Best of Johnston County®

What does it take to build a high school band from scratch, especially when the students are coming from schools all across Johnston County?In this episode of The Best of Johnston County Podcast, I sit down with Jason Heard, the new band director at Wilson’s Mills High School. We talk about the lessons he learned building Cleveland High School’s band program, why culture and process matter more than goals, and how he plans to build something new at Wilson’s Mills from the inside out.

What happens when you suspect your spouse is hiding money, or when an old text message suddenly becomes evidence in a custody case? In this special Ask Jonathan Breeden Anything episode, Jonathan explains how discovery works in North Carolina family law cases, what attorneys can uncover, and why the information you share digitally may matter more than you realize.

What does it really mean to pursue justice? In Part 2 of Jonathan Breeden's conversation with retired District Court Judge Addie Rawls, she reflects on the responsibility of serving on the bench, the difficult decisions that shaped her career, and how her calling as a pastor continues to guide her commitment to serving Johnston County. She also shares how the annual Back to School Youth Explosion has become one of the community's most impactful outreach events.

What does it take to build a life of purpose through perseverance and service? In Part 1 of this conversation, retired Judge Addie Rawls shares the remarkable journey that took her from Little Washington, North Carolina, to becoming Johnston County's first African American female district court judge. Along the way, she reflects on faith, education, leadership, and a lifelong commitment to serving her community.

What does it take to build a successful real estate business that lasts through booming markets, economic downturns, and everything in between? In this episode of The Best of Johnston County Podcast, Jonathan Breeden sits down with Lynn Hellman, founder of My Southern View Realty, to discuss her 20-year journey in real estate, how today's market differs from the frenzy of recent years, and the practical advice every buyer and seller should hear before making their next move.

What makes a simple red hot dog one of North Carolina's most recognizable foods? This week, Jonathan Breeden sits down with Justin Raymond, Marketing Director at Carolina Packers, to explore the history behind Bright Leaf Hot Dogs, the products many people never knew the company made, and why an 85-year-old Johnston County business continues to grow while staying true to its local roots.

What happens to your 401(k), IRA, or pension during a divorce? In this special Ask Jonathan Breeden Anything episode of The Best of Johnston County Podcast, Jonathan Breeden answers some of the most common questions about dividing retirement assets, explaining how courts determine what is marital property, why proper planning matters, and the costly mistakes people should avoid.

What happens when the person caring for everyone else suddenly becomes a caregiver themselves?In this episode of The Best of Johnston County Podcast, Jonathan Breeden sits down with Irene Brooks, owner of No Place Like Home Senior Services, to discuss the realities of senior care, caregiver burnout, and the often-overlooked resources available to families. From navigating dementia care to finding the right support systems, this conversation offers practical guidance and a hopeful reminder that no family has to face these challenges alone.

Why are so many people moving to Johnston County, and what should homeowners know before buying or selling?In this episode of The Best of Johnston County Podcast, Jonathan Breeden sits down with real estate agent and investor Ryan Overcash to talk about the local housing market, home flipping, first-time buyers, and what makes Clayton and Johnston County such an attractive place to call home. Ryan shares practical advice for homeowners, investors, and anyone considering a move to one of North Carolina's fastest-growing communities.

When most people think about agriculture, they picture fields, tractors, and harvest season. What they may not realize is that agriculture remains one of the largest economic drivers in Johnston County and North Carolina, touching nearly every aspect of daily life.In this episode of The Best of Johnston County Podcast, Jonathan Breeden sits down with Nicole Youngblood, Johnston County's Agricultural Marketing and Communications Extension Agent, to discuss the work happening behind the scenes to support local farmers, tell their stories, and strengthen the connection between agriculture and the growing Johnston County community.

What happens when one social media post ends up in front of a judge? Can a single undisclosed fact completely change the outcome of a custody case? And is ignoring a court order really as serious as people say it is?In this special Ask Jonathan Breeden Anything episode, Jonathan answers some of the most common questions people have about family court. Drawing on 26 years of experience, he shares real-world insights into the mistakes people make, the lessons they've learned the hard way, and what families can do to create better outcomes for themselves and their children.

What if most leadership crises could be prevented before they ever started?In this episode of The Best of Johnston County Podcast, returning guest Melissa Overton shares the inspiration behind her new book, Focused and Fearless Leadership. Drawing from her experiences as a critical care nurse, entrepreneur, trainer, and speaker, Melissa explains why leadership emergencies rarely happen overnight and how better communication, accountability, and self-awareness can transform the way we lead.

