This show is all about empowering you to create the life you want in a small town. Join Barton Quigley as he explores the joys of living a simpler life while succeeding in your business or community organization and overcoming the unique challenges of a smaller population. With inspiring interviews and stories of entrepreneurial success, you will be motivated to take charge and thrive in your small town community. Subscribe and enjoy the show!
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January 29, 2024Episode 17 min
Ep. 1 Welcome to the Small Town Secret Sauce Podcast!
#1: In 2022, my wife, Amy, and I decided to chase our dreams and create the life we wanted in a small town, trading in 24 years of big-city living. When we discovered the town that would become our new home, I was struck by the incredible community spirit, particularly the small businesses and community organizations that were integral to the community fabric. I wanted to know more about how these talented folks made it work with a smaller population and fewer resources, so I created this podcast.
January 30, 2024Episode 230 min
Ep. 2 Our Story Part One: Clarity is Key to Massive Transformation
#2: Making massive transformations in life is not easy, or everyone would be doing it. Change is hard. The mind resists change. So, to help your mind become an ally, you need to dig deep to discover what you most want and why.I believe that crazy, scary, soul-filling goals are how we find that extra gear to face the challenges that go along with chasing our dreams. But the right tools can help keep you focused when the inevitable second-guessing starts creeping in and even screaming at you.For show notes, visit the website for this episode. https://bartonquigley.com/smalltown/ep-2/
February 12, 2024Episode 318 min
Ep. 3 Our Story Part Two: Sometimes You Gotta Burn the Boats
#3: Following your gut can be difficult, especially when it involves making massive changes in your life. Otherwise, everyone would be doing it. It tests you and your resolve. The same was true for Amy and I who faced a parade of roadblocks and second guessing that stood in between us and our dream of relocating to a small town that we absolutely fell in love with.For show notes, visit the website for this episode. https://bartonquigley.com/ep-3/
February 28, 2024Episode 457 min
Ep. 4 Turning Exclusion Into Belonging, with Amy Corbett
#4: Amy Corbett is the co-founder and CEO of All Belong Co., a vacation property rental company based in Central Virginia, whose company values emphasize welcoming and belonging for people from all walks of life, as well as diversity and authenticity.Amy and her husband, All Belong Co. co-founder Marc, are self-described "accidental entrepreneurs" who turned a devastating moment in life that left them feeling excluded from their longtime community into a brand and lifestyle that celebrates personal empowerment.Join Amy and me as we discuss her amazing, growing company and the inspiring personal story that led to its creation.For more about All Belong Co., visit their website.----- ❤️👇If you believe that inspiring stories like this can empower others to create meaningful lives and impact the world, join the Small Town Secret Sauce Patreon Community and become an ambassador for possibility.For show notes on what we discussed, see the Show Notes on the website for this episode.
March 7, 2024Episode 537 min
Ep.5 Creating Spaces & Elevating the Narrative, with Najee Koncept
#5: Najee Koncept is a local hip-hop artist in Lynchburg, VA, who has been in love with writing lyrics and performing since childhood. His wisdom extends well beyond his years, and he shares his journey through life transparently and authentically, from his struggles to his triumphs, and by doing so, he gives those in his community permission to do the same. He is constantly moving forward and working to elevate himself to be a strong contributor to his son and those around him. Najee’s generosity of spirit and ability to create spaces for other artists is truly inspiring, and I invite you to hear our conversation. I hope you will walk away as lit up as I do each time I hear it.For more on Najee and to connect with him, visit his Instagram and Facebook accounts.https://www.instagram.com/najeekoncept_/https://www.facebook.com/NajeeKonceptTheArtist/For show notes on what we discussed, visit the website for this episode.https://bartonquigley.com/ep-5
March 14, 2024Episode 61 hr 1 min
Ep. 6 Curious History Tours, with Kathleen Davis
#6: Kathleen Davis is a comedian who, along with her wife Gail, moved to Lynchburg, VA, in late 2020. Her insatiable curiosity and hilarious sense of humor led her to create "Curious History Tours.” These tours dive deep into Lynchburg's wildly colorful past, delivering jaw-dropping trivia that will sometimes make you cringe but often make you laugh. Kathleen is a welcoming and caring person who uses her approachability to connect and engage the community in meaningful conversations aimed at improving relationships for everyone and maximizing the potential of Lynchburg.As you will quickly hear, she obviously cracks me up, and I had the best time doing this episode with her. Kathleen is another hero of mine, and her spirit simply lights me up. I hope you get a kick out of this conversation and come away inspired to make a difference in your community as much as I did. Enjoy.For more on the Curious History Tours, see their website:https://www.curioushistorytours.comTo connect with Kathleen, visit her Instagram account:https://www.instagram.com/kathleendoesjokes/For show notes on what we discussed on the show:https://bartonquigley.com/smalltown/ep-6/Thank you!
