Podcasts about Mind your business

Since President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act in July, those that have funding tied to the legislation have been pouring through the 1,100-page document to understand the impacts.On this week's episode of Mind Your Business, we visit with Nathan Nipper and Rob Hudspeth (UNC Health Appalachian), Jennifer Greene (AppHealthCare), and Alice Salthouse (High Country Community Healthcare) as they discuss the impacts of the bill on local healthcare and Medicaid services. We also unveil this year's Community Award honorees that will be recognized at Spirit of Boone, the Chamber's 76th annual membership gathering on September 18th. Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.Support the show

BOSSes, get ready for an electrifying conversation with a true entertainment icon. In this episode of the VO Boss Podcast, Anne Ganguzza is joined by the legendary Rolonda Watts, an Emmy-winning, talk show host, actress, and award-winning voice actor. Rolonda's career is a masterclass in professional reinvention. From her groundbreaking syndicated talk show, The Rolonda Show, to her powerful voice acting work on Professor Wiseman in Curious George and her on-screen roles in Mind Your Business and Survival of the Thickest, she embodies the art of pivoting with purpose. The hosts discuss how her journey from journalism to entertainment shaped her, why listening is the most important tool for any communicator, and the life philosophies that have guided her to become a true BOSS.   00:01 - Anne (Host) Hey, bosses, Anne Ganguzza, you know your journey in voiceover is not just about landing gigs. It's about growing both personally and professionally. At Anne Ganguzza Voice Productions, I focus on coaching and demo production that nurtures your voice and your confidence. Let's grow together. Visit Anneganguzza.com to find out more. 00:48 Visit anganguza, hey. Hey everyone, welcome to the VO Boss Podcast. I'mGanguzzayour host, Anne Ganguza, and I have something amazing for you 00:53 , bosses, today.  00:55 Today's guest is a one-woman entertainmentRolondaempire. She's done it all award-winning journalistRolonda daytime talk show host, actor, stand-up comic, best-selling author and one of the most recognizable voices in voiceover. You may have heard her as Professor Wiseman on Curious GeorgeRolonda in the Proud FamilyRolonda kung Fu Panda and now Invincible Fight Girl. She's also the annoucer and promo voice of the Sherry Show, where Sherry Shepard calls her a daytime talk show legend, which I happen to agree. Rolanda Watts is currently lighting up the screen on Bounce TV's hit comedy Mind your Business which I always get to see all the shorts on the Facebook feed, by the way where she plays Lucille, the sharp, sassy family matriarch that keeps it real with tough love and somehow I feel like that just echoes your character to a T. And she I feel like that just echoes your character to a T, and she's also appearing in the upcoming season of Netflix's Survival ofRolondathe Thickest, and was recently inducted into the prestigious Silver Circle by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences at the 2024 Emmys, recognizing her lifetime of groundbreaking work in television.  02:04 Bosses, please welcome the incomparable Rolanda Watts, thank you. Thank you, rolanda. I have to tell you, you know I'm a big fan. I mean, I've said this to you before, but, bosses, I am the biggest fan of Rolanda. I actually know Rolanda from watching her on daytime talk TV, and that was a while ago. I want to say that daytime talk shows had just kind of come into like being, and you're one of the first that I watched and I just I just you, your personality, just everything about you was just amazing. It's just magnetic, and so I am so excited to be able to interview you, a talk show host. So I was like, oh man, how am I going to prepare to talk to you? But you are just so gracious and wonderful, and so that kind of gave me a little bit of of hope that I wouldn't completely flub it up today, rolanda.  03:05 - Rolonda (Guest) I don't think you would do that, Anne.  03:08 - Anne (Host) My goodness. So for the bosses, who you know don't really know your story and how you started off, I mean, my gosh, you're a media empire, so I don't even like we could have like five days worth of interviews with you, but it all started as broadcast journalism correct interviews with you, but it all started as broadcast journalism correct?  03:28 - Rolonda (Guest) Yes, Tell us about that. Well, I grew up in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and I, you know, I went to well, it's a long story about how I became an actor, but it all started with being 12 years old and going to Broadway with my family and seeing Guys and Doll and I was just like, oh my God, I love the stage and that's what I Anne do. So I went to Spelman and majored in theater arts and then there weren't a lot of roles when I got out of college. There just wasn't a track for folks who looked like me in the acting world, and so I fell in love with journalism, went to Columbia's Graduate School of Journalism and I was a news reporter and investigative anchor woman and producer for many years for New York WABC, WNBC Inside.  04:16 - Anne (Host) Edition, and that's impressive. And all of a sudden. Well, yeah, I was an investigative journalist. I mean you just said it like it came so easy. But I Anne imagine at the time. I mean you must have had to really work to get yourself in that space.  04:33 - Rolonda (Guest) Well, it was a crazy time because it was the 1980s. There weren't a lot of women in investigative news reporting, not in New York City, and so it was a groundbreaking time for women and and there was so much in the news, especially in New York, it was the big gang wars, the mob wars. You know, gotti hadn't even come into into play yet, so it was murder and mayhem. I was covering, wow and yeah, an inside edition. I was more murder and mayhem.  05:04 - Anne (Host) I remember that.  05:06 - Rolonda (Guest) Yeah. And then a man by the name of Roger King, who in heaven remains the number one selling as human being in television, asked me if I would like to do my very own syndicated talk show. So for four years I did the Rolanda show and then, when that was over let's loop back to the 12 year old who wore the subway token around her neck as a good luck charm. I said I'm not going to be on a porch when I'm 80 years old, going I could have, would have, should have. I am going to take my chances and go for my lifelong dream and make that 12 year old inside of me happy.  05:41 And I took off and went to Hollywood and that's where I became an actor and a writer and a producer and had my own production company and stumbled into voice acting and all of these things were part of what so many people call me the reinventionist. But I have had to reinvent my life for so many reasons and so many times. But I believe that isRolondamany different things that I've done and it's all around one thing and that's what we do as voice actors Good storytelling.  06:13 - Anne (Host) Yeah, absolutely Absolutely. And it's so interesting because before I had really come into like knowing you again, after you know, watching your talk show, and then knowing you as in voiceover yeah, the Anne and promo voice of the Sherry show, how interesting. Like you started to talk show, you're like a legend and talk show in my, in my brain. I'm like Rolanda, that's so awesome, like you. And now you kind of came full circle back to it a little bit Right, being the Anne and the promo voice.  06:46 And I was watching a clip of you the other day and Sherry was saying something. She was going on. She was gushing about you, which I get that. She was gushing about you and it was so interesting. She was giving you this credit about talking about your talk show and how wonderful you were and you turned it right. The conversation went right back to her about how wonderful she was and I was just blown away by how gracious that was and I just thought, well, no wonder. Well, no wonder you made such a great talk show host, such a great communicator, such a great actor and stand-up comedian and everything, because you just have this wonderful way of connecting with people.  07:29 - Rolonda (Guest) Well, you're awfully sweet, Anne. I'm going to receive all of that, but I thank you for that. You know it's, it's it. I, you know I was. I get blown away too, because Sherry does not hold back about what. What do the folks say? Giving me my flowers? And it's nice to receive them when you can smell them. You know, you know, know, it's really interesting because we did pave the way for sherry and and kelly and and drew and tamron all of them and I also know the hard work that those ladies are doing.  08:04 This job called talk is not easy. The politics that go on, the struggles day to day, the whole idea that the show is bigger than you as a human. It's very trying and you're out there by yourself. So I of course give her her flowers back because you can hand over the baton, but if the person can't run with it it really doesn't count. So to be able to see that continuum is a beautiful, beautiful thing.  08:29 And you know what's really funny is that Sherry's executive producer, who you see on the show all the time, John Murray. John was a college student when he first came to see my show and that's when he got the TV bug. He was bitten by the TV bug and so I would invite him back. In fact, one time I put him on the show so he could come and see how the producers worked and the behind the scenes working Skip to him becoming the executive producer of the Sherry show, and he said there's no other voice that we would have introduced, Sherry, and pass on the legacy than you. So it's really good. I mean, you got to be nice to kids, because they're coming up and they'll be your boss.  09:10 - Anne (Host) Right. Isn't that the truth?  09:12 - Rolonda (Guest) It is, it's like full circle.  09:13 - Anne (Host) You've, really you've done so much and you are.  09:15 I feel as though you've got. I feel like, look, I know how busy I am and I do a lot of stuff, but I feel like you, you're, you're doing it all. I mean you're, you're in that sitcom and I see, I'm thankful. I see the clips that you're posting on Facebook and it's so funny how the Rolanda that I know right, that I had a conversation with at VO Atlanta, I mean I feel like it is just so true to your character. Tell us a little bit about that role. I feel like you're just having the best time doing it.  09:44 - Rolonda (Guest) Oh my God, Lucille Williams, or Lucille is just one of the most wonderful characters. I mean, she's just great. And this coming weekend she's going to break off into her cougarlicious life, I know, oh wow.  10:05 She and her besties. They call themselves the silver sneakers. The nieces have convinced them that they need to give up the old guys, who just need a nurse and a purse, and go and get some of the young guys to go get some cool you know, be cougars and so we see how that works. But it's very, you know, it's fun to play her. She's sassy, she's the matriarch of the family, but at the same time we're writing storylines that give her a full bodied woman-ness. At this certain age, absolutely, absolutely.  10:42 - Anne (Host) I love that.  10:43 - Rolonda (Guest) But Mind your Business is a wonderful sitcom. It's one of those wonderful family sitcoms. It's produced by Bentley Evans, who did Jamie Foxx and Martin, so you're going to get that kind of zany funniness, but it's. But my character is lost her business almost during covid and calls on her family to come in and help save the business. And so she moves in with the family to save some money and all hell breaks loose. They need more of a referee than they do business partners. Now.  11:14 - Anne (Host) I love it. Now, if I'm correct, you're on season two, is that correct?  11:20 - Rolonda (Guest) We're on season two. That's right.  11:22 - Anne (Host) That's right Will there be more seasons. We certainly hope so. I hope so too.  11:25 - Rolonda (Guest) Listen, we're depending on you to watch and binge and love it. We're on Bounce TV or the Brown Sugar app and you Love it.  11:32 - Anne (Host) We're on Bounce TV or the Brown Sugar app and you can go look up where you can watch it. Yeah, I love that. Well, ok, so All right, we have to. Now we have to come to the voiceover aspect of things. So you actually have been doing voiceover since you came to LA, right?  11:46 - Rolonda (Guest) And well, you know what's so crazy, Anne, is that I was doing voiceover work, promos and Anne and voiceovers, and I didn't even know I was a voice actor, because I was doing all of that stuff for my show. I mean, had I known I was a voice actor at that time, I would have had a very different contract, trust me. But but it let meRolonda you know. But, just being a news reporter for so many years in New York City and on Inside Edition across the nation, people just knew my voice. And when, when I moved to LA and gave up the whole news and talk business to come out here and be an actor and a producer, nine months into the game the writers went on strike and instead of hosting an internationally syndicated talk show, I was on the picket line serving pizza to the striking writers.  12:39 And I was like what am I going to do? And I had to eat, I had to pay my rent, I mean what, what? And it was like I'm not going back to news, so what am I going to do? And I remembered that I used to call 411 back when you used to get information and the operator even knew my voice. They would go is this Rolanda. And so I said well this, I know I've got a voice, I'll go do voice acting. And I could not catch a cold because I didn't understand what the business was about. I had a voice and I had a microphone, but I had no idea what voice acting was about. I had a voice and I had a microphone, but I had no idea what voice acting was about.  