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We Are TR

We Are TR

By Lacey Keigley and Brandon Timms

Listen as we meet TR locals! We will chat, swap stories and talk about what brings us all together in this great town!
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That sweets chick

We Are TR Mar 31, 2021

00:00
28:48
Sunset slush

Sunset slush

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What are YOUR favorite Italian ice flavors?

Today’s @wearetr podcast episode features @sunsetslush owner Kevin Buggs.

We chat about our favorite TV shows as kids, his move to the Upstate over a decade ago to be nearer to his wife’s family as she was born and raised in TR and about the Buffalo Bills.

And, of course, about Italian Ice.
Mar 07, 202426:11
The Tasting Room. New owners

The Tasting Room. New owners

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On this episode of the @weare podcast we’re chatting with @tastingtoon owners Michelle and Jeremy.

We talk about their transition from customer to owner and the inclusion of more craft beer options.

We also talk about capers - what are they really? And jingles that get stuck in your head. (What came to your mind first?)
Feb 07, 202428:16
Paris Mountain Dental

Paris Mountain Dental

Your dentist isn’t scary - she’s actually cool!

Meet Dr. Ghimre at Paris Mountain Dental. Born and raised in Nepal, she shares stories of her life and her dental practice here. We even ask about those whitening strips and tongue scraping.

Plus - we uncover her love of Bon Jovi and his classic hits!

Thanks to our sponsor at @gilstraproofing for making this episode happen. (They’re a great group of folks who love the community so well and do a fantastic job on your roof repairs!)
Jan 18, 202424:48
Russell Jones Strong Man

Russell Jones Strong Man

Russell Jones is a man of many talents - including feats of strength, writing books, coaching kids and adults, leadership training and more.

Dec 28, 202333:40
Swamp rabbit cafe

Swamp rabbit cafe

In the past twelve years the Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery has grown from basically an idea about connecting local food sources with local buyers to an Upstate icon. Swamp Rabbit Grocery works with over 300 vendors and farmers and they employ 100 folks. They’re kind of a big deal. And also - they are straight forward and mission minded. They believe in the work and in the people. We chatted with Mary, co-owner of the grocery. Enjoy this episode - we’re lucky to have Swamp Rabbit in the Upstate. (This episode is sponsored by Cope & Crew.)
Dec 07, 202322:59
Cope and Crew part 2

Cope and Crew part 2

We are welcoming back to the We Are TR podcast the dynamic duo of Cope & Crew. It’s their second time on the show but it’s been almost two years in between chats and a LOT has changed in the Cope & Crew world. Yes, they’re still offering landscaping and maintenance services. But now they also have evolved into hardcsapes - concrete driveways retaining walls, drainage systems. If it’s outside and you want it to be functional AND pretty, to do its job AND to increase your property value and your love of your space, Stephen and Cindy are the team to contact. Bonus points to them for not only being great at their jobs, but for also really loving folks and our community well!
Nov 16, 202332:08
Izzy Ink Gif Creator

Izzy Ink Gif Creator

It’s pronounced GIF not JIF.

That’s the way the professional says!

But, much more importantly that that - our newest podcast episode features the talented @izzyink . In real life her name is Elizabeth and she is the designer and creative guru behind every Travelers Rest Here animated icon you’ve seen in our stories - or our replies.

(Which, Elizabeth taught us is possible in today’s episode.)

You’re going to enjoy this conversation about social media and personality tests (Timms says he has NEVER heard of the enneagram!) and so much more!

Tune in and enjoy!

(And let’s practice leaving gifs to one another in the comments! We’ll go first!)
Oct 24, 202338:55
Letters to Dogs

Letters to Dogs

What’s your favorite dog’s name?

Do you have a funny story about the dog next door or the pup that always greets you at your neighbor’s house?

Ryan does too!
In fact, he’s been crafting letters to those dogs and they’re all stacked up in a book!

Letters to Dogs is his new book and we chatted with Ryan about dogs and stories and publishing and so much more!
Oct 04, 202327:07
Sharon Kruger- get help organizing your house and life

Sharon Kruger- get help organizing your house and life

Organizing and creating order out of your chaos - that’s what this week’s We Are TR guest is all about.

