Podcasts about North Georgia

273. Wise Living: Why to Get Outside and Travel and Read Aloud with Amber O'Neal Johnston   “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17 NIV   *Transcription Below*   Amber O'Neal Johnston is an author, speaker, and Charlotte Mason homeschooling mom who blends life-giving books and a culturally rich environment for her four children and others seeking to do the same. She recommends we offer children opportunities to see themselves and others reflected in their lessons, especially throughout their books, and she's known for sharing literary “mirrors and windows” on HeritageMom.com and @heritagemomblog. Amber is also the author of Soul School: Taking Kids on a Joy-Filled Journey Through the Heart of Black American Culture and A Place to Belong, a guide for families of all backgrounds on raising kids to celebrate their heritage, community, and the world.   www.HeritageMom.com www.SoulSchoolBook.com www.APlaceToBelongBook.com www.instagram.com/heritagemomblog www.facebook.com/heritagemomblog   Thank You to Our Sponsor:  Sam Leman Eureka   Questions that We Discussed: Looking back, what would you say has helped to shape your children's character the most? What have you learned about the importance of getting our kids (and ourselves) out into nature? How do you actually make time to be a content creator and to also homeschool and travel and host?   Other Related Episodes from The Savvy Sauce: 53 Practical Life Tips with Blogger, Rach Kincaid 57 Implementing Bite-Size Habits That Will Change Your Life with Author, Blogger, Podcaster, and Speaker, Kat Lee 82 Traveling with Your Family with Katie Mueller 84 Ordering Your Priorities with Kat Lee 103 Making Family Memories with Jessica Smartt 200 Planting Seeds of Faith in Our Children with Courtney DeFeo 204 Charlotte Mason Inspired Mini-Series: A Delectable Education with Emily Kiser 207 Cultivating Character in Our Children with Cynthia Yanof 212 School Series: Benefits of Homeschooling with Jodi Mockabee 253 Low Tech Parenting with Erin Loechner   Connect with The Savvy Sauce Our Website, Instagram or Facebook    Please help us out by sharing this episode with a friend, leaving a 5-star rating and review, and subscribing to this podcast!   Gospel Scripture: (all NIV) Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”   Romans 3:24 “and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”   Romans 3:25 (a) “God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.”    Hebrews 9:22 (b) “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”    Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”    Romans 5:11 “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”    John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”   Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”    Luke 15:10 says “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”   Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”   Ephesians 1:13–14 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession- to the praise of his glory.”   Ephesians 1:15–23 “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”   Ephesians 2:8–10 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God‘s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.“   Ephesians 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.“   Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”   *Transcription*   Music: (0:00 – 0:09)   Laura Dugger: (0:11 - 2:01) Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, where we have practical chats for intentional living. I'm your host, Laura Dugger, and I'm so glad you're here.   The principles of honesty and integrity that Sam Leman founded his business on continue today over 55 years later at Sam Leman Chevrolet Inc. in Eureka. Owned and operated by the Burchie family, Sam Leman's in Eureka appreciates the support they've received from their customers all over central Illinois and beyond. Visit them today at LehmanGM.com.   Amber O'Neal Johnston is my fascinating guest for today. She's an author and speaker and coach and she's just chosen to live a very wise life as a wife and mother, and I think you're going to enjoy gleaning practical tips such as the benefits of getting our children out in nature regardless of their age. She has teens and makes this super practical for things that they would enjoy too, and she shares these incredible benefits of what happens when we simply step outdoors. She's also going to share approachable ways to introduce our family to great art and other cultures, and she gives us a fabulous book list, so, make sure you stay tuned through the end of the episode so that you can see some of the top books that she recommends. Finally, if you don't have a copy of her own latest release entitled Soul School, I highly recommend you purchase that today. Here's our chat.   Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, Amber.   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (2:02 - 2:04) Thank you so much. I'm so happy to be here.   Laura Dugger: (2:04 - 2:14) Well, I'd love for you just to start us off and introduce us to your family, and will you just share a glimpse of your values and lifestyle?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (2:15 - 3:48) Absolutely. So, I live outside of Atlanta, Georgia with my husband Scott and our four children. We are just entering birthday season, but shortly they will be 16, 14, 12, and 10. The girls are the two oldest. The boys are the two youngest, and they've been homeschooled from the beginning, so, we're a homeschooling family. I'm originally from Illinois. My husband's originally from Ohio, but we met here in Atlanta at the High Museum of Art, which is really special. We are art loving, you know, fine arts loving, liberal arts loving family, and so, the idea that we met at the museum, I will just cherish that forever. I came to, before homeschooling, I was a stay-at-home mom, and prior to having children, I have an MBA, and I worked in corporate America in like marketing and advertising, and Scott comes from a similar background with the MBA, and he was doing work in that area too, so, we had that as a connection point, but I have always stayed home with the kids, and you know, our values are rooted in our Christian faith, and we're an African-American family, and so, we have values and cultural aspects that enter our home through that avenue as well. We are world travelers, so, we enjoy that as part of who we are, and I'm an author and a speaker, and I'm just a very happy homeschooler.   Laura Dugger: (3:48 - 4:12) I love that, and it sounds like such a rich and abundant life, and there's two little connections that I have to go back to. My husband and I had a date at that same museum. I love that you met your husband there. Oh wow, that's wild! And so, we met when we were in Atlanta, but live in Illinois now, so, which part of Illinois were you originally from?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (4:12 - 4:33) I'm from Elgin, Illinois. It's out past O'Hare Airport, and I was born and raised there. My parents were both public school principals there. My dad was principal of Elgin High, and there's actually an elementary school, Ron O'Neal Elementary School in Elgin, named after my father, so, that is where I'm from.   Laura Dugger: (4:33 - 4:46) Wow, okay, so, then even with that piece, your father being a principal, and then you said you've homeschooled since the beginning. Did you always anticipate you would homeschool, or what was your journey into that?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (4:47 - 7:15) Oh my gosh, never, and it's both of my parents were principals, so, that's wild. My grandfather was an elected school board official. My sister was an elected school board official, so, public school is just, you know, in my blood from the very beginning, and that's what I assumed I would do for my kids at first. Once Scott and I got married, and we had discussed it, we decided that I would stay home when they were little, and when they were old enough to go to school, I would go back to work, and my salary would pay for private Christian school tuition, and as the years, you know, months really came to fruition for my oldest, my husband started backpedaling, and he started talking this crazy talk about homeschooling. I'm like, that's a switcheroo for you. What are you talking about? I was like, that's weird. I don't want to do that. I don't feel called to do that. That does not seem like a comfortable space for me. I don't want my kids to endure that, and ultimately, I lacked confidence in that. I couldn't even articulate it. It felt scary, terrifying. Why would I take something so weighty into my own hands, and Scott was very persistent, and I can't even explain why he was so persistent about it, but I think to me, I feel like it was planted in him by the Lord, and he felt that this was the way he wanted to lead his family, and he did it so graciously because I was very resistant. He asked, would you please try it for one year, and if you are unhappy, you don't think it's right. I'll never ask you about it again, and that gave me a softer place to land where I felt like it wasn't signing up for a long-term commitment because I knew I was going to hate it, and I said, sure. I will do that, and oh, my gosh. It was the most amazing year, and I laugh now because my daughter was four, so, she's like four and turned five during that year, and so, she was so young, and people were like, well, what were you really doing, but I took it so seriously. I was doing all things, and I joined a homeschool support group, and I was reading about it, and I realized on Friday, I'm a stay-at-home mom, and on Monday, I took on this identity of a homeschooling mom, and it's just been a beautiful journey for us. I'm so thankful that the Lord led Scott in that way. He knew what was right, not just for our children, but for me, too, when I had no vision for it, and so, I'm just, you know, very grateful.   Laura Dugger: (7:16 - 7:30) I love that story. That's such an encouragement, and, okay, your oldest is turning 16, so, when you look back, what would you say has helped shape your children's character the most?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (7:32 - 9:29) Well, I think the time that we've all had to spend together, like intense amounts of time, so, not just quality time or quantity time, but both, and I think that there's nothing else I could have done that could replace that, so, I think that's one of the things. I think my own acceptance of the divine nature of me being their mother and those being my children, and really that leading me to embrace my mother's intuition, which is something that I was hesitant for at first because there are so many experts, and surely they know so much more than me, and that's not to say that that's not important. I read so widely. I'm always reading expert ideas and views, but what I realized is that those things can help me as tools. They can mentor me, but they can't master me because the master has already appointed me as the perfect mom for these children, and nobody knows them, the little tiny details of them that nobody knows more than me, and so, when I leaned into that and I'm like, yeah, this says this online, this book said that, this thing says that, I can take what I can from those, but ultimately I feel the spirit telling me and leading me in this way with these children, and when I really leaned into that, I have a right to do that. I am their mother. That revolutionized things, and I think that's what's helped shape my children's character the most is my willingness to lean into how I'm led to lead them, and so, that's been a motherhood journey for me, and I hope that it's a legacy that I leave with my children.   Laura Dugger: (9:31 - 9:53) And do you have any specific stories that come to mind that were examples of that mother's intuition, something that really I think it is such a gift from the Lord and that the Holy Spirit speaks to us in some unique way as mothers to be in tune with our kids, so, is there a time that it really benefited them when you exercised your mother's intuition?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (9:53 - 12:42) Well, there was one time with my third, my son, my oldest son, his name is Beckett, and he was in the high chair eating while I was braiding my daughter's hair, and I heard him start making like these really weird noises, and I looked over and it was like he was choking and gagging, and I run over, and but he seemed fine, but then he would do it again, and he started sweating, and you know today I really would say, you should call 9-1-1, but I didn't, I threw all the kids in the car, and I rushed to the ER, and when we got there he wasn't choking anymore, he wasn't sweating, they did his vitals and everything, and they said, well mom, whatever happened passed, he's fine, and you guys can go home, and I was like, no, he's not fine, I'm looking at him, he's not my little boy, his vitals are checking out, but he's not looking at me the way he normally looks at me, he's not interacting with me, the little funny things that I can make him smile all the time, he's not responding to them, and so, like, I know you have your tests, but like my, I'm telling you something's wrong with my little boy, so, they have a doctor, he comes in to tell me everything's fine, and he's sending me home, and so, I was like, well I'm not leaving, I'll just spend the night in the ER then with all my kids, because I know something's wrong, and the doctor, who's this older man, he turns to me, he looks me in my eyes, and he says, you know, in all my years of medical training, there's something that they never told us, but something I've learned throughout my career, never doubt a mother's intuition, and he said, we'll take him and run more tests, and they took Beckett back to run more tests, and they came back and said, you were right, he has swallowed a coin, and it's like just teetering on the precipice, and so, at times it was blocking his airway, and at times it was shifted a little bit, and we have to go in immediately and get it, and that could have choked him, if you had just gone home and put him down to bed, and so, in that story, I took away two things, one, that I am his mother, and I don't care what the test says, or what the data says, or what the news, or a book, at the end of the day, I knew that something was wrong with my boy, the other thing is the graciousness of that doctor, to see my humanity and my personhood beyond just the insurance payment, or protocol, or whatever, it let me know that like there's something powerful about letting other people know that you see them, and that you are connected to them, as another part of God's creation, like he respected me on that level, so.   Laura Dugger: (12:43 - 13:35) That is incredible, I'm so grateful that that story has a happy ending, and that you were assertive to say that, I think sometimes as women, probably especially as Christian women, we can think, oh I want to be nice, or not push back on somebody, but I love that you were assertive, it was what was in your child's best interest, and like you highlighted, that doctor's humility is admirable, but Amber, you mentioned too that you're a writer, and you contribute a lot to things like the Wild and Free bundles, and I was always struck by the way that you would be out in nature, and there's so much to learn, so, if you had to boil it down, what wisdom would you have to share from what you've learned about the importance of getting our kids and ourselves outdoors into nature?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (13:36 - 16:49) Yeah, that's so funny, I love that you asked me that, because I like to tell people I was raised in the air conditioning, and so, there is no one who began motherhood further away from nature and being outdoors than me, like, and I can look back at those early days of like, I knew you could take your kids to the playground, and I did do that, but like what else would you do outside, you know, and people would be like, oh we went hiking on this trail, and I was like, where did you get on it, like where do you find a trailhead, like I mean this is back, like this is where I was coming from, and I was just like, and then what would we do, like we just walk, and do we talk about trees, I don't know any trees, I know Christmas trees are evergreens, you know, so, it was just like coming from this very like foundational place where I didn't know anything, but I believed, right, I believed, I somehow inherently believed when I read that being outdoors was important for children, so, I'm reading Charlotte Mason's work, and she's talking about nature study, I'm reading Last Child in the Woods by Louvre, and I'm hearing about this, he calls it a nature deficit disorder, and I'm reading all of these different kind of people who really respected childhood, and personhood, and really wanted the best for children, I'm reading a Christian perspective of the joy in connecting with God's creation, first and foremost, but also this idea of encouraging natural and authentic physical activity, running, climbing, balancing, exploring, developing coordination, and confidence, and the mental health components, you know, reducing stress, and improving mood, and not just for the kids, but my friend from A Thousand Hours Outside, she talks about how the first time she like took her kids out for the whole day, it was for her, because she was going crazy with these all these little kids, and the house, and the bags, and the diaper bag, and the snacks, and she didn't know what else to do, so, she just went outside, and how healing that was, and therapeutic that was for all of them, the idea of curiosity, of fueling curiosity, and creativity, I've never seen my kids come up with the most, I mean, they come up with imaginative things in our house, but outside, the, oh my goodness, the things they come up with, the things they create, and make, and the storytelling that comes out of that, and I think the family bonds, our experiences, it's another way of memory making, I mean, we make memories when we go see plays, and musicals, and travel as well, so, it's not the only way, but it's a strong way of that shared outdoor adventures, so, like a couple weeks ago, we were all whitewater rafting, it's funny, like a lot of funny things happen when you're out there doing crazy stuff, and so, we have a lot of laughter, and we have a lot of inside jokes that come from our time together, so, I think that all of those, it's not just one thing, it's one of those rare things where there are all the pros, and there really are no cons, and so, I intentionally embrace that for my family, even though it's everything that I didn't have growing up.   Laura Dugger: (16:50 - 17:41) Wow, that is so interesting, I love how books have really inspired you to make changes that have benefited your entire family, and I'm thinking back years ago when I was in grad school, studying marriage and family therapy, there was this book that we read, Letters to a Young Therapist, I believe the author is Mary Pipher, and she said something that I found to be very true in my life, she said, from childhood when we all look back, our memories typically boil down to three categories, one is family dinners around the table, the second is traveling with our family, and the third is anytime we were outdoors, and so, I'm wondering that legacy that you're giving your kids, they're going to have an abundance of memories in all three of those buckets.   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (17:42 - 18:29) Yeah, I love that, and I had never read that, it's making me want to go and read her work, but I can't agree more, I mean that's what I've seen anecdotally, at least in my family, and it's definitely been the case for us, I can totally see that, the other thing I love about outdoors too is it's free, you know, so, there have, we've had times of plenty and times of not quite enough financially throughout our journey, due to layoffs, and you know, recessions, and all these different things, but that has been one thing that the travel hasn't always been as consistent as we wanted, but the nature, the time outside has always been accessible, even during COVID, that was accessible to us, so, I love it for that too, but yeah, that's really cool.   Laura Dugger: (18:29 - 18:41) Absolutely, okay, so, you started with, you were getting some inspiration from different books and speakers, but then when did you actually implement this? Do you remember how old your kids were?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (18:42 - 20:11) Right away, so, my oldest was like four, five years old, and we started going outside, now again, we had always been going to the park, so, they had been spending a lot of time outside, but I will say like that's like a very, you know, man-made structures, and you know, I can't think of it, like very cultivated space, so, we weren't spending time in uncultivated space until around there, so, maybe a four-year-old, two-year-old, and infant, and I know they started growing up in that way, and I had kids in an ergo on the back, and I remember hiking with a kid in an ergo on the front, and then snapped another one on the back, and you know, these are memories I have of being outdoors thoroughly by the time the boys were coming along, and I remember the story where we were at a creek, and I looked up for a moment, and just sheer panic that my little boy was gone, he wasn't in my eyesight anymore, and the girls were playing there, and I'm like, you know, and I look, and look, and look, and there's nothing, and no one, and all I can think you sees in the water, and I wasn't paying attention, and my heart's racing, and I'm like, girls, where's your brother? And my daughter says, mommy, he's sleeping on your back. And I'm like, oh my gosh, I just think, like, I was so tired during those years, and I just remember, I would just think, let's just go outside, and some days that's just the most I could come up with, but yeah, I was freaking out, and the little boy was sleeping on my back.   Laura Dugger: (20:12 - 21:50) And now a brief message from our sponsor.   Sam Leman Chevrolet in Eureka has been owned and operated by the Burchie family for over 25 years. A lot has changed in the car business since Sam and Stephen's grandfather, Sam Leman, opened his first Chevrolet dealership over 55 years ago.   If you visit their dealership today though, you'll find that not everything has changed. They still operate their dealership like their grandfather did, with honesty and integrity. Sam and Stephen understand that you have many different choices in where you buy or service your vehicle. This is why they do everything they can to make the car buying process as easy and hassle-free as possible. They are thankful for the many lasting friendships that began with a simple welcome to Sam Leman's. Their customers keep coming back because they experience something different.   I've known Sam and Stephen and their wives my entire life, and I can vouch for their character and integrity, which makes it easy to highly recommend you check them out today. Your car buying process doesn't have to be something you dread, so, come see for yourself at Sam Leman Chevrolet in Eureka. Sam and Stephen would love to see you, and they appreciate your business. Learn more at their website, LehmanEureka.com, or visit them on Facebook by searching for Sam Leman Eureka. You can also call them at 309-467-2351. Thanks for your sponsorship.   I'm wondering too, so, when you began, what did you start with? What did you do outside?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (21:51 - 24:13) So, we started with walking, and I also was very verbal about my, what I felt were my inadequacies with friends, and that's why, you know, I can't overemphasize the, I haven't brought that up yet, but the idea of community. You don't need a hundred friends, just a few people who either are doing the same thing as you, have done it, or know you personally so well. But I had a friend who was like this outdoor enthusiast, and I always admired her for that, and she'd be like, oh, I went to the hydrangeas, they're coming out today, and they're gonna bloom for four days, and you know, like, and she would be like, oh, do you want some wild blueberries? And I'd be looking at her with side eye, like, girl, I only eat blueberries from Publix, because how do I know that you know what you're doing? You know, those could be poisonous berries you identified wrong. So, we had this kind of ongoing thing, I just asked her, I was like, hey, could we go outside with you guys sometimes? And she was like, of course. So, our first hike was with her and her kids, and she showed me how to go outside and do nothing. Like, we didn't do anything, we just walked. And the kids let us, you know, they would stop and ponder things and ask questions, which she knew the answers to, but wouldn't answer. So, she was like, well, what do you think? Or that's something cool we can investigate, or whatever. So, I realized, wow, here's this expert naturalist who's not even using her expertise. I don't have any expertise, so I could do the same thing. Well, what do you think about that? So, the kids let us, we stopped when they stopped, we kept going when they kept going. We had plenty of water and snacks, which she had told me, which was important. And that was my first thing. It was a hike. And after that, I only went back to that place by myself with my kids without her, because that was the only trail I knew. I knew where to park and where to go, and I felt confident. And then lo and behold, I run into Charlotte Mason's work, where she talks about returning to the same place throughout the year, and having your kids compare what's happening their season to season. And so, different rationale for why I was doing that. But then I was like, look, there's beauty, even in the simplicity of me not knowing what else to do. So, that's kind of how we got into it. And then I started having more experience and going out and being more adventurous further away from home with my kids.   Laura Dugger: (24:14 - 24:24) Okay, so, then what other ways has it evolved? You mentioned whitewater rafting. So, you've got teens now. What does your time outdoors look like in this phase?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (24:25 - 26:02) So, lots of camping. So, you know, Memorial Day weekend, you know, we were camping in yurts with friends. This past weekend, we camped, we had a big Juneteenth celebration, and then we went camping for Juneteenth weekend. And so, I would say that kayaking, paddle boards, we have paddle boards, we take out fishing, I hate fishing personally, don't like it at all. But two of my kids enjoy fishing. So, I'm there for that. I'll just bring a book or whatever, because it's quite boring to me, but they love it. So, we moved. I mean, how much of a commitment is that we moved to a different house, when we were able to have our whole property is forest floor. So, it's completely shaded and intertwined with trees and plants and a kind of wild scape. And across the road is a lake where the boys can fish and I can call their names for lunch and they can hear me now. I have to yell it loud. It's kind of country. Other people probably like what is going on? I'm like, you know, but they can hear me right there. And so, the creek and just really everything. A lot, a lot of hiking, I will say we live near a mountain and we're in Georgia. So, the North Georgia mountains are not far from us. We have Appalachia or Appalachia, as my friend said, I mispronounce it. And yeah, there's nothing that isn't my one of my first dates with Scott was whitewater rafting. So, we've always kind of embraced that.   Laura Dugger: (26:03 - 26:37) Oh, that's a special way to tie in a married couple memory with your kids and get to pass that along. And water and mountains, those things are, they never get old. But I've heard others even say like, you don't have to take stuff other than water and snacks, like you mentioned, to go outside. But I like the practical tips that sometimes people take art supplies, and they can nature journal or a book to read aloud. Do you have any other practical tips like that, that you would encourage if somebody wanted to get started with this lifestyle?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (26:38 - 28:47) Yeah, I would say, um, we, okay, the best thing I can say is to just try it like I think that oftentimes I know my I'm like this, you want to try to be an expert at something before you actually put it into practice. And the point is, like, we're looking at someone's work or something that they're doing after years that they've been in practice. And then we're expecting to do that from the very beginning. And until we get there, we don't want to do it. So, for example, nature study, nature journaling, I always admired nature journaling. But when you look at people's nature journals that they people who are willing to share, there's usually a reason they're willing to share theirs because it looks beautiful. And mine didn't also look beautiful. But I was still willing to give it a try. And I love that. And I love my kids, what they've worked on. And I cherish all of our early beginning sketches. And quite honestly, I'm still not great. But I think having tools like watercolor pens and water pens where we can do watercolor on the go. And we've done many pictures out by the side of the creek on picnic blankets, especially like my older children while younger people are like, What do I do with these little ones like water, you know, like they love that splashing, making sandcastles and things while I'm painting or doing things watercolors with the with the older ones. And were they museum worthy? No. But there was a lot of enjoyment involved in a skill-based learning. So, I think asking questions and inquiry, using pictures, sure and painting, but also keeping track of things the the date that our cherry blossoms bloom, and our white cherry blossom blooms before the pink one every year and keeping track of that or paying trying to map all of the vegetation in our yard like we are, you know, know which trees what they're called where they come from that takes time. And those are things we've done. It's not like we're only just sitting there barefoot grounding ourselves and forest bathing. You know, we're out there learning as well. And I think that, you know, both are beautiful ways to enter into that.   Laura Dugger: (28:48 - 29:34) I love it. There's so many benefits. And you even mention grounding that helps so much going barefoot with inflammation and different body systems that are reset even by getting out and getting early morning light and the serotonin that's produced that turns into melatonin at night. So, we're happier in the day and sleepier at night, resetting systems in our eyes and like healing our body in different ways to an even how much better outdoor air is for us than indoor air. The benefits just go on and on. So, would you have any to add that either your family has experienced personally, or you've learned about just benefits of getting outdoors?