13:14 So I went over to Calumson and Calumson over there in Burbank and I took a class and that thing saved my life because those that was the one of the that was the well, it was one of the longest strikes in Hollywood nine months and by that time I had created a whole new career and the voice actors weren't on strike. So I said this is a great backup for my physical acting and there are times and when my voice works more than my physical acting and now that I'm becoming a woman of a certain age those roles aren't coming in as quickly. But, honey, I can play a hot 30 year old.  13:53 - Anne (Host) Well, my voice. I love that you're using the woman of a certain age because, as a woman of a certain age, as well, what are you?  14:02 - Rolonda (Guest) going to do.  14:04 - Anne (Host) Exactly. I mean, I say use it Right, I mean absolutely. And so let's talk just for a brief moment about what. So acting and voice acting, same, different, what? What would you say are the key differences? Because you said, oh, I had to go to Kalmanson and Kalmanson, right.  14:22 - Rolonda (Guest) So there are some things, yeah, oh, absolutely.  14:25 - Anne (Host) Bosses need to know that are different and I absolutely always tell people yes, you should, you should, you know, take acting classes. But also there are some, some differences.  14:35 - Rolonda (Guest) Yeah, I find that there there's. It's just a different set of muscles, I think that's what you would say. One is just strictly your imagination and I think, well, for me, one helps the other. Well, for instance, the character I play we talked about Lucille, lucille talks like this she's got a little quiver in her voice and she just real high pitch, like that. So some of those tricks that we learn in terms of texture and pitch and pacing and all of that that we do as we imagine our characters, I do the same thing when I see the character on the page and I say how does that voice, what? What is it about her voice that's going to make her stand out. And they know that's Lucille, that's part of her, because she doesn't have cause. That character doesn't have this voice, not my voice. So I think that that that helps me find my characters In fact.  15:29 In fact I did a play and I had I did three plays at one time. Craziest thing in the world never been done Did three plays at one time, playing 10 different characters, from a nine-year-old girl to a 76-year-old grandmother, and all of those are different voices. You know, one was a journalist, one was a, you know, grandmother one, a, a little girl who grew up in mississippi. I mean, those are just such different voices and I also have bring my physical things, like when I'm thinking of a character in my voice, acting. I think what would they wear?  16:04 Shakespeare said, the clothes make the man and the woman too. Are they wearing a cape that they sold over there, you know? Are they carrying a sword? Does she have really tight bobs in her hair? I mean, does she have a mustache? So there are all kinds of things that I think. If I'm in my prop room or my wardrobe room and it's just my imagination, what can I do to help bring those things to light? Just the way, when they put the wig on and the clothes and the heels on for stage or screen, you could become that character. You do the same in your imagination, yeah.  16:37 - Anne (Host) I love that, I love that parallel.  16:40 That makes so much sense, actually, and it's interesting. So, for voice actors, who have not necessarily acted, what sort of tips would you have to for them to be better actors? Let's say, because it's funny, I do a lot of the stuff that people don't think you need to act for in terms of voiceover, like corporate narration or e-learning, and they think that you don't need to act. But in reality you're always a character, and so when I'll say to my students, envision that scene, it's just to them they're like what, why? Why do I need to do that? Why don't I just read the words? You know why?  17:20 - Speaker 3 (Announcement) I hear it. Yeah, exactly, you know why?  17:22 - Rolonda (Guest) Because we're not looking for readers, we're looking for actors, and I think that's one of the biggest mistakes that folks make who don't become a VO boss is because they don't understand what this industry is about. It's really not even about your voice. It's not about I mean, everybody has a beautiful, unique voice, because there are no two voices alike but it's the acting that's going to make you so different. It's those subliminal things under those lines. Sometimes you have a whole commercial that tells a whole life story in four lines and they, they fought over those lines. Attorneys, 50 people made all those lines. So they mean something. What is the story we're telling here? Right, and who am I in this story and who am I talking to? You know all of those questions. Where am I? Why am I even this story and who am I talking to? You know all of those questions. Where am I? Why am I even talking about this toilet paper? You know, and I'm a bear.  18:21 Why am I. Even I'm a mama bear. I mean why? You know why am I, and I'm not going to act like a bear, but I'm going to act like a mom who's concerned about her kids not wiping themselves. And that's just real stuff. So how do you tap into the authenticity? How do you make it human? Because what our job is is to connect with another human being. That's something that folks down there on Madison Avenue, the big advertisers, can't do in their suits, so they depend on us as actors, to be human, to be just plain old ourselves and human. No bravado, as we're hearing so much in our copy and in our instruction and directions as actors. Authenticity, throw it away, just give it to me. No salesy, no Anne, and I got to tell you that's the hardest thing in the world to do. Even for us seasoned actors, it's sometimes hard to shake off the the, the formality and just get real with it. You know and feel comfortable and confident with that.  19:21 - Anne (Host) Can I ask you to repeat that, can you that you said, you said what you said. It was hard, it's hard, it is hard, right. It is so hard Like I love it because you create that scene Right. It is so hard, like I love it because you create that scene Right In which those words make sense, right.  19:36 And tell a story and sometimes those words are really we don't know. We don't know that, Like I, have some people that are almost indignant that they don't have a storyboard or they don't. They don't understand the words. So therefore, if they don't, they're just kind of well, let's just say them then.  19:58 - Rolonda (Guest) Right In a melody that I think they want to hear. Rolonda, that's great, then they'll have a melody that they just heard, but they won't have the commercial.  20:03 - Anne (Host) I love it, so yes, so you said it's hard, rolanda says it's hard, it is.  20:09 - Rolonda (Guest) I go on record as saying the hardest thing I've ever had to do whether it was talk, tv or vocal or physical acting is being myself. Now in life, I have no problem beingRolondaauthentically Rolanda. What you see is Rolonda you get. But it's something that happens when we pick up that script and that microphone is in front of us and, all of a sudden, things start changing and happening. We're just not ourselves. I don't sound like myself. I don't like toRolondahear my voice. It takes, it's really acting. When you hear people who sound like how did they get that job? They don't even sound like a voice actor. It's because they are turning themselves Rolonda a virtual pretzel justRolondato sound like that, to sound so normal.  20:58 I remember when I first started doing my talk show um, the, the demand of being a, an actor I mean not an actor, but a talk show host with a talk show called rolanda was that you had to be Rolanda. You couldn't be the news reporter anymore. That was crucial to the success, and so it was very hard to even do it then, and I can remember my bosses and my partners calling going get that news reporter out of there, bring back Rolanda. And I said but I've got this crazy laugh and a raspy voice and I, you know, I'm a Southern accent and that's everything that makes my brand. I mean, it's crazy, but that's Rolanda. When you say Rolanda, that's what you hear. So whatever that is about you, whatever that quirky, crazy thing that you think is your fault, that's going to be your greatest asset. You know, when I was a little kid, they called me froggy and I always played all the guys in all my all girls school plays and I thought that was a real fault of mine. And now I can play women, men, little boys, pirates, anything in this industry of voice acting, and there's no limitation. The only limitation is your imagination. It's not about the equipment, it's not even about your voice. It's about your brilliant imagination and what you bring to that character, not even the microphone, what you bring to that character that nobody else thought about. That made that animator go. Oh, I can't wait to draw this character, um, and to make the casting director's job easy. They want you to win, they want you to get this job, so give it to them, show them your special sauce.  22:43 But I think it takes real practice, practice, practice. Like carnegie hall, they say. You just don't walk up into carnegie hall and start playing the violin. No, you got to learn how the instrument works. You got to learn how to maintain it, take care of it, how to make love to that instrument so it delivers that God given art and craft that you've put into it. You've got to do the work. And a lot of people think, well, I can just go pick this up and read. And the sad thing is, and they don't take classes and they have no idea what they're doing wrong. The worst thing that can happen is you go years and years and years building on the wrong stuff because you never took the time to learn the right stuff. You don't know what you don't know. Yeah, that's so.  23:29 - Anne (Host) I'm.  23:29 - Rolonda (Guest) I'm real big on training and classes so that you get the education and the acting experience and you understand how to break down scripts, you understand the vocabulary of this industry and how to network and and and use your resources that are right there at your fingertips.  23:46 - Anne (Host) Well, I think I think you're probably very much a VO Boss on using those resources and networking throughout your whole career. That's absolutely something that I feel that you've you've done so successfully. What would you say is probably the most important thing tip that you could give to to ensure success in this industry? Because it's a evolving industry and, yes, being the the queen of reinvention, right, you've had to reinvent yourself, and reinvent yourself not only in, you know, voiceover, but in, like all the media and how it's evolved over the years. So what would be your, your best tip to ensure success? Don't quit there. You go.  24:26 - Rolonda (Guest) I like that. The only people who don't succeed in voice acting are people who quit. I like that. You know, even the greatest ones. And you know, when we're at the VO Atlanta conference and we're with the greats I mean we're with Bob, who's Porky the pig, and we're with Joe, who's every network's Anne and when you hear these, these, these major vo stars and pros say, man, I do 50 to 100 auditions and may not nab the job a lot of us went whoa.  24:59 - Anne (Host) thank god, it's just not us, because yeah, I mean I can show you a stack in my head. I'm like oh, thank god, because, yeah, I, I just did a ton, I know, yeah, and look, listen I hear some auditions from this month okay yeah, am, I, am, I am I booking every one of them?  25:16 - Rolonda (Guest) no, but that's but. But you have to change your mindset. Every time I show up that microphone and I'm doing an audition, I'm not going up there. Well, I'm not going to get the job anyway. If you've got a bad attitude like that, it's time for you to jump into a classroom and just realign yourself, because this is a long game. And let me tell you what's going to happen when you get great you nab that job, you go and do that commercial. One hour it's gone and you're right back to auditioning again. So don't put all of your emphasis on just the job, but the but, the practice, the maintenance of it. Uh, going to conferences like the VO Atlanta conference, vo Dallas conference, sosa look up these places. That's a good place to hobnob. This is a very solo business. You're a solopreneur, you're by yourself, you, your microphone, your computer and your imagination. That's it. So get out and join memberships. Like Anne. You can come and take my class, the voice acting masterclass with Rolanda. In fact, I'm going to offer your listeners a very special deal if they're interested.  26:29 But that's another way that we build community and you learn what's the cutting edge. Right now we're dealing with AI. What does that mean? Staying on the cutting edge of things that are going to affect your career and really take it as a business. This is not just a hobby. Understand how your taxes work, understand the legalities and understand the questions to ask when you're signing a contract. Now just don't run out there all willy-nilly and not ask the right questions or your voice will be used forever and you not get paid. You know the video game people just had a strike and got some. Where are we moving forward in the business?  27:10 Be able to talk intelligently about the business. So when you're out there meeting people, they know, oh okay, this is somebody really serious. This isn't just somebody who just got a microphone on amazon and call themselves a voice actor, because there's a lot of that. But I say that um, really, just don't quit and understand that every time you show up in front of that microphone, it's another opportunity to show you a special sauce. And if the casting director doesn't get you into this particular job and that's not their decision, it's the producer's or whoever the client is. If you don't make it then, then at least they've heard you. I get a lot of times where they're. Rolonda same client will keep calling me back and I know I've impressed them in those other auditions I've done, so I know they're looking for something for me, so I just keep showing up, doing the best that I possibly can and finding ways to make it different. Because they've heard the same audition 50 million times, sometimes 500 times.  