Around Town with @ColaMayor

Columbia is open for business! And now the mayor of Cola, Daniel Rickenmann is opening up the studio too! Join Mayor Rickenmann every week for interviews with some of Cola's finest from thriving small business owners to seasoned politicians and everything in between.

From Collaboration to Community Engagement: A Look at the Urban Canvas Project with Stephen Chelsey

Today we have a very special guest joining us: the talented artist, Stephen Chesley. In this episode, we dive into Stephen's involvement in the Urban Canvas Project, a unique art initiative that aims to engage the public in dialogue about art. We'll learn about Stephen's collaboration with Michaela Brown, how they turned their virtual art project into a tangible, public artwork, and their vision of moving the art around the city to create unexpected displays. We also explore the vibrant arts community in Columbia, South Carolina, and its historical development, including the transformation of the Vista area. From the City Beautiful movement to the integration of 3D planning, Stephen shares his insights on the city's creative evolution. Join us as we discuss the importance of promoting the community's resources and quality of life, connecting talent with art projects, and preserving the natural elements of the city in long-term development plans. We'll also explore the challenges faced by artists and local businesses due to gentrification and rising rents. So, grab your headphones and get ready to be inspired by the vibrant art scene and creative projects in Columbia. Let's begin this artistic journey together on this episode of "Around Town"!

11-08
49:00

#20 - From a Humble Start of Guard Dog Rental to High Tech Security: A Conversation with Local Business Leader Mark Wesley from AMAROK

I sit down with local business leader Mark Wesley of AMAROK Ultimate Perimeter Security to talk about growing business in Columbia, river floating, company culture, and more.

09-28
43:27

#19 - Designing the New Downtown with Scott Garvin from Garvin Design Group

The man behind some of Cola's greatest buildings and finest restaurants is joining the podcast to talk about the design changes coming to downtown in the next decade.  Produced by Heritage Brands

09-21
53:56

#18 - Talking Gamecocks with President Michael Amiridis and President Reedy Newton

Two presidents are joining Mayor Rickenmann in the studio for this week's episode. Join the trio as they discuss the future of the university, how to keep students in town and how to connect the university to its city.  Produced by Heritage Brands

09-14
01:07:04

#17 - How Columbia Got its Nickname and Soda City Market Came to be with Emile DeFelice

The founder of Soda City Market, Emile DeFelice joins Mayor Rickenmann on the podcast to talk about how the city got its name and how we can improve Cola moving forward. He also gives a few hints for what he is doing next.  Produced by Heritage Brands

09-07
01:02:28

#15 - How to Improve Policing in Columbia with Kassy Alia Ray from Serve & Connect

Kassy Alia Ray has an incredible story and an even greater mission. Today she is sitting down with the mayor to talk about improving relationships between the police and the communities they serve.  Produced by Heritage Brands

08-24
58:20

#13 - Problems and Solutions for Columbia with Local Legend Kevin Gray

On the heels of launching his new restaurant Railroad BBQ, Kevin Gray joins the mayor on this episode of Around Town. Nobody knows Columbia like Kevin, so tune in for a reflection on how the city became what it is today and how it will improve over the next few years. Stick around after that for plenty of hilarious stories and hot takes from Kevin and Mayor Rickenmann.  Produced by Heritage Brands

08-10
01:15:41

#12 - The Cola Music Scene of Today and Tomorrow with Jay Matheson from the Jam Room

Mayor Rickenmann sits down with legendary artist, producer, and engineer, Jay Matheson, to talk about the music scene in Columbia. They discuss their favorite artists from the past and new artists that excite them. Join the conversation as they take you back in time, swapping stories about the days of Hootie, Tootie and the Jones, and Widespread Panic.  Produced by Heritage Brands

08-03
55:21

#11 - What is Coming to Cola? With Frank Cason from Cason Development Group

New buildings are popping up in all four corners of Columbia and everyone wants to know what is coming next. For today’s episode, Mayor Rickenmann is joined by Frank Cason to discuss all the improvements and developments coming to Cola over the next few years. Produced by Heritage Brands

07-27
54:21

#10 - A Discussion about Columbia's Real Estate Market with Taylor Oxendine from Central Carolina REALTORS Association

The real estate boom has taken Columbia by storm. Everybody is buying, selling, renovating, or doing all three. It's a tricky market to navigate, but thankfully, Taylor Oxendine from Central Carolina Realtors Association, is joining the show to educate eager buyers and sellers on how to handle their investments. Tune in!

