Best of Johnston County®

What happens when the marriage you thought would last forever comes to an end? How do you rebuild your confidence, rediscover who you are, and believe that happiness is possible again? In this episode, Jonathan Breeden sits down with divorce and relationship coach Anna Howerton to explore the emotional side of divorce, the power of changing your mindset, and why the end of a marriage doesn't have to mean the end of your story.

Could a prenuptial agreement protect your future while creating unexpected problems in your marriage? In this special Ask Jonathan Anything episode of The Best of Johnston County Podcast, I sit down with Raena Burch to unpack what prenups actually do, why they're especially important for second and third marriages, and how they can affect everything from retirement savings to raising children. We also discuss the biggest mistakes couples make, why timing matters, and the conversations every couple should have before saying "I do."

What does it take to go from a college softball player struggling with nutrition to owning two successful local businesses before your career has even begun? In this episode, Jonathan Breeden sits down with Johnston County native AnnaKate Gilchrist to talk about her unexpected journey into entrepreneurship, the growing demand for protein-packed drinks, and why giving back to the community that raised her matters just as much as growing her business.

What does it look like when a neighborhood shipping store becomes something much bigger?

In this episode of The Best of Johnston County Podcast, I sit down with Kevin Hassell, one of the owners of Bulldog Express, to talk about how the business is growing beyond shipping into printing, private mailboxes, small business support, and community service. We also talk about Kevin’s journey from nursing into business ownership, what he is learning through Launch JoCo, and why serving people remains at the center of everything he does.

What if the warning sign that saves your life is something as small as a tingling arm or an unexpected hot flash?

Keith Branch returns to The Best of Johnston County Podcast to share his experience with heart disease, the family history that made him pay attention, and why he is now raising awareness and funds for the American Heart Association. His message is simple but important: listen to your body, know your family history, and do not wait for a major health event to start paying attention.

What happens when two friends decide Johnston County needs its own place to shop, connect, and give back?

Amy Kradel and Emily Stocks join me to talk about the third Southern Women’s Show of Johnston County, a free community event bringing together 40 vendors while raising money for Harbor. We also talk with Emily about Decks Plus, transforming outdoor spaces, and why both women continue to believe there is something special about the people who call Johnston County home.

What actually makes a divorce negotiation successful? It is not necessarily winning every argument.

In this special Ask Jonathan Anything episode of The Best of Johnston County Podcast, Jonathan Breeden and Raena Burch talk about compromise, controlling costs, managing emotions, and knowing which issues are truly worth fighting over.

What starts with one Bojangles food hack and 1,000 views can turn into something much bigger.

Chris Creech, founder of NC Food Creatures, joins Jonathan Breeden to share how his love for local food became a platform for discovering restaurants, supporting small businesses, and celebrating the people who make Johnston County worth exploring.

What happens when a banker spends more than two decades watching a community grow from the inside?

David Hall of First Federal Bank joins Jonathan Breeden to talk about community banking, Johnston County’s changing economy, and why new development could create opportunities for generations to come. Along the way, David shares how a career built around banking became something bigger, a chance to invest in people, encourage business owners, and serve the community he now calls home.

What happens when you know something feels off, but you cannot seem to get answers?

In this episode of The Best of Johnston County Podcast, I sit down with Tamara Adams, founder of Revival Hormone Health, to talk about hormone changes, the symptoms people often struggle to explain, and why she believes a more holistic look at health can help people feel like themselves again.

What does it take to build a high school band from scratch, especially when the students are coming from schools all across Johnston County?

In this episode of The Best of Johnston County Podcast, I sit down with Jason Heard, the new band director at Wilson’s Mills High School. We talk about the lessons he learned building Cleveland High School’s band program, why culture and process matter more than goals, and how he plans to build something new at Wilson’s Mills from the inside out.

What happens when you suspect your spouse is hiding money, or when an old text message suddenly becomes evidence in a custody case? In this special Ask Jonathan Breeden Anything episode, Jonathan explains how discovery works in North Carolina family law cases, what attorneys can uncover, and why the information you share digitally may matter more than you realize.

What does it really mean to pursue justice? In Part 2 of Jonathan Breeden's conversation with retired District Court Judge Addie Rawls, she reflects on the responsibility of serving on the bench, the difficult decisions that shaped her career, and how her calling as a pastor continues to guide her commitment to serving Johnston County. She also shares how the annual Back to School Youth Explosion has become one of the community's most impactful outreach events.

