Explore every episode of the podcast The Upstate Trail Talks

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin is joined by City Council candidate for the at-large seat, Matt Alexander. With his campaign in full swing, Matt takes some time to share his story of coming to Greenville via Furman, flying Blackhawk helicopters for the Army National Guard, and why he believes he will make a great representative for city council.

Sponsor: Indie Craft Parade https://www.indiecraftparade.com/

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin chats with Architect and founder of Creative Founder Design Studio, Jared Moore. Jared talks about how he's been designing housing from a young age, why he almost went to school for yacht design and how his unique process for designs helps his clients buuild their dream home.

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin is joined by Dani Mathews to talk all foodie-related things plus her new business! You may know her as @healthyishdani on social media where she shares her favorite recipes and places to go in the Upstate, but Dani also launched Best Best Media where she helps her clients in the food & bev industry grow their audience.

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin goes "off-roading" with XTERRA triathlete, Steve Croucher! Steve shares how his love for swimming and the outdoors eventually led him to add running and biking into the mix and compete in the off road sport.

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin is joined but writer, editor, and owner of Travelers Rest Here: Lacey Keigley! Which is perfect timing because Lacey also works with the TR Farmers Market, who just celebrated their 10th annual Tomato Sandwich Taste Off event last weekend. Join us for one delicious episode about everyone's favorite town north of Greenville.

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin is joined by the owner and CEO of Herlong Sotheby's International Realty herself, Joan Herlong! Joan invited Griffin out to walk the grounds of one of her beautiful real estate listings while she shares what brought her to the Upstate, building her real estate business, and watch Greenville "grow up" alongside her own family.

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin joins in on the hot conversation of affordable housing here in the Upstate abd luckily, he's joined by CEO of Affordable Upstate, Mario Brown. Affordable Upstate invests in and maintains naturally affordbale occurring housing in the area and Mario shares his story and how he hopes his business is impacting this issue!

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin in joined but the internet-famous, banjo man himself, Paul Hinton. Paul shares his love for the instrument and how he found himself going viral after making funny videos and sharing them online - and why he continues to do so in order to bring joy to others!

Sponsor: Listeners get 15% off you stay at WYLDSTAY Greenville using code TRAIL! https://www.wyldstaygreenvillesc.com/

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, we are talking all things safety, what to do in the case of a collision on the trail, and how to best prevent them! Griffin is joined by Alex Stalvey, a partner at a GVL lawfirm with experience of personal injury cases involving accidents on the trail. We hope you never need this advice but definitely want you to hear it!

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin chats with Bishop Scott, CEO of Scout Mechanical, a new mechanical, electrical, plumbing company formed from succesful, longtime, local trades businesses here in the Upstate.

This week's sponsor is WYLDSTAY Greenvile at Serenity Lake Farm: Book your stay with 15% off with code TRAIL. https://www.wyldstaygreenvillesc.com/

Join our newsletter: https://theupstatetrailtalks.com/

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin joins Jack Bacot to hear all about his successful career creating and building magazines for wide range of clients before starting on this new adventure - Greenville Sports Foundation, an organization hoping to create and manage annual sporting events in the Upstate that drives economic development.

This week's sponsor is WYLDSTAY Greenvile at Serenity Lake Farm: Book your stay with 15% off with code TRAIL. https://www.wyldstaygreenvillesc.com/

Join our newsletter: https://theupstatetrailtalks.com/

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, we celebrate Episode 100 with Mayor of the City of Greenville, Knox White! Griffin and Mayor White walk and talk their way through his GVL roots, what inspired him to run for local office, and the story behind projects like Unity Park and the Swamp Rabbit Trail.

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, "we are all smiles" as we chat with Dr. Katie Pizzo about her new orthodontics practice! Dr. Katie shares her story of starting her own practice that focuses on creating a connection with her clients and transforming smiles that boost confidence. Take a listen!

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin strolls through Unity Park with Brice Smith, co-founder of Poe Mill Music - a new space for veteran and emerging musicians alike with recording studios, practice rooms, and a live music venue. Brice shares his vision for what Poe Mill Music can be for young musicians in the area and how a Nashville designer helped create this unique space.

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin strolls through downtown with Marion Crawford, CEO of her own full service marketing firm, Crawford. Marion shares her story of growing up here, her path to starting her own business, and her passion for making the Upstate an amazing place to be!

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin chats with Carey Ann Campbell, CEO of Southern Tide in their new HQ located just steps away from the Swamp Rabbit Trail! Carey Ann shares her story of working in the retail/apparel industry and why coming to Southern Tide and The Upstate checked all her boxes.

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin learns a wonderful lesson from Gail DePriest, professor at Clemson's MBA program and entrepreneur/executive coach! Gail talks about using her skill set to help her students see the creativity in their work and help guide them on the next chapter of their career.

