Love Local Chattanooga Podcast

Hosted by Briana Garza, Dr. Chris Collins

Business Society CultureInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

Latest episode

Oct 2026

Language

About the show

Looking for a fun way to keep up with what's happening in "small town" Chattanooga? Each episode, we get chatty about topics such as what to know about local events, culture, small business, and a little "tea" about what's happening in the city. We want this to be a fun resource for people but also something you can play in the background as a fun, informative way to relax. We hope you enjoy!

Listen to episodes

46 recent

October 30, 202622 min

We Wrote a Children's Book! | It Takes a Village

We wrote a children's book! Dr. Chris Collins and illustrator McKenzie Bergenback are celebrating the launch of It Takes a Village , a children's book inspired by Chattanooga, Tennessee, and the people who make our community special. In this short episode of Love Local Chatt, we share the story behind the book, a few sneak peeks, and what inspired us to bring it to life. Get your copy of It Takes a Village : https://walnutstreetpublishing.com/product/it-takes-a-village

September 30, 202640 min

Interview with Regina Gee

On this episode of Love Local Chatt, McKenzie Bergenback and I sit down with Regina Gee of Community Gains Chattanooga to talk about burnout, energy, and the neuroscience tools she uses to help people feel more like themselves again. We also talk about the power of community and her free third-Thursday gathering at Understory Tea House in Chattanooga. https://communitygains.net

August 17, 202636 min

Interview with Rachel Eagleton

Briana and McKenzie sit down with Rachel Eagleton of Rachel's Home Management to talk about creating homes that feel more peaceful, functional, and restorative. They explore how organization isn't about perfection—it's about building systems that fit the way your family actually lives. Because everyone deserves to come home to a space that feels like home. Website: https://www.rachelshomemanagement.com/about

July 31, 202642 min

Interview with Jered Scott of Hearsay Press

Enjoy this interview with Jered Scott of Hearsay Press, a new (and needed) Chattanooga physical publication inspired by the local music scene and curated by the local music scene! Briana and Chris sit down with Jered to hear his story and why he believes it's time to cut through the internet noise and turn up the volume on Chattanooga's music scene.

July 3, 202636 min

Interview with a Local: Luis Contreras of The Local Juicery

In this episode of Love Local Chatt, Dr. Chris Collins and McKenzie Bergenback sit down with Luis Silva of Local Juice to talk about business, culture, and community. Luis shares the story behind Local Juice, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and why culture matters just as much as product. From creating a consistent customer experience to building a team rooted in connection, this conversation is about more than juice — it’s about how local businesses can help shape healthier, more connected communities.

April 17, 202641 min

Interview with a Chattanoogan: Taylor Tragelia Stephenson of Understory Tea

In this episode of Love Local Chatt, Dr. Chris Collins and McKenzie Bergenback sit down with Taylor Traglia Stephenson, owner of Understory Tea Shop. Taylor shares her journey of moving to Chattanooga with a vision to create an intentional space where people can unplug, integrate, and connect through tea. We also talk about the heart behind Understory, the power of slowing down, and how spaces like this shape the culture of our every day living. Check out events and more here: understorytea.com

March 24, 202632 min

Interview with a Chattanoogan: Levi Ouimet

In this episode of Love Local Chatt , Chris sits down with Chattanooga musician Levi Ouimet as he gears up to release his new EP. They talk through Levi’s journey as an artist, what it takes to stay consistent, and how a strong local community can shape the future of Chattanooga’s music scene. Most recent EP: Listen on Spotify Stay tuned for new music and follow here .

March 9, 202641 min

Interview with a Chattanoogan: Beth Forrester of The Bunny Hive Chattanooga

In this episode of Love Local Chatt , Chris Collins and McKenzie Bergenback sit down with Beth Forrester , owner of The Bunny Hive - Chattanooga . Beth shares the story behind bringing this unique “grownup-and-me” community space to Chattanooga and why connection during the early years of parenting matters so much. The conversation explores how play-based learning, early childhood classes, and shared experiences help families find friendship, support, and a sense of belonging in their local community. If you're looking for ways to build community while raising young children, this episode highlights why spaces like The Bunny Hive are so meaningful for families. Learn more: https://www.thebunnyhive.com

February 16, 202639 min

Interview with a Chattanoogan: Julie Holder

Briana and Chris sit down with Julie Holder, owner of the newly branded Studio Day, to talk about the impactful project work she’s bringing into Chattanooga as a photographer and creative director. She shares her unique vision for the creative space she cultivates. https://www.anaono.com

December 29, 202525 min

Interview with a Chattanoogan: Casey Haywood

On this episode of Love Local Chatt, Briana and Chris sit down with Casey Haywood of Dance Tonight Chattanooga to talk about dancing in Chattanooga. Whether you're interested in learning from the ground up or increasing your confidence, connection, and community through movement, Dance Tonight offers a space in Chattanooga for just that. Casey also shares his experience with Dare to Dance and how Chattanooga rallies around meaningful causes through dance.