March 21, 2024Episode 71 hr 23 min
Ep. 7 Angelina Dawn - Poet, Actress, and Leader of The Listening Inc.
#7: Angelina Dawn is an incredibly talented poet, actress, and author based in Lynchburg, VA. She is also the Executive Director of The Listening, a non-profit whose mission is to empower, change, and save lives through the performing arts and engaging the community.Their saying is, “If you had a room full of people willing to listen to you, what would you say?”As you will hear, finding her authentic voice is at the heart of Angelina's journey. And I, for one, along with so many others, am very grateful she did. Angelina has such depth of character and generosity of spirit that it’s hard not to become incredibly inspired to want to help elevate your community. I was so moved by this conversation and hope you will be, too.Be sure to stick around until the end because Angelina shares her special poem dedicated to Lynchburg, VA, which is beautiful and powerful.Enjoy!The Listening websiteAngelina on InstagramAngelina on FacebookAngelina on TikTokAdditional links can be found in the Show Notes for this episode on the website.
March 28, 2024Episode 81 hr 0 min
Ep. 8 Marsh Roots Seafood, with Oliver Russell
#8: Oliver Russell is the founder of Marsh Roots Seafood, a retail market in Lynchburg, VA, selling fresh seafood from the coasts of North Carolina and Virginia, which are a four-hour drive away.His story was the spark of inspiration to create this entire podcast. What caught my eye was (a) he is selling fresh seafood so far from the coast in a mountain town where his business is a unicorn, and (b) it took the support of the community to make it a sustainable success, turning it from a fluke into a fixture.We talk about unhelpful guidance counselors, homesteading, the genius of Joel Salatin and Polyface Farm, Oliver's connection with the National Geographic show Wicked Tuna, and the power of learning a trade and practical skills.Enjoy the show!Marsh Roots Seafood websiteMarsh Roots on InstagramMarsh Roots on Facebook----- 👇❤️If you believe that inspiring stories like this can empower others to create meaningful lives and impact the world, join the Small Town Secret Sauce Patreon Community and become an ambassador for possibility.Additional links can be found in the Show Notes for this episode.
April 4, 2024Episode 940 min
Ep. 9 Ken Arpino, Executive Director of Wolfbane Productions
#9: Ken Arpino is the Executive Director of Wolfbane Productions, an incredibly talented, wickedly entertaining theatre company located in the tiny town of Appomattox, VA. Wolfbane brings big-time Broadway-quality programs to the small stage, and they do so in their own unique, quirky way.What began as a school project in the summer of 2008 by Ken’s husband, Dustin Williams (the founding Artistic Director), has grown from seasonal theatre in the woods (not kidding) to year-round productions in Appomattox and Lynchburg, VA, and they continue to grow and evolve.I was already a big fan the moment I discovered this group from afar, and I became a SUPER fan when I saw my first performance. Sitting down to chat with Ken about his theatrical journey and the story of Wolfbane Productions was an incredible treat, and I hope you enjoy it, too!Wolfbane Productions WebsiteWolfbane on InstagramWolfbane on FacebookKen Arpino on InstagramDustin Williams on InstagramAdditional links can be found in the Show Notes for this episode.
April 11, 2024Episode 101 hr 11 min
Ep. 10 Ashley Kershner, Downtown Lynchburg Association's Executive Director
#10 Many locals I've spoken with credit Ashely Kershner as instrumental in turning around downtown Lynchburg, VA, since her arrival in 2016 as the Downtown Lynchburg Association (DLA) Executive Director. This non-profit group has been working "as the champion for downtown revitalization for 25 years," and with Ashley's vision, tenacity, endless drive, and commitment to community, the rubber has really been hitting the road, and the future is bright.Ashley is deeply passionate about Lynchburg as a whole and sees the downtown as a vehicle to improve the quality of life for everyone here. Beyond creating and hosting amazing community events such as Bright Nights Festival, Movies in the Park, Fireworks on the Riverfront, and many more, Ashley knows how important a beautiful, vibrant downtown is to the large local employers that compete with big cities for young talent.As a new local in Lynchburg, I am excited to see what’s next for the downtown area, especially after my conversation with Ashley. Hearing the story of her early days as Executive Director and her exciting vision for the future, I am so glad my wife and I moved here. There’s so much potential that it’s ridiculous, and more and more sharp, driven folks are starting to take advantage.Downtown Lynchburg Association WebsiteDowntown Lynchburg Association on InstagramDowntown Lynchburg Association on FacebookAdditional notes can be found in the Show Notes for this episode.
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