Good Neighbor Podcast: Auburn and Opelika

Hosted by Susannah Hodges at Village Centre Press

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Episodes

144

Latest episode

Aug 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

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 28, 202613 min

Ep.#147: Daniel Ghaleb, Kinetic Professional Fitness Training

We sit down with Daniel Ghaleb, owner of Kinetic Professional Fitness Training, to talk about building strength for longevity and making fitness feel doable at any age. We dig into the mindset shifts that keep people consistent, from realistic expectations to training in a private studio that meets you where you are. • why Kinetic Professional Fitness Training starts as a private alternative to big box gyms • how strength and resistance training support longevity, bone density, and daily function • Daniel’s journey from a Navy ship gym to a purpose-driven business • the biggest misconception: thinking you must be fit before hiring a trainer • why good training challenges you without trying to make you miserable • realistic timelines for weight loss and body change • post-rehab training as a bridge after physical therapy • what clients can expect from an appointment-only facility and extra access days https://kineticpft.com

August 28, 202611 min

Ep.#146: Heidi Strickland, Home Instead

We sit down with Heidi Strickland from Home Instead in Auburn/Opelika to break down what non-medical home care looks like day to day and why it helps people stay independent at home longer. We also clear up the confusion between home care and home health, then talk about planning ahead before a family hits a care crisis. • Non-medical in-home care services such as bathing, grooming, dressing, meal prep, laundry, light housekeeping, medication reminders, transportation • Supporting independence at home and bridging the gap before assisted living or a facility • Heidi’s story and what she does as director of marketing and sales in the community • The biggest misconception: home care versus home health and what each can and cannot do • Scheduling flexibility and the “personable match” between caregivers and clients • Payment realities, long-term care policies, and VA benefits for veterans and spouses • Why families should learn about home care before a hospital discharge scramble • How to contact Heidi and get digital resources by phone or email 334-321-1050 2011 Executive Park Dr. Opelika, AL

August 21, 20269 min

Ep.#145: Dr. Tony Talorico, Cornerstone Family Chiropractic

We talk with Dr. Tony Talorico about his 31-year chiropractic career, what brought him to Auburn, and why better function matters more than quick fixes. We also break down common misconceptions and share a proactive, whole-body approach that pairs chiropractic care with functional health. • relocating from western Pennsylvania to Auburn and joining a multi-doctor practice • a car accident that sparked a career in chiropractic care • the misconception that chiropractic “treats everything” • how the nervous system and function shape recovery and prevention • staying active through reading, exercise, and ongoing wellness research • early-career challenges, repetition, and always learning what you don’t know • encouraging proactive habits such as sleep, nutrition, exercise, and whole-body care • Conquer Functional Health and a deeper dive into blood work and digestion https://cornerstone4health.com/auburn-al/

August 21, 20268 min

Ep.#144: Willie Streeter, Vibezz Express

We sit down with Willie Streeter, owner of Vibezz Express, to talk about taking a popular Tuskegee restaurant on the road and what it really takes to thrive in the food business. We get honest about the grind, the menu that keeps people coming back, and the learned skills behind “flavor that touches your soul.” • why Vibezz Express launches as a food truck spin-off of Vibezz Restaurant and Lounge • where the truck serves, including Montgomery, Prattville, Auburn, and Opelika • the pivot from running a nightclub to building a restaurant brand • misconceptions about restaurant and food truck work being “easy” • how the menu stays flexible, from taco night to ribeye to Soulful Sunday comfort food • what Willie does off the clock, including cigars, family time, and rare vacations • the value of learning every role, plus practical startup advice on research and repetition vibezz.lounge@gmail.com

August 21, 202617 min

Ep.#143: Chris and Karla Hines, Marriage in Focus

We sit down with Chris and Karla Hines to hear how Marriage in Focus grows stronger marriages through retreats, premarital coaching, and practical “marriage maintenance.” We talk candidly about faith, sacrifice, and why investing early matters more than waiting for a crisis. • Marriage in Focus as a nonprofit Christian marriage ministry with multiple lanes of support • Premarital coaching that prepares couples for a lifetime, not just a wedding day • Marriage retreats positioned as growth opportunities for every marriage • Misconceptions about retreats being only for struggling couples • The belief that great marriages require intentional work and investment • Their calling into vocational ministry and the leap-of-faith decisions along the way • Sacrifice, dependence on God, and ongoing growth in their own marriage • How to learn more at marriageinfocus.org and on Instagram at marriage in focus https://www.marriageinfocus.org

