Sunday Afternoon Smokes

In this episode of Sunday Afternoon Smokes, Chris sits down with neighbor and entrepreneur Cody Stinson — founder of Media Lifeline Pro — for a wide-ranging conversation about faith, business, technology, and resilience. Born three months premature and given almost no chance of survival, Cody shares the story of his early life, the vision complications that shaped his childhood, and the unexpected loss of sight in one eye as an adult. What follows is an honest discussion about identity, disappointment, and learning to trust God when plans shift. From climbing radio towers overseas installing Christian radio stations… to building a web and communications company that now serves 400+ ministries and small businesses… Cody talks about redefining “calling” and seeing business not as separate from ministry — but as a platform for it. They dive into: Missions work and the realities of deputation The technical side of launching radio stations overseas Why Christian business owners may be the church’s most underutilized resource Using systems, automation, and AI to serve people well Finding clarity of purpose after illness and hardship This is a conversation about simplifying your focus, stewarding your talents, and using whatever tools you’ve been given to make an impact. If you’ve ever wrestled with the tension between faith and work — this one’s for you. Guest: Cody Stinson https://medialifeline.net/ https://www.instagram.com/ Follow the Show: https://www.instagram.com/sundayafternoonsmokes/

On this episode of Sunday Afternoon Smokes, I sit down with Julian Loue, founder of Rise Bakery, for a conversation about craft, restraint, and building something that lasts. Julian’s path to owning a bakery wasn’t immediate or linear. After spending years in the automotive industry, baking began as a personal interest, grew quietly during the pandemic, and eventually moved from a home kitchen to the TR Farmers Market before becoming a brick-and-mortar bakery in 2022. We spend time in the work itself — what a normal baking day actually looks like, the scale of producing bread week after week, what still demands patience and attention, and what home bakers often overthink or underestimate. Julian shares how working with flour, fermentation, and time has shaped not just his bread, but the way he approaches decisions, limits, and consistency. We also talk about what changes when a business is born out of enjoyment rather than urgency, the difference between selling at a farmers market and selling behind a counter, and why growth isn’t always the goal. Julian reflects on how his French background influences his relationship with bread, food culture, and restraint — and how knowing when *not* to grow has become central to running Rise Bakery. This isn’t a conversation about hustle or scaling at all costs. It’s about intentional work, staying close to the craft, and building something you can actually sustain.

In this episode of Sunday Afternoon Smokes, I sit down with Upstate photographer and videographer Josiah Hartline for a relaxed, long-form conversation about work, creativity, and calling. We talk about growing up in Greenville, feeling directionless in school, finding purpose through apprenticeship and discipline, and how his relationship to work — and faith — has changed over time. Along the way, we touch on philosophy, and why meaningful work still matters. As always, we start with cigars and let the conversation go where it needs to go. If you enjoy Sunday Afternoon Smokes, the best way to support the show is to give it a follow and share it with someone who appreciates thoughtful conversation. Guest: Josiah Hartline https://www.instagram.com/josiahhartline/ Follow the Show: https://www.instagram.com/sundayafternoonsmokes/

This episode of Sunday Afternoon Smokes was recorded in April 2025 and, for a long time, I believed it had been lost. It turns out it wasn’t. What you’re hearing is a fully unscripted, early-season conversation with two entrepreneurs who build meaningful work in very different corners of the country — and who both understand what it means to carry responsibility, uncertainty, and care for others. My guests are Jennifer Stewart, owner and operator of Wellborn Upstate, and Heidi Greening, co-owner of Homer Inn and Spa. There’s no agenda here and no performance. We talk about entrepreneurship, hospitality, running businesses in demanding environments, and the quieter realities of building a life around work that actually matters. The conversation wanders at times — as early conversations often do — but it’s honest, curious, and grounded in lived experience. For me, this episode carries a deeper personal weight. It captures a moment in time — voices, laughter, cadence — exactly as it was. Some recordings are less about the craft and more about the preservation of presence. This is one of those. Take it as it is: long-form, unfiltered, and real. https://www.homerinnandspa.com/ https://www.instagram.com/homerinnandspa/ https://www.instagram.com/sundayafternoonsmokes/

