Life on Shuffle

This episode features Shannon Tolbert, a softball coach from Lenoir, North Carolina. Shannon was born in Lenoir but has lived many other places during his time in the military. He has recently gone back to school to pursue his degree in Psychology. Today's episode was hosted by Adriana, Hayden, Noah, Dalton and Cooper.

In this episode of the Life on Shuffle Podcast, we are joined by Jennifer White as she discusses her thoughts and reasonings when moving between different professions. Starting off being a nurse, she quickly discovered her passion for helping children and decided to make the change to become a teacher. She discusses the differences and similarities of the two professions and about how much the education world has changed since she started. After 23 years as a teacher, she switched her profession to helping elderly patients in the field of nursing. With so many changes in her life, she shares the difficulties of starting something new and why you shouldn't fight against it.This episode is hosted by Olivia, Amazin, Tehya, Anna, and Josh Cooper.

Mark Baldwin is a former teacher and coach, who knew he needed a change and took the risk to start a screen printing and embroidery business. Mark is a hard-working, kind and generous person who supports the people around him. He talks about what he learned at an early age and how its helped him succeed today. He also talks about taking pride in your work and doing what is right.Check out his work at therenegadetees.com , renegadesupply.co , ignitebrotherhood.com , or on Instagram @renegade_tees . This episode is hosted by Josh Cooper and was recorded on March 27th, 2026.

Today we are featuring John Carlock, a minister, educator, humanitarian from Virginia.For nearly two decades, John Carlock dedicated his life to serving children in Gaza through education, compassion, and faith. What began as a one-year teaching assignment in Jerusalem, turned into a lifelong mission to build schools, support families, and create hope in the middle of conflict.He shares his story of leaving the United States at just 24 years old, learning Arabic, building the Lighthouse School in Gaza, and raising a family between cultures. He reveals the realities of war, identity, sacrifice, and what forced all his hard work to halt in 2023.We hope you enjoy his story and take away the importance of caring for others, taking risks, adapting to change and standing up for what is right.Today’s episode was recorded in the spring of 2026. This episode was produced and recorded by Mackenzee, Maya and Kylie.Music Track: Name Track: Sacred Ramadan Music by TimTaj PRO: BMI (IPI 1098108837)

In this episode of the podcast, we interview Wade Nichols, commonly known as Tha Kid Wade. He is a rapper, producer, and business owner from Lenoir, North Carolina. Tha Kid Wade details his past struggles, his rise to being a community leader, and how rap plays a role in it all.This episode was recorded on May 5, 2026. This episode was Produced by Olivia Austin and Josh Cooper, and it was hosted by Xander Bruch, Forrest Hadley, Beyonce Cornejo-Vasquez, and Diana Robles.

Today on life on shuffle, we have Stephen McMasters, a previous teacher, coach, and now an insurance agent. Facing many different life situations, he managed to overcome those by following his heart with the support of many. Stephen says " Every door I have ever walked through has presented an opportunity for another door to open.” His perspective has really shaped who he is as a person. He continues to face many different obstacles as life shuffles.Episode is hosted by Jaquelyn, Zariyah, Jasmin, Brittany and Josh Cooper.

From the dusty diamonds of Louisville to the professional mounds of the Atlanta Braves organization, Richard Sullivan’s life has always been defined by two things: a ball and a brush. Join us as we explore the journey of a man who pitched in the minor leagues for six years before conquering the world of fine art. We’ll discuss his time at SCAD, the grit of the bullpen, and how he transitioned into a premier illustrator for icons like the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Woodford Reserve. It’s a story about finding the "sweet spot" where athleticism meets aesthetic, and how one man turned his dual passions into a lifelong legacy at BNK St. Gallery + Studio.This episode is hosted by Josh Cooper.

