As Told By You

In this episode of As Told By You, Bill sits down with longtime friend and filmmaker Jacob Carter to talk about storytelling, education, filmmaking, and building a creative life with purpose. Jacob shares how he discovered video production in high school, how wedding filmmaking shaped his career, and how he now leads creative projects for the fastest-growing charter school district in South Carolina. The conversation dives into legacy, emotion, relationships, and the power of stories to move people to action. Topics Covered -Why storytelling matters for any organization -How emotion creates connection and action -Jacob’s work with the Charter Institute at Erskine -Building one of the most extensive communications teams in education -How Jacob first got into filmmaking -Shooting his first wedding in 2008 -Early internships and documentary work -Living in a Halfway House to mentor men while making films -Meeting his wife and growing a wedding business together -Running a creative business as a couple -The challenge and reward of long term client relationships -Legacy, weddings, and why these stories matter If you enjoy conversations with filmmakers, storytellers, and creative leaders, subscribe for more episodes of As Told By You

In this episode of As Told By You, we sit down with Suzanne Brunnemer of Mann Tool and Supply, a Columbia business with more than 80 years of history. Suzanne is part of the third generation to lead the company, and the fourth generation has now begun to step in. Suzanne shares what it has been like to grow up inside a family business, how her son recently joined the company, and why the trades create such strong generational ties. We talk about childhood experiences, work culture, and what the future looks like for Mann Tool and Supply. Topics covered in this episode include: Growing up in a multigenerational family business How her son decided to join the fourth generation Childhood memories of working in the trades Why blue-collar families often work together early in life The shifting dynamics of family involvement over the years How younger leaders connect with the next wave of customers Suzanne’s insights on time management, organization, and big picture thinking What the future looks like for Mann Tool and Supply If you enjoy stories about family businesses, the trades, or local Columbia history, this episode is a great listen.

Welcome back to As Told By You. Today’s guest is John Loveday, a passionate leader in alternative education who is helping reshape the way students learn in South Carolina. John’s story starts in rural Aiken County and moves through immense personal loss, first-generation college success, and the difficult early years of teaching in a traditional classroom. That journey led him to virtual and charter schools, where he discovered a mission that aligned with his purpose: giving students options. We talk about: • What led John into the virtual school movement • How SC Whitmore School became a lifeline for students from all 46 SC counties • Real-life stories of teen parents, student-athletes, and young entrepreneurs who needed a different path • Mastery-based, self-paced education and how it prevents dropouts • His leap into charter school leadership and joining Tutelage School Solutions • Why rural communities deserve high-quality education options • The role storytelling and video play in building trust with families John shares powerful examples, such as a valedictorian who received a full ride to USC and a 20-year-old mother who refused to give up, both of whom graduated on their own timeline and found success in their own way. This is what equitable education can look like. ✨ If you believe every student deserves the chance to write their own story, this episode is for you. 👍 Like | 💬 Comment | 🛎 Subscribe Share this episode with someone who cares about the future of education.

Today on As Told By You, Becky and Andrew from Senior Resources join us to talk about the work they do for older adults across the Midlands. Most people know Meals on Wheels, but there is a lot more happening behind the scenes. From nutrition to transportation to wellness programs, Senior Resources supports thousands of seniors in different ways every year. In this episode, we cover: -How Meals on Wheels works in Columbia -Why a dietitian helps create healthy, balanced meals -Personal stories about family members delivering Meals on Wheels in past generations -Why serving others has been part of his family’s values for decades -How Senior Resources serves real individuals, not faceless names -Becky’s background in nonprofit work and what motivates her -Why, even on difficult days, they know seniors were fed and cared for -The impact on volunteers, from retirees to college students who want to come back -Additional programs like Neighborhood Wellness Centers and transportation for seniors Senior Resources has been a staple in the Midlands for decades. Their work feeds, supports, connects, and empowers older adults every day through community partnerships, volunteers, and local donors. #SeniorResources #MealsOnWheels #ColumbiaSC #MidlandsSC #SupportSeniors #CommunityMatters #Volunteer #Nonprofit #LoriCenter #AsToldByYou

On this episode of “As Told By You,” we sit down with South Carolina State Representative Jay Kilmartin. Jay is the owner of The Melting Pot, co-owner of the Cigar Militia and our neighbor in Colonial Village. Jay shares how he went from restaurant owner to elected official, what convinced him to run, and the challenges of serving in state politics today. He talks about: Why he felt called to public service What surprised him most about life at the State House The reality of campaigning, fundraising, and negative advertising How to retain loyal restaurant customers for 30 years! How well politicians from different sides can talk over a cigar If you enjoy conversations with local leaders and want to hear how state government works behind the scenes, this episode is worth the watch. Subscribe for more stories from South Carolina voices.

