Good Neighbor Podcast: Auburn and Opelika

We sit down with Patricia Butts from the Lee County Literacy Coalition to unpack what adult literacy really means and why it shapes jobs, health, money, and family life. We also share how free tutoring works in Lee County, plus a fun fundraiser that helps keep these programs open to everyone. 

• the coalition’s mission to grow adult and family literacy across Lee County 
• one-to-one tutoring for reading, writing, math, and GED preparation 
• ESL classes and an ESL book club that builds confidence through practice 
• family literacy workshops that strengthen reading habits at home 
• financial...

We sit down with Virginia Young to unpack what the PEACE Center in Auburn really is and why co-locating counseling with other services can make life easier for busy families. We also dig into the personal story behind the work, from navigating neurodivergent needs to training interns to become confident, self-led professionals. 

• what PEACE Center stands for and why the acronym matters 
• building a single location for counseling plus partner services like occupational therapy and speech and language 
• strengths-based care as a non-negotiable shared value 
• how overlapping needs show up for autism, ADHD, and broader neur...

We sit down with Patty Tole from CARE Humane Society to unpack what the shelter actually does for Auburn, Opelika, and all of Lee County. We talk spay and neuter access, Trap Neuter Return for community cats, and the behind-the-scenes work that keeps animals healthy, safe, and matched with the right homes. 

• CARE Humane Society’s history, rebrand, and what CARE stands for 
• Patty’s journey from volunteering to working across donor relations and community programs 
• Misconceptions about shelters and who can use CARE’s services 
• Low-cost spay and neuter voucher programs for Lee County residen...

We talk with Kendyl White of Flipper Marketing about why promotional products can beat short-lived ads and how the right item turns your brand into something people keep. Kendall also shares her journey of building a local business through relationships, community, and a deeper sense of purpose. 

• What a promotional product agency does and how Kendall acts as the connector between customer and vendor 
• Unexpected branding ideas beyond pens and mugs, including custom mints and highly specific items 
• Why promo products are a good investment when the item is useful and fits the audience 
• Maki...

We meet Will Leveille from Auburn Therapy Dogs and learn how certified therapy dog teams bring real comfort to hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and more across East Alabama and West Georgia. Will also shares how his golden retriever, CJ, became a local favorite, wrote a children’s book, and helped shape a volunteer nonprofit built on service. 

• what Auburn Therapy Dogs provides and where teams visit 
• how Will and CJ get certified through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs and scale from one team to about 30 
• how far the group travels beyond Auburn and Opelika 
• why CJ...

We sit down with Katrina Blanchard from Monarch Estates in Auburn to break down what independent senior living really offers and how families can bring in the right support without losing autonomy. We also talk candidly about advocacy, misconceptions around care levels, and the real costs that catch families off guard. 

• what Monarch Estates is and why the remodel and amenities matter 
• Katrina’s path from New York into senior living sales in Auburn
• how independent living differs from assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing 
• what “aging in place” can mean in practice and why licensing...

We sit down with Robyn Bridges, President and CEO of Auburn Opelika Tourism, to unpack how tourism work quietly shapes what locals get to enjoy every day. We connect the visitor economy to better facilities, stronger small businesses, and the intentional relationship-building that brings major events to town.

• destination management explained through recruiting conferences and sporting events 
• visitor spending tied to jobs, local business growth, and city services 
• pickleball and recreation facilities as examples of tourism-fueled expansion 
• restaurants and retail supported by steady visitor traffic 
• AOTourism.com as a planning tool with a comprehensive...

We sit down with Jenny Warren from Care Humane Society to talk about what a modern animal shelter actually does and why fostering, rescue partnerships, and community support create real second chances. We also get honest about funding realities, emotional burnout in animal welfare, and simple ways anyone can help even without adopting. 
• Care Humane Society’s mission of adoption, education, and community partnerships 
• Jenny’s path from sales to director of development and community outreach 
• How fostering works and why flexibility matters 
• Common myths about humane societies and why they persist 
• How foster programs and rescue...

We sit down with Lara Potts of Redeeming Grace Ministries to talk about what women need after rehab or incarceration so recovery can last. We explore why long-term healing takes time, what keeps people from relapsing, and how the community can step in with practical support and real compassion. 

