The Family Farm Growing More Than Plants

How Does JoCo Grows Support Farmers?

When most people think about agriculture, they picture fields, tractors, and harvest season. What they may not realize is that agriculture remains one of the largest economic drivers in Johnston County and North Carolina, touching nearly every aspect of daily life. In this episode of The Best of Johnston County Podcast, Jonathan Breeden sits down with Nicole Youngblood, Johnston County's Agricultural Marketing and Communications Extension Agent, to discuss the work happening behind the scenes to support local farmers, tell their stories, and strengthen the connection between agriculture and the growing Johnston County community.

Ask Jonathan Anything: The Truth That Changes Everything in Family Court

What happens when one social media post ends up in front of a judge? Can a single undisclosed fact completely change the outcome of a custody case? And is ignoring a court order really as serious as people say it is? In this special Ask Jonathan Breeden Anything episode, Jonathan answers some of the most common questions people have about family court. Drawing on 26 years of experience, he shares real-world insights into the mistakes people make, the lessons they've learned the hard way, and what families can do to create better outcomes for themselves and their children.

The Leadership Lessons No One Taught You

What if most leadership crises could be prevented before they ever started? In this episode of The Best of Johnston County Podcast, returning guest Melissa Overton shares the inspiration behind her new book, Focused and Fearless Leadership. Drawing from her experiences as a critical care nurse, entrepreneur, trainer, and speaker, Melissa explains why leadership emergencies rarely happen overnight and how better communication, accountability, and self-awareness can transform the way we lead.

How Animation Is Creating New Possibilities in Johnston County

What if your business could stop people mid-scroll and make them pay attention? In this episode of The Best of Johnston County Podcast, Jonathan Breeden sits down with Gabriel Smith, owner of AnimNation, to talk about the world of 3D animation, gaming, and digital storytelling. From working on a DreamWorks project to helping local businesses create memorable brand experiences, Gabriel shares how creativity and technology are changing the way businesses connect with people.

From Fat and Tired to Fitness Leader

What happens when someone reaches a moment where enough is enough? For Amy Locklear, it started with being tired of feeling tired. Years later, that personal decision transformed into something much bigger, a fitness community helping people across Johnston County move more, live healthier lives, and build relationships that extend far beyond workouts. In this episode, Amy shares her journey into fitness, what makes CrossFit different, and why community may matter even more than exercise.