Keeping It Real with Sharon

Hosted by Sharon

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Episodes

121

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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About the show

Conversations with business leaders and entrepreneurs who share their journey to success, as well as setbacks along the way, while "Keeping It Real" and staying true to themselves!

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60 recent

August 14, 202631 min

Keep Moving: Why Movement Matters at Every Age

Send us Fan Mail We hear a lot about exercise, but what about simply moving more? In this episode of Keeping It Real with Sharon , I sit down with certified personal trainer Gabrielle Izzett to talk about her passion for helping people live healthier, more active lives and why movement matters at every stage of life. Gabrielle shares what prolonged sedentary behavior can do to our physical health and how it can affect our mental and emotional well-being, too. But this conversation isn't about becoming a marathon runner or spending hours at the gym. It's about recognizing the value of moving our bodies every day and understanding that even small changes can make a difference. One of Gabrielle's greatest joys as a trainer is watching people discover what they're capable of and seeing the progress that comes from simply committing to movement, one day at a time. Whether you're already active, trying to get moving again, or wondering where to begin, this conversation is a great reminder: our bodies were made to move and it's never too late to start.

July 31, 202629 min

Cadillac Cafe: Where Community Is Still Built on Trust

Send us Fan Mail What happens when you combine homemade favorites, delicious coffee, local vendors and a little old-fashioned trust? You get the Cadillac Cafe! In this episode of Keeping it Real with Sharon, I sit down with owner Laura Lattimer, who recently opened this unique hometown café. Laura offers simple, comforting favorites such as peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, homemade chicken salad and protein balls, along with delicious coffee and several other grab-and-go items. But what truly sets Cadillac Cafe apart is its honor system. Everything is clearly priced, and customers simply scan a QR code to pay. Laura wants the café to preserve the trusting, small-town feeling that makes our community so special. Cadillac Cafe also provides space for local vendors to offer their products, including beautiful fresh-cut flowers. It’s more than a place to grab a bite or a cup of coffee—it’s a charming community spot built around good food, local connections and trust. Join us as Laura shares how Cadillac Cafe came to life and why she believes there is still a place for a business built on the honor system.

July 10, 202629 min

From Renaissance Dreams to Vineyard Vines: Jill Edlich's New Chapter

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Keeping it Real with Sharon , I sit down with Jill Edlich , the new owner of North Mountain Vineyard & Winery and the Executive Director of the Renaissance Fair. Jill shares the story behind her family's exciting new adventure and how what started as a search for the perfect home for the Renaissance Fair turned into the opportunity to purchase a winery. What began as one dream quickly became two: creating a destination where people can gather to enjoy great wine, beautiful scenery, and unforgettable experiences. Jill talks about making this a true family business, with everyone pitching in to help build something special together. She also shares the joys and challenges of stepping into an industry that's completely new to her, the lessons she's learning along the way, and why she's embracing this exciting new chapter. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a wine lover, or someone who enjoys hearing stories of people following their dreams, you'll enjoy this inspiring conversation about family, community, and taking a leap of faith. Tune in and hear how one opportunity blossomed into a whole new adventure.

June 19, 202632 min

From Rock Bottom to Recovery: Meredith Speir-Cavalier's Journey of Hope and Healing

Send us Fan Mail In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Keeping It Real with Sharon , I sit down with Meredith Speir-Cavalier as she courageously shares her journey through addiction, recovery, and redemption. Meredith opens up about hitting rock bottom, struggling with feelings of never being good enough, and searching for something to fill a void that alcohol and drugs could never truly satisfy. Through honesty, resilience, and hard work, she found a path to healing and purpose. Today, Meredith is the founder of The Recovery Connection, a recovery center dedicated to helping women reclaim their lives. What began as personal pain has become a mission that has impacted thousands of women over the years. This conversation is a powerful reminder that our greatest struggles can become our greatest purpose, and that hope, healing, and transformation are possible no matter how far we've fallen. Whether you or someone you love has been touched by addiction, Meredith's story will inspire you with its message of courage, recovery, and the power of believing you are enough.

June 5, 202627 min

Serving Up Purpose: The Story Behind Hound Dogs Food Truck

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Keeping it Real with Sharon , I sit down with Sue Ellen Rutherford, a retired school teacher who decided it was finally time to turn a long-time dream into a reality. After years of inspiring students in the classroom, Sue Ellen is now inspiring the community in a whole new way through her food truck, Hound Dogs . Serving up fresh all-beef hot dogs loaded with delicious toppings, Sue Ellen’s business is about much more than great food. Her heart for helping abandoned and rescue dogs is woven into everything she does, even the name “Hound Dogs.” A portion of her proceeds goes back to animal rescue organizations, combining her love for people, food, and animals into one meaningful mission. We talk about taking leaps of faith later in life, pursuing dreams in retirement, building a purpose-driven business, and how passion and compassion can come together to make a real difference in the community. This episode is full of encouragement, inspiration, and proof that it’s never too late to chase a dream.

