We Are TR

Ever drive by an elementary school and see those cute painted rocks wishing Taylor a happy 8th birthday?Today's guest has turned her creative talents into a rock painting business for moments just like that!

.He's making the mortgage game easy to understand. Craig Williams is a numbers guy. As in. Spread sheets and math are exciting to him. And that's exactly what you want with an expert in loans. On today's episode we chat about mortgages, of course, but also about stress and life balance and favorite jobs!

.Salutations!Today's episode gestures Abbey Garcia, owner and yoga instructor at Zen Rabbit Yoga. She's delightful and engaging - and she loves spiders!We chat about favorite board games and why yoga can benefit every person who tries it.

The one, the only - JACOB JOHNSON. Jacob Johnson is born and raised in TR kind of local who is a master at the guitar. You've heard him on stage at Trailblazer, he is an instructor at North Greenville University, he travels across the United States performing his own unique and beautiful style of guitar that sounds like jazz and folk and Americana, but mostly just sounds like Jacob Johnson. On this episode we talk about Jacob's high school jobs - you're going to have to listen to find out more, but you might be able to guess one of the jobs, but not the other! We also talk about favorite cereals and dumb injuries. Tune in!

. Jim Kyker is building the sort of houses families will call home for a lifetime. He's our guest on this episode of the We Are TR podcast and we chat about house building, finding land, styles that remain classics and more. Plus - we rate our favorite pizza toppings (Brandon is Team Pineapple - how do we feel about that?) and we talk about first jobs.

. You've seen it as you walk the Swamp Rabbit Trail. The cute cottage style rentals with the coming yellow chairs on the porch. It's called The Station and today on the We Are TR podcast we are chatting with founder Brice Bay. Listen in to hear about the vision for the future, treehouses and a food hall and event space. Tune in.

. Welcome Miranda to the podcast today. She owns Highwheel Barbershop and is a long time TR resident. She's funny and smart, a fantastic barber and she's also got deep TR roots. Miranda is the great great granddaughter of the famous bike riding TR icon - Pop Kramer.

. We always have a good time on these episodes - but this one was extra fun. Brandon maybeeeee had to reign Meredith and Lacey in a little. Meredith is a local real estate agent, a mom, a bike guide at Hotel Domestique, a triathlon athlete and just a really cool human. We talk a lot about the upcoming Trail Mix, Summer Kick Off Concert on May 23 - Meredith is a sponsor an she's got an important personal cause that she's promoting in her sponsorship. We also get sidetracked talking about houses for sale, bad date stories and bizarre would you rather questions involving port-potties and dumpsters. Happy Listening!

. It doesn't matter if you have a green thumb, you're going to want to listen to this episode with Mary Dunlap at Wilder TR. We're talking about our favorite drinks - who loves the sparkling water like Brandon and Mary? And of course we're talking about plants and Travelers Rest and whether we think Brandon should start buying his wife house plants.

In this episode we probably mention the words ONION RINGS a few too many times! But @phillgrilll says their onion rings are fresh and made to order and not beer battered so yeah, they're worth talking about. Tune in to this episode of the @wearetr podcast featuring Ron Fine, owner of the TR Philly Grill.

. What are YOUR favorite Italian ice flavors? Today's @wearetr podcast episode features @sunsetslush owner Kevin Buggs. We chat about our favorite TV shows as kids, his move to the Upstate over a decade ago to be nearer to his wife's family as she was born and raised in TR and about the Buffalo Bills. And, of course, about Italian Ice.

. On this episode of the @weare podcast we're chatting with @tastingtoon owners Michelle and Jeremy. We talk about their transition from customer to owner and the inclusion of more craft beer options. We also talk about capers - what are they really? And jingles that get stuck in your head. (What came to your mind first?)

Your dentist isn't scary - she's actually cool! Meet Dr. Ghimre at Paris Mountain Dental. Born and raised in Nepal, she shares stories of her life and her dental practice here. We even ask about those whitening strips and tongue scraping. Plus - we uncover her love of Bon Jovi and his classic hits! Thanks to our sponsor at @gilstraproofing for making this episode happen. (They're a great group of folks who love the community so well and do a fantastic job on your roof repairs!)

Russell Jones is a man of many talents - including feats of strength, writing books, coaching kids and adults, leadership training and more.

In the past twelve years the Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery has grown from basically an idea about connecting local food sources with local buyers to an Upstate icon. Swamp Rabbit Grocery works with over 300 vendors and farmers and they employ 100 folks. They're kind of a big deal. And also - they are straight forward and mission minded. They believe in the work and in the people. We chatted with Mary, co-owner of the grocery. Enjoy this episode - we're lucky to have Swamp Rabbit in the Upstate. (This episode is sponsored by Cope & Crew.)

