In Celebration of Lifestyle Design: An Interview With Mike Ragsdale
Release Date: 01/17/2023
Florida Foundation for Correctional Excellence
SOWAL House
In this powerful and deeply moving episode, Dave and co-host Jessica Anderson were joined by two of the most inspirational people we’ve met here in South Walton, Erica Spivey and Noelle Manesco from the Florida Foundation for Correctional Excellence (FFCE). We kicked off the conversation by reflecting on our visit to the Walton County Correctional Facility, where Jess and I attended a book club session with inmates. This visit was a transformative experience for both of us, offering a glimpse into the lives of these men who are working hard to change their paths and positively impact...
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Artist Wes Hinds
SOWAL House
In this electrifying episode, Dave finally got the chance to sit down with the elusive and incredibly talented graffiti artist, Wes Hinds. Wes has been a significant figure in the local art scene, known for his vibrant and thought-provoking graffiti art. Our conversation kicked off with a deep dive into Wes’s artistic journey, beginning with his early influences from his grandmother and mother, both of whom nurtured his creative spirit from a young age. Wes shared his experiences growing up in Memphis, Tennessee, where he first picked up a can of spray paint at the age of 13. His rebellious...
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Artist Bradley Copeland
SOWAL House
In this deeply personal and inspiring episode, Dave had the privilege of sitting down with the incredibly talented painter Bradley Copeland. Our conversation began with a funny reflection on how long it took to finally get her on the podcast, but the wait was undeniably worth it. In this episode, Bradley opens up about her journey as an artist, her struggles with mental health, and the profound impact art has had on her life. Bradley shared her passion for painting, describing how she would love to spend all her time immersed in her craft, surrounded by friends who come to visit her...
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Artist / Gallerist Maxine Orange
SOWAL House
In this engaging episode, Dave had the immense pleasure of sitting down with the talented Maxine Orange, a beloved artist and curator from Fort Walton Beach. Our conversation covered Maxine's inspiring journey from her beginnings in Montgomery, Alabama, to her vibrant presence in the art scene along the Emerald Coast. We delved into the unique challenges and triumphs that shaped her path, including her initial foray into graphic design at the University of Alabama, her transformative experiences in New York and California, and her eventual return to the South. Maxine shared her fascinating...
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Artist / Gallerist Francisco Adaro
SOWAL House
In this episode, Dave had the pleasure of chatting with Brooke and Francisco Adaro, the creative forces behind Adaro Art Gallery, and their gallerist, Nicole Upchurch. We explored their fascinating journey from Buenos Aires to South Walton, their unique artistic style, and their vibrant gallery that brings a touch of whimsy and deep personal storytelling to the local art scene. Brooke, originally from South Walton, shared her story of traveling to Argentina as a young wine expert and discovering Francisco’s artwork. Francisco, an artist known for his whimsical and deeply personal paintings,...
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SPECIAL EPISODE: Nancy Hasty as "Jackie Cochran"
SOWAL House
In this truly unique and extraordinary episode, we welcomed the spirit of the legendary aviator Jackie Cochran, brought to life by award-winning playwright and actress Nancy Hasty. My co-host, Jessica Anderson, and I embarked on an unprecedented journey as we interviewed Nancy in character as Jackie Cochran, offering listeners an intimate glimpse into the life of this remarkable woman. Our conversation began with Jackie sharing her early life in the poverty-stricken panhandle of Florida. She painted a vivid picture of her challenging childhood, filled with hardships that fueled her ambition to...
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Actress / Playwright Nancy Hasty
SOWAL House
In this captivating episode, Dave and co-host Jessica Anderson had the honor of sitting down with the award-winning playwright, producer, and actress Nancy Hasty, and her acclaimed husband, Ray Halsnick. We were thrilled to delve into the incredible journey of Nancy's acclaimed play, "The Flight of Jackie Cochran." Our conversation began with the fascinating origin story of how Nancy was introduced to SOWAL House, thanks to our mutual friend Reynolds Henderson. Reynolds had been researching the remarkable aviator Jackie Cochran for years and felt compelled to share her story. This led to the...
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M&P's Owner / Chef Will Farrington
SOWAL House
In this episode, Dave had the pleasure of sitting down with chef extraordinaire Will Farrington from the new fine dining restaurant, M&P, located on 30A near Justin Gaffrey’s gallery in Blue Mountain. We delved into the unique culinary experience Will and his team are bringing to the area, which my wife and I experienced firsthand during our 15-year anniversary dinner. Will’s passion for creating an elevated yet approachable dining experience shines through as we discuss his journey from a real estate broker to a renowned chef. Will shared his origin story, including his late start in...
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SEASON PREMIERE: Kids of Kilimanjaro + Endeavor Expeditions
SOWAL House
In this heartwarming season opener, Dave had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Jim and Christie Sumter, Chandler Williams, and Kenzie Burley to discuss their life-changing journey with the nonprofit organization Kids of Kilimanjaro. We explored the emotional and transformative impact of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, the deep connections formed with the local community, and the powerful stories that emerged from their experiences. Jim shared the origins of Kids of Kilimanjaro, highlighting the profound desire to seek light and joy in the world by supporting the education of...
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Redfish Film Festival's Kevin Elliott
SOWAL House
In the latest episode of the SOWAL House podcast, we had the privilege of sitting down with Kevin Elliott, the visionary founder behind two exciting ventures in the world of filmmaking: the Redfish Film Festival and WEWA Films. The conversation begins with an exploration of the Redfish Film Festival, a groundbreaking event that is making history as the first documentary film festival to grace downtown Panama City, Florida. We delve into Kevin's motivation for establishing this unique festival, which serves as a platform for documentary filmmakers to tell compelling stories. Kevin shares his...
info_outlineMike Ragsdale, Founder of the 30A Company, is one of the most successful, influential entrepreneurs in South Walton. To many, the success of his 30A brand seems pre-ordained. Obvious even. Just a matter of right time + right place. But this could not be further from the truth.
In this episode, Mike shares the true origin story of the 30A Company, gives valuable insights about why he considers Time to be our most valuable asset, and his theory of placing more emphasis on “Lifestyle Design” than “Work/Life Balance”.
This was easily our longest interview to date. Mike & I talk about the value of failing, ancient theories on prayer and meditation, and the importance feeding the soul with travel.
I believe this was also one of our most insightful interviews to date because we talk about the unintended consequences of success. The downsides that so many entrepreneurs gloss over. As a society, we glorify the “Grind”. The people who’ve “Made It”. We use a cliched notion that success is simply a composite of “valuable failures” over time. But in reality, these failures can lead to anxieties and, left unchecked, lead to panic attacks and social disorders.
Mike & I talk about how these anxieties personally affect us. As someone who lives with a panic attack disorder, it was such a relief to hear someone as successful and spiritually nourished as Mike share his experiences with social anxiety and his focus on mental heath.
This episode is full of so many insights. So much...affirmation toward what it means to be truly successful in life. I hope this episode feels like a breath of fresh air when you hear it. Enjoy!