Around Town with @ColaMayor

Latest Episodes:

Ben and Morgan of Ben's Bagels | Rising Dough Jun 28, 2023

Show notes

Welcome to the latest episode of the Around Town Podcast with Mayor Daniel Rickenmann. This week, we're thrilled to engage with local bagel entrepreneurs Ben and Morgan, the masterminds behind the much-loved Ben's Bagels.

After trading the Northeast for the charm of South Carolina, Ben found himself missing a quintessential element of his prior culinary scene - a proper New York bagel. Following many moments of longing and nostalgia, Morgan, Ben's insightful and pragmatic wife, spurred him on with a challenge: "Well, why don't you do something about it?" And so, they did!

Join us as we delve into their unique and inspiring small business journey. Starting from humble beginnings in their home kitchen, we'll learn how this dynamic duo successfully brought a slice of New York to South Carolina with their handcrafted, delicious bagels. Overcoming the many challenges of starting a food business, they have turned their bagel passion into a flourishing local enterprise.

As we journey through their story, we'll discuss the excitement, anticipation, and preparation for their upcoming spot at our beloved Soda City Market. We'll explore what it means for them as a local business to be part of this vibrant community hub and how they plan to bring their bagel goodness to more people.

Tune in for this episode to hear more about their vision, challenges, triumphs, and bagels!

Karen Kustafik | The Confluence of Conservation and Recreation May 31, 2023

Show notes

This week on Around Town Podcast, Mayor Daniel Rickenmann welcomes a special guest, Karen Kustafik, the Assistant Superintendent for Environmental Services and critical figure in the City of Columbia Park Rangers' operations. Join us as we dive deep into an enlightening discussion about Columbia's beautiful rivers, rich natural resources, and the ongoing conservation efforts to protect them.

Karen shares her expert insights on the balance between preserving and using these shared spaces and implementing innovative strategies to conserve our local environment. We also explore the work of the City of Columbia Park Rangers, their commitment to safeguarding the integrity of our parks, and the role they play in fostering a sustainable future for Columbia.

Moreover, get a glimpse of what the future holds as we discuss the exciting future improvements for Columbia’s parks. From new facilities to enhanced accessibility and eco-friendly upgrades, learn about the city's ambitious plans to make our parks more inclusive, resilient, and enjoyable for all residents.

So whether you're an avid outdoors enthusiast, a concerned citizen, or someone who enjoys a stroll in the park, this episode promises to be an enriching exploration of how our community works together to maintain the vitality of Columbia’s natural treasures. Tune in for an engaging dialogue on the confluence of conservation, recreation, and community engagement in building a sustainable future for our city.

Rita Patel & Marcus Munse | The Unicorn that is Hotel Trundle May 17, 2023

Show notes

In this episode of Around Town with Mayor Daniel Rickenmann, we dive into the captivating story of Hotel Trundle, an architectural marvel and a beacon of hospitality in Columbia, South Carolina. We welcome special guests Rita and Marcus, the dynamic duo behind this remarkable establishment. United in marriage and their mutual love for architecture, they have turned their dream into a reality, creating a sanctuary of comfort and style in the heart of our town.

Guided by their parents' wisdom and fueled by relentless dedication, Rita and Marcus embarked on the extraordinary journey of transforming three historic buildings into a vibrant 40-41 room hotel - a testament to their architectural prowess and a symbol of their commitment to the community.

During our conversation, they take us behind the scenes, unraveling the origin of the intriguing name 'Hotel Trundle' and sharing why they chose to set roots in Columbia, South Carolina. The couple also spills the beans on some of the notable guests they've had the honor to host, adding an extra dash of mystery to the episode.

We invite you to join us as we explore the fascinating world of Hotel Trundle and its charming owners right here, on Around Town.

Tommy Stringfellow | Monkeying Around with the CEO of Riverbanks Zoo May 04, 2023

Show notes

Welcome to this week's episode of Around Town with Mayor Daniel Rickenmann! We're thrilled to have a special guest on our show today - the dedicated and inspiring CEO of Riverbanks Zoo, Tommy Stringfellow. As a man who began his humble journey in the industry working at Carowinds during his high school years, Tommy has since climbed the ladder of success, finding his true calling as a passionate advocate for wildlife conservation and family entertainment.

During our candid conversation, Tommy delves into his rich and varied experiences, recounting his formative years at Carowinds and his foray into theme parks, including a stint at the renowned Six Flags. With unwavering determination and a heart full of enthusiasm, Tommy has consistently overcome challenges and obstacles to become a respected figure in the industry.

This week's episode is filled with captivating stories of Tommy's personal and professional growth and the remarkable expansion of Riverbanks Zoo under his leadership. Listen in as we explore the dedication and hard work that have contributed to the zoo's transformation into a world-class destination, providing the community with invaluable educational and recreational opportunities.

Join Mayor Daniel Rickenmann and Tommy Stringfellow for an enlightening and heartfelt conversation that will leave you inspired by the power of perseverance and a love for our natural world. Tune in to Around Town, and let's embark on this remarkable journey together.

Bobby Williams | Celebrating 45 Years of Lizard's Thicket Apr 19, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, we have a special guest, Bobby Williams, the owner of the iconic Lizard's Thicket restaurant in Columbia, SC. Lizard's Thicket has been a staple in the community for 45 years, serving up delicious Southern cuisine to locals and tourists alike.

Mayor Rickenmann and Bobby Williams discuss the history of Lizard's Thicket and how it has evolved over the years. They also dive into the importance of supporting local businesses and how Lizard's Thicket has contributed to growing Columbia's culinary scene.

