In this episode of UrbanEbb, host Rico Figliolini sits down with Phil Adra and Victor Borowsky, co-founders of Four Corners Capital, to discuss what comprehensive financial planning really means. While many people associate financial planning with investing and growing wealth, Phil and Victor explain why true financial planning extends beyond accumulation to include protection, retirement income distribution, tax efficiency, and legacy planning. They share how their firm's philosophy is built around helping clients protect, grow, distribute, and transfer wealth across every stage of life.

The conversation explores retirement planning, business-owner succession strategies, tax planning, life insurance, real estate investments, and multigenerational wealth transfer. Phil and Victor also discuss the importance of acting as a "financial quarterback," coordinating with attorneys, CPAs, and other professionals to help clients make informed decisions. Along the way, they share practical examples that illustrate how small financial decisions can have significant long-term impacts and why ongoing planning is critical long after wealth has been accumulated.

Timestamp:
00:00:00 – Introduction to Phil Adra, Victor Borowsky, and Four Corners Capital 
00:00:56 – Phil’s background and connection to Peachtree Corners 
00:01:23 – Victor’s Atlanta roots and community involvement 
00:03:10 – Local organizations, schools, and community engagement 
00:06:15 – The Four Corners Capital philosophy: Protect, Grow, Distribute, Transfer 
00:07:46 – Why most people focus only on wealth accumulation 
00:09:03 – Using real-world examples to explain financial planning concepts 
00:11:34 – Financial planning strategies for business owners 
00:14:48 – Working with CPAs, attorneys, and other professionals 
00:17:29 – Retirement income planning and managing distribution risk 
00:21:48 – Why retirement plans require continual adjustments 
00:24:07 – Tax law changes, Medicare considerations, and planning challenges 
00:25:12 – Life insurance as a financial planning tool 
00:26:52 – Securities-backed lines of credit and accessing capital efficiently 
00:30:30 – How financial planning differs from tax preparation 
00:31:41 – Real estate investing and retirement income strategies 
00:34:22 – Multigenerational planning and involving children in financial education 
00:35:19 – Teaching fourth graders about taxes, savings, and spending 
00:38:06 – How to connect with Four Corners Capital and closing remarks

Callie Murray has built businesses, raised seven kids, and now added debut novelist to her ever-growing resume — and somehow, it all connects. In this episode of UrbanEbb, Rico sits down with the Norcross-based entrepreneur, HR consultant, and grassroots marketer to talk about her debut historical fiction novel The Brunswick, a story inspired by a true Holocaust-era rescue mission that Callie reimagined right in her own Historic Norcross backyard. From a chance plane ride finish of a YA pirate novel to nine drafts, one life-changing agent call at a middle school musical, and a two-book publishing deal, Callie's path to authorship is as unconventional and compelling as the story she set out to tell.

But The Brunswick is more than a novel — it's a reflection of Callie's own journey through foster care and adoption. Written before her family of five became a family of nine, the book's themes of children in need of safe harbor and communities rallying around families mirrored her real life in ways she never could have planned. With proceeds going to foster and adoptive families through local nonprofit Promise 686, and her second book already in progress, Callie Murray is proof that the best stories often find you — sometimes just a block or two from your front door.

Podcast Takeaways:

• The idea struck mid-flight. Callie's journey to writing began on a plane when she finished a YA novel and read the author's note — realizing that becoming a novelist is something you train for, not something you're born doing.
• Research led to the story. After landing, she Googled "foster care, World War II" and discovered a true story buried in the Holocaust Encyclopedia about a Jewish couple who brought 50 refugee children to America on a visa loophole — the seed of The Brunswick.
• She brought the story home. Unable to picture 1939 Philadelphia, Callie moved the setting to Historic Norcross, weaving in real local landmarks, figures, and history — including the Brunswick Hotel, now the site of a veterinary clinic near Thrasher Park.
• She treated writing like athletic training. Inspired by her husband's race training, Callie pitched writing a novel the same way — carving out dedicated time, studying the craft through books and podcasts, and building toward a finished product deliberately.
• Feedback transformed the book. Early drafts featured a passive protagonist and a too-neat resolution. Honest notes from her best friend and an early agent rejection pushed Callie to sit with discomfort and rewrite — producing what readers now cite as their favorite moments.
• The agent call came at the worst possible moment. Callie received the call from her agent confirming her book deal during intermission at a middle school musical — and had to sit through the entire second act, front row center, unable to check her email.
• Her second book is already in progress. Set in 1938 Thomasville, Georgia, it follows Nellie, a woman with dyslexia (called "word blindness" at the time) who lands a writing job with FDR's Federal Writers Project — inspired by Callie's own daughter's experience with dyslexia.
• The book's proceeds fund real families. Within two weeks of launch, The Brunswick had already generated $11,000 in grants through Promise 686, a Peachtree Corners-based nonprofit supporting foster, adoptive, and biological families in need.
• Life imitated art. Callie wrote a book about children finding refuge in a new family before her own family doubled — four children joined through foster care the day her manuscript was approved, and their adoption finalized the same week the book launched.
• Local community rallied around the launch. Freckles & Co. bookstore in Norcross dedicated their entire window display to The Brunswick, Refuge Coffee created a signature "Brunswick" drink, and local businesses organized a scavenger hunt and art contest around the book's cover.

