The Nooga Belle Podcast

Gabrielle Blades says a lot of her life is based on intuition. She moved to Chattanooga when she was 16, and from there she has flourished into a creative business owner and entrepreneur. We cover a lot of ground in our conversation: her creative and artistic background, how her business Blades Creative got started, why she loves being a creative entrepreneur, her creative process, "refilling the well" as a professional creative, and much more.  Thanks so much for listening, y'all! Follow Gabby on Instagram @blades_creative and head to her website to see her work and get in touch.

When Natasha Ferrier started doing stand-up comedy five years ago, there was only one open-mic for comics in Chattanooga. Now there are seven open-mics and several monthly shows, one of which is Once a Month, Natasha's all-female comedy showcase at The Palace Theater. In our epic conversation, Natasha shares how she got started in stand-up, her writing process, what inspires her material, how her career has evolved, what it's like being a woman in comedy, how she sees the comedy scene in Chattanooga evolving, and more. She also talks through how Once a Month comes together each month, from hosting solo to booking comedians and supporting local businesses like The Palace Theater. Thanks so much for listening, y'all! Follow Natasha on Instagram @natashaferrier, and check out The Palace Theater for more info on upcoming shows.

Briana Garza-Wilson launched Chatt Taste to bring people together over good food and community. In the latest #BadassWomenInBiz episode, Briana and I talk about how Chatt Taste got started, how listening to her customers and the community changed her business, what it means to be an entrepreneur, balancing business, family, and self, and our favorite food spots in Chattanooga.  Thanks so much for listening, y'all! Follow Chatt Taste on Facebook and Instagram @chatttaste, and head to the website to learn more and book your tour!

For International Women's Month, I'm celebrating female entrepreneurs in Chattanooga and everything they bring to our city. First up is Tiffany Malapanes, founder of Positiffitea, who we met on the podcast in January. (Listen to her first episode here.) In this episode, Tiffany breaks down her journey of building her herbal tea business from the ground up: from R&D and making her own labels to conquering a devastating setback. We also chat about the amazing small business community in Chattanooga and all the resources available to aspiring entrepreneurs (shoutout Chattanooga Public Library, Startup Week/CoLab, Chattanooga Workspace, and INCubator!). Thanks so much for listening, y'all! Learn more about Tiffany's tea blends and the benefits of herbal tea on the Positiffitea website—and order some while you're there! Look for Tiffany at the Chattanooga Market when it starts again in April. This episode was recorded in December 2019.

Author Audrey Keown first visited Chattanooga in 1999 as a high school student, fell in love, came back for college, and has been here ever since. Her debut novel Murder at Hotel 1911 comes out August 11, and it's set right here in the Scenic City. In our conversation, Audrey and I talk about the beauty of telling stories, being a good storyteller, the process of researching and writing a mystery novel, the challenges of authorship, working with agents, and she gives a preview of Murder at Hotel 1911. We also discuss anxiety and mental health in creative professionals: what contributes to it, the importance of a support system, and ways to manage stress, anxiety, and mental health as a creative professional. Audrey mentions tons of resources and inspirations that have helped her throughout her journey: Alan Bradley (Canadian author) Randy Ingermanson (Advanced Fiction Writing) K.M. Weiland (Helping Writers Become Authors) CBD for anxiety (Hemp House Chattanooga) L-Theanine supplement Meditation (Headspace) Mental Illness Happy Hour podcast The Writing Excuses podcast Thanks so much for listening, y'all! Follow Audrey on Instagram @audreykeownwrites, check out her website, find her book on goodreads, and preorder her novel on Amazon.  Murder at Hotel 1911 by Audrey Keown comes out August 11, 2020.

When Tiffany Malapanes started making herbal, medicinal tea blends for herself and her friends, she had no idea it would turn into a business. She now runs Positiffitea and creates organic medicinal tea blends that are good and good for you. In this week's episode, Tiffany shares how her business got started, why she got into tea in the first place, and gives us a rundown on some of her most popular tea blends and their health properties.  Thanks so much for listening, y'all! Head to Tiffany's website www.positiffitea.com to learn more and order some tea for yourself. You can contact Tiffany with any questions at tiff@positiffitea.com and look for her at the Chattanooga Market on Sundays April - November!