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (29:34 - 31:29) Yeah, I think that one, even, you know, all the things you said, yes, and also the mental clarity. And that's why I don't like being time outdoors, being tied to a negative consequence for academic related behavior. So, the house across the road from ours, you know, I could say ironically, or just be like, God chose to gift us. It's a homeschooling family. They moved in a couple years ago, and they have some kids are some of our kids are similar ages. And our boys are just outside all the time together hours and hours and hours every single day. And I see the difference on days where the weather doesn't permit it or where one family or the other, you know, isn't available. There's a difference in terms of clarity and the work that's happening at the lesson table as well. And this came up, you know, my nephew, you know, they're not homeschooled, and his parents took him on a trip, which caused him to miss a day of school. And he missed an assignment that day, he didn't turn it in. And so, the school then when he got back to school punished him by keeping him indoors for recess. And I was helping, you know, my family craft a note that talks about two things. One, they punished a child for a decision the parents made. And that is grossly unfair, they should be talking to the parents about not missing school, if that's the important thing. And the second thing is, you took away the very thing that allows these children to have what they need to sit quietly and take in, you know, that that's not, that's not how you that's not an appropriate consequence. So, anyway, I feel that the mental clarity beyond the things I would have named the same things you already said, it would be the only other thing that I would bring in and why time outside actually helps us to achieve deeper and broader and more expansive learning when we are inside.   Laura Dugger: (31:29 - 31:54) That's good. And I love how you keep mentioning the piece of community that that's the best way to do this. So, regardless of somebody homeschools, or they don't, how can all of us actually prioritize this? And what's a good, healthy goal for getting started, even as specific as how much time outdoors, how many outdoors or how many days a week should we be outdoors?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (31:55 - 33:01) Yeah, that's, it's so different for every family, I think that you should go just past the point of comfort, you know, for most of us. So, if the point of comfort for you is like 30 minutes a week, then you would start out like aim for an hour a week, you know, 20 minutes, three days, if you're already outside for, you know, 10 hours, a couple hours each day, you know, I would say, maybe shake it up with what you're doing and see what would it be like to go on a really long outdoor excursion on a Saturday, or to take a day off or something like that. So, I don't want to say an exact number, because we're all entering in at a different place. For me, if someone had told me to spend eight hours outside with my kids, when I was first starting, and I'm used to going to playground for 20 minutes, that would have been overwhelming. And I would have been like; there's no way I'm ever gonna do it. So, I think like, just taking it, like, where do I feel most comfortable? And how can I push myself just past that point would be a great place to start and kind of a nice place to always stay? Like, what's the next thing that we can do to lean further into this?   Laura Dugger: (33:02 - 33:15) That's really good, very wise counsel. And Amber, you've mentioned that your family loves to travel. So, will you share any adventures that you've had as a family with world schooling?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (33:16 - 36:20) So, our goal, and it's just a fun thing, you know, I don't know if we'll totally do it, but I think we will, is to have children. So, for us, world schooling is where we're not on vacation, but we're actually deeply immersed in a learning stance in another country, another part of the world. And we're trying to do that on every continent, except Antarctica, before my oldest graduates. So, we have two continents left, we are going to be going to Asia in the fall. So, we'll be taking that one off of our list and for that particular feat. And then her senior year, we'll do Australia and hop over to New Zealand. That's the plan, if it's God's will for us to do that, that's what we would like to do, and that will complete our journey. And then we'll keep traveling, but that was just kind of a fun thing to help lead us, because there are so many places in the world to go, like how do you know? And so, that kind of helped us know, well, let's do this continent, let's do that continent. So, we took our first trip, we spent three months in South America, most of it spent in Bolivia. And I can tell you exactly the kids' ages, because my youngest turned two in Bolivia. So, they were two, four, six, and then one turned eight there. And so, that was, you know, diapers, I had a baby in diapers, a little one in diapers and still nursing when we went on our first trip. And I've never regretted that. People have said, why would you take kids so young? You know, they're not going to remember. And I think a couple thoughts. One, you'd be surprised, they do remember. They may not remember this artifact in some museum, but that's not what we spend most of our time doing. But they remember the people. And we've kept in touch with a lot of the people that we've met in these different countries. And we've even had visitors in our home, staying in our basement apartment that we met abroad. So, they do remember. They remember how things feel and taste more than they remember exactly, like historical markers and things like that. Also, I kind of compare it to like breastfeeding and nursing, like my kids, except for one little boy who held on way too long, but they don't remember that. But I believed that it was something good for them that was forming. It was helping to form who they were, not so much who they were personality wise, but their bodies as they were growing. And so, sometimes we do things that are foundational to our children's development, even if they don't have a conscious and direct memory of that thing. And that's how I see world travel. So, we've been to Europe, and we were in Greece when COVID hit. We were in the middle of a big trip there. So, we had the whole struggle to get back to the United States. We've been to West Africa, most spent in Ghana, England, France. We're going to Ethiopia this year. So, yeah, that's kind of, that's our thing.   Laura Dugger: (36:20 - 37:04) Wow. And those memories are incredible. Even let's say your children forget some of this, or if they're too young to remember all of it, you remember this and you get to share those stories with them and pass that along. I can't even imagine all of the learning that takes place from being immersed in those other cultures. But you also mentioned welcoming people into your basement apartment. So, you sound hospitable as a family. What does that actually look like? And I'm kind of going to throw two questions at you. What does that actually look like? And then both for world schooling and hospitality, what are tips for ways we can replicate that as well?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (37:06 - 39:52) So, one thing that's important to me to always share about world schooling, I have a whole chapter about our world schooling adventures in my first book, but one important thing that I call out there is Eli Gerzen. He's the guy who came up with the word world schooling. And he says, you know, we don't even need a passport to do it. That world schooling is really learning from the world around you. It could be your local library. It could be the internet. It could be your neighbors. And so, while I use this more global term of world schooling, because that's just what we call it in our family, the truth of the matter is it's a way of seeing the world and seeing all the opportunity to make connections right where you're sitting. And people are like, oh, you guys have so much money. I can't do that. First of all, we don't have so much money. Like, for instance, we have one car, right? So, there are sacrifices that we make that other people may choose to spend their money in a different way. So, we definitely don't have a ton of money. But more importantly, I'm thinking, yeah, you're saying that you don't have money, but how much have you explored your county? Like, what do you know about the history of your county? And have you been to your local historical society? And have you really, you know, got in? Have you been to an old the oldest cemetery within driving distance of your home? Have you gotten a tour of it to hear the stories of who's there? Like, you can have that same inquiry and curiosity without ever leaving. So, I'll say that first. And in terms of the hospitality part, it's like an it's an intention, right? You have to like, decide that you're going to do that, because it's so much easier not to have people at first view, like, oh, my house is not clean, and blah, blah, blah. And people don't just stop by the way they used to stop by, like my grandparents' house, it was so fun staying there in the summer, because people just folks just came in and out all day, just they come calling is what they call it, they come calling. And even when we read Jane Austin, people leaving the call guard, you know, when they came to visit, and you weren't there, like, there was this idea that you didn't have to have an appointment. And now you do, you have to let someone know before you're coming. So, it's a choice to be vulnerable, if you want to be hospitable in that way that people will see your, you know, dirty bones of your house. And you know that you're not always presenting this, like really sanitized version of your family and your family life. And so, I think that's intentional decision to say it's more important to us to be with other people and let them in than it is for us to always sanitize everything before they get here. And I don't mean sanitizes and clean the house that too, but I mean sanitizes and everyone's behaving the way that I want them to behave in front of people and all of that as well.   Laura Dugger: (39:53 - 41:05) When was the first time you listened to an episode of The Savvy Sauce? How did you hear about our podcast? Did a friend share it with you? Will you be willing to be that friend now and text five other friends or post on your socials anything about The Savvy Sauce that you love? If you share your favorite episodes, that is how we continue to expand our reach and get the good news of Jesus Christ in more ears across the world. So, we need your help.   Another way to help us grow is to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts. Each of these suggestions will cost you less than a minute, but it will be a great benefit to us. Thank you so much for being willing to be generous with your time and share. We appreciate you.   Well, and I think it is a biblical command for all of us and it does bless the person or the people that we are hosting, but there are also rewards for us in the process. So, if you even just could think of one reward of a way that this hospitality has blessed your family, what would you say?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (41:07 - 41:55) Well, I would say John chapter five, it says, you know, this verse we've all heard, "I am the vine, you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit apart from me, you can do nothing." So, you know, when we talk about hospitality, we spend a lot of time talking about what my family is doing for other people. But also, that means that my family is constantly in contact with other believers and other people who are helping us with our faith to helping us to remain connected to Jesus. And without that connection, we know that there's nothing that we can do, nothing of any spiritual significance. So, while I'm inviting those people into our lives, it also ensures that my family is not alone in what we're trying to do in our faith. So, like, that's one of a very easy benefit, I can say right off the top.   Laura Dugger: (41:56 - 42:18) Then that one is truly invaluable for our children to get to witness the way other people live out their faith, and it impacts each of us. But I'm also curious, how do you manage your time so that you can be a content creator, and you can homeschool and travel and cultivate these relationships?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (42:20 - 46:08) So, first, let me say that it's not always easy. And there are seasons where I feel like I'm doing a really good job with that. And there are seasons where I feel like I'm not doing a good job. I always prioritize my family first. And so, during the seasons where I feel like I'm not doing a good job, it's very public. People can see I did not post on Instagram for a month, or I'm not speaking as much. They're finding it harder to find opportunities to hear me speak, or I have a long lull before books are published. Those are times where I've turned inward towards my family, where I felt like I didn't have the bandwidth for everything. And so, that's something I have to deal with on a constant basis, because I know that my business or my ministry is not as rich and robust as it could be. I have ideas for days. I have ideas and the ability to bring them to fruition. But I'm not willing to sacrifice the time that it takes to do those things in this season. Because even though I don't have little kids, I definitely have more time than I did when I had little kids. It's not even just time; it's more mind clarity as well. But I don't have as much time as people with little kids would think, because I want to be fully present, even for my teens. When they want to talk to me, I want to be talkable too. I want to be available to them. And we're going to places. We're doing things. They're busy. I'm busy. And I'm trying to prepare them for young adulthood. And that's just as time-consuming as trying to prepare my young children for the next stage of their development. So, I guess it's so messy. Oh my gosh, it's messy. It's chaotic. It's a little bit crazy. But in the center of it all, I really appreciate the opportunities I do have to do the things that help refuel, help me refuel. So, I'm a writer. So, writing isn't just about creating a book. It's that I get to create a book, but really it's about the process and how cathartic it is for me to sit in silence and wonder about things and be able to write them out. And oh, lo and behold, there's a publisher who is interested in publishing those things. But the real work for me is in the process of writing. Then when I come home from a coffee shop or I emerge from my room, I come back more enthusiastic about what it is we're working on and what we're doing. The other thing that I would share is that I don't do all of that stuff by myself. So, things that people don't, just like I say, I have one car and we travel the world, people are like, oh, okay, this is not what I thought. My husband does all the laundry, every piece of laundry in this house that the teens do their own, but all the laundry that's done, he does and has done for over a decade. So, that's a thing I have to say, because you might be picturing that I'm doing all of those things. Or when I wrote one of my books, I was struggling and Scott was like, how can I help you? And he was like, what if we get help to come in with the kids like a nanny or something a few hours a week? I'm like, no, that's the last thing I want somebody to touch. So, he's like, well, what is it? So, we hired a chef, and she would prepare all of our dinners according to like what I, how I like my family to eat and lots of whole foods and good things. And she would drop them off at our house. It was very expensive, but I used part of the money from the advance from the publisher to pay for that so that I could write the book. So, I think those are things that a lot of times people don't talk about, but I have support in place. I'm not super woman any more than anyone else.   Laura Dugger: (46:08 - 46:49) Oh, I appreciate that real picture and those creative ideas because as mothers, we don't just make goals for ourselves. Like you said, we have these dreams and ideas that we could put into practice, but we consider our relationships as well and how it will impact everyone. So, I love hearing practically how that plays out for you and the trade-offs that you've chosen to make. And I know that you and I also share a passion for reading aloud. So, if we could get really practical for a moment, what are some of your most recommended read aloud for families from a variety of age groups?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (46:50 - 53:05) Well, I'm always ready for that question, but I have to say, it's almost asking me, which of my children are my favorite? It's so hard in so many ways, but for younger elementary, I picked three books that I think kind of help show how expansive I feel like I want my children's reading life to be. So, this book is called Indigo Dreaming, and it's a book about two girls, one's in North America and another one we can believe is off the coast of Africa. And they're both doing what they do in their own homes. And it's beautifully illustrated also, but they're both doing what they do in their own homes while wondering, is there another little girl in this world doing what I do, liking what I like? Well, indeed there is. And it's poetic and it has soft paintings. It's just stunning. And then another one is called The Magic Doll. It's a children's book inspired by African art. And in this book, the mother desperately wants to have a child, but she's dealing with infertility, and she turns to the use of an infertility doll. And what would I say about that? My family doesn't believe that, but it's a book that I read with my children because we were going to visit this culture. And I wanted to explain to them how we can respect something and learn about it even without adopting it. And that you can understand the yearning of a mother's heart to hold a child in her hand and the desperation that that could bring about. And I wanted them to know that we would see fertility dolls there and what they meant and things like that. And it's also beautifully illustrated, which is important to me. And then this one's just a fun book. It's called I Had a Favorite Dress, but as the dress starts getting too small, she cuts it and turns it into a skirt. And then it gets turned into this. And then the little, small piece gets turned into some socks. And then it's just a little scarf and snip, snip, sew, sew, pretty hair bow. And so, the same piece of fabric, this favorite dress she had, every time she can't use it in that way anymore, it gets moved and shifted. Into something else. And this book reminds me to just, you know, sometimes we share heavier topics with our children, even beautiful topics, but sometimes it's just joy. Like that's the whole purpose of the book is to smile and have fun. And I'll move more quickly for the older elementary books. I have this book called Schomburg. It's a nonfiction book about Arturo Schomburg and the man who built a library, which is now housed. His home library is now housed as part of the collection of the public library system in New York. And he collected books about all types of black and brown people. And it was considered one of the foremost library collections. So, as a book lover, I love that story. This one's called Heart and Soul. It's the story of America and African Americans with stunning illustrations by Kadir Nelson. So, I love visual art. I always say my family, we can't afford to buy the most exquisite art for our walls, but we have an exquisite art collection through our picture books that I've collected. And then the last one is for that group is John Henry by Julius Lester and Jerry Pinkney illustrations. So, those are two powerhouses of African American author and illustrator. Both have passed. And it is the tall tale of John Henry told in a way that you've never seen before. For older kids, like middle schoolers, I love this one Big Open Sky because it's about some black exodusters who are moving west. And it goes so well for families who love Little House on the Prairie. But, you know, Little House on the Prairie, in some ways, there's some instances that are a little disrespectful to Native Americans and black people. And this is like a redemptive story, not instead of but alongside of it to say that there were black people that were also moving westward and what was their journey. And it's written in verse, like, oh, my gosh, I can't even tell you enough about that. This book, The Angel Orphan, my friend Leah Bowden wrote this book, and it's the story of Charlotte Mason. So, in chapter book form. So, there's also a picture book that someone wrote, but this is a beautiful story about Charlotte Mason. And my family's all-time favorite on my kids read aloud is The Winged Feather Saga by Andrew Peterson. And that whole series, oh, my goodness, that cemented so much of our family lexicon, because it's filled with like made up words. And it I mean, we have jokes and talks and sayings for days coming out of that series. For our older teenagers, um, or even early elementary, early middle school and early teenage years, the Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry is just like a such a classic, Mildred D. Taylor that many of us read. But she also wrote a young adult version where Cassie is entering young adulthood. So, different age audiences, but same author. And a lot of people haven't heard of the other book All the Days Past, All the Days to Come. So, for high school, I love that. And then I threw a couple things in for mama. I'm an epic story of called Homegoing about two sisters and the different paths their lives take during a time I'm part of it is told in Africa and part of its told in the United States. And the last book I have is this memoir, A Black Mother's Garden. It's called Soil. And she uses her actual real garden at her home to kind of give us this idea of life. And it's, it's, you know, it's, it's hard to explain, but it's her it's part memoir, part gardening, like learning and talking about the plants, but also how all of that can turn into kind of like the soil of your life and the people being plants, and she really focuses on wildflowers. So, it's a stunningly, like poignant and beautiful memoir. So, those are my favorite, you know, and now if you ask me tomorrow, you're going to get a different stack.   Laura Dugger: (53:07 - 53:27) I love it. What a gift to get to see all of those you and I share some of those favorites, and you've introduced me to some new ones. So, I'm very grateful and hope everybody listening feels the same. But speaking of books, you've authored more than one. But will you tell us about your most recent release entitled Soul School?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (53:28 - 55:58) Yeah, so, Soul School is it's Soul School: Taking Kids on a Joy Filled Journey Through the Heart of Black American Culture. And I know it's so hard with those. But it is a book of books. So, people who have enjoyed Honey for a Child's Heart, or The Read-Aloud Family, those types of books, which I have adored, and I have all of them, and I've highlighted them or, or Give Your Child the World is another one, highlighted them and dog eared them and have used them to check out books for the library for my children for many, many years. And, and at the same time, I was always very, you know, on my heart that the books that I spend a lot of time reading with my children that I choose and I select are never really included in most of those books.   And there was the season, you know, I'm like, frustrated, you know, I'm mad. I'm like, why? Why are they putting these books in here? And then the more I thought about it, I was like, the most you can ask for a mother to do when she's sharing these books, when it's coming from that is what she read with her children. So, am I going to be mad at her that she didn't read what I think she should read? No, do I wish that it had been more expansive? Sure, I do. But how many of us wouldn't go back and do something differently if knowing what we know today or whatever. So, I wrote a companion like the I see not to replace those books. But this book is filled with African American and black diasporic children's literature starting from preschool all the way through high school.   The first part of the book, I talk about what I'm looking for specifically in books about black American culture, and why those things are important. So, the first few chapters, first five chapters are really teaching the teacher. And then the rest of the book, which makes up most of the book are really rich annotated book lists with descriptions why I chose the book discussion questions, project ideas, and something called second helpings. Like when you think of a big soul food dinner, you go through the line the first time and you fill your plate, but then you go back for second helpings of the things that taste the very best. So, if your child likes this book, then here are two second helpings that they also would probably enjoy. And you know, the book was years in the making, I read all 300 plus books in there from cover to cover. And that's kind of my contribution to raising our children.   Laura Dugger: (56:00 - 56:40) Wow, I mean, it is a stunning piece of work. And there's so much for your family, but also for all of us. So, I think of being one of your kids, what a treasure that their mom read 300 books and put this together. But for all of us, I love books on books. And like you said, we can use it to go to the library or then once we read those and find which other ones we love, we can add it to our home collection. So, thank you for that powerhouse of work. And Amber, there's still so much more that you could share with us. Where can we go after this conversation to connect with you or to learn more?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (56:42 - 56:56) Go to heritagemom.com. And there you'll find all of my books and years' worth of blog posts and book recommendations and other things. My Instagram is @heritagemomblog and the same at Facebook.   Laura Dugger: (56:56 - 57:12) Wonderful. Okay, we will add those links to the show notes for today's episode. And you may be familiar that we're called The Savvy Sauce because savvy is synonymous with practical knowledge. And so, as my final question for you today, Amber, what is your savvy sauce?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (57:12 - 57:50) Oh, this is such a great question. I love this part of your podcast. I would say that my savvy sauce is learning to be a really great listener. Like if there's nothing else, then that's listening to my husband and the things of his heart and listening to my children and my neighbors and my friends.   But also, people I don't know, people in other places. And also, people I disagree with and being willing to be quiet and listen and take what I can from what they're sharing as well. So, that is, I think my savvy sauce is being an introspective listener.   Laura Dugger: (57:50 – 58:13) That is well said. You are such an inspiring and creative soul. And I have thoroughly enjoyed this chat. And I know I've been hearing you speak on other podcasts and reading your work for years. So, this was such a treat to get to connect with you today. And I just want to say thank you for being my guest.   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (58:14 - 58:16) Thank you so much for having me.   Laura Dugger: (58:16 - 1:01:59) One more thing before you go. Have you heard the term gospel before?   It simply means good news. And I want to share the best news with you.   But it starts with the bad news.   Every single one of us were born sinners, but Christ desires to rescue us from our sin, which is something we cannot do for ourselves.   This means there is absolutely no chance we can make it to heaven on our own.   So, for you and for me, it means we deserve death, and we can never pay back the sacrifice we owe to be saved.   We need a Savior. But God loved us so much, he made a way for his only son to willingly die in our place as the perfect substitute.   This gives us hope of life forever in right relationship with him. That is good news. Jesus lived the perfect life we could never live and died in our place for our sin.   This was God's plan to make a way to reconcile with us so that God can look at us and see Jesus.   We can be covered and justified through the work Jesus finished if we choose to receive what He has done for us.   Romans 10:9 says, “That if you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”   So, would you pray with me now?   Heavenly Father, thank you for sending Jesus to take our place.   I pray someone today right now is touched and chooses to turn their life over to you. Will you clearly guide them and help them take their next step in faith to declare you as Lord of their life?   We trust you to work and change lives now for eternity. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. If you prayed that prayer, you are declaring him for me, so me for him.   You get the opportunity to live your life for him.   And at this podcast, we're called The Savvy Sauce for a reason.   We want to give you practical tools to implement the knowledge you have learned. So, you ready to get started?   First, tell someone. Say it out loud. Get a Bible.   The first day I made this decision, my parents took me to Barnes & Noble and let me choose my own Bible.   I selected the Quest NIV Bible, and I love it. You can start by reading the book of John. Also, get connected locally, which just means tell someone who's a part of a church in your community that you made a decision to follow Christ.   I'm assuming they will be thrilled to talk with you about further steps, such as going to church and getting connected to other believers to encourage you.   We want to celebrate with you too, so feel free to leave a comment for us here if you did make a decision to follow Christ.   We also have show notes including where you can read scripture that describes this process. And finally, be encouraged.   Luke 15:10 says, “In the same way I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”   The heavens are praising with you for your decision today.   And if you've already received this good news, I pray you have someone to share it with. You are loved and I look forward to meeting you here next time.

