Podcast
Whiskey & Wisdom
Hosted by Whiskey & Wisdom · EN
Discussing life's most fascinating topics over a good glass of whiskey.
22episodes
Episodes
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From Coast Guard Life to Costa Rica Retreat
2w ago00:47:47Tap to summarizeChris and Sadie Busch join Whiskey & Wisdom in Surf City to share their wild journey from Hawaii to New York, North Carolina, and eventually Costa Rica. After a rapid Coast Guard transfer during COVID, financial pressure pushed them to rethink their future and start investing in real estate. They talk through their first rental property mistakes, lessons from long-term rentals, Airbnb strategy, 1031 exchanges, and the process of buying and renovating a home in Costa Rica. Their story also includes a Belize honeymoon that sparked a bigger dream, plans for an eco-focused retreat, Sadie’s conservation and sea turtle work, Chris’s goal of becoming a firefighter, and the unforgettable rescue of six abandoned puppies in Costa Rica. This episode is about risk, purpose, marriage, real estate, conservation, and building a life with intention. Chapters 00:00 Surf City Setup 00:52 Pregnancy and No Whiskey 02:04 Meet Chris and Sadie 03:18 Coast Guard Orders and Moving Fast 05:32 Sea Turtles and Marine Work 08:05 Hawaii to New York Pivot 10:39 Babymoon Back in Hawaii 11:51 How Real Estate Started 14:51 Sadie’s Name Backstory 17:44 Belize to Costa Rica Dream 23:04 First Rental Property Mistakes 24:00 Trading Up With 1031 Exchanges 25:43 Red Flags in the Neighborhood 29:11 DIY Renovation Crunch Time 30:26 Haunted House Hunt 31:16 Rescuing Puppies in Costa Rica 36:28 Choosing the Costa Rica Location 39:24 Buying and Renovating Abroad 42:54 Defining Success 45:52 Advice to Younger Self 47:10 Final Thanks and Wrap
Transcribe →Chill Pretty Boutique: The Surf City Salon + Boutique Building Real Community
3w ago00:39:48Tap to summarizeChill Pretty is more than a boutique. It is a one-stop salon, boutique, and community space built around style, connection, and making women feel welcomed. On this episode of the Whiskey and Wisdom Podcast, Chris Kellum and Tyler Yaw are on location in Surf City, North Carolina with Amber and Michelle, the owners of Chill Pretty Boutique. Chill Pretty is more than a boutique. It is a one-stop salon, boutique, and community space built around style, connection, and making women feel welcomed. Amber shares how her longtime hair career led her to open a small two-chair salon with a boutique attached, and how rapid growth pushed the business into a larger space. Michelle shares how their partnership formed organically as neighbors and turned into a thriving local brand. In this conversation, we talk about building a salon and boutique business, creating a strong community culture, weekly yoga, supporting military families, buying trips to the Vegas market, boutique inventory strategy, Surf City business growth, loyal customers, Black Friday events, and what success really looks like when you are leading a team and serving your community. Whether you love small business stories, boutique fashion, salon culture, Surf City, Topsail Island, or local entrepreneurship, this episode gives a behind-the-scenes look at how Chill Pretty Boutique is growing with intention. Follow Chill Pretty Boutique online and visit them in Surf City, NC. Subscribe to Whiskey and Wisdom Podcast for more conversations with entrepreneurs, creators, business owners, and community builders. Chapters / Timestamps 00:00 Podcast On Location 01:00 Meet Chill Pretty Owners 01:10 Amber’s Salon Journey 02:17 Finding a Business Partner 04:24 Why Add a Boutique 05:49 Brand Name and Loyal Clients 07:41 Community Vibe and Yoga 09:30 Growing Online the Right Way 11:26 Staying Local Not Franchising 12:27 Surf City Shop Strip Culture 13:59 Buying Strategy and Vegas Market 15:30 Style Aesthetic and Quality 17:19 Merchandising and New Inventory 19:12 Sizing and Future In-House Line 20:44 What Excites Them Daily 21:21 Why Mondays Rock 22:33 Favorite Colors and Neutrals 23:09 Color Theory and Workwear 24:06 Next Growth Ideas 25:30 Manifesting New Businesses 27:30 Kids as Motivation 30:28 Going Viral on Instagram 32:27 Advice to Younger Self 34:10 Black Friday Beach Party 35:41 Defining Success and Team 36:42 Where to Find Chill Pretty 38:11 Wrap Up and Thanks
Transcribe →She Got Rejected by Gyms—Now Her Events Sell Out