• the mission to help women live an everlasting life of recovery 
• a residential home model that supports women after rehab or incarceration 
• why getting sober differs from staying sober 
• the need for inner healing instead of a “quick fix” mindset 
• Laura’s personal path into ministry an...

We talk with Anna Hovey from the Auburn Chamber of Commerce about what the Chamber is building right now, literally and relationally, to support businesses and the wider community. We dig into the new facility plans, who the Chamber serves, and how focus and mindset drive real results for teams and entrepreneurs. 
• current Chamber activity including ribbon cuttings and small business support 
• planning season mindset and reviewing programs for the year ahead 
• new Auburn Chamber building project and why rebuilding on the same site matters 
• expected construction timeline plus temporary office logistics 
• Anna’s journey from volu...

We sit down with Crystal Russell from MidSouth Bank to talk about what real community banking looks like in Auburn and Opelika and why relationships still matter. We also dig into practical tools that make business banking simpler, safer, and more flexible while Crystal shares the career choices that brought her into banking. 

• MidSouth Bank’s community banking approach and local presence in Auburn with a new Opelika location 
• What a deposit relationship officer does for business and consumer clients 
• Treasury management tools that reduce friction: ACH origination, payroll support, remote deposit capture, online banking 

We talk with Mollie Robinson from Seniors Helping Seniors East Central Alabama about how non-medical home care can bring real peace to families before burnout, conflict, or a fall forces a crisis. 

We break down what their peer-based caregiver model looks like, the biggest misconceptions families have about aging parents, and why early companionship matters. 

• Seniors Helping Seniors as a home care franchise serving nine East Central Alabama counties 
• Mission of bringing peace of heart and mind to families 
• Respite care that supports caregiving spouses and reduces burnout 
• Support that eases tension among...

We sit down with Dr. Phillip Snider, an Osteopathic Physician in Auburn, to talk about treating head and neck pain and why whole-body structure can change how you feel day to day. We also dig into his work with vocal performance and the mindset that helped him pivot from nutrition to medicine and build a life that keeps evolving. 
• his work at Auburn Pediatric and Adult Medicine and the conditions he focuses on, including headaches and TMJ.
• how he moved from dietitian and personal trainer to osteopathic medicine after discovering the DO approach 
• what Osteopathic medicine is and h...

We talk with Greg Doepke of Aspire to Give about why humans are wired to give and how purpose helps us navigate life’s toughest transitions. Greg shares how small, everyday generosity builds self-leadership and mental agility, especially for young adults trying to find their way. 
• Aspire to Give’s core belief that giving is part of human nature 
• Using “the power of purpose” to move through uncertainty and change 
• Building character, mental agility, and self-leadership in young adults 
• Clearing up the myth that generosity is mainly about money 
• Everyday examples of giving through time, attention, listen...

We sit down with Brooks Fuller to hear how a spring 2020 dorm shutdown turned into Room2Room Movers, a college-focused moving company built in Auburn and now expanding beyond it. We dig into what makes college moves uniquely stressful, how Brooks handles the hard parts of the moving industry, and what he’s learned about mentors and building a strong team culture. 
• The moment COVID-19 closures created a dorm pack-out emergency and sparked the business 
• Why college students move so often and what that costs families in time and travel 
• How student storage solves summer gaps and in-betw...

We sit down with Carrie Thomas and Beth Lomenick to share how the Nonprofit Center of East Alabama turns a renovated building into real, affordable support for 501(c)(3) organizations. We walk through office rentals, event space, collaboration perks, and the outdoor expansion plans that aim to bring more community events to the Auburn and Opelika area. 
• the mission to strengthen nonprofit capacity through education, resources, and affordable space 
• office rentals for nonprofits with utilities, Wi‑Fi, mailbox, copier, and furnished options 
• meeting rooms and event spaces for trainings, seminars, fundraisers, and civic groups 
• commercial kitchen access and on...

