The Small Town Life - Conversations from the Porch

On today’s episode, PBR bullfighter Knox Dunn takes over the mic as we uncover the life and laughter of the lifesavers of rodeo. From his beginnings as a young helper to his bull-riding brother to becoming a celebrated bullfighter at just 15, Knox's journey is a testament to passion and perseverance. We venture into the camaraderie and stories shared behind the bucking chutes, where road trips and late-night flights to Professional Bull Riders (PBR) events forge bonds as strong as any family. Knox paints a picture of rodeo life, capturing the spirit of adventure and the warmth of community that follows.

Related episodes:

Ep. 7 |  The Traveling FARMacy, A Story of Faith and Ag-Entrepreneurship with Anna Marie Herrington

Ep. 6 | Preserving Southern Food Traditions with The Buttered Home, Brooke Burks

Ep. 5 | Small-Town Values Shape a Big-Time Sales Career, Dakota Dawn Johnson

Want to learn more about The Small Town Life?

Visit our website, TheSmallTownLife.com, or like and follow us on social media!

Facebook: The Small Town Life 

Instagram: _The_Small_Town_Life

Thank you for joining us as we share stories of anything and everything “Small Town Life” and “Small Town Living”.  Meet us back on the porch on the last Monday of each month. You’re sure to have a good time!

May God bless you, and may God bless America!

-Shaun

On today’s episode, we sit down with Alex Boggan, the passionate entrepreneur breathing new life into this cherished establishment, the oldest operating business in Greenville and the longest-running hardware store in Alabama still in its original location since 1891. Alex shares the journey of acquiring the store, his plans for preserving its legacy, and introducing the exciting new section, Hunter's Hideout, to honor a beloved local store that closed in 2003. Discover how Alex balances honoring the past with embracing fresh opportunities for community development and innovation. 

Click here to learn more about Greenville Hardware and Hunter's Hideout.

Related episodes:

Ep. 7 |  The Traveling FARMacy, A Story of Faith and Ag-Entrepreneurship with Anna Marie Herrington

Ep. 5 | Small-Town Values Shape a Big-Time Sales Career, Dakota Dawn Johnson

Ep. 2 | The Legacy of Family Business in Small-Town USA, PawPaw Locklar [PART 1]

Want to learn more about The Small Town Life?

Visit our website, TheSmallTownLife.com, or like and follow us on social media!

Facebook: The Small Town Life 

Instagram: _The_Small_Town_Life

Thank you for joining us as we share stories of anything and everything “Small Town Life” and “Small Town Living”.  Meet us back on the porch the last Monday of each month. You’re sure to have a good time!

May God bless you and May God bless America!

-Shaun

Join us on the porch as we engage in a heartfelt conversation about family bonds and gratitude, especially during the cherished Christmas season. You’ll hear touching stories of family sacrifices and commitments, highlighting the importance of being present for our loved ones. Our previous guests share the profound impact of support and love from family members. In this episode, we also invite you to immerse yourself in the charm and warmth of small-town life, where connections run deep, and the pace is a little slower. As the end of the year approachs, I am reminded that family and community are truly at the heart of it all. Let’s make family the top priority this holiday season and number one on the list in 2025.

Related episodes:

Ep. 2 | The Legacy of Family Business in Small-Town USA, PawPaw Locklar [PART 1]

Ep. 6 | Preserving Southern Food Traditions with The Buttered Home, Brooke Burks

Ep. 7 |  The Traveling FARMacy, A Story of Faith and Ag-Entrepreneurship with Anna Marie Herrington

Want to learn more about The Small Town Life?

Visit our website, TheSmallTownLife.com, or like and follow us on social media!

Facebook: The Small Town Life 

Instagram: _The_Small_Town_Life

Thank you for joining us as we share stories of anything and everything “Small Town Life” and “Small Town Living”.  Meet us back on the porch the last Monday of each month. You’re sure to have a good time!

May God bless you and May God bless America!

-Shaun

Growing up in a small town with a graduating class of just 16 students, I never imagined I’d one day be sharing my voice with the world, especially after years of struggling with a stutter. Yet here I am, inviting you into my world through the Small Town Life podcast. This episode is a personal reflection on how my early challenges, from enduring schoolyard taunts to finding unexpected courage on stage, paved the way for a remarkable journey. With a 25-year career in heavy machinery behind me, I found a new beginning with Small Town Graphics, and eventually, this very podcast—an endeavor I once thought impossible. 