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin is joined by Theresa Gevaert, co-founder of Incora Health, a health technology company focused on develeoping wearbables specifically for women! Theresa shares what brought her here to the Upstate, how the idea of Incora Health's earrings started, and what they hope to accomplish in the field of women's health.

Check out their website - https://incorahealth.com/

Ways to get involved: 

1. Join the Incora Community.
   Anyone interested in early access to the Incora earrings can sign up at IncoraHealth.com. A simple email address unlocks behind‑the‑scenes updates, health and wellness content, and launch‑day perks.
2. Volunteer for Our Next Clinical Study.
   This week theyre’re opening enrollment for the next phase of their research study with the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville. Prospective participants can submit an inquiry directly on their website.

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin attempts a tall task of interviewing a journalist! Executive Editor for TOWN Magazine, Leigh Savage, hits the trail with us to discuss her time with the magazine covering the Upstate's favorite businesses from restaurants, to the arts, to travel, and fashion.

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This week's sponsor is Wimp Decaf Coffee Company! Listeners get 10% their first order with promocode TRAILTALKS at wimpdecaf.com. Check it out!

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin is joined by local writer, owner of a legendary music venue, and most recently, playwright of the new musical comedy, "Waiting For You," John Jeter! Tune in to hear more about his time owning The Handlebar and more about the new musical debuting this upcoming weekend April 11th-13th at the Chapman Cultural Center in Spartanburg!

This week's sponsor is Wimp Decaf Coffee Company! Listeners get 10% their first order with promocode TRAILTALKS at wimpdecaf.com. Check it out!

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin is joined by Bonnie Papajohn, a certified health and nutrition coach who helps clients work towards and overall healthy lifestyle. Bonnie shares about launching her new business and what her time in the Upstate has been like over the years.

This week's sponsor is Wimp Decaf Coffee Company! Listeners get 10% their first order with promocode TRAILTALKS at wimpdecaf.com. Check it out!

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin hits the trail with the owners of Greenville's newest running apparel comany - Greenville Uptempo Sports aka "GUTS" - Nick and Kristine Dibos! The husband and wife duo share their story of how they moved to the Upstate all the way from Oregon, becoming so passionate about this community so quickly, they started this business to not only celebrate it, but to give back as well.

This week's sponsor is Wimp Decaf Coffee Company! Listeners get 10% their first order with promocode TRAILTALKS at wimpdecaf.com. Check it out!

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin walks and talks with City Council Candidate Tina Belge has she launches her campaign for the election this November! Tina shares her story about falling in love with the Upstate visiting as a kid to now her involvement and passion for local government. Take a listen to hear what she hopes to accomplish if elected!

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin hits the trail with the CEO of Encompass Health, local author, (and fellow Pittsburgher) Joshua Trout! Joshua's personal story, as well as his experience with Emcompass Health, shaped his unique outlook on what leadership should look like, and inspired his recently published book, "Transformative Leadership."

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin is joined by another Greenville native and maker of high quality, handmade bags, Amy Burka, owner of Hey Amy! She shares her story of multiple career changes that ended up with her starting her own business sewing fashionable, durable bags for all the Upstate to enjoy.

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin is joined by Amy Thomas, real estate agent and Greenville native! Amy shares her love for her hometown and how she loves making the Upstate other people's new hometown too!

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin is joined by Dr. Atticus Mabry, founder and director of Oasis Animal Hospital. Atticus grew up right here in Greenville, attended Clemson University and then later Univeristy of Georgia for veterinary school, eventually leading him to start his own practice here back in the Upstate - where the combination of being a family vet practice with an emergency component really set Oasis apart.

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin is joined by Max Stewart, who is the CEO of the Greenville Area Development Corporation. Max shares what he and GADC look for when bringing in new businesses and helping current ones expand in Greenville County in hopes they are a good fit and bring value to our community.

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin hits the trail with Greenville native and owner of Scoundrel, Chef Joe Cash! Chef Joe recounts his early days in the food industry here in the Upstate before taking on some of the emost acclaimed restaurants in NYC and abroad until he decided it was time to come home to make something his own.

This week on The Upstate Trail Talk, Griffin gets a tour from Executive Director, Kay Roper, and boardmember, Michael McCullough, of Cancer Survivors Park. The two share the history of the park and why its a place of hope and healing to some many of those here in the Upstate.

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin is joined by CEO and Head of Creative at FUEL branding agency, Mary Church Cornette. Mary shares what her experience was like sharpening her skills in the branding industry during her time in LA and New York City before bringing her talents here to the Upstate. FUEL has helped build up some of the most well known brands here in the Upstate!