28:12 So what can you do to make it a little different and still stay within the parameters? So there's Ganguzza kinds of tricks and strategies and all kinds of things that you can do to stand Ganguzza and also how you market yourself like anything else. This is a brand Just because Rolonda have a microphone. Anything else this is a brand. Just because you have a microphone doesn't mean you have a brand. So reallyRolonda you know, that's one of the things I tell my students all the time. Once you get the breaking down the script and understand how the microphone and the vocab let's, let's talk about marketing, social marketing. How do we brand ourselves? How can you be one name like Rolanda and people immediately know what that means, and so that's really knowing your stuff and knowing your own voice too, that's so interesting because for a while, when I first started, I had different names.  29:00 - Anne (Host) I mean I, of course I started VO Peeps, I have VO Boss, and then I have Anne Ganguza brand and I'm like I really just need to wrap it all up into the Anne Ganguza brand. So finally, people say I need an Anne Ganguza, like I need a Rolanda. I need an Anne Ganguza, and so I love that that you have that brand and you build on that brand. But, rolanda, let me ask you a question, because I saw the stack of auditions. Do you I mean still, do you get, still I say still do you get an imposter syndrome?  29:31 - Rolonda (Guest) I think I'm pretty much. I'm pretty much at this time in my life. I know who I am. You know I'm not trying to. I've done enough and achieved enough and have enough confidence in myself. I think you know what I think this is. The other thing about this industry is confidence, because you can hear I can hear through a microphone. If you're not confident and you don't even believe yourself, if you see it, I'm going to see it. If you believe it, I'm going to believe it. And that's half the battle, I mean, and that's also part of the practice of this art and this craft, is learning how to still your nerves. Breathing is so much a part, warming up is so much a part of it and it's a full body job. This is an inside job because your beautiful vocal cords are right here in this body encases it. So you got to work out, you got to stretch. You know I love this. Old morgan freeman used to say that the secret to his great voice was a good, deep yawn.  30:29 Absolutely, you know because it just loosens up everything and these 41 muscles up here need to be worked out. A lot of people just jump right up, start reading, don't even warm up their mouths.  30:40 - Anne (Host) As evidenced by your. I think it was yesterday when I saw you on Facebook and you were like all right, I'm going back to the gym.  30:48 - Rolonda (Guest) I know. I messed up.  30:50 - Anne (Host) That's it. I'm going back.  30:54 - Rolonda (Guest) I'm a hot mess but.  30:56 - Anne (Host) I think that warming up I mean it helps, it absolutely does. Just a physical walk, you know, if you go to the gym, a physical warmup does absolutely help. Now, we did talk, we touched upon the confidence issue. We did talk, we touched upon the confidence issue, and one thing that I'm really excited about is that in let's see, is it in September, on the 17th, we are going to have you doing a guest directorship for the VO bosses on improv to improve your confidence and connection. So we will be talking about how bosses can remain confident or stay confident or get confident in the booth, and I love that.  31:35 You said that we can hear. We can hear that confidence and it's really interesting because even if you're telling a story and it may not be the story that ends up being on the video or the commercial right or the commercial right If we're auditioning and we're telling a story and we're convinced of it and we are confident in it, then the people listening, the casting directors, the people that will cast us, will believe it as well, and I think that's one of the telltale signs that they say, ah, shortlist, or that's what's gonna get you the gig.  32:05 - Rolonda (Guest) I think confidence and that's really believing in yourself and being able to take chances and risks. Because you know, think about it. The casting director is hearing 500 people say the same three lines. What are you going to bring to that story that's going to make a difference? I'll give you an example.  32:23 I did an at t commercial and it was about it. It was a very little short commercial and it was about a young girl who sees her mother, who has gone out for girls night at a salsa club, and she says mom, is this you on social media? And the mother goes oh, yes, honey, we were out with Raul last night and we were just dancing and then I something happened. And I said and I just to world. That was not even a line in the script, but I just had this imagination, cuz I used to go out salsa with my girlfriends in California and, honey, when Eduardo would ask us to dance, we would to world. And that just brought that into that like an aunt Lucille, and that's what got me the gig. And it was, and it was just that little button that we say, you know, because they've heard 500 times that people say the same thing yes, I went salsaing with my girlfriend, but nobody twirled but me, nobody's.  33:26 - Anne (Host) nobody else is twirling except for Rolanda. Nobody else is.  33:29 - Rolonda (Guest) honey, that's how much fun I had, which lets you know what that video must have looked like, that the girl saw.  33:36 Absolutely, absolutely, and listen and the fact that these old ladies were even on social media, lets, you know, those boys were young. They taught him how to tick and tock and twirl, you know. So I'm having a whole imaginative thing about going out with my girlfriends and then my girlfriend, my daughter, catching me. Oh please, child, we had a good time. You know, we don't care about what people think at this age. So bringing all of those things, even my own wisdom at this age, like I don't care, honey, I'm twirling with Eduardo because the guys my age don't twirl, so I'm bringing all of that fun into it, you know.  34:11 Another example was when I did judge Joe Brown. You know I was the Anne for that show and when I was doing the audition we had to, you know, was a promo, so I would have to read the line and then listen to the sound bite and then read the line in between. And listen to the sound bite, read, read the line. And I was so big. Judge Joe was such a crazy, freaking judge show. I would say, coming up today on Judge Joe, I'm going to slit your tire and I'm going to beat Shaniqua Mary can't stand, john and then I'm going to cut your other tire and then I would be.  34:46 And then one time I just went, whoa, the next Judge, joe. Honey, they fell on the floor. I was so busy listening that I was reacting like an at home person and I was like, ooh, on the next Joe. I was so irreverent that they created a little animation called lady justice and it was a little bug and I made up this whole story that lady justice was in love with joe just like the daytime audience was gone. Joe, tell them, joe, that's judge, joe, you know because I know the daytime audience. Yeah, so that's the other question we asked who are you talking to?  35:30 - Speaker 3 (Announcement) absolutely, this wasn't the inside edition audience. This. Don't be afraid to take that risk.  35:53 - Rolonda (Guest) You can do a straight one on the next Judge. Joe and Shanique was going to go, but honey, one time let it rip and show them that you can have fun. Fun is the main key. If it's not fun, don't do it.  36:05 - Anne (Host) Yeah, I agree, I think if you can make, if you can make someone laugh, if you can, if you can, if you can bring a smile to that casting director, that person listening to you, oh my goodness. And speaking of because normally I try to make this, you know, a 30 minute podcast, but I do want to touch upon. I do want to touch upon the fact that you are a stand up comedian as well, and we had quite a conversation at VO Atlanta on that, and so I feel like that's just all embedded in your personality and I think you were always a funny person, like from maybe a young girl. But talk to us about being at stand up comedy is tough.  36:41 - Rolonda (Guest) Oh, it's really tough.  36:42 - Anne (Host) But you know something that's a rough audience.  36:45 - Rolonda (Guest) Know your audience. Who are you talking to? That's true. And you know something Lunell taught me that she said know your audience, be able to switch on a dime, whatever. But I'm going to tell you just, VO bosses, that comedy helps immensely. It helps your timing, you know. So much of comedy comes in threes. So when you're doing animation or even some fun commercials, what's that third line where the funny ABC?  37:10 - Anne (Host) read right Where's that?  37:11 - Rolonda (Guest) Where's that? Third line where the funny? Or they want an ABC. Read Right, where's that? Where's that? Where's the funny? And that also gives you the confidence and the imagination and and I tell you funny, joan Rivers told Sherri Shepherd funny girls always work, funny women, funny girls always work, funny women, funny women always work. So adding a little humor to something I think makes you stand out. But I love the craft of comedy. I'm uh got uh some comedy shows here in New York at the comedy village comedy in Harlem, and then I'm going to go out to flappers in LA this winter December for the holidays and I'm opening for Lunell and that's really exciting so yeah, I'm getting my comedy on Awesome.  37:58 - Anne (Host) Look out for me on Netflix one day. I do not doubt it. Well, rolanda, it has been such a pleasure. I wish I could talk to you for another. Well, another five episodes.  38:07 - Rolonda (Guest) Oh, wait a minute. Wait a minute Speaking of Netflix. I got to do this and we're talking about Michelle Boutot's show survival of the thickest.  38:15 - Anne (Host) I'm on that one as well on Netflix. Awesome. Oh, and before and before we actually go, talk to us a little bit about September 17th improv to improve your confidence. A little bit about what we're going to, we're going to be diving into in that class.  38:30 - Rolonda (Guest) Oh, I can't wait to that class because improv is such a great way to gain your confidence, to loosen up and to have a whole bunch of fun. The beautiful thing about improv is there are certain rules that we go by, but it's just fun and it's going to help you tap into your authenticity. One good example we improv every day in life. You talk to your lover very different than you do to your boss, and don't let your best girlfriend call you in the middle of the day, and then, when your mother calls, listen to all the different voices that we have, and that's a lot of improv too. Improv also helps you listen and much of acting is about listening and I think you will surprise yourself, and part of the improv to improve your confidence is finding your own voice and discovering things through this exercise about your own experiences and about your being able to to react on a dime and have fun and laugh about it. Then when you you get those scripts, you can improv in your head.  39:32 I always do a little role play before I start, something Like if I have to play an old grandma, then I talk like an old grandma. Okay, I spin and rush them out. Our teeth don't fit too well. You got a little pain in the rats every once in a while. So you keep building these wonderful things that help you. Listen, you may not get that job, but you know you're going to doggone. Put in the effort because you've done the work. You know you. You will be so surprised, all the places that your voice will take you. And improv too. I mean there are times you're going to meet strangers, a new boss, and going to have to improv too. I mean there are times you're going to meet strangers, a new boss and going to have to improv too.  40:13 So improv is going to be a fun exercise for us. We're going to then take scripts, break down those scripts and do some acting. I'm going to teach you about Uta Hagen's nine questions. We're going to talk a little bit, a bit about Sandy Meisner's techniques, and these are just little things that you can put in your hip pocket that will help you. When you go out into the world and you're in that booth by yourself and you look to the right and the left and there's nobody there but padded walls, what are you going to do? You're not going to freak out, because we're going to learn about warmups and what we do with all this body when we're nervous and behind a microphone, because I can hear nervousness, I can hear it. So let's uh, let's work on that rolanda, did you hear my nerves?  40:57 - Anne (Host) did you hear my nerves when I was interviewing you are so not nervous listen, you need to make it easy.  41:05 - Rolonda (Guest) You've got the ganguza method, that's it there you my own method. I want to be gangouza'd. I love it.  41:12 - Speaker 3 (Announcement) I love it oh my gosh.  41:14 - Anne (Host) Thank you so so much. It has been such a pleasure talking to you today.  41:19 - Rolonda (Guest) You know how much fun we have. We get together and start talking and the sun can come up.  41:23 - Anne (Host) So true, so true.  41:23 - Rolonda (Guest) Thank you, thank you so much.  41:25 - Anne (Host) I so true, thank you. Thank you so much. I'm so excited for you, for our class in September. Bosses, I'm going to give a great big shout out to our sponsor, ipdtl. You, too, can connect and network like bosses, like Rolanda and myself. Find out more at IPDTLcom.  41:42 - Rolonda (Guest) I just wanted to add this that if any of your listeners wanted to check out my voice acting masterclass voice acting masterclass I'm going to offer 50% off if they use the code VO Boss 50.  42:01 - Anne (Host) Oh, I love it. Vo Boss 50.  42:01 - Rolonda (Guest) I'll put that on the show notes, guys. Thank you so much, Just for your listeners. 50% off. Vo Boss listeners go to Rolandacom.  42:08 - Anne (Host) Awesome Thanks. Bye bosses. Thank you, Rolandacom. Awesome Thanks, Bye bosses. Thank you, Rolanda. Bye.  42:13 - Speaker 3 (Announcement) Join us next week for another edition of VO Boss with your host, Anne Ganguza, and take your business to the next level. Sign up for our mailing list at vobosscom and receive exclusive content, industry revolutionizing tips and strategies and new ways to rock your business like a boss. Redistribution with permission. Coast to coast connectivity via ipdtl.   