On this episode of Life On Shuffle, we’re joined by Ryan Pope, a former professional pitcher within the New York Yankees minor league organization. We explore Ryan’s journey from his early life to his time at SCAD pursuing visual communications, navigating the high-pressure world of professional baseball, and the delicate act of balancing athletics with academics. Ryan opens up about the pivotal moment he left college after being drafted and how he made the transition from the baseball field to the medical field. As he walks us through what his life looks like working as a project manager for Atrium Health, we learn how his career pathway has impacted him, and what advice he gives others that are looking for a career of their own. This episode is hosted by Laney, Aaliyah, Brodi, Maddie and Josh.

Selling deeds with Deids’.In this episode we interview Diedre Parker-Vest, she has worked in real estate, as a law enforcement officer, along with taking part in community service such as working with girl scouts and being a youth leader at her church. Diedre takes us through the ups and downs of her life. She talked about what she struggled with doing her jobs along with how she got through those struggles. She also gave us advice on how to overcome hardships along with advice for anyone who may be struggling to find what they want to do with their lives. This is hosted by Lily Edwards, Cheyenne Philyaw, Brianna Gonzalez, Elizabeth Flores and Mr. Cooper.

Today’s episode features Ryan Hadley an independent travel nurse who shares his story of persevering through failure and finding his own passion. Ryan provides advice to people who are uncertain about what they are going to do after high school. He also goes into detail about the uncertainties in his own life, providing clear insights on all of the ups and downs he went through to get to where he is now.This episode is hosted by Abby, Karsyn, Abby, Myla and Mr. Sherwood.

Today’s episode is an interview with Matt Williams, a positive, patient, well-loved, engaging English Instructor in Hudson, NC. He had a passion for animation and comics at an early age but became an English instructor. In this episode, we will do a deep dive into Mr. Williams' life and why he wanted to become an English professor that now enjoys his job and has a tendency to help his students succeed and achieve their goals.This episode is hosted by Alexis, Raylen, Sierra, Yarecsi, and Cooper.

Released from the drafts! This episode was originally recorded in May 2023.Welcome to the “Life on Shuffle” Podcast. A collection of stories about people who have taken chances, embraced the unexpected, and inadvertently discovered their true passion.Emerald and I have known each other for most of our adult lives. We’ve worked closely together and share very similar life stories. The beginning of this episode contains a little insight into the origins of “Life on Shuffle”.Emerald Williams is a High school Math teacher from Hudson, North Carolina. She is from rural Sampson County, North Carolina. She initially wanted to join the military, but went to school at NC State to pursue engineering. She eventually discovered a passion for education and has taught for a many years in Caldwell County, NC.This episode is hosted by Kiley, Ben with Josh Cooper.

This week we are interviewing Emily Roberts, a English professor at Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute in Hudson, NC. She originally thought she wanted to be a Marine Biologist, but after a series of life events, she discovered her love for teaching young people. She shares with us how she copes with anxiety, distrust, her work history, education journey, her love of working with young people, and how she still gets to pursue her love of marine biology.This episode's interview crew consists of Patrick Anders, Bella Boston, Alexis Carroll, Stone Larson and Josh Cooper.

Welcome to the “Life on Shuffle” Podcast! A collection of stories about people who have taken chances, embraced the unexpected, and inadvertently discovered their true passion.Today we are featuring Jennifer Dunst, a EM and Minor Procedure Coding Supervisor from Lenoir NC.Jennifer was born in Hickory NC but throughout her life she has lived in other places such as Virginia. She is married and a mother of two. After college she had a few different jobs but she eventually found the career she loves and went back to college. Since then, she has been in several different roles at the same company and now she works remotely for a company in California!Also in the room today, we have Tanner Booth, Ava Aldrich, Sacora Cruz, Zoey Dunst, and Josh Cooper.

Welcome to the “Life on Shuffle” Podcast. A collection of stories about people who have taken chances, embraced the unexpected, and inadvertently discovered their true passion. This week we are featuring Savannah Webb, an Energy Specialist at Blue Ridge, from Lenoir, North Carolina. This week's episode is hosted by Makenzie Sherrill, Noah Calix, Laura Rios, Charlize Ayers and Josh Cooper.Savannah Webb grew up in Lenoir and is married and has two dogs. She has a love for music and enjoys singing at her church. She originally went to college to be a music teacher then changed to become an Energy Specialist at Blue Ridge Energy, but has now found an unexpected outlet for her love for music.