4w ago00:33:41Tap to summarizeKingdom Athlete Founder Kellie Schiller joins Tyler Yaw and Chris Kellum on the Whiskey & Wisdom Podcast to share how a simple faith-based clothing brand evolved into a thriving community movement centered around fitness, faith, and purpose.Kellie discusses launching Kingdom Athlete during her husband's military deployment, overcoming repeated rejection from local gyms, hosting her first fitness and devotional events, and growing a brand focused on helping people strengthen both their bodies and their faith.The conversation covers entrepreneurship, event planning, apparel manufacturing, Christian business ownership, handling setbacks, and redefining success through impact rather than income.Along the way, the crew samples Tapped Maple whiskey and dives into lessons on resilience, marriage, community building, and staying faithful when the path isn't clear.In this episode:• The origin story of Kingdom Athlete• How rejection helped grow the brand• Building sold-out fitness events• Faith and entrepreneurship• The future of Kingdom Athlete apparel• Marriage, military life, and perseverance• Why success isn't what most people thinkConnect with Kellie Schiller and Kingdom Athlete:Website: KingdomAthlete.comInstagram: @kingdomathletecoSubscribe for more conversations with entrepreneurs, creators, business owners, and community leaders.#KingdomAthlete #ChristianEntrepreneur #FaithAndFitness #WhiskeyAndWisdom #ChristianBusiness #FitnessCommunity #Entrepreneurship
Transcribe →Wedding Photographer Exposes the Biggest Wedding Industry Lies | Leigh Roberts
Jun 1001:03:18Tap to summarizeChris Kellum and Tyler Yaw welcome back wedding photographer Leigh Roberts for a candid conversation covering sobriety, wedding industry trends, photography hot takes, and what happens when a wedding professional plans her own wedding. Leigh shares her journey of being sober for one year and seven months after a major health scare, discussing the lifestyle changes, nutrition adjustments, supplements, and daily habits that helped her regain her health. She also reflects on her decision to elope after spending nearly 14 years photographing weddings, explaining why she and her husband chose a small, intimate celebration that cost roughly $6,000.The conversation dives deep into the realities of modern weddings, including rising costs, vendor pricing, wedding-industry politics, and the trends Leigh believes should disappear. She discusses everything from polka-dot wedding aesthetics and intentionally crooked photos to preferred-vendor cliques, DJ choices, and the pressure couples face when planning their big day. Leigh also shares practical advice for couples navigating family dynamics, vendor relationships, and wedding-day expectations.On the photography side, Leigh offers strong opinions on delivering RAW images, the importance of editing, flash photography, second shooters, drone coverage, venue lighting, and the ongoing Canon versus Sony debate. The episode wraps with memorable wedding horror stories, discussions on AI's impact on photography, and valuable insights for anyone planning a wedding or working in the wedding industry.Timestamps00:00 Meet the Guest Leigh 00:53 Sober and Holistic Reset 02:04 Vaccine Injury Recovery 04:37 Lifestyle Changes and Food 05:45 Backyard Gym and Cooking 07:15 Eloping After 14 Years 09:33 Wedding Trends Pet Peeves 12:26 Wedding Costs and Pricing 15:19 Gen Z Vendors and Identity 20:45 Music Choices and DJs 25:03 Preferred Vendor Cliques 28:46 Shot List Hot Takes 28:58 Dress Shot Debate 29:55 Venue Lighting Matters 32:46 Second Shooters Strategy 35:00 Wedding Horror Stories 41:14 Trends, Flowers, and Cake 43:42 Flash, Film, and Gear 47:25 Canon vs Sony Switch 53:58 Pricing RAWs and AI 01:00:53 Family Dynamics Checklist 01:02:27 Wrap Up and GoodbyeKey TakeawaysWhy Leigh chose to elope after nearly 14 years of photographing weddings.The wedding trends she believes are overrated and ready to disappear.How sobriety and lifestyle changes transformed her health and daily life.The truth about wedding photography pricing and vendor costs.Why professional editing is a critical part of photography.Her thoughts on second shooters, drones, flash photography, and venue selection.Canon vs Sony: which system she prefers and why.Real wedding-day horror stories and lessons learned from years in the industry.How AI may change the future of photography and creative work.Practical advice for couples planning a wedding without unnecessary stress.