Fall is inching closer and that means college football season is just around the corner! As App State kicks off another season, it's football program has placed Boone under the college football spotlight many times over the years. Fans bring renewed energy to The Rock each fall, and their gameday visits to the High Country make the Mountaineers a key economic driver in our region.It's also no secret that the college football landscape has changed drastically in the last decade, and App State staff have remained creative with how they position the entire athletics department for success, all while the rules that govern collegiate sports continue to evolve by the day.On this week's Mind Your Business, we welcome App State Athletics Director Doug Gillin back to the program. He'll share details on how his team is working to adapt to a changing financial model while staying cutting edge on the delivery of an elite fan experience. He'll also discuss ways that the local business community can anticipate future schedules that will drive attendance, and how the department has enhanced opportunities to support the department's 17 sports programs.We'll also preview Encore, the latest professional development course from the Watauga Leadership Institute, which begins September 18th. Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.Support the show

For many entrepreneurs, failure is the beginning—not the end. Jack Yang’s story begins with personal hardship and early business loss, but evolves into a mission to empower SMEs with the right tools, governance, and funding strategies. The Breakfast Show sits down with Jack Yang to unpack his journey, his work across JYSigma and GTH Asia, and how he’s helping businesses rise through discipline, data, and deep-rooted impact.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Business growth is an ongoing thought for just about everyone that listens to this podcast. How does my business take the next step? The answer to that question may lie within opportunities for professional development or credential attainment. The riddle could also be solved with the help of a neutral set of eyes, examining your business in a way you simply are too close to see.On this week's Mind Your Business, we tackle the subject of business and professional growth from three different perspectives. Our guests include:Dr. Jason Xiong, Associate Dean for Advanced Studies in Business at Appalachian State's Walker College of Business, speaking on the benefits working professionals can gain from seeking graduate degrees and certificates.Carmella Tomlinson, Director of the Small Business Center at Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute, speaking to the ways the SBC network can help start and grow businesses in a realistic and financially responsible manner.Christina Fryzel, Owner of Wahoo's Adventures, on the benefits of the Mountain BizWorks Waypoint Accelerator program, and how professional development through a cohort-style approach can help businesses learn along like-minded industry partners.Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone. Support the show

