Welcome to "The Fiber" podcast, brought to you by LiveOak Fiber. Join us as we dive into the exciting world of the telecom industry, exploring the cutting-edge realm of fiber optic technology. Each episode will feature knowledgeable guests, industry experts, telecom enthusiasts engaging in insightful conversations and thought-provoking discussions. We'll also welcome guests from the communities we serve to weigh in and be a part our impact and growth. From industry trends and innovations to in-depth explorations of fiber optic networks, "The Fiber" podcast is your go-to resource for all things telecom. Tune in and join the conversation as we unravel the intricacies of this ever-evolving industry.
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38 recent
June 1, 20261 hr 0 min
Inside the Newsroom: Ethics, Storytelling, and Local Journalism with Christopher Saul
In this episode, we sit down with Christopher Saul, publisher of Mid Bay News, for a behind-the-scenes look at local journalism on the Emerald Coast. Chris shares insights into the stories he’s covered, how he determines what’s newsworthy, and the ethical considerations that guide his reporting. From breaking news to responsible storytelling, this conversation dives into what it really means to serve a community through journalism.
May 6, 202643 min
A Conversation with LiveOak Fiber's First Customer | The Fiber
In this episode of The Fiber, Garret O’Leary sits down with a very special guest—LiveOak Fiber’s first-ever customer… his brother, Sean O’Leary.While it might sound planned, it actually came down to timing. Because of where LiveOak’s fiber network construction began and when service first became available, Sean’s home was among the first eligible for installation—making him the very first customer to sign up.In this conversation, we cover:What it was like being LiveOak Fiber’s first customerThe early experience of getting fiber internet installedSean's Musical past Sean’s work as a real estate investor on the Emerald CoastWhether you’re curious about fiber internet, building a network from the ground up, or real estate along the Emerald Coast, this episode has a little bit of everything.🎧 Listen to The Fiber on:Apple Podcasts & Spotify
April 1, 202647 min
The Secrets to Great Texas Style Barbecue with Jim Wells | The Fiber Podcast
In this episode of the Fiber Podcast, Garret sits down with Jim Wells, owner of Papa's Smokehouse in Niceville Florida. Jim talks Garret through what motivated him to start Papa's Smokehouse, what makes the food they serve so delicious, why he loves the local community, and why he loves serving them.
March 12, 202654 min
How Former PGA Tour Pro Rob Strano Helps Golfers Improve Their Game | The Fiber Podcast
In this episode of The Fiber Podcast, Garret O’Leary sits down with Rob Strano, former professional golfer and owner of Strano Golf in Niceville, Florida.Rob spent 18 years competing professionally, including time on the PGA Tour and other professional tours, before transitioning into coaching and player development. Today, he runs Strano Golf, a premier golf academy where players of all skill levels work to improve their game using advanced golf simulators and modern training technology.During the conversation, Rob shares stories from his professional golf career, what it was like competing at the highest levels of the game, and how those experiences shape the way he now coaches players.Garret and Rob also discuss: • Rob’s journey through professional golf • The transition from touring professional to coach • How technology is changing the way golfers train • What players of all skill levels can do to improve their gameIf you're a golf fan or someone looking to improve your game, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.🎧 Listen to The Fiber Podcast: YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify📍 Strano Golf – Niceville, Florida
February 10, 202639 min
Meet Raynette Palmer | How LiveOak Fiber Engages the Savannah Community
In this episode of The Fiber Podcast, we’re introducing you to Raynette Palmer, LiveOak Fiber’s Community Engagement Manager for the Savannah market.Raynette shares her background, what community engagement really looks like day-to-day, and how LiveOak Fiber is connecting with local organizations, businesses, and neighborhoods throughout Savannah.From showing up at local events to building meaningful partnerships, this conversation gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how we’re working to be more than just an internet provider — we’re aiming to be an active part of the communities we serve.If you live in the Savannah area or want to learn how LiveOak Fiber engages locally, this episode is for you.🎧 Listen to The Fiber Podcast: YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify📍 Serving Savannah and surrounding communities👉 Learn more about LiveOak Fiber: [link]