August 21, 202613 min

Ep.#142: Allyson Matthews, Springwood School

We sit down with Allyson Matthews, Head of School at Springwood School, to talk about what makes an independent K3 to 12 campus feel like family while still holding high academic expectations. We dig into college prep, private school misconceptions, and the real work of supporting kids and parents through hard seasons. • Springwood School’s role in East Alabama and West Georgia communities • What “independent college and career prep” means in practice • The school mission focused on mind, body, and spirit • Sports and extracurricular opportunities for student growth • The school’s history and the Christian, character-centered foundation • Allyson’s career path as a Springwood graduate returning to lead • Common myths about private schools and how learning support works • The emotional weight of tough decisions in education and what builds resilience • Enrichment programs like art, music, STEM, and Spanish starting in K3 • How families can tour, connect, and schedule a student shadow day www.springwoodschool.org

August 14, 202613 min

Ep.#141: Emmy Sorrells, The Boys and Girls Club of East Alabama

We talk with realtor and community leader Emmy Sorrells about how the Boys and Girls Clubs of East Alabama support kids with mentoring, meals, and academics. We also unpack why local fundraising matters, how teen programs are shifting toward life and workforce readiness, and simple ways neighbors can step in and help. • serving children ages 6 to 18 with a whole-child approach • focusing on character, healthy lifestyles, and trauma-informed mental health support • helping kids navigate social media challenges while protecting well being • explaining governance, advocacy, and fundraising needs behind the scenes • clearing up misconceptions about “after-school childcare” and who the Club serves • feeding kids after school and providing three meals a day in summer programming • prioritising teen retention and building life and workforce readiness skills • sharing ways to volunteer, sponsor events, and connect with local Club sites Learn more at www.bgceastal.org

August 14, 202613 min

Ep.#140: Dr. Robert Carlisle, Keynote Speaker

We talk with Dr. Robert Carlisle about building a life and career that don’t collapse when a role, a title, or a sport gets taken away. We also dig into resilience, entrepreneurship, and the real work of redefining identity after injuries and rejection. • building a speaking business around purpose, mindset, resilience, leadership, and character • leading AuburnYou at Auburn University to support student-athlete development and career readiness • going from walk-on to championship highs and identity tied to performance • facing major injuries, rehab, and the mental impact of losing the game plan • learning to sit with hard emotions instead of running from them • asking for help, dropping isolation, and trusting supportive relationships • doing the work daily and leaning on faith to move forward • handling entrepreneurship challenges, hearing “no,” and not taking it personally Learn more at www.drrobcarlisle.com

August 7, 202611 min

Ep.# 138: Molly Williams, United Way of Lee County

We sit down with Molly Williams from United Way of Lee County to break down how local fundraising supports 29 community nonprofits and helps meet urgent needs across East Alabama. We also clear up where donations actually go, share a personal story about learning to pivot, and highlight a powerful free-book program for young kids in Lee County. • How United Way of Lee County brings resources together to strengthen the community • How fundraising supports 29 local nonprofit partners • Misconceptions about donations and how fees work • How allocation funding differs from one-time grant funding • Molly’s nonprofit career path after graduating in 2020 • A personal turning point about transferring schools and growing through change • United Way’s local role in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library for ages 0 to 5 • Best ways to follow, volunteer, and learn more through social media and the website www.unitedwayofleecounty.com

August 7, 202610 min

Ep.#139: Lisa Thorington & Amy Van Allen, 4th Street Cheese Straws and Treats

We sit down with Amy Van Allen and Lisa Thorington to hear how 4th Street Cheese Straws and Treats turns a family recipe into a growing woman-owned bakery brand. We talk heat levels, where to find their snacks in Alabama, and how they help people celebrate with gifts that feel personal. • baking out of The Galley commercial kitchen in Opelika • cheese straws in three heat levels: Original, Kick It Up, Calm It Down • Kick It Up Crackers, Southern Trash and sweet cinnamon treats • the 4th Street name and the Nana-inspired origin story • where to buy locally in Auburn, Opelika, Huntsville and Mountain Brook • pop-ups and markets including City Market in Town Creek • event favors with personalized labels and logo packaging • corporate gifting options from sampler boxes to executive baskets www.4thstreet.biz