Keeping the community informed of changes to local small businesses. This includes new business openings, changes to existing businesses, and other business related topics that help consumers as well as business owners.

Keeping the community informed of changes to local small businesses. This includes new business openings, changes to existing businesses, and other business related topics that help consumers as well as business owners.

Keeping the community informed of changes to local small businesses. This includes new business openings, changes to existing businesses, and other business related topics that help consumers as well as business owners.

In a city built on structure, forging a path in art can feel like rebellion. But what if your future lives somewhere outside the frame? The Breakfast Show sits down with Cyann Lee, founder of HEYCYANN to find out how she’s building a life from creativity, turning a niche art form into a powerful personal brand, with nothing but bold vision, raw skill, and a refusal to fit the mould.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Week in Episode #177 Cj and Dee Get Into Creating Content (00:11), Black History In The Making (18:45), An All White Community (24:30), Postal Worker Bringing Her Kids To Work With Her (32:57), WNBA “Let Her Cook” Billboard (47:15), Countries You Would Never Visit (52:07), Childhood Lie You Never Confessed To Your Parents (56:00), Dumb Things We've Done To Impress Someone (1:04:29), Past Trends We Would Never Go For (1:10:48), Cities With The Meanest Black People (, , And They Ask “Can You Be Bought?” (1:22:08).

Midlife isn’t a pause, it’s a pivot. And for many women, it begins with changes they were never truly prepared for. Hot flashes, brain fog, mood swings, and little attention from the healthcare system But that’s starting to change, as more women refuse to suffer in silence and demand support for this vital life stage. The Breakfast Show welcomes Grace Oh, Founder of Sol, to explore how she’s helping women across Asia reframe menopause as a season of renewal, not decline.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What began as a bold idea on a disused tin mine in Phuket has grown into one of Asia’s most respected hospitality brands. Founded in 1994, Banyan Group redefined what luxury could look and feel like - sustainable, rooted in local culture, and deeply restorative. As Singapore celebrates 60 years of nationhood, The Breakfast Show is turning the spotlight on homegrown businesses that have made their mark on the world while staying true to their values.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore’s job market isn’t frozen — it’s evolving. As hiring slows down, companies are shifting from reactive recruitment to strategic talent acquisition. Whether you're hiring or job-hunting, it’s important to know how businesses are rethinking fit, why leadership roles are harder to fill, and what innovation really looks like in today’s hiring landscape. Joshua Woo, Founder of Recruit Fast, tells us more about why precision hiring is now the next big thing. Produced and presented by Audrey SiekEdited by Trisha YeongSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Phase I of Hurricane Helene repair along the Blue Ridge Parkway continues in Watauga County, but we are getting closer to completion of a key stretch of roadway between Parkway Elementary School and Bamboo Gap. On this week's Mind Your Business, we visit with Leesa Brandon, External Affairs Specialist with the Blue Ridge Parkway and National Park Service. She will provide an update on the phases of work that encompasses Helene repairs throughout our region. We'll also hear an update on ongoing Great American Outdoors Act work along the Parkway in Ashe County and where crews will go next when these projects are complete in the High Country.For up to the minute information about access, road closures, along with other information about visiting the Blue Ridge Parkway, visit their website here.Earlier this week, the Chamber released its Q2 Economic Indicators report. We discuss a few of the key topics and discuss some of the efforts and events that are impacting our economy this summer.Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.Support the show

Want to stay in a luxury villa in Provence or a cliffside home in Costa Rica, all without paying a cent in rent? That’s what ThirdHome offers its members. It’s not a timeshare, not a swap, but a private exchange built on trust, quality, and a clever credit system. The Breakfast Show invites Wade Shealy, Founder, Chairman & CEO of ThirdHome to discuss how he turned the problem of unused second homes into a passport to the world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Before it became one of Singapore’s most beloved plant-based cafés, Lilac Oak began as something smaller, a daughter cooking quietly for her mother. Today, Lilac Oak is known for its soulful food, wholesome community, and a menu that bridges comfort and creativity. The Breakfast Show invites Chloe Lee, Founder & Culinary Director, Lilac Oak to explore how she turned a personal philosophy into a thriving food space, what it means to build a values-led business, and why intention might just be the most important ingredient of all. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Känner du dig trött, irriterad eller frånkopplad - trots att du sover, äter och tränar “som man ska” eller är på ledighet? Då sitter problemet högst troligen egentligen mitt under näsan på dig.I det här avsnittet gräver vi djupt kring energiläckage och dina relationer – och hur de ofta är vår relation till saker som vi inte alltid tänker på som kostar oss dyrt i längden.Du kommer få:- En ny syn på “energi" och "tillstånd" - vad det egentligen är och hur den påverkar din framgång- Exempel på mentala, känslomässiga och sociala läckage som saboterar för dig- En introduktion till Drama Triangeln – och hur du tar dig ur destruktiva relationsmönster- 5 tydliga tecken på att du faktiskt läcker energi i ditt liv- Och även en del praktiska tips som hjälper dig återfå din glöd och energi.