07-20
40:03

#9 - Tasty As Fit's Emilie Blanchard Talks Making Healthy Foods Taste Good

Emilie Blanchard's grab-n-go storefront, Tasty As Fit, has changed the health food scene in Columbia forever. Find out how she did it, what inspired her, and what's next for her business.

07-13
01:04:00

#7 - Preserving History and Revitalizing the City with Historic Columbia's Robin Waites & Kim Crafton

Columbia has a history unlike any other, and who better to talk about it than Robin Waites and Kim Crafton from Historical Columbia? From the launch of the new Hampton Preston greenhouse to future plans for performing arts centers, there is no shortage of fresh and interesting conversations on this epidsode. 

06-22
59:39

#6 - The Biggest Improvements Coming to Columbia with Susan Boyd & George Bailey from the Boyd Foundation

Fresh off the ribbon cutting of the new Hampton-Preston greenhouse, the Boyd foundation is sitting down with Daniel to talk about their upcoming projects and their ongoing mission to make Columbia a more beautiful city.  Produced by Heritage Brands

06-15
42:05

#5 - The Rising Cost of Development in Columbia with Todd Corley

As Columbia continues to develop and expand, our contractors are more important than ever. Todd Corley has been in the game for a long time, so tune in to hear Mayor Rickenmann and Todd discuss the the pains and pleasures of developing a booming city. 

06-08
45:00

#4 - The Best Places to Eat in Columbia with Chris Trainor from The State

For years, Chris Trainor has served Columbia in different roles for many of the city's best publications. Now he's making brackets about burgers and reporting on all the best food this city has to offer. Join Daniel and Chris for their conversation on Cola's food scene, the peaks and valleys of a growing city, and iconic Columbia art.  Produced by Heritage Brands

06-01
53:35

#3 - Bringing Businesses Back to Five Points with Amy Beth Franks from The Gourmet Shop

Amy Beth Franks, the owner of The Gourmet Shop, talks fixing Five Points, the challenges of a restaurateur, and her favorite cheeses. Produced by Heritage Brands

05-25
58:43

#2 - New Restaurants and Old Flames with Kristian Niemi

One of Cola's best restaurateurs sits down with Mayor Rickenmann to talk about finding motivation, rebuilding Mr. Friendly's, and what's next for Cola's food scene.  Produced by Heritage Brands

05-18
01:14:16

#1 - Life Changing Moments and Leather Working with Laddie Howard

Laddie Howard sits down with Mayor Rickenmann to talk law, lobbying, and leather making. Produced by Heritage Brands

05-04
42:34

Columbia's Cultural Journey: One Columbia and Xavier Elevate Arts, Food, and Community

In this episode, host Daniel Rickenmann is joined by Xavier Blake, the Executive Director of One Columbia, as they delve into exciting ideas for community development through art, food, and music. From revitalizing empty spaces with art installations to supporting local artists and diverse communities, they discuss a multifaceted approach to enriching the city's cultural landscape. Join us as we uncover the potential for collaboration, innovation, and celebration within Columbia's close-knit community, where history, art, and creativity intersect to create a unique tapestry of experiences.

05-24
48:01

Savor the Scene: Columbia Food and Wine Festival Roundup with Charlene Slaughter and Chase Heathery

Welcome to this special episode of Around Town where we dive into the heart of Columbia’s culinary scene with the Columbia Food and Wine Festival! This annual event, now a major highlight, showcases the rich diversity and talent of local chefs and restaurateurs and brings together the community and visitors to enjoy mouth-watering dishes and exquisite drinks. We cover all the exciting events that make this festival a grand celebration of food and culture. Don’t miss your chance to explore, indulge, and support Columbia's bustling food scene. Remember, this festival is a story of Columbia, told one bite at a time—mark your calendars for an unforgettable experience next year!

04-27
36:24

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