Black Tie Optional Podcast

01/14/2025

We’re Back! 🖤🎙️
I’m thrilled to announce the return of Black Tie Optional to the podcast world! This revival wouldn’t have been possible without discovering 1413 Visuals | a creative hub in Winterville offering endless possibilities for creators like us.

In the first episode of 2025, I sit down with Josh Potter, the visionary founder of 1413 Visuals. We dive into everything from the studio’s incredible capabilities to his inspiring journey from W-2 employee to self-made 1099 business owner.

Stay tuned—you won’t want to miss this! 🙌

03/22/2024

Happy to release Episode 18 of Black Tie Optional! This time I sat down with Amy Connor of Hesed Place - Complex Trauma Recovery. Amy is a trauma trained Occupational Therapist who has walked alongside survivors for over ten years. This was a very eye opening interview into the world of OT. Hope you guys enjoy!

Available on YouTube and anywhere you listen to podcasts!

Amy Connor is a Trauma Trained Occupational Therapist who founded Hesed Place located in New Bern, North Carolina. Walking alongside survivors for over ten ...

02/26/2024

Latest episode of Black Tie Optional Podcast is out! A few weeks ago I sat down with Caroline Cooke Harris, a Realtor based in Greenville, North Carolina with over 18yrs of experience in the real estate industry.

Video version available on YouTube and audio available EVERYWHERE podcasts are available!

Caroline is a Realtor located in Greenville, North Carolina with 18 years of experience under her belt in the real estate industry. We talked all things rea...

02/01/2024

Michael R. Jones and I had such a fun conversation talking about drones and his company 360Vdrone, which specializes in progression monitoring for construction projects. We talked about what it takes to become a commercial drone pilot, what crazy encounters he's had and a pivotal lawsuit that could impact the commercial drone space immensely. Always fun talking with you Michael!

Watch the full episode below OR listen now on

Join us in this insightful episode of Black Tie Optional with Michael Jones, founder of 360Vdrone, as we explore the world of commercial drones in constructi...

01/12/2024

Episode 14 of Black Tie Optional Podcast is live! I sat down with the newest franchisee of HCK Hot Chicken, Abraham Rizek and INSANELY INSPIRING head chef/co-founder Frederic Gilmore. We talked food, entrepreneurship, the ins and outs of food service and of course HOT CHICKEN.

HCK Hot Chicken's Greenville, NC location has its grand opening celebration this Saturday, Jan 13th at 920 Criswell Dr. Greenville, NC. Watch on YouTube below OR listen on Spotify!

Dive into the world of HCK Hot Chicken in this episode with Abraham Rizek, the newest franchisee, and Freddie Gilmore, co-founder and head chef. Discover the...

01/10/2024

Latest episode of Black Tie Optional is live! Emily McAllister and I sat down just before the new year and had a great time talking about the real estate business. Full video version of the episode is below and you can listen on Spotify!

Emily McAllister is a real estate agent based in Greenville, North Carolina, who has gained popularity through her TikTok channel. She started making a mark ...

12/28/2023

Black Tie Optional is back! Huge thank you to Kate Ker, creator of People Of Greenville for sitting down with me this morning 😁

Kate Ker is a social media manager, PR specialist & creator of the popular "People of Greenville" project where she sits down citizens of Greenville, NC to f...

12/22/2023

Long time no post…WE ARE BACK. 2024 is going to be a huge year for the podcast. The guest line up has started.

If YOU or anyone you know LOVES what they do for a living, I want to talk to you. Let’s make this thing happen 💪

08/22/2023

It’s been a while but I’m back with a new episode! Lawrence Berh of LBA Group, Inc. was wealth of knowledge with over 60yrs in business. Here’s a clip from the episode.

07/06/2023

Its been a minute but I'm back with another episode of Black Tie Optional! This week I sat down with Cody Strickland, the most positive guy I have ever met. You may have seen him chugging Kombuchas on social media or from MrBeast's $1m challenge video. Cody's outlook on life is so refreshing and I left Wilmington, with a huge smile on my face. Thanks for sitting down with me brotha!

Huge thanks to Trace over at Whiskey Tango Foxtrot Wilmington NC for letting us use his space!

Possibly the single most positive guy I have ever met in my entire life! Cody Strickland is a self proclaimed gig worker in Wilmington, North Carolina. Afte...

06/09/2023

Traveling in Italy this week and next with the family so no new episodes will be released. Expect some clips though! Ciao!!

06/02/2023

Episode 9 of Black Tie Optional Podcast is live! This format was a little different. I was on location with Planright Financial and North American Senior Benefits shooting content for their ”Master Your Craft” internal event. The interview with Marcus Chalfant really stood out to me. The advice he gave and the information he provided about his line of work was truly valuable. Thanks a ton for sitting down with me Marcus!

Marcus Chalfant has been in the insurance world for over 30 years. This interview took place at an event put on by Planright Insurance centered around "Mast...