Pick up a copy of Dr. Boedy's book: https://amzn.to/3JjnqQAMatthew Boedy was targeted by Turning Point USA in 2016 and listed on its “professor watchlist” after speaking up against allowing concealed guns on college campuses. As one of the foremost experts on Turning Point USA and its founder and CEO Charlie Kirk, Boedy exposes their role in perpetuating Christian nationalism in the United States and the threat to democracy they pose. With a background in journalism, an MFA in creative writing, and a PhD in rhetoric, he is a dynamic and experienced scholar whose first book, Speaking of Evil, explored the evolving rhetoric surrounding evil. Boedy currently teaches rhetoric and composition courses at the University of North Georgia and lives in Gainesville, Georgia, with his wife and two daughters.About his book, The Seven Mountains Mandate: Exposing the Dangerous Plan to Christianize America and Destroy Democracy:“A sobering assessment of the evolution of Christian nationalism.” –Publishers WeeklyExposing the decades-long plan to radically transform America, from Bill Bright and Loren Cunningham's 1975 “seven mountains” vision to Charlie Kirk's 2020 praise of Donald Trump for embracing it, The Seven Mountains Mandate reveals how prosperity preachers and political operatives are destroying democracy under Trump's second administration.The movement to install a populist strongman in the White House with a game plan for enforcing right-wing policies and catering to evangelical Christians started well before Donald Trump's first candidacy. For decades, a well-funded network of religious and political operatives has been quietly working to dismantle democracy and replace it with Christian theocracy. Their strategy? The seven mountains mandate—a plan to seize control of seven key pillars of American society and reshape the nation.Scholar Matthew Boedy exposes how this movement—driven by prosperity preachers, extremist politicians, and right-wing power brokers—laid the groundwork for Trump's presidency and is now advancing its agenda under his second administration. From local school board elections to billion-dollar megachurches, this multipronged effort is reshaping the country in ways most Americans don't even realize. Discover what has motivated the key players in this movement, how they've operated, and what is the unprecedented role of millennial “kingmaker” Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA and the new face of Christian nationalism and the seven mountains movement, who believes that “we finally have a president who understands the seven mountains of cultural influence.”Today's news is so much more than the scattershot orders of an extreme administration. With Project 2025 policies in motion, the seven mountains movement is closer than ever to its goal of turning America into a Christian nationalist state. Leaders of this movement have been playing a long game, undermining democracy to establish a theocracy, but it's not too late to halt their progress and reverse the tide. This book reveals what's happening behind the scenes—and what you can do to stop it.(As an Amazon associate, I receive a small commission from purchases made through links on this site.)✖️✖️✖️Support the Show: Patreon.com/PreacherBoys✖️✖️✖️If you or someone you know has experienced abuse, visit courage365.org/need-help✖️✖️✖️CONNECT WITH THE SHOW:preacherboyspodcast.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@PreacherBoyshttps://www.facebook.com/preacherboysdoc/https://twitter.com/preacherboysdochttps://www.instagram.com/preacherboyspodhttps://www.tiktok.com/@preacherboyspodTo connect with a community that shares the Preacher Boys Podcast's mission to expose abuse in the IFB, join the OFFICIAL Preacher Boys Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1403898676438188/✖️✖️✖️The content presented in this video is for informational and educational purposes only. All individuals and entities discussed are presumed innocent until proven guilty through due legal process. The views and opinions expressed are those of the speakers.✖️✖️✖️Music by Lou Ridley — “Bible Belt” | Used with permission under license.This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/PreacherBoys and get on your way to being your best self.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/preacher-boys-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Episode Notes In this episode, Lesley chats with Dr. Phillip Guerty from the University of North Georgia about the Satanic Panic and its influence on how people perceived music, movies and tabletop games. Characterized by allegations of ritual abuse, hidden satanic cults, and conspiracies within schools and communities, the movement reflected deep anxieties about religion, family, and social change. Please visit our website to see the latest things that the History Center is up to: https://www.negahc.org