We sit down with Dr. Susannah Cash from Lane Dermatology to talk about their growing Auburn clinic and what full service dermatology looks like in real life. We also clear up dangerous myths about skin cancer, including why younger people still need regular skin exams even when nothing hurts. 
• how Lane Dermatology expanded from Columbus to Auburn and why the Sanford Village area is a great fit 
• why dermatology covers far more than acne and spans all ages 
• common misconceptions about skin cancer, including “too young” and “it has to hurt” 
• why melanomas and other skin cancers can be...

We sit down with Auburn and Opelika REALTOR Lori Fuller of eXp Realty to talk about what real estate really looks like behind the scenes and why Auburn pulls people back for life. Lori shares her path from marketing and event work into a relationship-driven real estate career built on service, speed, and deep local love. 

• serving Auburn, Opelika, surrounding areas, and Lake Martin 
• building a later-in-life real estate career after years in marketing, sales, and events 
• the myth that real estate is just showing homes and writing contracts 
• legal compliance, ethics rules, and continuing e...

Susannah sits down with Coach Mark Fuller to talk about his path from baseball coaching to life coaching and why discipline, failure, and resilience translate directly into everyday life. We dig into the myths around life coaching, the pressure entrepreneurs carry, and what it looks like to help people find their true identity.

• Mark’s transition from athletics coaching to life coaching and public speaking 
• Why baseball is a “failure sport” that teaches resilience 
• The biggest misconception about life coaching and who it serves 
• Why CEOs and high performers still need a safe place to talk 
• Ho...

We sit down with Auburn home builder Tim Murphy to hear how his company grows from small service work into remodels, renovations, and full custom builds. 

We talk through common construction misconceptions, what entrepreneurship really demands, and how a design-build process can make a home feel truly personal. 

• licensed Auburn home builder services from renovations to custom builds 
• career path from Auburn Building Science into large commercial construction 
• returning to Auburn to build a local, community-driven construction business 
• why some older-home remodels cost more than a teardown rebuild 
• guiding clients through multiple options...

We sit down with Chris Lewis of Lewis Benefits Solutions to cut through Medicare noise and explain what seniors and soon to be retirees should really look for when choosing coverage. We also talk about business setbacks, why local guidance matters, and how Chris helps clients compare options across multiple carriers. 

• what Lewis Benefit Solutions offers across senior benefits, Medicare, annuities, final expense, individual health insurance and group benefits 
• Chris Lewis’s career path from entrepreneurship and higher education leadership to insurance guidance 
• why Medicare feels confusing and how constant ads and calls shape bad decisio...

We sit down with Paige Kemp, owner of Home RN Care in the Auburn and Opelika area, to talk about nurse-led concierge caregiving and what it looks like when clinical support comes to your living room. 

We dig into why families should not wait for a crisis, how RN oversight changes the quality of care, and how you can talk to a RN about your loved one's care.

• concierge caregiving and personalized in-home care for safety and comfort 
• registered nurse-led model with RN admin staff, caregiver training, and nurse visits 
• in-home nursing support such as w...

We sit down with Amy Miller to hear how Standard Deluxe in Waverly grows from a screen-printing shop into a Southern cultural hub and a beloved stop on the touring circuit. We dig into the 25th anniversary Old 280 Boogie lineup and why the grounds feel like a place where visual art and live music naturally meet. 

• celebrating 35 years of Standard Deluxe in rural Waverly, Alabama 
• Scott Peek’s approach to preserving and repurposing old buildings into artistic grounds 
• the silkscreen print shop as the roots of the business and a global client engine 
• how DIY pop-up sho...

A 114-year-old fertilizer company shows how tradition and smart pivots keep a community growing, from cattle pastures to neighborhood lawns. We share how family ownership, agronomy know-how, and simple guidance help people overcome fear and start.

• origins in 1910 and four generations of family ownership
• what the company does from custom farm applications to retail support
• the Piedmont region’s soil and the peacock brand history
• Mike’s path through nonprofit, logistics and management
• balancing farms with growing landscaping and retail demand
• practical encouragement to start small and learn the basics
• open to the public for...

We sit down with Pauline Phillips of Integrated Body Health to explore gentle, evidence-informed wellness that starts with food and lifestyle and expands into colon hydrotherapy, biofeedback, and microbiome support. We debunk common myths, share client-led safety practices, and talk about building a mission-driven clinic rooted in trust.