Welcome to the “Life on Shuffle” Podcast. A collection of stories about people who have taken chances, embraced the unexpected, and inadvertently discovered their true passion.Today we are featuring Brittani Coffey, a teacher from Caldwell County, North Carolina. Hosted by Austin Shore, Raeganne White, Annalee Hill, Axell Briones, and Josh Cooper. Brittani was a bookkeeper and now she is a teacher. She is married and she has two children. She teaches 7th grade math at Gamewell Middle School. Mrs.Coffey has a Bachelors of Science in Human Services from Gardner Webb University.

Welcome to the “Life on Shuffle” Podcast. A collection of stories about people who have taken chances, embraced the unexpected, and inadvertently discovered their true passion.Today we are featuring Ronaldo, the owner of RAVSCORP from Granite Falls, North Carolina. Today's hosts are Erin Shows, Ethan Burns, Jose Euceda, and Josh Cooper.Ronaldo was born in San Paulo, Brazil. He started working at age seven and got his first job at age fifteen. He has worked in numerous industries such as shipping, product development, furniture, and sales. He has travelled to world for business but his focus has always been to build relationships. He is fluent in Portuguese, English, Spanish, and Japanese. He owns his own company RAVSCORP which services a group of companies owned by an Amish Community. In his role he supports and oversees executive management sales and marketing to support growth in retail presence. His passions are cooking and serving others. He enjoys spending time with his church family and feeds everyone he meets. His favorite thing to cook is Wagyu steak.

Welcome to the “Life on Shuffle” Podcast. A collection of stories about people who have taken chances, embraced the unexpected, and inadvertently discovered their true passion.Today we are featuring Lella Lytle, a teacher from Lenoir, North Carolina who studied Biology, English, and Education at Appalachian State University and Lees-McRae College. Originally, she entered college undecided for a career with either biology or journalism, and now works at the Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute teaching English and Humanities classes, such as writing, literature, critical thinking, and mythology. She has spent time throughout her life traveling and researching the mythologies and religions of different cultures, and continues her independent studies of humanities and ecology alongside her current teaching today. This week's episode is hosted by Sophia Banyai, Ariana Hernandez, Makayla Price, Henry Hightower and Josh Cooper.

Welcome to the “Life on Shuffle” Podcast. A collection of stories about people who have taken chances, embraced the unexpected, and inadvertently discovered their true passion. Today's episode features Oscar Michel, with his wife Kaitlen Michel., a tree farmer from Collettsville, NC. Oscar wanted to be an artist as a child, but originally planned on being a RNA, spent time in the Army, and now loves his job as a tree farmer in Collettsville NC. This episode is hosted by Ava Hubbard, Joanna Hindman, Ethan Hewlett, Justin Buitrago, and Josh Cooper.

Welcome to the “Life on Shuffle” Podcast. A collection of stories about people who have taken chances, embraced the unexpected, and inadvertently discovered their true passion.Today we are featuring Kyle Lloyd, a lead pastor from Hickory, North Carolina. As well as Makenzie Price, Grace Waters, Kenan Norris, Corynne Sterken, and Josh Cooper. Kyle wanted to be an athletic trainer all throughout high school but now is a lead pastor at Dudley Shoals Baptist Church. He has a wife and two kids. He has a long history in church ministry. He is a former youth and children's leader at Dudley Shoals Baptist Church and Central Baptist Church, as well as working at Lifeway Christian Resources. His education consists of a diploma from Fred T Ford H.S. and a degree from Liberty University.