Once upon a time, running a business meant late nights with spreadsheets, chasing receipts, and hoping your numbers added up. But what if your finance team included an AI that never sleeps; reconciling, forecasting, and advising in real time? The Breakfast Show meets Anigo Cao, APAC COO, ccMonet.ai, the force behind an AI-powered finance platform that’s changing how businesses think about money. Learn how ccMonet.ai is becoming the CFO modern companies didn’t know they needed, until now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this on-location episode of Mind Your Business with Yitzchok Saftlas, we're live from Hollywood, Florida, for an inside look at how City National Bank of Florida is changing the game through relationship-driven banking and unmatched customer service. You'll hear directly from City National Bank of Florida executives Michael MacIntyre, Chief Banking Officer, and Joshua Jordan, SVP, Director of Business & Personal Banking, as well as three standout clients who share how the bank helped them scale and succeed: Paul Feldman, real estate attorney, on the legal side of major transactions Joe Gopin, founder of KC Market, on scaling his supermarket empire Andrew Sossin, CEO of Recovery Unplugged, on saving lives and growing nationally Whether you're a business owner, executive, or ready to level up your business strategy - this episode is packed with real stories, powerful insights, and lessons you can apply today.

Asia’s payments landscape is booming and getting more complex by the day. From QR codes, real-time bank transfers, BNPL, digital wallets, local rails, customers want them all, and businesses are scrambling to keep up. But what if there was a way to simplify all that complexity under one roof? The Breakfast Show chats with Nakul Kothari, Head of APAC and Middle East, Juspay, who’s helping shape how payment experiences are built, scaled, and localized across APAC and the Middle East. Presented and edited by: Audrey Siek Produced by: Dan KohSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the years the types of health care offerings in the High Country have continued to evolve. On Friday, July 25th, AMOREM, formerly Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, will mark the opening of a state-of-the-art in-patient care facility in Watauga County, serving the needs of the entire High Country region.On this week's Mind Your Business, we visit with Kerri McFalls, Chief Growth & Development Officer with AMOREM, as we discuss what this type of facility can provide to patients and families in terms of end of life and respite care, and the types of jobs it takes to manage such an operation. We'll go over the details for a special community celebration of the dedication of this facility and we'll discuss ways to continue to fundraise toward the goals AMOREM has set for its growing Watauga campus. ** Special programming note -- there is a slight bit of digital noise during small portions of our interview that was caused by a passing summer storm here in the High Country. It's not your connection -- it's Mother Nature trying to insert herself in our conversation! **Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.Support the showSupport the show

The Middle Fork Greenway is one of the most significant ongoing economic development projects in the High Country, connecting the towns of Boone and Blowing Rock by 6.5 miles of trail. Each July, Blue Ridge Conservancy conducts its Round Up for the Middle Fork Greenway, which gives local businesses and their customers an opportunity to directly impact this project through fundraising and education.On this week's Mind Your Business, we visit with Wendy Patoprsty, Director of the Middle Fork Greenway. She provides an update on ongoing construction and planning, new pocket parks and features, and how public art is being used to enhance this special corridor. Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.Support the show

With the economic realities of Hurricane Helene recovery coupled with the uncertain nature of the overall economy these days, many people have been asking, "How is business in Boone?"On this week's Mind Your Business, we answer that complex question from a variety of perspectives. We hear from Chris Burns, Senior Vice President, Relationship Manager for the Boone Branch of Mountain Community Bank. He shares a look at the business landscape from the seat of a local banker, while also highlighting some of the trends the industry monitors as they work with personal and commercial banking customers. To get the latest from local businesses themselves, we asked three of our members: How is the summer unfolding for your business and What have your interactions with customers been like this summer? We get those answers and perspectives from Talia Freeman (Beech Mountain Resort), Lucas Underwood (L&N Performance Automotive & Mystery Hill), and Megan Kevorkian (South End Brewing Company).Finally -- we address the rumor of the week in Boone -- YES, that was a double-decker AppalCART you saw the earlier this week. Find out when it's coming back!Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.Catch the show each Thursday morning at 9AM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.Support the show

Sex therapist and author of Drink Water and Mind Your Business, Dr. Donna Oriowo, joins us to talk about self-esteem and how it relates to every aspect of your life! She teaches us how to identify our self-esteem type, how to build self-esteem, and how to establish boundaries to maintain our self-esteem. She also walks us through the aspects of our lives that having good self-esteem improves-- like our sex lives! We also nibble on DC, Fruit Flies, immigrants making America great, air travel, male loneliness, Emily Nagoski, and more.  

On Wednesday June 25th, the Town of Boone Council voted to adopt the Boone Next Comprehensive Plan. This document will drive future vision, development ordinances, transportation projects, and economic development strategy for years to come.On this week's Mind Your Business, we talk with Boone Mayor Tim Futrelle about the process that led to the approval of Boone Next. We also discuss what comes next as Town Council and staff work to begin to implement the priorities outlined in this plan. Stick around for the very end of the program for Mayor Futrelle's thoughts on the Town of Boone's FY26 budget, which was also approved by Town Council recently. Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.Catch the show each Thursday morning at 9AM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.Support the show

This week, Emily talks to Dr. Donna Oriowo about Donna's new book, "Drink Water and Mind Your Business." Donna will change your life.tl; dr: Other people may have more than you, but they are not WORTH more than you.Drink Water & Mind Your Business:A Black Woman's Guide to Unlearning the BS & Healing Self-Esteem by Dr. Donna OriowoBuy Donna's book from:AmazonBarnes & NobleSourcebooksLoyalty BookstoreJoin Donna's In My Black Feelings groupFollow @dr.donnaoriowo on:InstagramTikTokYouTubeLinks:"Time is an illusion. Lunchtime doubly so.""Let It Burn" from Paradise Square the Musical featuring Tony Award Winner Joaquina KalukangoSunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne CollinsExtraordinary Attorney Woo Good Sex by Dr. Candice Nicole Hargons(Amazing book!)My Pronouns are Dr. T-shirt by Dr. Lexx Brown-James(Dr. Lexx rules) RaQuel Hopkins, Capacity Expert  (instagram)Centering (and Studying!) Black Women's Pleasure, a conversation with Dr. Shemeka Thorpe

Chambers of Commerce all over the country host ribbon-cuttings for their members. More than a picture in the paper, these events are the crossing of a finish line for those that are putting their heart and soul into a new professional veture.On this week's Mind Your Business, we take you inside a recent ribbon cutting at The Pottery Lot. From the opening comments to a conversation with owner Emily Roberts, you hear the story behind the cutting of the scissors, and understand all that a business must endure to get to that celebratory moment.It's also Boonerang Weekend in the High Country, another visible showing of what music and the arts provide to our local economy. Of the many gig workers that will assemble to make this weekend's shows possible, there is a local artist that will get the thrill of walking out on stage less than a half mile from where his career started. We hear from budding country music star Adam Church about his Watauga County roots, the thrill of hitting the stage in his hometown, and the details of his own Boonerang experience.Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.Catch the show each Thursday morning at 9AM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.Support the show

