Host Shayne Hollifield interviews Susan "Susie" Welch about her journey from the Marine Corps Lioness Teams to somatic equine healing. The episode explores combat experiences, motherhood, trauma held in the body, and how Mustangs Zion and Zephira helped Susie— and other veterans—rebuild trust, find rootedness, and create a veteran program focused on land stewardship and community. Personal stories, therapy alternatives, and a touch of Southern cornbread round out the conversation.

Shayne Hollifield visits Blue Heaven in Key West where owner Richard shares the restaurant’s storied history, famous visitors, and family recipes. The episode highlights Hemingway-era lore, live-music memories with Jimmy Buffett and Kenny Chesney, and beloved dishes like cast-iron cornbread, banana bread, and the legendary key lime pie.

Learn more about Blue Heaven or just head on down to Key West and visit yourself!

👉https://blueheavenkw.com/

Buy Kenny's book 👉 here:

And Jimmy Buffet's 👉 Blue Heaven Rendezvous can be heard on Spotify!

In this soul-stirring episode of Barns + Farms w/ Side of Cornbread, Shayne Hollifield welcomes Pete Dillingham of Harmony Mountain Equine, a lifelong horseman whose deep connection with animals—and people—is shaped by the philosophy of Natural Horsemanship. Titled “Harmony Over Force,” the conversation explores Pete’s transition from traditional horse training methods to an intuitive, trust-based approach that centers on communication over control.

As Pete opens up about what led him to this path, listeners are taken into the heart of horse-human relationships: how both species learn, how personalities influence training, and how the way we interact with horses mirrors how we show up in our daily lives. From childhood memories that sparked his passion, to hard-earned lessons in patience and presence, Pete shares how this style of horsemanship has taught him as much about himself as it has about the animals he trains.

The episode also highlights the unique beauty and utility of Western North Carolina (WNC) as a haven for equine professionals. Pete discusses why this region—with its rolling hills, temperate climate, and tight-knit horse community—is ideal for Natural Horsemanship and equine property ownership.

Coinciding with the release of this episode, Pete’s own horse training property in WNC is now for sale—a rare opportunity to own a piece of Western North Carolina horse country and Harmony Mountain Equine and continue the legacy of connection, trust, and respect.

If you’re drawn to a more compassionate way of working with animals—or simply want to hear from someone who’s found wisdom through the quiet language of horses—this episode is not to be missed.

Find out more about Pete Dillingham and his Horse Training and Boarding property here:

https://www.facebook.com/dillpete/

Find the listing for this Equestrian paradise:

https://nc-realty.com/listing/CAR4274634/442-blantyre-church-road-horse-shoe-nc-28742/

Commercial listing link:

https://nc-realty.com/listing/CAR4274664/442-blantyre-church-road-horse-shoe-nc-28742/

In this soulful episode of Barns + Farms w/side of Cornbread, we’re pulling up chairs, pouring sweet tea, and diving into a conversation that celebrates real women, real grit, and a whole lot of grace. We’re joined by powerhouse voices from Thrive WNC Women’s Entrepreneur Network—Amy Steele and Sarah Stokes—alongside special guest Meg Montgomery, a whole-animal butcher at Foothills Butchery in Black Mountain, NC.

Together, we unpack what it truly means to build each other up as women in business, especially in the heart of Southern Appalachia. From networking events to meaningful mentorship, the Thrive WNC Women’s Entrepreneur Network is cultivating a space where female founders and dream-chasers can grow, collaborate, and thrive.

With Meg at the table, we also dig into what it’s like being a woman in the traditionally male-dominated field of butchery—and how she’s carving her path (literally and figuratively) with strength and skill.

 So grab your slice of cornbread, settle in, and join us for this nourishing episode.

👉 Learn more about Foothills Butchery: ⁠Foothills Butchery⁠👉 Follow Thrive WNC Women's Network: I⁠nstagram - ThriveWNCwen

🎙️ Episode 5: The Legacy and Evolution of Packa’s Place – A Story of Family, Farming, and Community

In this episode, we return to Horse Shoe, NC to Packa’s Place, where the 6th-generation of a remarkable farming family continues to honor their roots while embracing the future. Named after their grandmother, Packa, this farm carries a legacy of innovation and connection—starting with the unique heritage of raising and processing Beefalo (intrigued? Listen and find out just what Beefalo is!)

But Packa’s Place became more than a farm—it’s a thriving hub of agritourism, community, and creativity. What started as a pandemic-driven idea for a pumpkin patch has flourished into something much bigger. Today, the farm is alive with artisan markets, food trucks, local beer, and seasonal events, all designed to bring people together.

Join us as we dive into their journey—how they’re preserving history while adapting to the modern world, the challenges and triumphs of running a multi-generational farm, and their light-hearted vision for the future. It’s a conversation about passion and the power of community.

🎧 Tune in and get inspired by the story of Packa’s Place!

Cornbread. It's more than just a comfort food. It's a history, and for many of us, a it’s even more. It’s a feeling, a nostalgia, and a connection to our past.

 Today, we're diving deep into what cornbread means to different people—from nostalgia and family traditions to the flavors that define a region.