Today we are featuring Theresa Gloster, an artist from Lenoir, North Carolina. She is a folk artist known to tell stories through paintings of her childhood. Her artwork is recognized by many in the region as she has worked with the late Sam “The Dot Man” McMillan and Glenn Hinson. Some of her work has been purchased by fashion designer Leon Talley, worn by Whoopi Goldberg on The View, and featured on Good Morning America. Her art is a unique way of telling personal stories through visual techniques. In this episode, Theresa talks about the ups and downs of life as you figure out how you fit into it. Also in the room today, we have Natalie Crump, Karagen Bailey, Makenna Carswell, Dayah Dula, and Josh Cooper.

Welcome to the “Life on Shuffle” Podcast. A collection of stories about people who have taken chances, embraced the unexpected, and inadvertently discovered their true passion. Today we are featuring Jim Goare, a restaurant owner from Lenoir, North Carolina. Hosted by Harley Watts, Abbi Tucker, Savanah Smith, Amelia Dean, and Josh Cooper. Jim Goare is the owner of JD’s Smokehouse which has locations in Gamewell and Rutherford College. Jim was born in Georgia and has worked in several service industries.

Welcome to the “Life on Shuffle” Podcast. A collection of stories about people who have taken chances, embraced the unexpected, and inadvertently discovered their true passion.Today we are featuring Dr. Scott Kehiaian, a business owner from Granite falls.Also in the room today we also have Alex Giles, Luke Roberts, Jacob Harmon, Maggie Helton, and Josh Cooper.Dr. K currently is a business owner and teaches several business classes at Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute. Dr. K grew up in Santa Maria California. He received an Associates degree at Allan Hancock in Santa Maria. He got his bachelor's degree at California State University Chico. He earned his MBA at Pepperdine University Malibu California. He got his Doctorate at Nova Southeastern University in Florida. Dr. K has been employed at many businesses, yet, owned many businesses including the following, Curb painting, buy and sell business, financial planning, real estate development/flipping rentals, two self storage facilities, Cold Stone Creamery, and then now he works at Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute.

Welcome to the “Life on Shuffle” Podcast. A collection of stories about people who have taken chances, embraced the unexpected, and inadvertently discovered their true passion.Today we are featuring Dana Miller, an EC teacher from Granite Falls, North Carolina.Also in the room today, we have myself, Tillie, hosting this episode, Rylie, Ayline, and Kaylee and Cooper.Dana was born in Hudson, North Carolina. She is the youngest child and has an older brother living in South Carolina. She went to UNC Greensboro, majoring in Exercise and Sports Science with a concentration in Aquatic Therapy. She was an aquatic therapist for 5 years before going back to school and attending Appalachian State, where she got her teaching certificate in Special Education. She now works at Granite Falls Elementary School as an EC Teacher.

Welcome to the “Life on Shuffle” Podcast. A collection of stories about people who have taken chances, embraced the unexpected and discovered their true passion.Today we are featuring Ryan Davis, an entrepreneur from Dudley Shoals, North Carolina, hosted by Jayla Davis, Zach Caldwell, Eric Rico-Romero, Leon Yang, and Josh Cooper. Ryan is an entrepreneur. He went from earning an associate's degree in fish and wildlife management, to managing several Mal-Mart stores, to ultimately creating 3 businesses with his family and friends.

Welcome to the “Life on Shuffle” Podcast. A collection of stories about people who have taken chances, embraced the unexpected and discovered their true passion.Featuring Matt Smith, hosted by Erin Shows, Ethan Burns, Jose Euceda, and Emily Thomas, and Josh Cooper. Born in California and raised in Oregon, Matt has been in the army where he spent time at Fort Bragg in North Carolina as well as time in Korea, Germany, Kosovo, and two deployments to Iraq. During this time he worked as a vehicle mechanic. After leaving the military he moved to North Carolina and became a security guard. He then completed an associate degree from Central Piedmont Community College in Heavy Equipment Maintenance Technology. He worked for Caterpillar before becoming a diesel mechanic instructor. Now he is the Director of the Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technology program at Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute. Matt is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree from Appalachian State University in WorkForce Development. In his free time he also enjoys serving as the youth pastor for his church. He is married to his wife Morgan who is also a veteran and together they have two children.