The Soda Citizen: Local Life in Columbia, SC by The ART of Real Estate Team at eXp Realty

How One Columbia Nonprofit Is Changing Lives for Children and Families

What happens when a personal challenge becomes a mission to help hundreds of families? In this episode of the Soda Citizen Podcast, Brad Allen and Mary Lane Sloan sit down with Dawn Darby, CEO and co-founder of The Therapy Place, to discuss the inspiring story behind one of Columbia's most impactful nonprofits. After her son was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, Dawn saw firsthand the challenges families face when trying to access therapy, education, and support services. That experience led her to help create The Therapy Place, a nonprofit organization that now serves children across the Midlands through pediatric therapy, special education, family programs, and more. During the conversation, Dawn shares: *  The story behind The Therapy Place  *  How pediatric therapy changes lives  *  The Bridges School and its unique approach  *  Challenges facing families with special needs children  *  The future vision for a new campus and expanded services  *  Ways the Columbia community can get involved and support the mission  Whether you're a parent, educator, healthcare professional, or simply someone who loves hearing stories about people making a difference in our community, this episode is a powerful reminder of the impact one idea can have. Learn more about The Therapy Place and upcoming events at the links below. The Therapy Place [https://thetherapyplace.org/] How to Donate & Support [https://thetherapyplace.org/how-you-can-help/give/]

The Ultimate Guide to Columbia SC Arts, Concerts & Broadway Shows with Nate Terracio

What makes Columbia, SC more than just a college town? In this episode of The Soda Citizen Podcast, Brad Allen and Mary Lane Sloan sit down with Nate Terracio, Director of the Koger Center for the Arts, to discuss the growing arts, music, and entertainment scene in Columbia and why it plays such an important role in the city's quality of life.  From Broadway productions like Wicked and Beetlejuice to free outdoor concerts, local arts initiatives, and the future of cultural experiences in the Midlands, Nate shares an inside look at what goes into bringing world-class entertainment to Columbia.  The conversation also explores: *  The new free outdoor concert series at the Koger Center  *  How Broadway tours make their way to Columbia  *  Why arts and culture matter when choosing where to live  *  Columbia's parks, museums, trails, and outdoor attractions  *  The city's evolving entertainment and food scene  *  What makes Columbia a unique place to call home  Whether you're a longtime local, considering a move to Columbia, or simply looking for new ways to experience the city, this episode highlights some of the people and organizations helping shape Columbia's future.  🎙️ The Soda Citizen Podcast explores the people, places, businesses, and stories that make Columbia, South Carolina a great place to live, work, and play. The Koger Center [https://www.kogercenterforthearts.com/] Download Our App [https://bk.homestack.com/theartofrealestate?aik=testate]

Forest Acres, Fitness & Finding Community in Columbia, SC with Jason Brunson

What’s it really like to live in Columbia, South Carolina and why do so many people end up staying? In this episode of The Soda Citizen Podcast: Local Life in Columbia, SC, Brad Allen and Mary Lane Sloan sit down with Jason Brunson, owner and head coach of Arena Athletic Club, to talk about life in Forest Acres, building community, family life, fitness, and the everyday lifestyle that makes Columbia feel more like a big town than a big city.  Jason shares his journey from small-town South Carolina to opening a successful fitness business in Columbia, what makes Arena Athletic Club different, and how the city has evolved over the years. The conversation also dives into: • Living in Forest Acres and Columbia neighborhoods  • Family-friendly parks and local favorites  • Columbia’s fitness and wellness culture  • Why Columbia is easy to navigate and easy to love  • Restaurants, green spaces, and community life  • What Columbia may still be missing — and what makes it special today  • Why so many people leave Columbia… and eventually come back  Whether you're considering moving to Columbia, SC, already call the Midlands home, or simply love learning about the people shaping our community, this episode offers an honest local perspective on life in the Capital City. 💪 Arena Athletic Club [https://www.arenaclub.co/] 📲 Download our App [https://bk.homestack.com/theartofrealestate?aik=testate] Follow Us [https://www.instagram.com/theartteam/]

The Future of Columbia, SC: Riverfront Development, Growth & What’s Next with Will Brennan

What’s next for Columbia, South Carolina? In this episode of The Soda Citizen Podcast, Brad Allen and Mary Lane Sloan sit down with Columbia City Councilman Will Brennan to talk about the growth, development, and big projects shaping the future of the Midlands. From the highly anticipated Congaree riverfront project to BullStreet, Finlay Park, historic redevelopment, housing growth, and walkability, this conversation explores how Columbia is evolving and what that means for residents, business owners, and future growth. Will also shares insight into: • Columbia’s riverfront development plans  • Historic tax credits & redevelopment projects  • Downtown housing and apartment growth  • BullStreet and North Main development  • Infrastructure and transportation improvements  • Short-term rental and Airbnb conversations  • The future of parks and public spaces  • Why Columbia and the Midlands are gaining momentum Whether you’ve lived here your whole life or are just discovering Columbia, this episode offers an inside look at where the city is headed and why so many people are paying attention. 🎙️ The Soda Citizen Podcast highlights the people, stories, and local businesses that make Columbia, South Carolina an incredible place to live. Riverfront Park Information [https://growth.columbiasc.gov/portfolio/congaree-riverfront-district/]

Songbird 2026: The Music Festival Transforming Columbia, SC

What does it take to bring one of the biggest music festivals Columbia, SC has ever seen to Finlay Park? In this episode of the Soda Citizen Podcast, Brad Allen and Mary Lane Sloan sit down with Trae Judy and John Katz to talk all about Songbird Music Festival 2026 coming to downtown Columbia on May 30–31. They discuss: *  The vision behind Songbird 2026  *  Why Finlay Park is the perfect venue  *  Bringing artists like Old Crow Medicine Show, Futurebirds, Sam Bush, and more to Columbia  *  How the city is investing in events, culture, and entertainment  *  Festival logistics, vendors, family-friendly activities, parking, VIP experiences & more  *  Why Columbia is becoming a destination city for live music  This episode is a behind-the-scenes look at the people helping shape the future of Columbia’s entertainment scene and why Songbird 2026 could become a staple event for years to come. 📍 Finlay Park — Columbia, SC  📅 May 30–31, 2026 🎟️ Tickets to Songbird 26 [https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/37945/finlay-park]