What if your business could stop people mid-scroll and make them pay attention? In this episode of The Best of Johnston County Podcast, Jonathan Breeden sits down with Gabriel Smith, owner of AnimNation, to talk about the world of 3D animation, gaming, and digital storytelling. From working on a DreamWorks project to helping local businesses create memorable brand experiences, Gabriel shares how creativity and technology are changing the way businesses connect with people.

What happens when someone reaches a moment where enough is enough? For Amy Locklear, it started with being tired of feeling tired. Years later, that personal decision transformed into something much bigger, a fitness community helping people across Johnston County move more, live healthier lives, and build relationships that extend far beyond workouts.In this episode, Amy shares her journey into fitness, what makes CrossFit different, and why community may matter even more than exercise.

What starts as a simple nursery can become something much bigger over time. In this episode of The Best of Johnston County Podcast, Jonathan Breeden sits down with Chris Smith of Smith’s Nursery to talk about farming, family, and how a small Johnston County business grew into one of the community’s favorite destinations. From strawberries and hayrides to homemade ice cream and school field trips, this conversation explores why Smith’s Nursery has become a place families return to year after year.

Divorce is emotional, but the financial side can be just as overwhelming. In this Ask Jonathan Breeden Anything episode, we break down how attorneys charge, what really drives costs up, and the practical decisions that can save you thousands. If you have ever wondered what divorce actually costs, this conversation brings clarity to a complicated process.

What happens when two Army veterans follow a calling, not just to build a business, but to build community? In this episode, Jim and Kim Fry share the story behind Coffee on Raiford, their leap into entrepreneurship, and how a simple cup of coffee can create real connection in a fast-moving world.

What does it look like to grow up in a small town… and then help shape what it becomes? In this episode, Barry Woodard shares his journey from Clayton native to real estate leader, and what it really takes to balance growth, community, and identity in Johnston County.

What does it look like to trade global diplomacy for small-town hospitality? In this episode, Jordan Robinson shares her unexpected journey from Marine Corps embassy guard to owner of a historic boutique inn. This conversation explores reinvention, community connection, and what it really takes to turn a vision into something tangible.

What if the way you train your dog could also transform how you lead your business, your family, and your life? In this episode, Michael Soler shares how discipline, psychology, and daily habits shaped his journey from Marine to entrepreneur—and how those same principles now help leaders grow with clarity and confidence.

What does it really mean to adopt a child, beyond the legal forms and court filings? In this Ask Jonathan Breeden Anything episode, we break down stepparent, relative, and agency adoptions, and the life-changing responsibilities that come with them. If you’ve ever wondered how adoption works, or whether it’s right for your family, this conversation brings clarity to a deeply meaningful decision.

What if hiring the right contractor didn’t feel like a gamble?In this episode, Chet Hardaway shares how he’s turning years of hands-on experience into a smarter way to connect homeowners with trusted tradespeople. From appliance advice to avoiding costly mistakes, this conversation is packed with practical insights that can save you time, money, and frustration.

What does a 35-year career at the North Carolina Department of Transportation look like when you start as a college intern and finish as Secretary?In this episode of The Best of Johnston County Podcast, Jonathan Breeden sits down with recently retired transportation leader Joey Hopkins to talk about his journey from a small town in Rockingham County to leading one of the largest transportation systems in the country. Along the way, they discuss the future of Johnston County’s roads, the challenges of rebuilding Western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene, and why the people of Johnston County make the community feel like home.

What does it look like to build a fitness community that goes beyond treadmills and weight machines? In this episode of The Best of Johnston County Podcast, Jonathan Breeden sits down with James Woodall, founder of Woodall Fitness in Clayton.From training alongside future UFC legends in Las Vegas to creating a unique functional training gym in Johnston County, James shares the journey that shaped his approach to movement, health, and community impact.

In this special Ask Jonathan Breeden Anything episode of The Best of Johnston County Podcast, Jonathan answers one of the most important modern family law questions: how does digital evidence impact custody and divorce cases?From text messages and Facebook posts to parenting apps and screenshots, what you send today could be read out loud in a courtroom tomorrow. Here is what you need to know before you hit “send.”

What does it take to step back into public service after stepping away? In this episode, Keith Branch shares why he’s running for Johnston County Commissioner in District 7 and what he believes the county needs most right now: financial discipline, collaboration, and fresh perspective. From fund balance debates to school funding and growth management, this conversation dives into the future of Johnston County.