We are welcoming back to the We Are TR podcast the dynamic duo of Cope & Crew. It's their second time on the show but it's been almost two years in between chats and a LOT has changed in the Cope & Crew world. Yes, they're still offering landscaping and maintenance services. But now they also have evolved into hardcsapes - concrete driveways retaining walls, drainage systems. If it's outside and you want it to be functional AND pretty, to do its job AND to increase your property value and your love of your space, Stephen and Cindy are the team to contact. Bonus points to them for not only being great at their jobs, but for also really loving folks and our community well!

It's pronounced GIF not JIF. That's the way the professional says! But, much more importantly that that - our newest podcast episode features the talented @izzyink . In real life her name is Elizabeth and she is the designer and creative guru behind every Travelers Rest Here animated icon you've seen in our stories - or our replies. (Which, Elizabeth taught us is possible in today's episode.) You're going to enjoy this conversation about social media and personality tests (Timms says he has NEVER heard of the enneagram!) and so much more! Tune in and enjoy! (And let's practice leaving gifs to one another in the comments! We'll go first!)

What's your favorite dog's name? Do you have a funny story about the dog next door or the pup that always greets you at your neighbor's house? Ryan does too! In fact, he's been crafting letters to those dogs and they're all stacked up in a book! Letters to Dogs is his new book and we chatted with Ryan about dogs and stories and publishing and so much more!

Organizing and creating order out of your chaos - that's what this week's We Are TR guest is all about. Sharon Kruger owns Start Organizing Now and she can help whip your space into shape or stage your home for you sale. It's a great chat about tidying up and hoarding and storing special collections. Oh - and we chatted about plastic surgery. Would YOU have plastic surgery?

Father and son. It might be our first duo of that kind for podcast guests! On this episode get to know the family behind our local Ace Hardware. They're local and they love our community - and oh yeah, you'll get to hear what might sound like the bio for a dating app that Dad offers for Son.

New episode! This week we're talking with the talented chef at @core450 ! Gene is the head chef at Core 450, a bistro located on @cherokeevalley . Open to the public, we think you'll love the menu and the vibe - plus the beautiful views. Tune in to this episode - you'll find out Gene's hidden skill and that maybe I need to develop a hidden talent myself. Plus, we talk steak and memorable meals. How about you? What's been a memorable meal in your life?

Making TR High School history! The TR High Women's Soccer team conquered a first for the school - Upper State South Carolina First Place Champions and second place in the state! The girls worked hard and had an incredible season and it was so much fun to interview a couple team members on this episode of the We Are TR podcast.

Troop 36! That's the number of the Travelers Rest Boy Scout troop. Listen in to our @wearetr conversation with Dylan Wilcox, the Scout Master, as he shares his connection with the scouts program and what's happening with the Scouts in TR currently. (Meetings are held weekly at @trinitypres on Monday nights!)

We're keeping it in the family on this week's We Are TR podcast. Listen in as we chat with Amanda Timms - she's funny and smart and creative - and she's married to Brandon! (One of their daughters even makes a guest appearance.) Do we find out ALL the dirt on Brandon? Well, not entirely, but we do get some great stories!

A TR local for the long haul, Kirbi Bliss is our We Are TR podcast guest in this week's episode. Kirbi is a mom, a small business owner (hi there @salonatpoinsett ) and a real estate agent at @theblissteam .

This week's episode features Sarah Brown, manager of the Slater Marietta Farmers Market. The market is in its third year and begins next month. It's a great way to spend a Friday night with your family and friends. Plus, listen to the episode and learn more about the great community effort that goes into this local market.

No guest? No problem. Today it's just us!

In this episode we chat with Kelly at Hands That Hear. We talk about massage therapy and infrared saunas and the power of scent. We also learn about the physical and emotional benefits of massage - and now we all need to schedule our next appointment!

With @kwsvocal it's all about the voice. Maybe you've heard Karen's before in a Disney film - she's in the choir in the new Disenchanted film, she's sung on Ice Age and many more. Karen is funny and engaging and interesting and we think you'll love this episode. Funny side note: this one was recorded on our phone because isn't that how life (and technology) goes some days?

This episode we interview Travis from Clearview Baptist Church. Travis heads up the Awana program. Never heard of Awana? You're in the right place then. Listen in as Travis tells us about this special Wednesday night program that's open to all elementary aged kids in the community.

Bigger than it has ever been, the Very Merry Market is THIS Saturday and you don't want to miss it. We chatted with Maranda and Jess about all the vendors (more than one hundred!) and the food trucks. (Noodle Lady, anyone?) Jess shares local gift ideas in all sorts of categories. Lacey chimes in with some pro shopping tips. Maranda tells us how to keep parking simple. Brandon talks about the sensory experience with all the fabulous smells - kettle corn for the win! Plus, we decided the market needs an official pet mascot and we should name it Trailblazer. But you'll have to listen to this episode to find out what animal we think it should be!