• one-stop integrated wellness model with gentle modalities
• colon hydrotherapy safety, flow rates, and closed system
• food and lifestyle as the first line of support
• biofeedback with SpectroVision and meridian-based matching
• microbiome protocols and practical hydration guidance
• client-led sessions to reduce fear and increase comfort
• small...

We share how Austin’s life and a years-long search for answers led the Terlings to build a foundation for families facing rare disease. We dig into research partnerships, caregiver training, and the Aces for Austin golf scramble that turns community into impact.

• one in ten Americans affected by rare disease 
• Austin’s UBA5 journey from birth to diagnosis 
• the four pillars: research, awareness, change, support 
• insurance gaps and noncovered equipment and therapies 
• funding drug repurposing for UBA5 
• support for UAB’s Undiagnosed Diseases Program 
• Children’s of Alabama PICU expansion and COACHES training 
•...

We explore how AO Tourism attracts visitors while improving daily life for locals, from sports tournaments and conferences to art, food, and outdoor events. Cat shares her path from intern to Director of Communications and Marketing, clears up misconceptions, and tells a moving story of turning hardship into a community run.

• AO Tourism’s mission and lodging tax funding
• Key drivers: University, Grand National, Chewacla, downtown Opelika
• Why tourism benefits residents as well as visitors
• How the team differs from a chamber model
• New Auburn office, Opelika visitor experience, local art gallery
• Cat’s career p...

We trace Dr. Susan Westerlund’s path from delivering babies to leading a thriving gynecology and wellness practice focused on menopause care and hormone therapy. We break down what modern evidence says about estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone for women and men.

• office-based gynecology focus after years in obstetrics
• expansion from Columbus to Auburn and growing demand
• perimenopause explained as a gradual transition
• wide symptom range including sleep and mood changes
• WHI study myths clarified and corrected
• benefits of bioidentical estradiol and micronized progesterone
• heart, bone, and brain protection with timely therapy
• role of te...

We talk with Executive Director Tabitha Vasilas about how Youth For Christ reaches unchurched teens in East Alabama through school clubs and juvenile justice ministry, and why local partnerships are vital. Tabitha shares her faith journey, common myths, the needs of today’s youth, and concrete ways to get involved.

• mission to build authentic Christ‑sharing relationships with 11–19 year olds
• campus life clubs as entry points to trust
• weekly outreach in group homes, detention centers, and prison
• not replacing churches, placing students in churches
• why local volunteers, prayer teams, and donors matter
• Tabitha’s path fro...

We share how Ru's Roots Foundation became a free adaptive gym serving preteens through adults with different needs and why community after high school matters. Hannah opens up about turning grief into a legacy, breaking access barriers, and inviting volunteers and donors to join the work.

• free adaptive fitness for teens and adults with different needs
• location and how to visit the facility
• why post-school community and structure matter
• origin story rooted in faith and loss
• breaking ADA fears and building inclusive design
• volunteer-powered classes with one-to-one support
• programs like boxing, jiu-jitsu and...

We talk with Tama Ward of Curated Living and Company about turning a love of vintage goods and needlepoint into an online shop, local classes, and a fast-growing stitchers’ community. Her path from military moves to curated coziness shows how to pivot, build connection, and grow with purpose.

• what curated living and company offers across vintage goods and needlepoint supplies
• the military family journey shaping home style and secondhand savvy
• moving from booth sales to online, pop-ups and markets
• launching and growing the auburn needlepoint club
• teaching needlepoint 101 and 102 for beginners
• why unique, cozy...

We sit down with Tabitha Vasilas of East Alabama Youth For Christ to talk about reaching unchurched teens on campuses and in juvenile facilities, and why local churches are essential partners. Tabitha shares her faith-led move to Auburn, the myths about YFC, and clear ways to get involved.

• Youth For Christ mission to reach 11–19-year-olds 
• Campus Life clubs as relational entry points 
• Juvenile justice ministry inside facilities 
• Support for families during crisis moments 
• Tabitha’s path from coaching to social work to YFC 
• Myths about national funding and church replacement 
• Why local church partnership...

