Love Local Chattanooga Podcast

In this episode of Love Local Chatt, Dr. Chris Collins and McKenzie Bergenback sit down with Taylor Traglia Stephenson, owner of Understory Tea Shop. Taylor shares her journey of moving to Chattanooga with a vision to create an intentional space where people can unplug, integrate, and connect through tea. We also talk about the heart behind Understory, the power of slowing down, and how spaces like this shape the culture of our every day living. Check out events and more here: understorytea.com

In this episode of Love Local Chatt, Chris sits down with Chattanooga musician Levi Ouimet as he gears up to release his new EP. They talk through Levi’s journey as an artist, what it takes to stay consistent, and how a strong local community can shape the future of Chattanooga’s music scene. Most recent EP:  Listen on Spotify Stay tuned for new music and follow here.

In this episode of Love Local Chatt, Chris Collins and McKenzie Bergenback sit down with Beth Forrester, owner of The Bunny Hive - Chattanooga. Beth shares the story behind bringing this unique “grownup-and-me” community space to Chattanooga and why connection during the early years of parenting matters so much. The conversation explores how play-based learning, early childhood classes, and shared experiences help families find friendship, support, and a sense of belonging in their local community. If you're looking for ways to build community while raising young children, this episode highlights why spaces like The Bunny Hive are so meaningful for families. Learn more:https://www.thebunnyhive.com

Briana and Chris sit down with Julie Holder, owner of the newly branded Studio Day, to talk about the impactful project work she’s bringing into Chattanooga as a photographer and creative director. She shares her unique vision for the creative space she cultivates.https://www.anaono.com

On this episode of Love Local Chatt, Briana and Chris sit down with Casey Haywood of Dance Tonight Chattanooga to talk about dancing in Chattanooga. Whether you're interested in learning from the ground up or increasing your confidence, connection, and community through movement, Dance Tonight offers a space in Chattanooga for just that. Casey also shares his experience with Dare to Dance and how Chattanooga rallies around meaningful causes through dance.

In this episode, McKenzie and Chris talk with Bill Reed of  Pedestrian Wine and Cheese about our community, craft, and what it looks like to grow something meaningful in Chattanooga. We explore what intentional business and shared experiences can bring to our neighborhoods.Visit > pedestrianwineandcheese.comFollow > instagram.com/pedestrianwineandcheeseshop/Follow Love Local Chatt > instagram.com/lovelocalchatt/

Special Links!https://chattanooga.gov/government/parks-and-outdoorshttps://www.mainx24.com 

Fowler Brothers Home and PatioLove Local Chatt

Related links:Follow Shayna: @webbchattshttps://www.kidneyfoundation.com/dare-to-danceVisit us at: lovelocalchatt.com

Love Local Chattanooga Podcast (Apple/Spotify) — keep up with past & current episodes (Apple/Spotify)Highland Park Porchfest (official site) — event details, lineup, FAQs (Highland Park Porchfest)WDEF’s profile “Driving Our Economy Forward: White Duck Taco” — background on Nelson Taylor and the concept (WDEF)YouTube video "Highland Park Porchfest" — gives a visual feel for the event (YouTube)

Discover ways to get involved and learn what’s next for these grassroots movements in our cityJoin us for Community Connections this month at Common House: RSVP hereLinks & Handles Mentioned:   •    Visit the Highland Park Porchfest site: highlandparkporchfest.com   •    Follow @highlandparkporchfest and @thirdplacechatt on Instagram   •    Explore TEDxChattanooga events by visiting tedxchatt.com 

We’re also giving a special shoutout to her upcoming event, Rhinestone Cowgirl, happening September 13th from 12–6 PM at White Duck Taco. Expect live music, local vendors, and a whole lot of Chattanooga creativity.🔗 Event details: Rhinestone Cowgirl 2025🌐 Learn more about Kait: kaitmakes.com

✨ Curious about upcoming classes and events? Visit thechattery.org to explore what’s coming up and how you can get involved!