GDP Script/ Top Stories for October 9th Publish Date: October 9th PRE-ROLL: From the BG AD Group Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. Today is Thursday, October 9th and Happy birthday to John Lennon I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by KIA Mall of Georgia. Lilburn Daze festival celebrates 53 years of community and creativity Gwinnett spending nearly $1 million for three new ambulances O’Dwyer Homes Breaks Ground on 'Build for CURE' home in Lawrenceville Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on budgeting All of this and more is coming up on the Gwinnett Daily Post podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen daily and subscribe! Break 1: Ingles Markets 10 STORY 1: Lilburn Daze festival celebrates 53 years of community and creativity Lilburn Daze—man, it’s come a long way. Picture this: back in the '70s, it was just a scrappy little thing in a shopping center parking lot. Now? It’s the fall festival in Gwinnett County. This Saturday, from 9 to 5, City Park on Main Street will be buzzing. Arts and crafts, food trucks, kids bouncing around (literally), live music, and even a health tent. Oh, and the Doggy Dazzle Paw-rade at 11 a.m.? Adorable chaos. Susan Allred, festival chair, says they’re expecting 5,000–10,000 folks. “It’s our biggest fundraiser,” she adds. Proceeds? They fuel community programs. So, grab a shuttle, bring your dog, and soak it all in. STORY 2: Gwinnett spending nearly $1 million for three new ambulances Gwinnett’s getting three shiny new ambulances—finally. On Tuesday, county commissioners approved a $932,383 deal with Life Line Emergency Vehicles, and if all goes to plan, they’ll arrive in December. One ambulance will roll in on a RAM 5500 chassis, while the other two will use Chevy 5500 chassis the county bought during the pandemic. (Remember those supply chain nightmares?) Turns out, they’ve just been sitting there, unused. Funded by the 2017 SPLOST, these ambulances are all-new, top to bottom. STORY 3: O’Dwyer Homes Breaks Ground on 'Build for CURE' home in Lawrenceville O’Dwyer Homes just broke ground on something truly special—a “Build for CURE” home, where every penny from the sale will go to CURE Childhood Cancer. The ceremony happened Sept. 17 at 1108 Duluth Highway in Lawrenceville, and honestly, it’s more than just a house. It’s hope. “This is personal,” says Kathy O’Dwyer. Years ago, she watched Sean Dever, her son’s best friend’s little brother, fight osteosarcoma. And Brandon, the builder? His son John battled leukemia at nine. Both families leaned on CURE during their darkest days. Now, John’s thriving, Sean’s thriving—and this home? It’s for the next family who needs a lifeline. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info. We’ll be right back Break 2: 07.14.22 KIA MOG STORY 4: Making waves: North Georgia students dive into water industry at leadership summit On a crisp September morning, over 160 high schoolers from across North Georgia showed up at The Water Tower in Buford, probably not expecting to leave thinking, Huh, maybe water’s my thing. But that’s exactly what happened. The Student Water Innovation and Leadership Summit (Sept. 26) wasn’t your typical career day. Students from schools like Mill Creek, Shiloh, and Discovery got hands-on—peering into microscopes, testing filtration systems, even diving into virtual reality. They learned water isn’t just faucets and pipes; it’s labs, engineering, crisis management, and, yes, running treatment plants. With a looming workforce gap (a third retiring soon!), programs like this are game-changers. STORY 5: Gwinnett installing sidewalks near Dyer Elementary Kids walking to Dyer Elementary in Dacula? It’s about to get a whole lot safer—and easier. Gwinnett County just approved a $1.3 million contract with Ohmshiv Construction to build new sidewalks near the school. The plan? Sidewalks will stretch along Hurricane Shoals Road (north side) from the school to Retreat Drive, and on Rabbit Hill Circle (west side) from Hurricane Shoals to Hood Road. The project, funded by the 2023 SPLOST, kicks off soon and should wrap up in 100 working days. Finally, some peace of mind for parents. We’ll be right back. Break 3: LILBURN DAZE And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on budgeting Break 4: We’ll have closing comments after this Break 5: CITY OF SUGAR HILL Signoff – Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at www.gwinnettdailypost.com Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Produced by the BG Podcast Network Show Sponsors: ingles-markets.com kiamallofga.com lilburndaze.org sugarrushartsfestival.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"A movement driven by prosperity preachers, extremist politicians, and right-wing power brokers laid the groundwork for Trump's presidency and is now advancing its agenda under his second administration. This multipronged effort against our national institutions is being led by millennial “kingmaker” Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA and the new face of Christian Nationalism."That's the book pitch for "Seven Mountains Mandate: Exposing the Dangerous Plan to Christianize America and Destroy Democracy," by Dr. Matthew Boedy, professor of English and rhetoric at the University of North Georgia.This isn't new ground for this show, but it brings into focus the role of Turning Points USA (TPUSA) and its assassinated leader, Charlie Kirk in this 'anything-but-Christian,' white nationalist movement that's been slowly, steadily working its way towards usurping democracy to maintain control by a white evangelical minority even if it means using an unholy man in Donald Trump to achieve their goals. He and I discuss his book along with his own occupational and personal safety in a right wing "cancel culture" fervor.Then, a local progressive minister, Cody Deese, touched on 'Christian nationalism' and its flock either being ignorant or "in line," mentally, with the likes of TPUSA's fallen leader and his intentionally hurtful statements. Deese, saying,  Now you start to see the exterior being a mirror to the interior."

Welcome to Go Gaddis Real Estate Radio. I'm Cleve Gaddis—here to help you move from novice to confident pro so buying and selling real estate is clear, simple, and stress-free. In this episode: Neighborhood Spotlight: We're highlighting Riverstone Park in Braselton, a beautiful community that offers incredible amenities and easy access to one of North Georgia's most charming towns. Discover Braselton: From historic downtown and wineries to world-class racing, Braselton blends history, culture, and entertainment into one unforgettable community. Selling Your Home? Sell the Lifestyle Too! Lance and Julia from Alpharetta ask how to make their home stand out in today's competitive market. The answer: buyers don't just buy homes, they buy into neighborhoods and lifestyles. We'll share strategies you can use with your agent to showcase the value of your community. Plus, I'll share more about our Upside program, which gives you all the options you need to sell smart and with confidence. Got a question or want to nominate your neighborhood? Visit GoGaddisRadio.com .