On this episode of As Told By You, Bill and Brian sit down with one of South Carolina’s most iconic creative leaders, William Starrett, Director and CEO of the South Carolina Ballet. William shares how fashion, choreography, education, and business strategy all shape the identity and future of the ballet. He talks about his bold personal brand, why he treats dance like a serious business, and how the ballet reaches more than 18,000 students a year across the state. William explains why accessibility matters, how the nonprofit stays financially healthy, and why keeping ticket prices affordable is part of their mission. We also cover the scale of the touring season, including: • 65th anniversary season • 56 performances in 14 cities • Touring productions of Dracula, Nutcracker, Motown Ballet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and the Sapphire Anniversary Gala William explains how dancers audition from across the country, how he shapes the company with performers from diverse backgrounds, and why he believes dance should reflect the community it serves. He also shares a personal story of how he fell in love with ballet at age 13, moved to San Francisco to train, and decided to pursue dance professionally, leading him to live and work in NYC, his exploits at Studio 54, and what eventually brought him to Columbia. If you want an inside look at the world of professional ballet, leadership in the arts, and what it takes to build a creative legacy, you will enjoy this episode of As Told By You. Like and subscribe for more conversations with creative leaders, entrepreneurs and artists shaping our community.

Welcome back to As Told By You, where real people share real stories. In this episode, we sit down with  @AmandaBertoncini  , best known from Bravo’s Princesses of Long Island, to talk about what life was really like behind the cameras — from getting cast on Facebook to becoming an overnight public figure. Amanda opens up about fame, family, and how she found a new start in Columbia, South Carolina. 🎙 In this episode: How Amanda was discovered for the Princesses of Long Island What was real vs. scripted on the show The challenges of sudden fame and being seen as a “reality star” Why she left New York and started fresh in South Carolina How social media and reality TV have evolved since then How Bill really feels about With Love, Megan And Bill & Brian's stories of meeting their wives Whether you’re a fan of Bravo reality shows, curious about the behind-the-scenes of unscripted TV, or just love a good reinvention story, this conversation will pull you in. 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe to support authentic storytelling. #RealityTV #Bravo #PrincessesOfLongIsland #AmandaBertoncini #Podcast #AsToldByYou

Jade Pruett is an SEO nerd. She loves it! As the owner and founder of HelloSEO, she's excited to help people with local SEO and whipping their search into shape. We talk about -AI as search and how that will change the game -The value of local search and how that's done well -Lego adults It's a fun conversation and full of useful advice. Find Jade at www.helloseo.com

In this episode of As Told By You, we sit down with Adina Maynard, an oncology nurse turned game creator with one of the most unexpected and inspiring career pivots you’ll ever hear. After 15 years at the bedside caring for cancer patients, Adina began to feel the emotional and physical weight of the work take its toll. She loved being there for patients and families during their hardest moments, but the strain of long hours, short staffing, and the constant pressure to do more with less pushed her to start praying for a new direction. What came next was a complete reinvention and the birth of a word game app created right here in Columbia, South Carolina. In this conversation, she opens up about: Walking through the doors she felt God opening The emotional realities of oncology nursing and bone marrow transplant care The resilience and faith she witnessed in patients and families How those experiences shaped her outlook on life and creativity The journey to developing her word game app, Cattywampus Why she believes word games can help people stay mentally sharp longer Her story is full of purpose, grit, humor, and heart, and it is a reminder that it is never too late to reinvent yourself. Tune in, get inspired, and hear how a life spent at the bedside turned into something completely unexpected.