Transcribe →How a Coffee Truck Turned Canned Lattes Into a Local Phenomenon
Jun 300:40:33Tap to summarizeWhat does it take to build one of Wilmington's most talked-about coffee brands?On this episode of Whiskey & Wisdom, Tyler Yaw and Chris Kellum sit down with Caitlyn Goff, owner of Grounds of Grace Coffee Truck. From canned lattes and coffee flights to seasonal flavors and faith-driven branding, Caitlyn shares how she built a growing business that has become a community favorite.We discuss sourcing local coffee beans, learning the craft of espresso, creating unique menu items, leveraging social media, building strategic partnerships, and staying true to your values while growing a business.Whether you're a coffee lover, entrepreneur, or someone pursuing a dream of your own, this episode is packed with practical insights and inspiration.🥤 In this episode: • How Grounds of Grace got started • The rise of canned lattes and coffee flights • Creating seasonal coffee flavors • Building a faith-based brand • Social media growth strategies • Lessons from entrepreneurship • Future plans for expansionSubscribe for more conversations with entrepreneurs, creators, and community leaders.00:00 Why Everyone Loves Grounds of Grace 01:12 The Canned Latte Craze 02:42 Why Start a Coffee Truck? 03:57 Learning Espresso From Scratch 05:50 Seasonal Flavors That Keep Customers Coming Back 07:32 Why Coffee Flights Work 08:54 Funding the Dream 09:57 How Their Canned Lattes Are Made 12:22 Clean Ingredients and Better Syrups 14:04 The Faith Behind Grounds of Grace 18:40 Building Community Through Partnerships 22:21 Branding the Truck 23:30 Coffee Preferences and Favorites 24:52 What Europe Gets Right About Coffee 28:30 New Summer Flavor Launches 29:38 Where to Find Grounds of Grace 31:07 Defining Success and Future Growth 35:47 Advice to Her Younger Self 37:03 What's Next for Grounds of Grace 39:09 Final Thoughts and Wrap Up
Transcribe →Why Moms Are Flocking to This Wilmington Fitness Community
May 2700:47:39Tap to summarizeWhat started as a few moms getting together for movement and connection has grown into one of Wilmington’s fastest-growing postpartum fitness communities.On this episode of Whiskey & Wisdom, Chris Kellum and Tyler Yaw sit down with Brooke Pereira, founder of The Mamalates Group, to talk about motherhood, postpartum fitness, community building, and helping moms feel less alone after having kids.Brooke shares how mommy-and-me Pilates classes, stroller workouts, and weekly walks turned into a movement bringing together dozens of moms across Wilmington — including a recent event with nearly 90 attendees.The conversation dives into:Postpartum fitness strugglesBuilding community after motherhoodMaking gyms less intimidating for moms“Babes and Barbells” at LakesideStarting imperfectlyBalancing motherhood and entrepreneurshipBrooke’s vision for coaching and online programsWhether you’re a parent, fitness enthusiast, entrepreneur, or someone trying to build meaningful community, this episode delivers practical insight and honest conversation.
Transcribe →The Best Deli In Wilmington? Gnome Nom Nom
May 1300:44:29Tap to summarizeNom Nom Nom’s Rob Stang on Gnomes, New York-Style Deli Life, and Building Community in Wilmington On the Whiskey and Wisdom podcast, Chris Kellum and Tyler Yaw welcome guest Rob Stang of Nom Nom Nom, tasting Penelope Havana whiskey and discussing drink preferences. Rob shares his background from upstate New York, years in retail management, and his shift to entrepreneurship with his wife, leading to three gnome-inspired Wilmington businesses: Nom Nom Nom deli in the Cotton Exchange, Gnome Garden ILM (gnomes, mushrooms, houseplants), and Cape Fear Gnomies Dispensary focused on education and quality. He explains the origin of the gnome/“nom nom” concept, the deli’s New York-style emphasis on fresh-sliced ingredients, Apple Annie’s bread, Jess Bagels from the Bronx, breakfast all day, and empanadas tied to his Puerto Rican heritage. They cover community support, seasonal traffic, new desserts, social handles, and Rob’s views on success and advice to his younger self. 00:00 Welcome And Guest Intro 00:44 Penelope Havana Tasting 02:40 Mixers And Whiskey Habits 03:25 Rob Origin Story Retail To Owner 04:38 Gnome Obsession Explained 08:48 Nom Nom Nom Brand Origin 10:01 Three Gnome Businesses Tour 11:21 Dispensary Education And Market 13:47 What Makes A Real Deli 18:32 Cotton Exchange Community Buzz 20:21 Growth Plans Empanadas Hours 21:55 All Day Breakfast NY Bagels 23:50 Bagels Bread Debates 24:24 Travel Food Mixups 25:19 Too Tired To Cook 25:56 Chicken Coop Chronicles 28:15 Egg Brand And Side Hustle 29:00 Finding Nom Nom Nom 29:50 Empanada Flavor Lab 30:34 Hotdog Cart Upgrade 32:38 Store Collabs And Merch 34:40 Dessert Drops And Specials 37:08 Schmear Vs Cream Cheese 39:12 Defining Success And Advice 42:16 Wrap Up And Where To Go
Transcribe →What Wrestling Teaches About Faith, Discipline, and Manhood
May 600:43:18Tap to summarizeMost people see wrestling as just a sport.They’re missing the point.In this episode of Whiskey & Wisdom, we sit down with John Mills, Southeast NC Wrestling Rep for Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), to break down what’s really happening on the mats—and why it matters far beyond competition.From the rapid rise of girls wrestling to the deeper impact of mentorship, discipline, and faith, this conversation goes beyond sports and into formation.We cover:Why wrestling is one of the toughest—and most transformative—sportsThe explosive growth of girls wrestling across North CarolinaHow FCA is reaching students through its “E3” model (Engage, Equip, Empower)The challenge of leading, mentoring, and building real relationships with young athletesWhat today’s kids actually need—and why most systems are missing itIf you care about faith, discipline, leadership, or the next generation, this episode hits.No whiskey this time—just real conversation.Subscribe for more conversations that blend life, leadership, and perspective.
