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Friendship tastes better when it’s shared, and that’s exactly how Through the Grapevine grew from a personal love of wine into a citywide community. In this episode, we sit down with the team behind the movement to explore how a simple passion became a welcoming club where novices, enthusiasts, and certified sommeliers learn side by side, with no gatekeeping, just good pours and even better conversation.

We dive into the tools and tricks that turn tasting into confidence, starting with the Five S’s: See, Swirl, Sniff, Sip, Savor. From unlocking aromas to pairing for holidays or choosing bottles that match your mood, we break wine down in plain English. Learn why rainfall can change flavor year to year, how soil and sun shape Albariño’s zest, why Montepulciano feels cozy by the fire, and when a zippy Sauvignon Blanc shines at Thanksgiving.

Through the Grapevine is more than wine knowledge, it’s about connection. We talk event design and vendor partnerships that spark interaction, like Italian nights with passionate distributors, haunted wine walks through Marietta Square, and even Taco Bell pairing nights. Atlanta’s thriving wine scene brings bottles from California, Oregon, and beyond into reach, while their online community keeps the conversation flowing with virtual tastings, bottle notes, and recommendations for friends near and far.

Join us for the stories behind their favorite moments, tips for choosing wine confidently, seasonal picks, and ways to make tasting an experience, not just a pour. Whether you’re staring at a menu guessing or already a budding sommelier, this episode is your invitation to sip, learn, and connect, one shared glass at a time.

Follow them:

Instagram: @throughthegreatvineATL

Website: throughthegrapevineinc.com

Subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review with your current go-to bottle, your pick might be the next pour.

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What if the book you’re dreaming about is only the beginning? We sit down with publisher, coach, and minister Timothy Fleming Jr. to unpack how a single story can grow into a purpose-driven movement that changes lives. From his early love for writing to launching TNJ Publishers and the Kingdom Launchpad.

We dig into the craft of storytelling-how to shape your lived experience into a clear message that lands with the right people, and then we go further. Timothy maps out how to translate a manuscript into programs, mentorship, live events, and community, all designed to help readers apply what they learn.

Faith is the throughline. Timothy talks about leading with biblical principles in business, setting values-based boundaries with clients, and reframing money as a servant rather than a master. 

If you’ve wondered how to price your worth without guilt, how to share a hard story without shrinking, or how to build a movement rooted in service rather than hype, this conversation will meet you where you are. Subscribe, share with a friend who’s sitting on a story, and leave a review to tell us: what mission are you ready to make bigger than your fear?

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We sit down with wedding planner Victor L. Smith to explore how a simple church favor blossomed into a referral-only business rooted in trust, clear contracts, and calm execution. From vendor vetting to modern-day traditions, Victor shares actionable advice to help couples protect their budgets and fully enjoy their big day.

In this episode, we cover:

• Victor’s origin story  from media director to wedding planner

• The difference between a planner and a coordinator (and when to hire each)

• Stress-free timelines and packages that actually work

• The people skills behind word-of-mouth success

• Vendor vetting, contracts, and risk prevention tips

• His partnership with Aunt Jackie and approach to inclusive planning

• Groom style trends and creative tradition swaps

• Finding balance through therapy and intentional rest

• Expanding to new venues and destination weddings

If you’re planning a wedding or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers practical steps to protect your budget, lower stress, and design moments that feel authentically you. Subscribe for more candid chats over coffee, share this episode with a friend who’s engaged, and leave a review with the tradition you’d reinvent next.

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We sit down with Atlanta baker and entrepreneur J-Blake to talk about building and rebuilding a dessert brand rooted in Southern tradition, community, and pressure-tested creativity from national TV. His story moves from a small-town rise to a season of refocus, offering real lessons on resilience, identity, and craft.

In this episode:

• Carrying Southern nostalgia from Grandma’s kitchen into modern desserts

• Navigating rapid growth, burnout, and the choice to close a successful first bakery

• Launching Scrumpt with a smaller menu and a bigger focus on quality

• Learning from the Food Network how to adapt quickly and release perfectionism

• Insights from 99 to Beat on mental toughness and handling pressure

• Balancing the marathon of bakery life with the sprint of televised competition

• Encouragement for small-town dreamers on risk, failure, and self-belief

• What’s next: Atlanta storefront goals, nationwide shipping, and keeping the soul in every dessert

• Fan favorites and surprises: cheesecake devotion and the red velvet–banana pudding mashup

Follow J-Blake:

Instagram: @lifeofjblake

Scrumpt: @scrumptatl

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From stand-in gigs to building a women-led studio, filmmaker Alexandra Boylan has walked a winding road in Hollywood. In this episode of Koffee Chit Chat, she shares how conviction, craft, and community shaped her journey—and why she turned down a $2.5M deal to keep God in the script.

We dive into:

• Moving to LA at 19 and redefining success
• Founding Boylan Sisters to put women at the center of storytelling
• Creating modern, faith-rooted family films like Catching Faith and Switched
• Building resources—novels, study guides, and discussion guides—that spark real conversations at home
• Practical advice for aspiring creators: pick yourself, start small, and build your tribe

Tune in for a conversation on integrity, empathy, and the courage to tell stories that matter.

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The Elite Belles  of Atlanta join us to discuss how they're building a community of over half a million ambitious women through faith, fun, and business. These seven faith-driven entrepreneurs share their journey of creating positive content while staying authentic in their individual pursuits.

