The Upstate Trail Talks

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin is joined by Katie Poterala, owner of Emerald Well Diagnostics and Katie Poterala Jewelry Studio. Katie talks about balancing her two businesses and how her own health journey enabled her to start Emerald Well to help others with theirs.This week's sponsors:Carmella's Cafe and Dessert Bar - https://carmellasdessertbar.com/

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin is joined by Ashley Pearson, the founder of Run Club GVL. Ashley shares what inspired her to start this run club and how she has help build an amazing, welcoming community of runners, no matter what your ability is!This week's sponsors:Carmella's Cafe and Dessert Bar - https://carmellasdessertbar.com/

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin is joined by Tor Bennstrom, co-founder of the Greenville Cycling Classic, which takes place TOMORROW Thursday April 30th. Tor talks about the incredible cycling community here in the Upstate and the impact that this event has had on the community and the sport.Info on the Greenville Cycling Classic can be found here!This week's sponsors:Carmella's Cafe and Dessert Bar - https://carmellasdessertbar.com/N Patel Communications - https://npatelcommunications.com/

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin is joined by Julian Loué, owner of Rise Bakery, to talk about two of his favorite things - bread and pastries! Julian tells the story of baking as a hobby to now baking for the Upstate at Rise's store front, the science behind sourdough, and all the exciting things coming up at the bakery.This week's sponsors:Carmella's Cafe and Dessert Bar - https://carmellasdessertbar.com/N Patel Communications - https://npatelcommunications.com/

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin is joined by Joel Arcieri, author of "The Boy in the Tree: When Weak is Okay." Joel talks about his journey working in ministry and corporate America and what led him to writing a childrens book which focuses on how to be ok with weakness and to empower parents to have deeper conversations about emotions.Get your copy of "The Boy in the Tree" here: https://www.amazon.com/Boy-Tree-When-Weak-Okay/dp/B0FLMJDJG9This week's sponsors:Carmella's Cafe and Dessert Bar - https://carmellasdessertbar.com/N Patel Communications - https://npatelcommunications.com/

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin is joined by Beau Blackshear, owner of Kenny's Golf Club located at Judson Mill. Beau shares why Greenville was the perfect place to plant roots and start a business after busy nature of his previous career. Book your tee time: https://www.kennysgolfclub.com/This week's sponsors:Carmella's Cafe and Dessert Bar - https://carmellasdessertbar.com/N Patel Communications - https://npatelcommunications.com/

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin is joined by Danielle Johnson, Senior Product Editor for GVLtoday and 6AM City. Danielle gives us a behind the scenes look at how one of everyone's favorite newsletters is put together each and everyday!

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin gets the chance to chat with one of the co-founders of the Reedy Reels Film Festival just before their big upcoming weekend! Ken shares amazing stories of how the festival got started 11 years ago as well as how it's become a hub for filmakers, actors, directors, and everyone in between to share ideas and foster more collaborations.Be sure to grab your tickets for this weekend! https://reedyreels.com/This week's sponsors:Carmella's Cafe and Dessert Bar - https://carmellasdessertbar.com/N Patel Communications - https://npatelcommunications.com/

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin is joined by Sara McAda, founder of Next Chapter Navigator! Sara has spent her whole career caring for seniors in Upstate and has recently launched her own business to support families navigate care decisions for older family members.Check out Next Chapter Navigator's website: https://www.nextchapternavigatorsc.com/This week's sponsors:Carmella's Cafe and Dessert Bar - https://carmellasdessertbar.com/N Patel Communications - https://npatelcommunications.com/

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin is joined by Nathan Spainhour, author of his debut book, "The South Carolina BBQ Project." Nathan shares about his passion and career in creative design and how this book originally came about as he was writing his Master's thesis.