Welcome back to As Told By You! In this episode, we’re joined by Tyler Robertson, CEO and founder of Diesel Laptops, who shares his fascinating journey from getting kicked out of college to building a multi-million dollar business without any debt. 🚚💻 Tyler talks about the massive $80 billion industry surrounding diesel-powered trucks and equipment, and how Diesel Laptops is revolutionizing the way diesel technicians work. From diagnostic software to predictive AI, Diesel Laptops helps commercial truck owners and repair shops fix issues faster and more efficiently. Tyler also touches on the challenges of the trucking industry, including the rise of electric trucks and the hurdles they face in terms of cost, weight, and infrastructure. Throughout the conversation, Tyler dives into the importance of “Right to Repair,” how he built his business on the side while dealing with debt, and how AI is making a major impact in diesel repair. 🌍🔧 What we cover in this episode: Tyler's journey from college dropout to tech entrepreneur 💡 The massive $80 billion diesel repair industry 🚛 How Diesel Laptops is helping technicians with software and AI 💻 The future of electric trucks and their challenges ⚡️ How Tyler grew Diesel Laptops without taking on debt 💸 If you’ve ever wondered how the diesel industry works behind the scenes or how software is changing the repair game, this episode is for you! #DieselLaptops #ElectricTrucks #AI #Entrepreneurship #TechInnovation #TruckingIndustry #BusinessGrowth #RightToRepair #DaveRamsey

In this episode of As Told By You, we sit down with Daniel Andrews, one of Columbia’s most recognizable business leaders and the face of Network In Action in South Carolina. If you’ve ever been to a networking event in Columbia, chances are you’ve seen Daniel in his signature suits helping connect people and businesses. Daniel shares his journey from running a business in Columbia, moving across the country, and ultimately bringing Network In Action back home as a thriving business growth community. We dive into what makes his approach to connection different from traditional “networking groups,” why building relationships between industries is so powerful, and how abundance thinking can transform your business. 👉 If you’re an entrepreneur, business owner, or just curious about how relationships fuel growth, you don’t want to miss this conversation. #podcast #networking #columbiasc

In this episode of As Told By You, we sit down with Courtney and Greg, the founders of Best of the Midlands, a Lexington/Columbia-based business association that’s flipping traditional networking on its head. ✨ What started as a referral postcard idea turned into a powerful platform for business owners to gather, share challenges, and get real-time feedback through their unique Hot Seat Events. We talk about: - The origin story behind Best of the Midlands - What actually happens during a Hot Seat and why it’s different from typical networking - Why honest conversations about business struggles are so needed - Who these events are for (and who they're not) - Their long-term vision for masterminds and member-exclusive strategy sessions Whether you're a business owner, entrepreneur, or just tired of the usual "pass out your business card" meetups, this episode will show you how real community and collaboration can elevate your business—and your life. #BestOfTheMidlands #SmallBusinessSupport #EntrepreneurCommunity #BusinessMastermind #HotSeatEvent #LexingtonSC #ColumbiaSC #NetworkingDoneRight #BusinessNetworking #LocalEntrepreneur

🎙️ Welcome back to the As Told By You Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Jonathan Gamboa from Elite Lawn & Landscaping and Professionals on the Patio to talk all things business, branding, networking, and building a faith-driven company from the ground up. 🌿 Jonathan shares his journey from Colombia to Columbia, SC, how his partnership with David helped scale Elite into one of the most recognizable landscaping brands in the region, and how Professionals on the Patio is creating authentic business connections locally. 💬 Topics We Cover: The power of branding and local presence (billboards, TikTok, custom vans & more) - Faith and values at the core of Elite’s culture - Challenges of staffing and growing a young business - The role of relationships and word-of-mouth in success - Why visibility and consistency matter in marketing If you're an entrepreneur, small business owner, or just love hearing inspiring stories about people doing big things in their community, this one's for you! 👍 Don’t forget to Like, Comment, and Subscribe for more local stories, networking insights, and authentic conversations. #EliteLandscaping #LocalBusiness #PodcastInterview #SmallBusinessGrowth #Networking #FaithInBusiness #BrandBuilding