The Love Experience event -- Sold OutChattTaste upcoming event: Dinner En Dark: Use code TASTE15 FOR 15%Community Connections by Love Local Chatt

In this episode, McKenzie and Chris chat with Caroline Lewis, owner of Lawson-House Marketing, about her rise from employee to business owner—and how she’s helping small businesses find that sweet spot between DIY and big-budget marketing. If you’re an entrepreneur, small business owner and need an edge on your strategy, this one’s for you.Check out Lawson-House and Caroline Lewis here.Join our community for updates and local business giveaways @ LoveLocalChatt.comFind out more about "Dinner en Dark" with ChattTaste here.

ChattTaste Food Tours events and more information herePaire Charm Bar events and more information hereCandle-making work shop hereThe Specific Chiropractic Center Chattanooga more information hereCommunity Connections Happy Hour here Nervous System Regulation Workshop with The Chattery here 

Sign Up for the Chattanooga Chase here.Check out Fast Break Athletics here.Come to Community Connections this month, May 28th at Common House. RSVP here 

In this episode of Love Local Chatt, Briana and Chris sit down for a chat with the vibrant and multifaceted Haile Nottage. She shares about her involvement in Chattanooga 2.0, community advocacy and content creation with @wydchatt, and how she gets people moving as a local fitness instructor. Haile shares what inspires her about life in Chattanooga, how she stays connected, and a few fun things to check out around town.https://chatt2.orghttps://www.instagram.com/wydchatt/Community Connections Wednesday the 23rd at 6:00 PMhttps://www.chatttaste.com 

In this episode, McKenzie and Chris sit down with local restaurateur Jason Bowers to talk about his journey and the Chattanooga food scene. From Daily Ration to Fifty-Fifty Wine Bar, Jason shares insights on running multiple businesses and what’s next. Plus, we chat about the Chattanooga Outdoor Festival happening April 5 at the Choo Choo. Tune in!Mentions:https://www.fiftyfiftywinebar.comSourdough Class at The Chattery: April 16th 6-7:30pmCommunity Connections: April 23rd 6-8pmPaire Charm Bar

In this episode of Love Local Chatt, McKenzie and Briana sit down with Amy Walters, the inspiring mind behind The Scout Guide Chattanooga. They dive into an open conversation on what it means to be an entrepreneur, the art of balancing work and home life, and the importance of commitment to work and personal relationships. From lessons in alignment to candid reflections on wellness and resilience, this episode navigates the concepts of business and life with intention.Love local in Chattanooga? Join us for our next Community Connections at Common House: March 26th 6-8pm -- RSVP here https://thescoutguide.com/chattanooga/

In this episode, we sit down with the creative minds behind Pairé Charm Bar— Tiffany Hargis and McKenzie Bergenback. From building a brand rooted in playfulness and connection to the magic of making charm jewelry on the spot, we talk inspiration, entrepreneurship, and the art of making everyday charming. Tune in to hear up coming events, and how this local gem is turning tiny treasures into big moments, one charm at a time.Events mentioned:https://www.pairecharmbar.com/Lucky Charms with Pairé Charm Bar - March 14th from 6-8PMCommunity Connections at Common House - March 26th from 6-8PM

In this episode, Briana and Chris interview Bill Lee (not the governor), owner of Gate 11 Distillery, a crafts award-winning spirits distillery located in the Choo Choo Terminal in downtown Chattanooga. In addition to a discussion about what makes this distillery stand out as a local business, Bill had some special news for an opportunity for those who want to be a part of new growth ahead for Gate 11 through a community capital campaign. Listen to the whole episode to find out the scoop! Enjoy!https://www.gate11distillery.comhttps://lovelocalchatt.com

In this episode, Briana Garza and Chris Collins are back in the New Year with an updated view on the Chattanooga perspective. In this episode, we interview Katie Sneed, our resident local who has a big story and a special interest in the upcoming Pink Gala coming soon on January 25th. As always, we wrap up with a few things to do in town, check the episode notes below!Community Connections: January 22nd 6-8pm at Common House - RSVP herePink Gala: January 25th (SOLD OUT) - Support HereGalentine's: February 13th at 5PM - Reserve your seatLearn more at lovelocalchatt.com

See you next year at mainx24!lovelocalchatt.comhttps://noogatoday.6amcity.comThe Stress-Less Podcast - New Episodes