Summertime has arrived in the High Country! As schools continue to release throughout the state and region, tourists have heard the #WNCOpenforBusiness message.  On this week's Mind Your Business, we will preview An Appalachian Summer Festival, a month-long arts showcase that serves as one of the area's July tourism magnets. An Appalachian Summer Festival is one of several arts events that draw visitors to the region, along with the High Country Jazz Festival, Boonerang, Music in the Valle, Concerts in the Park among others. These gatherings provide entertainment to visitors, jobs for the artists, while inspiring future generations.As we continue to cover ongoing Helene recovery efforts, we have key updates on positive progress to work on the Blue Ridge Parkway and a check-in on the latest from Raleigh as it relates to Helene-related funding allocations.Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.Catch the show each Thursday morning at 9AM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone. Support the show

What if your handmade or product-based business could become the foundation for a thriving digital empire? In this special bonus episode of how product business owners can create another revenue stream with digital products like memberships, courses, or coaching programs, we sit down with James Wedmore—creator of Business by Design—to explore how physical product sellers are expanding their businesses and their impact through digital offers.James shares how the online education market is booming, why digital products are one of the most profitable AND scalable models available, and what handmade business owners already have that makes them ideal for this shift. You'll hear real-life examples of business owners who've gone from selling earrings, Etsy printables, and artwork to teaching, coaching, and transforming lives online. This episode breaks down the essential systems, mindset shifts, and business foundations needed to get started—even without a large audience. All that matters is that you have a VISION to impact more people in a bigger way from what you've learned and experienced yourself... and if that's you, then take a listen to this episode.Whether you're just beginning to imagine a digital offer or you're ready to add another revenue stream to your business, this conversation will give you both practical strategy and inspiration to take action.In this episode, you'll learn:- Why digital products are a smart next step for handmade & product-based business owners- The explosive growth of the online education industry and how to tap into it- How to turn your existing expertise into a sellable AND scalable digital offer- What makes a digital product scalable and more profitable than physical products- The five essential components of a successful digital business model- How to build a personal brand that drives long-term sales and impact- The “Monetize Before You Make It” strategy for testing your ideas- Why clarity, simplicity, and systems are more powerful than hustle- Common fears and mindset blocks that stop people from starting—and how to move past them- Real success stories: from bartending courses to printable memberships to healing programs- Why it's important to build a business machine that runs without burning you outReady to create your own digital product revenue stream? Enroll in James Wedomore's Business By Design and get my Authority Bootcamp for FREE (which indleus a free re-brand for your busienss) when you enroll HERE so you, too, can get started with your OWN additional revenue stream of digital memberships, courses, or programs.James Wedmore is an entrepreneur and educator who has spent nearly two decades helping business owners transform their expertise into scalable, impactful digital products. From launching his first bartending course in 2007 to now running a company that has generated over $100 million in online sales, James is the founder of Business by Design, a comprehensive coaching and training program for digital product creators. Through his work, he's helped thousands of course creators, coaches, and membership owners turn their knowledge into thriving businesses—all while emphasizing clarity, systems, and sustainable growth.LINKS MENTIONED IN TODAY'S EPISODEFollow James on Instagram @jameswedmoreListen to the Mind Your Business podcast by James WedmoreLearn more about Business By Design and enroll today to get my exclusive Authority Bootcamp bonuses

#WNCOpenforBusiness week rolls continues throughout Western North Carolina, and this intentional effort to bring people to the region got quite the boost from the State's First Family.On this week's Mind Your Business, we recap North Carolina First Lady Anna Stein's visit to Watauga and Ashe counties on Monday, June 2nd, which included the canoe trip seen 'round the world!How does the intentionality of choosing to eat at a local restaurant impact those working to provide your meal and experience? We'll get that answer from Tina Houston, along with details about her latest project that is bringing fresh food back to Valle Crucis!Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.Catch the show each Thursday morning at 9AM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.Support the show

Keeping the community informed of changes to local small businesses. This includes new business openings, changes to existing businesses, and other business related topics that help consumers as well as business owners.

I'm joined by Dr. Donna Oriowo—award-winning therapist, educator, and author known for her bold, no-BS approach to identity, intimacy, and liberation. Together, we unpack the roots of self-esteem and explore how race, gender, and cultural conditioning shape how we see ourselves—and how we can begin to unlearn it all.We talk about:Why self-esteem isn't just a personal journey—it's politicalThe role of community and culture in how we view ourselvesThe connection between disembodiment, pleasure, and worthWhat true liberation and worthiness really feel likePractical ways to begin healing your sense of worth through joy, community, and intentionResources You Might Also Like:The Black Joy Playbook by Tracey Michae'l Lewis-GiggettsPast episode with Tracey Michae'l Lewis-Giggetts Be Well, Sis SubstackDrink Water and Mind Your Business by Dr. Donna OriowoThis episode is part of our Summer of Joy series—an invitation to do the deep work of coming back home to yourself with softness, honesty, and community.

A new MP3 sermon from Chester ARP Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Stay Pure and Mind Your Business Subtitle: Devotional Podcast Speaker: Clint Davis Broadcaster: Chester ARP Church Event: Devotional Date: 6/2/2025 Bible: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-11 Length: 7 min.

As schools around the region wrap-up their end-of-year testing, perhaps it's only fair for the adults to have some math reintroduced into their lives!On this week's Mind Your Business, we provide the latest update from Jones Street, where members of the NC General Assembly are simultaneously considering Part II of the Disaster Recovery Act of 2025 (Helene Recovery) while also gearing up to move the biennium budget through the conference process. How do Helene relief dollars play into budget plans? We will give our very best attempt at an answer that does not require a TI-81.We'll also provide some highlights from Vision Northwest North Carolina, including the full set of remarks from Lieutenant Governor Rachel Hunt, as she shared her vision for a Future Ready North Carolina.Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.Catch the show each Thursday morning at 9AM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.Support the show

In this conversation, the hosts explore various themes ranging from the quirks of relationships and personal care habits to nostalgia and the attachment to old items. They discuss the struggles of upgrading technology, the value of sentimental items, and their food preferences, particularly in relation to the Wiener 500 event. The conversation also touches on a humorous yet disturbing story about a takeout note that raises questions about safety and humor in everyday life. In this conversation, the hosts explore the complexities of intervention in potentially dangerous situations, discussing the bystander effect and personal responsibility. They debate the implications of calling for help when faced with ambiguous signs of distress, such as a message on a fast food box. The conversation also touches on the consequences of pranks and the societal expectations surrounding them. Finally, the hosts lighten the mood with fun facts, showcasing their humor and camaraderie. In this engaging conversation, the hosts delve into various themes, including the tragic stories of the Titanic and its sister ships, the experiences of sports fans in cold weather, and the profound insignificance of humanity in the vast universe. They also touch on historical figures, sleep phenomena, and pay tribute to the late George Wendt, reminiscing about his iconic role in the sitcom Cheers.

There was a time I believed failure wasn't just something I did—it was who I was.But that belief got flipped on its head the day I had a transformational conversation with entrepreneur and coach James Wedmore.In this episode, I'm sharing a powerful clip where James breaks down the real reason so many of us get stuck: we're building businesses with belief systems we picked up as students and employees—ones that no longer serve us.We unpack:Why failure is just feedback (not a flaw)How to release identities that keep you smallWhat being “coachable” really means (this moment changed me)How to rewire beliefs that are holding you backIf you've ever feared failure or felt defined by your mistakes, lean in. You're about to see your story—and your future—differently.Failure isn't something to fear. It's something to celebrate.

This week's Mind Your Business leads off with an important update regarding the Blue Ridge Parkway.Summer and fall travelers love a good festival as much as local residents enjoy the influence and entertainment the arts bring to the High Country. Mark Freed, Director of Cultural Resources for the Town of Boone, previews Boonerang 2025, and provides an update on how Howard Street construction will be handled during the four-day downtown festival.Festivals and events don't happen without the hard work of the gig economy and arts industry. Both non-profit and for-profit arts sector accounts for $47 million annually in Watauga County, including $2.1 million in generated tax revenue. Amber Bateman, Executive Director of the Watauga Arts Council shares the importance of the 2025 summer and fall seasons for an industry that lost enormous revenue and market opportunity post Hurricane Helene. She'll also share how the Watauga Arts Council works to support the industry while working to inspire the next generation of artists and makers.Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.Catch the show each Thursday morning at 9AM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.Support the show

Have you ever gotten advice that made you question your whole life choices? This week, we're unpacking unsolicited advice, the kind no one asked for, yet somehow shows up. From the well-meaning auntie with a PhD in your personal life to the friend who's projecting more than supporting, we're asking: when does guidance turn into control?We're sharing the story times that made us rethink our boundaries, breaking down why it stings, and getting into how to give advice without sounding accidentally condescending. Let's talk passive aggression, people-pleasing, and why “you should…” is usually where we check out.All this and more in this week's episode!

