Manolo Betancur is a Colombian-born, award-winning baker and social activist who founded an allergy-friendly bakery and gelato shop. He shares a heartfelt story of hope, hard work, and the magic of breaking bread together. From humble beginnings, Manolo built a thriving business rooted in passion and community. This conversation explores generosity, resilience, and how one person’s vision can nourish more than just the body—it can feed the soul.

From Addiction to Connection: Rebuilding Lives and Communities in Appalachia

Dustin shares his journey from addiction to recovery, revealing the challenges of rebuilding relationships and the power of community support. We discuss the importance of connection in overcoming substance abuse and how local programs are helping families heal. This episode offers hope, practical insight, and a reminder that even small acts of kindness can change lives.

Jackie Thayer Craft, Hall of Fame King University Volleyball Player, is working to get the homeless in Dallas back in the workforce. She talks about the challenges and the way Dallas is coordinating specialty services to make real progress in the lives of the unhoused. From Bristol, we talk about the unique challenges facing Appalachian communities and solutions. 

Josh Holt, head football coach at Tennessee High, explains how the culture trains his three pillars of discipline, simplicity, and consistency. It’s filled with lessons for parents and leaders as he goes deep into the culture they are building, maintaining high expectations, leadership, and the challenges of modern culture. 

Pablo, a professional pickleball player, shares his incredible journey from growing up in a sporty family in Bogota, Colombia to becoming a top pickleball player in the world. He discusses his early days playing soccer, transitioning to tennis, and the challenges he faced, including traveling long distances for training. Pablo reflects on his college experience in the US, his initial struggles with the English language, and his ultimate shift from tennis to pickleball. He emphasizes the importance of discipline, proper technique, and mental strength in reaching the top of his game. Pablo also talks about his partnership with Federico Staksrud and their rise in the pickleball world, highlighting the intense training and strategic changes that have shaped his career.

“Don’t let the last point define you.” The PPA #1 ranked pickleball player in the world talks about his journey, what it takes to make it as a professional, and advice for young kids. 

King University Hall of Famer and current Director of the Sporting Kansas City professional soccer academy guides us through the narrow path for young professional players in the MLS Academy program. He explains how talent creates the opportunity, but other important factors determine whether prospects make it to become professionals. This conversation is filled with unexpected insights from the culture in his native Zimbabwe to building a culture for high performers in a professional training ground.

Daniel Shew has become an expert on restoring old and historic homes. He discusses the process, surprises, and purpose behind his restorations. We also dive into the history that these houses have taught us about the lives of the founders of Bristol. It’s a really interesting dive into Bristol’s history, slavery, and Appalachian culture as told by the houses built by Bristol’s founding families. 

Andy Hare is the inspirational principal of Sullivan East High School, a small county high school in Bristol that is doing extraordinary things. Andy discusses the super powers of this generation, their dreams, obstacles, and the intentional work the school is doing to empower them. It’s an inspirational approach that has the community bought into Patriot Pride from kindergarten through high school.

Samantha Gray, the executive director of Theatre Bristol and parenting coach, gives valuable insights into parenting, raising resilient children, and the importance of a community. We also talk about her work with Theatre Bristol, the power of theater, leadership, and their recent purchase of the Cameo Theater. Samanha shares valuable insights from her 30 years of instructing parents and building theater programs.