Jo Kelley on Black Seacoast Culture & Downtown Portsmouth's Problems. Plus, Jay Collins on Building the Country's Greatest Gym & Alyssa Pine Talks Entrepreneurship (LIVE!)

*This episode is presented by ⁠Blue Water Mortgage⁠ in Hampton, N.H.

**We're also brought to you by ⁠Portsmouth Paddle Co.⁠ and ⁠Seavasana⁠! Get 15% off one all-levels SUP Yoga class AND 15% off a guided tour with code SUPSTORIES15. Book any class this summer before June 30 to take advantage of this special offer!

In front of a SOLD-OUT live audience at The Word Barn in Exeter, N.H., it's the official kickoff of Season 3 of "Seacoast Stories!"

In this episode, host Troy Farkas begins the show by reading an emotional message sent in by a listener of the show (00:00).

After that, Flight House Gym owner Jay Collins talks about Flight House's ambitious plans for expansion into Boston, why strength training is the key to the fountain of youth, and he also dishes out some advice for a young entrepreneur in the audience (11:45).

Then, WOKQ's Kira Lew hosts "Seacoast Trivia" with three audience members, who answer questions about Seacoast food, Seacoast history, and Seacoast summer. The winner gets awarded FREE BEER FOR A YEAR from Loaded Question Brewing! (40:10)

After that, serial entrepreneur Alyssa Pine talks about the impact of her father, Shane Pine, on her life and work ethic. She also discusses the crazy behind-the-scenes story of the Live Freely Market, what makes this Hampton destination so special, and how to GO FOR IT (01:06:00).

And in the main event, Portsmouth assistant mayor and Cup of Joe owner Jo Kelley talks about starting a coffee business (despite hating coffee). Then, she talks about why it's so important to treat your employees well before they transition to a Juneteenth-themed discussion about the state of Black culture on the Seacoast and how white people can help. They also talk about Jo's possible plans for running for U.S. Congress (01:35:34).

To conclude the show, Troy announces some exciting personal news (02:20:50).

Special thanks to The Word Barn, videographer Nick Eaton, photographers Lindsey Watson and Maddie Brandon, scorekeeper Stephanie Paolini, musician Jeff Line, engineer Stephanie Kee, and assistant Kate Lamie.

Additional thanks to Reedmor Books 'N Brews, Flamingos Coffee Bar, Loaded Question Brewing, The Living Room at Stages, and Ankati Day for supplying prizes.