Welcome to South Cobb LIVE!, the podcast that spotlights the heart of our community—its small businesses, local events, and vibrant culture. Hosted by Elise White where she brings you inspiring stories from local entrepreneurs, showcase must-attend events, and dive into the unique experiences that make South Cobb a thriving hub.
Whether you're a small business owner, a loyal customer, or someone looking to explore the best of South Cobb, this podcast connects you to the people and places shaping our neighborhood. Tune in for engaging interviews, exclusive insights, and special offers that make supporting local as exciting as it is impactful.
Subscribe now to join the conversation and discover why South Cobb is the place to live, work, and thrive! 🎙️✨
The Real Reason You Should NEVER Move on Weekends (Moving Industry Insider Reveals All)
Host Elise White interviews moving industry insider Sava Relax, owner of Atlanta Pack and Load, about the hidden costs and stresses of weekend moves, revealing why weekdays offer a better relocation experience.
19 Aug 2025
Crafting Experiences: Keisha Jacobs and the Magic of Great Vibes Events
Host Elise White interviews event planner Keisha Jacobs about crafting unique youth experiences and fostering entrepreneurship through Great Vibes Events.
1 Aug 2025
Building Legacies with Terry Graham
Terry Graham, founder of Legacy Builders Wealth Management, discusses retirement planning and generational wealth with host Elise White, emphasizing the importance of starting early and viewing financial planning as self-care in this interview.
21 Jul 2025
Gary Hill Explains Why Waiting Won't Help You Succeed in Sales!
Host Elise White interviews Gary Hill, founder of the Gary Hill Network, about proactive sales strategies, emphasizing community engagement and authentic connections to achieve local business success.
10 Jul 2025
Tarryn Sampson of TS Tax & Accounting Services
Tarryn Sampson, owner of TS Tax & Accounting Services, shares her tax expertise and explains how addressing IRS letters promptly and maintaining real-time records helps South Cobb business owners avoid audits in this interview.
24 May 2025
Phenomenal Seafood: A Love Story of Food, Family & Community
Host Elise White interviews Chef T and Mia, owners of Phenomenal Seafood, who share their journey of building a successful restaurant rooted in love, family, and community, highlighting their resilience and unique approach to Southern cuisine.
15 May 2025
From Struggle to Smyrna Staple: The Untold Story of Varner's Tavern
Welcome to another episode of South Cobb LIVE!, where we spotlight the heart and hustle of local business owners building community through service, storytelling, and soul. In this episode, Elise White sits down with Nick Hanratty, the co-owner of Varner's Restaurant & Tavern in Smyrna, GA. What started as a post-Taco Mac venture is now a community staple serving wings, burgers, and family vibes for over 17 years. Nick shares his journey from part-time employee to co-owner, how Varner's became a second home for Eagles fans (Fly, Eagles, Fly!), and the powerful impact of building real relationships with guests and staff alike. You’ll hear how this beloved tavern survived the 2008 crash, created generational customer loyalty, and became a local legend—one lemon pepper wing at a time. 🍋🐔
⚠️ Stick around till the end to learn how YOU can unlock a 15% discount on your next dine-in visit just by dropping one word in the comments! 📌
SHOW NOTES: 00:00 – Intro to South Cobb LIVE & today’s guest
01:15 – The origin story of Varner Tavern
04:45 – Surviving the Great Recession & finding Smyrna at just the right time
07:30 – From employee to co-owner: Nick’s story of grit and growth
10:20 – Building a culture of excellence and real community
13:05 – Eagles fan club, karaoke nights, trivia, and kids eat free Fridays
16:40 – The secret sauce: customer relationships & service-driven leadership
20:55 – Giving back: school PTAs, Milford Youth, and using space for fundraisers
23:00 – Elise’s rapid-fire “South Cobb Spotlight Sprint”
24:15 – Special offer just for YOU — don’t miss it! 👀
📍 Connect with Varner Tavern
🌐 varnerstavern.com (http://varnerstavern.com) 📸 @varnerstavern (Facebook & Instagram)
🎧 Follow South Cobb LIVE!
📲 @SouthCobbLive | @SouthCobbMedia
📍 Bringing community stories to your feed and your heart.
6 Apr 2025
Healthy Eating Made Easy: Sharmaine Thomas is Changing the Food Game with Project Lean Nation’s Convenient Healthy Meals
In this inspiring episode of South Cobb LIVE!, host Elise White sits down with Sharmaine Thomas, the franchise owner of Project Lean Nation Cumberland. Discover how Sharmaine and her husband turned personal loss and a passion for health into a thriving business that delivers nutritious, delicious, and convenient meals right in the heart of South Cobb.
Tune in as Sharmaine shares:
- The heartfelt story behind launching Project Lean Nation Cumberland
- How their meals cater to busy professionals, fitness enthusiasts, and families
- Why this health-focused franchise is exactly what Cobb County needed
- Favorite meals like the Maple Bacon Burger and Italian Chicken
- Stories of transformation and community connection
- How YOU can get involved and jumpstart your wellness journey
Special Offer compliments of South Cobb LIVE!
