Best of Johnston County Podcast

09/21/2025

What makes someone choose a career where they run toward danger instead of away from it? 🚒

Cleveland Fire Chief Chris Ellington believes firefighters are “wired different.” Not everyone can face what they see, but for those who do, it’s contagious—once they start, they can’t get enough.

From junior firefighters to seasoned veterans, this is why the calling is so unique and so rewarding.

👉 Watch the full episode of The Best of Johnston County Podcast to hear the complete story.

🔔 Subscribe for more powerful stories from Johnston County’s leaders.

👇 Full episode link in the comments.

Guest: Chris Ellington, Chief of the Cleveland Fire Department Clayton, NC 27520



Brought to you by Breeden Law Office.

09/21/2025

Ever wondered why progress on Johnston County’s regional park feels so slow—or what’s actually happening behind the scenes? In this week’s episode, I sat down with Parks & Open Space Director Adrian O’Neal to get the answers.

Here’s what you’ll discover:

• The surprising reason Cleveland’s fishing pond can’t hold water yet.
• Why DOT forced turn lanes before a single court could be built.
• How $3.3M in grants isn’t enough until one last $900K is secured.
• The bold plan for trails, boat ramps, and a 313-acre Four Oaks park.

Tomorrow, I’ll release the full conversation that unpacks whether Cleveland Park is a dream project—or a never-ending promise.

Don’t miss it.

👉 Subscribe through this link: https://youtu.be/fKft1t37CL0.

Everyone’s asking the same thing: why is Johnston County’s new regional park taking so long? We’ve heard promises of pickleball courts, fishing ponds, and wa...

09/19/2025

What does it take to be a volunteer firefighter today? Cleveland Fire Chief Chris Ellington explains why recruitment and retention are tougher than ever. Imagine running nearly 3,000 calls a year, working a 40-hour job, training late at night, then showing up for work the next morning.

This is the reality facing volunteers—and why support for local departments matters now more than ever.

👉 Watch the full episode of The Best of Johnston County Podcast to hear the full story.

🔔 Subscribe for more stories from Johnston County’s leaders.

👇 Full episode link in the comments.

Guest: Chris Ellington, Chief of the Cleveland Fire Department Clayton, NC 27520



Brought to you by Breeden Law Office.

09/14/2025

Ever wondered how a small-town kid becomes fire chief at just 28 years old—and what it’s like to run nearly 3,000 emergency calls a year?

In my latest conversation with Cleveland Fire Chief Chris Ellington, you’ll discover:

• How peer pressure led to a life of service.
• The massive shift from 230 calls a year to almost 3,000.
• Why firefighters need hundreds of hours of training to serve today.
• The hidden challenges of keeping volunteers engaged post-COVID.

Tomorrow, I’ll be releasing this powerful episode where Chief Ellington shares the reality of modern firefighting and what he loves most about Johnston County.

🔥 Don’t miss it!

👉 Subscribe at this link https://youtu.be/adGdqq70CAw to get notified when it drops.

What makes someone run toward danger when everyone else runs away? 🚒Cleveland Fire Chief Chris Ellington didn’t dream of being a firefighter—it started as p...

09/08/2025

Ever wondered how families can find hope after loss—especially when children are the ones grieving?

In this week’s Best of Johnston County Podcast, I sat down with April Barbour-Capps from the SECU Hospice House, and what she shared was powerful:

• Discover why Camp Courage is unlike anything else for grieving kids.
• Learn practical ways adults and children can process grief without “bottling it up.”
• Understand how the SECU Hospice House provides comfort and dignity when families need it most.
• Hear why April believes the only way through grief is straight through the middle.

Tomorrow, I’ll be releasing the full episode—a conversation that will change the way you think about loss, healing, and community.

👉 Don’t miss it!

If you want to join us, subscribe through this link: https://youtu.be/y1zkjURhiuE

What if the only way through grief… was straight through it?This week, we sat down with April Barbour-Capps, the heart behind Johnston County’s SECU Hospice ...

08/31/2025

Imagine turning a community college parking lot into the Epcot of jobs.

That’s what JoCo Works does each year—giving 8th graders hands-on career exploration with local businesses. But it doesn’t stop there. With JoCo Works Pro, high school sophomores learn interview skills, digital etiquette, and professional presence. The biggest surprise? Students say mock interviews are their favorite part.

In this clip, Maureen McGuinness explains how JoCo Works is reshaping the way young people see their future.

👉 Watch the full episode on The Best of Johnston County Podcast (link in comments).

