The Imagine Moore Podcast

Home Sweet Holt: Building a Life, a Family, and a Career in Moore County with Mellisa Holt

What do developmental psychology, teaching exceptional children, construction supplies, automobile finance, banking, and mortgage lending all have in common? For Mellisa Holt, each step of the journey helped prepare her for the next. In this episode of The Imagine Moore Podcast, host Rose Young sits down with Mellisa Holt of Main Street Home Loans to talk about the winding path that brought her to Moore County and the career she never expected to have. Mellisa shares stories about moving to Moore County, getting married, starting a new chapter of life, renting for five years before building her family's dream home, and how those experiences help her guide others through the home-buying process today. But this conversation is about much more than mortgages. It's about family, community, taking chances, finding your purpose, and creating a place to call home. You'll also hear about Mellisa's husband Brad, daughter Gracie's successful lacrosse season at Pinecrest High School, and why Moore County has become the perfect place for their family. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, considering building a home, or simply enjoy hearing the stories of the people who make our community special, you'll enjoy this warm and inspiring conversation. To learn more about Mellisa Holt and Main Street Home Loans, visit: https://mainstreethomeloans.com/loanoriginator/mellisa-holt/ [https://mainstreethomeloans.com/loanoriginator/mellisa-holt/] You can also connect with Mellisa through Main Street Home Loans and follow her #HomeSweetHolt journey. #HomeSweetHolt #MainStreetHomeLoans #ImagineMoorePodcast #MooreCountyNC #SouthernPinesNC #PinehurstNC #HomeOwnership #CommunityStories

When Life Comes Unhinged with Author Teri M. Brown

What happens when a successful woman finds herself navigating menopause, divorce, brain fog, hot flashes, and a soon-to-be ex-husband who seems far too comfortable flirting with younger women? You get Peg, Unhinged. In this episode of the Imagine Moore Podcast, host Rose Young sits down with award-winning author Teri M. Brown to talk about her newest novel, a funny, raw, and deeply relatable story about life's unexpected twists and the courage to reinvent yourself when everything seems to be falling apart. Teri shares the inspiration behind Peg, why humor can be one of our greatest survival tools, and how real-life experiences often find their way into fiction. You'll also hear Teri read excerpts from the book and discuss why so many readers are already seeing a little bit of themselves in Peg. The conversation also explores Teri's fascinating journey from Air Force brat to entrepreneur, novelist, and adventurer. Rose and Teri discuss her life in Moore County, her writing career, and the unforgettable cross-country tandem bicycle ride that inspired her inspirational memoir, 10 Little Rules for a Double-Butted Adventure. Whether you're a lifelong reader, an aspiring writer, or simply someone trying to navigate life's messy middle with grace and humor, this episode will leave you laughing, reflecting, and perhaps feeling a little less alone. About Teri M. Brown Teri M. Brown is the award-winning author of nine books, including Sunflowers Beneath the Snow, An Enemy Like Me, Daughters of Green Mountain Gap, 10 Little Rules for a Double-Butted Adventure, and her newest release, Peg, Unhinged. She lives in Moore County, North Carolina, with her husband Bruce and continues to inspire readers through stories filled with courage, resilience, humor, and heart. Connect with Teri M. Brown: Website: www.terimbrown.com [http://www.terimbrown.com/] Subscribe and Share: https://imaginemoorepodcast25.podbean.com/ [https://imaginemoorepodcast25.podbean.com/] If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, review, and share it with a friend. Your support helps us continue highlighting the incredible people, stories, and ideas that make Moore County and beyond such a special place. Imagine this. Imagine that. And as always, keep imagining Moore.