Get a free protein shake and a complimentary consultation when you comment the word LEAN on our Instagram @ProjectLeanNation_Cumberland.
It's our way of saying thank you for being part of the wellness movement.
Connect with Us
Visit: Project Lean Nation Cumberland, 2980 Cobb Parkway, Suite 168
Instagram: @ProjectLeanNation_Cumberland
10 Mar 2025
Icon Studios ATL with Stone Stafford
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 (https://instagram.com/southcobblive) 🔹 Facebook: South Cobb Live (https://facebook.com/southcobblive)
👥 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 (https://www.instagram.com/stone007) 🌐 Website: StoneStafford.com (http://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! 🎶📲
21 Feb 2025
Marietta Theatre in the Square with Raul Thomas
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.
13 Feb 2025
Bone Health & Holistic Fitness with Whole Body Systems
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/ (https://wholebodysystems.com/) 📍
Locations: Smyrna, East Cobb, Roswell
📸 Instagram: @WholeBodySystems
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089963355646 (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 (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
8 Feb 2025
Parents, Say Goodbye to Party Planning Stress! 🎉 This Marietta Mom Built the Ultimate Indoor Playground!
🚀 Welcome to South Cobb LIVE! 🚀
Join us as we shine a spotlight on Tamara Fowler, the dynamic entrepreneur behind Wiggle Giggle, Marietta’s favorite indoor playground! 🎉
💡 In This Episode, You’ll Discover:
✅ How Wiggle Giggle started from a birthday party disaster and turned into a thriving business.
✅ The challenges and rewards of running an indoor play space for kids.
✅ How Tamara creates a stress-free party experience for parents.
✅ The power of community support and partnerships with local businesses.
✅ Exciting plans for expansion in 2025!
🌟 About Wiggle Giggle 🌟 A family-owned indoor playground offering a safe and fun environment for kids ages 10 & under.
They provide:
🎈 Open play sessions
🎂 Hassle-free birthday parties
🎟️ Membership options
🎉 Special holiday events
📍 Location: 1812 Powder Springs Rd, Marietta, GA
📲 Follow Wiggle Giggle: @WiggleGiggleATL on all social platforms
🔗 Follow South Cobb LIVE!
📺 Subscribe: https://www.southcobblive.com
📸 Instagram: @SouthCobbLIVE
🎙️ Podcast Platforms: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | More!
📢 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more amazing local stories!
⬇️ Drop a comment below – have you visited Wiggle Giggle? Let us know your thoughts! 🚀🔥
30 Jan 2025
Finding Peace & Recharging at The Rest Spot with Jena Burgess Singleton
In this episode of South Cobb LIVE!, host Elise White sits down with Jena Burgess Singleton, the founder of The Rest Spot, an innovative and transformative sanctuary for women seeking rest and renewal. Jena shares her journey from a corporate executive in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) to an entrepreneur redefining how women experience self-care.
The conversation dives into: ✅ The inspiration behind The Rest Spot and why rest is not a luxury but a necessity ✅ The seven types of rest and how The Rest Spot designs spaces for mental, physical, and emotional relaxation ✅ The burnout epidemic among women and how rest can be revolutionary ✅ Jena’s personal wake-up call that led to the creation of this safe haven ✅ The membership experience and how women can access rest, childcare, and social connection in one space
Elise and Jena also share heartfelt stories of women who have transformed their lives through intentional rest—some even experiencing it for the first time in years.
💡 Key Takeaway: You don’t have to escape to the mountains for peace. Rest should be accessible and integrated into daily life.
19 Nov 2024
Welcome to South Cobb LIVE!
Get ready to dive into the heart of South Cobb with South Cobb LIVE!, the podcast that celebrates the people, businesses, and events that make our community so unique. In this episode, we introduce you to the mission of South Cobb LIVE! and what you can expect in every episode—engaging stories from local entrepreneurs, insider tips on must-attend events, and exclusive deals from your favorite small businesses.
Whether you’re a local business owner, a proud resident, or someone who loves great stories, this podcast is for you! Join us as we highlight the best of South Cobb and help you discover new ways to connect with your community.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
What South Cobb LIVE! is all about.
How we spotlight small businesses and local events.
The exclusive offers and stories you’ll only find on the podcast.
How you can get involved, whether as a listener, guest, or sponsor.
Tune in to discover:
The inspiring stories behind South Cobb’s thriving local businesses.
Insider access to the most exciting events in the area.
Why South Cobb LIVE! is your go-to podcast for connecting with the community.
Links and Resources Mentioned:
Subscribe to South Cobb LIVE! on Spotify (#), Apple Podcasts (#), or YouTube (#).
Follow us on social media for updates and exclusive content:
Instagram: @SouthCobbLIVE (#)
Facebook: SouthCobbLIVE (#)
Interested in featuring your business on the podcast? Contact us at southcobbpodcast@gmail.com (mailto:info@southcobblive.com).
Support South Cobb LIVE!: Help us grow the South Cobb LIVE! community! Share this episode with your friends and leave us a review to let us know what you love about the show.
Who has been a guest on South Cobb LIVE!
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Sava Relax
Keisha Jacobs
Terry Graham
Gary Hill
Tarryn Sampson
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
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