👍 Subscribe for more insights on business, workforce, and community growth.

Guest: Maureen McGuinness, President & CEO Triangle East Chamber of Commerce



Brought to you by Breeden Law Office .

08/24/2025

Ever wondered how small businesses and community leaders can come together to solve problems like childcare deserts, workforce housing, and keeping jobs local?

Here’s what you’ll take away from my conversation with Maureen McGuinness, President of the Triangle East Chamber of Commerce:

• Understand the key to why chambers still matter in 2025.
• Learn the steps Triangle East is taking to retain and attract talent.
• Discover how creative housing and childcare solutions can fuel growth.
• Get practical insights on JoCo Works—the “Epcot of Jobs” for students.

Tomorrow, I’ll be releasing this podcast episode that shows how Johnston County is preparing for its future.

Don’t miss it!

If you want to join us, subscribe using the link here: https://youtu.be/CUeAzAbr1DM

What do cemeteries, pirates, and workforce housing have in common? They’re all part of the journey that brought Maureen McGuinness to lead the Triangle East ...

08/23/2025

When it comes to roofing, local expertise isn’t just nice to have—it could be the difference between a roof that lasts and one that fails.

In this clip, Houston Colson of Roof Stepper Roofing explains why being rooted in the community matters: from knowing how to work around local weather patterns, to having direct connections with trusted suppliers, to building a reputation homeowners can rely on.

📌 Watch the full episode for more insights on choosing the right roofer and protecting your home investment. Click the link in the first comment to watch.

Guest: Houston Colson, Founder and Owner of Roof Stepper Roofing



Brought to you by Breeden Law Office.

08/22/2025

If you think your roof might be damaged, your first call should NOT be to your insurance company.

In this clip, Houston Colson of Roof Stepper Roofing shares why starting with three complimentary inspections from reputable roofing companies could save you from denied claims, missed damage, and unnecessary headaches.

Learn the rule of three, how to “sniff out the oddball,” and why storm damage isn’t always visible from the ground.

📌 Watch the full episode for more tips on protecting your home and navigating insurance the smart way. Click the link in the first comment to watch.

Guest: Houston Colson, Founder and Owner of Roof Stepper Roofing



Brought to you by Breeden Law Office.

08/17/2025

Ever wondered how homeowners can protect their biggest investment without overspending—or being taken advantage of?

Here’s what you’ll discover in my conversation with Houston Colson, founder of Roof Stepper Roofing:

• Understand the key to spotting a trustworthy roofer before you sign a contract.
• Learn the 3 steps to protect yourself when dealing with insurance claims.
• Avoid common mistakes that could cost you thousands in unnecessary repairs.
• Get practical tips for keeping your roof in top condition year-round.

Tomorrow, I’ll be releasing a podcast that could save you money, stress, and headaches the next time you need roof work.

Don’t miss it!

Want to join us? Subscribe here: https://youtu.be/oplwfTzEGbc.

What would make someone leave steady work to start a roofing company in one of the most competitive markets around? In this episode, I sit down with Houston ...

08/10/2025

When kids are bullied and parents feel powerless, Coach Fred steps in—not just as a mentor, but as their voice. From school meetings to emotional healing, he becomes the backbone for families who’ve been ignored.

In this clip, he shares why he doesn’t offer counseling—he offers coaching, focused on building the future, not reliving the past. And why, when it comes to bullying, no one should have to fight alone.

📍Full episode link is in the first comment.

Guest: Fred Foreman, Founder and CEO of One Blood Movement of Unity



Brought to you by Breeden Law Office.

08/04/2025

Ever wondered how one local mentor is transforming at-risk youth, feeding thousands, and standing up for families who feel invisible?

In this week’s episode of The Best of Johnston County Podcast, I sit down with Coach Fred Foreman—founder of One Blood Movement of Unity—and we unpack the real work behind community change.

• Discover the key to helping kids build self-worth before the world tears it down
• Learn how a 10-week program is creating lasting impact—one session at a time
• Hear why most kids don’t like him at first (and why that’s actually a good thing)
• Get practical insight into grassroots mentorship, fundraising, and advocacy

Today, I’ll be releasing a podcast episode that will show you how true community change doesn’t require millions—it just takes one person who shows up. Don’t miss it.

🎧 Don’t miss out — subscribe and listen to the full episode here: https://youtu.be/bNf9Kbq5eGQ

What if the key to changing a community starts with just one person—and a pair of donated tennis shoes? Coach Fred went from feeding four families on Thanksg...