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin hits the trail for the second time with Mary-Neil Jackson, President of the Junior League of Greenville, to chat about their Roast and Rally Event! Two days of delicious food, playing pickleball, and supporting JLG's mission - what better what to spend a weekend?Register for the event here: https://www.jlgreenville.org/roast-and-rally/This week's sponsors:Carmella's Cafe and Dessert Bar - https://carmellasdessertbar.com/N Patel Communications - https://npatelcommunications.com/

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin chats all things pickleball with the soon-to-open Baseline GVL's Director of Operations, Chandler Benore. Chandler shares her history of being a D1 Collegiate tennis player and making the transition to pickleball and now being able to make it more accessible to the Upstate year round.This week's sponsors:Carmella's Cafe and Dessert Bar - https://carmellasdessertbar.com/N Patel Communications - https://npatelcommunications.com/

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin is joined by Drea Tremols, owner and massage therapist of Soul Vibration Wellness. Drea shares about how her own health journey led her to becoming a massage therapist and what it's been like being a part of the growing health and wellness industry here in the Upstate.This week's sponsors:Carmella's Cafe and Dessert Bar - https://carmellasdessertbar.com/N Patel Communications - https://npatelcommunications.com/

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin is joined by Stacy Hyde, Executive Director of Pendleton Place, a nonprofit organization providing stable housing and homelessness prevention for youth in our community! The two chat about how Stacy landed here in Greenville almost by accident and all the incredible programs that Pendleton Place offers to help young people in the Upstate.This week's sponsors:Carmella's Cafe and Dessert Bar - https://carmellasdessertbar.com/N Patel Communications - https://npatelcommunications.com/

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin starts gearing up for warmer spring weather by chatting with Kevin Barnes, Chairman of the GVL St. Patrick's Day Committee. Kevin shares about the history of the organization and the amazing things they do as well as a little sneak peek on what to expect at this year's parade and festival!This week's sponsors:Carmella's Cafe and Dessert Bar - https://carmellasdessertbar.com/N Patel Communications - https://npatelcommunications.com/

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin is joined by Max DiNatale, owner of Max DiNatale Digital Marketing and Homes of GVL. Max has spent decades in the Upstate using his marketing skills to birng out the best in his clients online. He's also stepping into a new venture of restoring vintage houses here in the Upstate!

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin is joined by Meta Hendricks, executive director of the Meyer Center for Special Children. Meta shares about her role with the Meyer Center which supports children with disabilities and their families as well as the school's plans for the future as they continue to grow with the rest of the Upstate.

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin is up before the crack of dawn to chat with Mel Wilcox, owner of Other Lands Brewery and Café. Mel shares about his passion for brewing and why Greenville was the perfect place to come back to and open his own brewery after working for some major ones across the country!

Happy New Year! Kicking things off this week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin tried to tackle those new year exercise goals with the owner of CORE. grow strong., a pilates studio and athletic boutique, Currie Gossett. Currie shares how pilates helped her recover from injury which then grew into a passion, then to owning a business!

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin wraps up 2025 with the co-owners of P+F Construction, Will Prescott and Steve Foushee. With roots here in the Upstate and years of experience in the construction industry, Steve and Will decided it was time to start their own venture by starting P+F Construction and bring some amazing projects to life in the area.

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin gets a history lesson about the Hollingsworth family and how their legacy has allowed for so many places, parks, and business we love to be built through the work of Hollingsworth Funds and their President, Gage Weeks. Gage shares his story of coming to Greenville to work with this organization and how it's shaped so much of the Greenville area today.

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin is joined by one of the co-founders behinfd the super popular Ville to Ville Relay, Zack Hall! What started out as an idea where they hoped to get maybe 50 runners, turned into an event that sells out within minutes every year bringing people from all over to run in the Carolinas!This Week's Sponsors:Carmella's Cafe and Dessert Bar

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin spends time during the week of Veteran's Day with Col. Kevin Farrell, currently serving as President and CEO of Battlefield Leadership, a leadership development company located here in Greenville that prepares today's leaders using history's lessons. After an accomplished military career with the US Army, Col. Farrell bring hose leadership skills here to the Upstate.This Weeks Sponsors:Carmella's Cafe and Dessert BarTakeoff Mini Golf: Get 20% off your Holiday Glow Golf tickets for November 24th-26th with code TRAILTALKS20

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Kamber Parker Bowden is back on the trail with Griffin to talk about her new book, "The Generational Advantage." She also shares about her company's rebrand to Generational Performance Solutions and how that has affected the impact they can have working with different organizations.Check out "The Generational Advantage" now!This Weeks Sponsors:Carmella's Cafe and Dessert BarTakeoff Mini Golf: Get 20% off your Holiday Glow Golf tickets for November 24th-26th with code TRAILTALKS20