Sharon Kruger owns Start Organizing Now and she can help whip your space into shape or stage your home for you sale.

It’s a great chat about tidying up and hoarding and storing special collections. Oh - and we chatted about plastic surgery.

Would YOU have plastic surgery?
Sep 13, 202333:51
Ace hardware store

Ace hardware store

Father and son.

It might be our first duo of that kind for podcast guests!

On this episode get to know the family behind our local Ace Hardware.

They’re local and they love our community - and oh yeah, you’ll get to hear what might sound like the bio for a dating app that Dad offers for Son. 😂

Tune in!
Aug 16, 202327:17
Core 450

Core 450

New episode!

This week we’re talking with the talented chef at @core450 !

Gene is the head chef at Core 450, a bistro located on @cherokeevalley .

Open to the public, we think you’ll love the menu and the vibe - plus the beautiful views.

Tune in to this episode - you’ll find out Gene’s hidden skill and that maybe I need to develop a hidden talent myself.

Plus, we talk steak and memorable meals.

How about you?
What’s been a memorable meal in your life?
Jul 19, 202328:49
Tr ladies soccer team

Tr ladies soccer team

Making TR High School history!

The TR High Women’s Soccer team conquered a first for the school - Upper State South Carolina First Place Champions and second place in the state!

The girls worked hard and had an incredible season and it was so much fun to interview a couple team members on this episode of the We Are TR podcast.
Jun 30, 202324:12
TR Boy Scout troop 36

TR Boy Scout troop 36

Troop 36!
That’s the number of the Travelers Rest Boy Scout troop.

Listen in to our @wearetr conversation with Dylan Wilcox, the Scout Master, as he shares his connection with the scouts program and what’s happening with the Scouts in TR currently.

(Meetings are held weekly at @trinitypres on Monday nights!)
Jun 09, 202335:07
Uniquely you gifts

Uniquely you gifts

We’re keeping it in the family on this week’s We Are TR podcast. Listen in as we chat with Amanda Timms - she’s funny and smart and creative - and she’s married to Brandon! (One of their daughters even makes a guest appearance.) Do we find out ALL the dirt on Brandon? Well, not entirely, but we do get some great stories!
May 16, 202331:10
Kirbi Bliss- real estate and salons

Kirbi Bliss- real estate and salons

A TR local for the long haul, Kirbi Bliss is our We Are TR podcast guest in this week’s episode. Kirbi is a mom, a small business owner (hi there @salonatpoinsett ) and a real estate agent at @theblissteam .
Apr 25, 202323:44
Slater Marietta farmers market

Slater Marietta farmers market

This week’s episode features Sarah Brown, manager of the Slater Marietta Farmers Market. The market is in its third year and begins next month. It’s a great way to spend a Friday night with your family and friends. Plus, listen to the episode and learn more about the great community effort that goes into this local market.
Apr 11, 202328:34
Solo episode?

Solo episode?

No guest? No problem. Today it’s just us!
Mar 23, 202330:52
Hands that hear

Hands that hear

In this episode we chat with Kelly at Hands That Hear. We talk about massage therapy and infrared saunas and the power of scent. We also learn about the physical and emotional benefits of massage - and now we all need to schedule our next appointment!
Mar 10, 202326:54
Karen Schnurr

Karen Schnurr

With @kwsvocal it’s all about the voice.

Maybe you’ve heard Karen’s before in a Disney film - she’s in the choir in the new Disenchanted film, she’s sung on Ice Age and many more.

Karen is funny and engaging and interesting and we think you’ll love this episode.

Funny side note: this one was recorded on our phone because isn’t that how life (and technology) goes some days?
Jan 25, 202343:34
Clearview BC AWANA program

Clearview BC AWANA program

This episode we interview Travis from Clearview Baptist Church.

Travis heads up the Awana program. Never heard of Awana?

You’re in the right place then.
Listen in as Travis tells us about this special Wednesday night program that’s open to all elementary aged kids in the community.
Dec 21, 202226:44
Tr holiday farmers market

Tr holiday farmers market

Bigger than it has ever been, the Very Merry Market is THIS Saturday and you don’t want to miss it.

We chatted with Maranda and Jess about all the vendors (more than one hundred!) and the food trucks. (Noodle Lady, anyone?)

