The Mountain Magnolia’s Podcast

Episode 16: Melinda Hester

The Mountain Magnolias had the pleasure of having Melinda Hester as a guest. She's the new Executive Director of The Black Mountain & Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce since January 2024. Melinda has a bright personality, never meets a stranger, and is eager to make our town a better place.

Episode 15: Ben Fortson Hammer & Heart

Hammer & Heart provides urgent home repairs to neighbors of the Swannanoa Valley who are financially unable to maintain their homes in a safe or livable condition.

Episode 14: Renae Brame

Renae Brame, is Mountain Magnolia's guest today. Her stories will open your heart and feel the tenderness and love she shared with so many that needed to be lifted up. It hits all the heartstrings. Renae worked at the Black Mountain Correctional Center for Women as the superintendent for 12 years and was the executive director at Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministries for 14 years. She retired in 2016 and continues to share her stories and faith through her books and music. I can't wait to share her amazing stories with all you listeners today.

Episode 13: Scott Counce Merry Wine Market

We have a special show today! I am excited to share some information about our fabulous guest, Scott Counce. Scott and his beautiful wife, Katherine, are owners of the Merry Wine Market. Scott has never met a stranger! His southern drawl and friendly demeanor keep you smiling! These folks are salt of the earth to their friends and our community.

Episode 12: Semper Fi Builders

Semper Fi Builders is a general contracting company focused on remodeling and renovating, we provide tailor-made experiences that new home builders cannot.  Jay Cope CEO & Chris Harrin President

Episode 11: Adam Combs

Adam Combs Director of Waypoint NC + Co-Founder Where “I can’t” becomes “Yes, I can”, Waypoint Adventure is a non-profit educational organization founded in 2010 that awakens youths and adults with disabilities to their willful spirit through the power of adventure. With guided, experiential programs tailored to meet people right where they are, Waypoint Adventure provides personal growth and team triumph – as participants discover their purpose, value, strengths, and abilities.

Episode 10: Alison Adams & John Hall

The Mountain Magnolias have two great guests to share with you today.
Please welcome Alison Adams, she grew up in Black Mountain and also lives
here now with her husband and children. She is a classically-trained
soprano with over a decade of experience teaching students of all ages
and musical abilities. She holds a Master of Music in Voice
Performance from the Peabody Conservatory and a Bachelor of Music from
Guilford College. 
 
Please welcome our 2nd guest, John Hall. John has taught sixth grade
social studies and language art at Art Space Charter School for over
20 years. He is retiring this year from Art Space, and will take a new
position as the Associate Director in July at the Black Mountain
Center for Arts. His lifelong passion for acting will be a wonderful
asset to Black Mountain Center for the Arts.

Episode 9: Camilla Kihlberg

We have a special guest and I can't wait to share all her talents today with you. Please welcome Camilla Kihlberg. She has recently become a resident of Black Mtn. She just loves our little town ! She is a travel advisor for Bliss Travel , and being from Sweden she has all types of travel secrets to share with you. So contact Camilla about your travel dreams ! Even if its just inquiring and getting more information !

Episode 8: Dr. Aditi Sethi

Dr. Aditi Sethi is a hospice and palliative care physician, end-of-life doula, and musician. Featured in the forthcoming film The Last Ecstatic Days, Aditi is an emerging and important voice for shifting our culture’s understanding and approach to dying, death, and bereavement care. 

Episode 7: Jamie Dose

The Mountain Magnolias has another amazing guest to share with you today. Jamie Dose , owner of Old North State Building Company and lead singer/guitarist at Velvet Truck Stop. He even snuck in a song for us.