Why would someone step away from power… only to ask for it back?After serving eight years as County Commissioner, Chad Stewart resigned. Now he’s running again. Was it strategy? Service? Or unfinished business?In this episode, we unpack fund balances, tax debates, growth fears, and the pressure of public life in the internet age.When experience meets controversy… who do you trust to lead?

What does the sheriff actually do when the cameras are off?Behind the patrol cars and flashing lights is a role most people never see, managing a $32M operation, supporting deputies through trauma, making decisions the public may never agree with, and carrying the weight of every call that comes in. After nearly three decades in the job, Sheriff Steve Bizzell explains why he still believes this role isn’t a position. It’s a calling.

Why would someone run for sheriff after being hired by the same department three times?This episode isn’t about attacks or politics. It’s about perspective. I talk with Randall Ackley about what he’s seen on patrol, inside investigations, and from years of working in a rapidly growing county. When staffing can’t keep up, presence disappears. What does that mean for safety, trust, and the future of Johnston County?

What happens when someone who’s seen government from the inside decides to run for local office — not for power, but to protect a way of life?Adam Caldwell isn’t a career politician. He’s a father of three, a former public servant, and now a candidate trying to balance growth, taxes, and heritage in Johnston County.Can one person help a fast-growing county stay grounded in its roots?

What really decides a local election before Election Day? I sit down with Vice Chair Butch Lawter to ask the questions that shape your wallet and your weekend. Can a county actually build parks without piling on taxes? What fixes a strained school budget when enrollment barely moves? How do you plan water for peak days, not averages? And why does fund balance matter more than slogans? If you live in Johnston County, these answers touch your street, your bill, your vote.

Why would a small town business owner take a pay cut to serve, hire extra staff to cover him, then ask voters for four more years? In this episode, Commissioner Mike Rose unpacks the revaluation year in plain numbers, the billion in building needs, and why the county set the rate it did. Are incentives giveaways, or a smarter way to win jobs? What happens when the state stalls and the courts still need staff? If you care about taxes, growth, and the future of Johnston County, lean in.

What if domestic violence isn’t what you think it is? What if the most damaging scars are the ones you can’t see? In this episode, I sit down with Harbor’s Executive Director, Kay Johnson, to unpack the power and control behind abuse, why it often takes about seven attempts to leave, and how a simple plan can change everything. How do you know if it’s abuse when there’s no bruise? What does real help look like at 2 a.m.? And how can a community thrift shop fuel safety and healing? Listen in and decide what your next step could be.

What keeps a community walking—year after year—for a cause that never sleeps? In Johnston County, Relay for Life has evolved from overnight laps around a track to a full-day festival of hope, remembrance, and resilience. In this episode, I sit down with two women who refused to let the mission fade after COVID. Why does Relay still matter? What drives people to keep showing up? And how does it change lives right here at home?

Clayton is growing, but what does that really mean behind the scenes? How does a town prepare for five new people every single day? What happens when land meant for jobs turns into rooftops instead? And why do water, sewer, and timing matter more than most people realize? In this conversation with Clayton’s Economic Development Director, Joe Stallings, we unpack what growth actually takes, what’s coming next, and how a community decides what kind of future it wants to build.

What if the hardest part of divorce isn’t the divorce itself, but everything that quietly stays connected afterward?What if your will, your life insurance, your bank accounts, or even your car are still tying you to someone you thought you’d left behind?In this special Ask Jonathan Breeden Anything episode, I walk through the documents divorce does not change for you, the financial risks people overlook, and why divorce is not an ending. It’s a beginning that requires intention.

What happens when the person responsible for public safety in Johnston County pulls back the curtain on the justice system? In this conversation, District Attorney Jason Waller reveals how cases really move, what keeps him up at night, and why his toughest decisions matter most. If you’ve ever wondered who protects your community—and how—they do it, this episode will change the way you see the courthouse.

How many people in Johnston County can’t get to work, the doctor, or even the grocery store… simply because they don’t have a car?I thought I understood what public services looked like here — until I sat down with Josh Jensen. From JCATS and Quick Ride to Meals on Wheels and senior housing, what he shared changed how I see this county.What happens when the systems we never notice disappear?