Timestamp:
00:00:49 – Introduction and Callie Murray's entrepreneurial background
00:02:14 – From The Big Fake Wedding to HR consulting and fiction writing
00:05:05 – The plane ride that sparked the idea to become a novelist
00:06:19 – Discovering the true story that inspired The Brunswick
00:08:13 – Learning the craft of writing and "training" to write a novel
00:09:13 – Developing characters and finding Cora's voice
00:10:46 – Why Norcross and the Brunswick Hotel became central to the story
00:12:12 – Historical research, local history, and connecting the dots
00:13:34 – Writer's block, difficult edits, and reshaping the ending
00:18:17 – Finding an agent and securing a publishing deal
00:19:52 – The memorable phone call announcing her book deal
00:22:25 – Teasing book two and a new historical fiction setting in Georgia
00:24:12 – Foster care, adoption, and Promise 686's influence on the novel
00:26:26 – Supporting families through book proceeds and grant funding
00:27:14 – How the book release coincided with the family's adoption journey
00:33:05 – Community support from Norcross businesses and local organizations
00:34:31 – Where readers can connect with Callie and follow future projects

In this episode of UrbanEbb, host Rico Figliolini sits down with Chuck Allen, lead pastor of Sugar Hill Church and The Corner Gathering, to explore a different approach to faith and community. Chuck shares how The Corner Gathering was intentionally designed as a community center first, creating a space where people can connect, access resources, and build relationships, regardless of their religious background.

The conversation dives into the wide-reaching impact of their programs, including Neighborhood Meals on Wheels, mental health services through ClearPath Counseling, and partnerships with local organizations. Chuck also reflects on his personal journey from entrepreneur to pastor, emphasizing transparency, service, and the importance of meeting real community needs, from food insecurity to mental health support.

Resources:The Corner Gathering: https://cornergathering.com
Sugar Hill Church: https://sugarhill.church

Bullet Points:

• Why The Corner Gathering was designed as a community-first model
• How Meals on Wheels has scaled from dozens to hundreds of meals per day
• The role partnerships play with businesses, schools, and local governments
• How Clear Path Counseling makes mental health care accessible and affordable
• Why transparency in funding builds trust within a community
• The challenges of addressing food insecurity vs. mental health stigma
• How faith-based organizations can collaborate with public institutions
• Chuck Allen’s journey from entrepreneur to community-focused pastor

Timestamp:
00:00:00 – Introduction and overview of The Corner Gathering
00:00:49 – Community-first philosophy and mission
00:01:19 – Programs: Meals on Wheels, counseling, and outreach
00:02:21 – Growth of The Corner Gathering and community usage
00:03:51 – Shifting away from traditional church models
00:05:11 – Younger generations and authenticity in community
00:06:25 – Transparency in giving and funding community programs
00:07:57 – Origins and growth of Meals on Wheels
00:09:08 – Expansion plans and future facilities
00:09:50 – Importance of partnerships and volunteer networks
00:10:32 – Challenges: food costs and logistics
00:12:33 – Scaling services across Gwinnett County
00:14:27 – Mental health services and Clear Path Counseling
00:16:33 – Addressing stigma and accessibility in mental health
00:19:10 – Funding challenges and community perception
00:21:55 – Supporting the next generation
00:22:26 – Avoiding burnout and staying mission-driven
00:24:07 – Chuck’s personal journey into ministry
00:26:19 – From entrepreneurship to leading a church
00:28:10 – Local impact vs. global missions
00:29:42 – Final reflections on faith, community, and purpose

In this episode of UrbanEbb, host Rico Figliolini sits down with Brian Colin; artist, sculptor, and tabletop role-playing game developer, to explore his creative journey from graphic design into immersive world-building. Brian shares how his early career in print and branding evolved into running his own studio and eventually pivoting into the tabletop gaming space, where he now creates original games, creatures, and storytelling experiences. 