Related episodes:

Ep. 5 | Small-Town Values Shape A Big-Time Sales Career with Dakota Dawn Johnson

Ep. 7 |  The Traveling FARMacy, A Story of Faith and Ag-Entrepreneurship with Anna Marie Herrington

Ep. 8 | Behind the Scenes of The Small Town Life with Shaun & Carol Spivey  

Want to learn more about The Small Town Life?

Visit our website, TheSmallTownLife.com, or like and follow us on social media!

Facebook: The Small Town Life 

Instagram: _The_Small_Town_Life

Thank you for joining us as we share stories of anything and everything “Small Town Life” and “Small Town Living”.  Meet us back on the porch the last Monday of each month. You’re sure to have a good time!

May God bless you and May God bless America!

-Shaun

Join us as we reveal the heartfelt origins of The Small Town Life, a venture that grew out of love, ambition, and a leap of faith. Carol shares her candid thoughts on my decision to retire from my career and start this business, providing a unique perspective. From our humble beginnings in 2019 to a bustling home-based operation, we recount the milestones, setbacks, and heartwarming moments that have defined our journey. Discover how faith and trust in God's plan have been our guiding lights, helping us appreciate the chaos and growth while remaining hopeful for what the future holds.

Related episodes:

Ep. 3 | Rooted in Tradition: The Legacy and Future of Family Dairy Farming 

Ep. 5 | Small-Town Values Shape A Big-Time Sales Career with Dakota Dawn Johnson

Ep. 7 |  The Traveling FARMacy, A Story of Faith and Ag-Entrepreneurship with Anna Marie Herrington

Want to learn more about The Small Town Life?

Visit our website, TheSmallTownLife.com, or like and follow us on social media!

Facebook: The Small Town Life 

Instagram: _The_Small_Town_Life

Thank you for joining us as we share stories of anything and everything “Small Town Life” and “Small Town Living”.  Meet us back on the porch the last Monday of each month. You’re sure to have a good time!

May God bless you and May God bless America!

-Shaun

From a corporate dream job to a comforting life on a family farm, Anna Marie's journey is one of courage, faith, and unexpected turns. She recounts her transition from a promising career at Cargill to an entrepreneurial venture that brought her back to her roots in Alabama. Her story exemplifies the blend of modern marketing and timeless traditions, showcasing the power of genuine connections and storytelling. Through relatable anecdotes, Anna Marie emphasizes the value of transparency in farming and the trust built with consumers. Values on which The Traveling FARMacy is founded. This episode also highlights the deep sense of community and warmth found in small towns, showcasing how family support, flexibility, and small-town hospitality have shaped Anna Marie’s entrepreneurial journey and continue to inspire her daily endeavors. 

Related episodes:

Ep. 2 | The Legacy of Family Business in Small-Town USA, PawPaw Locklar [PART 1]

Ep. 3 | Rooted in Tradition: The Legacy and Future of Family Dairy Farming 

Ep. 5 | Small-Town Values Shape A Big-Time Sales Career with Dakota Dawn Johnson

Do you have a small-town story that needs sharing?

Reach out! We would love to hear from you.

Email your interest in sharing your story to [email protected]

Want to learn more about The Small Town Life?

Visit our website, TheSmallTownLife.com, or like and follow us on social media!

Facebook: The Small Town Life 

Instagram: _The_Small_Town_Life

Thank you for joining us as we share stories of anything and everything “Small Town Life” and “Small Town Living”.  Meet us back on the porch on the last Monday of each month. You’re sure to have a good time!

May God bless you and May God bless America!

-Shaun

How has home cooking evolved from a simple family necessity to a cherished act of love and community? Join us on the front porch of Brooke Burks' new studio to uncover the heartwarming story of The Buttered Home. Brooke's story isn't just about recipes; it's about community, teaching, and regional culinary traditions. From the quirky charm of chocolate gravy for biscuits to the critical role of quality ingredients in southern recipes, she covers it all. 

Related episodes:

Ep. 2 | The Legacy of Family Business in Small-Town USA, PawPaw Locklar [PART 1]

Ep. 3 | Rooted in Tradition: The Legacy and Future of Family Dairy Farming 

Ep. 4 | The Legacy of Family Business in Small-Town USA, PawPaw Locklar [Part 2]

Want to learn more about The Small Town Life?

