The Local Woman

The Local Woman

By TheLocalWomanSociety & Culture
Download on the App Store

The Local Woman episodes

  • Episode 18- Anneliese Vanderheyden

    On this episode, Sierra and Jade chat with Local Woman, Anneliese Vanderheyden. Born and raised in central Georgia, Anneliese is dedicated to helping victims and survivors of sexual assault and abuse. She began volunteering as a Sexual Assault Advocate in 2011, and has remained active in the advocacy community since. She is currently employed with the Crisis Line & Safe House of Central Georgia as the Sexual Assault Advocacy Coordinator for the Macon office. With offices in Macon and Warner Robins, CL-SH provides services to victims of sexual assault and domestic violence throughout Middle Georgia. 

    April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and the Crisis Line & Safe House of Central Georgia is celebrating survivors all month long with social media posts and virtual events. Please follow them on social media to find out more and share our posts in support. https://www.facebook.com/CLSHofCentralGA

    23 min
  • Episode 17-Laura Thomason

    On episode 17 of The Local Woman, Sierra chats with Local Woman, Laura Thomason! A Missouri native, Laura lived around the West and Midwest before moving to Georgia in 2006.  She is the Provost Fellow for International Programs and Professor of English at Middle Georgia State University.  She also leads comprehensive internationalization at MGA, administering study abroad programs and international student services. She is passionate about sharing her love of humanities and embraces the opportunity to help students expand their cultural competency and understanding through travel. 

    Laura and her husband Daniel Boudreault are dancesport athlete members of USA Dance Greater Macon Chapter 6059 and compete at the Silver level in American Smooth and American Rhythm styles. Laura has danced as a "pro" in the Alzheimer's Association Dancing Stars of Central Georgia event since its inception in 2012.

    Check out episode 17 today and learn why humanities remain important in our new digital landscape, where you can connect with the dance community in Middle Georgia, and listen to a couple of nerds chat about their favorite pens!

    Episode Graphic: photo credit Jeopardy! Productions, Inc.

    56 min
  • Episode 16-Amber Pierce Valentine with Guest Host Amber Skiles

    On Episode 16 of The Local Woman, Sierra is joined by guest host Amber Skiles, to interview Amber Pierce Valentine! 

    Amber is the owner of Star Stuff Yoga & More, The Valentine Cottage, and is a singer/songwriter in The Vineyard Band.

    Star Stuff Yoga & More is a mobile yoga & wellness program that strives to create an inclusive, diverse, and accessible space for our community.  Star Stuff Yoga & More offers a mat gift program, chair yoga, and free or donation-based wellness events that honor the traditions of yoga.

    The Valentine Cottage provides non-toxic, eco-friendly household items & beauty products in upcycled packaging at an affordable price.

    Amber has a degree in Psychology with a minor in Music from Clayton State University in Morrow, Ga, and is currently working toward certification as a Registered Behavior Technician in the field of ABA Therapy.

    Amber has been married to her wonderful husband, William Valentine, for almost one year.  Together they have two dogs, love living in downtown Macon and enjoying the outdoors together.  One of their favorite local spots is Amerson River Park, where they love to walk the trails, swim in the river, and also happens to be where they got married.

    Tune in to learn more about her work, passions, and where you can connect with her in the community!

    You'll also meet guest host Amber Skiles and learn more about her upcoming podcast "Trash Talk with Amber" where she chronicles her journey to connect the people of Warner Robins with their trash. That's right trash! If you're passionate about recycling and conservation this is the podcast for you! Tune in to learn more!