Episode Clarification: During the conversation, Courtney misspoke when defining acquired brain injury. An acquired brain injury (ABI) refers to any brain injury that occurs after birth and serves as an umbrella term for both traumatic and non-traumatic brain injuries. Traumatic brain injuries result from an external force (such as a fall or motor vehicle accident), while non-traumatic brain injuries are caused by internal factors (such as stroke, tumor, or aneurysm). This clarification is included to ensure accurate information is shared. In this episode of Sunday Afternoon Smokes, I sit down with Courtney Boyd, a speech-language pathologist and certified brain injury specialist with the Roger C. Peace Outpatient Brain Injury and Young Stroke Program. We talk about what speech-language pathology really is — far beyond pronunciation — and how communication involves language, cognition, voice, and swallowing. From there, we focus on stroke and brain injury, the communication changes that can happen suddenly, and what patients and families often misunderstand in those early stages. Courtney clearly defines aphasia — what it is, what it is not — and explains different types of aphasia, how it differs from related conditions like apraxia and dysarthria, and what progress in speech therapy realistically looks like when “back to normal” isn’t always the goal. This is a long-form, grounded conversation about communication, recovery, and learning how to live — and connect — when language becomes difficult. **Resources Mentioned in This Episode** If you or someone you love is navigating aphasia, stroke recovery, or brain injury, these organizations and programs offer education, support, and community: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) The national professional organization for speech-language pathologists, with extensive public education resources. 👉 asha.org National Aphasia Association A leading organization focused on education, advocacy, and support for people with aphasia and their families. 👉 aphasia.org (Note: I gave the incorrect web address during the episode — this is the correct site.) Triangle Aphasia Project (TAP) A nonprofit dedicated to life participation, conversation groups, and community for people with aphasia. 👉 aphasiaproject.org Articulate Aphasics Toastmasters A Toastmasters club designed specifically for people with aphasia to practice communication in a supportive environment. 👉 28677762.toastmastersclubs.org Upstate SC Aphasia Support Group Meets the first Wednesday of each month from 12:30–1:30 PM at the Prisma Health YMCA (875 Faris Road, Greenville, SC 29605). For more information, contact Jennifer Leger at jennifer.leger@prismahealth.org USC Aphasia Lab A South Carolina–based research and outreach program supporting people with aphasia and their families. 👉 web.asph.sc.edu/aphasia They also produced the documentary “The Disease Detective Looks at Aphasia,” available on Amazon Prime. Young Stroke Support Group Meets the first and third Wednesday of every month from 5:30-6:30 at the Prisma Health Roger C. Peace Outpatient Brain Injury / Young Stroke building. (100 Augusta St., Greenville, SC 29601)

Sean from Jetline Canine Training returns to Sunday Afternoon Smokes after first appearing back in Episode 2 in November 2024. This time, the conversation isn’t about dog training in theory — it’s about what it actually looks like to start a puppy the right way. Poppi, Chris’ new 5-month-old dog, is only about a week into training, so this episode isn’t a highlight reel. It’s a real discussion about foundations, restraint, and why rushing obedience — or labels — often creates bigger problems down the road. We talk through what early training is really reinforcing, why neutrality matters more than friendliness in public spaces, and how training shifts when a dog is being prepared to be genuinely useful for a disabled handler — not just “well behaved.” Sean also breaks down the real-world differences between: • a well-trained pet • a therapy dog • a service dog …without internet myths, certifications for clout, or unrealistic expectations. As the conversation unfolds, it moves beyond dogs into something deeper — commitment, responsibility, and what it actually means to care for someone (or something) over the long haul. We talk candidly about being a decent person when no one’s watching, the difference between real love and transactional love, and why friendships and relationships almost always matter more than strategy or self-interest — in business and in life. It’s an honest, unpolished conversation about training, character, and showing up — whether that’s for a dog, a spouse, or the people you choose to build life with.

