The GJBeat Podcast

16/05/2024

Justin VanBlaricom is live! You've met him at GoFest displaying Noke Van Co or seen his face on the news to eventually open Fishburn Perk Coffee Shop. His life is an adventure on purpose. He co-founded NVC a short time ago with exponential growth since. If you love adventure, you'll love his vans and he is the first to do it anywhere near Roanoke. This is just the beginning of what he's going to do in the region!
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1S3LcE2NVoAvAChfEgkei4?si=2aaea966cd3e4ad4

Listen to this episode from The GJBeat on Spotify. Justin left his lucrative career in the financial industry following a passion to co-found Noke Van Co in Roanoke. It started small with explosive growth in a very short time. His vans are a dream for anyone who loves adventure. In 2023, Noke Van Co...

09/05/2024

Do you know Justin vanBlaricom? You do even if think you don’t. He’s a cofounder of NokeVanCo which you’ll be hearing a lot about in the future. But mostly you’ve read about him and the hurdles of opening Fishburn Perk Coffee Shop in Roanoke. This was a phenomenal conversation and it’s in the editing room. Soon!!

27/03/2024

Molly Bullington is live! She'll congratulate your finish at the Blue Ridge Marathon races in a couple of weeks and somehow found the time to come here and talk about life. She was born on the coast but the mountains called. Molly owns Blue Ridge Racing and manages the Blue Ridge Marathon, Salem Half Marathon, The Drumstick Dash and more. The topics were broad and you'll enjoy her story!
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4BDY7jQ7gy8JDEHSBaq9Fd?si=nm-MXfrtTXKX-y6KWhRMzg

Listen to this episode from The GJBeat on Spotify. Molly Bullington finally made it here for an excellent conversation. She tells of how she gained ownership of Blue Ridge Racing which is the management company for Roanoke's largest running events. She has likely given you a high five at the finish...

20/03/2024

Blue Ridge Marathon is near and Molly Bullington came at the perfect time. Her schedule is full of BRM planning but she made us deer goulash and talked about her life anyway. She is an amazing lady and we are lucky to have her here! Editing now and coming soon 🦌👌

07/02/2024

Here you go! Matt Thomson is back. He has a lot to say since his last appearance on the GJBeat. Since then he took ownership of Fleet Feet Roanoke and talks in depth about all the highs and lows of the last couple of years. It's quite amazing to hear his experiences and thanks to all of those who listen to these!
https://open.spotify.com/episode/7bV91HERJml30Gx1RlXGIU?si=x3_tqLWKRqi9E7hZHh51Iw

Listen to this episode from The GJBeat on Spotify. This is the first official repeat guest on the GJBeat. Matt's life turned upside down in early 2022 and he was instantly thrown into the local spotlight. Since the cycling death of his wife, Tabatha, life has changed in so many difficult yet positiv...

01/02/2024

It took some time to get back rolling and the 51st episode is on the way. You're going to love this one! Matt Thompson returned for one of the best conversations I've had. It's loaded with brutal honesty about the last two years of his life which you'd only find in candid conversation. Get ready to get ready. Coming soon!

03/01/2024

It has been way too long and the GJBeat is ready to crank back up. 2023 was quite a year of change and big life events. We moved from our home six months ago with no clue where we would land or when. So we had no place to podcast until just now. I’ve fielded all the questions in the meantime and I should have updated sooner. But life is a lot and it’s been that way for us. We will talk more of that later but I’m super happy to start back and I think you’ll love the new ‘studio’. I have a few who have accepted the invitation and I’m open to your suggestions of fantastic guests. Thanks for all the kind words from all who miss hearing new episodes. See you soon!!!

20/06/2023

The GJBeat is always about the guest. You won't hear this guy on this one(not yet anyway) but you should check out Nolan Shigley's new venture. He is starting a podcast in the coming weeks to interview his ESL students and others related to his career field. We were able to spend some time properly learning the processes of podcasting and it was a joy to sit down with Nolan. I'll send a link to his work as soon as the first episode publishes. It should be exciting and let's wish Nolan the very best!

09/06/2023

Check out this fantastic guest of the The GJBeat Podcast: Carrie Cousins!!!! She is one of the reasons Roanoke has become the adventure town it is now. Carrie is a writer, designer and marketer who began her life in Tightsqueeze, VA(yes, this is a real place) and eventually landing in Roanoke. In her spare time she is a professor at Virginia Tech and runs the biggest marathons she can get into. Super fun conversation with an exceptional friend!

https://open.spotify.com/episode/770KZSz2uBWU4uPzsvZRnC?si=7e2360266c334ee1

Listen to this episode from The GJBeat on Spotify. Carrie Cousins is a writer, designer and marketer in Roanoke with a strong bond to the region and its growth. Having worked in media, marketing, and education, she's passionate about seeing people here grow and thrive. She's currently the Director o...

07/06/2023

Many have been asking about what's happening at the The GJBeat Podcast and who would be next. The wait is over and thanks for the encouragement and some patience. Carrie Cousins is in the editing room! We had a great conversation and she'll be ready soon!

10/03/2023

The internet says the podcast hit a milestone of sorts. This idea has turned into something I'm very proud of and thanks to all who listen and promote it! Thank you to all the guests for sharing your lives openly. It's a privilege to host this. Let's see who is next. Maybe you!

The GJBeat birthed itself to showcase exceptional people in and around Roanoke, VA. An opportunity to get to know adventure athletes, ultra-runners, cyclists, professionals, etc. Sometimes we know so little about those we consider great friends. Let's use this platform to tell some amazing stories.

02/03/2023

The 50th episode was celebrated with the phenomenal Kathryn Van Orden! Kat came to chat as she is in between victories and recovering from her third ACL surgery. Like so many, she came to this area as a visitor and never wanted to leave. She recently became a winner of trail racing and tells all about herself. Injuries are difficult and her optimism during this time is very apparent. She coaches soccer at Hollins University and loves calling the Blue Ridge her home. Enjoy!
https://open.spotify.com/episode/7E6rZjb6f7fMVozMZIOiPQ?si=dc5be96aed294d73

Listen to this episode from The GJBeat on Spotify. Third time's a charm for Kat Van Orden(we hope!). She is a self proclaimed newbie of trail running while showing the results of a seasoned champ. Kat got the victory at the 2023 Frozen Toe trail race immediately followed up by an injury she is very...