🎧 Episode Description:

Looking for a podcast that blends mental health, music, and meaningful storytelling? You don’t want to miss this episode.

We’re thrilled to welcome Elizabeth L. McCorvey, LCSW — a licensed clinical social worker, professional counselor, anti-racism educator, and musician — who takes us on a journey through her unique world where counseling meets creativity. Elizabeth shares how she channels her professional insight and emotional depth into her music, and how the arts can be a powerful tool for healing, reflection, and connection.

In addition to her counseling and music, Elizabeth discusses her innovative equine-assisted therapy approach, explaining how working with horses can enhance emotional awareness, build trust, and provide profound therapeutic experiences.

Whether you’re a mental health professional, a musician, or simply curious about the magic that happens when passion meets purpose, this episode will leave you inspired, reflective, and ready to explore your own creative side.

🔗 Connect with Elizabeth McCorvey:

• Official Website: www.elizabethmccorvey.com
• Music: www.elizabethmccorveymusic.com
• Available on Apple Music, Spotify, Bandcamp, and YouTube Music

You can reach out to your host at vdills@stormphysicaltherapy.com

This week on Getting to Know Hendo, we’re excited to feature Blaine Russell — Musical Director of the Blue Ridge Ringers and Fletcher United Methodist Church — as we highlight the bright, joyful sound of one of Hendersonville’s most beloved ensembles.

Blaine brings deep musical expertise to our region. Originally from Kosciusko, Mississippi, he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Voice from High Point University before completing his Master’s in Conducting at Shenandoah Conservatory. His career has led him through music leadership roles in Mississippi, Virginia, and North Carolina — and though he’s happily settled into mountain life now, he still bleeds Ole Miss red come football season.

Blaine and his wife Christina, who also serves on staff at Fletcher UMC, have embraced this community as their own. And whether the conversation turns to classical works, progressive rock, or bluegrass jams, Blaine is always ready to dive into the music he loves.

In today’s episode, Blaine gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the teamwork, passion, and artistry that drive the Blue Ridge Ringers’ performances. And of course, you’ll hear a featured selection from their lively piece “Appalachian Delight.”

Tune in to discover the heart behind the bells — and get to know one of the leaders keeping Hendersonville’s musical spirit ringing strong.

Connect with the Blue Ridge Ringers on Facebook:
👉 https://www.facebook.com/BlueRidgeRingers

Eric Congdon is a multi-instrument musician in WNC. He plays in a variety of bands including LAZRLUVR, CONGDON GRIFFIN BAND, AUTUMNWUD.

Eric is a remarkably versatile musician whose talents extend far beyond the traditional boundaries of a singer-songwriter. As a multifaceted artist, he not only excels as a performer but also as a collaborator, producer, and expert guitarist, demonstrating a rare ability to weave together various musical styles and genres into a cohesive an

You can reach out to your host at vdills@stormphysicaltherapy.com

Getting to Know Hendo
Welcome to Getting to Know Hendo, where our mission is simple: celebrate Hendersonville by elevating the people who give this town its heartbeat.

In this episode, we’re featuring one of Hendo’s most rooted legacies — Bright Branch Farms, led today by fifth-generation farmer Trey Enloe. Trey shares how Bright Branch continues to thrive through decades of family heritage, innovation, and a commitment to feeding our community with high-quality, locally grown produce. If you love supporting local agriculture, this is a farm worth knowing, visiting, and celebrating.
Learn more: brightbranch.com

We’re also proud to showcase the music of The Big Hungary, one of Hendersonville’s most recognizable hometown bands. Their blend of rock, funk, folk, and reggae captures the spirit of Hendo, and we are honored to feature their sound on our show. If you want to support local musicians who are making waves, start here.
Website: thebighungryband.com
Instagram: @thebighungryband
Facebook: facebook.com/TheBigHungryBand

You can reach out to your host at vdills@stormphysicaltherapy.com

This Episode’s Guest:

Gary Bowen is a U.S. Air Force veteran, local entrepreneur, and the face behind Bowen Optical in Hendersonville, North Carolina. After serving his country, Gary turned his precision and attention to detail toward helping others see the world clearly—literally. With decades of experience as a master optician, he’s known for crafting custom lenses, offering personalized guidance, and going above and beyond for every client. Whether you’re looking for specialized eyewear for sports, low-vision solutions, or just the perfect pair of frames, Gary brings a combination of expertise, heart, and dedication that makes every visit memorable.

👓 Bowen Optical is located at 176 Four Seasons Blvd, Hendersonville, NC 28792. bowenoptical.com

This Episodes Musical Highlight:

Jennifer Alvarado is a multi-award-winning singer-songwriter from Hickory, North Carolina, blending heartfelt country storytelling with the raw honesty of indie pop and alternative rock. Overcoming bullying, performance anxiety, and a nontraditional path that included a degree in Political Science and work as an Intellectual Property Paralegal, Jennifer reclaimed her voice through music and faith. She now performs over 200 shows a year—including frequent gigs in Henderson County—and uses her platform to inspire and uplift, supporting local and national causes like Celebrate Recovery, prison ministry, and women’s recovery programs. Jennifer’s fearless approach to music and life proves that authenticity, resilience, and passion always find a stage.

🎵 You can listen to Jennifer Alvarado’s music on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and Bandcamp, or visit her website at jenniferalvarado.com for tour dates and more.