    46 min
  • Episode 15-Melissa Macker
    On episode 15 of The Local Woman, Sierra and Jade chat with Local Woman, Melissa Macker!
    Melissa is the founding executive director of The 567 Center for Renewal in downtown Macon, GA. In her day-to-day, she wears many hats, including marketing director, fundraiser, program planner, bookkeeper, and tech support. In her 10 years as executive director, she has booked concerts, built websites, hung art exhibits, started a pottery studio, and renovated a new building!
    Although Melissa runs an art gallery, she does not consider herself an artist (perhaps because she could never pick one thing), but she admittedly enjoys dabbling in the arts. Her love of the arts started when she was young and was nurtured at the arts high school she attended in South Florida. Because of that experience, she really loves being around artists and meeting new creative people all the time in her role at The 567. Her latest artistic hobbies are gardening, photography, and pottery.
    In addition to her work at The 567, Melissa is also passionate about plants! She received her Master's degree in horticulture from the University of Florida, with a minor in nonprofit management. That connection to nonprofits and her love of downtown Macon led her to help New City Church with start The 567 Center!
    Over the years, she has found ways to use her horticultural knowledge, too. You can follow her gardening journey on her blog, Garden on Boulevard. She also started a business called Itty Bitty Herb Farm growing and selling fresh-cut herbs, and later herb garden kits in mason jars. Sometimes you can even find her teaching herb gardening classes at The 567!
    To learn more about her work at the 567 and her ongoing collaborations with artists and community initiatives around Macon-Bibb, head on over to your favorite streaming site and check our Melissa's episode today!
    39 min
  • Episode 14-Jessica Mack
    On Episode 14 of The Local Woman, Sierra and Sarah chat with local business owner, health enthusiast, and fellow podcaster, Jessica Mack. As the owner of Macon, Georgia's first fully vegan restaurant, Southern Soul Cafe, when we wanted to discuss the topic of veganism, we knew exactly where to turn! After encountering issues with her health caused by her weight, Jessica began her journey towards a healthier lifestyle by not only prioritizing exercise but also developing a new relationship with food. As someone new to the vegan lifestyle, Jessica began making small changes that improved her health, but also helped her develop a passion for cooking and veganism! In this episode, Jessica shares her journey to a green, cruelty-free lifestyle and her efforts, in partnership with local non-profit Macon Vegans, to make a healthy, plant-based diet accessible for all! 
    You can connect with Jessica, view her delicious eats, and learn more about her work in the community on Facebook: SouthernVeganSoulCafe and Instagram: @southern_vegan_soul_cafe! You can also head to 3348 Vineville Ave, Macon, GA 31204, Tuesday-Wednesday 12–7:45 PM and Friday 12–3:45 PM to enjoy her delicious VEGAN culinary creations! Also, be sure to check out her podcast hellohealth_withjess and follow her on Instagram @hellohealth_withjess!
    37 min
  • Episode 13-Lindsey Floyd
    On this episode of The Local Woman, Sierra chats with professional pilot turned Aviation Safety Inspector, Lindsey Floyd!
    In episode 13, Lindsey talks about her love of flying and her work to make a difference in the field of Aviation Safety, while constantly attempting to strike the elusive work/life balance. She also shares her path to the skies and provides words of encouragement to other women interested in taking flight!
    Fasten your seatbelts to prepare to take off with the newest episode of The Local Woman!
    38 min
  • Episode 12-Ashli Axtell
    On episode 12 of The Local Woman, Sierra chats with Ashli Axtell about the topics of body neutrality and fat liberation. Middle Georgia native Ashli Axtell recently graduated from Middle Georgia State University with a BA in Contemporary Musicianship with an emphasis in Saxophone Performance. In addition to loving music, she's an ardent supporter and attempter of all things art-related. She's much better at clay than painting, but she thinks it's important to nurture creativity for creativity's sake.
    She participated in the MAC Speaks forum on Intersectionality, where she shared some of her lived experiences to illustrate the daily obstacles that some of us encounter simply because we exist in our bodies and how that affects our sense of self-worth.
    Ashli first became aware of the body neutrality movement via Instagram and as a lifelong fat person, she viewed fat activism as important work. Seeing bodies like hers represented helped reshape how she thought about herself and the vessel she uses to move through life. She wants to help others understand that fat isn't a bad word and that every human, regardless of how their body exists, deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.
    Tune in to learn more about the topics of body neutrality and fat liberation, and learn ways to show gratitude and respect for the body you possess!
    1 hr 8 min
  • Episode 11-Katie Mosley
    On this episode of The Local Woman, Sierra and Jade are joined by local songbird Katie Mosley to discuss the release of her debut album.
    The daughter of an artist and musician, Katie grew up surrounded by music and the arts. Even as a child she could be found dancing around the room trying to hit every note to her favorite Mariah Cary, Lauren Hill, Christina Aguilera, or Celine Dion song. Like many children raised in the south, she also spent much of her time at church singing hymns and gospel music as a member of the choir. These influences are clear in the ethereal, yet soulful sound of the songs featured on her debut album "The Definition of Point B".
    From quarantine lessons to motherhood, Katie gets candid about her path to the album's release. She also shares how her love of music led her to a successful career in cosmology!
    Katie is a  woman on a mission to empower herself with new skills and talents, while also being a full-time mom to her son. Learn more about how she balances work, life, and her passions on this episode of The Local Woman.
    51 min
  • Episode 10-Louise Warren
    On this episode of The Local Woman, Sierra sits down with Louise Warren. A force to be reckoned with, Louise Warren is a singer, a songwriter, and a heartfelt performer. Born and raised in Macon, Georgia (a town that lays claim to the Allman Brothers and Otis Redding), She grew up with a rich musical background and developed a love for songwriting early on. When she was 14 years old, she picked up the guitar for the first time and started booking shows regionally.
    With over 10 years of gigging under her belt, she has shared the stage with the likes of Chuck Leavell (Rolling Stones), Edwin McCain, Jimmy Hall, Lera Lynn, and Shawn Mullins. Her songs "Cherish" and "Home" have been featured on Zooey Deschanel’s website Hello Giggles and Georgia Public Broadcasting’s national travel show, Music Voyager. She released her first full-length album, “Lavender Sound” in 2017 and her first EP, “Surrender” in 2019.
    Her identity is steeped deeply in that of an artist, a title that musician Joey Stuckey agrees with, “Louise is musical to the bone. No matter where life may take her, she knows music will continue to be a guiding force.”
    Louise puts it simply, “Music is my morning coffee, therapist, and best friend.”
    Check out her music and learn more about her work as a Creativity Coach at https://www.louisewarrenmusic.com/
    55 min
  • Episode 9-Erika Word
    There is no event more cherished or romantic than a wedding! Months, even years, of preparation, go into the planning of this one special day. From the time guests arrive at the beautifully decorated venue, to the moment you see the individual of your dreams waiting at the end of the aisle, every detail is planned to ensure the day is unforgettable! To help couples keep the memory of this day alive they need quality photos. On this episode of The Local Woman, Sierra and Sarah kick back with Georgia wedding and boudoir photographer, Erika Word!
    As a believer in equality for all, Erika shares with us the importance of inclusivity in her work and talks about her passion for sharing every couples’ love story. She began her career in photography helping couples share the story of their special day but has expanded her services to include boudoir shoots as well! With Valentine's Day around the corner, we've all got love on the brain, so check out her episode and book your shoot today!
    https://open.spotify.com/show/35nfjVOnQZpOHc9dE5yJ8C?si=RR08yb4RQ-6Ng4Ya3rdGbA
    Wedding Photography- eephotog.com
    Boudoir Shoots- https://www.facebook.com/groups/bewitchingboudoir
    50 min

About The Local Woman

From the publisher's feed

The Local Woman is a podcast that highlights local women in business and the community while discussing issues that affect Local Women like you and me.