In this episode of As Told By You, we’re joined by former NFL player and current licensed therapist Andre Goodman. A former teammate at Carolina, Andre opens up about life after football, his unexpected path into mental health, and the deeply personal journey that inspired his work today. Andre shares powerful insights on identity, mental health struggles post-retirement, and how the loss of structure after the game ended led him to confront existential questions and long-buried emotional challenges. From the shadow of CTE to battling anxiety, depression, and perfectionism, Andre talks candidly about breaking free from the expectations placed on athletes and the ones they place on themselves. Now a therapist, writer, and podcast host, Andre uses his platform to guide others, particularly athletes, through the often silent pain of transition, trauma, and rediscovery. He discusses the healing process, his book Maybe I'm Ill: The Shadow and the Empty Chair, and why narrative therapy and self-awareness are central to his mission. This conversation is a must-watch for anyone interested in mental health, identity, personal growth, and the human experience behind the athlete. 👉 Subscribe to the channel and hit the 🔔 to stay updated on future episodes! #MentalHealth #LifeAfterFootball #AndreGoodman #Podcast #AthleteTransition #AsToldByYou

🎙 From Blinding Accident to Bold Clarity | Dr. Lisabeth's Story of Vision, Coaching & Grit This week on As Told By You, I sit down with one of my first-ever clients—and one of the most resilient humans I know—Dr. Lisabeth Medlock, a nonprofit consultant, life coach, and total force for good. 👉 In 2010, Beth experienced a freak accident that left her permanently visually impaired. In this episode, she opens up about what happened, how her life changed in an instant, and the mindset shifts that helped her rebuild a life of purpose, coaching, and community. We cover: 🌟 What it’s like to lose your sight overnight 🌟 How trauma reshapes identity—and how Beth took control of hers 🌟 Why podcasting is taking over media 🌟 Why Chicago might be the best band of all time This isn’t just about an accident. It’s about agency, adaptation, and not waiting for perfect circumstances to make an impact. 📍Beth’s story is for anyone navigating disruption, grief, or just wondering, “Could I really come back from this?” Website: https://www.lifebydesigncoaching.org Instagram: instagram.com/DrMedlockLifeCoach Facebook: facebook.com/drlisabeth YouTube: www.youtube.com/@DrLisabethMedlock Transformation Toolbox Podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4K3Ew8zOiu4M0TJfGavhoq Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/transformation-toolbox/id1814221068

As Told By You 🔊 🔥 Leadership, Mindset & Purpose with Bency Beals 🔥 I met the incredible @bencybeals at Professionals on the Patio 🙌 — and after just a short convo, I knew we had to have her on the pod. Why? Because I’m someone who definitely needs help with leadership... and that’s what she does 👏 Bency spent 18 YEARS with Verizon — half in learning & development, the other half in sales 💼📈. Along the way, she learned how to lead (even after failing miserably in a leadership role — her words 😂) and turned that experience into her calling. 💡 She trains. She coaches. She speaks. And she IGNITES change. We talk: ✅ Coaching vs Consulting ✅ Manager mindset vs Leader mindset ✅ What makes a strong culture ✅ Taking action and building clarity ✅ The power of emotional intelligence ✅ And why Columbia, SC is the place to build something real 🌇❤️ One of the most energizing convos we’ve had 🎧 Don’t miss it. ⠀ #Leadership #Coaching #WomenInBusiness #ColumbiaSC #AsToldByYou #LeadershipDevelopment #SmallBusinessSupport #EmotionalIntelligence #JohnMaxwell #PurposeDriven #PodcastClip #IgniteYourPurpose #ProfessionalDevelopment

Emile—the founder of Soda City Market—joins us to share the inspiring story behind Columbia, SC’s beloved street market, which just earned a Top 10 Market in the U.S. nomination from USA Today. Vote Here! https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/soda-city-market-columbia-south-carolina/ From selling pasture-raised pork out of necessity to building a thriving hub with over 230 vendors, Emile's journey is all about resilience, vision, and community impact. Discover how Soda City went from a farmers market to a cultural cornerstone of downtown Columbia. A must-watch for fans of local business, entrepreneurship, and Southern success stories. 🎯 Updated Title Suggestion: How Soda City Became a USA Today Top 10 Market 📌 Updated Hashtags: #SodaCityMarket #USATodayTop10 #ColumbiaSC #FarmersMarket #LocalBusiness #SouthernEntrepreneurship #StreetMarketSuccess #UsToldByYou #CommunityVibes #SupportLocal