As the new year is upon us, many people begin thinking about goals, plans, and their annual resolutions. While the practice itself is ancient, this episode approaches the topic from a Biblical perspective on planning, purpose, and dependence on God. In this solo episode, I reflect on what Scripture teaches about making plans, committing our work to the Lord, and recognizing the limits of our control. Drawing from Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, the Gospels, and personal experience, this conversation explores how Christians can think rightly about the year ahead—without arrogance, discouragement, or false guarantees. This episode is a reminder that effort matters, wisdom matters, and planning matters—but all of it exists under God’s sovereignty. Not every plan works out the way we hope, and not every outcome is ours to control. Still, we are called to live thoughtfully, work diligently, and trust faithfully. Whether you make formal New Year’s Resolutions or simply want to approach the coming year with humility and clarity, I hope this reflection encourages you as 2026 is upon us.

Episode 50 — Michelle Getz: Creativity, Branding, and Building with Intention In Episode 50 of Sunday Afternoon Smokes, I sit down with Michelle Getz — brand strategist, creative partner, and whimsical potter — for an honest conversation about creativity, identity, and building work that truly reflects who you are. Michelle shares her thoughtful approach to branding as alignment rather than aesthetics, why so many entrepreneurs misunderstand what branding really is, and how confidence and clarity can change the way people show up in their business. We also talk about her creative journey, from photography to brand strategy to hand-formed pottery, and how each chapter has shaped the work she does today. This episode is reflective, encouraging, and perfect for anyone navigating creative work, entrepreneurship, or the desire to build something meaningful and authentic.

In this episode of Sunday Afternoon Smokes, I sit down with Matt Bradford, co-owner and operator of Matty’s Pattys in Anderson, South Carolina, for a laid-back but thoughtful conversation about cigars, food, and the realities of building a small business. We start, as always, with cigars — talking about what Matt’s been smoking lately, how he got into the hobby, and how cigars have become a way to slow down and reset. From there, the conversation naturally shifts into Matt’s entrepreneurial journey, including the leap from a food truck to a brick-and-mortar restaurant and what it really takes to make that transition work. We go deep on what makes a great burger: the grind, fat ratios, buns, toppings, and the philosophy behind the menu at Matty’s Pattys. Along the way, we talk lunch and breakfast offerings, hot dogs, fries, and eventually tumble headfirst into a surprisingly serious debate — is a hot dog a sandwich? (and if so… is a taco one too?) The episode also touches on small business ownership, lessons learned along the way, and advice for anyone considering starting something of their own. It’s a relaxed, fun conversation with plenty of laughs, honest insight, and a genuine love for good food done right. Light a cigar, grab a burger, and enjoy the conversation.

A Very Merry Christmas In this special solo episode of Sunday Afternoon Smokes, I slow things down for the Christmas season and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. Walking through Luke 2:1–18, I share a casual, thoughtful look at the birth of Christ and what it reveals about the love and grace of God—what real love is, what it isn’t, and why the Christmas story still matters today. I also open up about a personal Christmas tradition I share with my children: reading Luke 2 together and talking about grace, gratitude, and the reason we celebrate before the gifts are opened. It’s a simple practice, but one that keeps our focus grounded in something far deeper than the season’s distractions. This episode isn’t a sermon. It’s a quiet conversation—an invitation to pause, reflect, and remember what Christmas is truly about. Whether you’re listening with a cigar, a cup of coffee, or just a few quiet moments to yourself, I hope this episode encourages you and helps center your heart this Christmas season. Merry Christmas.

This week on Sunday Afternoon Smokes, Chris welcomes back returning guest and friend Keith Boling, owner of Keyrenter Upstate. Keith shares how he stepped into the world of property management, what inspired him to launch his company, and the philosophy behind helping owners protect their investments while giving tenants a better rental experience. We dig into the challenges of today’s rental market, the systems Keyrenter uses to keep things running smoothly, and the mindset required to build trust in a business that touches people’s homes and lives. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Sunday Afternoon Smokes episode without some laid-back personal conversation. Chris and Keith light up a few cigars, talk Chicago Bears football, Thanksgiving turkey, and what life looks like now as he grows a new business in the Upstate. It’s a relaxed, insightful, and genuinely enjoyable conversation over good cigars. https://www.keyrenterupstate.com/ https://www.instagram.com/keyrenterupstate/

In this special Thanksgiving episode, Chris reflects on the meaning of gratitude through both an American and Biblical lens. He opens with a brief overview of the history of Thanksgiving in the United States before sharing four personal reasons he’s especially thankful this year. From the blessing of being born in a prosperous nation and in a time where the gospel is freely accessible, to the spiritual discipline of gratitude as a defense against materialism, Chris explores how thankfulness shapes perspective and strengthens faith. He also shares a heartfelt expression of gratitude for his wife’s survival and recovery after her health crisis, along with the deep relationships he shares with his family. A reflective, encouraging episode centered on recognizing God’s goodness in every season.