The conversation explores Brian’s hands-on creative process, from sculpting monsters to designing game systems that prioritize accessibility and fast gameplay. He also discusses building a community through conventions, crowdfunding, and collaboration, as well as the realities of running a largely one-person creative business.

Throughout, Brian emphasizes persistence, creativity, and the importance of showing up consistently in a growing and highly collaborative industry. 

Resources:Creature Curation:
https://creaturecuration.com/
MomoCon Atlanta: 
https://www.momocon.com/

Bullet Points:

• How Brian Colin transitioned from graphic design to game development and sculpting
• Why tabletop RPGs thrive on collaboration and shared storytelling
• How Brian builds creative worlds starting from sculpture and visual concepts
• The importance of lowering the barrier to entry for new players
• How crowdfunding and Patreon support independent game development
• Why community-building happens best through in-person conventions
• The realities of running a one-person creative business
• How indie creators collaborate and support each other in the RPG space

Timestamp:
00:00:01 – Introduction and Brian Colin’s background
00:01:26 – What makes tabletop RPGs engaging and collaborative
00:02:19 – Early career in graphic design and print industry
00:03:19 – Transition into independent creative work and sculpting
00:04:40 – Print evolution: from offset to digital and on-demand
00:06:28 – Designing unique game accessories and creative tools
00:07:16 – Collaboration, team support, and creative limitations
00:09:38 – Simplifying gameplay and lowering barriers for players
00:10:35 – Growth of tabletop gaming and pop culture influence
00:11:05 – Family involvement and next-generation players
00:12:34 – Creative process: from sculpture to storytelling
00:14:18 – Live sculpting, streaming, and tools
00:15:48 – Building the Creature Curation brand
00:17:20 – Challenges of scaling a creative business
00:18:30 – Bringing printing in-house and production control
00:20:43 – Publishing others’ work and expanding offerings
00:21:30 – Building community through conventions and Discord
00:22:29 – Marketing through crowdfunding and fan engagement
00:24:22 – Future of the tabletop RPG industry
00:25:53 – Expanding game worlds and keeping content fresh
00:27:17 – Pitching a series and creative opportunities
00:28:53 – Advice for aspiring creators
00:29:46 – Where to find Brian Colin and closing

In this episode of UrbanEbb, host Rico Figliolini sits down with Atlanta-based author and game writer Sarah Madsen to explore the world of storytelling across multiple mediums. From tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons to video game writing and novel publishing, Sarah shares how she builds immersive worlds and characters that engage players and readers alike. 

The conversation dives into the creative differences between writing for interactive games versus traditional novels, the challenges of designing flexible storylines for unpredictable players, and the discipline required to meet deadlines as a full-time freelancer. Sarah also discusses her novels, including Weaver’s Folly and When the Stars Bleed, and offers insight into her creative process, from character-driven storytelling to revising drafts and finding inspiration in everyday life.

Resources:
Sarah Madsen’s Website: https://unfetteredmuse.com/

Timestamp:
00:00:22 – Introduction and Sarah Madsen’s background 
00:01:43 – What tabletop RPGs are and how they work
00:04:16 – Writing for Dungeons & Dragons and other RPG systems
00:05:18 – Challenges of writing flexible game narratives
00:07:36 – Creative freedom and constraints in game writing
00:09:26 – Playing her own games and seeing them in action
00:11:39 – Deadlines and the discipline of finishing creative work
00:12:15 – Transition to full-time freelance writing
00:13:52 – Writing for video games and technical constraints
00:18:23 – Learning game engines and development systems
00:18:58 – Overview of Weaver’s Folly
00:20:49 – Story development and world-building process
00:22:36 – Structuring a story and finding the ending
00:24:31 – Music, playlists, and creative inspiration
00:28:14 – When the Stars Bleed and space opera storytelling
00:31:38 – Drafting, revising, and rewriting endings
00:34:12 – Where to find Sarah online and closing remarks

Curiosity Lab has become one of Peachtree Corners’ most visible innovation engines—and in this UrbanEbb episode, host Rico Figliolini sits down on-site with its new Executive Director, Emily Heintz, just weeks into her role. Emily shares the story behind her move from Michigan to Georgia and the unconventional career arc that took her from a master’s in accounting to the world of startups, venture capital, economic development, and emerging tech.