Trump once said he wanted generals like the Nazis. Today, at his limp MAGA rally, he made his pitch. Photos show military leaders looking stunned, confused, and struggling not to laugh. His approval ratings are collapsing, especially in swing states, as he flails in an Epstein cover-up implicating Mike Johnson, who's blocking the swearing-in of Arizona's new Democratic representative–the vote that could force a House debate on releasing the Epstein files. Trump is the Frankenstein's monster of a 50-year Christian nationalist plan using the prosperity gospel to turn America into a dictatorship, making him the most dangerous enemy from within. The Seven Mountain Mandate reads like a discarded Lord of the Rings draft where Sauron wins. It's a 50-year plan to bring a strongman like Trump to power and turn America into a dictatorship. Conceived in the 1970s by Bill Bright (Campus Crusade for Christ) and Loren Cunningham (Youth With A Mission), it emerged as a white-rage backlash to Civil Rights, bankrolled by Big Oil. Later, televangelist Lance Wallnau popularized it through Ziklag, a network for Christian nationalists worth over $25 million, and passed the torch to third-generation leaders like Charlie Kirk. Kirk's Turning Point USA targeted Matthew Boedy, a University of North Georgia professor, harassing him for speaking against guns on campus. After being placed on a “watch list,” Boedy began researching and wrote The Seven Mountains Mandate: Exposing the Dangerous Plan to Christianize America and Destroy Democracy. The Mandate's strategy is to dominate seven cultural “mountains”: Religion – Shape faith and morality to normalize fascism. Family – Patriarchal households dictate politics; LGBTQ+ people, feminists, immigrants, and academics are silenced, outlawed, and erased. Education – Raise children in a dominance culture where “might makes right” to normalize fascism. Government – Collapse church-state separation, recasting America as a “Christian republic,” not a democracy. Media – Control the narrative so news becomes propaganda. Arts & Entertainment – Capture Hollywood, TV, even TikTok, using culture as a weapon (i.e., attacks on Jimmy Kimmel). Business – The prosperity gospel – “Jesus wants you to fund my jet” – drew greed-driven donors who built the movement across generations. The goal: capture every cultural sphere until society mirrors their theology. Stopping it requires progressives to build their own generational strategy, rooted in empathy, inclusion, and solidarity. To start, see the Gaslit Nation Action Guide at GaslitNationPod.com.  We'll see you at the Gaslit Nation Halloween Party on October 22nd at 6pm ET with Sister District as we make calls to must-win state races in Virgina. RSVP here to join us: https://www.mobilize.us/sisterdistrict/event/847185/ Want to enjoy Gaslit Nation ad-free? Join our community of listeners for bonus shows, exclusive Q&A sessions, our group chat, invites to live events like our Monday political salons at 4pm ET over Zoom, and more! Sign up at Patreon.com/Gaslit!   Show Notes: The Seven Mountains Mandate by Matthew Boedy https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-seven-mountains-mandate-exposing-the-dangerous-plan-to-christianize-america-and-destroy-democracy-matthew-boedy/1246c2dda176acd7?ean=9780664269210&next=t Trump said Hitler ‘did some good things' and wanted generals like the Nazis, former chief of staff Kelly claims https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/trump-said-hitler-did-some-good-things-and-wanted-generals-like-the-nazis-former-chief-of-staff-kelly-claims Progressive House Democrats rebuke DCCC ‘blacklist' of companies working with primary challengers to incumbent Democrats https://www.cnn.com/2019/03/31/politics/dccc-primary-challenger-rule Hillary Clinton's 3-Word Misstep: 'All Lives Matter' https://www.npr.org/sections/itsallpolitics/2015/06/24/417112956/hillary-clintons-three-word-gaffe-all-lives-matter Trump Tells Military Leaders The Enemy Is 'Within' https://www.huffpost.com/entry/trump-speech-military-enemy-domestic_n_68dbf82ee4b003b6c8dc2fe2  Pete Hegseth accidentally flipping a skateboard into his nuts on live TV https://bsky.app/profile/patriottakes.bsky.social/post/3lzy5msbdis2t Sequim Washington anti-fascist protest: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxPBK-5N6UU New: ICE has bought a tool that tracks the locations of hundreds of millions of phones globally, updates every single day. Usually harvested from apps and advertising https://bsky.app/profile/jasonkoebler.bsky.social/post/3m23j4tmzuc2t Shadow Network: The Anne Nelson Interview - Part I https://www.gaslitnationpod.com/episodes-transcripts-20/2022/5/4/anne-nelson-part-01 Clip: https://bsky.app/profile/atrupar.com/post/3m22lragfsl2s Clip: https://bsky.app/profile/atrupar.com/post/3m22rfis56223 Clip: Televangelist Asks His Followers For $54m For Private Jet – NBC Nightly News https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiHghDYvpBU

Matthew Boedy, author of “Speaking of Evil”, comes to This Is Hell!! to talk about his new book "The Seven Mountains Mandate: Exposing the Dangerous Plan to Christianize America and Destroy Democracy" published by Westminster John Knox Press. Matthew was targeted by Turning Point USA in 2016 and listed on its “professor watchlist” after speaking up against allowing concealed guns on college campuses. As one of the foremost experts on Turning Point USA and its founder and CEO Charlie Kirk, Boedy exposes their role in perpetuating Christian nationalism in the United States and the threat to democracy they pose. He currently teaches rhetoric and composition courses at the University of North Georgia. A new installment of “This Week In Rotten History” from Renaldo Migaldi follows the interview. Help keep This Is Hell! completely listener supported and access bonus episodes by subscribing to our Patreon: www.patreon.com/thisishell

Notes and Links to Matthew Boedy's Work        Matthew Boedy has written for many publications and authored three books. He's appeared on CNN and MSNBC and in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and other media outlets.    He has been a leader in faculty organizing since 2020 as president of the Georgia conference of the American Association of University Professors, a national higher education advocacy group.     He completed his Ph.D. in English in 2015 at the University of South Carolina where he also received in 2010 a master's in creative writing. He most prizes his bachelor's degree in journalism in 2001 from the University of Florida and his work at the campus newspaper, the Independent Florida Alligator.     He is a full professor of rhetoric at the University of North Georgia. He researches and writes about religious rhetoric, particularly in the last few years about the rise of Christian Nationalism.     Buy The Seven Mountains Mandate: Exposing the Dangerous Plan to Christianize America and Destroy Democracy     Matthew's Website   Matthew Speaks on WBUR's “Here and Now” on The Seven Mountains Mandate   Article from Mother Jones: “His Book on Charlie Kirk Was About to Come Out. Then His Subject Was Murdered.   At about 1:50, Matthew responds to Pete's question about “exercising different muscles” in writing fiction, academic, and journalism At about 3:15, Matthew gives information on his book-publisher, summary, etc. At about 5:00, Matthew gives background on the book's title and subtitle in cover in response to Pete's question about added resonance for the book since Charlie Kirk's murder At about 8:25, Matthew responds to Pete's question about what Matthew has learned about the Turning Point and Charlie Kirk's influence as seen from outside the United States   At about 10:20, Matthew discusses seeds for the book At about 11:40, Matthew talks about why he wrote two Prefaces for the book, and how the 2024 Presidential Election was a huge turning point for Turning Point At about 12:45, Pete and Matthew trace the book's opening timeline and its significance in tracing the history of the Seven Mountains Mandate  At about 13:55, Matthew summarizes the Seven Mountains Mandates and talks about Charlie Kirk's “conversion” to the philosophy   At about 17:25, Matthew reflects on whether or not Charlie Kirk's “religious fervor” was authentic and on his turn to Christian nationalism  At about 19:45, Matthew responds to Pete's musings about the connection between “grifting” and Charlie Kirk's career At about 21:00, Matthew talks about the connections between the prosperity gospel and the Seven Mountains Mandate At about 22:15, Pete lays out some of the book's early writing on Project 2025, and Matthew expands on its connection to the mandate At about 23:30, Matthew emphasizes how the book is a lot about post-January 6 and connections to the “Mountain of Government" At about 24:10, Matthew talks about Bill Bright and Loren Cunningham and some early iterations of the mandate  At about 27:25, Sara Diamond's prescient writing on the mandates is discussed  At about 29:15, Pete uses a unique analogy to ask Matthew about the ideas of mandates, and Matthew makes a key point about the Mandate as being part of a “minority movement”  At about 32:10, Matthew reflects on Trump's connection to the Mandate and the movement and mutual benefits At about 33:30, Pete and Matthew discuss a staggering stat about American's beliefs in and knowledge of the Mandate At about 34:25, Matthew responds to Pete's question about Charlie Kirk's death and its influence on religious conversion and political engagement  At about 35:20, Matthew talks about Charlie Kirk's role in fulfilling a hole for many millennials and Gen Z and young men, particularly with reradds to a religious direction and “finding [one's] purpose] At about 36:45, Pete asks Matthew about ideas of nonengagement and engagement and connections to Christian fundamentalism  At about 40:10, Matthew explains the “salt and light” metaphor often used by proponents of the Mandate At about 41:10, Matthew talks about Jimmy Carter's “falling out” with evangelicals  At about 43:00, The two discuss the naming of the mandate and tracing the history of the title/metaphor At about 44:20, Matthew talks about his personal experiences and those others who have been listed on the Professors' Watchlist At about 47:00, Matthew traces Charlie Kirk's connections and contradictions involving higher education, as well as his “origin story” At about 49:40, Matthew recounts a memorable trip to a TPUSA event at the University of GA where higher ed was ridiculed   At about 51:05, Matthew reflects on connections between state budgets and philosophies on public school and voucher programs  At about 52:40, Matthew discusses distinctions between “republic” vs. “democracy” and notes important links to the Mandate At about 56:15, Matthew reflects on the usage and meanings of “stewardship” in certain circles  At about 57:30, Matthew responds to Pete's question about Charlie Kirk's seemingly-contradictory attitude towards Israel and Jewish people   At about 1:00:05, Pete and Matthew talks about ideas of manhood and male bonding and “warrior” archetypes and TPUSA's tokenization and abuse towards minorities of all types  At about 1:02:55, Matthew discusses Erika Kirk's trapeze act of being an emboldened and powerful businesswoman and political force, as well as complementary partner/“stay in the home” woman and mother At about 1:05:15, Pete quotes a line about Charlie Kirk astutely learning how to “erase history,” and Matthew discussed particular mentors who taught him this lesson At about 1:07:30, Conspiracy theories and religious connections to the Mandate are discussed, including how The Great Reset as a conspiracy was hyped and sidelined by TPUSA  At about 1:08:50, Andrew Breitbart and Jon Root as representative of the Entertainment Mandate are discussed  At about 1:10:25, Matthew discusses Benny Johnson and the “cultural buckets” that have been repurposed through meme culture At about 1:11:55, Matthew talks about Neil Postman's book, Amusing Ourselves to Death, and its close connection to the Seven Mountains Mandate and politics as entertainment  At about 1:12:55, the two discuss the “pomp and circumstance” that pervades politics, including the proposed UFC fight at the White House At about 1:14:55, Pete asks Matthew about the idea of Charlie Kirk's possible future as a “martyr”      You can now subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, and leave me a five-star review. You can also ask for the podcast by name using Alexa, and find the pod on Stitcher, Spotify, and on Amazon Music. Follow Pete on IG, where he is @chillsatwillpodcast, or on Twitter, where he is @chillsatwillpo1. You can watch other episodes on YouTube-watch and subscribe to The Chills at Will Podcast Channel. Please subscribe to both the YouTube Channel and the podcast while you're checking out this episode.       Pete is very excited to have one or two podcast episodes per month featured on the website of Chicago Review of Books. The audio will be posted, along with a written interview culled from the audio. His conversation with Hannah Pittard, a recent guest, is up at Chicago Review.     Sign up now for The Chills at Will Podcast Patreon: it can be found at patreon.com/chillsatwillpodcastpeterriehl      Check out the page that describes the benefits of a Patreon membership, including cool swag and bonus episodes. Thanks in advance for supporting Pete's one-man show, DIY podcast and extensive reading, research, editing, and promoting to keep this independent podcast pumping out high-quality content!    This month's Patreon bonus episode features an exploration of flawed characters, protagonists who are too real in their actions, and horror and noir as being where so much good and realistic writing takes place.    Pete has added a $1 a month tier for “Well-Wishers” and Cheerleaders of the Show.     This is a passion project, a DIY operation, and Pete would love for your help in promoting what he's convinced is a unique and spirited look at an often-ignored art form.    The intro song for The Chills at Will Podcast is “Wind Down” (Instrumental Version), and the other song played on this episode was “Hoops” (Instrumental)” by Matt Weidauer, and both songs are used through ArchesAudio.com.    Please tune in for Episode 300 with Nathan Thrall, an American writer living in Jerusalem. In 2024, he received the Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction for A Day in the Life of Abed Salama. An international bestseller, it was translated into more than thirty languages, selected as a New York Times Book Review Editors' Choice, and named a best book of the year by over twenty publications, including The New Yorker, The Economist, and Time. He spent a decade at the International Crisis Group, where he was director of the Arab-Israeli Project, and has taught at Bard College.     The episode airs on September 30, and Pete is thrilled and stunned to make it to Episode 300. Thanks to all of those who have helped him make it to 300 episodes.    Please go to ceasefiretoday.org, and/or https://act.uscpr.org/a/letaidin to call your congresspeople and demand an end to the forced famine and destruction of Gaza and the Gazan people.