In this episode of As Told By You, we’re joined by Stephen Oliver—Forest Acres council member and co-owner of Jack Oliver’s Pool, Spa & Patio. Stephen shares how he and his brother Jack built one of Columbia’s go-to destinations for outdoor living. From humble beginnings cleaning pools to managing a 10,000-square-foot retail space, Stephen walks us through the ups, downs, and hilarious moments of life in the pool business. We talk about: 🔹 The origin of Jack Oliver's Pool, Spa & Patio 🔹 What it’s like working with family 🔹 How COVID reshaped the pool industry 🔹 Backyard upgrades, grills, and the universal dad urge to smoke meat 🔹 Why honesty and simplicity are the keys to business longevity Why some guys end up smoking meat or watching WWII docs... or both 😄 📍 Learn more about Jack Oliver’s: https://jackoliverpools.com 🎙️ Subscribe for more conversations like this #ColumbiaSC #SmallBusiness #PoolBusiness #OutdoorLiving #Podcast #AsToldByYou

🎙️ Welcome to the As Told By You Podcast! In this episode, we're sitting down with Kristin Cobb, Executive Director of Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College. Kristin shares the inspiring history of Harbison Theatre, its unique role in Columbia’s cultural landscape, and how it bridges professional productions with community engagement. From booking legends like Billy Bob Thornton to supporting local children's theater and therapeutic arts programs, Harbison Theatre is so much more than a performance space—it's a heartbeat of the Midlands arts scene. Kristin also opens up about her journey from aspiring actress to arts leader, and we swap stories about streaming services, childhood performances, and life in the arts. ✨ Whether you're a theater lover, Midlands native, or just love a good story, this one's for you. 📌 Topics Covered: History & mission of Harbison Theatre The importance of mid-size venues in Columbia, SC Kristin’s path in the performing arts What it's like to work with artists like Billy Bob Thornton Streaming TV rants (we get it, cable’s back) Community programs & arts education Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit that bell to hear more stories from the people shaping our community. #HarbisonTheatre #MidlandsTech #KristinCobb #AsToldByYou #ColumbiaSC #ArtsLeadership #CommunityTheater #BillyBobThornton #StorytellingPodcast

📸 Capturing Moments with Jessica Hunt In this episode, we sit down with our friend Jessica Hunt from Jessica Hunt Photography, one of Columbia, SC’s most talented and passionate photographers. Jessica shares her journey in the industry, how she captures authentic moments, and the power of storytelling through photography. We also dive into the challenges and rewards of running a creative business, her favorite shoots, and what makes her approach unique. Whether you're a fellow creative, a business owner, or just love great photography, this episode is for you! 🔔 Subscribe for more episodes featuring amazing creatives and entrepreneurs. 📍 Connect with Jessica Hunt: 🌐 Website: [www.jessicahuntphotography.com] 📸 Instagram: [@jhuntphotos] 💬 What was your favorite takeaway from this episode? Drop a comment below! #JessicaHuntPhotography #PhotographyPodcast #ColumbiaSC #CreativeBusiness #StorytellingThroughPhotography

In this episode, we chat with Roshanda Pratt, also known as The Ro Show Live! A former TV journalist turned communication strategist, Roshanda shares her journey from newsroom to entrepreneur, helping thought leaders be seen, heard, and paid on video. 🚀 We discuss her media background, the power of live streaming, and tips to overcome camera anxiety. 🔗 Connect with Roshanda @therosholive on all platforms 📢 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe! #Podcast #LiveStreaming #MediaStrategy

From Concerts to Chaos: The Wild Life of a Columbia Photojournalist Columbia, SC, photojournalist Sean Rayford joins As Told By You to share his journey from high school photography to covering protests, hurricanes, and major events across the world. Learn how Sean balances freelance photojournalism, commercial photography, and documentary storytelling. From wild concert shoots to paddling through floods with cameras overhead, his stories are raw, real, and unforgettable. If you're into photography, visual storytelling, or the creative hustle in the South, this episode is for you. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more inspiring creator interviews from Columbia and beyond.#photojournalism #ColumbiaSC #VisualStorytelling #FreelancePhotographer #DocumentaryPhotography #SeanRayford #CreativeHustle #SouthernCreatives #UsToldByYou

