Keeping It Real with Sharon

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This conversation goes beyond buying and selling homes.

In this episode of Keeping It Real with Sharon, I sit down with fellow real estate professional Leah Marabella for a candid conversation about real estate, business, relationships, and the value of collaboration, even in an industry where we sometimes find ourselves on opposite sides of a transaction.

We also talk about today’s real estate market and why, even with higher interest rates, there can still be great opportunities for buyers. The right time to buy looks different for everyone, and sometimes it takes looking beyond the headlines to see the possibilities.

From navigating the ups and downs of business to working together and supporting one another, this is a real conversation between two real estate professionals who believe collaboration can make all of us better at what we do.

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What happens when you give a group of high school students a real-world problem, a pile of materials, and just one day to create a solution?

On this episode of Keeping It Real with Sharon, I sit down with Josh Phelps, creator of the Widget Cup, to talk about how this unique local competition came to life and the impact it continues to have on students throughout Frederick County, Clarke County, and Winchester.

Josh shares the story behind the Widget Cup and how it brings together students with skills in STEM and Career and Technical Education to solve real challenges for local businesses and organizations. We talk about problem-solving, teamwork, hands-on learning, and the importance of giving young people opportunities to discover their talents—and see how those talents can translate into future careers.

But the Widget Cup is about more than one competition or one community. Josh’s creation is a model that could be adapted in communities anywhere, bringing schools and local businesses together to give students meaningful, hands-on experiences while helping build the workforce of tomorrow.

It’s an inspiring example of what can happen when a community invests in its young people and gives them the opportunity to build, create, collaborate, and discover just how capable they are.

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What happens when a podcast host turns the microphone over to…ChatGPT?

In this very different episode of Keeping It Real with Sharon, Sharon is joined by Stephanie Feltner for a conversation with her most unusual guest yet — Quinn, the name Sharon has given her ChatGPT AI assistant.

But this isn’t a technical conversation about artificial intelligence. It’s a real-world look at how AI is already changing the way we work, run businesses, find information, create content, and manage our everyday lives.

Sharon puts Quinn in the hot seat with questions about how small business owners can use AI to save time and work smarter, what AI can and can’t do, privacy and confidentiality, the future of AI, and whether people should be worried about where all of this is headed.

And then things get personal.

After months of using ChatGPT as a brainstorming partner, research assistant, marketing helper, travel planner, sounding board — and sometimes the keeper of Sharon’s most random questions — she asks Quinn what it has learned about her. The answers lead to some funny, surprising, and unexpectedly thoughtful moments.

Whether you’re already using AI every day, have experimented with it a little, or still find the whole thing completely overwhelming, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into what can happen when you stop thinking of AI as “technology” and start thinking about how it might actually help you.

Can AI make us better at what we do without replacing the human connection that matters most?

That’s where this conversation gets really interesting.

 Meet Quinn and hear what happens when Keeping It Real with Sharon gets very real…with AI.

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In this episode of Keeping It Real with Sharon, I sit down with Emily Emerick, co-owner of Voda Cleaning & Restoration, for a conversation about business, family, and the heart behind serving others.

Emily and her husband, Tyler, are raising four young children while also owning and operating two small businesses, so life is anything but quiet! Emily shares an honest look at the struggles, sacrifices, and joys of small business ownership, from juggling family life and work to navigating the challenges that come with building something of your own.

At the center of it all is Emily’s genuine desire to help people. Through Voda Cleaning & Restoration, she and her team often step into people’s lives when they need help most, providing not only cleaning and restoration services, but reassurance and support along the way.

It’s a conversation about entrepreneurship, family, perseverance, and finding purpose in serving others because sometimes restoring a home is about more than just cleaning up the mess.

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We hear a lot about exercise, but what about simply moving more?

In this episode of Keeping It Real with Sharon, I sit down with certified personal trainer Gabrielle Izzett to talk about her passion for helping people live healthier, more active lives and why movement matters at every stage of life.

Gabrielle shares what prolonged sedentary behavior can do to our physical health and how it can affect our mental and emotional well-being, too. But this conversation isn't about becoming a marathon runner or spending hours at the gym. It's about recognizing the value of moving our bodies every day and understanding that even small changes can make a difference.