Welcome back to the Nooga Belle Podcast! For the first episode of 2020, I'm joined by Arnold Ruelas: fitness instructor at Kyle House Fitness, manager at fab'rik Chattanooga, and self-care expert. He shares about his experiences as a fitness instructor and gives advice for those looking to start or further develop their fitness routines in the New Year. Lastly, we discuss the importance of self care and why you should always take time to rest, recharge, and listen to your body. Thanks so much for listening, y'all! Follow Arnold on Instagram @arnoldaruelas for more fitness, fashion, self care, and general awesomeness.

On this edition of Pinkies Up, B*tches, Shelly, Mary, and I look back on our college days, while sipping vodka cranberries. We cover just about everything, including sports, classes, townie life, dorm life, campus food, tailgating, parties and other fun times, and wrap up with advice for freshmen and graduating seniors. 

If you've lived in Chattanooga for a day, you've no doubt heard rumors of haunted Room 311 in the historic Read House Hotel. In this special spooky episode, I sit down with Read House historian Tyler and guest services manager Jared to dig into the hotel's past: from its original construction in the 19th century, to the most recent renovation, completed in 2018. And of course, I am introduced to Annalisa Netherly, Room 311's guest that never left.  Thanks so much for listening! Head to the website to learn more about The Read House and Room 311.

Larry Bradford started his entrepreneurial career more than 20 years ago in Atlanta. Several years ago, an "a-ha!" moment at a tailgate led him to create and launch Armor Shields: personalized, protective covers for Big Green Egg grills.  In this week's episode, Larry walks me through the Armor Shields production process, why he started his company, the different customizations available, and what makes Armor Shields an essential part of your grilling process. We also talk about barbecue and reminisce on our time as judges for Ruby Falls' Battle Below the Clouds BBQ competition earlier this spring.  Thanks so much for listening, y'all! Follow Armor Shields on Facebook and Instagram @armorshields for news and updates. Shop the collection on their website.

Adam Zinser has worked on all sides of the spirits industry. Now he's the marketing manager (TN and northern AL) for Dixie Vodka, under Grain and Barrel Spirits. In this week's episode, Adam talks me through how he landed in the industry, his previous jobs until joining Grain and Barrel, and we sip the gamut of Dixie Vodka's offerings (minus one flavor) and a couple of bourbons also from the Grain and Barrel family.  If you like what you heard, look for Dixie Vodka around Chattanooga at Riverside Wine & Spirits, Imbibe, Total Beverage, Harry's Wine & Spirits, Chattanooga Wine & Spirits, and more. Follow Dixie on Facebook and Instagram @dixievodka for more information and updates.

Back to school, back to work, starting a new job... 'tis the season of new routines. Meal prepping is a huge part of these routines for many people (myself included); it makes mornings easier, helps you eat healthier during the week, and helps you save money, among other great benefits. In this episode, Amanda and I discuss why meal prepping is important, tips and tricks for healthy meal prepping, how to keep it interesting so you don't get bored with your food, and some of our favorite recipes.  If you loved this episode, follow Amanda @fit.food.chatt for more delicious inspiration. Follow the podcast @thenoogabelle and subscribe on your favorite streaming service.

Local teacher and healthy living enthusiast Amanda Angel spent a month in China over the summer, exploring new cities and diving head-first into their culinary culture. In this week's episode, Amanda tells all about her time in China: which cities she stayed in, the different classes she took, her favorite foods and meals, what traveling solo taught her, and how she hopes to incorporate her experiences in her life and classroom back in Chattanooga.  Thanks so much for listening, y'all! Check out Amanda's China Instagram page @a.n.angelwasinchina for snapshots from her trip. Follow @fit.food.chatt for wholesome, nourishing meals and healthy living.

