🎙️Some conversations remind you that creativity is more than performance — it’s purpose. 🎭

In this episode of The Dap and A Hug Podcast, I sit down with Devontaye Merrill, a talented Winthrop University student and actor who recently performed in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. After watching the musical with my daughter, I knew I had to bring him on the show to talk about the energy, heart, and community behind the production.

We dive into what it’s like balancing life as a student and performer, the lessons theatre teaches about teamwork and vulnerability, and how the arts continue to unite people right here in Rock Hill. 💫 This episode shines a light on creativity, confidence, and connection — and how storytelling on stage can mirror the stories we live every day.

🎧 Audio & Editing by: Rashawn Brown — whose precision and creativity keep each episode sounding its best.

👕 Special Thanks to Joe Gordon and the team at BrandPro for the custom embroidery and print work that bring the podcast’s visual identity to life — including the Saige Real Estate hat and my Dap and A Hug Podcast logo shirt proudly worn during this recording.
Website: https://www.brandproshop.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100058909849951

🏡 Shout-out to Saige Maxwell and Saige Real Estate — I was rocking one of their hats during this episode.
Website: https://www.saigerealestate.com

🎭 Connect with Devontaye Merrill:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_devontaye__/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/devontaye.merrill.9

This conversation is full of insight, laughter, and appreciation for the arts — a reminder that creativity is community in motion. 🌱

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🎙️Some stories don’t just inspire — they set you free. ✨

On this episode of The Dap and A Hug Podcast, I sit down with Jonathan Meeks — Rock Hill native, former Rock Hill Bearcat, Clemson University standout, and Buffalo Bills safety — now the co-founder of Christ Training, a men’s ministry built on discipline, humility, and daily growth in faith.
Website: https://www.christtraining.org

Jonathan opens up about his journey from the gridiron to guiding others through purpose and perseverance. And during our conversation, I shared a moment from my own life — a painful and traumatic experience — and how, through faith, I still found the strength to forgive. Together, we talked about how grace, love, and accountability truly transform lives.

We also dive into Colossians 3, exploring what it means to set our hearts on things above and live with compassion, kindness, and forgiveness — even when it’s hardest to do so. 🙏🏾

🎧 🎧 Audio Mixing & Video Editing by: Rashawn Brown — whose creativity, attention to detail, and steady excellence continue to elevate The Dap and A Hug Podcast.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brownstne_/

👕 Special Thanks to Joe Gordon and the team at BrandPro for the print work on my shirt — always delivering quality and representing the community with excellence.
Website: https://www.brandproshop.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100058909849951

This conversation is honest, real, and rooted in redemption — a powerful reminder that healing doesn’t erase the pain, but it does show us how to rise beyond it. 🌱

Connect with Jonathan Meeks:
Website: https://www.christtraining.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucky_lefty5/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christtraining/

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🎙️ Episode Title: 🙏🏾 Breaking the Silence — with Pastor C.T. Kirk of Sanctuary of Life Outreach Center

Description:
Some stories don’t just inspire — they set you free. ✨
In this powerful episode of The Dap and A Hug Podcast, I sit down with my pastor, 🙌🏾 C.T. Kirk, author of 📖 Breaking the Silence and founder of ⛪ Sanctuary of Life Outreach Center.

The first day I visited his church, I joined — because what he teaches is real. It’s about following Christ ✝️, walking in truth 💬, and empowering the community to act with purpose — to serve, build, and uplift one another. 🤝

This conversation is raw, real, and rooted in redemption. 🌱 Pastor Kirk opens up about the calling behind his ministry, the message in his book, and how faith, transparency, and unity can heal generations. 🌍

Unity. Faith. Freedom. 🤝🏾🤝🏻

🎧 Episode drops Sunday night — don’t miss this one. 🔥

Connect with Pastor C.T. Kirk:
📸 Instagram: @ct.kirk

📘 Facebook: C.T. Kirk

🌐 Website: www.thesolocenter.com

🎬 Shout-out to Roshawn Brown (@brownstne_
) for editing the YouTube version of this episode.

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🎙️ Episode Title: "Building Wellness, Building Community — with Troy Harris of Troy’s Wellness Center"

In this special episode of The Dap and A Hug Podcast, I sat down with Troy Harris — founder of Troy’s Wellness Center and the very first sponsor to believe in this vision from day one.