Mental Health Isn’t Just a Crisis Conversation — It’s an Everyday Conversation

This special Memorial Day edition of The Imagine Moore Podcast is being released during Mental Health Awareness Month because this conversation is simply too important to wait. Host Rose Young sits down with Dr. Leake of Derive Clinic [https://deriveclinic.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] in Pinehurst, North Carolina, for a thoughtful and surprisingly relatable discussion about mental health, stress, burnout, and what he calls “mental health hygiene.” Drawing from years of experience in the emergency room, Dr. Leake shares stories, observations, and practical insights about the emotional struggles many people quietly carry every day. From recognizing warning signs to building healthier daily habits, this episode explores mental health in a way that feels human, approachable, and relevant to all of us. You’ll also get to know the man behind the profession through personal stories, reflections, and a fun quick-fire round. Whether you’re thriving, overwhelmed, or somewhere in between, this conversation is a reminder that taking care of your mind matters just as much as taking care of your body. To learn more or make an appointment with Dr. Leake, visit: Derive Clinic – Pinehurst, NC [https://deriveclinic.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] 🫐 Kiwanis of the Sandhills is currently selling freshly picked North Carolina blueberries for just $36 a flat — that’s only $3 a pint! Blueberries freeze beautifully, so stock up while they last. Orders must be placed by June 1. For blueberry information and ordering details, visit: Kiwanis of the Sandhills [https://kiwanisofthesandhills.org/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] 🎧 Subscribe, share, and check in on the people you care about. And as always… keep imagining Moore.

Building Community One Pint at a Time | Tim Emmert of Hugger Mugger Brewing

In this episode of the Imagine Moore Podcast, host Rose Young sits down with Tim Emmert, founder of Hugger Mugger Brewing, for a conversation about entrepreneurship, community, local culture, and creating spaces where people truly feel welcome. Tim’s journey took him from Central New York to Syracuse University, then into politics and community development work through University of Virginia, before eventually landing in Sandford, NC and opening Hugger Mugger Brewing in 2018. But this episode is about more than beer. It’s about what happens when someone intentionally builds a place for connection. From Carolina Indie Fest and Brews, Blues & BBQ to live music, local partnerships, and everyday conversations over a pint, Hugger Mugger Brewing has become one of Lee County’s favorite gathering places. This conversation is thoughtful, relaxed, funny, and full of the kinds of stories that remind us why local businesses matter so much. 🎧 Listen now and meet the man behind one of Southern Pines’ most beloved community hubs. 🍺 Learn more about Hugger Mugger Brewing [https://huggermuggerbrewing.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] 🎙️ Subscribe and share the Imagine Moore Podcast: Imagine Moore Podcast [https://imaginemoorepodcast25.podbean.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com]

Flour, Fudge, and Quiet Revolutions: Inside the Sandhills Women's Exchange

What if one of the earliest movements for women’s independence didn’t begin with protests… but with baked goods, handmade crafts, and quiet determination? In this episode of The Imagine Moore Podcast, host Rose Young sits down with the incredible women of the Sandhills Woman’s Exchange to uncover a story that began in the 1830s and continues to impact lives today. From the restrictive coverture laws that once limited women’s rights, to a nationwide movement that empowered them to earn income with dignity, this conversation brings history to life in the most meaningful way. You’ll hear how the Sandhills Woman’s Exchange was founded in 1922 right here in Moore County, why it has never closed its doors, and how its mission of “helping others to help themselves” still thrives in 2026. We also spotlight Susan Taylor-Schran’s work preserving this legacy through her book Helping Others, and explore how the Exchange continues to support artisans and the community today. This is a story of resilience, creativity, and quiet strength — and it’s closer to home than you think.  Visit the Sandhills Woman’s Exchange: https://www.sandhillswomans-exchange.org/ 💛 Support the Exchange: The Sandhills Woman’s Exchange is currently working to recover from damage caused by Tropical Storm Chantal. They are raising funds to elevate their flooring and protect the historic space from future storms. Their goal is $60,000 — and every contribution makes a difference. If this story moves you, please consider making a donation and helping preserve this incredible piece of history for generations to come. 🎧 Subscribe, share, and be part of a community that celebrates stories that matter. And as always… keep imagining Moore.