ensemble and his "Figment of Your Imagination" shows. Listen along to hear more about his inspirations, influences, plans for the future, and information on upcoming shows.  Catch Ben at The Palace Theater on Saturday, Dec. 15, at 7:30pm.  Follow Ben on Facebook for updates, check out some videos on his YouTube channel, and find more information on his website.

This week, I'm joined by Maggie Tate, SaraJane Gates, and William Glass—three wonderful people, all of whom I became friends with via social media when we all moved to Chattanooga from other places. In this episode, we share where we came from, why we ended up in Chattanooga, why Texas (and south Florida) is basically another country, and most importantly, Southern road rage and why Die Hard is a Christmas movie. Thanks so much for listening, y'all! Find us online here: Follow William on Twitter and Instagram @williamlglass. Follow Maggie on Instagram @tatemaggie AND @thecamphouse. Follow SaraJane on Instagram @legitsarajane AND @sipseechatt. Follow Kate on Instagram @hellokaterobertson AND @thenoogabelle, and on Twitter at @kate3robertson. 

This week, I'm joined by Cody James Harris, a soulful Americana singer-songwriter and Chattanooga native. He's been playing live music for nearly two decades, and has seen and experienced a lot in the Chattanooga music scene. Cody talks about his background and who and what inspires him, and he plays TWO exclusive songs that you'll only hear on the podcast. We finish off with an insightful discussion about Chattanooga's music community and where it's going next.  Thanks so much for listening! Follow Cody on Facebook and Instagram, and check out his website for more information. Follow Kate on Instagram @hellokaterobertson, and follow the podcast on Facebook and Instagram @thenoogabelle.

Meet Aron Duty: police officer by day, barbecue aficionado and smoking extraordinaire by every other time of day. In this episode, we talk about all things food, barbecue, smoking, grilling, and Aron introduces me to the idea of "underground barbecue" and TBSQ.  Follow @tbsq.co on Instagram to see more mouthwatering barbecue and find out where to try some of Aron's barbecue yourself. Keep an eye out for TBSQ at local events, too! Thanks for listening, y'all! Follow the podcast on Facebook and Instagram, and subscribe on your favorite listening platform.

Last week, an article from McCall's Magazine, ca. 1958, surfaced on the Internet, all about "129 Ways to Get a Husband" (read it here). My friends and I gave it a read, and naturally, we had a lot of thoughts. So we did a podcast about it (with wine, of course). In this edition of Pinkies Up, B*tches, we discuss many of the 129 suggested ways to find and get a husband, offer our own insights, and talk about which suggestions are or are not valid today, as they were in 1958.  If you've seen or read this article, find me on Instagram @thenoogabelle and let's talk about it—I want to know what you think!

My guest this week is Jaclyn Humble, a dear friend, millennial homemaker, and host of a podcast of the same name. In this episode, we talk about all things holidays, hostessing, and more, and even share a few of our favorite holiday traditions and easy recipes. Thanks so much for listening! Follow us online here: The Millennial Homemakers Podcast: Facebook // Instagram // Listen here Follow Jaclyn on Instagram @jaclynhumble and @frazierlynnjewelry. Follow Kate on Instagram @hellokaterobertson. Follow The Nooga Belle on Facebook and Instagram @thenoogabelle.

I love meeting new Chattanoogans, and this week I'm joined by SaraJane Gates, who moved to the Scenic City less than 8 months ago and is already making a huge impact. She talks about her background in startups, event planning and networking, why she and her husband fell in love with Chattanooga, and we throw a ton of love at our favorite local businesses. SaraJane is also the mastermind behind Sip See Chatt, a network of influencers who come together to support local business. The first event is this week, and we're too excited! Thanks so much for listening! Follow us online here: SaraJane is @legitsarajane everywhere.  Stay tuned to @SipSeeChatt on Instagram, and follow the parent organization @SipSeeCity for updates on events in your city! Follow Kate: Facebook // Instagram // Twitter // Blog Follow the podcast: Facebook // Instagram