Good Neighbor Podcast: Auburn and Opelika

Hosted by Susannah Hodges at Village Centre Press

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Episodes

121

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

With her genuinely good heart and a wealth of experience behind her, Susannah works to connect local business and non-profit leaders to their neighbors. In a community like ours in which so many have invested their lives, there are fantastic stories all around us that motivate and inspire, often right next door. She hopes to share some of those here, on the Good Neighbor Podcast. Book an interview today at GNPAuburn.com

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60 recent

June 12, 202613 min

Ep.#122: NonProfit Center of East Alabama

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-site catering options • the origin story tied to a clear community need for space beyond fundraising • outdoor phase plans including shaded seating, amphitheater space, and walking path • how to find the center on social media, the website, and by phone 334-749-8481 www.nonprofitcenter.org

June 12, 202610 min

Ep.#121: Dr. Lane Dermatology

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 asymptomatic and easy to miss • the personal challenge of moving from an established Memphis practice to a new clinic with a newborn • what “one stop shop” means, including skin exams, surgery, excisions, lasers, peels, and injectablesLane Dermatology 334-887-1717 www.lanederm.com

April 20, 202619 min

Ep.#119: Lori Fuller, EXP Realty

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 education that shape daily agent work • how commission changes and industry shifts affect how deals are handled • why buying and selling is emotional, plus managing expectations around budget • high demand and low inventory in Auburn, and why urgency matters • the hidden work clients never see: inspections, title issues, paperwork, and problem-solving • treating clients like family and staying connected long after closing • investment properties, game day homes, and why so many people want to move back • giving newcomers a better feel for town with tours and Lori’s Locals Loves list LoriFullerHomes.comInstagram: lorifuller_exprealty_auburnFacebook: auburnrealtorlorifulllerexp334-559-4940

April 17, 20269 min

Ep.#120: Coach Mark Fuller, Life Coach

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 • How coaching helps break unhelpful thought patterns and bring clarity • Family life, rest, and resetting outdoors • Getting fired from a dream job and rebuilding over time • The reality of entrepreneurship, pressure, and staying focused on your gifts • “People matter” as the foundation and helping clients find true identity CoachMarkFuller.com334-559-4575

April 3, 20269 min

Ep.#118: Custom Homes Done Right, T.Murphy Construction

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 to protect value and budget • family life with three kids and staying busy with sports • entrepreneurship realities like long hours and slow seasonal periods • affordable custom home building through in-house floor plans and 3D renderings • designing around real lifestyles like kids, pets, and storage needs www.tmurphyco.com

March 20, 202611 min

Ep.#117: Lewis Benefits Solutions

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 decisions • common Medicare misconceptions including the myth that Medicare is free • how to think about Medicare Advantage versus Medicare supplement plans and out of pocket risk • why extra perks like OTC and grocery benefits can hide tradeoffs • lessons from failure, blind spots and building a support network in business • how to reach a local resource who can review plans across multiple carriers www.lewisbenefitssolutions.com

March 20, 20266 min

Ep.#116: HomeRN Auburn

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 wound care, IV antibiotics, and lab draws • why starting care early can prevent hospitalizations and reduce family stress • Paige’s career path from ER nursing to hospice to local business ownership • commitment to Auburn community and caring for neighbors with dignity https://www.homerncare.com/locations/auburn-and-montgomery

March 13, 202610 min

Ep.#115: Standard Deluxe

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 shows evolve into a proper music venue • two stages and two listening experiences, from the little house room to the outdoor yard • Old 280 Boogie April 18–19 and what makes the 25th anniversary special • lineup highlights • what Amy wishes more people knew, that Standard Deluxe is where visual art and music unite • how to keep up with shows, events, and open hours via the website and social standarddeluxe.com

March 6, 202610 min

Ep.#114: Piedmont Fertilizer

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 single-bag purchases and quick coaching• location, website and ways to connectwww.piedmontfertilizer.com

March 6, 202617 min

Ep.#113: Integrated Body Health

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, sustainable changes over quick fixes• entrepreneurship, faith, and growing a community of practitioners• respecting every body and empowering through knowledge• where to find Integrated Body Health onlinewww.integratedbodyhealth.com