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Congressman Wilson also reflects on family involvement, mentoring young people through internships, his views on foreign policy, economic regulation, constituent service, and how military experience informs his views on defense and international affairs. He also reflects on travel, political change around the world, and the values he hopes to pass on to younger generations.
You can connect with Congressman Wilson on Instagram @repjoewilson
In this episode, we dive into the heartwarming journey of Aleka Selig, the founder of ally&eloise Bakery in Columbia, South Carolina. Her story is one of dreams, family traditions, and the sweet aroma of baked goods. Aleka shares insights on running a successful bakery, adapting to challenges, and building a community-focused business in Columbia. She discusses pricing strategies, product selection, managing growth, and the importance of kindness and authenticity in business.
Find Aleka on Instagram @allyandeloisebakeshop
In a time when many Christians feel torn between the call to speak out and the desire to maintain peace, Jonathan Tremaine offers profound insights into how these two can coexist. He discusses the Biblical foundations of peace, justice, and love, emphasizing the importance of holy activism and reconciliation in addressing social and racial divides. This episode offers practical insights for Christians seeking to embody Christ's love in a fractured world.
#christian #peace
In this episode, Jennifer Wilson shares her inspiring journey from growing up in New Jersey to becoming a prominent news reporter, to now, potential first lady of South Carolina. She discusses her family, faith, public service, and the importance of leadership and service. In the conversation, Jennifer shares her professional journey from working at WIS TV in Columbia, to working at Lexington Hospital, to having her own business, and now working for the University of South Carolina. She also opens up about her battle with breast cancer, and her vision for making a positive impact as First Lady of South Carolina, should her husband Attorney General Alan Wilson win. Discover her insights on authenticity, faith, and leadership…
In this episode, Senator Reichenbach shares his inspiring journey of being adopted to becoming a successful businessman in the corporate world with Ford Motor Company then later owning two Ford dealerships in South Carolina, and feeling the call to serve as state senator. Now he's running for Lt. Governor of South Carolina with his running mate Alan Wilson. Senator Reichenbach also talks about the importance of faith, family, and leadership, offering insights into public service and personal growth.
Find out more about Senator Reichenbach’s story: https://www.mikeforsc.com/about
#senatormikereichenbach #mikereichenbach #leadership #faith #family #southcarolina #publicservice #politics #ltgovernor
In this thought-provoking episode, Ally delves into the life of a mortician with her father from South Carolina, exploring the unique path that led him to this often-misunderstood profession.
Alvin shares his experiences growing up in the American South, during a time of segregation. He reflects on the challenges and realities of life in a divided community, recalling, "They still had segregated high schools." This insight sheds light on the backdrop of his formative years and the societal dynamics that shaped him.
Interestingly, Alvin did not initially aspire to become a mortician. His journey began in the Air Force and took a turn when he started working at a local funeral home to earn extra money. Deciding to pursue mortuary science after university was not a common choice, but with the support of his experiences and the GI Bill, he enrolled in mortuary school.
Alvin explains the science behind embalming, likening the human body to a machine: "The body is a chemical laboratory from head to toe," he explains. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the body’s systems and how they relate to the preservation process, which has roots in ancient practices.
Alvin also touches on his decision to run for public office in South Carolina and why each state needs a proper medical examiner’s office.
#mortuaryscience #morticianstories #coroner #mortician #politics
Sonu’s professional journey began in the Maldives, a destination he fell in love with while vacationing with his wife, Eva Malstrom. Their experiences led them to realize the hospitality industry was missing a certain touch of luxury and sustainability. The pristine beauty of the islands captured their hearts, but the hospitality left much to be desired.
Determined to raise the bar, they set out to create a luxury resort that would respect and enhance the natural beauty of the Maldives. In the late 80s, after failed bids for an island, their persistence paid off when they found a remote island available for lease. This was the beginning of Soneva Fushi, which opened in 1995, and Soneva Jani, which opened in 2016. Sonu envisioned a resort that provided a barefoot luxury experience, focusing on ecological sensitivity and conservation.
Sonu and Ally talk about how magical service in hospitality can't be taught entirely through strategy; it has to come from an intrinsic understanding and connection to the environment and the guests. We talk about what and who inspires him. Books like Matthew Walker’s "Why We Sleep" and Daniel Pink’s "Drive" have influenced his understanding of wellness and motivation in a hospitality context.
Through Soneva and his upcoming projects, like Sosei, Sonu continues to redefine luxury hospitality, proving that a deep connection to the environment and a commitment to sustainability can create unforgettable experiences.
Find Sonu on Instagram @sonushivdasani
#luxuryhotels #Maldives #SonuShivdasani#sustainability #intuition #hotelbranding #wellness #leadership #purpose #innovation #hospitality
Tess’s fascination with fashion began in her childhood, where she and her mother transformed hand-me-downs into unique creations. This early experience laid the foundation for her lifelong love of design, which she pursued alongside her career in law enforcement. "I continued to sew and sketch and create my clothing," Tess reflects, illustrating how fashion was always her creative outlet amid the serious nature of her FBI duties.
Tracy's journey into politics was not premeditated but rather a response to her desire for meaningful change. She shares her frustration with the political landscape, feeling compelled to inspire voters rather than settle for the "lesser of two evils."
To date she has knocked on 17,000+ doors asking people to vote for her, and as she campaigns, she aims to create excitement around her candidacy, fostering a sense of hope and connection in her community. Her journey is a testament to the power of resilience and service, and is a reminder that genuine connections and a commitment to community can inspire change. For more on Tracy's insights and her vision for the future, tune into the full episode.
Connect with Tracy on Facebook: @robinsforschouse75
In a world where the fashion industry is notoriously competitive, Sade’s journey is a testament to resilience and self-determination. After facing a layoff that could have derailed her dreams, Sade chose to take charge of her narrative instead of waiting for opportunities to find her. Instead of waiting for someone to give her a job, she put herself on billboards in Soho. "Why am I still saying I want to and why am I not just doing it?" she asked herself. Her posters featured her name and a QR code linking to her portfolio, turning a dream into a tangible reality that got her discovered by Vogue.
Find Sade on Instagram: @sadeisonline
From the publisher's feed
The Soulful Side of Life podcast is where faith, fashion, business, and lifestyle come together through authentic conversations. Hosted by Ally Portee, each episode is an unscripted dialogue with designers, CEOs, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders about purpose, character, leadership, and the lessons that shape a meaningful life. I hope these conversations inspire you to pursue your own calling with confidence and intention.
New episodes twice a month Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
Instagram: @allysonlolitaportee
YouTube: @TheSoulfulSideOfLife
Seele Magazine: seelemag.com