About the Guests:

Greg and Shirley Mueller are the owners of Olive Oil Divine, a unique specialty store located in Johnson City, Tennessee. With a background in IT and family business, Greg has combined his technical expertise with a passion for high-quality, health-centric products. Shirley, with her experience in construction and business operations, complements Greg by managing customer relations and daily operations. Together, they have grown their business into a local staple, offering a variety of high-quality olive oils, balsamic vinegars, and other gourmet products sourced from around the world.

Episode Summary:

In this engaging episode of "Johnson City Living," host Colin Johnson speaks with Greg and Shirley Mueller, the dynamic duo behind Olive Oil Divine, a specialty store offering high-quality olive oils and balsamic vinegars in Johnson City, Tennessee. Colin delves deep into their personal backgrounds, their journey into the olive oil business, and the spiritual motivations that drive their enterprise.

Greg and Shirley share how their passion for health benefits and spiritual significance of olive oil inspired them to open Olive Oil Divine. Their store offers over 70 different flavors of olive oil and balsamic vinegar sourced globally. They discuss the health benefits, proper storage, and usage tips for olive oil, emphasizing their commitment to product quality and customer education. Unique in its dedication to community and spirituality, Olive Oil Divine even features a prayer room where customers can meditate and pray. The Muellers also highlight their partnerships with local and national businesses and their future expansion plans, providing valuable insights into running a successful specialty store.

Key Takeaways:

• Starting a Unique Business: How Greg and Shirley Mueller transitioned from their previous careers to open Olive Oil Divine by following a spiritual calling.
• Health Benefits of Olive Oil: Detailed explanation of the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of high-quality olive oil and how to use it in cooking.
• Importance of Quality and Integrity: The Muellers' commitment to lab-certifying their products and offering only the best to their customers.
• Community and Spiritual Focus: Their unique inclusion of a prayer room in their store and the positive impact it has on both their business and customers.
• Future Aspirations: Plans for expanding their product range and presence both online and in physical stores, alongside special collaborations like tours to olive oil-producing regions.

Notable Quotes:

1. "The fact that it's in the Bible Belt and the people are just so warm and friendly. We don't have a stranger in Johnson City." - Greg Mueller
2. "Just bring it up to low heat and you'll be just fine. If you overcook it, you'll know it'll start to smell." - Greg Mueller on cooking with olive oil
3. "God moved a lot of mountains to get us in business, and so it was the least we could do for Him, for doing that for us." - Greg Mueller
4. "When you anoint someone, you're basically sharing the spirit of Jesus with them." - Greg Mueller
5. "We don't push it down anybody's throats, but if you come ask about it, we're not going to shy away from it." - Greg Mueller

Resources:

• Olive Oil Divine Website: oliveoildivine.com
• Social Media:
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Truth Social
  • Public Square: Available on Public Square platform

For a deeper dive into the fascinating journey and insightful tips from Greg and Shirley Mueller, listen to the full episode and stay tuned for more inspiring content on the “Johnson City Living” podcast.

About the Guest:

Jose Castillo is a multifaceted professional with a remarkable career spanning various domains such as media, NASCAR, and entrepreneurship. He is the founder of Flavor Inc., Think Jose, and co-hosts NASCAR Trackside Live, a popular talk show in the racing community. Jose is also the mastermind behind Spark Plaza, a pioneering coworking space in Johnson City, Tennessee, which prides itself on fostering community among remote workers. His dynamic career also includes upcoming ventures such as hosting for Team USA House at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Episode Summary:

Join host Colin Johnson as he welcomes his longtime friend and local celebrity, Jose Castillo, for an enlightening discussion. This episode ventures into the heart of Johnson City, capturing the spirit of community, business innovation, and the exhilarating world of NASCAR. Jose, who has been a friend for nearly two decades, shares insights into his life journey—from his humble beginnings in Philadelphia to his achievements in media and the racing arena.

Jose delves into his entrepreneurial endeavors, highlighting the success of Spark Plaza over the past 15 years. He emphasizes the importance of community in coworking spaces and sheds light on the dynamic environment at Spark Plaza which caters to a broad range of remote workers. Moreover, listeners get an insider's perspective on the world of NASCAR, with Jose sharing fascinating stories from his travels and his role in promoting the sport. Be enthralled by his latest exciting project: hosting for Team USA House during the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Key Takeaways:

• Community First: Jose stresses that the success of Spark Plaza lies in its vibrant, supportive community that goes beyond just providing a workspace.
• NASCAR Insights: Gain a deeper understanding of NASCAR's evolution, the impact of the Next Gen car, and insights into the current season.
• Olympic Dream: Jose will be hosting at Team USA House in Paris for the 2024 Olympics, an honor that highlights his expanding influence in international event hosting.
• Work-Life Balance: Despite his busy schedule, Jose maintains a strong family connection, often bringing his family along on travels to NASCAR events.
• Regional Pride: Jose has a deep appreciation for Johnson City and the Tri-Cities area, advocating for regionalism and local community support.

