As Told By You

As Told By You Podcast | Jacob Carter

In this episode of As Told By You, Bill sits down with longtime friend and filmmaker Jacob Carter to talk about storytelling, education, filmmaking, and building a creative life with purpose. Jacob shares how he discovered video production in high school, how wedding filmmaking shaped his career, and how he now leads creative projects for the fastest-growing charter school district in South Carolina. The conversation dives into legacy, emotion, relationships, and the power of stories to move people to action. Topics Covered -Why storytelling matters for any organization -How emotion creates connection and action -Jacob’s work with the Charter Institute at Erskine -Building one of the most extensive communications teams in education -How Jacob first got into filmmaking -Shooting his first wedding in 2008 -Early internships and documentary work -Living in a Halfway House to mentor men while making films -Meeting his wife and growing a wedding business together -Running a creative business as a couple -The challenge and reward of long term client relationships -Legacy, weddings, and why these stories matter If you enjoy conversations with filmmakers, storytellers, and creative leaders, subscribe for more episodes of As Told By You

As Told By You Podcast | Suzanne Brunnemer

In this episode of As Told By You, we sit down with Suzanne Brunnemer of Mann Tool and Supply, a Columbia business with more than 80 years of history. Suzanne is part of the third generation to lead the company, and the fourth generation has now begun to step in. Suzanne shares what it has been like to grow up inside a family business, how her son recently joined the company, and why the trades create such strong generational ties. We talk about childhood experiences, work culture, and what the future looks like for Mann Tool and Supply. Topics covered in this episode include: Growing up in a multigenerational family business How her son decided to join the fourth generation Childhood memories of working in the trades Why blue-collar families often work together early in life The shifting dynamics of family involvement over the years How younger leaders connect with the next wave of customers Suzanne’s insights on time management, organization, and big picture thinking What the future looks like for Mann Tool and Supply If you enjoy stories about family businesses, the trades, or local Columbia history, this episode is a great listen.

As Told By You Podcast | John Loveday

Welcome back to As Told By You. Today’s guest is John Loveday, a passionate leader in alternative education who is helping reshape the way students learn in South Carolina. John’s story starts in rural Aiken County and moves through immense personal loss, first-generation college success, and the difficult early years of teaching in a traditional classroom. That journey led him to virtual and charter schools, where he discovered a mission that aligned with his purpose: giving students options. We talk about: • What led John into the virtual school movement • How SC Whitmore School became a lifeline for students from all 46 SC counties • Real-life stories of teen parents, student-athletes, and young entrepreneurs who needed a different path • Mastery-based, self-paced education and how it prevents dropouts • His leap into charter school leadership and joining Tutelage School Solutions • Why rural communities deserve high-quality education options • The role storytelling and video play in building trust with families John shares powerful examples, such as a valedictorian who received a full ride to USC and a 20-year-old mother who refused to give up, both of whom graduated on their own timeline and found success in their own way. This is what equitable education can look like. ✨ If you believe every student deserves the chance to write their own story, this episode is for you. 👍 Like | 💬 Comment | 🛎 Subscribe Share this episode with someone who cares about the future of education.

As Told By You Podcast | Senior Resources

Today on As Told By You, Becky and Andrew from Senior Resources join us to talk about the work they do for older adults across the Midlands. Most people know Meals on Wheels, but there is a lot more happening behind the scenes. From nutrition to transportation to wellness programs, Senior Resources supports thousands of seniors in different ways every year. In this episode, we cover: -How Meals on Wheels works in Columbia -Why a dietitian helps create healthy, balanced meals -Personal stories about family members delivering Meals on Wheels in past generations -Why serving others has been part of his family’s values for decades -How Senior Resources serves real individuals, not faceless names -Becky’s background in nonprofit work and what motivates her -Why, even on difficult days, they know seniors were fed and cared for -The impact on volunteers, from retirees to college students who want to come back -Additional programs like Neighborhood Wellness Centers and transportation for seniors Senior Resources has been a staple in the Midlands for decades. Their work feeds, supports, connects, and empowers older adults every day through community partnerships, volunteers, and local donors. #SeniorResources #MealsOnWheels #ColumbiaSC #MidlandsSC #SupportSeniors #CommunityMatters #Volunteer #Nonprofit #LoriCenter #AsToldByYou

As Told By You Podcast | Jay Kilmartin

On this episode of “As Told By You,” we sit down with South Carolina State Representative Jay Kilmartin. Jay is the owner of The Melting Pot, co-owner of the Cigar Militia and our neighbor in Colonial Village. Jay shares how he went from restaurant owner to elected official, what convinced him to run, and the challenges of serving in state politics today. He talks about: Why he felt called to public service What surprised him most about life at the State House The reality of campaigning, fundraising, and negative advertising How to retain loyal restaurant customers for 30 years! How well politicians from different sides can talk over a cigar If you enjoy conversations with local leaders and want to hear how state government works behind the scenes, this episode is worth the watch. Subscribe for more stories from South Carolina voices.