Troy opens up about his journey from athlete to entrepreneur, the purpose behind his wellness center, and what it truly means to build something that serves others — mind, body, and spirit. I talk with Troy about consistency, community, and how small acts of faith can lead to major transformations.

This episode is a full-circle moment — not just about fitness, but about gratitude, growth, and the people who help you get started when the dream is still taking shape.

💪 Learn more about Troy’s Wellness Center:
🔗 https://www.troywellnesscenter.com

📸 Instagram: @troywellnesscenter

📘 Facebook: Troy’s Wellness Center

🎬 Special thanks to my cousin, Christopher Jennings, for editing the video and audio — especially for the YouTube format.
Follow his creative work:
📸 Instagram: @christoph.jennings

📘 Facebook: Son of Jahcob

🎧 Tune in, share with a friend, and keep spreading the dap and the hug.

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🎙️ Episode: “Hindsight Is 20/20” — featuring Dr. David B. Oliver of Oliver Eye Associates (Rock Hill, SC)

In this insightful and entertaining episode of The Dap and A Hug Podcast, I sit down with Dr. David B. Oliver of Oliver Eye Associates to talk vision, wellness, and the fascinating world of eye health. The conversation covers everything from the science of sight and ATP energy to the importance of perspective — both literally and metaphorically.

Dr. Oliver brings years of expertise and a great sense of humor, offering real-world advice on how to keep your eyes — and mindset — focused on what truly matters. Whether you’re curious about modern optometry, human performance, or simply looking for a good laugh with plenty of insight, this one’s worth the listen.

👁️ Guest: Dr. David B. Oliver — Oliver Eye Associates, Rock Hill, SC
🔗 Learn more: Oliver Eye Associates on Facebook

📸 Follow Dr. Oliver on Instagram: @redstripedsaleen500

🎧 Sponsored by Troy’s Wellness Center — grateful for their support during the early growth of The Dap and A Hug Podcast.
🌐 Learn more: https://www.troywellnesscenter.com

📸 Follow on Instagram: @troywellnesscenter

👍 Like on Facebook: Troy’s Wellness Center

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🎙 Episode Recap: Conversation with Dahlia of Smallcakes Rock Hill, SC

In this episode of The Dap and A Hug Podcast, I sit down with Dahlia, the local franchise owner/operator of Smallcakes Cupcakery & Creamery here in Rock Hill. She’s a warm soul whose smile always brightens people’s day, and I wanted to give her recognition for bringing sweet joy to our city.

Dahlia shares her journey—how she became part of the Smallcakes family, what baking means to her personally, and how she connects with her community through every cupcake. Whether it’s listening to a story or tasting a treat, she brings more than desserts—she brings a piece of her heart.

💼 Sponsor Acknowledgment

This episode is proudly sponsored by Troy’s Wellness Center (Troy Harris). Thank you for supporting these community conversations and helping us shine a light on local changemakers.

📲 Connect with Troy’s Wellness Center:

• Website: troywellnesscenter.com
  
  
• Instagram: @troywellnesscenter
  
  
• Facebook: Troy’s Wellness Center
  
  

📲 Connect with Smallcakes Rock Hill

• Website: smallcakescupcakery.com
  
  
• Facebook: Smallcakes Cupcakery & Creamery – Rock Hill
  
  

👉 This episode is about stories, service, and sweetness—celebrating how Dahlia turns a franchise into a place of connection and delight, one cupcake at a time.

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🎙 Episode Recap: Conversation with @hiers_matt of Carolina Crimes Podcast

This episode of The Dap and A Hug Podcast is brought to you by @TroyHarris and Troy’s Wellness Center, serving the Rock Hill community with wellness, recovery, and support.

I sit down with my good friend @hiers_matt (Matt Hiers), co-host of Carolina Crimes Podcast. Beyond podcasting, Mat is a dedicated community voice—he ran for the local school board, speaks about recovery, and does live broadcasts for Northwestern High School football at District 3 Stadium in Rock Hill, SC.

🔗 How to Listen to Carolina Crimes Podcast

You can find Carolina Crimes Podcast on all major platforms:

• Spotify — Carolina Crimes Podcast
  Spotify
• Apple Podcasts — Carolina Crimes Podcast
  Apple Podcasts
• Also via Pod.Link (universal link)
  Pod.link
• The podcast is hosted on Spreaker as well
  Podnews

So whether your listeners prefer Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or another app, they can easily access the show.