Meet Sam and Ilia, two passionate musicians making a living through their craft. In this episode of As Told By You, we dive into their journey—how talent, organization, and business savvy all play a role in sustaining a music career. From wedding gigs to building their band (The Sam and Ilia Band), they share insights on what it takes to go all in on music. Whether you're an aspiring musician or just love a good behind-the-scenes story, this episode is for you! 🎸 Subscribe for more stories from creatives and entrepreneurs! #MusicLife #BandJourney #AsToldByYou

Clay Vassey – Real Estate, Community, and Clogging in Seneca Today on As Told By You, we’ve got Clay Vassey on the podcast! Clay is a name we've known for a long time, but we haven’t really had the chance to sit down and talk—so this is a fun one. He’s built a strong reputation in Seneca, South Carolina, as a top real estate broker, helping people find their place in the Upstate. We talk about what brought him into real estate, what makes Seneca such a unique and growing market, and how he’s built his business over the years. But here’s the part you might not expect—Clay has a background in clogging! We get into that too, along with a whole lot more. It’s a great conversation about business, community, and unexpected passions. Let’s get into it! #realestate #lakekeowee #seneca #scoutmotors

🍻 From The Whig to Weco: A Columbia Bar Legend 🍻 On this episode of As Told By You, we sit down with Philip Blair, a longtime fixture in Columbia’s bar scene. Philip ran the legendary Whig for 17 years before launching Weco, a laid-back beer garden in West Columbia. He shares the wild journey of opening just before the pandemic, building a space he wanted to hang out in, and what makes Columbia’s bar culture so unique. We also talk about the infamous liquor liability law that all of South Carolina is dealing with. Whether you're a beer enthusiast, a Columbia local, or just love hearing about small business success stories, this one's for you! 🎙️ Grab a drink and join us for a great conversation. 📍 Weco Beer Garden – No TVs, no loud music, just great vibes. 🍔 Rotating food trucks & community hangout 🔗 www.wecobeer.com #ColumbiaSC #CraftBeer #SmallBusiness #Weco #TheWhig

Welcome to As Told By You! In this episode, we sit down with Tyler Ryan—meteorologist, TV host, and former detective. Tyler shares his journey from law enforcement to journalism, his work at ABC Columbia, and his role in crime documentaries like Snapped and Killer Couples. We dive into his time as a police detective, his transition to media, and the unexpected moment his past was revealed. From chasing storms to chasing criminals, Tyler's story is one of passion and versatility. Don't miss this fascinating conversation! 🎙️ Subscribe for more incredible stories! #Podcast #TylerRyan #TrueCrime #Broadcasting

In this episode of As Told By You, we welcome Angela, a seasoned entrepreneur who transitioned from photography to bookkeeping! Angela shares her journey from bridal shows to founding SandHills Bookkeeping, helping small business owners stay on top of their finances. We dive into the challenges of business taxes, bookkeeping mistakes, and how having solid financial data can help entrepreneurs grow. Whether you’re new to business or looking to get your books in order, this episode is packed with valuable insights! #SmallBusinessTips #EntrepreneurLife #BookkeepingBasics #BusinessFinance 📌 Subscribe for more stories & advice! 💬 Comment below: What’s your biggest bookkeeping challenge?

In this episode of the As Told By You podcast, we sit down with Khali Gallman—a community connector, real estate expert, and marketing professional—who shares her journey from working with the City of Columbia to becoming a top realtor and advocate for local growth. We discuss: ✅ How Khali’s early work in city communications shaped her vision for Columbia ✅ The challenges and rewards of being a realtor in a growing market ✅ What Columbia needs to thrive while keeping its close-knit community feel ✅ The balance between growth, opportunity, and maintaining local charm If you're interested in real estate, community development, or just love hearing inspiring stories from local leaders, this episode is for you! 🔔 Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more great conversations! #ColumbiaSC #RealEstate #CommunityGrowth #AsToldByYouPodcast

