About A Place to Call Home Podcast
Welcome to A Place to Call Home, the podcast where we delve into the vibrant stories of Gainesville Health & Fitness employees and local residents who have chosen to call Gainesville their home sweet home. Each episode invites you to connect with a new guest as they share their personal journey and deep-rooted connection to this charming city. From what initially captivated them about Gainesville to the moments that solidified its place in their hearts, we uncover what makes this community truly special.
But we don't stop there. Alongside these captivating personal narratives, we'll also sit down with experts who shed light on the rich tapestry of Gainesville's history, pivotal events, and the art of community building. Our aim? To offer you a comprehensive exploration of life in "The Swamp" that goes far beyond its reputation as just a college town.
Podcast Guests
From familiar faces you may already know within Gainesville to locals whose stories you've yet to discover, each episode brings forth a captivating blend of perspectives. We are excited to bring you along to hear from guests who add depth and diversity to our exploration of what truly makes Gainesville a place to call home.
Episode 1: Andy Farina
We're joined by Andy Farina. Andy is an ultra marathon runner, a fitness instructor, a community chaplain, father, husband, and wears a handful of other hats. Learn what inspires Andy and how he's doing his own part to make the world a better place!
Episode 2: Joe Cirulli
GHF Owner and CEO, Joe Cirulli, is with us in the studio. Joe started Gainesville Health & Fitness 45 years ago and has been recognized for his achievements all around the world. From family to exercising in front of the TV as a young boy, find out the whos, whats, wheres, whens and whys of what has made Joe and GHF who and what they are today!
Episode 3: Romona Jackson
Romona Jackson joins us for a wonderful conversation about her life, how she formed her own financial management company, how she works to build up the community through her non-profit work and even touches on her work as a published writer!
Episode 4: Matt Mallard
Director of Personal Training at GHF, Matt Mallard, joins us to breakdown the path from pursuing a career as a pharmacist to shifting into the world of fitness, and best of all, the role of a dedicated and loving family man.
Episode 5: Donte Jones
Donte Jones joins us to talk about his time as an Army Rangers and life right out of the service as he transitioned into civilian life, getting married, having kids and facing his mental health head on.
Episode 6: Shawn Hinds
This episode we are joined by Shawn Hinds (GHF GroupFit Manager) who shares with us how trying something new opened her up to a whole new world of possibilities and how the power of positive thinking and faith got her through years and years of not knowing her biological family and has helped her realize her true self today.
Episode 7: Glen Purdy
GHF's own Glen Purdy joins us as this week's guest. Glen breaks down how a childhood of mischievous creativity lead him to a career in making advertisements—and lots and lots of signs—for Gainesville Health & Fitness.
Episode 8: Billie Bob Sykes
To cap off the first season of A Place to Call Home, we are joined by the beloved GHF Ambassador, Billie Bob Sykes. Billie Bob shares a little bit about her 99 years of life from being a little girl in Georgia to growing a loving family of her own right here in Gainesville, FL!
Season 2, Episode 1: John Spence
In the Season 2 premiere, we sit down with John Spence (Global Business Expert, Coach, Trainer and Author) to discuss his story. From being turned away from the University of Florida to becoming a young CEO with the Rockefeller Foundation and now helping others become better CEOs, John shares some valuable words about humility, chasing dreams and leading with compassion.
Season 2, Episode 2: Craig Wilburn
Craig Wilburn describes his team of realtors (Team Dynamo/Keller Williams) as "people impactors." Not one to let his many accolades define him, Craig chats with us about what impacting people through realty looks like, we talk taking up roots in Gainesville, and learn that you might want to think twice about taking him on in a game of volleyball.
Season 2, Episode 3: Kara Winslow
Kara Winslow (On-Location Make-Up Artists) is no stranger to happy accidents—or a good time! She joins us at A Place to Call Home to tell us how she quite literally became a make-up artist by accident and why, despite working both nationally and internationally, she still calls Gainesville her home.
Season 2, Episode 4: Chris Doering
Legendary Gator football player, SEC Commentator and owner of Chris Doering Mortgage, Chris Doering, joins us in the studio to talk about his many business endeavors as well as taking the time to get personal and talk about fatherhood, his lesser known artistic side, and the importance of pursing your passions.
Season 2, Episode 5: Becky Burleigh
Hall of Fame UF Women's Soccer Coach, Becky Burleigh, joins us on A Place to Call Home to talk about the privileges and challenges of becoming a collegiate head coach at the age of 21-years-old, what it means to be part of a team in both sports and life, and the importance of adding value while understanding the value of yourself.
Season 2, Episode 6: Danny Stevens and Andy Sherrard
In this episode, we welcome to the studio Danny Stevens and Andy Sherrard, two GHF alumni who went on to create O2B Kids. Settle in and listen to the origin story about how a trip around the world inspired the creation of a one-of-a-kind place for kids to learn through play.
Season 2, Episode 6: Ken Cornell
Our latest guest, Ken Cornell (County Commissioner), joined us to discuss what motivated, and continues to motivate, him to becoming a county commissioner as well as diving into some of the lessons he picked up from his time working right here at GHF!
Season 2, Episode 7, Part 1: Ken Block
Ken Block, vocalist of Sister Hazel and founder of Lyrics for Life, joins us in the studio to speak candidly about mental health, what it takes to keep a band together for 30+ years, and the inspiration behind the pediatric cancer foundation, Lyrics for Life.
Season 3, Episode 1,Betsy Pepine
No stranger to long time members of the Gainesville community and North Central Florida, Betsy Pepine is the owner, as well as a broker, of Pepine Realty. Betsy joins us to talk her new book, Breaking Boxes, and what inspires her most about the real estate industry.
Season 3, Episode 2, Eric Godet (GNV Chamber of Commerce, President)
Eric Godet, like many, is a transplant of Gainesville, FL who fell madly in love with the city and took up roots. Eric joins use to explain how a self-proclaimed "island boy" who started off in the biotech industry found his way to becoming the president of the Gainesville Chamber of Commerce and what makes that position in our city so rewarding.
Season 3, Episode 3, Shannon Miller
In this episode, we had the opportunity to sit down with Shannon Miller, Owner of Miller Elder Law Firm, and had one of our most unique and interesting conversations to date. Speaking on everything from the importance of end-of-life care to the spiritual healing nature of yoga, you're bound to finish this one having learned a few new things!
About the Host
Host, Johnathan Ross, is the GHF photographer and videographer. Outside of his work with GHF, he has been a lifelong writer and cinephile. Coming from a long line of verbal storytellers, he hopes A Place to Call Home and the stories of each guest can help inspire, entertain, and build new connections within the Gainesville community.
Where to Listen to A Place to Call Home
Our podcast follows a bi-weekly release schedule, with each episode featuring 1-2 engaging guests sharing their unique stories and perspectives on Gainesville.