Visit our website, TheSmallTownLife.com, or like and follow us on social media!

Facebook: The Small Town Life 

Instagram: _The_Small_Town_Life

Thank you for joining us as we share stories of anything and everything “Small Town Life” and “Small Town Living”.  Meet us back on the porch the last Monday of each month. You’re sure to have a good time!

May God bless you and May God bless America!

-Shaun

Have you ever wondered how small-town values can shape a big-time career? Our special guest, Dakota Dawn Johnson, a podcast host and former Miss Rodeo USA, brings her unique journey to light, starting from her roots in Grady, Alabama, to her life on a Kansas ranch. From her early days as a rodeo queen to advocating for women's inclusion in rodeo events, Dakota's journey is a testament to hard work and perseverance. We also explore Dakota's insights into the world of sales, tracing her path from a kindergarten Walkathon fundraiser to becoming a top salesperson for Ariat International. She emphasizes the timeless value of sales skills and the importance of personal connections, even in a technology-driven world. Tune in to celebrate the charm of small-town life, the art of connection, and the courage to take leaps of faith in pursuit of dreams.

Related episodes:

Ep. 2 | The Legacy of Family Business in Small-Town USA, PawPaw Locklar [PART 1]

Ep. 3 | Rooted in Tradition: The Legacy and Future of Family Dairy Farming 

Ep. 4 | The Legacy of Family Business in Small-Town USA, PawPaw Locklar [Part 2]

Want to learn more about The Small Town Life?

Visit our website, TheSmallTownLife.com, or like and follow us on social media!

Facebook: The Small Town Life 

Instagram: _The_Small_Town_Life

Thank you for joining us as we share stories of anything and everything “Small Town Life” and “Small Town Living”.  Meet us back on the porch on the last Monday of each month. You’re sure to have a good time!

May God bless you and May God bless America!

-Shaun

Growing up in a small town can often feel like being part of a large family where everyone looks out for each other. Step inside a world where a rolling store fortified rural communities and shaped dreams into realities, as narrated by our distinguished guests, former operators and owners of the daring family business. These stories are punctuated by thrilling accounts of foiled robbery attempts, painting a vivid tapestry of the close bonds and shared resolve within these hearty neighborhoods. Hear about the sense of family that extended beyond bloodlines, the surprising tales of pranks, and the adeptness of a blind man handling money, all underscoring the camaraderie and hospitality intrinsic to small-town living.

Related episodes:

Ep. 2 | The Legacy of Family Business in Small-Town USA, PawPaw Locklar [PART 1]

Ep. 3 | Rooted in Tradition: The Legacy and Future of Family Dairy Farming 

Want to learn more about The Small Town Life?

Visit our website, TheSmallTownLife.com, or like and follow us on social media!

Facebook: The Small Town Life 

Instagram: _The_Small_Town_Life

Thank you for joining us as we share stories of anything and everything “Small Town Life” and “Small Town Living”.  Meet us back on the porch on the last Monday of each month. You’re sure to have a good time!

May God bless you and May God bless America!

-Shaun

In this episode, The Legacy of Family Dairy Farming with Mr. Bill Cantey, 4C Farms, we dive into the rich past of The Cantey Family Farm. This legacy sprouted in 1968 and grew through generations of hard work and resilience. We’ll take you back to a time when selling milk to a cooperative wasn't just a transaction but a community effort, woven into the rhythm of family life. Mr. Bill Cantey reflects on the economic twists and turns that saw many small dairy farms swallowed up by corporate entities, and raises a glass to the agricultural universities that have stood by farmers with advancements in livestock health and breeding. So grab a glass of sweet tea and join us for a heartwarming story that captures the essence of small-town life, family bonds, and the enduring spirit of the agricultural community.

Want to learn more about The Small Town Life?

Visit our website, TheSmallTownLife.com, or like and follow us on social media!

Facebook: The Small Town Life 

Instagram: _The_Small_Town_Life

Thank you for joining us as we share stories of anything and everything “Small Town Life” and “Small Town Living”.  Meet us back on the porch on the last Monday of each month. You’re sure to have a good time!

May God bless you and May God bless America!

-Shaun