Samuel Vaughn Velocity Technology Partners has been serving companies throughout North Georgia and beyond since 2005, providing IT Support such as technical helpdesk support, computer support, and consulting to small and medium-sized businesses. It’s always been their goal to provide enterprise-level IT practices and solutions to the small business sector, with small business prices. Experience […]

Samuel Vaughn Velocity Technology Partners has been serving companies throughout North Georgia and beyond since 2005, providing IT Support such as technical helpdesk support, computer support, and consulting to small and medium-sized businesses. It’s always been their goal to provide enterprise-level IT practices and solutions to the small business sector, with small business prices. Experience […] The post Samuel Vaughn with Velocity Technology Partners appeared first on Business RadioX ®.

The United States is willing to “fortify” South Africa as it has moved from “latent fragility to being very fragile” and “moving in the direction of failure”. However, it would need to see “positive steps” and “genuine earnest attempts” from SA. So says a former diplomat to both the National Party and the African National Congress governments, Dr Edward Mienie, who is now a professor with the University of North Georgia in Atlanta. “I've never seen…the diplomatic relations between the two countries at such a low point - even during the dark years of Apartheid.” Dr Mienie says President Cyril Ramaphosa is viewed as a leader who is “taking care of his own interests, taking care of the ANC first and foremost, taking care of those that support him personally within the structure”, but not as taking care of the interests of all South Africans. Meanwhile, he expresses concern about how the ANC government would react towards an outright loss in the next general election. “And I'm even more concerned about who's going to be taking over as the ruling party at that stage.” He urges the Democratic Alliance to take “a stronger stance, to embrace morals and ethics in a more visible way”

Gavin sits down with Stephen at Vintage Sound Studios to unpack a 30-year journey from four-track dorm recordings to launching a purpose-built facility with tall ceilings, a spacious live room, multiple ISO booths, and dual studios. We get into why “big rooms” still matter in a bedroom-studio world, how thoughtful layout unlocks flexibility (A/B sessions, teaching + mixing simultaneously), and how the studio is serving its North Georgia community through lessons, workshops, and local events. Plus: the booking ramp, genre mix (from country and alt-rock to ambient pop and rap), and a gorgeous solo piano project tracked on their Steinway.Vintage Sound StudiosWebsite: vintagesoundstudios.comInstagram: @vintagesoundstudiosVideo By: More Than Media - https://www.morethan.media/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morethan.media/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morethan.mediaYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@morethanmedia_The S.O.U.N.D. Project Podcast:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sound-project/id1680525959Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6dkk1s642VFjZGsdYGyxBPGoogle: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9kZTBiZGNlOC9wb2RjYXN0L3JzcwFull episodes playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLghfvh2wd7A9MnVKr44jtPEg0qcZ1esTFKeep up with us on our Socials:- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@haverstickdesigns- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haverstickdesigns/- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HaverstickDesigns- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@haverstickdesigns- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/haverstick-designs/- Linktree: https://linktr.ee/haverstickdesigns- Website: https://www.haverstickdesigns.com/#TheSOUNDProject #VintageSoundStudios #RecordingStudio #StudioTour #ControlRoom #LiveRoom #ISObooth #MusicProduction #StudioBuild #Acoustics #FullBandRecording #Steinway #MusicLessons #BassGuitar #PianoLessons #DrumLessons #CountryMusic #AltRock #AmbientPop #Rap #MuscleShoalsVibes #NorthGeorgiaMusic #HaverstickDesigns #MoreThanMedia #AudioEngineering #ProducerLife #StudioDesign #RecordingJourney #CMAFestTimestamps:0:00 - Intro and welcome0:10 - Meet Steven of Vintage Sound Studios0:30 - Early music influences and college recording roots1:20 - First studio setups and part-time years2:30 - Moving to Georgia and starting the dream studio3:10 - Working with Haverstick Designs on layout and design4:00 - Lessons from other studios and defining what he needed5:15 - Transition from dream to build: process and partners6:30 - Building a commercial space vs. home studios7:30 - Studio layout and key spaces (live room, ISO booths, studio B)8:30 - Types of clients and recording projects9:20 - Offering music lessons and partnering with educators10:25 - Vision for the studio: recording, education, and community11:30 - Supporting local events and sponsoring talent12:10 - How to connect with Vintage Sound Studios12:30 - Wrap-up and future outlook

John discusses the life of legendary actor and director Robert Redford who passed away at the age of 89. He also talks about FBI Director Kash Patel who clashed with the Senate Judiciary Committee, snapping and smirking at Senate Democrats who questioned his leadership and challenged him on the agency's failures. He plays many clips from the heated exchanges. Then, John interviews Garnet Henderson who is an investigative reporter specializing in abortion access, anti-rights disinformation, and other intersections of health, policy, and culture. They talk about a new lawsuit in Texas where a woman claims her boyfriend (a US Marine) got her pregnant and then put 10 abortion pills in her hot chocolate when she refused to have an abortion. Next, he speaks with Matthew Boedy who is a professor in the English department at the University of North Georgia. Targeted by Turning Point USA in 2016 and listed on its infamous “professor watchlist,” Boedy has emerged as one of the foremost experts on Turning Point USA and its founder and CEO Charlie Kirk, exposing its role in Christian nationalism and the threat to democracy it poses. They talk about John's new book Separation of Church and Hate: A Sane Person's Guide to Taking Back the Bible from Fundamentalists, Fascists, and Flock-Fleecing Frauds and Matthew's new book "The Seven Mountains Mandate: Exposing the Dangerous Plan to Christianize America and Destroy Democracy". Then finally, John welcomes back Comedy Daddy Keith Price to chat with the Evil Army of the Night about Kash Patel, Donald Trump, and Robert Redford. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Welcome back to Go Gaddis Real Estate Radio! I'm Cleve Gaddis, your trusted voice for navigating the Atlanta real estate market. For most people, buying or selling a home is the single largest investment they'll ever make—and it's also one filled with the most worry. My mission is simple: to help you replace fear with confidence, uncertainty with clarity, and stress with peace of mind. This isn't just real estate—it's about your life, your family, and your future. And remember, we're in it together. You can always connect with me at GoGaddisRadio.com . Share your questions, push back on something you hear, suggest your neighborhood for our Spotlight series, or subscribe to our podcast so you never miss an episode. In today's show, we'll start with the Metro Atlanta Real Estate Update for the last 7 days—your quick and accurate snapshot of what's really happening in the market right now. Then, in our Something You Should Know About Atlanta segment, we're taking a trip to the North Georgia mountains to highlight Fainting Goat Vineyards & Winery. This destination combines award-winning wines with breathtaking mountain views, making it one of the most unique experiences in our region. Whether you're a wine enthusiast or just looking for a relaxing day trip, you won't want to miss this. And finally, let's talk about preparedness. When the lights go out, are you ready? Power outages can happen anytime—storms, accidents, or even unexpected grid issues—and being unprepared can turn inconvenience into chaos. One of our listeners, Steve from Norcross, wrote in saying his family lost power recently and the kids panicked. He asked what families can do to better prepare for next time. We'll go over smart, practical steps to keep your home safe and your family calm during an outage. And don't forget—you always have options with our Upside Program, designed to help homeowners sell for more with less stress. I'm Cleve Gaddis, and this is Go Gaddis Real Estate Radio—helping you move from novice to expert so you can buy and sell with total confidence, without the surprises that often come with life's biggest investments.

On this week's Dawgs Off the Leash, Chito and Keegan dive into the Georgia vs. Tennessee rivalry — a showdown coming earlier than usual but packed with all the history, emotion, and SEC firepower fans expect. From Keegan's fan origin story of becoming a Dawg during a legendary clash with the Vols, to breaking down Tennessee's offensive weapons and Georgia's wide receiver advantage, we cover it all! They dig into Gunner Stockton's growth, Kirby Smart's strategy, and the keys to winning on the road in Neyland's checkerboard chaos. With predictions, bold takes, and a reminder of why the “hobnail boot” lives forever in Dawg lore, this episode captures the heart of one of college football's fiercest rivalries. #sec #georgiafootball #uga

Send us a textMichael Faire is a semi-active musician in North Georgia. A freelance collegiate trombonist turned music business professional, Michael now serves as the Instruments, Sales and Rentals Manager at Big Note Music. Since joining Big Note in late 2022 and rejoining in mid-2023, Michael has been focused on growing an organically started retail and lessons studio. Now on the second year of the studio and 2.5 years of retail, Michael assists the local community from beginning band members to the amateur guitarist. Michael also is learning instrument repair part-time as well, specializing in brass. An avid researcher still from their music history days, Michael also is the instrument research specialist for Big Note Music for sales and repairs.Prior to this, Michael worked with the Alpharetta Symphony Orchestra in a variety of artistic and logistical roles, and was Principal Bass Trombone from 2019-2023. Other organizations Michael played with were the Alpharetta City Band, Atlanta Philharmonic Orchestra, Atlanta Musicians Orchestra, and more!Top 5 Songs of Encouragement:1) “Run It Up” by Bashttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHpTLKsx7yg2) Symphony No. 2 in D Major by Sibeliushttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9GlKx-3w2I3) Time Adventure by Rebecca Sugarhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrscdXiKnWc4) Clouds from Kurios, Cabinet of Curiosities, Cirque de Soleilhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tx9qhlo6nA5) Adventure Time (feat. Ashley Erikkson)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXQNdUpCQzw&t=2sSupport the show

Mike and J. Hood welcome Ryan and Nate from The King of Camo, the North Georgia custom shop and YouTube duo known for turning real counter moments into laugh-out-loud shorts that still teach safety. They share how a near-fatal motorcycle crash, a hard reset on alcohol, and honest conversations reshaped their lives, their business, and their channel. The crew digs into what “welcoming gun culture” looks like in practice, why some sales get a respectful “not today,” and how humor can open the door to real talk about responsibility, masculinity, and mental fitness.You'll hear: • The shop origin story, YouTube growth, and why authenticity matters • How sobriety, family, and faith fuel better decisions • Practical lines they draw with customers and why that protects the community • The purpose of pain, asking for help, and separating rights from readiness • Their charity motorcycle rides and why service helps healTake a free, anonymous mental health screening at WalkTheTalkAmerica.org. Lock up your firearms, not your feelings. If you enjoy the show, follow The King of Camo and share this episode with a friend who needs an encouraging nudge.Send us a text Walk the Talk America would like to thank our partners who make these conversations possible and want to highlight our top two partner tiers below! Platinum Tier:RugerArmscorGold Tier:NASGWLipsey'sDavidson's

At the University of North Georgia in Dahlonega, Hometown Harvest turns the historic Vickery House into a garden and outdoor classroom that serves the UNG food pantry and Lumpkin County Schools. You hear how students, faculty, and community partners grow tomatoes, onions, berries, and more, preserve heirloom seeds, and deliver fresh produce to salad bars and neighbors in need. 

The Second Episode of The Florida Institute of Technology #panthersreport is here!! The Mark Moses Show is joined by Florida Tech Men's Soccer Head Coach Nick Robinson to talk about his career, his thoughts on the team starting 1-0-1 and how the #Panthers will have their Home Opener this Saturday against University of North Georgia. GO PANTHERS!! #soccer #sports #podcast #FloridaTech

This is the story of how we fell in love with a 970 sqft little black cottage nestled in the cozy mountain town of McCaysville, GA, went under contract... and fell out of contract within 48 hrs. Only to win her back a few months later, thanks to Facebook Messenger. Since then, we've driven hundreds of miles every month from Tampa to the North Georgia mountains to turn our little cottage into a short-term boutique stay. Tune in to this episode for the lore, STR strategy, and heart behind the brand!LINKS:♡ Save $10 on Brick (

Ep. 387 Ken and Dave discuss a looming recession, the NRA getting one right, illegal Koreans, the deepening Secretary of State field, a strike in the high seas, a Georgia hospital hiring anyone with a pulse in management, denigrating the uniform, and Georgians heading to guard D.C. **Pike County Modernization:** Discussing the new professional live streaming of county meetings, enhancing transparency and public engagement. **Georgia Political Buzz:** An in-depth look at Governor Kemp's controversial endorsement of Derek Douly for Senate over Mike Collins, and the heating up Georgia Secretary of State race featuring Tim Fleming, Kelvin King, and Gabriel Sterling. **Travel Adventures & Culinary Delights:** Recaps from trips to Hilton Head and North Georgia wineries, plus a surprise find in Dublin, Georgia – the highly-rated Saltwater Fishing Company and a unique Jerk Shop. **National News & Controversies:** The Powerball jackpot's massive numbers and the challenges of spending a billion dollars. An American Airlines incident involving an ex-Playboy playmate and influencer. A critical examination of Trump's proposal to ban transgender individuals from owning firearms, and the Second Amendment implications. The ICE raid at the new Hyundai plant in Bryan County, Georgia, and the ensuing political fallout for Governor Kemp. The Trump administration's controversial decision to blow up a drug boat in international waters. **Local & Military Issues:** Concerns over a problematic Chief Nursing Officer hired at Effingham County Hospital. Retired military officers protesting in uniform in Washington D.C., raising questions about UCMJ jurisdiction. Georgia National Guard deployment to Washington D.C. and its impact. **Mule of the Week:** Awarded to Canadian Police Chief Jim Mcween for his controversial advice to homeowners during home invasions. **Economic Outlook:** Analysis of the latest jobs report, the impact of tariffs, and predictions for interest rate cuts and the economy's future.

