Keeping It Real with Sharon

Hosted by Sharon

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117

Latest episode

Jun 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

June 5, 202627 min

Serving Up Purpose: The Story Behind Hound Dogs Food Truck

Send us Fan MailIn 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 MailOn 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 MailIn 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 MailToday, 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 MailThere’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 MailIn 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.

March 6, 202631 min

Building a Brighter Future for The Winchester Area Youth

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Keeping it Real with Sharon, I sit down with Sarah Fishel, the new Executive Director of the Youth Development Center, for an inspiring conversation about vision, leadership, and investing in the next generation.Sarah shares why the move to a new building in the heart of the City of Winchester wasn’t just about location, it was about purpose. By creating a space that is more accessible and welcoming, the Youth Development Center is redefining its mission to better serve the youth of our community.We talk about her passion for getting kids off the streets and off their phones and into real, meaningful connection with one another. From expanded programs to intentional mentorship, Sarah’s goal is to create an environment that inspires growth, confidence, and belonging.But it doesn’t stop with the kids. Sarah also believes deeply in educating and equipping the adults who interact with our youth every day. When the whole community steps up, young people begin to see that being a productive part of their city doesn’t just change their future, it strengthens Winchester for all of us.If you care about our community, our schools, and the next generation, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

February 20, 202627 min

More Than Medicine: The Heart Behind Boxwell Pharmacy

Send us Fan MailWhat if your pharmacy felt more like family than a number in line?In this episode of Keeping it Real with Sharon, I sit down with Corey Boxwell, founder of Boxwell Pharmacy, to talk about his bold decision to open a locally owned pharmacy built on relationships, not transactions.Corey shares why he believes medicine should be personal, why knowing patients by name matters, and how he’s building a culture where every person who walks through the door feels seen and valued. His vision goes beyond prescriptions — he’s creating a community hub that will offer health workshops, collaborative events, and even a thoughtfully curated gift shop inside the pharmacy.This conversation is about courage, community, and reimagining what healthcare can look like when people come first.If you believe business should feel human, you’re going to love this one.

February 6, 202628 min

Medicine, Reimagined: A Relationship First Approach with Dr. Brianna Berry

Send us Fan MailWhat if healthcare felt more personal, more supportive, and truly centered on relationships?In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Brianna Berry, who recently opened a Direct Primary Care medical practice, The Village Family Medicine, which offers a refreshing alternative to the traditional, transactional healthcare system.Dr. Berry shares why she’s so passionate about relationship-based primary care for individuals and families, and how her model allows her to truly know her patients, spend meaningful time with them, and focus on whole-person care. We talk about her specialized focus areas, including breastfeeding medicine, mental health services, and her plans to soon add postpartum support services.She also opens up about her personal journey balancing motherhood with the demanding path to earning her medical degree and the vital role her husband played in supporting her every step of the way.This conversation is thoughtful, inspiring, and eye-opening for anyone who has ever felt like healthcare should feel more human. If you’re curious about a better way to care for yourself and your family, this episode is a must-listen.

January 23, 202633 min

Behind the Red Dot: Building TEDxHandleyBlvd Women 2026

Send us Fan MailWhat does it really take to build a TEDx event and why does it matter?In this special behind-the-scenes episode, I’m joined by my co-license holder Suzette Neff as we pull back the curtain on TEDxHandleyBlvd Women and look ahead to our upcoming 2026 event.We share what we learned while attending the TED Next Conference in Atlanta, including powerful insights about storytelling, leadership, and the responsibility that comes with holding a TEDx license. We talk honestly about growth, challenges, and the intentional choices that shape an event designed to encourage conversations and ideas worth spreading in the community.This conversation is part reflection, part vision-casting, and fully rooted in community. If you’ve ever wondered how ideas take shape, how leadership evolves, or what’s next for TEDxHandleyBlvd Women this episode is for you.