One of Gabrielle's greatest joys as a trainer is watching people discover what they're capable of and seeing the progress that comes from simply committing to movement, one day at a time.

Whether you're already active, trying to get moving again, or wondering where to begin, this conversation is a great reminder: our bodies were made to move and it's never too late to start.

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What happens when you combine homemade favorites, delicious coffee, local vendors and a little old-fashioned trust? You get the Cadillac Cafe!

In this episode of Keeping it Real with Sharon, I sit down with owner Laura Lattimer, who recently opened this unique hometown café. Laura offers simple, comforting favorites such as peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, homemade chicken salad and protein balls, along with delicious coffee and several other grab-and-go items.

But what truly sets Cadillac Cafe apart is its honor system. Everything is clearly priced, and customers simply scan a QR code to pay. Laura wants the café to preserve the trusting, small-town feeling that makes our community so special.

Cadillac Cafe also provides space for local vendors to offer their products, including beautiful fresh-cut flowers. It’s more than a place to grab a bite or a cup of coffee—it’s a charming community spot built around good food, local connections and trust.

Join us as Laura shares how Cadillac Cafe came to life and why she believes there is still a place for a business built on the honor system.

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In this episode of Keeping it Real with Sharon, I sit down with Jill Edlich, the new owner of North Mountain Vineyard & Winery and the Executive Director of the Renaissance Fair.

Jill shares the story behind her family's exciting new adventure and how what started as a search for the perfect home for the Renaissance Fair turned into the opportunity to purchase a winery. What began as one dream quickly became two: creating a destination where people can gather to enjoy great wine, beautiful scenery, and unforgettable experiences.

Jill talks about making this a true family business, with everyone pitching in to help build something special together. She also shares the joys and challenges of stepping into an industry that's completely new to her, the lessons she's learning along the way, and why she's embracing this exciting new chapter.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, a wine lover, or someone who enjoys hearing stories of people following their dreams, you'll enjoy this inspiring conversation about family, community, and taking a leap of faith.

Tune in and hear how one opportunity blossomed into a whole new adventure.

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In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Keeping It Real with Sharon, I sit down with Meredith Speir-Cavalier as she courageously shares her journey through addiction, recovery, and redemption.

Meredith opens up about hitting rock bottom, struggling with feelings of never being good enough, and searching for something to fill a void that alcohol and drugs could never truly satisfy. Through honesty, resilience, and hard work, she found a path to healing and purpose.

Today, Meredith is the founder of The Recovery Connection, a recovery center dedicated to helping women reclaim their lives. What began as personal pain has become a mission that has impacted thousands of women over the years.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that our greatest struggles can become our greatest purpose, and that hope, healing, and transformation are possible no matter how far we've fallen.

Whether you or someone you love has been touched by addiction, Meredith's story will inspire you with its message of courage, recovery, and the power of believing you are enough.

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In this episode of Keeping it Real with Sharon, I sit down with Sue Ellen Rutherford, a retired school teacher who decided it was finally time to turn a long-time dream into a reality. After years of inspiring students in the classroom, Sue Ellen is now inspiring the community in a whole new way through her food truck, Hound Dogs.

Serving up fresh all-beef hot dogs loaded with delicious toppings, Sue Ellen’s business is about much more than great food. Her heart for helping abandoned and rescue dogs is woven into everything she does, even the name “Hound Dogs.” A portion of her proceeds goes back to animal rescue organizations, combining her love for people, food, and animals into one meaningful mission.

We talk about taking leaps of faith later in life, pursuing dreams in retirement, building a purpose-driven business, and how passion and compassion can come together to make a real difference in the community.

This episode is full of encouragement, inspiration, and proof that it’s never too late to chase a dream.

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On this episode of Keeping it Real with Sharon, I sit down with top-producing Realtor Sarah Abderrazzaq to talk about what it really takes to start over and build success again and again.

Throughout her career, Sarah has reinvented herself and rebuilt her business in multiple cities across the country due to major life moves. From creating new relationships to establishing herself in unfamiliar communities, she shares how resilience, consistency, and genuine connection helped her grow into a top producer each time.

We also talk about Sarah’s upcoming move from our area and the bittersweet transition of passing her clients into my care. It’s a conversation about trust, community, growth, and embracing new seasons in life and business.

If you’ve ever had to start over, pivot, or rebuild something important, this episode is for you.