Along the way, the conversation digs into what makes Curiosity Lab different: a rare, highly engaged government–tech partnership, a “curated” ecosystem built for real-world deployments, and a growing reputation as a landing pad for international companies entering the U.S. market. Emily also outlines what’s ahead—most notably a new building coming online, expanded corporate innovation teams, and an intentional push to create long-term “stickiness” that benefits residents, startups, and the region’s tech economy.Key takeaways

• Emily Heintz’s unconventional path from accounting to venture capital and economic development
• How Curiosity Lab supports startups, global companies, and emerging technologies
• Why ecosystem curation is critical to sustainable innovation growth
• How international companies use Curiosity Lab as an entry point into the U.S. market
• The role of autonomous technology, drones, and smart-city infrastructure in Peachtree Corners
• How city leadership actively supports innovation and reduces red tape
• What’s ahead with the new Curiosity Lab building and upcoming partnerships

Bestselling author Gregory E. Lang—writer of Why a Daughter Needs a Dad and more than fifty books—joins host Rico Figliolini for a heartfelt, inspiring conversation on turning life into literature. Greg opens up about the cardboard box of memories that sparked his first book, the four-year grind and sixty-two rejections that preceded his breakthrough, and the simple business lesson that reframed his career: build income that isn’t tied to hours. From royalties to resilience, he shares how a father’s love became a perennial gift-book phenomenon and why storytelling can carry a family’s legacy across generations.

We also dig into the craft and the business: the shift from traditional publishing to self-publishing, how faith and counseling experience shape his work, and why writing for his grandchildren now drives his pace. Greg talks candidly about criticism, creative freedom, and his novel To Echo and Remain—plus what’s next. Resources mentioned: gregoryelang.com, Gregory E. Lang on Amazon, and his Goodreads page. If you need a shot of purpose (and a few practical playbooks for creative careers), this one’s for you.

Key takeaways

• The “box factory” mindset: create assets that earn beyond your time.
  
  
• Why a Daughter Needs a Dad started as a box of mementos—and became a perennial bestseller.
  
  
• Four years, 62 rejections: how persistence and the right publisher changed everything.
  
  
• Gift books as “seasonal perennials” (Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, etc.) keep selling for years.
  
  
• Psychology and counseling informed Greg’s voice: compassionate, non-preachy, resonant.
  
  
• Social era reality: authors need platform; publishers expect a digital footprint.
  
  
• Why Greg self-publishes select Christian and children’s titles (speed, message fit, control).
  
  
• Royalties = “mailbox money”: not instant wealth, but genuine lifestyle freedom.
  
  
• Handling criticism without losing your center—and writing for the readers who love you.
  
  
• Legacy lens: writing now for grandchildren and future readers.

Timestamp: 
(00:00:01) Introductions and about Greg. 
(00:02:26) The inspiration—and necessity—behind his first book idea. 
(00:07:10) Turning personal moments into a global phenomenon. 
(00:10:12) From seasonal gift books to twenty-one appearances on The New York Times list. (00:15:02) How his psychology background shapes his storytelling. 
(00:17:03) Four years, sixty-two rejections, and the publisher who finally said yes. (00:19:16) The changing face of publishing and social media’s impact.
(00:22:24) Why he turned to self-publishing and faith-driven storytelling. 
(00:27:15) Navigating criticism and maintaining perspective. 
(00:31:22) Creating To Echo and Remain and the real events that inspired it. (00:37:32) Challenges of genre-shifting and modern publishing expectations. (00:39:56) Lessons from rejection and future projects in development. 
(00:44:39) Where to find Gregory E. Lang online and connect with his work. 


Resources:

Gregory E. Lang Website: gregoryelang.com
Amazon Author Page: Gregory E. Lang on Amazon 
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/105758.Gregory_E_Lang 

DreamHack has become far more than just an esports tournament. It’s also a global celebration of gaming, creativity, and community. On this episode of UrbanEBB, host Rico Figliolini speaks with Shahin Zarrabi, Vice President of Festivals at ESL FACEIT Group, to explore how DreamHack continues to evolve as a platform for gamers, creators, and fans. From multimillion-dollar esports competitions to indie developer showcases and cosplay stages, Shahin shares how the festival keeps every visit fresh while honoring the traditions that long-time attendees love.

