Emerald Coast Essentials

Step into the vibrant world of Gia, the talented photographer behind Iris Photographer, as she shares her inspiring journey of balancing motherhood, entrepreneurship, and a passion for photography. With six children and a bustling career, Gia's story is one of resilience, creativity, and unwavering dedication.

Originally from Asuncion, Paraguay, Gia has called the Emerald Coast home since 2014, where she has cultivate...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Ashli-Jean, the compassionate social worker and clinical/designer brain behind The Self-Care Bitches or The Self-Care Bee's. Discover how Ashli-Jean's journey from Norman, Oklahoma, to the Emerald Coast has fueled her passion for helping others through the transformative power of neuroscience and art.

As a dedicated mother of two and a licensed clinical social worker, Ashli-Jean i...

Join us for an insightful conversation with Kass, a dedicated member of the USAF reserves, a physical therapist, college professor, and the visionary behind MaxStrength Fitness. Discover how Kass's passion for health and fitness led her to create a unique gym experience designed to accommodate busy lifestyles and promote optimal well-being.

MaxStrength Fitness is not your typical gym—it operates on an appointment-only basis, of...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Ashlee Olbricht (Leppert), author of "The Hurricane Within," as she shares her remarkable journey from her time in the Coast Guard to becoming an inspirational speaker, empowerment life coach, and advocate for personal transformation.

Hailing from the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan, Ashlee's path took a profound turn when she was diagnosed with a life-altering conditi...

Embark on a luxurious voyage with Larry, the Founder and CEO of Parrot Head Yachts, LLC, as he shares the captivating story behind this family-owned luxury yacht tour company based in Destin, Florida. Join us for an exclusive glimpse into Larry's world of exquisite experiences and unparalleled customer service.

Originally hailing from extreme Southern Illinois, Larry's entrepreneurial spirit and passion for the sea led him...

Join us for an enlightening episode of "The Emerald Coast Essentials" as we sit down with Clair Norden, the passionate Assistant Director at 4-H Camp Timpoochee. Clair's unwavering dedication to marine science education and youth development shines through as she shares her inspiring journey and vision for the future.

Hailing from Gainesville, FL, Clair brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to her role at Camp T...

In this energizing episode of "The Emerald Coast Essentials," we sit down with the dynamic Sasha Lopez, the entrepreneurial force behind Rise N Ride Club. Sasha walks us through her incredible journey, from growing up in the vibrant city of Los Angeles to her time in the military, and ultimately, her passion-fueled entry into the fitness and business realm.

As the proud owner of three fitness studios and the latest venture...

In this captivating episode of "The Emerald Coast Essentials," Courtnie Gillette, the driving force behind the scenes with Micah and his real estate business at LPT Realty, takes center stage to share a thrilling lineup of events designed to weave stronger community bonds throughout 2024. As the creative mind behind "Gillette Family Estates," Courtnie dives into the details of the past and upcoming events that a...

Step into the realm of holistic wellness with Dr. Taelor Viviano, affectionately known as Daya, in this episode of "The Emerald Coast Essentials." As a Holistic Chiropractor at Emerald Waves Chiropractic Center, Daya shares her fascinating journey from Upstate NY to the vibrant Emerald Coast, bringing a unique blend of artistry and healing to the community.

Delve into Daya's rich background, growing up with a large an...

Embark on a journey through the vibrant landscape of Destin, Florida, with the owners of Grand Welcome, a rising star in short-term property management. In this episode of "The Emerald Coast Essentials," meet Kumar Raju, the proud owner, and operator, and Ian Vogt, the dedicated Assistant General Manager, both passionate about delivering exceptional hospitality experiences.

Kumar, with decades of experience, combines a lov...

Join us on "The Emerald Coast Essentials" as we delve into the extraordinary world of Dan Anderson, better known as "Dan in the Sand." A native of Otsego, Michigan, Dan is not your typical sandcastle builder—he's a purveyor of joy, community, and giving back. In this captivating episode, we explore his passion for spreading happiness through the ephemeral art of sandcastles.

From riding BMX bikes and snow sk...

Dive deep into the world of insurance complexities with Brandon Lewis, your local State Farm Insurance Agent, in this episode of "The Emerald Coast Essentials." Raised along the Gulf Coast of Mississippi, Brandon brings a unique perspective to the table, emphasizing his passion for helping people comprehend the often intricate landscape of insurance.

Our conversation unfolds Brandon's journey— Boating, fishing, and su...

Embark on a captivating journey with Tiffany, a self-described Military Brat whose life story unfolds from the shores of Japan to the vineyards of Napa Valley, ultimately leading her to the vibrant community of the Emerald Coast. In this episode, Tiffany shares the intricacies of her unique upbringing, growing up in a blended family with nine siblings, and the unexpected turns that guided her to the military-focused role she occupi...

Embark on a captivating journey with our guest, Rachael Lyons, Co-Owner of Sage Hydration IV Therapy and lead lactation counselor at Sage Wellness Co. In this extended conversation, Rachael shares insights into her life, beginning with growing up in the vibrant state of Florida. Having spent most of her life on the Emerald Coast, Rachael is deeply connected to the community.

A passionate advocate for wellness, Rachael details her ro...

In this engaging episode, we sat down with Mariah Boyer, who shared her journey from the Appalachian mountains of Stanley, VA, to the serene landscapes of the Emerald Coast. A therapist by profession, Mariah delved into her passion for helping people heal through trauma-informed therapy and the fulfillment she finds in raising her three energetic boys. As the owner of a virtual private practice, she discussed her plans for expandin...

Prepare for an engaging and expansive journey as we delve into a myriad of captivating topics. Our extensive conversation commences with a deep dive into the transformative realm of artificial intelligence, exploring its profound impacts on industries and the ethical considerations that accompany its rapid evolution. But that's just the beginning.

We swiftly transition into the crucial domain of environmental concerns, tho...

In this episode of "The Emerald Coast Essentials," we're about to embark on a mouthwatering journey with the remarkable Holly Martin, the owner, and operator of Cheesus Food Truck. Holly's story is a testament to resilience, passion, and the indomitable spirit of the Emerald Coast.

Holly, who hails from the sunny streets of Mesa, Arizona, carries the sunny disposition of her hometown with her. Growing up with two...

In this episode, we tune in to the melodic life of Jason McPhail, an emerging musician whose passion for creating soul-stirring tunes is at the heart of his story. Hailing from the rural landscapes of Oklahoma, Jason shares his life's notes, from his family to his unwavering love for music.

Jason's life and  long-term relationships forms the backdrop of his harmonious world. As a full-time singer/songwriter, he's maki...

In this episode, we dive into the life and passions of Nikki Via, the visionary owner of Artesano Boutique and a lifelong resident of the beautiful Emerald Coast. We explore Nikki's coastal upbringing, her creative spirit, and her 18 years of marriage, which have brought her two wonderful kids, Miles and Ari. Nikki's enthusiasm for creating, spending quality time with family, and embracing the great outdoors shines throug...