This week on Go Gaddis Real Estate Radio, we're starting off with the latest Metro Atlanta Real Estate Update for the past seven days. If you're buying, selling, or just curious about where the market stands right now, I'll walk you through the numbers and what they really mean for your next move. Then, in our “Something You Should Know About Atlanta” segment, we're striking gold—literally—at Dahlonega's Gold Rush Days Festival. Held every October, this long-running North Georgia tradition celebrates Dahlonega's rich history as the site of America's first major gold rush. With parades, live music, more than 200 arts and crafts vendors, and plenty of food, it's the perfect fall festival for locals and visitors alike. And don't forget, we'll wrap up with a quick reminder about how you can get all of the upside when it comes to selling your home by partnering with Modern Traditions Realty Group. As always, Go Gaddis Real Estate Radio is here to help you go from real estate novice to expert, so buying and selling can be done with total confidence — and without the typical worries that come with life's biggest investments. Sponsor: O'Kelley & Sorohan

On this segment of Go Gaddis Real Estate Radio, we're continuing our Grandparents Day discussion with a closer look at the extracurricular activities, hobbies, and lifestyle choices that influence how grandparents think about real estate today. It's not just about downsizing or moving closer to loved ones. Many grandparents are looking for homes that align with their active lives — whether that means proximity to golf courses, pickleball courts, walking trails, cultural events, or even having space for gardening, hobbies, and community gatherings. These decisions go beyond bricks and mortar; they reflect a vision for retirement and how they want to spend their time. We'll explore how these lifestyle factors connect with housing trends across Metro Atlanta and North Georgia. For example, neighborhoods that offer easy access to social clubs, recreational amenities, or even lock-and-leave convenience are increasingly popular among retirees and grandparents. At the same time, many are balancing the need for convenience with the desire to have room for the grandkids when they visit. As always, we tie it back to real estate strategy. The right home isn't just about square footage—it's about supporting the life you want to live. Whether you're planning to downsize, relocate, or simply reimagine your space, understanding how your lifestyle influences your home search can help you make smarter, more fulfilling decisions. And don't forget: with our Upside Program, you can explore every option before you make your next move. At Go Gaddis Real Estate Radio, we're here to help you go from novice to expert so you can buy and sell real estate with total confidence—and without the worry that often comes with life's biggest investments.

In this episode, you visit Big Creek Distilling Company in Dahlonega, Georgia, where a family-owned business is transforming the region's moonshining past into a modern whiskey tradition. Host David Zelski takes you inside the still house to taste bourbon, gin, and even gold-infused moonshine while exploring the history that shaped North Georgia spirits.

Thinking about transferring colleges—or guiding someone who is? In this episode, I sit down with independent educational consultant Jamie Smith about her just-released book on transfer admissions, the surprising data behind who actually makes the leap, and why the process is so much more complex than people realize. If you're navigating the transfer path or supporting someone who is, this one's worth a listen!BioJaime Smith, M.A., MS.Ed., is a Certified Educational Planner with 25 years of experience in the field of education. After many years of teaching English at the middle, high school, and college levels, Jaime turned to online education and founded a virtual K-12 supplementary education program, Online G3, where she continues to teach gifted and twice-exceptional homeschooled students. As a college advisor, Jaime specializes in transfer admissions, application essays, homeschoolers, neurodiverse learners, and other non-traditional applicants. In 2023, she completed a Post-Master's Certificate in Transfer Leadership and Practice at the University of North Georgia in collaboration with the National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students and is a fervent advocate for transfer support. Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaime-smith-cepLearn more about Jaime at https://jsmithiec.com/Access free resources and learn more about Sheila and her team at Signet Education at signeteducation.com or on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaakbar/.

On this episode of the Peach Jam Podcast, host Jeremy Powell introduces you to The Band Loula, a country duo and lifelong friends from North Georgia. Logan and Malachi share how their small-town roots and faith shape their music, from a century-old camp meeting tradition to the songs now carrying them onto big stages in Nashville. Along the way, you'll hear their heartfelt harmonies and stories that prove the power of friendship, family, and home.

Let's Welcome to the Georgia Songbirds Family a local singer-songwriter, Artist from North Georgia Yung Huddy. Huddy came on the show to do an album review of his latest album "Better Than Ever" Huddy is a 17 year old Pop,R&B, Hip Hop artist from North Georgia. We listened to all of the songs from his latest album and got to know a little bit about him. So pull up a seat and listen in to the "Better Than Ever" Album by Yung Huddy

In this episode, Lisa and Jaime discuss:Understanding the role of impacted majors and prerequisitesThe critical importance of aligning majors with career goals earlyNavigating the complexities of college transfersFinancial planning and its impact on educational choicesKey Takeaways: Over one-third of undergraduates transfer colleges, and without early planning around majors, prerequisites, and credit alignment, they risk losing time, money, and progress.Students in impacted majors like Computer Science, Business, Nursing, and Engineering must complete strict, school-specific prerequisites, so they should map overlapping requirements across multiple target schools.While some parents fear transferring will hurt their job or graduate school prospects, employers usually see only the final degree, and graduate programs value applicants who can explain a well-reasoned shift.Before committing to a college—whether first-time or transfer—use FAFSA estimators to gauge real costs, research transfer scholarships, and compare prerequisite overlaps to avoid financial strain and lost credits.“Most employers aren't looking for whole transcripts to see your collection of credits. They're just looking for the final outcome.” – Jaime SmithAbout Jaime Smith: Jaime Smith is a Certified Educational Planner specializing in college transfer, online learning, homeschooling, and supporting neurodiverse learners. A longtime transfer student advocate, she earned a Post-Master's Certificate in Transfer Leadership and Practice from the University of North Georgia with the National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students in 2023. She holds a BA in Linguistics from UC Berkeley, an MA in TESOL, an MSEd in eLearning, and a certificate in College Counseling.Founder and CEO of Online G3—an independent online program for gifted and twice-exceptional K–12 students—Jaime continues to teach English. A California native now in Oregon, she lives with her husband and pet bunny. Her daughter, a former homeschooler turned transfer student, is now in grad school.Episode References:#140 Avoiding the Pitfalls of College Transfers with Jaime SmithThe Truth about College Admission by Brennan Barnard and Rick ClarkEnter to win a free copy of The Complete Guide to College Transfer at flourishcoachingco.com/transfer through August 31.Order The Complete Guide to College Transfer on Amazon starting August 26 to get the full roadmap for navigating college transfersExplore school-by-school data on competitive and impacted majors at flourishcoachingco.com/majors to make smarter application choices.Get Lisa's Free on-demand video: How-to guide for your teen to choose the right major, college, & career...(without painting themselves into a corneConnect with Lisa:Website: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishcoachingcoInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishcoachingco/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-coaching-co

This week on That Would Be Rad, we're joined by the creative duo and founders of Sozo Bear Films: Luke Pilgrim and Brad Kennedy - as they share the story behind their latest mini-docuseries, Unknown Ellijay.Set in the quiet mountain town of Ellijay, Georgia, the series explores the eerie legends, paranormal encounters, and cryptid sightings that have haunted the area for generations. From ghostly tavern tales to whispers of the elusive Dogman — and yes, even stories of Bigfoot lurking in the North Georgia mountains - Luke and Brad take us behind the scenes of filming, revealing the strange stories, fascinating characters, and spine-tingling moments they uncovered along the way.We dive into everything from their creative process and challenges on location to bigger questions about belief, skepticism, and how folklore shapes the identity of a community. Whether you're a lifelong believer in the unexplained or just curious about the stories that keep people looking over their shoulder at night, this episode is packed with chills, laughs, and plenty of rad conversation.So grab your lantern, settle in, and join us as we step into the shadows of Unknown Ellijay.Be sure to check out SOZO BEAR FILMS docuseries on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SozoBearFilmsRAD WAYS TO SUPPORT OUR SHOW:

Oh, hey there, folks! Fred Talley here, your friendly neighborhood pest control expert from Faith Pest Control in Jasper, Georgia. Now, usually, I'm talkin' 'bout ants, spiders, and those varmints tryin' to set up shop in your attic. But today, The post Amicalola Falls When Visiting North Georgia first appeared on Faith Pest Control.

Host Michael Litten, welcomes the highly acclaimed recording and performing artists Rian Davis and Tom LaDow to Ride the Vibe where they share a number of their original recordings, insights gleaned from their performances, and recordings, and tales of their experiences in the wineries and dineries of North Georgia. They also perform 2 of their songs live in the Sandbox Studio South!

Send us a textThe man now known as Chicken Coop Willaye moved from his home state of North Carolina to Atlanta, Georgia, after graduating from Appalachian State University in Boone. During the decade he lived in Atlanta, he was known as Washboard Willaye.In Atlanta, Willaye met local legends who gathered for performances in Northside Tavern, eventually sitting in with Danny “Mudcat” Dudeck on his Wednesday night performances there. Playing piedmont and country blues, Willaye earned his nickname from the instrument he learned to play there – the washboard.On Tuesday nights there, Donnie “Mac” McCormick performed his primary instrument at Northside. He discovered this primary instrument in the early 70s, during a jam session at “The Farm,” a property in Juliette, Georgia, owned by the Allman Brothers.During the session, Mac ran out of objects to drum on, but somebody from the group handed him another object: a chicken coop. The rest, as they say, is history, and Mac continued playing the chicken coop until his death in 2009.Performing with Mac, Willaye found himself inspired, and in a similar turn of events, he found a chicken coop in the barn of an antique store in North Georgia. That day, Chicken Coop Willaye was born. Thank you for listening to The Mountain-Ear Podcast, featuring news and culture from peak to peak! Additional pages are linked below!If you want to be involved in the podcast or paper, contact our editor at info@themountainear.com and/or our podcast host at media@themountainear.com! Head to our website for all of the latest news from peak to peak! SUBSCRIBE ONLINE and use the coupon code PODCAST for A 10% DISCOUNT for ALL NEW SUBSCRIBERS! Submit local events to promote them in the paper and on our website! Find us on Facebook @mtnear and Instagram @mtn.ear! Listen and watch on YouTube today! Share this podcast around by scrolling to the bottom of our website home page or by heading to our main hub on Buzzsprout!Thank you for listening!

Did Hernando De Soto travel near what is now DeSoto Falls in North Georgia? Or Desoto, Georgia, in Sumter County? Why don't we know where he went and why is the evidence so hard to find? Stan's guest this week is Dennis Blanton, professor of anthropology at James Madison University, author of Conquistador's Wake: Tracking ...Continue Reading »

In Episode 25 of the Tenkara Angler Level Line Podcast the Tenkara Angler crew explore five fishing destinations, including Spring Creek in Pennsylvania, warm water fishing opportunities in Southwest Wisconsin, brook trout in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Northern Portugal's native brown trout, and North Georgia's "trout town", Blue Ridge. They share tips for fishing in these areas, and discuss the unique characteristics of each location, including accessibility, types of fish, and local culture through personal experiences. You'll be sure to want to add a few of these locations to your fishing travel plans!Show Notes & Links:0:00:25 - Introductions 0:01:15 - Upcoming Community Events0:07:45 - Pennsylvania's Spring Creek - TCO Fly Shop - Flyfisher's Paradise- Keystone Fly Fishing0:27:28 - Wisconsin Warmwater Smallmouth- Dodgeville, WI- Smallmouth Alliance0:40:34 - White Mountains of New Hampshire- White Mountains Tenkara Campout- Lost River Valley Campground- Squaretail- North Country Angler0:50:04 - Portugal- Antonio Rodrigues / Minho Fly Fishing- Monção, Portugal- The Last Old Place1:03:14 - Blue Ridge, Georgia- Blue Ridge Trout & Outdoor Adventures Festival- Cohutta Fishing Company- Toccoa River Outfitters- Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods- Sabor a Puebla- Expedition: Bigfoot- Trout Fishing in North Georgia- Fly Fishing for Peach State Trout- Doin' Stuff with Zane01:16:32 - Closing RemarksWant to see more? Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tenkara Angler

On this episode of The Bigfoot Report, we bring you another replay from a previous recording. This one originally aired on YouTube in 2021 and features Kenny from North Georgia. Kenny comes on to talk about his sighting of what he believed to be a Dogman. He then shares a very interesting possible sasquatch encounter. If you would like to be a guest on The Bigfoot Report and share your encounter with Sasquatch or other Cryptids, email either wayne@paranormalworldproductions.com or tiffany@paranormalworldproductions.com https://youtube.com/@thebigfootreports?si=dvSe-l8Ice5JKhVbhttps://www.tiktok.com/@thebigfootreport?_t=ZP-8vYdWzwa9de&_r=1https://www.instagram.com/the_bigfoot_report?igsh=MW1ndTJzOXp3MDhldQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qrBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-bigfoot-report--5016307/support.

Check out the pilot episode hereBecome a Parajunkie today for ZERO ADS ALWAYS!Here's the link to Episode IIThis week on The Most Haunted City on Earth, we sit down with filmmakers Luke Pilgrim and Brad Kennedy of Sozo Bear Films to talk all things cryptid, creepy, and Appalachian. These talented storytellers just released a new paranormal docuseries called Unknown Ellijay, diving into Bigfoot sightings, Dogman encounters, ghostly legends, and the dark history of North Georgia. If you've ever wondered what lurks in the woods of the Blue Ridge Mountains… this episode is for you.We talk about the inspiration behind the series, the challenges of capturing real people's stories without judgment, and the surprising overlap between ghosts, cryptids, and interdimensional theories. Plus, we swap some wild paranormal stories of our own (including a haunted hotel we definitely recommend investigating).

The Appalachian Mountains, long veiled in mystery and folklore, have once again delivered a chilling bounty of unexplained encounters. From the deep hollers of Kentucky to the misty ridges of North Georgia and the wilds of Western North Carolina, these recent and historical eyewitness reports stitch together a patchwork of terror, primal awe, and ancient whispers. Locals and long-time residents—many of whom are deeply rooted in the region for generations—are speaking out about what they've seen, felt, and feared.Among the reports are chilling descriptions of upright, wolf-like beings, pale gray humanoids with unnatural cadence and behavior, and massive white-furred creatures resembling a cryptid Sasquatch. In multiple accounts, glowing yellow eyes pierce the darkness, and the sounds of babies crying—or guttural human-like screams—lure the unsuspecting into dangerous territory. These aren't just isolated tales. Multiple witnesses, sometimes years apart, describe nearly identical experiences, suggesting a persistent, possibly interdimensional presence.One story centers around a family picnic interrupted by a bipedal white-furred creature seen hurling tree limbs in frustration. Another follows a retired teacher who repeatedly encountered a massive black panther accompanied by a kitten—creatures denied by wildlife officials but steeped in Native lore. Other reports involve vanishing cattle, strange power-draining zones, and areas so heavy with dread that seasoned hunters and outdoorsmen refuse to return.These aren't the tales of thrill-seeking adventurers or out-of-towners spooked by backcountry sounds. These are the confessions of rural families, local government officials, hunters, and children who have grown up side by side with the forest. And many of them now believe they've glimpsed a side of Appalachia that's not only ancient, but otherworldly.