Key Themes We Discussed:

• Unity in the Community – how we can uplift Rock Hill together
• Technology & Kids – how tablets and screens are affecting students
• Post-Pandemic Recovery – lingering impacts of masks, social distancing, and mental health
• Faith & Renewal – how God has given us second chances to live purposefully
• Local Talent in High School Football – spotlighting standout players and teams

Community Connections:

Toward the end of the episode, Mat tried wings from @nothin_butt_smoke_bbq (Grayson Snyder). I grilled the wings the night before using only salt and pepper to let their flavor shine.

We also gave a nod to @brandprorockhill (Joe Gordon), who did the custom stitching on my hat.

💪 Sponsor Spotlight: Troy’s Wellness Center

Huge thanks to @TroyHarris and Troy’s Wellness Center in Rock Hill, SC, for backing this episode. Their heart for wellness and community aligns perfectly with what this show aims to build. Find out more at troywellnesscenter.com
or their Facebook page.

📲 Connect with Today’s Guest, Friends & Sponsor

• Matt Hiers / Carolina Crimes Podcast
  • Instagram / X: @hiers_matt
  X (formerly Twitter)
  • Facebook: Carolina Crimes Podcast
  Facebook+1
  • Podcast available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, etc. (links above)
• Grayson Snyder / Nothin Butt BBQ
  • Threads / Instagram: @nothin_butt_smoke_bbq → https://www.threads.com/@nothin_butt_smoke_bbq?xmt=AQF01QE6uu9LMWXALvkwWA4EyWSduKv41PDoK4905wgdLVg
  
  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083316993557
  
  
• Joe Gordon / Brand Pro
  • Instagram: @brandprorockhill → https://www.instagram.com/brandprorockhill/
  
  • Website: https://www.brandproshop.com/
  
  
• Troy Harris / Troy’s Wellness Center
  • Website:

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🥊 Boxing.🥋Jiujitsu. Community. Mental Health.
In this episode at Rock Hill Boxing Club, we dive into how training builds confidence, fights off stress, and helps youth stand strong against bullying. 
☮️✨

Learn more about Rock Hill Boxing Club: https://rockhillboxingclub.com

Learn more about Carolina Family Jiujitsu: https://carolinafamilyjiujitsu.com

🎙️Sponsored by Get Fit With Troy (Troy Wellness Center) - Thank You for supporting The Dap and A Hug Podcast! 

Learn more: https://www.troywellnesscenter.com
Follow on Instagram: @https://www.instagram.com/troywellnesscenter
Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/troy1011

And don’t miss the spotlight on one of the gym’s rising stars, Goku — support his journey on YouTube 👉🏾 https://m.youtube.com/@GgBrotherzzz]🎥🔥

🎬 Edited by Roshawn Brown - Brownstone Media
📲 Follow him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brownstne_/

#boxinglife #MentalHealthAwareness #AntiBullying #YouthEmpowerment  #JiujitsuLife #RockHillSC #TheDapAndAHugPodcast #yorkcounty

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🎙 Episode Recap: Conversation with Ty & Billy at @supremenutritionrockhill

In this episode of The Dap and A Hug Podcast, I sit down with Ty and Billy at @supremenutritionrockhill, one of Rock Hill’s favorite spots for healthy shakes, energizing teas, and daily encouragement.

Key Themes We Covered:

• Health & Wellness in Rock Hill — how Supreme Nutrition helps the community fuel their bodies with better choices
• Entrepreneurship & Growth — Ty and Billy share the story behind Supreme Nutrition and the drive to build a business rooted in positivity
• Community Connection — why local hubs like this matter, serving as spaces for encouragement, unity, and support for all ages
• Motivation & Balance — staying strong mentally, spiritually, and physically while giving back to others

📲 Connect with Supreme Nutrition

• Instagram: @supremenutritionrockhill
  
  
• Website: supremenutritionusa.com
  
  
• Facebook: Supreme Nutrition Rock Hill
  
  

👉 This episode highlights how Ty and Billy are using Supreme Nutrition to bring energy, positivity, and purpose to Rock Hill. More than just a business, it’s a place where the community can come together, recharge, and grow stronger every day.

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