Throughout the conversation, listeners will learn about the challenges and successes of owning a family-run restaurant, as well as the impact that Lizard's Thicket has had on the community. Mayor Rickenmann and Bobby Williams also discuss the future of the restaurant industry in Columbia and the importance of adapting to changing times.

Whether you're a long-time fan of Lizard's Thicket or just discovering the restaurant for the first time, this episode of Around Town is a must-listen. Join us as we celebrate 45 years of delicious food and community building with Bobby Williams and Mayor Daniel Rickenmann.

Dr. Aaron and Dr. Jennifer Bishop | It Takes a Village Apr 05, 2023

Show notes

Welcome to "Around Town" with Mayor Daniel Rickenmann, the podcast where we explore the vibrant community of Columbia, South Carolina. In each episode, Mayor Rickenmann sits down with guests who are making a positive impact in our city.

In this episode, Mayor Rickenmann is joined by Dr. Aaron Bishop and Dr. Jennifer Bishop, two leaders who are dedicated to making Columbia a better place to live, work, and play. Together, they discuss the importance of community, leadership, and faith in creating a strong and thriving city.

As Columbia continues to grow and evolve, Mayor Rickenmann and his guests explore the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. From improving education to promoting economic development, they share their insights and experiences on how we can build a better future for everyone in our community.

And of course, no discussion of Columbia would be complete without a mention of our delicious food scene! Mayor Rickenmann and his guests share their favorite restaurants and dishes in town, highlighting the diverse and flavorful cuisine that Columbia has to offer.

Whether you're a long-time resident or a newcomer to Columbia, "Around Town" is the podcast for you. Join us as we explore our city's rich history, exciting present, and promising future.

Ana Sazonov | Reclaiming Her Heritage and Rebuilding Ukraine | Around Town Podcast S2 EP3 Mar 22, 2023

Show notes

Ana Sazonov's world changed on February 24, 2022 when Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, was hit by Russian ballistic missiles. As the destruction spread across central and eastern Ukraine, with Russian forces attacking the country from three sides, she knew she would have to do something.

Ana spent most of her life grappling with her Ukrainian and Jewish identities. Born to a Jewish father and non-Jewish mother in Ukraine, Ana was taught to repress her Jewish identity to survive the anti-semitism of the Soviet Union. Eventually, Ana's family sought Aliyah and returned to Israel under the Law of Return. She left her Ukrainian heritage behind and became fully Jewish.

After serving two years in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) as a Basic Training Commander, she received her Bachelor's degree and explored different fields, such as advertising, crowdfunding, and development. When she came to the US to work as an Israel Fellow at Emory University Hillel in Atlanta, she began working with Russian-speaking Jewish students in Atlanta. She quickly found that these students were teaching her as they encouraged her to embrace and reconcile with her Ukrainian identity.

In April of 2022, after the attacks on Ukraine, Ana traveled to the Poland border and spent two weeks volunteering with Ukrainian refugees.

Tune into this episode of the Around Town Podcast to hear more of Ana's story, what she experienced during that trip, and what she is up to now that she has finished her position as Executive Director at the Columbia Jewish Federation.

Support Ana and Ukrainian re-building efforts —

Ana's Organization: https://ukrainianpatriot.org/

Razom for Ukraine: https://www.razomforukraine.org/

Ana's Podcast: https://ukrainevoicesfromwithin.buzzsprout.com/

If you are interested in having Ana share her story with your church, businesses, or organizations, email her at ana.sazonov@gmail.com to collaborate.

Deon Generette | A Very Dapper and Distinguished Gent Mar 08, 2023

Show notes

In this episode of the Around Town podcast, we are excited to welcome our guest, Deon Generette, the host of the popular television show "7 Sunday" and the Founder of Dapper & Distinguished Gents. Deon is an incredibly talented creative who is an anchor in our community.

Deon shares with us his journey from a small town in South Carolina to become a prominent media personality and community leader. He speaks about the challenges he faced along the way and how he overcame them with determination, faith, and guidance from his late Father.

Tune in to this episode of the Around Town podcast for an engaging and thought-provoking conversation with Deon Generette.

Shane Beamer | Coaching, Family, and Building a Winning Culture Feb 22, 2023

Show notes

Shane Beamer is one of the brightest and most promising coaches in college football today. The South Carolina native has made a name for himself as a coach who knows how to build a winning culture. Y'all know in South Carolina, we love our football, and Shane has been making waves in the SEC as the head coach of our Gamecocks. He has a natural talent for making the team feel like family, inspiring them to work hard, and instilling a sense of pride and passion for the game.

But it's not just about football. Shane Beamer is a family man. In this episode, he talks to us about how his son is his toughest critic.

Shane is such a valuable member of our community here in Columbia, and he is a true leader and role model for folks all across our great country. He's got a heart of gold and the work ethic to match.

So if you're a football fan, a coach, or just want to learn more about what's going on Around Town, then you won't want to miss this episode with the one and only Shane Beamer.

2022 Around Town Wrap-Up Dec 07, 2022

Show notes

It has been a great year in Columbia, and it has been a great year of the Around Town podcast.

We have sat down with some of Columbia's best-known leaders and some of Columbia's best-kept secrets. It has been amazing to hear their stories, learn more about our community, and discuss how we can work towards making Columbia an even greater Capital City. Our city is growing, but it will take our whole community to keep it that way. I am so thankful for all we have done together this year, and I look forward to all we will accomplish in 2023.

Listen to this "2022 Around Town Wrap-Up" as we reflect on what we have done on the podcast and in our city this year.