In this episode, we sit down with Brian Cole, the mastermind behind Columbia Food Tours, Soda City Tours, the South Carolina Pimento Cheese Festival and The SC Shrimp & Grits Festival. Brian shares how a simple weekend getaway turned into a passion project that now showcases the best of Columbia’s food and history. 🍽️✨ From the challenges of getting restaurants on board to the impact of food tourism on the local scene, Brian takes us behind the scenes of building a successful food tour business. Plus, hear how one restaurant owner’s support helped him break into Columbia’s tight-knit culinary community. If you're a foodie, a history buff, or an aspiring entrepreneur, this episode is a must-watch! 🔥 💬 Let us know in the comments: Have you ever been on a food tour? If so, where? 🔔 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more inspiring stories! #FoodTour #ColumbiaSC #AsToldByYou #LocalEats

Laura is a great photographer. She's also a good friend to the community of image makers in Columbia. We talk about thriving local magazines, AI photography, and the competitive world of photography competitions.

Dawndy is locally famous. She's been on our NBC affiliate for quite a while, until this past year when she retired. We talk about the current state of the media. We talk about what it's like to be a local celebrity We talk about the acting bug and how it bites you We talk about when you're on death row, your last meal could be an Ice Cream Sundae because who cares? This is a great conversation with one of our local favorites.

We were so excited to have Lynn on the podcast. She's a storybrand-certified guide with an agency called Ink & Key. They also help companies with naming! We talked about naming companies and how many people that takes (it's 18) We talked about Story and why it's important. We talked about why business names are so important. We talked about why Lynn is trying to connect to our local community more There are so many great takeaways from this episode. Check her out at www.InkandKey.com

Cyrus is the King of Crowns. You may have seen him on his very popular TLC show! This was a really fun conversation about pageants, reality stardom, being true to yourself, and how to really make it in a small town. Check Cyrus out at https://www.gownsandcrowns.com/

Britton own's a marketing agency in Greenville, SC called Ghost Brands, and honestly we're a huge fan of their work. We became aware of Ghost Brands when we worked on the Columbus Baseball launch last year, they were working on the launch for Spartanburg at the same time. This is a great conversation about marketing, building a business from scratch, our favorite kinds of clients and how marketing is a nightmare industry, but somehow we still love it. Check out Britton at https://www.ghostbrands.com/

What Is Your Business Really Worth? | John Barnes on Business Owner Financial Planning In this episode, we’re joined by John Barnes of Pendleton Street Business Advisors—someone we know from the community but haven’t worked with directly, which makes this conversation all the more refreshing. John shares his winding path from banking into business owner advising, how he helps clients treat their businesses like investments—not just jobs—and why the financial future of most entrepreneurs is riding on more than just revenue. We get into: How business owners can plan for the next thing—whether it's retirement, a new venture, or a major life goal. Why your CPA, banker, or attorney may not be asking the right questions. What it means to turn your business from a paycheck into an asset. The surprising truth about what owners really want when they think about exit planning. If you're a founder, business owner, or just someone who keeps wondering what all those acronyms on John's LinkedIn posts mean—this one’s for you.

Join us for this episode of As Told By You as we sit down with Dr. Aditi Bussells, At-Large Councilwoman for the City of Columbia, SC. Dr. Bussells shares her journey from growing up near Washington, D.C., to earning her PhD at the University of South Carolina, and ultimately stepping into public service. She talks about why she chose Columbia as her home, the unique “one degree of separation” that makes the city special, and her vision for making Columbia a more connected, vibrant place to live. In this conversation, we cover: What it means to serve as an at-large city council member The everyday issues local government impacts most—like infrastructure, housing, and food access Why young professionals choose Columbia (and why some struggle to stay) How a devastating flood shaped the city’s sense of community The balance of public service, career, and family life If you’ve ever wondered how local politics shapes your daily life—or why people fall in love with Columbia—you won’t want to miss this conversation with Dr. Bussells.