What happens when a hospital CEO is still thinking like a respiratory therapist?What decisions do you make when lives are on the line and no one has clear answers?And if the best cancer care is meant to be shared, not hoarded, why does competition still exist?In this conversation, I sit down with Tom Williams to explore leadership under pressure, healthcare access, and what it really means to care for a community.

What happens when someone with a background in politics, crisis communications, and nationwide community storytelling steps into Johnston County for the first time? And what does he notice that many of us who live here every day might overlook? In this episode, I sit down with Aaron Mullins, our brand new tourism CEO, to ask how he sees Johnston County, what surprised him, and what stories he believes the world needs to hear about this place.

What really happens when love meets the law in a blended family? In this episode, I sit down with Raena Burch to unpack one of the most emotional questions in family law: what rights do stepparents actually have? From adoption and custody battles to the quiet struggles inside second marriages, we explore what the law allows, where it stops—and how compassion, communication, and boundaries can make all the difference.

What happens when a family business built on a red telephone becomes the heartbeat of an entire town? In this episode, I sit down with Chandler Pernell, owner of Call Pernell Heating & Air, to uncover how a simple promise — always answer the phone — turned into a legacy of service, faith, and community pride. From the trades to transformation, and from local festivals to the soul of Selma itself, what can one small business teach us about keeping a hometown alive?

What turns a kid from the tobacco fields near Bunn into the CEO of UNC Health Johnston? Why did one guidance counselor and a single day at WakeMed change everything? How do you go from Durham Tech to leading a health system by what he calls accident? In part one, Tom Williams shares the small choices that shaped a big career, the community that made him stay, and the expansion ahead, including a new patient tower in Clayton. If healthcare is local, what does growth really look like on the ground in Johnston County?

What makes someone trade a badge for a ballot?Adele Walker’s journey from NYPD family roots to Florida police officer to downtown Selma business owner is anything but ordinary. But what happens when the woman who “never wanted to be in politics” decides to step up and run for mayor? In this episode, we explore how frustration turned into purpose — and why Adele believes real change in small towns starts when ordinary people stop staying quiet.

What if your local fire chief was the reason your community still felt like a community? What if the fire department wasn’t just answering 911 calls — but filling in where town halls, parades, and summer camps disappeared? In this episode, I sat down with Cleveland Fire Chief Chris Ellington, a man who quietly rebuilt the heart of a town that technically doesn’t exist. From saving lives to saving traditions… how far would you go for the place you call home?

What makes someone uproot their life, leave behind decades in Las Vegas, and start over in Johnston County? For Trish Perna, it wasn’t a career move or a change of pace—it was something far more personal. Now, as president of the Woman’s Club of Clayton, she’s leading projects that fund foster homes, support local kids, and even transform community spaces into holiday destinations. But here’s the real question: what does it take to build a club that isn’t about status or socializing, but about rolling up your sleeves and getting things done?

100 episodes. When we started this podcast, I wasn’t sure we’d even make it to 20. Now people stop me in town and say, “Aren’t you the podcast guy?” not “my lawyer.” Along the way, we’ve lost entire interviews, begged friends to come on, and met nonprofits, small business owners, and community leaders who completely reshaped how I see Johnston County.But here’s what I keep asking myself: which conversations truly changed me, and which ones might change you?

Everyone’s asking the same thing: why is Johnston County’s new regional park taking so long? We’ve heard promises of pickleball courts, fishing ponds, and walking trails—yet the site still looks untouched. Is it money? Politics? Or something as simple as… not enough clay in the ground? In this conversation with Parks Director Adrian O’Neal, I dig into the delays, the big plans, and whether we’ll actually see this park finished before my own grandchildren are grown.

What makes someone run toward danger when everyone else runs away? 🚒Cleveland Fire Chief Chris Ellington didn’t dream of being a firefighter—it started as peer pressure from friends. Yet, within seven years, he was chief at just 28 years old. In our conversation, he opens up about learning firefighting “on the way to a call,” leading a department that grew from 230 calls a year to nearly 3,000, and what he believes truly sets firefighters apart.Would you ever step into a career where the training never ends and the stakes are life or death?

What if the only way through grief… was straight through it?This week, we sat down with April Barbour-Capps, the heart behind Johnston County’s SECU Hospice House and Camp Courage—a free program helping children navigate the unimaginable. How do you explain loss to a 6-year-old? How do you help families carry grief without being crushed by it?In this conversation we uncover why Camp Courage exists, how hospice care is evolving, and what it really means to face loss together as a community.