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_outlineIn 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 studio. We delved into her recent return to a productive flow state after a challenging year that left her feeling disconnected from her art. She talked about the therapeutic nature of her work, how painting helps her process emotions and manage her stressr, and the importance of creativity in her life.
One of the most touching parts of our conversation was Bradley’s recounting of her experiences with the justice system. She spoke candidly about her brief time in trouble with the law, the immense challenges she faced navigating the system alone, and how this experience fueled her passion for helping others, particularly through her volunteer work with the Cultural Arts Alliance (CAA) and the Walton County prison system.
Bradley’s dedication to bringing art to incarcerated individuals and using creativity as a means of rehabilitation is truly inspiring.
We also discussed her origin story, from her childhood love of art to her unexpected transition into a full-time artist. Bradley recounted the pivotal moment when she moved to the beach, met Anne Hunter, and was given the opportunity for her first solo show.
Despite a severe burn injury just days before her scheduled show, Bradley’s determination to continue painting and pursuing her passion was unwavering.
Bradley’s journey is a testament to the healing power of art and the resilience of the human spirit. Her story highlights the importance of embracing creativity, not just as a hobby, but as a vital tool for personal growth and mental health.
Connect with Bradley via IG @bradleycopelandart
Support the Cultural Arts Alliance and learn more about their programs at https://www.culturalartsalliance.com
Stay tuned for more inspiring episodes from SOWAL House.