Ever wondered why your dog doesn't respond to training techniques that worked for your friend's pet? The answer might surprise you. In this enlightening conversation with  Kathryn Gubista, owner of Lucky Dog Training Asheville, we discover why traditional dog training methods often miss the mark and how a biology-based approach yields remarkable results.

 Kathryn challenges conventional wisdom by flipping the script on dog training. "Dogs aren't little humans," she explains. "They're domesticated wolf-like predators who just happen to curl up on our couches." This fundamental shift—training from the dog's perspective rather than applying human psychology—creates faster, more intuitive communication between species.

The power of social learning emerges as a central theme throughout our discussion.  Kathryn's residential "board and train" program creates a summer camp-like environment where client dogs live alongside her trained "Muttley crew" of five dogs who serve as positive role models. This immersion technique proves especially valuable during a puppy's critical socialization period before six months of age.

We tackle persistent myths in the dog training world, including the limitations of treat-based training. With over 55% of American dogs classified as obese,  Kathryn advocates for alternatives like praise, petting, and attention—rewards that strengthen bonds without expanding waistlines. She also offers a nuanced perspective on tools like prong collars, explaining how proper positioning makes all the difference in their effectiveness and comfort.

 Kathryn's evolutionary biology background and genuine passion for understanding dogs "as they truly are" shines throughout our conversation. Whether you're struggling with a challenging puppy or simply want to deepen your connection with your canine companion, her insights will transform how you approach communication across the species divide. Visit Lucky Dog Training Asheville or The Dog's Perspective websites to learn more about this revolutionary training approach.

Ever wondered how personal transformation can spark a mission to help others? Morgan Holden from Blackford Wellness shares the remarkable story behind their female-led weight loss center in Western North Carolina—a story that begins with founder Priscilla Hendricks shedding over 100 pounds and discovering a passion for helping others achieve similar results without expensive surgeries.

What started as a non-surgical body contouring service evolved into something much more impactful when they began listening closely to what their clients truly wanted. About 18 months ago, they pivoted to focus on affordable weight loss solutions, and business took off dramatically. Their approach stands out in a crowded industry because of their genuine commitment to personalized care—they're not just tracking order numbers but building relationships with each client to ensure individualized success.

Morgan tackles the rampant misconceptions about weight loss medications head-on, explaining how they navigate the confusing landscape of social media misinformation to provide clients with accurate guidance. Beyond their professional dedication, we discover the personal side of these entrepreneurs—their shared love of Mustangs, commitment to animal welfare, and the challenges they've overcome together as small business owners. What's most refreshing is their ultimate goal: not to keep clients indefinitely, but to celebrate when someone reaches their target weight and no longer needs their services. In an industry often focused on recurring revenue, their success-oriented philosophy is truly revolutionary.

Ready to explore a weight loss approach that prioritizes your individual journey and celebrates your success? Connect with Blackford Wellness at blackfordwellness.com or call 828-656-1911 to learn how their personalized programs might be the game-changer you've been searching for.

Tony Zioli didn't just stumble into digital marketing—he pioneered it. Starting in the mid-90s with one of the first platforms for sharing DJ mixes online, Tony navigated the dot-com boom and bust before establishing Digital Strategy Works, now helping small businesses throughout Asheville and beyond create meaningful digital presences.

What makes Tony's approach unique is his commitment to education. "I really try to educate my clients on what it is that we're doing and leave them with the how-to," he explains. Unlike many agencies that keep clients dependent on their services, Tony empowers business owners to understand the digital tools powering their success. His comprehensive services include WordPress website development, SEO optimization, digital marketing campaigns across platforms like Facebook, Google, and LinkedIn, plus multimedia content creation including podcasting.

His journey wasn't without challenges. Tony candidly shares the stressful moments of raising money, working with partners, and navigating company acquisitions. These experiences taught him valuable lessons about preparation, standing up for himself, and taking a measured approach to business decisions. Having weathered both 9/11 in New York and Hurricane Helene in Asheville, Tony brings a resilient perspective to his work that benefits clients facing their own business uncertainties.

Beyond Digital Strategy Works, Tony splits his time coaching through Mountain BizWorks, a nonprofit supporting local entrepreneurs, and maintaining his passion for DJ culture through the Asheville House Music Society. His diverse client portfolio—from sandwich shops to spas to stump grinding services—showcases his versatility and deep understanding of small business needs. Need help with your digital strategy? Tony offers free 30-minute consultations to discuss your business goals and potential solutions. As he puts it simply, "Experience matters."

What does authentic faith look like in today's world? Pastor Andrew Isbell of Boone's Creek Bible Church offers a refreshingly honest perspective on this question during his conversation with Skip Monty on the Good Neighbor Podcast. As his church approaches its 70th anniversary next September, Pastor Andrew reflects on both its rich history and his personal journey to ministry leadership.

With disarming candor, Pastor Andrew tackles the common criticism that Christians are hypocrites. Rather than becoming defensive, he simply agrees: "I think that's true. I think we are all hypocrites because I have sinned today." This acknowledgment serves as the foundation for why church community matters - we need each other to grow spiritually. He also addresses the post-COVID decline in church attendance, emphasizing the biblical mandate for believers to gather regularly.