As Told By You Podcast | William Starrett

On this episode of As Told By You, Bill and Brian sit down with one of South Carolina’s most iconic creative leaders, William Starrett, Director and CEO of the South Carolina Ballet. William shares how fashion, choreography, education, and business strategy all shape the identity and future of the ballet. He talks about his bold personal brand, why he treats dance like a serious business, and how the ballet reaches more than 18,000 students a year across the state. William explains why accessibility matters, how the nonprofit stays financially healthy, and why keeping ticket prices affordable is part of their mission. We also cover the scale of the touring season, including: • 65th anniversary season • 56 performances in 14 cities • Touring productions of Dracula, Nutcracker, Motown Ballet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and the Sapphire Anniversary Gala William explains how dancers audition from across the country, how he shapes the company with performers from diverse backgrounds, and why he believes dance should reflect the community it serves. He also shares a personal story of how he fell in love with ballet at age 13, moved to San Francisco to train, and decided to pursue dance professionally, leading him to live and work in NYC, his exploits at Studio 54, and what eventually brought him to Columbia. If you want an inside look at the world of professional ballet, leadership in the arts, and what it takes to build a creative legacy, you will enjoy this episode of As Told By You. Like and subscribe for more conversations with creative leaders, entrepreneurs and artists shaping our community.

As Told By You Podcast | Amanda Bertoncini

Welcome back to As Told By You, where real people share real stories. In this episode, we sit down with  @AmandaBertoncini  , best known from Bravo’s Princesses of Long Island, to talk about what life was really like behind the cameras — from getting cast on Facebook to becoming an overnight public figure. Amanda opens up about fame, family, and how she found a new start in Columbia, South Carolina. 🎙 In this episode: How Amanda was discovered for the Princesses of Long Island What was real vs. scripted on the show The challenges of sudden fame and being seen as a “reality star” Why she left New York and started fresh in South Carolina How social media and reality TV have evolved since then How Bill really feels about With Love, Megan And Bill & Brian's stories of meeting their wives Whether you’re a fan of Bravo reality shows, curious about the behind-the-scenes of unscripted TV, or just love a good reinvention story, this conversation will pull you in. 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe to support authentic storytelling. #RealityTV #Bravo #PrincessesOfLongIsland #AmandaBertoncini #Podcast #AsToldByYou

As Told By You Podcast | Jade Pruett

Jade Pruett is an SEO nerd. She loves it! As the owner and founder of HelloSEO, she's excited to help people with local SEO and whipping their search into shape. We talk about -AI as search and how that will change the game -The value of local search and how that's done well -Lego adults It's a fun conversation and full of useful advice. Find Jade at www.helloseo.com

As Told By You Podcast | Adina Maynard

In this episode of As Told By You, we sit down with Adina Maynard, an oncology nurse turned game creator with one of the most unexpected and inspiring career pivots you’ll ever hear. After 15 years at the bedside caring for cancer patients, Adina began to feel the emotional and physical weight of the work take its toll. She loved being there for patients and families during their hardest moments, but the strain of long hours, short staffing, and the constant pressure to do more with less pushed her to start praying for a new direction. What came next was a complete reinvention and the birth of a word game app created right here in Columbia, South Carolina. In this conversation, she opens up about: Walking through the doors she felt God opening The emotional realities of oncology nursing and bone marrow transplant care The resilience and faith she witnessed in patients and families How those experiences shaped her outlook on life and creativity The journey to developing her word game app, Cattywampus Why she believes word games can help people stay mentally sharp longer Her story is full of purpose, grit, humor, and heart, and it is a reminder that it is never too late to reinvent yourself. Tune in, get inspired, and hear how a life spent at the bedside turned into something completely unexpected.

As Told By You Podcast | Tyler Robertson

Welcome back to As Told By You! In this episode, we’re joined by Tyler Robertson, CEO and founder of Diesel Laptops, who shares his fascinating journey from getting kicked out of college to building a multi-million dollar business without any debt. 🚚💻 Tyler talks about the massive $80 billion industry surrounding diesel-powered trucks and equipment, and how Diesel Laptops is revolutionizing the way diesel technicians work. From diagnostic software to predictive AI, Diesel Laptops helps commercial truck owners and repair shops fix issues faster and more efficiently. Tyler also touches on the challenges of the trucking industry, including the rise of electric trucks and the hurdles they face in terms of cost, weight, and infrastructure. Throughout the conversation, Tyler dives into the importance of “Right to Repair,” how he built his business on the side while dealing with debt, and how AI is making a major impact in diesel repair. 🌍🔧 What we cover in this episode: Tyler's journey from college dropout to tech entrepreneur 💡 The massive $80 billion diesel repair industry 🚛 How Diesel Laptops is helping technicians with software and AI 💻 The future of electric trucks and their challenges ⚡️ How Tyler grew Diesel Laptops without taking on debt 💸 If you’ve ever wondered how the diesel industry works behind the scenes or how software is changing the repair game, this episode is for you! #DieselLaptops #ElectricTrucks #AI #Entrepreneurship #TechInnovation #TruckingIndustry #BusinessGrowth #RightToRepair #DaveRamsey