Best of Johnston County®

Hosted by Jonathan Breeden

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Episodes

137

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

Best of Johnston County" dives into the stories that make this North Carolina community unique. Brought to you by the trusted legal at Breeden Law Office and hosted by Jonathan Breeden, this podcast showcases all aspects of life in Johnston County. It features insights from business owners, political figures, community members, and even engages with significant subjects in the realm of family law. Amid the daily hustle and bustle, sometimes, we just take a step back to appreciate what lies at the heart of Johnston County.

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60 recent

June 15, 2026Episode 13730 min

How Does JoCo Grows Support Farmers?

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.

June 8, 2026Episode 13627 min

Ask Jonathan Anything: The Truth That Changes Everything in Family Court

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 children.

June 1, 2026Episode 13522 min

The Leadership Lessons No One Taught You

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.

May 25, 2026Episode 13422 min

How Animation Is Creating New Possibilities in Johnston County

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.

May 18, 2026Episode 13332 min

From Fat and Tired to Fitness Leader

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.

May 11, 2026Episode 13221 min

The Family Farm Growing More Than Plants

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.

May 4, 2026Episode 13121 min

Ask Jonathan Anything: What Does Divorce Really Cost?

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.

April 27, 2026Episode 13030 min

Turning Coffee Into Connection

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.

April 20, 2026Episode 12931 min

Building More Than Homes: How Barry Woodard Helped Shape Johnston County’s Growth

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.

April 13, 2026Episode 12824 min

From Diplomatic Service to Southern Hospitality: Reimagining a Historic Inn in Clayton

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.