About the Guest:

Brenda Mock Brown is the head women's basketball coach at East Tennessee State University (ETSU), entering her third season in this role. Coach Brown has an extensive career in collegiate basketball, having served as both an assistant and head coach at various institutions, including Georgia Tech and UNC Asheville. She boasts a background as a former professional basketball player in France and holds a master's degree in education. Brenda's coaching philosophy is grounded in strong relationship-building and player development, focusing on both athletic and personal growth for her team members.

Episode Summary:

In this engaging episode of the Johnson City Living podcast, host Colin Johnson welcomes Coach Brenda Mock Brown, the vibrant head coach of the ETSU women's basketball team. As they dive into the world of collegiate women's basketball, Brenda shares insights into her coaching journey, her experience playing professionally in France, and the dynamic changes in college athletics, including the impact of the NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) regulations. Through a mix of humor and heartfelt stories, the discussion explores the challenges and rewards of building a competitive basketball team at ETSU, set against the backdrop of the charming Johnson City community.

Coach Brenda delves into her upbringing in Waynesville, NC, and her academic and athletic journey through Wake Forest University, which eventually led her to a fulfilling coaching career. This episode is rich with valuable SEO keywords like "ETSU women's basketball," "NIL regulations," and "college sports culture," encapsulating Brenda's holistic approach to coaching both on and off the court. Listeners are invited to learn more about the unique aspects of the ETSU women's basketball program, including the engaging atmosphere at Brooks Gym and upcoming events and camps designed to foster young athletes' passion for the sport.

Key Takeaways:

• Brenda Mock Brown highlights the significance of developing strong relationships with her players, fostering a supportive and transformative basketball program at ETSU.
• The podcast discusses the evolving landscape of college athletics with the increasing influence of NIL regulations and the NCAA transfer portal.
• Brenda emphasizes the importance of community support, inviting residents to attend women's basketball games to experience the excitement and teamwork firsthand.
• The episode showcases the diverse academic and extracurricular offerings at East Tennessee State University, aiming to attract prospective students and athletes.
• Insights into Coach Brown's personal journey reveal the importance of adaptability, faith, and perseverance in navigating the complex world of collegiate sports.

Notable Quotes:

• "I believe we can win. I believe in this team." – Brenda Mock Brown
• "Coaching is about results through relationships." – Brenda Mock Brown
• "I don't want to be something our student-athletes have to overcome." – Brenda Mock Brown
• "The Lord's hand was on my life, even when I wasn't asking." – Brenda Mock Brown
• "It's not the role; it's how you do the role." – Brenda Mock Brown

Resources:

• ETSU Athletics: ETSU Athletics Official Website
• Follow ETSU Women's Basketball on social media for updates, game schedules, and behind-the-scenes content.

Don't miss this episode that offers a genuine glimpse into the compelling world of college basketball coaching as Coach Brenda Mock Brown shares her experiences and vision for the future. Tune in for more episodes of the Johnson City Living podcast to discover stories that celebrate the vibrant community of Johnson City.

About the Guest:

Candice Hilton is the founder of Hilton Horizons Academy, a hybrid micro school for K-8 homeschoolers. As a former public school teacher, Candice transitioned into homeschooling to foster personalized education that emphasizes flexibility, enrichment, and community-oriented learning. With her profound commitment to educational innovation and personalized instruction, she has developed a thriving environment where children can excel and explore their passions.

Episode Summary:

In this engaging episode, Colin Johnson hosts Candice Hilton, the innovative mind behind Hilton Horizons Academy, on the "Johnson City Living" podcast. Amid discussions about living in Kingsport and the local educational landscape, Candice delves into her motivations for starting a hybrid micro school and how it caters to homeschoolers by balancing traditional education with personalized learning experiences. As a former public school teacher, Candice's insights into the educational needs of children and her solutions through Hilton Horizons Academy offer listeners a fresh perspective on alternatives to conventional schooling.

Candice Hilton shares her journey from public school teaching to founding Hilton Horizons Academy, a unique hybrid micro school designed to blend the homeschooling spirit with enriched educational opportunities. The Academy offers a flexible schedule, personalized curriculum, and hands-on learning activities, aiming to build a nurturing environment where children thrive. With discussions centering around the increasing homeschool trend, Candice provides key insights and practical advice for parents considering homeschooling, highlighting the Academy as a supportive partner in this educational journey. From innovative teaching methods to community integration, this episode vividly captures the essence of redefining education.