We'll hear from the Noble & Company Real Estate Team about their personal connections to cornbread, and then we'll sit down with a local chef who shares how cornbread ties into his roots, his cooking, and our community. So grab a plate, get cozy, and let’s talk all things cornbread!

🎙️ Episode #3: Rising Through the Storm with Christopher Catino & Chef Eric Morris of Hell or High Water

In this episode of Farms + Barns w/side of Cornbread, we dive deep into the story behind Hell or High Water, Black Mountain’s culinary gem located in the historic Icehouse building. Our special guests, Christopher Catino (Director Of Operations) and Chef Eric Morris, take us on a journey through passion, perseverance, and community spirit.

Discover how the dynamic team of Foothills Farm and Butchery under its founders, Casey and Amanda McKissikbrought their vision to life with dishes that spotlight locally sourced excellence, a hallmark of the Foothills Local Meatslegacy. There is so much that weaves into this story of farmers, respect for animals, community, and resilience.

We’ll also unravel the roots of The Grange, the powerful beginnings of Foothills Meats, and a sneak peek at the upcoming menu inspirations for Hell or Highwater - hint: there’s cornbread involved!

Most importantly, hear how their name, Hell or High Water, symbolizes their rise to success and community resilience following the trials of Hurricane Helene.

🔥 This episode is a must-listen for food lovers, entrepreneurs, and community builders alike.

👉 Learn more about Hell or High Water:⁠Hell or High Water - Foothills Local Meats⁠

👉 Discover Foothills Local Meats:⁠Foothills Local Meats

Hey y’all! Welcome back toBarns + Farms w/ a Side of Cornbread! This week, hostShayne Hollifield sits down withHaley from Olive Branch Cattle Company in Marion, NC, to talk about something that goes way beyond farming—it’s about heart, resilience, and the power of community. 

WhenHurricane Helene came through, farmers across Western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina faced devastating losses. But in the face of hardship, something incredible happened—people from all over the country stepped up, and Olive Branch Cattle Company became an unexpected hub of hope.Hay, feed, supplies, and kindness poured in, and Haley was right in the middle of it all, witnessing firsthand what happens when neighbors (near and far) show up for one another. God had his hands all over WNC!

In this episode, we talk about:🌾 How Olive Branch Cattle Company turned into a distribution center overnight💪 The grit and generosity that fueled recovery efforts🚜 Why farmers helping farmers is a bond like no other❤️ The unexpected moments that reminded Haley what community is all about

So grab a seat (maybe even a slice of cornbread) and settle in—this is a story about farmers, friendship, and finding light in the darkest storms. 

🎧 Tune in now on Spotify!

Show Notes:Props go to:

April Johnson

Dylan of Satterwhite Dairy Farm

Joy and Steve from texas (⁠https://www.brownstonechurch.com/⁠)

Tractor Supply Company (⁠https://www.tractorsupply.com/?cid=Search-Google-TSC_TSC-Brand-TSC%20Brand&utm_medium=Google&utm_source=Search&utm_campaign=TSC_TSC&utm_content=Brand&utm_term=TSC%20Brand&cid=Google-Search&utm_medium=Google&utm_source=Search&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADnTm22V4mF7Wlsaukj3zGEKYkjzj&gclid=Cj0KCQiA-5a9BhCBARIsACwMkJ7aRdKnphwU5Zs1v1-hX7jrX82iQbnILutO_d4bWRXQmO6A0vwMcQ4aAtAmEALw_wcB⁠

Ohio crew

Native Roofing (⁠https://www.nativeroofing828.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=wix_google_business_profile&utm_campaign=11532894631253467985⁠)

Oilve Branch Cattle Company (⁠https://www.olivebranchcattleco.com⁠)

"In the blink of an eye, something completely unexpected can occur that will alter the future in unpredictable ways. On a late spring evening in 1992, Manny Lawrence was having dinner with his close friends Don and Elizabeth Filpot, who were keenly interested in Arabian horses. Not being a horseman himself, Manny was amused to hear his friends discussing their excitement over their plans to attend the 25th birthday party of the Arabian stallion Khemosabi++++// (Amerigo x Jurneeka, by Fadjur).

Although Manny wasn’t quite able to comprehend how going to a birthday party for a horse could generate such excitement, before he knew it he had agreed to join his friends on their weekend excursion. By the time Manny and the Filpots arrived in the Santa Ynez Valley, a crowd of fans had already gathered at Delongpré Arabians to pay homage to their hero.

Little did Manny know, that he was about to experience the awakening of his inner horseman! He describes joining the adoring group gathered along the fence line, “Khemo was entertaining everyone, and then he stopped in front of me, and I could have sworn that he introduced himself. He was one of the most charismatic living creatures I had ever encountered. It was within the next 48 hours that I purchased the first of my many Arabian horses."

[excerpt from jadecreek.com]

Manny Lawrence and Lori Morss and their Arabians now live in the beautiful Horse Shoe, North Carolina-nestled just between Asheville and Hendersonville, nibbling on green grass, breathing this gorgeous mountain air, and enjoying a bite of cornbread from neighbors.

It's what the WNC Mountains are all about.

You can learn more about Shayne Hollifield by visiting her Real Estate Brokerage in Black Mountain, North Carolina:

Stay tuned for Barns + Farms w/ side of cornbread website