This week on As Told By You, we finally sat down with Fox Black, founder of Gadget Boy — and this one’s packed with insight. We first crossed paths at a networking event (shoutout to Professionals on the Patio), and I was instantly curious about the guy rocking a mullet with confidence. Turns out, he's running one of the most adaptable tech repair businesses in Columbia, SC. In this episode, we cover: His journey from Philly to Vermont to Vancouver to England to Amsterdam to Atlanta to Savannah to Beaufort to Charleston and then Columbia! How Gadget Boy got started and what drives the business Android vs. iPhone – the psychology behind user loyalty How Fox builds a team and structure to handle constant change Thoughts on retail, tech monopolies, and consumer behavior

As Told By You welcomes 💪 Wesley Newsom, owner of EQ Fitness, to talk about redefining fitness, aging well, and building a gym that values form, function, and longevity. 🏋️‍♂️ Wesley shares: His start in football 🏈 and how it led to a love of fitness The journey from Burn Boot Camp to opening EQ Fitness with his sister 👊 Why he fell in love with training adults who’d “never been into fitness at all” ❤️‍🔥 What it means to train for aging well instead of just aesthetics 👴🏽➡️🏃‍♂️ How progressive overload, functional movement, and injury prevention are key to long-term health 🧠💪 🧠 “Start with a goal, then ask what’s realistic each week.” Whether you're 25 or 75, this one’s packed with practical fitness advice, mindset shifts, and a reminder that your body is capable of more than you think. Start where you are—and move forward. 🚶‍♀️➡️🏋️‍♀️

We’re hanging out again with one of our favorite guests, Preach Jacobs for a laid-back convo that spans decades of music, culture, and community. We talk about growing up in the Columbia hip hop scene, and the wild moment when you realize your underground art has gone mainstream. LL Cool J promising to get a stadium full of grown-up hip hop heads home by 10 PM, we dive deep into how the culture’s grown up with us — and what that means now. We talk about his art gallery, Soul Haus and why he's leaving that behind. And what the next steps are for this legendary Columbia artist. This one’s got everything: – 🎶 Old-school hip hop love – 🎙️ Adult contemporary hip hop is a real thing now – 🎨 Local artists like Sanford Greene blowing up – 🧠 Who owns art and why can't it be accessible? – 🎺 Jazz, blues, and the complicated legacy of Black entertainers Pull up a chair. This one's like catching up with your friend who always keeps it real — and maybe reminds you why you got into this stuff in the first place. 📣 Like, subscribe, and hit the comments: When did you realize hip hop had grown up?

In this episode, we’re honored to sit down with a true Columbia legend: Jay Matheson, founder and longtime owner of the iconic Jam Room Recording Studio. Jay takes us on a deep and fascinating journey—from recording the Hawaii Five-O theme as a kid to becoming one of the most influential figures in South Carolina’s independent music scene. 📼 What We Cover: • Jay’s early love for audio and tape machines • The birth of Jam Room in the late ‘80s • The DIY ethos that shaped Columbia’s punk, metal, and indie scenes • How the studio gave a voice to underground bands when no one else would • Stories of recording legends like Black Tusk, Baroness, and more • The evolution of home recording and why Jam Room still matters 🎧 Whether you're a musician, music lover, or audio gear nerd, this episode is packed with nostalgia, insight, and plenty of real talk about what it means to build something lasting in a constantly shifting industry. 🛠️ Subscribe for more conversations with the people shaping culture, sound, and storytelling from the ground up.

This week, we’ve got a real gem of a guest—Sumner Bender, director of the Nickelodeon Theatre in downtown Columbia and someone who’s been quietly shaping the local arts scene for years (and apparently someone we kinda already knew but didn’t realize it 😅). We dive into Sumner’s wild journey—from wrangling kids in community theater (shoutout to Katie and the missing prop 😆), to bartending on Sundays at Trustus, to eventually running one of the most iconic arts nonprofits in town. She shares some hilarious behind-the-scenes stories (yes, she was in a stage version of Reservoir Dogs), life lessons from Camel Lights and HR disasters, and how she ended up rebuilding the Nick from the ground up during one of the wildest moments in its history. It’s personal, it’s messy, it’s inspiring—and it’s everything we love about this town. 👀 Highlights: – The magic of community theater (and seagulls 🐦) – Theater kids who don’t want to act – Restarting a nonprofit mid-crisis – The DMB birthday concert that healed a soul – Hiring staff over spring break... while recovering from neck surgery 🎟️ Go check out what’s happening at the Nickelodeon Theatre 📢 Subscribe, like, and send this to the Columbia art lover in your life