**this episode suffers from some sound quality issues. I don't know why. I'm not a pro, but here it is!** Joining Chris for ep. 46 of SAS is Cory Rutland, co-owner and operator of Local Pie. It's not a pizza truck, they're so serious and good at it, it's really a mobile pizzeria. Chris and Cory both light up a Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur, talk cigars for a little bit, and then they dive into the world of sliging pies out of mobile rig. Cory highlights the struggles in getting his business started, the quality ingredients they use, what makes for a great pizza, and they wrap up the show with a little bit of Cory's background on how he got to Greenville from North Augusta, GA. https://www.localpiepizzacompany.com/ https://www.gofundme.com/support-jennifer-stewarts-medical-recovery https://open.spotify.com/show/3dQXtUZBSueL1Tmxxb8oXu?si=d4cf7e3c0c714212 https://www.instagram.com/sundayafternoonsmokes https://www.mobilecigarbox.com https://x.com/mobilecigarbox https://www.instagram.com/mobilecigarbox https://chrisstrother.cdanjoyner.com

Jonboy Ellis, owner of Blackwater Roasters, and Stephanie Harmon, coffee shop manager, sit down with Chris to discuss all things coffee. Jonby and Chris, light up cigars and they jump into the world of cigars. It doesn't take long to get the conversation onto the topic of coffee. One of the few roasters in the Upstate, Jonboy and Stephanie walk us through what goes on at Blackwater from roasting, cupping, drink creation to guest service. They also make some clarification for us on what espresso is and is not. https://www.blackwaterroasters.com/ https://www.instagram.com/blackwater_roasters/ https://www.instagram.com/jonboye1776/ https://www.instagram.com/stephl_harmon/ https://www.gofundme.com/support-jennifer-stewarts-medical-recovery https://www.mobilecigarbox.com https://www.instagram.com/mobilecigarbox https://www.instagram.com/sundayafternoonsmokes https://open.spotify.com/show/3dQXtUZBSueL1Tmxxb8oXu?si=d4cf7e3c0c714212 https://chrisstrother.cdanjoyner.com

Bethany Haile, Founder and owner of Bethany's Wildflowers Salon and co-owner of Upstate College of Cosmetology joins sits down with Chris to explore the world of hair and beauty. Due to poor weather, they are unable to smoke, but a fair amount of cigar talk ensues. After discussing cigars and coffee, the two move on to how she launched her business in Central, SC, moved to Clemson, and then chose to downsize and head back to her roots in Central. They also discuss her purchase of Upstate Cosmetology, what students learn there, and what it's like to run a cosmetology school. https://www.instagram.com/bethany.haile.1/ https://www.instagram.com/bethanyswildflowerssalon/ https://www.instagram.com/ucceasley/ https://www.gofundme.com/support-jennifer-stewarts-medical-recovery https://www.mobilecigarbox.com https://x.com/mobilecigarbox https://www.instagram.com/mobilecigarbox https://www.instagram.com/sundayafternoonsmokes https://open.spotify.com/show/3dQXtUZBSueL1Tmxxb8oXu?si=d4cf7e3c0c714212 https://chrisstrother.cdanjoyner.com

Scott Matt, owner of Mack Home Inspections comes on Sunday Afternoon Smokes. Chris and Matt both light up a Crazy Alice by Drew Estate and pour a little bit of Elijah Craig bourbon. Chris educates Matt on cigars, who considers himself a novice. Then the conversation turns to Matt's specialty, home inspections. He clues us in on what a home inspection is, walks us through the process, and even takes time to talk about Radon. Finally, the episode wraps up revolving around Matt's personal sabbatical overseas and his transition to Greenville.