Tabitha and David perform as the Foreign Landers. They're married and their path to one another is Hallmark movie cute. David grew up in the Upstate, loving Celtic music. Tabitha grew up in Ireland, loving bluegrass. Eventually they found one another and their mutual musical talents and loves merged into what they now perform - a folk and bluegrass combo with the guitar and the mandolin that is unique and lovely.   Drawn to TR from the name, they have found it a restful and inspiring home base. They've played at Music in the Woods and other local venues and recently they released their first official full album - Travelers Rest. (With art featuring our own Paris Mountain.) We Are TR was lucky enough to get out own porch concert and we think you'll love their sound and this latest podcast episode!

The time is now to think about Christmas card photos and planning holiday parties. Good thing Focus Photography and Events can handle both! Enjoy this funny podcast where we get easily distracted and share a lot of great stories together - from elf on the shelf to pickle spears to Avon! We think you'll love Melissa!

Say hello to Jess Teruel - we think you're gong to love her! Jess is funny and outgoing, a people person and a loud laugher, in the best of ways. She's the star of The Jess Teruel Show and recently Brandon was a guest on her show! You can see her videos on the Travelers Rest Here YouTube channel. Jess is great at promoting small businesses, at connecting folks, at spreading joy and at making us all laugh! Enjoy this episode of the We Are TR podcast!

White Rabbit Fine Art Gallery hosts a handful of talented artists and we had a chance to feature two on our podcast! Hear about the gallery. How it got its start and what it's up to now.

She says she always has a book in her hand and she's naturally empathetic. Rachel Strivelli is a life coach, a dream interpreter and a solidly interesting human. We think you'll love getting to know her better in our most recent podcast.

Can one family do it all? Well, no - but this family gives it a pretty impressive try! Nic and Suz Ruby tell a fascinating (and fun) story of their lives - living in Canada and Texas and more, starting various businesses and now settling down in TR -where they have many roots and a rich community. The Rubys currently own three businesses - Bernedoodle.do, Travelers rest Yoga and a home remodeling business. Plus - they have four daughters! You'll love this conversation!

Greg Graf is the Director of Choral Activities at North Greenville University. He's also a talented, smart and funny guy who we think you'll find very entertaining! Starting next month, he'll also be heading up a new community-based choir - the North Greenville Choral Arts Society! Auditions have been taking place all summer - but there's still time to find out more!

Get to know the team at Spa North. Learn along with us - because we had no idea about Botox and injections until this conversation. Plus - we both received facials so we're kind of experts now.

She's a serial entrepreneur and TR is better for what she brings to the table. (Literally. That table being @topsoil ) Wendy Lynam is a wonder - funny, smart, hard working and willing to take risks. Learn more about Wendy in this episode.

Do you want your flower beds to be both beautiful AND productive? Can you envision a space that's welcoming and provides a side dish at your dinner table? That's the sort of gardening magic that Stephanie at Southern Garden Solutions offers. We had a chance to chat with her about growing food in the South and a lot more in this episode.

Boxing isn't just like a Rocky movie. The guys at The Boxing Depot in Greer have a legacy of boxing that runs generations. And coming in June is a unique and family friendly way to see more if the boxing tradition in the Upstate.

Friday nights are made better by pizza - and so are podcasts. When we talked with Nate Corley, owner of Nate's Pizza we talked about way more than just best toppings. We talked wings and small business ownership and parenting. Tune in!

Spring is the time we all start thinking about our lawns and our outdoor spaces. The team at Cope & Crew has all the inspiration and skills you'll need. This husband and wife team are outdoing and fun - and they love a good Friday family pizza night!

Our first interview with a canine guest! Dexter joined us at the Wild Hare Gallery where we chatted with co owner and artist Kym Easter. We talked squirrels - she has a pet one! - and art and gold foil and so much more. Should Brandon take up watercolor?

Think backyard BBQ and think reunion and TR! That's exactly what Geoff and his team are creating and April at Trailblazer park. We chat with Geoff, hot sauce, his beautiful family and all things BBQ.

If you're afraid of mice or snakes or big black ants, you're probably not going to apply to work at Walker Pest Management. We sat down with Caleb Walker and chatted about his business - started from scratch in TR two decades ago - and his family (six kids!) and when TR only had a Hardee's.

One of our favorite parts of the We Are TR podcast is getting to know the people behind some TR businesses. Lauren, owner of Crystal Valley Day Spa is funny and kind and entertaining. We think you'll love this look behind the curtains.

Author, artist and educator Tim Davis is also a coffee aficionado and a local volunteer in the community. He holds the record for creating the most hidden picture illustrations in Highlights magazine.

Since we started recording the We Are TR podcast, Brandon has been itching to do an interview like this. She's seen things the rest of us have not. She's had unique experiences and she's written a book about them. Lynn Monet is a local resident and she's sharing her story about a haunted house and her own experiences as an empath.

Rachel and John created their business - Red Clay Soap - from humble beginnings and dramatic life changes. We talk goats (of course) and miracles and more in this episode.