January 2, 202652 min
The Fiber: Reflecting on 2025 & What’s Coming for LiveOak in 2026
On this episode of The Fiber, Garret O’Leary sits down with Steve Smith, Chief Revenue Officer at LiveOak Fiber, for a candid conversation to close out 2025 and kick off 2026 with momentum.We break down:💡 What LiveOak learned as a company in 2025🚀 What customers and communities can look forward to in 2026📍 How we’re planning for growth across our markets🍽️ And yes… we definitely talk food (because how could we not?)Whether you're a customer, community partner, or just love keeping up with the fiber internet world, this episode is the perfect way to get a look behind the scenes at LiveOak Fiber.📌 Watch now to hear what’s coming next for high-speed fiber internet in the Southeast!👇 Subscribe for more episodes of The Fiber
December 2, 202550 min
The Fiber Podcast: David Schmidt on Fort Walton Beach Growth & City Projects
In this episode of The Fiber, hosts Garret O’Leary and Steve Smith sit down with David Schmidt, Business Manager at BluePoint Financial and Fort Walton Beach City Council Member.David shares insight into the ongoing projects shaping Fort Walton Beach, how local leadership is driving growth, and what’s ahead for the city. He also talks about balancing his professional career with public service and the importance of community involvement in local progress.Tune in for an inside look at the developments transforming Fort Walton Beach and the people making it happen.
November 4, 202553 min
The Fiber Podcast: Jennifer Conoley on Economic Growth Across Florida’s Great Northwest
In this episode of The Fiber, hosts Garret O’Leary and Steve Smith sit down with Jennifer Conoley, President and CEO of Florida’s Great Northwest, to talk about economic development across the Florida Panhandle.Jennifer shares insights into how the organization drives growth, attracts new businesses, and supports the communities that make up Northwest Florida. From workforce development and infrastructure investment to regional collaboration and innovation, this conversation dives deep into what makes the Panhandle a thriving place to live and work.Tune in to learn how Florida’s Great Northwest is shaping the future of the region—one opportunity at a time.
September 30, 202556 min
Building Bold Brands: LiveOak Fiber x Beach Weekend | Nicotine & Jetfuel
In this episode, we sit down with Jayme Nabors and Brett Divine, hosts of Nicotine & Jetfuel and founders of Beach Weekend, for a high-energy conversation about building brands, fueling growth, and standing out in competitive industries.We cover: ⚡ The story of LiveOak Fiber — how we got started and what sets us apart from the competition ⚡ Building a brand people actually connect with ⚡ Jayme & Brett’s journey with Beach Weekend — how it started, what they’ve learned, and where it’s headed next ⚡ The entrepreneurial mindset it takes to grow in today’s marketIf you’re an entrepreneur, business leader, or just someone who loves hearing the behind-the-scenes of building brands, this one’s for you.🔔 Subscribe to Nicotine & Jetfuel: https://www.nicotineandjetfuel.com/ 📺 Watch more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@nicandjetfuel—About Nicotine & Jetfuel Nicotine & Jetfuel is the podcast for entrepreneurs who want more than just a business — they want a brand people believe in. Hosted by two friends, founders, and family men, the show blends unfiltered business lessons with stories from launching brands, chasing freedom, and failing forward.No fluff. No formulas. Just the fuel you need to build bold.
August 19, 202554 min
The Fiber: Nick Palumbo on Savannah’s Startup Scene & Entrepreneur Support
In this episode of The Fiber, hosts Garret O’Leary and Steve Smith talk with Nick Palumbo, Savannah City Council member and Executive Director of Start Up Savannah.We dive into Savannah’s thriving startup culture, why it’s an ideal city for launching a business, and the resources available to help entrepreneurs turn ideas into reality. Nick shares his insights on what it takes to succeed as an entrepreneur, the role Start Up Savannah plays in supporting local innovators, and how the city fosters growth for new businesses.If you’re an entrepreneur, small business owner, or just curious about Savannah’s business landscape, this conversation is packed with valuable takeaways.
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