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin is introduced to what the decaf life is like by Matthew Smith, owner of Wimp Decaf Coffee Co. Matthew shares why he has embarked on this journey to bring high quality decaf coffee to the world!

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin gets the chance to chat with the former Executive VP of the Greenville Drive! Nate Lipscomb shares his story about bringing the team here to Greenville along with some of his favorite memories over the year. Go Drive!

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin is joined by Mary McGowan (BikeWalkGVL) and Sam Davis (Upstat Greenways and Trails Alliance) to talk about the amazing clean up effort of the Swamp Rabbit Trail after Hurricane Helene. Plus some insight on some other trail projects!

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin is joined by founder of Vessel Magazine, Blair Knobel. As a native to the Upstate, Blair shares her unique experience of growing up here, moving to New York to work on her publishing craft, only to answer her calling to come back home. Blair worked for a decade as editor in chief for TOWN Magazine before starting her new venture of VSSL.

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin hits the trail with Kate Gaffney, founder of Avryn Co. Kate shares her story of how making a leather wristlet out of necessity turned into launching her own business that hand crafts these products right here in Greenville!

Sponsor: WYLDSTAY Greenville. https://www.wyldstaygreenvillesc.com/
Enter promo code TRAILTALKS for 15% your stay!

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin is joined by the amazing duo behind Jianna - Chef Michael Kramer and GM Andrea Royko. New to the show, Andrea shares a bit about her story and then the pair dive into the making of the new Jianna Cookbook! Available now!

Jianna Cookbook: https://c7b93c-86.myshopify.com/products/jianna-cookbook

Sponsor: WYLDSTAY Greenville. https://www.wyldstaygreenvillesc.com/
Enter promo code TRAILTALKS for 15% your stay!

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin is joined by local writer, Abby Moore Keith! Abby shares what led her to be a writer as well as what led her to the Upstate.

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin is joined by GVL County's Stormwater Programs Coordinator and GVL native, Abbi Greer! Abbi shares a bit about her time growing up here as well as what we can do as residents to help conserve The Upstate's wonderful natural resources!

DISCLAIMER: This interview was recorded prior Hurricane Helene - otherwise we would've had a lot more questions for our expert!

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin is joined by local photographer whose work captures a unique side of the Greenville community - Zach Suggs! Zach's recent work focused on capturing the history and personalities that make up the Greenville skateboarding community at the Poe Mill Skatepark. He's also been a representative of that community working with the city on the new public skatepark that was just approved recently.

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin is joined by Daneen Schatzle with Loaves and Fishes, a food rescue organization that aims to reduce hunger and food waste here in Greenville County! Join us to hear all about this incredible non-profit and how you can get involved!

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, The Donleys head to Serenity Lake Farm to check out the new WYLDSTAY Greenville site - a glamping resort located in Fountain Inn! The new campsite is a beautiful little spot in the Upstate where people can fish, swim, have a bonfire, spend time with the highland cows...and not have to even set up a tent!

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin is joined by Sully - as in Steamers! Robert Sullivan shares about his journey to the Upstate and starting his delicious sandwich shop which can now be found in towns throughout the Southeast!

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin is joined by Greenville native and local author, Andrea Beam! Andrea discusses her new book, "Tyler Goes to School" as well as what it was like growing up here in the Upstate!

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin is joined by the creative husband and wife duo that make up Victory Garden Studio: Jesse and Carissa Bowser! They share what its like working on designs, illustrations, and murals as a team as well as talk about their new children's book they published recently: Adventure Through the Alphabet.

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, we have a very exciting double interview for you - Griffin hits the trail with Khailing Neoh, owner of Sum Bar, and Greg Ward, owner of Bridge City Coffee. We get to hear each of their stories of starting their businesses here in Greenville and how they strive for much, much more than simply running a restaurant and coffee shop, and how they hope to have an impact here in the Upstate.

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin is back up in Travelers Rest to hear all about the trailside boutique hotel, The Station, from founder Brice Bay! Brice shares his vision for the hotels future on the trail and gives a little insight into what he was up to before founding The Station.

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, City Coucilwoman Dorothy Dowe is BACK! This time, to fill us in on all the exciting projects the City of Greenville is working on after passing this year's budget! Tune in to hear about affordable housing, neighborhood projects, and other exciting updates.

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, Griffin chats with the owner of one of Greenville's landmark businesses: June Wilcox, owner of M. Judson Booksellers. She talks about what is what like growing up here in the Upstate and how everyone's favorite bookstore came to be.

This week on The Upstate Trail Talks, we are walking and talking with a cup of coffee! Griffin hits the trail with Daydrinkers co-owner, Katie Capelli, to hear how a spur of the moment suggestion of "Let's start a coffee shop!" to her best friend, turned into one of Greenville's favorite coffee spots in a matter of months!