Transcribe →The Starling Is Changing Names?! What Happened… (Abbye McGee)
Apr 2200:51:09Tap to summarizeAbbye is back—and this episode doesn’t hold back.After just a year, Abbye made the decision to sell Ibis. But that was only part of the story. Between running two businesses, navigating a major life transition, and facing a cease-and-desist that’s forcing The Starling to change its name, this might be her most pivotal season yet.We break down:Why she sold Ibis (and what most people don’t understand about bar ownership)The reality of running a 7-day-a-week hospitality businessHow Salt and Charm is scaling into its biggest wedding season everThe cease-and-desist that’s forcing a full rebrand of The StarlingFeast Weekend events, food experiences from Napa to Spain, and what great hospitality actually looks likeThe shift from chef to CEO mindsetThis is a raw look at entrepreneurship, pressure, and making hard decisions when everything is on the line.Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome Back Abbye 01:04 Winter Wins and Feast Plans 02:36 Project X Whiskey Tasting 03:48 Napa Wine Birthday Trip 05:36 Spain Michelin and Food Travel 06:59 Carry On Travel Hacks 08:52 Chicken Tenders Debate 11:23 Building Catering Menus 13:21 Wedding Showcase and Tastings 17:21 Selling Ibis Explained 21:04 Backyard Gym and 75 Hard 24:41 Cornbread Debate 26:23 Cease and Desist Shock 27:42 Picking a New Name 30:04 Too Many Bars Now 33:07 Hospitality That Matters 37:03 Business From Scratch Podcast 42:08 Life as a Business 48:06 Where to Find ThemFollow Abby:The Starling (Queen & Co)Salt and Charm CateringBusiness From Scratch Podcast
Transcribe →Plea Deals, Murder Cases, and the Reality of Criminal Defense
Apr 901:09:18Tap to summarizePlea Deals, Murder Cases, and the Reality of Criminal DefenseCape Fear Criminal Defense joins Whiskey and Wisdom to break down how criminal cases really work. Drawing from his experience as a public defender, prosecutor, and defense attorney, he explains plea deals, burden of proof, jury selection, murder cases, North Carolina’s death penalty, and the real-world pressures of defending clients when everything is on the line.Chapter List00:00 Welcome and guest intro 01:40 Allegedly and burden of proof 03:18 Penelope Project X tasting 06:05 Following a high-profile trial 08:36 Plea deals and sentencing reality 10:59 Death penalty in North Carolina 14:43 From prosecutor to defense attorney 18:53 Starting a private practice 21:37 Affording justice and public defenders 23:22 Law school background and trial training 25:09 Where he practices and conflict cases 26:59 Dismissed murder case and negotiations 30:54 Federal vs. state court differences 31:52 Federal jury duty and voir dire 33:12 Picking the right jurors 33:54 Courtroom characters 35:50 How to dress for court 40:05 Murder and violent caseload 44:01 Poverty, education, and crime 47:19 DA politics and turnover 49:14 Drug trends and fentanyl 53:32 Why defend the guilty 56:49 What success looks like 1:00:01 Testifying at trial 1:02:56 Career advice and burnout 1:04:44 Finding the firm 1:06:41 Socks and jury attention 1:08:20 Bourbon wrap-up
Transcribe →