Justin McComas and Mike Malloy, owners of Natureline Curbing, join Chris for episode 42 of SAS. Chris lights up an Artista Ambar Puro, Justin enjoys a La Gloria Cubana Serie R, and Mike goes light with the Torano Dominico. The trio cover Justin's in home smoking room, a good discussion on cigars, and then they jump into the business they founded, Natureline Cubing which aims to help your landscaping and prevent water erosion. To wrap things up the jump into Justin and Mike's previous career in California as law enforcement officers. https://www.naturelinecurbing.com/ https://www.gofundme.com/support-jennifer-stewarts-medical-recovery https://www.mobilecigarbox.com https://x.com/mobilecigarbox https://www.instagram.com/mobilecigarbox https://www.instagram.com/sundayafternoonsmokes https://open.spotify.com/show/3dQXtUZBSueL1Tmxxb8oXu?si=d4cf7e3c0c714212 https://chrisstrother.cdanjoyner.com

Founder and owner of Sante Vie Wellness, Rebekah Fedrowitz, joins Chris for episode 41. Sante Vie Wellness is a functional wellness practice in Greenville, SC that guides their clients with realistic, strategic steps to improve how they feel and function. As a Board Certified Holistic Nutritionist, Rebekah founded Sante Vie from her own struggles with health. The conversation revolves around what health is, the food we consume, and approaching our health from the point of view that the body should be looked at as a whole unit. A little cigar talk up front as Chris wants to know a professional opinion on cigars. https://www.santeviewellness.com/ https://www.instagram.com/santeviewellness/ https://www.gofundme.com/support-jennifer-stewarts-medical-recovery https://www.mobilecigarbox.com https://x.com/mobilecigarbox https://www.instagram.com/mobilecigarbox https://www.instagram.com/sundayafternoonsmokes https://open.spotify.com/show/3dQXtUZBSueL1Tmxxb8oXu?si=d4cf7e3c0c714212 https://chrisstrother.cdanjoyner.com

Episode 40 of Sunday Afternoon Smokes is all about stroke awareness and aftermath. Chris invities Lucas Affonsenca, a stroke victim 4 years prior, and Marty Van Dam, Manager of Therapies at the Roger C Peace Rehabilitation Hospital's Brain Injury to sit down for a chat. Chris' wife, Jennifer Stewart, suffered a brain anuerysm and stroke during surgery in late April of this year, and their lives have been drastically changed. During this episode the 3 discuss strokes: what happens during a stroke, the outcome of strokes, and how to navigate life during recovery. This is a very special episode aimed at bringing awareness and helping people who are struggling with brain injuries. https://www.instagram.com/prisma_health/ https://www.instagram.com/ph_rogercpeace/ https://www.instagram.com/lucasdeaffonseca/ https://www.gofundme.com/support-jennifer-stewarts-medical-recovery https://www.mobilecigarbox.com https://x.com/mobilecigarbox https://www.instagram.com/mobilecigarbox https://www.instagram.com/sundayafternoonsmokes https://open.spotify.com/show/3dQXtUZBSueL1Tmxxb8oXu?si=d4cf7e3c0c714212 https://chrisstrother.cdanjoyner.com

Chris invites Martine Helou-Allen, Founder and Director of RIZE Prevention to come on SAS for a chat. Chris and Martine get into some discussion on cigars, hookah, and Chris goes into the meticulous process of turning tobacco into a cigar. They spend a considerable amount of time on the fact the youth of today are searching for love and belonging, and absent that, they often turn to destructive behaviors and substance abuse to fill the void. RIZE Prevention works to keep that from happening. https://rizeprevention.org/ https://open.spotify.com/show/3X48t6nZCtBdI1cBV91xQx?si=9a9d30548adc44ff https://www.gofundme.com/support-jennifer-stewarts-medical-recovery https://www.mobilecigarbox.com https://thecigarbox.printful.me https://x.com/mobilecigarbox https://www.instagram.com/mobilecigarbox https://www.instagram.com/sundayafternoonsmokes https://www.youtube.com/@SundayAfternoonSmokes https://open.spotify.com/show/3dQXtUZBSueL1Tmxxb8oXu?si=d4cf7e3c0c714212 https://chrisstrother.cdanjoyner.com