We explore how hydro seeding protects land on large sites and why the trades offer real paths to success. Chad shares how a values clash at work led him to launch a faith-centered company that now restores ground for solar fields and major contractors.

• what hydro seeding is and why it matters
• where erosion control fits on solar and construction sites
• how a job loss became a purpose-driven launch
• myths about college as the only route to success
• the role of faith and mission in daily operations
• family, community, and balance beyond work
• h...

We trace how a recording dream became a concert venue, a sold-out supper club, and Opelika’s biggest music weekend. Rob Slocumb shares the festival schedule, the student showcase, and the pivots that kept The Sound Wall thriving after COVID.

• what The Sound Wall is and why it works
• Supper Club as a community builder
• Opelika Songwriters Festival schedule and highlights
• six venues and 40 artists across downtown
• student showcase and school workshops
• entrepreneurship lessons from a forced pivot
• family life, travel, and pickleball moments
• how to get tickets and best value passes
•...

We share how pelvic floor health, breath mechanics, and smart strength training help women move from “common” problems to real solutions. Hilary’s path from grad school to entrepreneurship shows why autonomy and recovery matter as much as reps.

• What the pelvic floor does and why it matters
• Breath work as the foundation for pressure management
• Stepwise training from table to floor to standing
• When to refer to a physical therapist
• Myths that keep women from seeking help
• Building a values-led business through self-advocacy
• How massage complements strength and recovery
• How to reach Hilary vi...

We sit down with Elizabeth Boyle, general manager of Colab in downtown Opelika, to explore how a onetime Woolworths became a flexible home for private offices, coworking, and studios. The story blends renovation, hospitality, and community into a hub where work actually works.

• What Colab offers across offices, coworking, conference rooms, and a shared studio
• Renovation and expansion to 46 offices plus nearby satellites
• Building history and ties to downtown Opelika
• Elizabeth’s hospitality background shaping member experience
• Use cases for remote workers, travelers, teams, and creators
• Overcoming a past reputation from prior iterations

We share how a lonely season pushed Elizabeth Bethune to create Gathering AO, a warm, in-person community for female business owners in Auburn and Opelika. From free meetups to a sustainable model, we dig into hosting at women-owned venues, real connection, and why belonging beats business cards.

• origin of Gathering AO as an antidote to isolation
• early growth and the shift forced by the pandemic
• event format centered on the woman behind the business
• hosting at member venues to showcase local shops
• moving from free events to paid tickets and membership
• designing for commitme...

We explore how the Oaks Retreat helps freshmen and transfer students find faith, friends, and a church home before classes begin, and how that Auburn-born idea scaled into the Oaks Collaborative across campuses nationwide. Trace shares the heart, the hurdles, and the leadership pipeline that turns a weekend into a year of mentorship.

• What the Oaks Retreat is and who it serves
• Why freshman fears and choices shape lifelong paths
• Student-led model and leadership development pipeline
• Growth from Auburn to a national collaborative
• Retreat as catalyst, not a standalone event
• Addressing church dropout with...

We meet Dr. Richard Stevens of Westerwell Gynecology Health and Wellness to talk about focused menopause care, the long shadow of the Women’s Health Initiative, and bringing better hormone options closer to Auburn. He shares why evidence has shifted, how access is improving, and why midlife can feel better than expected.

• what Westerwell does and why it excludes obstetrics
• why menopause and perimenopause management is the core focus
• the origin of the estrogen fear from the 2002 study
• how newer evidence and timing of therapy change risk
• bringing services to Auburn to improve access
•...

We share how women’s health physical therapy treats leaks, pain, prolapse, and postpartum recovery with evidence-based care and compassion. Marcy’s journey from athlete to specialist, the myth that “common is normal,” and how a family-first clinic design makes care accessible.

• what women’s health PT treats across the lifespan
• why leaks and pain are common but not normal
• practical ways PT restores bladder, bowel and sexual function
• support for pregnancy and postpartum recovery
• help for athletes, endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain
• clinic design that prioritizes privacy and ease
• lessons from building a mission...