Finding Asheville Podcast

Learning to craft a story for business success...

Nathan sits down with Chef Meherwan Irani co-owner of Chai Pani Asheville, MG Road Lounge, Chai Pani Decatur, and yet to be opened Buxton Hall Barbecue for the 50th episode of Finding Asheville. They chat about growing up in India, why he decided to transition from a lucrative real estate sales career to opening Chai Pani, how to develop a chef’s palate, why intention and follow through is all you need in life to succeed, why being in the moment is Meherwan's solution to balancing the work between three locations and family, and why being a good story teller is the key to Irani’s success.

This episode was recorded at Mojo Coworking at 60 North Market Street in Downtown Asheville.

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Embracing vulnerability?

Nathan sits down with Jared Rutledge co-owner of Waking Life Hand-brewed Coffee and Espresso for the 49th episode of Finding Asheville. They chat about growing up in West Asheville, what sparked the neighborhood’s growth, why there seems to be a lack of educatin when it comes to coffee with consumers, why being vulnerable can set you up for not only business success, but also personal success, and why the new trend of putting butter in your coffee may not have the scientific backing that you think that it does.

Here is a link to the article Jared was referring to in the dicussion about Bulletproof Coffee. 

Finding America on Finding Asheville?

Nathan sits down with Justin Ferraby, operations manager at The Orange Peel and Dig Festival organizer for the 48th episode of Finding Asheville. They chat about growing up in the UK, why perhaps you should spend more than $40 on a bottle of wine, how he risked everything to be a U.S. citizen, including an extended time living here illegally, what would compel someone to throw a music festival like Dig Fest that has a mostly local focus, and finally why The Orange Peel has become one of the most successful music venues in the South East.

When life gives you lemons...

Today’s episode is episode number 47 with Chef Anthony Cerratto owner of Strada Italiano and owner of Social Lounge and Tapas and in the near future as you will hear on this show a third unnamed Appalachia inspired concept. We chat about growing up in New Jersey, how a conversation with a future Dean of AB Tech Culinary Institute changed his path from a architecture to culinary, why the advice you need to balance your work life with your family life may be bankrupt advice, and why improvisation has been so key to his career. 

Stung by passion? 

Today’s episode is episode number 46 with Erika Jane of the Asheville based band Red Honey. We chat about growing up in Vail, Colorado, what is was like to grow up with parents that switched careers often, what inspired her to pick up a guitar in the first place, whether her being a female lead of a rock and roll band affects her growth in the industry and what may be next for the band Red Honey. 

The love of farming...

Nathan sits down with Anne Grier of Gaining Ground Farm for the 45th episode of the Finding Asheville podcast. They chat about growing up in Virginia, why farming was always her passion, how an organic vegetarian restaurant in Brevard, N.C. was her introduction to organic farming, the pathway to opening Gaining Ground Farm, and why despite the hardships of farming she has never thought about leaving the profession.

No excuses just prove yourself...

Nathan sits down with Danny Reed owner of Hot Stuff Tattoo, for the 44th episode of the Finding Asheville podcast. They chat about growing up in Charleston, S.C., why art was always a part of his life, how he learned to tattoo, why success comes down to pursuing what you are good at and staying consistent, why despite financial constraints you really can do whatever you put your mind to as long as you prove yourself, why being versatile as a tattoo artist is the key to running a successful tattoo shop, and whether or not the recent growth of West Asheville has been truly great for the neighborhood.

Rationality amidst fear?

Nathan sits down with David Forbes, editor of The Asheville Blade, for the 43rd episode of the Finding Asheville podcast. They chat about growing up in rural Northeastern North Carolina, how class impacts political participation, why he started reading the newspaper as early as the second grade, whether or not writer’s block actually exists, why he fell in love with local journalism, why Asheville should be rather than to seem, why Asheville has to tackle its lack of diversity, defacto segregation, and low wages now, the future of The Asheville Blade, and the details on union drive efforts that ultimately lead to his dismissal at the Mountain Xpress. 

Chick-fil-A to James Beard Award winner, Elliot Moss will figure it out

Nathan sits down with Chef Elliot Moss of Punk Wok and Buxton Hall Barbecue for the 42nd episode of Finding Asheville. They chat about growing up in Florence, S.C., why art was a major part of Elliot’s life, how he went straight from a cook at Chick-fil-A to being a chef, why an Italian restaurant in Philadelphia played a key role in opening his culinary world view, how the Admiral went from a bar menu to what it’s known for now, the ins and outs of Buxton Hall Barbecue, and why he now calls Asheville home. 

He be like Napster doesn't scare me fool...

Nathan sits down with Mark Capon, co-owner of Harvest Records for the 41st episode of the Finding Asheville podcast. They chat about growing up in Jacksonville, Fla., why he decided to pick up a bass instead of the guitar or drums at the age of 13, why he knew he was always going to do something he enjoyed for a living, why naivety played a little role in Harvest Record’s success, what it is like to also manage bands on the side, why at the end of the day you should only compete with yourself and not compare yourself to others, and why managing bands full time may be his next gig.