Key Takeaways:

• Hybrid Micro School Concept: Hilton Horizons Academy offers a blend of homeschool flexibility with structured, enriching educational experiences.
• Community and Personalization: The academy focuses on personalized lesson plans and enlists community members to enhance student learning.
• The Homeschooling Trend: Candice discusses the growing popularity of homeschooling and how her academy supports parents through this transition.
• Hands-On Learning Activities: The school incorporates activities like fossil making, Spanish lessons, and art classes to foster deeper engagement and understanding.
• Vision for Growth: While keeping a small scale to retain personalized learning, Hilton Horizons Academy aims to expand its reach and potentially include high school levels.

Notable Quotes:

1. "Wouldn't it be great if we could just bring it all together? So we actually help parents get started with homeschooling."
2. "It's all in one place. And I thought, if my daughter would love this, then the community would love this."
3. "Just listen to them and value them and just take into what they're telling you, it's amazing."
4. "Homeschooling and things like this, you can adapt that as well."
5. "It's amazing just to be able to be the parent and be the person that's seeing them as they grow."

Resources:

• Hilton Horizons Academy Website: hiltonhorizonsacademy.com (URL provided as a reference for readers)

Encouraging listeners to delve into the full episode promises a deeper understanding of the dynamic and nurturing environment at Hilton Horizons Academy and how it reimagines the homeschooling experience. Stay tuned for more enlightening content and real-life solutions from the Johnson City Living podcast series.

About the Guest:

Polly Horne is a licensed architect and owner of PolyArch Architecture and Design. Boasting an impressive educational background with an architecture degree from the University of Tennessee, Polly's career has spanned various locations, including Knoxville, New York, and now Johnson City. Her experience includes working with renowned firms and craftsmen, focusing on high-end residential projects and expanding into affordable housing. Polly moved back to Tennessee in 2022, drawn by her love for the mountains, where she continues to weave her architectural expertise with a commitment to sustainability and community resilience.

Episode Summary:

Join host Colin Johnson as he delves into the intricacies of architecture and community resilience with Polly Horne in this captivating episode of his podcast. Polly, architect and founder of PolyArch Architecture and Design, shares her journey from Tennessee to New York City and back, painting a vivid picture of her experiences and the evolution of her career. This conversation broadens horizons on adaptive reuse, sustainable architecture, and the challenges of rebuilding communities post-disaster, especially focusing on the impact of recent floods in the area.

Polly discusses her architectural philosophy, which includes not only creating aesthetically pleasing spaces but also emphasizing energy efficiency through the Passive House standard. As a passionate advocate for community building, she shares insights into her efforts through Studio Hum, a shared space fostering art, meditation, and architectural practices. Polly further elaborates on her involvement with the Regional Resilience Subcommittee, aimed at improving the community's ability to withstand and recover from natural disasters. Listeners will gain a deep understanding of how architectural practices can harmonize with environmental stewardship and community resilience.

Key Takeaways:

• Polly Horne blends her architectural skills with sustainability, focusing on energy-efficient design using the Passive House principles.
• PolyArch Architecture collaborates on diverse projects, from high-end residences to community-enhancing endeavors like new spa constructions and lakeside homes.
• Polly's community-focused vision includes Studio Hum, a space nurturing Zen meditation, art, and architecture.
• Through her involvement with the American Institute of Architects' Regional Resilience Subcommittee, Polly is committed to advancing the community’s response and recovery to future climate-related challenges.
• The conversation emphasizes the power of mindful design in creating spaces that respect both client desires and the natural environment.

Notable Quotes:

• "My focus really is high-end residential, but also that has been expanding into, you know, middle and lower income affordable housing as well."
• "A house doesn't have to look like that. You know, like, there's so many possibilities that you're just not seeing."
• "By doing it one house at a time," Polly explains how she plans to change the architectural landscape.
• "Passive House standard… ensures that the building is functioning as efficiently as possible."
• "I'm listening to you, the client, and trying to respond in a sensitive way to give you the best design possible."

Resources:

• Polly Horne: https://www.polyarch.studio/
• Studio Hum: studiohum.org

For a more in-depth exploration of these themes and insights, listen to the full episode and stay tuned for more enlightening discussions from the podcast series.