The most poignant moment comes when Pastor Andrew shares his family's struggle with infertility and their subsequent journey to adoption. In what he describes as divine orchestration, he and his wife discovered that their twin sons were born on the very same day they first visited a fertility specialist. Now approaching nine years old, these boys embody God's unexpected blessings.

At the heart of Pastor Andrew's ministry is his commitment to "expositional preaching" - a method he describes as a "time machine" that brings the original biblical context to modern listeners without altering its message. This approach forms the cornerstone of Boone's Creek Bible Church's identity, welcoming both believers and skeptics to hear scripture taught as it was intended. Whether you're a devoted Christian or simply curious about faith, Pastor Andrew extends a warm invitation to visit their services at 1055 Boone's Creek Road or learn more at bcbible.org.

Meet Reverend Tim Price, the dedicated pastor of Holy Mountain Baptist Church, who brings warmth, humor, and practical faith to the Kingsport community. As the church approaches its milestone 50th anniversary next year, Tim shares how this traditional Baptist congregation has remained deeply relevant in today's world through intentional community engagement and innovative ministry approaches.

What makes Holy Mountain special isn't just their commitment to teaching scripture – it's how they put faith into action. Tim describes their youth ministry cleverly designed around an iPhone theme with "apps" for different aspects of Christian life, their veterans program that has helped participants discover benefits they didn't know they qualified for, and their practical support for the Miller Village neighborhood through transportation services and back-to-school assistance. Through every ministry, the church creates what Tim calls their signature experience: "It doesn't take long to feel like family."

Perhaps most inspiring is how Holy Mountain not only survived but thrived during COVID challenges. While many churches lost significant attendance, Tim's leadership helped the congregation adapt quickly with livestreamed services (complete with stuffed animals in pews so he wouldn't preach to empty seats), recorded children's lessons, and daily video devotions that proved so popular they continue five years later. This resilience exemplifies their approach to faith – taking God seriously while embracing joy and community with open arms. Whether you're searching for spiritual guidance or simply a place where Baptist tradition meets modern relevance, Holy Mountain Baptist Church welcomes you to their services and their table (yes, there will be fried chicken).

What makes some chefs natural leaders while others struggle to build cohesive teams? Adam Lamb, owner-operator of Chef Life Media LLC, embarked on a journey to answer this question after recognizing a critical gap in culinary education. As he shares with host Skip Mauneyon the Good Neighbor Podcast, culinary schools teach everything about food but nothing about leading people—leaving many chefs unprepared when they're handed the keys and told to manage a team.

Drawing from his own failures and successes since 2006, Lamb now coaches chefs to develop what he calls "presence over position"—the ability to lead through a grounded, calm demeanor rather than authority or volume. His approach challenges the stereotype of the volatile, mercurial chef, arguing that enabling bad behavior simply drives away top talent. Through his 12-week leadership bootcamp, Lamb teaches chefs self-leadership practices like beginning and ending each day with gratitude, helping them move beyond the common feeling of being undervalued in the industry.

The conversation takes an unexpected turn when Lamb reflects on Hurricane Helene's impact on his North Carolina community. Witnessing neighbors helping neighbors without being asked reinforced his core philosophy: "We before me." This principle extends beyond restaurant kitchens into how we show up for our communities every day. As Lamb puts it, "You don't have to ask for permission to do something good for your community"—a lesson in leadership that resonates whether you're running a kitchen or simply being a good neighbor. Chefs interested in Lamb's coaching can reach him at [email protected] or through his podcast, Chef Life Radio.

What happens when European skincare expertise meets Appalachian communities? Shehnaz Adam shares her remarkable 20-year journey bringing advanced skincare treatments to rural America in this fascinating conversation.

As the owner of Saints European Skincare and Spa serving East Tennessee and Western North Carolina, Shehnaz brings a unique perspective shaped by her British background and medical training at Oxford. Her mission extends beyond treatments – she's passionate about educating clients on proper skincare practices while debunking harmful myths that many have followed for years.

The episode reveals surprising misconceptions: that oily skin doesn't need moisturizer, that aggressive scrubbing cleans better (it actually damages capillaries), and that lemon juice lightens skin (it actually breaks down your protective acid mantle). These insights showcase why Shehnaz's approach has earned her multiple industry awards, including recognition from television's "The Doctors."

From wrinkle reduction and photofacials to specialized treatments for clients using weight loss medications like Ozempic, Shehnaz offers customized solutions for virtually every skin concern. Her diagnostic skills are so refined that she can often determine exactly what a client needs simply by looking at them – or even through a texted photo!

Building a pioneering skincare business wasn't easy. Shehnaz candidly shares how she overcame skepticism by offering free services to demonstrate results, gradually building the trust that has sustained her practice for two decades. Her story exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit and determination that transforms communities.

Ready to revolutionize your skincare routine with evidence-based approaches? Visit saintseuropeanskincare.com or call 828-361-6675 to book a consultation with Shehnaz and discover what your skin truly needs.