• Dr. Tanisha Bowman shares how she started the Elite Belles through a simple social media post asking who wanted to create content with her.
• Most of the women weren't close friends before forming the group, yet they've created a powerful bond through shared values.
• The Elite Belles emphasize "clean energy" on social media, proving you can create engaging content without negativity.
• Faith serves as their foundation, guiding business decisions and keeping them grounded through challenges.
• They discuss their day trip to New York City, including appearing on a Times Square billboard.
• The group previews Season 2 of their content, promising to showcase more individual personalities.

Follow the Elite Belles of ATL on all social media platforms: YouTube, TikTok, Facebook and Instagram.

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Therapist Sharon Jones shares her transformative journal "Flowing From My Heart: A Sacred Invitation to Alabaster Moments" and explains how journaling can help people process pain and increase self-awareness.

• Sharon explains that "Alabaster Moments" refers to breaking ourselves open to release the precious qualities within
• The journal is designed as a 31-day journey using the same prompt each day to track personal growth
• Journaling helps build self-awareness by revealing patterns in thinking and behavior
• Healing takes place from the inside out, with journaling being a tool for inner transformation
• The journal guides users to circle words that resonate with them on particular days
• Sharon describes the journal as creating an "inner sanctuary" where people can restore themselves
• The concept comes from the biblical story of the woman with the alabaster box
• The journal is available on Amazon, but Sherri offers to send free copies to listeners who reach out to her on social media

Reach out to Sharon on Facebook at Alabaster Spirit or on Instagram as Alabaster Moments to request your copy of "Flowing From My Heart" or find it on Amazon.

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Maurice Kennedy and DeVariyay Harris discuss their powerful short film, "Washed," which tells the redemptive story of a young man struggling to feel worthy of salvation. Through this project, they aimed to create authentic faith-based cinema that breaks stereotypes while addressing real spiritual struggles.

• "Washed" was created as Maurice's senior thesis at Morehouse College, serving as his "love letter" to both God and the institution
• The film addresses how many young people struggle with taking their faith journey seriously while feeling ashamed of their past
• DeVariyay connected so deeply with his character Carter, that he decided to get baptized during filming
• An unplanned baptism of one of the producers also occurred on set, capturing authentic moments of faith
• The underwater baptism scene presented technical challenges but resulted in powerful imagery
• Much of the dialogue between characters was improvised, creating natural interactions
• The film has been embraced by church groups and Bible studies for watch parties
• With hopes of showing  at film festivals with potential for a sequel or feature-length project
• Both filmmakers emphasize that Christian art doesn't need to be compartmentalized or "cheesy"

You can watch "Washed" on YouTube and follow the filmmakers on social media at @godmademo and @devariyay across platforms.

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Mental health and spirituality don't have to exist in separate worlds. Sharon Jones, licensed marriage and family therapist, joins us to unveil her transformative approach to healing through her book "Uploading the Fire, Downloading the Grace: Contemplative Prayers."

Born from personal grief after losing her father, Sharon's collection of contemplative prayers offers a pathway through emotional turmoil when words fail us. "I wanted to help everyone that may be grieving or stuck in a place where they needed healing or help or release," she shares, explaining how prayer creates a sacred space for honest conversation with God without the judgment often experienced when sharing pain with others.

Sharon challenges faith communities to move beyond platitudes and embrace their power as "first responders" for those in spiritual and emotional crisis. Her groundbreaking work with churches demonstrates how spiritual settings can incorporate therapeutic techniques while honoring faith principles. "Where it starts is coming out of the mind of being judgmental and not putting a label on it, but administer the care," she explains, emphasizing that true spiritual practice means wrapping love around people when they're suffering.

The concept of "uploading fire and downloading grace" provides a powerful framework for spiritual resilience—cultivating daily moments of divine connection builds inner strength, while grace represents the unmerited favor and support available even in our darkest hours. This conversation will transform how you approach both prayer and mental wellbeing.

Join our Facebook group "Koffee Chit Chat" to continue the conversation during our seasonal break, and follow our journey on Instagram. Sharon welcomes connections through her Facebook pages "Alabaster Moments" and "Alabaster Spirit."

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What happens when you're born into a family of powerhouse singers, but you're the one who can't carry a tune? For Valencia Smith, better known as DJ Jodi Jo, that dilemma became the catalyst for discovering her true calling behind the turntables. In this heartfelt conversation, we explore how a music-loving girl from Louisiana's 318 area transformed from playing songs on an iPad to commanding dance floors across the region.

DJ Jodi Jo takes us through her remarkable journey, from those early days when two uncles recognized her budding talent to her breakthrough moment at a Shreveport casino when she realized DJing could be more than just a hobby. With candid humor, she describes growing up in a family where "all them Smiths be singing" at church and community events, while she handed out programs from the sidelines. That musical heritage, though initially intimidating, ultimately inspired her to find her own unique path of expression.

The conversation delves into the rich musical landscape of northern Louisiana, where zydeco rhythms energize crowds at everything from nightclubs to children's birthday parties. As a 4'10" female in the male-dominated worlds of both technology and DJing, Jodi Jo shares her ongoing challenge of asserting her expertise without reinforcing stereotypes. Her approach to music selection—balancing her personal love for 80s and 90s classics with contemporary trends—reveals a DJ committed to reading rooms and energizing audiences rather than simply showcasing technical skills.

Throughout it all, faith remains her anchor. "Whatever talent God blesses you with, he's going to get the glory," she explains, framing her career as a divine calling to bring joy and positivity to communities. Whether she's discussing how TikTok helps her stay current or reflecting on her unexpected success, DJ Jodi Jo's authenticity and passion for music shine through—proving that sometimes the most meaningful contributions come from following the unexpected path.

Want to experience DJ Jodi Jo's unique musical vision for yourself? Follow her on Instagram @DJJodiJo and Facebook as Valencia Smith to catch her next performance!

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