May 22, 202633 min

Building Success Wherever Life Takes You: A conversation with Sarah Abderrazzaq

Send us Fan Mail On this episode of Keeping it Real with Sharon , I sit down with top-producing Realtor Sarah Abderrazzaq to talk about what it really takes to start over and build success again and again. Throughout her career, Sarah has reinvented herself and rebuilt her business in multiple cities across the country due to major life moves. From creating new relationships to establishing herself in unfamiliar communities, she shares how resilience, consistency, and genuine connection helped her grow into a top producer each time. We also talk about Sarah’s upcoming move from our area and the bittersweet transition of passing her clients into my care. It’s a conversation about trust, community, growth, and embracing new seasons in life and business. If you’ve ever had to start over, pivot, or rebuild something important, this episode is for you.

May 8, 202631 min

Honoring the Past, Building the Future: The HIVE at Shenandoah University

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Patricia Young, Executive Director of the HIVE, located in the beautifully restored Armory Building and part of Shenandoah University. Patricia shares the incredible story behind this historic building—once an old Armory, now thoughtfully renovated into a one-of-a-kind space for learning, innovation, and connection. Today, the HIVE serves as a hub for innovators, veterans, and entrepreneurs, bringing new energy and opportunity to our community. We also talk about how this space is already making an impact. In fact, TEDx Handley Blvd Women was one of the very first community events hosted there, something especially meaningful to me and such a powerful example of what this space was designed to do. What really stands out is Patricia’s passion. She is deeply committed to connecting people, bridging Shenandoah University with the broader community and creating opportunities for collaboration, growth, and innovation. This conversation is all about vision, transformation, and the power of bringing people together in meaningful ways.

April 17, 202632 min

Dinking, Dreaming, and Doing: The PklPlex Story

Send us Fan Mail Today, I’m sitting down with Tammy LaCroix and Mike Turpin, the visionaries behind Winchester’s new PklPlex. What started as a simple recognition, our community needed an indoor place to play pickleball, turned into something much bigger. Tammy and Mike didn’t just talk about the idea… they took action. From building a business plan to searching tirelessly for the right space, they stayed committed every step of the way. As business partners, they faced challenges, made tough decisions, and refused to give up until they found the perfect fit. In January 2026, their vision officially became a reality and it’s already exceeded expectations. PklPlex has quickly grown into more than just a place to play… it’s become a place to connect. Friendships are forming, community is growing, and the energy around this sport is something special. This episode is all about vision, perseverance, partnership, and what can happen when you create something that truly brings people together.

April 3, 202633 min

From Finance to Purpose: Julia Healey and the Power of One Small Step

Send us Fan Mail There’s something powerful about saying “yes” to something that feels big… and a little scary. In this episode of Keeping it Real with Sharon , I sit down with Julia Healey as she shares her journey to delivering her very first TEDx talk, Called to Act: One Small Thing . Julia is the CEO of United Charitable and a passionate leader in the nonprofit space, but her path didn’t start there. With a background in finance and a heart for making a difference, Julia made a bold shift into mission-driven work after seeing the gaps in access and opportunity. That decision led her to a bigger purpose… and ultimately, onto the TEDx stage. We talk about what it really takes to step into something new, the courage behind sharing your voice, and how small actions can create meaningful change in our communities. If you’ve ever felt called to do something more, or wondered if one small step could really matter, this conversation will inspire you to take that step.

March 20, 202634 min

Casting Joy: Bringing Veterans and Special Needs Adults Together Through Fishing

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Keeping it Real with Sharon , I sit down with Steven Shafran, a man with a big heart and a powerful vision for serving others in our community. Steven is bringing a brand-new event to our area called Cast for Kids, an inspiring day designed to connect special needs adults and Veterans with people who simply love to fish. Each participant will be paired with a fishing buddy for a memorable experience on the water and every guest will receive a brand-new fishing pole and tackle box to take home. For Steven, this event is about much more than fishing. It’s about connection, dignity, and creating moments of joy for people who don’t always get opportunities like this. We talk about Steven’s lifelong passion for helping those who may feel overlooked, how this event came to life, and his hope of making Cast for Kids an annual spring tradition that brings our community together. This conversation is a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful change begins with one person who simply cares enough to act.