The Appalachian Mountains, long veiled in mystery and folklore, have once again delivered a chilling bounty of unexplained encounters. From the deep hollers of Kentucky to the misty ridges of North Georgia and the wilds of Western North Carolina, these recent and historical eyewitness reports stitch together a patchwork of terror, primal awe, and ancient whispers. Locals and long-time residents—many of whom are deeply rooted in the region for generations—are speaking out about what they've seen, felt, and feared.Among the reports are chilling descriptions of upright, wolf-like beings, pale gray humanoids with unnatural cadence and behavior, and massive white-furred creatures resembling a cryptid Sasquatch. In multiple accounts, glowing yellow eyes pierce the darkness, and the sounds of babies crying—or guttural human-like screams—lure the unsuspecting into dangerous territory. These aren't just isolated tales. Multiple witnesses, sometimes years apart, describe nearly identical experiences, suggesting a persistent, possibly interdimensional presence.One story centers around a family picnic interrupted by a bipedal white-furred creature seen hurling tree limbs in frustration. Another follows a retired teacher who repeatedly encountered a massive black panther accompanied by a kitten—creatures denied by wildlife officials but steeped in Native lore. Other reports involve vanishing cattle, strange power-draining zones, and areas so heavy with dread that seasoned hunters and outdoorsmen refuse to return.These aren't the tales of thrill-seeking adventurers or out-of-towners spooked by backcountry sounds. These are the confessions of rural families, local government officials, hunters, and children who have grown up side by side with the forest. And many of them now believe they've glimpsed a side of Appalachia that's not only ancient, but otherworldly.

There's something strange stirring in the mountains of North Georgia—and it's not just folklore. Unknown Ellijay, a chilling new docuseries from award-winning Sozo Bear Films, delves into the shadowy corners of Ellijay, Georgia, where cryptids, spirits, and legends refuse to stay hidden. Hosted, directed, and created by Brad Kennedy and Luke Pilgrim, alongside editor Ellis Treece, this series explores real-life local encounters with the unexplained, from tracking Bigfoot in dense Appalachian woods to haunted homesteads and terrifying tales of the elusive Dogman. These aren't just campfire stories—this is the paranormal, hiding in plain sight. What's really lurking in Ellijay? Find out why this small town might be the South's best-kept supernatural secret. Today on the Grave Talks, Brad Kennedy, Luke Pilgrim, and Ellis Treece discuss their docuseries “Unknown Ellijay.” This is Part Two of our conversation. For more information, visit their website at sozobearfilms.com and watch the series on their YouTube channel by clicking here. Become a Premium Supporter of The Grave Talks Through Apple Podcasts or Patreon (http://www.patreon.com/thegravetalks) There, you will get: Access to every episode of our show, AD-FREE! Access to every episode of our show before everyone else! Other EXCLUSIVE supporter perks and more!

There's something strange stirring in the mountains of North Georgia—and it's not just folklore. Unknown Ellijay, a chilling new docuseries from award-winning Sozo Bear Films, delves into the shadowy corners of Ellijay, Georgia, where cryptids, spirits, and legends refuse to stay hidden. Hosted, directed, and created by Brad Kennedy and Luke Pilgrim, alongside editor Ellis Treece, this series explores real-life local encounters with the unexplained, from tracking Bigfoot in dense Appalachian woods to haunted homesteads and terrifying tales of the elusive Dogman. These aren't just campfire stories—this is the paranormal, hiding in plain sight. What's really lurking in Ellijay? Find out why this small town might be the South's best-kept supernatural secret. Today on the Grave Talks, Brad Kennedy, Luke Pilgrim, and Ellis Treece discuss their docuseries “Unknown Ellijay.” For more information, visit their website at sozobearfilms.com and watch the series on their YouTube channel by clicking here. Become a Premium Supporter of The Grave Talks Through Apple Podcasts or Patreon (http://www.patreon.com/thegravetalks) There, you will get: Access to every episode of our show, AD-FREE! Access to every episode of our show before everyone else! Other EXCLUSIVE supporter perks and more!

This episode brings you the chilling account of Jeremiah—a man who sought peace in the remote mountains of North Georgia and found something far more disturbing. After a bitter divorce and burnout from corporate life, Jeremiah bought 47 acres near the Tennessee border. His plan was simple: build a log cabin by hand, live off-grid, and start over. For a while, it worked. He found the quiet, self-sufficient life he'd been craving. But the silence didn't last.Strange sounds turned into unrelenting psychological torment. Something in the woods was watching him—something intelligent, organized, and malicious.These weren't animals acting on instinct. They understood how to break a man down—and they took their time doing it. Jeremiah's detailed, matter-of-fact account paints a picture of a slow, deliberate descent into fear. His story isn't dramatic for the sake of drama. In fact, it's his restraint that makes it so believable. He admits to questioning his sanity. He searched for rational explanations. But what happened over six months on that mountain left no room for doubt.The final days were a calculated siege—one meant to destroy not just his shelter, but his will to stay. He escaped with his life, but not his peace of mind. He's never spoken publicly about it since.The cabin still stands, forgotten and overgrown, a quiet warning for whoever comes next.This episode is more than a ghost story. It's a reminder that some places don't belong to us—and some things in the wild know exactly how to make sure we don't forget it.Get Our FREE NewsletterGet Brian's Books Leave Us A VoicemailVisit Our WebsiteSupport Our SponsorsVisit Untold Radio AMBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sasquatch-odyssey--4839697/support.

In this thought-provoking Q&A episode of Space Nuts, hosts Heidi Campo and Professor Fred Watson tackle a variety of intriguing listener questions that delve into the realms of astrophysics and the possibilities of life beyond Earth. From the complexities of time dilation to the potential for extraterrestrial communication, this episode is a treasure trove of cosmic knowledge.Episode Highlights:- Time Dilation and Space Travel: The episode kicks off with a fascinating question from listener Peter about the implications of time dilation as depicted in Queen's song "39." Fred explains the calculations needed to understand how a journey at 99.995% the speed of light could allow travelers to experience just one year while 100 years pass on Earth, revealing the mind-bending effects of Einstein's theory of relativity.- Observing Gravitational Waves: Trent from North Georgia poses a compelling question about how observatories can detect light from events that have already emitted gravitational waves. Fred clarifies the relationship between different types of radiation and their detection, using gamma-ray bursts as a prime example of how various signals can provide insight into cosmic events.- Limits of Biological Detection: Listener Chris wonders why organisms on Earth can only sense a limited part of the electromagnetic spectrum. Fred discusses the potential for extraterrestrial life to communicate using different frequencies, exploring the limits of biology and the intriguing possibilities of non-verbal communication in the cosmos.- Earth-Sized Moons Around Gas Giants: Martin raises an interesting question about the possibility of Earth-sized moons orbiting gas giants in other solar systems. Fred elaborates on the feasibility of such moons and their potential to harbor life, while also considering the dynamic challenges posed by their environments.For more Space Nuts, including our continuously updating newsfeed and to listen to all our episodes, visit our website. Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on Facebook, X, YouTube Music Music, Tumblr, Instagram, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favorite platform.If you'd like to help support Space Nuts and join our growing family of insiders for commercial-free episodes and more, visit spacenutspodcast.com/aboutStay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support.

Show Teaser Topics – In this episode of Go Gaddis Real Estate Radio, we're covering the latest real estate stats across Metro Atlanta, spotlighting an iconic North Georgia hike at Yonah Mountain, and breaking down what Mercedes-Benz moving 500 jobs to Sandy Springs means for the local market.

Send us a textWelcome to episode 84 of Coon Hunting Confidential! Every other Wednesday, The HT Mafia mixes their uniqueness, coon hunting, comedy, and creepy stories to bring you all-new episodes of CHC!!This episode features a coon hunter from North Georgia. There's a rich history of Bigfoot lore in the North Georgia area. He tells a story about something that yelled at him in the woods one day and then proceeded to follow from a distance. He's also found things in the woods that appeared to be structures. As always, THANK YOU for listening! Keep them dogs in the woods and happy hunting y'all!!!

In this episode of The Guilty Files: Uncovered, Brian pulls back the curtain on one of the most chilling and calculated serial killers to ever stalk America's wilderness—Gary Michael Hilton.Known as “The National Forest Killer,” Hilton used the vast, unguarded expanses of America's public lands as his personal hunting ground. Between 2007 and 2008, Hilton committed a series of brutal murders across Georgia, North Carolina, and Florida, targeting hikers, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts who thought they were safe in nature's solitude.Brian walks listeners through Hilton's disturbing background, unraveling how a drifter with a manipulative charm and a long history of mental instability evolved into a predator who eluded capture for far too long. From the disappearance and beheading of 24-year-old Meredith Emerson in the North Georgia mountains, to the murders of John and Irene Bryant on a remote trail in North Carolina, and the horrifying fate of Sunday school teacher Cheryl Dunlap in Florida, this case is as horrifying as it is haunting.This episode also examines the multi-jurisdictional manhunt, the forensic missteps, and the red flags missed by authorities over the years. Brian takes a methodical and investigative approach, analyzing Hilton's patterns, his use of national forests to evade detection, and the terrifying reality that these killings weren't just crimes of opportunity—they were calculated acts by a killer who knew how to blend into the backwoods like a ghost.But there's more to this case than the murders themselves. Brian also digs into the psychology of a man who weaponized loneliness, manipulated trust, and left a trail of trauma stretching across the southeastern United States. If you think the wilderness is peaceful, this story will make you think twice. Listener discretion is strongly advised. The episode contains details of violent crimes and disturbing behavior that may not be suitable for all audiences. Be sure to follow and subscribe to The Guilty Files wherever you get your podcasts. For bonus segments, behind-the-scenes content, and deeper dives into the case, join us on Patreon. And as always—stay curious, question everything, and never trust a closed case.

Chase Thomas is Tennessee's Sports Renaissance Man, Atlanta Sports Guy & VFL. On today's program, Chase is joined by fellow University of North Georgia alumni Matt Green to talk about Tennessee and Georgia football's most important transfers in 2025, if the CFP could have two G5 teams in this year, Josh Hoover as a sleeper breakout QB at TCU, kicking out one SEC school for another school pick, and if Gus Johnson and Joel Klatt are the best CFB commentary duo right now.Host: Chase ThomasGuests: Matt GreenTo learn more about CT and the pod please go visit: https://chasethomaspodcast.comBy the way, this is a free, independent national sports podcast. To keep it that way, I'm going to need some help from you guys. If you're a fan of the pod and you haven't already, take a second right now and leave the show a 5-star rating and a review on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. It really does help, and it's so quick and easy to do. Thanks, y'all!Keep up with Chase on social media:Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/PodChaseThomasFollow me on Instagram: https://bit.ly/3kFHPDnFollow me on TikTok: https://bit.ly/3JdZ3RF'Like' me on Facebook: https://bit.ly/3ZmURo4 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chase Thomas is Tennessee's Sports Renaissance Man, Atlanta Sports Guy & VFL. On today's program, Chase is joined by fellow University of North Georgia alumni Matt Green to talk about Tennessee and Georgia football contract year players, Mizzou being this year's Indiana, Dylan Lonergan Boston College hype, if an non-Power 2 school can win a national championship and the Carson Beck vs. Gunner Stockton debate.Host: Chase ThomasGuests: Matt GreenTo learn more about CT and the pod please go visit: https://chasethomaspodcast.comBy the way, this is a free, independent national sports podcast. To keep it that way, I'm going to need some help from you guys. If you're a fan of the pod and you haven't already, take a second right now and leave the show a 5-star rating and a review on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. It really does help, and it's so quick and easy to do. Thanks, y'all!Keep up with Chase on social media:Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/PodChaseThomasFollow me on Instagram: https://bit.ly/3kFHPDnFollow me on TikTok: https://bit.ly/3JdZ3RF'Like' me on Facebook: https://bit.ly/3ZmURo4 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chase Thomas is the Sports Renaissance Man, Atlanta Sports Guy & VFL. On today's program, Chase is joined by fellow University of North Georgia alumni Matt Green to talk about Georgia vs. Florida moving to Atlanta for the 2026 game, Tennessee being overlooked and disrespected heading into the 2025 season, preseason CFB Top 25 teams most likely to fall out, some bizarre Hugh Freeze Year 3 expectations at Auburn, new CFP seedings and the debut of Call It, Matt! CFB bold take of the week.Host: Chase ThomasGuest: Matt GreenIf you're a fan of this daily Tennessee Volunteers podcast, please leave this show a rating and write us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or however you get your podcasts. It helps other people find the show and helps this show grow a little bit more each and every day.Are you new to the show and want to learn about Chase and this daily Tennessee Vols program? Visit: chasethomaspodcast.com!You can subscribe to the program below:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-chase-thomas-podcast-a-tennessee-volunteers-show/id1192894433Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0P3EQFayw7esY9tZNT23WP?si=c0e3754c13d64e4aAmazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a2a98d5c-0d03-4510-a0b8-61d431e22394/the-chase-thomas-podcast-a-tennessee-volunteers-showCastBox: https://castbox.fm/channel/5402617?country=usPodcast Addict: https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/the-chase-thomas-podcast-a-tennessee-volunteers-show/4404117PodBean: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/supjd-6ea26/The-Chase-Thomas-Podcast-A-Tennessee-Volunteers-ShowiHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-the-chase-thomas-podcast-a-28264554/You can also watch this show every day over on YouTube by visiting: https://www.youtube.com/@ChaseThomasPodcastWant to get in touch with the show? You can easily do so by emailing us at chasethomaspodcast[at]gmail.Thank you for listening and supporting Knoxville's No. 1 Tennessee Vols podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.