Hannah and Sara-Anne Waggoner have always been artists (in varying forms and media), but they never guessed they'd be making jewelry. Now they craft some of the most colorful, creative, and unique earrings and accessories together as The August Sisters. In this week's episode, I talk with them about working together as sisters, where they find inspiration, how they learned to sew as kids, future designs and plans, and Disney Channel original movies. Thanks so much for listening, y'all! Follow the sisters on Instagram @theaugustsisters, @thehannahwaggoner, and @sunlovesthemoon, and check out their collections on their website.

Christine Lamborne launched Alms + Fare a little over a year ago to combine her passions for health and wellness, helping others, and giving back. Her flagship product is the "Better Bites," which are snack bites made with wholesome, real ingredients, no refined sugars or preservatives, with flavors inspired by our favorite childhood treats.  In this episode, Christine tells me about her inspiration and vision for Alms + Fare, and we chat about healthy living, diet culture, eating for your body, giving back to your community, growing your own food, chocolate croissants, and more.  Thanks so much for listening! Follow Alms + Fare on Facebook and Instagram @almsandfare for updates and new flavors. Look for Better Bites around Chattanooga at: Niedlov's, Wildflower Tea Shop, Together Cafe, Goodman Coffee Roasters, The Local Juice, Nutrition World, Pruett's Market, Naked Foods, Locals Only, Society of Work, Bread & Butter, and more. 

Chris Matthews started Jack'd Coffee Co. when he wanted a better, healthier way to get the proteins and supplements he needed. It started as a protein-infused ground coffee, and then evolved into a protein-infused nitro cold brew. He joined me on the podcast to talk about his journey as an entrepreneur, the evolution of his products, his production process, new products, and more.  Thanks so much for listening! Follow Jack'd Coffee on Facebook and Instagram @jackdcoffeeco to learn more and get updates. Head to the website for even more info and to explore products.

If you've ever taken a class at The Chattery, or been to one of their events, you know how hard-working, devoted, and fantastic co-founders Jennifer Holder and Shawanda Mason-Moore are. They launched the adult education non-profit in 2014, and have hit some impressive milestones in their five years in business together. Tune in to this week's episode to hear The Chattery's origin story, how they plan and schedule classes, how they work together as friends, the success of their recent iFundWomen campaign, plans for the future, our favorite breakfast food and pop singers, and more.  Thanks so much for listening, y'all! Follow The Chattery on Facebook and Instagram, and check out their website for class schedule and to donate.

Beth Neuhoff is a co-host on Chattanooga's Morning Show on Big 95.3 FM, but her journey to the mic in Chattanooga was anything but ordinary. From studio art, to TV and movie sets, to flight attendant, and much more in between, Beth says she's not done yet. In this week's episode, we talk about our careers thus far, living life to the fullest, not being afraid to do something crazy, our favorite local hangouts, thrift shopping, our summer bucket lists, and much more.  Catch Beth on air with Gary and Eric weekdays from 5-10am, and then over on Easy 106.9 in the afternoons. Follow her on Instagram @bethdneuhoff to see more of her adventures. Thanks so much for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please share, rate, and/or leave a review.

Does pineapple belong on pizza? What's the worst Harry Potter movie? Is avocado toast overrated? Has Breezy even seen a Marvel movie? All of these questions and more are answered in the latest installment of Pinkies Up, B*tches. I've got Matt, Breezy, and Smitty here taking on the hottest of hot takes, with some Clumpies ice cream to help cool 'em down throughout the process (thank you, Clumpies!). Got a hot take? Drop me a comment or DM on Instagram with it, and we may include it in the next installment! Clumpies flavors featured: Mixed Berry Cobbler, Key Lime Pie, Peach Tea White Balsamic.

A few weeks ago, I stopped by Knox Whiskey Works up in Knoxville and visited assistant distiller Ryan, who I met in Chattanooga in April. We talk through all 12 of their products, including bourbon whiskey, heirloom corn whiskey, gin, rum, vodka, and a couple liqueurs. I tasted a few of them myself, and was impressed with the variety of flavors and spirits they're producing up there. Vols fans, there's a vodka especially for y'all. Next time you're in Knoxville, visit Ryan at Knox Whiskey Works at 516 W Jackson Avenue. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date with what they've got going on!