Notable Quotes:

1. "The more I travel, the more I love coming home. And it is a great place to be, a great place to raise a family, a great place to start a business." - Jose Castillo
2. "People think they just need a place to work, but what they really need is community. They need water cooler time. They need somebody to talk to about an idea or about the weekend or about whatever." - Jose Castillo
3. "I'm going to be the host of Team USA House for the Paris Olympics 2024, and it is an honor to represent my country and these amazing athletes who work so hard." - Jose Castillo
4. "In the playoffs, yes, the big teams will be there. But we had some surprises last year, and I think we're going to see the same thing this year." - Jose Castillo
5. "It's funny, I talked to some folks, and they were like, most of these people are so driven that they're like, that fuels me to want to go do it even more." - Jose Castillo

Resources:

• Spark Plaza: Learn more about Jose Castillo’s coworking space.
• Jose Castillo on Social Media: Follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
• Team USA House: Information about the Team USA House for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
• NASCAR Trackside Live: Keep up with Jose's NASCAR hosting here.

Dive into this episode to explore the vibrant essence of Johnson City, the dynamic world of NASCAR, and Jose Castillo’s journey towards hosting the Paris 2024 Olympics. Don't miss out on his valuable insights and stay tuned for more unique stories and inspirations on the show!

About the Guest:

David Wiley is the owner, operator, and manager of Serenity Knoll Farm. With a diverse professional background including roles in advertising, education, and even professional sports management, David ultimately found his calling in East Tennessee's local food and farming community. He is deeply involved in cultivating the farming landscape through Serenity Knoll Farm, organizing community events, and hosting unique culinary experiences. David’s vision extends to contra dance and yoga programs, turning his farm into a multifaceted community hub.

Episode Summary:

On this bright June episode of the Johnson City Living podcast, host Colin Johnson sits down with David Wiley, the multi-talented owner and operator of Serenity Knoll Farm. David shares his fascinating journey from working in advertising and professional sports to becoming a leading figure in East Tennessee's local food movement. Through Serenity Knoll Farm, David offers unique culinary experiences, contributes to local farmers' markets, and hosts community-centric events including yoga and contra dance. The conversation provides rich insights into the farm’s role in fostering community and culture while emphasizing sustainable agriculture.

David Wiley opens up about his life story, from being born in Knoxville and growing up in Memphis, to eventually establishing Serenity Knoll Farm in Jonesboro. He elaborates on what makes Johnson City and Jonesboro idyllic places to live, highlighting factors like low population density, scenic beauty, and friendly locals. An advocate for healthy living, David introduced traditional folk dances to Jonesboro and established a thriving cooking school at his farm. Through Serenity Knoll, he aims to connect people with food in meaningful ways—whether through farm-to-table dining, cooking classes, or community events.

Key Takeaways:

• Community and Culinary Experiences: Serenity Knoll Farm is not just about growing food; it's about community gatherings, from cooking classes to yoga sessions.
• The Importance of Farmers' Markets: David stresses that farmers' markets like the one in Jonesboro are ideal for connecting with local growers and understanding the local food scene.
• Culinary Learning for All Ages: The cooking school at Serenity Knoll Farm offers classes that range from knife skills to ethnic cuisines, aimed at both adults and children.
• Future Aspirations: Serenity Knoll Farm has ambitious plans for expansion, including building lodging options and hosting chef's weekends.
• Health and Dietary Choices: David advocates for the impact of healthy, locally-sourced food as a foundation for good health and community well-being.

Notable Quotes:

1. "It's a wonderful area. I've traveled all over the world, and I always look forward to coming back to the mountains of East Tennessee."
2. "The whole premise was to build communities, to have a social event that was alcohol free. It didn't matter what your [background] was."
3. "Thirty percent of Americans do not cook a single meal. And we're talking about millions of people."
4. "If you have no confidence or no skill in that area to prepare food, it takes a lot of the joy away from the dining experience."
5. "I think being able to put my energy and passion into this dream that I've created of building a business, building a brand, being a part of the local food system as a function of public health, that really excites me."

Resources:

• Serenity Knoll Farm on Facebook: Facebook
• Serenity Knoll Farm on Instagram: Instagram
• Website for Class Registrations and Events: Serenity Knoll Farm

For more enlightening episodes, stay tuned to the Johnson City Living podcast. If you're considering a visit to the charming towns of Johnson City or Jonesboro or interested in experiencing the local culinary scene, this episode provides a comprehensive guide to what David Wiley and Serenity Knoll Farm have to offer. Tune in, and see how Serenity Knoll Farm is building a healthier, more connected community, one meal at a time.