The Stories of the Upstate

The first time we do something often leaves us with indelible memories. For Meredith Rigdon, her first half Ironman is just such a thing.

On this episode, we ride bikes. Check out the founder of Narrative Strategic Communications and women's advocate for Trek Bicycles, Meredith RIdgon's story complete with writing stories about all the animals on the farm when she was a kid; being a complete nerd in high school; watching The Cosby Show; listening to Toby Mack; loving cycling and having a passion to get women involved in cycling.

A kid steals a candy bar, Dad makes him take it back and the store owner deals out some unique and funny punishment.

On this episode we check the local small business scene. Check out Greenville's Locally Epic CEO, Chase Michaels'story complete with growing up in a town of 210 people; being a bit of prankster as a teen; watching Bonanza; listening to Bruno Mars; loving dancing and having a passion for local business.

Once a month, 3 to 6 local singer songwriters walk into a secret location in downtown Greenville. They only bring their guitars, their stories and their original songs. They play an entire free concert. We record it and play it back for you on-demand 24/7 beginning the second Wednesday every month. We call it "The Downtown Jam™" and it's another way to thank you for listening and subscribing to "The Stories of the Upstate™ #gvlmusic

Older brothers can be protective, guiding and helpful, but they can also be a bit mischievous and prankster, something Elizabeth LaFleur shares with us in her bonus story.

On this episode, we read the newspaper. Check out Greenville News reporter and column writer, Elizabeth LaFleur's story complete with a childhood full of reading and sports; working in television, watching Family Matters; listening to Paul Simon; loving Eastatoe Falls and having a passion for reading.

When someone we love passes and we have to go through the possessions they leave behind, sometimes we find unexpected treasures, as Matt Kay discovered.

On this episode we listen to some great music. Chech out Greenville singer-songwriter and guitarist for The Hustle, Matt Kay's story complete with being a mean kid, listening to country music growing up; watching Batman; listening to Prince; loving hiking and having a passion for getting music lessons to low income kids.

A dampfnudle is not supposed to gritty, but sometimes things happen or at least that's how SC State Representative Dan Hamilton tells the story.

On this episode, we sell a few houses. Check out Keller Williams realtor and SC state representative, Dan Hamilton's story complete with flying all over thanks to his commercial pilot dad; being a class clown; watching He-Man and The Smurf; listening to Hootie and the Blowfish; selling real estate; loving Paris Mountain State Park and having a passion for real estate.

Absentmindedness can lead to legal trouble or so Stephen Grant found out.

On this episode, we focus on helping teens with addictions. Check out the founder of the Chris and Kelly's Hope Foundation, Stephen Grant's story complete with growing up in Paramus, NJ; watching The Pro Bowling Tour; being a high school baseball player listening to the Eagles; loving the Swamp Rabbit Trail and having a passion for helping adolescents struggling with addiction and mental illness.

Once a month, 3 to 6 local singer songwriters walk into a secret location in downtown Greenville. They only bring their guitars, their stories and their original songs. They play an entire free concert. We record it and play it back for you on-demand 24/7 beginning the second Wednesday every month. We call it "The Downtown Jam™" and it's another way to thank you for listening and subscribing to "The Stories of the Upstate™ #gvlmusic

Amorous animals can be funny and a bit scary and Brittany Vanover tells us about her experience with an amorous big bird.