Events mentioned:DIY Fire Cider Workshop: November 13thhttps://thechattery.org/classes/diy-winter-remedies-workshop-fire-cider-in-person-classTedx Chattanooga: November 14https://www.tedxchatt.comCommunity Connections: November 20thhttps://www.eventbrite.com/e/community-connections-tickets-1058133849829?aff=erelexpmltAn Evening with Cook's Country Editor and Megan Bolling: November 22ndhttps://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-evening-with-cooks-country-editor-and-tv-personality-morgan-bolling-tickets-1073353020779?aff=oddtdtcreatorRazzle Dazzle - The PopUp Project November 23rdhttps://www.thepopupproject.org/event-details-registration/razzle-dazzle-2024-1Grateful Gobbler: November 28https://www.gratefulgobblerwalk.org

fourbridgesoutfitters.comHalloween Group ride: October 31 at 6:30-9:30Keep in touch and win local prizes on "The List" - Learn more at lovelocalchatt.com

Sign up for "The List" at lovelocalchatt.comDIY Elderberry ClassFast Like a GirlTim Kelly's State of the City addressAs always make sure to check out our supporters:NoogaTodayChattTasteThe Specific ChattanoogaPodcast made possible by:Common House Chattanooga

Find out more about Love Local Chattanoogalovelocalchatt.comFind out more about Liz Langs and Traveling Tutors:https://www.travelingtutorsofchatt.comEvents mentioned:Community Connections with Love Local Chatt and Common HouseDinner en Dark with ChattTaste

In this episode, Briana and Dr. Collins discuss the recent vandalism that effected a non-profit in the Southside of Chattanooga called The Chattery. The conversation covers how much small business support means for the community.

Resources to learn more about Chad Prevost and his work with bigselfschool.comCheck out his podcast: The HumanistEvents Mentioned:Connect with us locally at Community ConnectionsSimplifying Sourdough with The Chattery 

Weblinks referencedhttps://literaryink.cohttps://www.mainlinetattoo.comlovelocalchatt.com

In this episode, Briana and Dr. Collins recap and catch up on a few upcoming things that have been going on in town. Briana mentions what you can expect from Dinner en Dark. With NightFall, Chattanooga Lookouts games, and plenty to do in Chattanooga, we always recommend NoogaToday as an outlet for finding local things to do.

Creative Mornings with McKenzie BergenbackCommunity Connections at Common HouseLearn more at lovelocalchatt.com

Mentioned in this episode:Find out the "goodest" news at NoogaToday. Check out our recent feature at noogatoday.6amcity.comSign up on our waitlist for "The List", at lovelocalchatt.comChattTaste hosts Dinner En Dark find out more at chatttaste.comJoin us for Community Connections at Common House - all are welcome! RSVP on eventbrite.comNew locally sourced menu to come at Neidlov's bakery! Check out their website at niedlovs.com

In this episode, Briana and Dr. Collins feature things to do in May from how to observe mental health awareness month to where to take your dogs for a meal and outdoor activities! Listen to the whole episode to learn more about a new way to engage with Love Local Chatt!

Mentioned:Join the Love Local Chatt waitlist to sign up for local giveaways and perks at lovelocalchatt.comUse code DRSPEC at check out to register for the Chattanooga Chase at Chattanoogachase.org hosted by Fastbreak Athletics 

In this episode, Dr. Chris Collins interviews two special guests, Jon Jon Wesolowski and Maddie Maloney about the topic of pedestrian and public design and safety.

Briana Garza: ChattTaste Food ToursNoogaTodayJulie Holder Powell: POMKTMary Stargel: Society of WorkJenna Wright: Southern Soul YogaAmy Walters: The Scout Guide - ChattanoogaAmy Lokken: R3 ChattanoogaMaggie Curruth O'Connor: TEDx ChattanoogaJennifer Holder and Shawanda Morris: The Chattery 

lovelocalchatt.comhttps://noogatoday.6amcity.com

NoogaTodayhttp://noogatoday.6amcity.comNooga Nightlifehttps://www.nooganightlife.com/mobile-home/

In this episode, Dr. Chris Collins and Briana Garza discuss everything to expect in December in Chattanooga starting with MainX24! From beloved events to beloved small business support, find everything you need to know to "love local" in Chattanooga this month. Make sure to follow us and tune in for updates.