What does it take to build a life of purpose through perseverance and service? In Part 1 of this conversation, retired Judge Addie Rawls shares the remarkable journey that took her from Little Washington, North Carolina, to becoming Johnston County's first African American female district court judge. Along the way, she reflects on faith, education, leadership, and a lifelong commitment to serving her community.

What does it take to build a successful real estate business that lasts through booming markets, economic downturns, and everything in between? In this episode of The Best of Johnston County Podcast, Jonathan Breeden sits down with Lynn Hellman, founder of My Southern View Realty, to discuss her 20-year journey in real estate, how today's market differs from the frenzy of recent years, and the practical advice every buyer and seller should hear before making their next move.

What makes a simple red hot dog one of North Carolina's most recognizable foods? This week, Jonathan Breeden sits down with Justin Raymond, Marketing Director at Carolina Packers, to explore the history behind Bright Leaf Hot Dogs, the products many people never knew the company made, and why an 85-year-old Johnston County business continues to grow while staying true to its local roots.

What happens to your 401(k), IRA, or pension during a divorce? In this special Ask Jonathan Breeden Anything episode of The Best of Johnston County Podcast, Jonathan Breeden answers some of the most common questions about dividing retirement assets, explaining how courts determine what is marital property, why proper planning matters, and the costly mistakes people should avoid.

What happens when the person caring for everyone else suddenly becomes a caregiver themselves?

In this episode of The Best of Johnston County Podcast, Jonathan Breeden sits down with Irene Brooks, owner of No Place Like Home Senior Services, to discuss the realities of senior care, caregiver burnout, and the often-overlooked resources available to families. From navigating dementia care to finding the right support systems, this conversation offers practical guidance and a hopeful reminder that no family has to face these challenges alone.

Why are so many people moving to Johnston County, and what should homeowners know before buying or selling?

In this episode of The Best of Johnston County Podcast, Jonathan Breeden sits down with real estate agent and investor Ryan Overcash to talk about the local housing market, home flipping, first-time buyers, and what makes Clayton and Johnston County such an attractive place to call home. Ryan shares practical advice for homeowners, investors, and anyone considering a move to one of North Carolina's fastest-growing communities.

When most people think about agriculture, they picture fields, tractors, and harvest season. What they may not realize is that agriculture remains one of the largest economic drivers in Johnston County and North Carolina, touching nearly every aspect of daily life.

In this episode of The Best of Johnston County Podcast, Jonathan Breeden sits down with Nicole Youngblood, Johnston County's Agricultural Marketing and Communications Extension Agent, to discuss the work happening behind the scenes to support local farmers, tell their stories, and strengthen the connection between agriculture and the growing Johnston County community.

What happens when one social media post ends up in front of a judge? Can a single undisclosed fact completely change the outcome of a custody case? And is ignoring a court order really as serious as people say it is?

In this special Ask Jonathan Breeden Anything episode, Jonathan answers some of the most common questions people have about family court. Drawing on 26 years of experience, he shares real-world insights into the mistakes people make, the lessons they've learned the hard way, and what families can do to create better outcomes for themselves and their...

What if most leadership crises could be prevented before they ever started?

In this episode of The Best of Johnston County Podcast, returning guest Melissa Overton shares the inspiration behind her new book, Focused and Fearless Leadership. Drawing from her experiences as a critical care nurse, entrepreneur, trainer, and speaker, Melissa explains why leadership emergencies rarely happen overnight and how better communication, accountability, and self-awareness can transform the way we lead.

What if your business could stop people mid-scroll and make them pay attention? In this episode of The Best of Johnston County Podcast, Jonathan Breeden sits down with Gabriel Smith, owner of AnimNation, to talk about the world of 3D animation, gaming, and digital storytelling. From working on a DreamWorks project to helping local businesses create memorable brand experiences, Gabriel shares how creativity and technology are changing the way businesses connect with people.

What happens when someone reaches a moment where enough is enough? For Amy Locklear, it started with being tired of feeling tired. Years later, that personal decision transformed into something much bigger, a fitness community helping people across Johnston County move more, live healthier lives, and build relationships that extend far beyond workouts.

In this episode, Amy shares her journey into fitness, what makes CrossFit different, and why community may matter even more than exercise.

What starts as a simple nursery can become something much bigger over time. In this episode of The Best of Johnston County Podcast, Jonathan Breeden sits down with Chris Smith of Smith’s Nursery to talk about farming, family, and how a small Johnston County business grew into one of the community’s favorite destinations. From strawberries and hayrides to homemade ice cream and school field trips, this conversation explores why Smith’s Nursery has become a place families return to year after year.