The 6th-annual Vision Northwest North Carolina economic development summit is just around the corner and will feature a visit and remarks from North Carolina Lieutenant Governor Rachel Hunt. On this week's Mind Your Business, we set the context for the discussion and preview some of the presentations and panels.Much has been discussed about tourism trends in the High County over recent days. We'll visit with Tara Brossa, General Manager of the Hampton Inn & Suites and Courtyard by Marriott of Boone and get her take on tourism traffic and what is driving visitors to the High Country. We'll also get some perspective on how visitors impact jobs and wages for local hospitality workers.Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.Catch the show each Thursday morning at 9AM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.Support the show

Today we’re joined by the brilliant and unapologetically authentic Dr. Donna Oriowo, licensed clinical social worker, certified sex and relationship therapist, and author of the bold new book, Drink Water & Mind Your Business. Known for her unique blend of cultural insight, therapeutic expertise, and straight-no-chaser delivery, Dr. Oriowo returns to the show to share the inspiration behind her new work and why it’s a necessary read for Black women navigating life, relationships, and radical self-care. We’re diving into what it really means to protect your peace, create boundaries without guilt, and center yourself in a world that often demands your labor but denies your rest. About the Podcast The Therapy for Black Girls Podcast is a weekly conversation with Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a licensed Psychologist in Atlanta, Georgia, about all things mental health, personal development, and all the small decisions we can make to become the best possible versions of ourselves. Resources & Announcements After years of growing, connecting, and healing together, the Therapy for Black Girls Community is now officially live on Patreon—and let’s just say, it’s giving everything it needs to give! From exclusive content and weekly chats to live events and deeper convos with sisters who just get it, this is your space to show up fully and be poured into. Learn more and join us here. Did you know you can leave us a voice note with your questions for the podcast? If you have a question you'd like some feedback on, topics you'd like to hear covered, or want to suggest movies or books for us to review, drop us a message at memo.fm/therapyforblackgirls and let us know what’s on your mind. We just might share it on the podcast. Grab your copy of Sisterhood Heals. Where to Find Our Guest Instagram - @dr.donnaoriowo Grab your copy of Drink Water & Mind Your Business Stay Connected Is there a topic you'd like covered on the podcast? Submit it at therapyforblackgirls.com/mailbox. If you're looking for a therapist in your area, check out the directory at https://www.therapyforblackgirls.com/directory. Grab your copy of our guided affirmation and other TBG Merch at therapyforblackgirls.com/shop. The hashtag for the podcast is #TBGinSession. Make sure to follow us on social media: Twitter: @therapy4bgirls Instagram: @therapyforblackgirls Facebook: @therapyforblackgirls Our Production Team Executive Producers: Dennison Bradford & Maya Cole Howard Senior Producer: Ellice Ellis Producers: Tyree Rush & Ndeye ThioubouSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Celebrated for its scenic beauty and connections to Appalachia culture, the Blue Ridge Parkway stretches 469 miles through Virginia and North Carolina and serves as the longest linear park in the United States. While its footprint is massive, it's impacts are felt on a hyper-local level, with communities uniquely imprinting themselves toward the 16.7 million visitors that pass through the park each year.After years spent gathering support, the Blue Ridge Parkway was granted $127M of the $1.3 million Great American Outdoors Act, which was passed by Congress in 2022. This established the opportunity to complete decades-long deferred maintenance along the Parkway's entire corridor.The combination of these planned projects and the necessary detours, partial, and full road and feature closures in areas now impacted by Hurricane Helene have communities, visitors, and residents concerned about the short and long-term impacts of these necessary projects. On this week's Mind Your Business, we set the context for the economic and community impact of the Blue Ridge Parkway, and provide an update on what comes next in terms of decisions about current repairs and long-term infrastructure upgrades. We'll hear from Jesse Pope, Executive Director of the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Association, one of the Parkway's most visible attractions. We'll also talk with Carolyn Ward, CEO of the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, a 501c(3) organization tapped with assisting Parkway staff with funding, marketing, and other support not covered as part of the Federal budget. The BRPF is behind the Blue Ridge Rising action plan, which will help connect Parkway communities and visitors with travel experiences, enhanced cultural attractions, and more. Other organizations like the Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea trail and the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area also provide volunteer, programmatic, and marketing support along the Parkway.Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.Catch the show each Thursday morning at 9AM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.Support the show

This podcast series will explore the tools you can use right away to design, build and grow your business. We will share ideas that you can use through thoughtful interviews with other entrepreneurs.Ellie went from being a banker to being a baker! After spending years in the banking industry, she turned her passion from baking desserts for her co-workers into a full time bakery! She tells what led up to that transition, how she did it and where she is right now--poised to grow each year.The Triad Podcast Network is proudly sponsored by The Ginther Group Real Estate, Dewey's Bakery, and Three Magnolias Financial Advisors.

Agriculture has always been an influential contributor to Watauga County's economic performance. In its 2024 statistics report, the North Carolina Department of Agriculture reported $13.85 million in cash receipts generated by Watauga County farms, with an additional $5 million in economic impact coming from Watauga County Christmas Tree growers. The business of farming has changed a great deal over the decades. Now agritourism is counted on to keep many of these multi-generation family-farms producing.On this week's Mind Your Business, we discuss the state of the agriculture community in Watauga County with Gray Shipley of Shipley Farms Beef. We'll hear some history about production in the area as well as how changing market realities have caused farms to focus more on providing experiences rather than high-volume yields. In the spirit of the emergence of warmer weather, we'll also hear from several local business owners about what they are most looking forward to this summer. We also provide an update on a key economic development project aimed at providing broadband connectivity in hard to reach places.Mind Your Business is a weekly production of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.Catch the show each Thursday morning at 9AM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.Support the show

Title: If Freedom Had A Sound   Description:  Sis…we're back! After an unplanned but necessary pause, Sarah Jakes Roberts returns to the mic with a raw and unfiltered solo episode that feels like catching up with your best friend and your favorite preacher all in one. She's talking everything from running (yes, she's a runner now!), life with her new puppy Cabo, and the unexpected lessons from a 45-day challenge, to spiritual growth, forgiveness, and breaking free from mental limitations.  She's sharing how God's been stretching her, what He's saying for Woman Evolve this year, and how to identify the quiet choices that lead to lasting growth. Oh—and the Mind Your Business inbox? Wide open.

We're going to talk about food and nutrition next week. But first, we need to talk about beauty.Spoiler warning: You're beautiful.Links: Amelia is doing Youtube Lives again starting this Friday @4pm eastern!(From now until the end of Murderbot.)Bob the Drag Queen⭐️ Drink Water and Mind Your Business by Dr. Donna Oriowo ⭐️(Emily loves this book and blurbed it!)Get it from:SourcebooksAmazonBook Moon BooksDr. Yaba BlayThe Whites of Our Eyes is a short documentary film that follows Dr. Yaba Blay as she returns to her familial homeland of Ghana to explore the relationships between beauty, bodies, and b/BlacknessRad Bod or Dad Bod (Youtube)The NorthmanLindsay Ellis explains The Little Mermaid (Youtube)FD Signifier explains edgelords (Youtube)Jessica Kellgren-Fozard explains ugly laws (Youtube)Wreck-it Ralph villain support group (Youtube)Belly of the Beast: The Politics of Anti-Fatness as Anti-Blackness by Da'Shaun HarrisonHealth at Every SizeGood Calories, Bad Calories: Fats, Carbs, and the Controversial Science of Diet and HealthWhy Diets Make Us Fat by Sandra AamodtFSP 2020 Episode 18: The New HotnessThe Body Project Turia Pitt(it looks like Amelia's episode with Turia isn't up yet.)Ubuntu Reclaiming Ugly by Vanessa Rochelle Lewis