In this episode of South Cobb Live, host Elise White sits down with Stone Stafford, co-founder of Icon Studios ATL, to discuss the journey of building a creative hub for musicians and artists in Atlanta. Stone shares insights from his 30+ years in the music industry, his work with Sony Music Publishing, So So Def, and iconic artists like Usher, Gladys Knight, and Queen Latifah. He also dives into the business side of music, the importance of location and equity, and his future plans beyond Icon Studios.

🔹 How Icon Studios became a major creative space in Atlanta 🔹 The studio’s unique non-smoking policy (and why they turned away Snoop Dogg!) 🔹 Memorable moments with legendary artists 🔹 Why business knowledge is key in the music industry 🔹 Stone’s next moves: New ventures and giving back to the community

🎧 Listen & Subscribe:

📌 Available on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

📲 Follow us on Social Media: 🔹 Instagram: @SouthCobbLive 🔹 Facebook: South Cobb Live

👥 About Our Guest: Stone Stafford

🎵 Co-Founder of Icon Studios ATL – a 10,000 sq. ft. creative space for artists, podcasters, and content creators. 🎤 Former Exec at Sony Music Publishing & So So Def 📺 Worked with A-list artists & film projects 🎙️ Host of "Life on Podcast" (Listen, Laugh, and Learn!) 📍 Instagram: @iconstudiosatl 🌐 Website: StoneStafford.com

📌 Featured Topics & Timestamps:

[00:01] Welcome & Introduction [00:24] How Stone & his wife built Icon Studios [02:00] Why location (Smyrna & ATL) was key to success [03:29] Memorable moments: Gladys Knight & Queen Latifah [05:21] Icon Studios: Atlanta’s first non-smoking recording studio [06:15] Services at Icon Studios: Podcast studio, coaching, rehearsal spaces [07:30] Future plans: Selling the studio & launching new ventures [09:15] Giving back: Free music business seminars in Smyrna [10:43] Fun Word Association Game 🎉

📢 Call to Action:

✅ Subscribe to South Cobb Live on your favorite podcast platform! ✅ Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for updates on new episodes! ✅ Check out Icon Studios & Stone Stafford’s projects! ✅ Stay tuned for Stone’s FREE music business seminars in Smyrna!

👉 Loved this episode? Share it with your network! 🎶📲

Episode Overview

Host Elise White welcomes Raul Thomas, owner of Marietta Theater in the Square, to discuss his journey from a chef to a theater owner, the evolution of the theater, and its impact on the local community.

Guest Highlights

• Raul Thomas is the owner of Marietta Theater in the Square.
• Over 10 years in the performing arts industry.
• Started as a chef, then transitioned into theater management.
• His son, Emil Thomas, serves as Artistic Director, shaping the theater’s productions.
• Passionate about community service, including support efforts during Hurricane Maria.

Key Discussion Points

• The history and evolution of Marietta Theater in the Square.
• Raul's transition from the culinary world to theater management.
• The challenges and triumphs of running a local theater.
• The “Emil Twist”—a unique creative approach to productions.
• Upcoming shows: “The Bodyguard,” “Partners,” and “Sister Act”.
• The theater’s community outreach, including internship programs.

Elise White sits down with Alex Simmons, the founder of Whole Body Systems, to dive into the world of holistic fitness, bone health, and strength training. Alex shares his unique journey from business development to health and wellness, his "business inside a business" model, and how Whole Body Systems is transforming lives through innovative exercise technology.

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

✅ Consistency is King – Why regular exercise is essential for long-term health.

✅ Alex’s Entrepreneurial Journey – From music education to revolutionizing wellness.

✅ The Power of BioDensity – How a 20-second workout per week can improve bone strength and overall fitness.

✅ Real Success Stories – How one client postponed hip surgery for 7 years through strength training!

✅ Expanding the Vision – How Whole Body Systems grew from a small room in a chiropractor's office to multiple locations in Smyrna, East Cobb, and Roswell.

✅ Upcoming Workshop: Dress for Health – A holistic program covering Diet, Rest, Exercise, Stress Mastery, and Supplemental Therapies (D.R.E.S.S.).

🎁 Special Offer for Our Listeners! Mention South Cobb LIVE! when visiting Whole Body Systems to claim a FREE 30-minute assisted stretch session!

🔗 Connect with Whole Body Systems:

🌍 Website: https://wholebodysystems.com/ 📍

Locations: Smyrna, East Cobb, Roswell

📸 Instagram: @WholeBodySystems

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089963355646

📣 Stay Connected with South Cobb LIVE! 📲 Follow us for more interviews, reels, and community updates:

🔹 Instagram: @SouthCobbLIVE

🔹 Facebook: @SouthCobbLIVE

🔹 Subscribe on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@SouthCobbLIVE and hit the 🔔 for notifications!

💬 What was your favorite part of this episode?

Comment below and let us know! ⬇️

#SouthCobbLIVE #WholeBodySystems #HealthAndWellness #BoneHealth #HolisticFitness #ConsistencyIsKing #Podcast #Entrepreneurship #WellnessJourney #FitnessForLife