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin chats with pro cyclist, artist, and all around incredible dude, TJ Eisenhart! TJ shares stories from his life long cycling career, how his interview with Lance Armstrong went viral, and how art helped him find purpose and balance in life. TJ also talks about the beginnings of Imaginary Bike Works located in GVL.TJ's work can be found here: https://www.imaginary-collective.com/This Weeks Sponsors:Carmella's Cafe and Dessert BarTakeoff Mini Golf: Get 20% off your Holiday Glow Golf tickets for November 24th-26th with code TRAILTALKS20

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin is joined by Vanessa Barnes, CEO of WorkSmart Staffing, a women owned staffing firm based here in the Upstate! Vanessa shares her journey leading to her CEO appointment and what separates WorkSmart from other staffing firms and how that leads to a number of success stories from employees and companies alike.This Weeks Sponsors:Carmella's Cafe and Dessert Bar: https://carmellasdessertbar.com/

In this bonus episode of The Upstate Trail Talks, we had the honor and priviledge of capturing this  conversation by a panel of incredible women in our running community at the "Move Her Mind Greenville" event presented by ASICS. Erin Helbling leads a discussion alongside Ashley Pearson, Kristine Dibos, and Esther Atkins, about how running has impacted them, what motivates them, and how it's brought community to their lives.If you're interested in donating to Erin's fundraising campaign for Breakthrough T1D, a non-profit organization that drives research and innovation for Type 1 Diabetes, check it out here!

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin is joined by the lovely husband-wife duo behind Canvas Coffee + Art House, Arin and Genavieve Gilbert! The pair share their passions for coffee and art and how they found a way to combine them into an incredible business upon moving to GVL - roasting coffee, showcasing local art, and supporting the creative community, what could be better?

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin hits the trail with holistic nutritionist and founder of Sante Vie Wellness, Rebekah Fedrowitz. Rebekah shares her story about how her own health journey launched her career with helping women by focusing on their own functional and nutrition. This Weeks Sponsors:Carmella's Cafe and Dessert Bar: https://carmellasdessertbar.com/

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin is joined by Anne McAneny, founder of Please Play Me Pianos. Though Anne is relatively new to the Upstate, her impact was almost instant with the launch of this non-profit bringing together art, music, and small business. The result: beautiful hand painted pianos at your favorite local spots!This Weeks Sponsors:Carmella's Cafe and Dessert Bar: https://carmellasdessertbar.com/

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin is joined by James Garlington, an Upstate native who recently launched ElectroScapes. James talks about what it was like growing up here, and why during his role as Director of Grounds at Hartness, he made the decision to switch to all battery powered landscaping equipment for a quieter, energy efficient, experience for residents.This Weeks Sponsors:Carmella's Cafe and Dessert Bar: https://carmellasdessertbar.com/

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin is joined by The Greenville Theatre's producing artistic director, Max Quinlan, as they get ready to kick off their 100th season of shows! Max shares how the theater has always been a part of his life and how his Broadway career helped him fall in love with Greenville.This Weeks Sponsors:Carmella's Cafe and Dessert Bar: https://carmellasdessertbar.com/

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin hits the trail with Dr. Austin Kocchi, founder of Swamp Rabbit Physiotherapy and Performance. You've probably seen Austin at any of the races across the Upstate helping runners and cyclists recover but now we get to hear his story and why his approach to physical therapy sets him apart.This Weeks Sponsors:Carmella's Cafe and Dessert Bar: https://carmellasdessertbar.com/

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin is joined by co-founder of the Junkyard Fitness and founder of GVL Fit Fest, Marcus Brown. Marcus shares his story about growing up in the Upstate, starting the Junkyard from the ground up, and about the inaugural GVL Fit Fest coming up this Saturday!Register for GVL Fit Fest here: https://www.gvlfitfest.com/This Weeks Sponsors:Carmella's Cafe and Dessert Bar: https://carmellasdessertbar.com/Indie Craft Parade https://www.indiecraftparade.com/

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin is joined by Micah Candeletta Burklin, founder of Rana Golf. Micah is on a mission to make the game of golf more accessible for kids by helping them feel empowered with their own gear. Rana Golf puts top-quality products into the hands of kids so they can feel cool like mom and dad!Sponsor:Carmella's Cafe and Dessert Bar: https://carmellasdessertbar.com/Indie Craft Parade https://www.indiecraftparade.com/

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin is joined by City Council candidate for the at-large seat, Matt Alexander. With his campaign in full swing, Matt takes some time to share his story of coming to Greenville via Furman, flying Blackhawk helicopters for the Army National Guard, and why he believes he will make a great representative for city council.Sponsor: Indie Craft Parade https://www.indiecraftparade.com/

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin chats with Architect and founder of Creative Founder Design Studio, Jared Moore. Jared talks about how he's been designing housing from a young age, why he almost went to school for yacht design and how his unique process for designs helps his clients buuild their dream home.