As DreamHack Atlanta 2025 approaches (October 31–November 2), Shahin reveals the challenges of programming for a fast-changing industry and the strategies his team uses to balance classic titles with the latest releases. More than just competition, DreamHack is about connections. Whether it’s streamers meeting their communities, parents gaming alongside kids, or international visitors experiencing the culture of Atlanta. At its heart, the festival unites people around shared passions and unforgettable moments.

Takeaways

• DreamHack is both a global esports powerhouse and a grassroots community hub.
• The festival balances new and classic games to reach both hardcore and casual players.
• Supporting indie developers and creators is central to DreamHack’s DNA.
• Fast-changing entertainment trends pose challenges for long-term event planning.
• DreamHack Atlanta 2025 will bring esports, cosplay, creator hubs, and more to the Georgia World Congress Center.

Timestamp: 
● (00:01:01) Introducing Shahin Zarrabi and DreamHack Atlanta 2025. 
● (00:02:35) Shahin’s career path and how it shaped his approach to festival design. 
● (00:05:04) Returning favorites and new highlights for DreamHack Atlanta.
● (00:07:42) Balancing classic games with new titles in multimillion-dollar tournaments. 
● (00:11:06) Keeping pace with fast-changing entertainment and gaming trends. 
● (00:13:30) Supporting indie developers and content creators at the festival. 
● (00:16:09) Cultural differences and growing DreamHack’s presence in the U.S. 
● (00:19:48) How DreamHack manages the technical and logistical demands of a global festival.
● (00:22:19) Live streaming vs. in-person experiences. 
● (00:23:57) Programs like the Siege College Fair and the Creator Program. ● (00:25:33) Merchandise and the new Pixel Grind collection. 
● (00:26:41) Welcoming international visitors to Atlanta. 
● (00:28:22) DreamHack’s ultimate mission: uniting people around a shared passion.

In this episode, we discuss the art and strategy of building partnerships that move beyond transactional sponsorships and into transformational collaborations. Rico Figliolini’s UrbanEBB guess, Cynthia Currence, is the author of Beyond Checks and Halos: Insights into Elevating Partnerships and Achieving the Improbable and brings decades of nonprofit leadership experience, including 18 years with the American Cancer Society.

Cynthia has helped organizations turn modest offers into multimillion-dollar agreements, proving that when nonprofits think and operate like businesses, they can unlock opportunities far greater than they imagined.From negotiating a $15 million corporate deal with Citibank to helping Feeding America scale from $20 million to $2 billion, Cynthia’s stories are a masterclass in identifying organizational assets, aligning with corporate needs, and protecting brand integrity. Whether you’re leading a national nonprofit or a small community-based organization, Cynthia’s approach shows that the right partnership can multiply both mission impact and business value.Five Key Takeaways

1. Think Like a Business – Nonprofits must identify, understand, and value their assets just as a for-profit would—and match them to the right corporate needs.
   
   
2. Scale with Strategy – The same questions and frameworks that work for billion-dollar organizations can be applied to local nonprofits for meaningful growth.
   
   
3. Prove the Value – Research and data can transform a modest licensing offer into a multimillion-dollar agreement by showing measurable ROI for corporate partners.
   
   
4. Protect the Brand – Establish clear criteria to ensure partnerships align with your mission and avoid reputational risks.
5. Trust is the Foundation – Strong, long-term collaborations require building genuine relationships where both parties feel safe sharing goals and challenges.

Timestamp:
(00:02:17) Cynthia’s career in nonprofit leadership and marketing strategy.
(00:06:47) Writing Beyond Checks and Halos—from idea to published book.
(00:13:37) Partner motivation and aligning with corporate ROI.
(00:17:30) Turning a 15-minute pitch into a $1.5 million deal.
(00:20:47) Case studies of successful and unsuccessful partnerships.
(00:24:50) How small nonprofits can apply these strategies locally.
(00:28:31) Feeding America’s transformation into a $2 billion organization.
(00:32:09) Setting criteria to protect your nonprofit’s brand.
(00:33:50) Speaking engagements, board trainings, and ways to connect with Cynthia.