What happens when a graphic designer loses her job during a recession but refuses to leave the mountain community she loves? For Celia Naranjo, it sparked the creation of Asheville Goods, a thriving gift box business now entering its 14th holiday season. 

From her studio in Weaverville, North Carolina, Celia curates beautiful, eco-friendly gift boxes filled exclusively with products made by local artisans. Unlike traditional gift baskets with excessive packaging, Asheville Goods uses 100% recycled kraft boxes and paper raffia ribbon, reflecting their commitment to sustainability while showcasing the rich creative community of Western North Carolina.

The business began with a simple observation: Asheville's vibrant maker community was producing exceptional products that deserved wider recognition. Combining this with the growing "go local" movement, Celia created thoughtfully assembled collections that ship nationwide. Each box contains shelf-stable foods or bath products from entrepreneurs within the greater Asheville area, including nearby communities like Black Mountain, Marshall, and Hot Springs. Many vendors are discovered at local farmers' markets, creating a direct pipeline from small-scale producers to appreciative customers.

What started as individual gift-giving has expanded to serve corporate clients, realtors sending closing gifts, builders thanking clients, Airbnb hosts welcoming guests, and countless personal occasions from birthdays to bereavement packages. Every box includes a handwritten note, adding a personal touch that reflects the care behind each selection. With names inspired by local landmarks – the Blue Ridge Breakfast Box, Pritchard Park Coffee and Chocolate Box, Craggy Garden Snack Box – these collections offer a taste of Asheville's unique character no matter where they're shipped.

Ready to send a piece of Asheville to someone special? Visit AshevilleGoods.com to browse their curated collections or create your own custom gift box tailored to specific preferences or dietary needs.

Good food isn't just about flavor—it's about connection, sustainability, and resilience. Chef William Dissen brings all these elements together at The Marketplace Restaurant, a culinary cornerstone in downtown Asheville celebrating its 46th anniversary in 2025.

From humble beginnings washing dishes in Charleston, West Virginia, William caught the kitchen bug when asked to fill in making salads and sandwiches after another employee called out sick. That pivotal moment launched a culinary journey that eventually led him back to his beloved Appalachian mountains, where he's been chef-owner of The Marketplace for 16 years. Under his guidance, the restaurant has become known as one of America's greenest dining establishments, featuring a zero-waste kitchen, solar power, and unwavering commitment to local sourcing.

William shatters common restaurant misconceptions, including the notion that packed weekend services translate to enormous profits (they don't) and that kitchens must be chaotic (his goal: operating "more like a cruise ship than a pirate ship"). Perhaps most impressive is the restaurant's recovery from Hurricane Helene, which forced a devastating 70-day closure in 2023. Through community support and an unshakable commitment to their values, The Marketplace emerged stronger. When not crafting seasonal menus, William embraces the natural bounty of western North Carolina through hiking, foraging, and fly fishing—passions that inform his restaurant's dedication to showcasing local ingredients like rainbow trout from Sunburst Trout Farm.

Hungry for thoughtful dining that's good for you, the community, and the planet? Visit The Marketplace at 20 Wall Street in downtown Asheville Tuesday through Saturday for dinner, or connect online at marketplace-restaurant.com and on Instagram @marketplaceavl. As William reminds us, "Good food starts with fresh ingredients," and there's no better place to experience this philosophy in action.

Father David Bridges welcomes us into the sacred space of Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Bristol, Virginia – a magnificent Gothic structure with red doors that stands as an exact replica of George Washington's boyhood church near Northampton, England. Founded in 1862 with its current sanctuary built in 1921, this historic church has hosted approximately 6,000 Eucharistic services and consistently elicits the same response from first-time visitors: "As soon as I walked in, I felt at peace."

The conversation takes a personal turn as Father Bridges shares his remarkable journey to ministry – from his early days in the music business to receiving an unexpected call that led to 35 years of pastoral service. His arrival in Bristol represents a poignant homecoming, as he discovered his father was born in nearby Rogersville, allowing him to reconnect with family history scattered during the Depression era. This sense of returning to his roots adds depth to his current ministry.

Father Bridges offers clarifying insights about the Episcopal tradition, describing it as the "via media" or middle road between Roman Catholicism and Protestantism. "We're not protesting against anything," he explains, noting how the church often appeals to couples from different religious backgrounds. He shares fascinating historical connections, including that 88 of the 210 Declaration of Independence signers were Episcopalian, and traces the denomination's development through America's formative years.

Most powerfully, Father Bridges addresses the artificial divisions between Christian denominations with refreshing perspective: "If we start with God loves you, Jesus is Lord, you are saved by grace, and you're given grace – if we agree on all that, we don't really have to agree on much else." This ecumenical spirit extends to his profound reflections on mortality, where he shares moving accounts of witnessing peaceful transitions from life to death that have strengthened his conviction in eternal life.

Whether you're curious about Episcopal traditions, fascinated by church history, or simply seeking spiritual renewal, Emmanuel Episcopal welcomes you to experience their services with a newly remodeled 158-pipe organ, ancient liturgy, and community that aims to "recharge your spiritual batteries." Connect through their website or stop by to see the red doors for yourself – no matter your background, you'll find a place at their table.