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin is joined by Dani Mathews to talk all foodie-related things plus her new business! You may know her as @healthyishdani on social media where she shares her favorite recipes and places to go in the Upstate, but Dani also launched Best Best Media where she helps her clients in the food & bev industry grow their audience.

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin goes "off-roading" with XTERRA triathlete, Steve Croucher! Steve shares how his love for swimming and the outdoors eventually led him to add running and biking into the mix and compete in the off road sport.

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin is joined but writer, editor, and owner of Travelers Rest Here: Lacey Keigley! Which is perfect timing because Lacey also works with the TR Farmers Market, who just celebrated their 10th annual Tomato Sandwich Taste Off event last weekend. Join us for one delicious episode about everyone's favorite town north of Greenville.

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin is joined by the owner and CEO of Herlong Sotheby's International Realty herself, Joan Herlong! Joan invited Griffin out to walk the grounds of one of her beautiful real estate listings while she shares what brought her to the Upstate, building her real estate business, and watch Greenville "grow up" alongside her own family.

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin joins in on the hot conversation of affordable housing here in the Upstate abd luckily, he's joined by CEO of Affordable Upstate, Mario Brown. Affordable Upstate invests in and maintains naturally affordbale occurring housing in the area and Mario shares his story and how he hopes his business is impacting this issue!

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin in joined but the internet-famous, banjo man himself, Paul Hinton. Paul shares his love for the instrument and how he found himself going viral after making funny videos and sharing them online - and why he continues to do so in order to bring joy to others!Sponsor: Listeners get 15% off you stay at WYLDSTAY Greenville using code TRAIL! https://www.wyldstaygreenvillesc.com/

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, we are talking all things safety, what to do in the case of a collision on the trail, and how to best prevent them! Griffin is joined by Alex Stalvey, a partner at a GVL lawfirm with experience of personal injury cases involving accidents on the trail. We hope you never need this advice but definitely want you to hear it!

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin chats with Bishop Scott, CEO of Scout Mechanical, a new mechanical, electrical, plumbing company formed from succesful, longtime, local trades businesses here in the Upstate.This week's sponsor is WYLDSTAY Greenvile at Serenity Lake Farm: Book your stay with 15% off with code TRAIL. https://www.wyldstaygreenvillesc.com/Join our newsletter: https://theupstatetrailtalks.com/

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin joins Jack Bacot to hear all about his successful career creating and building magazines for wide range of clients before starting on this new adventure - Greenville Sports Foundation, an organization hoping to create and manage annual sporting events in the Upstate that drives economic development.This week's sponsor is WYLDSTAY Greenvile at Serenity Lake Farm: Book your stay with 15% off with code TRAIL. https://www.wyldstaygreenvillesc.com/Join our newsletter: https://theupstatetrailtalks.com/

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, we celebrate Episode 100 with Mayor of the City of Greenville, Knox White! Griffin and Mayor White walk and talk their way through his GVL roots, what inspired him to run for local office, and the story behind projects like Unity Park and the Swamp Rabbit Trail.

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, "we are all smiles" as we chat with Dr. Katie Pizzo about her new orthodontics practice! Dr. Katie shares her story of starting her own practice that focuses on creating a connection with her clients and transforming smiles that boost confidence. Take a listen!

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin strolls through Unity Park with Brice Smith, co-founder of Poe Mill Music - a new space for veteran and emerging musicians alike with recording studios, practice rooms, and a live music venue. Brice shares his vision for what Poe Mill Music can be for young musicians in the area and how a Nashville designer helped create this unique space.

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin strolls through downtown with Marion Crawford, CEO of her own full service marketing firm, Crawford. Marion shares her story of growing up here, her path to starting her own business, and her passion for making the Upstate an amazing place to be!