Divorce is emotional, but the financial side can be just as overwhelming. In this Ask Jonathan Breeden Anything episode, we break down how attorneys charge, what really drives costs up, and the practical decisions that can save you thousands. If you have ever wondered what divorce actually costs, this conversation brings clarity to a complicated process.

What happens when two Army veterans follow a calling, not just to build a business, but to build community? In this episode, Jim and Kim Fry share the story behind Coffee on Raiford, their leap into entrepreneurship, and how a simple cup of coffee can create real connection in a fast-moving world.

What does it look like to grow up in a small town… and then help shape what it becomes? In this episode, Barry Woodard shares his journey from Clayton native to real estate leader, and what it really takes to balance growth, community, and identity in Johnston County.

What does it look like to trade global diplomacy for small-town hospitality? In this episode, Jordan Robinson shares her unexpected journey from Marine Corps embassy guard to owner of a historic boutique inn. This conversation explores reinvention, community connection, and what it really takes to turn a vision into something tangible.

What if the way you train your dog could also transform how you lead your business, your family, and your life? In this episode, Michael Soler shares how discipline, psychology, and daily habits shaped his journey from Marine to entrepreneur—and how those same principles now help leaders grow with clarity and confidence.

What does it really mean to adopt a child, beyond the legal forms and court filings? In this Ask Jonathan Breeden Anything episode, we break down stepparent, relative, and agency adoptions, and the life-changing responsibilities that come with them. If you’ve ever wondered how adoption works, or whether it’s right for your family, this conversation brings clarity to a deeply meaningful decision.

What if hiring the right contractor didn’t feel like a gamble?

In this episode, Chet Hardaway shares how he’s turning years of hands-on experience into a smarter way to connect homeowners with trusted tradespeople. From appliance advice to avoiding costly mistakes, this conversation is packed with practical insights that can save you time, money, and frustration.

What does a 35-year career at the North Carolina Department of Transportation look like when you start as a college intern and finish as Secretary?

In this episode of The Best of Johnston County Podcast, Jonathan Breeden sits down with recently retired transportation leader Joey Hopkins to talk about his journey from a small town in Rockingham County to leading one of the largest transportation systems in the country. Along the way, they discuss the future of Johnston County’s roads, the challenges of rebuilding Western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene, and why the people of Johnston Co...

What does it look like to build a fitness community that goes beyond treadmills and weight machines? In this episode of The Best of Johnston County Podcast, Jonathan Breeden sits down with James Woodall, founder of Woodall Fitness in Clayton.

From training alongside future UFC legends in Las Vegas to creating a unique functional training gym in Johnston County, James shares the journey that shaped his approach to movement, health, and community impact.

In this special Ask Jonathan Breeden Anything episode of The Best of Johnston County Podcast, Jonathan answers one of the most important modern family law questions: how does digital evidence impact custody and divorce cases?

From text messages and Facebook posts to parenting apps and screenshots, what you send today could be read out loud in a courtroom tomorrow. Here is what you need to know before you hit “send.”

What does it take to step back into public service after stepping away? In this episode, Keith Branch shares why he’s running for Johnston County Commissioner in District 7 and what he believes the county needs most right now: financial discipline, collaboration, and fresh perspective. From fund balance debates to school funding and growth management, this conversation dives into the future of Johnston County.

Why would someone step away from power… only to ask for it back?

After serving eight years as County Commissioner, Chad Stewart resigned. Now he’s running again. Was it strategy? Service? Or unfinished business?

In this episode, we unpack fund balances, tax debates, growth fears, and the pressure of public life in the internet age.

When experience meets controversy… who do you trust to lead?

What does the sheriff actually do when the cameras are off?

Behind the patrol cars and flashing lights is a role most people never see, managing a $32M operation, supporting deputies through trauma, making decisions the public may never agree with, and carrying the weight of every call that comes in. After nearly three decades in the job, Sheriff Steve Bizzell explains why he still believes this role isn’t a position. It’s a calling.

Why would someone run for sheriff after being hired by the same department three times?

This episode isn’t about attacks or politics. It’s about perspective. I talk with Randall Ackley about what he’s seen on patrol, inside investigations, and from years of working in a rapidly growing county. When staffing can’t keep up, presence disappears. What does that mean for safety, trust, and the future of Johnston County?

What happens when someone who’s seen government from the inside decides to run for local office — not for power, but to protect a way of life?

Adam Caldwell isn’t a career politician. He’s a father of three, a former public servant, and now a candidate trying to balance growth, taxes, and heritage in Johnston County.

Can one person help a fast-growing county stay grounded in its roots?