Jess shares local gift ideas in all sorts of categories. Lacey chimes in with some pro shopping tips. Maranda tells us how to keep parking simple. Brandon talks about the sensory experience with all the fabulous smells - kettle corn for the win!

Plus, we decided the market needs an official pet mascot and we should name it Trailblazer.

But you’ll have to listen to this episode to find out what animal we think it should be!
Dec 05, 202240:44
The foreign landers

The foreign landers

Tabitha and David perform as the Foreign Landers. They're married and their path to one another is Hallmark movie cute. David grew up in the Upstate, loving Celtic music. Tabitha grew up in Ireland, loving bluegrass. Eventually they found one another and their mutual musical talents and loves merged into what they now perform - a folk and bluegrass combo with the guitar and the mandolin that is unique and lovely.

Drawn to TR from the name, they have found it a restful and inspiring home base. They've played at Music in the Woods and other local venues and recently they released their first official full album - Travelers Rest. (With art featuring our own Paris Mountain.)

We Are TR was lucky enough to get out own porch concert and we think you’ll love their sound and this latest podcast episode!
Dec 01, 202232:05
Focus photography and events

Focus photography and events

The time is now to think about Christmas card photos and planning holiday parties.

Good thing Focus Photography and Events can handle both!

Enjoy this funny podcast where we get easily distracted and share a lot of great stories together - from elf on the shelf to pickle spears to Avon!

We think you’ll love Melissa!
Nov 10, 202238:21
The Jess Teruel Show

The Jess Teruel Show

Say hello to Jess Teruel - we think you’re gong to love her!

Jess is funny and outgoing, a people person and a loud laugher, in the best of ways. She’s the star of The Jess Teruel Show and recently Brandon was a guest on her show!

You can see her videos on the Travelers Rest Here YouTube channel.

Jess is great at promoting small businesses, at connecting folks, at spreading joy and at making us all laugh!

Enjoy this episode of the We Are TR podcast!
Oct 20, 202231:42
White rabbit fine art gallery

White rabbit fine art gallery

White Rabbit Fine Art Gallery hosts a handful of talented artists and we had a chance to feature two on our podcast! Hear about the gallery. How it got its start and what it’s up to now.
Sep 29, 202231:53
Rachel strivelli

Rachel strivelli

She says she always has a book in her hand and she’s naturally empathetic.

Rachel Strivelli is a life coach, a dream interpreter and a solidly interesting human.

We think you’ll love getting to know her better in our most recent podcast.
Sep 07, 202246:56
The Ruby Family

The Ruby Family

Can one family do it all?

Well, no - but this family gives it a pretty impressive try!

Nic and Suz Ruby tell a fascinating (and fun) story of their lives - living in Canada and Texas and more, starting various businesses and now settling down in TR -where they have many roots and a rich community.

The Rubys currently own three businesses - Bernedoodle.do, Travelers rest Yoga and a home remodeling business. Plus - they have four daughters!

You’ll love this conversation!
Aug 17, 202231:50
Greg graf NGU choir director

Greg graf NGU choir director

Greg Graf is the Director of Choral Activities at North Greenville University. He’s also a talented, smart and funny guy who we think you’ll find very entertaining! Starting next month, he’ll also be heading up a new community-based choir - the North Greenville Choral Arts Society! Auditions have been taking place all summer - but there’s still time to find out more!
Jul 29, 202233:16
Spa North

Spa North

Get to know the team at Spa North.
Learn along with us - because we had no idea about Botox and injections until this conversation.
Plus - we both received facials so we’re kind of experts now.
Jul 07, 202226:02
Top soil restaurant

Top soil restaurant

She’s a serial entrepreneur and TR is better for what she brings to the table. (Literally. That table being @topsoil )

Wendy Lynam is a wonder - funny, smart, hard working and willing to take risks.

Learn more about Wendy in this episode.
Jun 21, 202228:39
Southern garden solutions

Southern garden solutions

Do you want your flower beds to be both beautiful AND productive? Can you envision a space that’s welcoming and provides a side dish at your dinner table? That’s the sort of gardening magic that Stephanie at Southern Garden Solutions offers. We had a chance to chat with her about growing food in the South and a lot more in this episode.
Jun 08, 202227:01
Golden gloves

Golden gloves

Boxing isn’t just like a Rocky movie. The guys at The Boxing Depot in Greer have a legacy of boxing that runs generations.

And coming in June is a unique and family friendly way to see more if the boxing tradition in the Upstate.
May 25, 202232:20
Nate’s pizza

Nate’s pizza

Friday nights are made better by pizza - and so are podcasts.

When we talked with Nate Corley, owner of Nate’s Pizza we talked about way more than just best toppings. We talked wings and small business ownership and parenting.

Tune in!
Apr 29, 202231:30
Cope and crew

Cope and crew

Spring is the time we all start thinking about our lawns and our outdoor spaces. The team at Cope & Crew has all the inspiration and skills you’ll need. This husband and wife team are outdoing and fun - and they love a good Friday family pizza night!
Apr 06, 202237:07
Wild hare art studio

Wild hare art studio

Our first interview with a canine guest!
Dexter joined us at the Wild Hare Gallery where we chatted with co owner and artist Kym Easter.
We talked squirrels - she has a pet one! - and art and gold foil and so much more.

Should Brandon take up watercolor?

Mar 17, 202236:34
Southern roots BBQ reunion

Southern roots BBQ reunion

Think backyard BBQ and think reunion and TR!
That’s exactly what Geoff and his team are creating and April at Trailblazer park.
We chat with Geoff, hot sauce, his beautiful family and all things BBQ.
Feb 22, 202233:01
Walker Pest Management

Walker Pest Management


If you’re afraid of mice or snakes or big black ants, you’re probably not going to apply to work at Walker Pest Management.

We sat down with Caleb Walker and chatted about his business - started from scratch in TR two decades ago - and his family (six kids!) and when TR only had a Hardee’s.
Jan 20, 202241:00
Crystal valley day spa

Crystal valley day spa

One of our favorite parts of the We Are TR podcast is getting to know the people behind some TR businesses.
Lauren, owner of Crystal Valley Day Spa is funny and kind and entertaining.
We think you’ll love this look behind the curtains.
Jan 03, 202228:14
Tim Davis

Tim Davis



Author, artist and educator Tim Davis is also a coffee aficionado and a local volunteer in the community. He holds the record for creating the most hidden picture illustrations in Highlights magazine.
Dec 21, 202130:07
Author Lynn Monet

Author Lynn Monet

Since we started recording the We Are TR podcast, Brandon has been itching to do an interview like this.

She’s seen things the rest of us have not.
She’s had unique experiences and she’s written a book about them.

Lynn Monet is a local resident and she’s sharing her story about a haunted house and her own experiences as an empath.
Dec 07, 202147:29
Red clay soap

Red clay soap


Rachel and John created their business - Red Clay Soap - from humble beginnings and dramatic life changes.
We talk goats (of course) and miracles and more in this episode.
Nov 23, 202145:59
Hillfolx design

Hillfolx design

They hand make knives that you want to pass down as heirlooms.
He dreams of tackling a bear with his actual hands.
She creates collage art.
They’re raising two kids and crafting a lovely life together.
Hear our interview with the family behind Hillfolx Designs.
Nov 09, 202130:04
Bret haynes

Bret haynes

This week we talk with artists Bret Haynes
Oct 26, 202131:03
Dodson fishing company

Dodson fishing company

This week we talk with Dodson fishing company and talk all about tr and fly fishing!
Sep 30, 202131:36
Steve sulligan

Steve sulligan

This week we talk with TR legend Steve sulligan
Sep 09, 202129:29
Cross creek Realtor

Cross creek Realtor

This week we talk with cross creek realty
Aug 18, 202134:03
TR Farmers Market

TR Farmers Market

Today we talk with maranda from the tr farmers market!
Aug 05, 202134:28
Today we talk with TReasures and more 864

Today we talk with TReasures and more 864

Today we talk about everything thrifting!
Jul 14, 202131:59
Shaniece Criss

Shaniece Criss

This week we talk with Shaniece Criss
Jun 23, 202132:45
Sam slaughter

Sam slaughter

Today we sit down with Sam slaughter and talk about about 90s cocktails!
Jun 02, 202125:00