You can reach out to your host at vdills@stormphysicaltherapy.com

Izzi Hughes is a powerhouse singer-songwriter and performer whose music grabs you from the first note. From her early start in musical theatre at the Flat Rock Playhouse to fronting her first band at age twelve, Izzi has been turning heads with her talent and stage presence for years. Winner of the 2015 Acoustic Throwdown at Asheville’s Wild Wing Café, she has built a solo career that blends youthful energy with musical maturity, creating songs that stick with you long after the music stops.

In this episode of Getting to Know Hendo, Izzi not only shares her journey, inspirations, and behind-the-scenes stories of life as a musician, she also kicks things off with her stunning intro track, “The Jones.” Whether you’re a music lover, aspiring artist, or just curious about the person behind the songs, this conversation will leave you inspired and craving more.

Dive deeper into Izzi’s music and upcoming performances at her website: izzihughes.com

Follow her on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more:

• Instagram: @izzihughesmusic
  
  
• Facebook: Izzi Hughes Music
  
  

You can reach out to your host at vdills@stormphysicaltherapy.com

Ryan Taylor Price isn’t just writing songs — he’s telling the story of a life rebuilt through resilience, love, and music. From his early days in Seattle’s rock scene to a bold cross-country move with his young family, Ryan’s journey has been anything but ordinary. Along the way, he rediscovered the guitar that first inspired him as a kid and found his voice as a songwriter with something real to say.

Now based in Hendersonville, NC, Ryan’s music blends classic influences with raw, personal storytelling that speaks to anyone who’s faced loss and come out stronger. His latest album, The Axe & The Tree, digs deep into scars, survival, and hope — and in this episode, you’ll hear the man behind the music open up about the life that shaped it.

Check out his website at: RyanTaylorPrice.com

You can reach out to your host at vdills@stormphysicaltherapy.com

In this heartwarming episode of Getting to Know Hendo, we chat with Tabatha Hamlin, a familiar and trusted face in Henderson County. As the owner of WNC Insurance, a State Farm agency in Fletcher, Tabatha brings more than just insurance expertise—she brings heart, humor, and a deep commitment to the people she serves.

We dive into her journey from growing up in Western North Carolina to launching her own agency, how she’s built a bilingual and welcoming office, and the values that drive her to serve her community beyond the desk—from Habitat for Humanity to fitness challenges and raising rescue pets. Tabatha opens up about her life journey, an episode you do not want to miss!

About Tabatha Hamlin:
With nearly 30 years in the insurance industry and a B.B.A. from East Tennessee State University, Tabatha founded WNC Insurance in 2011. She's a proud wife, mom, and pet lover, passionate about educating her clients and helping them protect what matters most. Her down-to-earth, approachable style makes insurance less intimidating and more empowering.

Connect with Tabatha Hamlin – WNC Insurance

Website: www.wncinsurance.org
Phone: (828) 676-2200
Email: tabby@wncinsurance.com
Office Address:
WNC Insurance / State Farm – Tabatha Hamlin
3710 Hendersonville Rd, Ste 100
Fletcher, NC 28732
Facebook: @TabathaHamlinStateFarm
Languages Spoken: English & Spanish

🎶 Music Feature: The Pisgah Jazztet
Today’s episode features music by The Pisgah Jazztet, a local jazz group bringing timeless standards and smooth instrumentals to Henderson County and beyond. Formed in 2022, the quintet features vocals, sax/clarinet, piano, bass, and drums—and blends their talents in everything from swing to bossa nova. We’re thrilled to share snippets of their rendition of “Song for My Father” at the open and close of this episode.

Contact The Pisgah Jazztet:
📧 Email: pisgahjazztet@gmail.com
📍 Based in Henderson County, NC

Thanks for listening to Getting to Know Hendo, where we celebrate the stories and people that make our community shine.

You can reach out to your host at vdills@stormphysicaltherapy.com

Meet Britt and Tyler Powell, the powerhouse duo behind Britt Creative, a boutique branding and digital marketing agency based in Asheville, NC. Known for transforming big ideas into bold brands, they bring a fresh, global perspective to every project—shaped by not only a decade of creative leadership, but also their years spent living abroad in Europe.

From helping visionary startups craft standout identities to guiding nonprofits and growing businesses through high-impact digital campaigns, Britt Creative delivers work that is as thoughtful as it is beautiful. Their studio has become a trusted name for organizations looking to build memorable brands and authentic connections through design, storytelling, and strategy.

About the Founders: Britt and Tyler Powell

Britt Powell, Founder and Creative Director, has spent nearly two decades in the world of branding, design, and art direction. Her eye for detail and intuitive approach to visual storytelling help clients distill their vision into designs that resonate. Whether leading a rebrand or crafting a launch strategy, Britt brings warmth, expertise, and clarity to every collaboration.

Tyler Powell, Co-Founder, adds the strategic backbone to Britt Creative’s creative brilliance. With a background that spans digital product design, web development, and organizational strategy, Tyler ensures that every campaign, logo, or website not only looks amazing—but performs.

Together, Britt and Tyler offer the best of both worlds: the aesthetic intuition of a designer and the analytical mind of a strategist. Their time living and working in Europe helped shape their human-centered, globally informed approach—making them uniquely equipped to help brands break through the noise.

🎵 Musical Intro & Outro by Eric Congdon (Hendersonville, NC)

Setting the tone for today’s episode is none other than Eric Congdon, a genre-defying musician and composer from Hendersonville, North Carolina. Known for his virtuosic guitar work and cinematic soundscapes, Eric brings a soulful, Appalachian-meets-global vibe to every note he plays.

With a career that spans folk, blues, world music, and instrumental rock, Eric’s sound is both rooted and expansive—making him the perfect choice to bookend today’s creative conversation with energy, depth, and style. Whether performing live across the Southeast or composing for film and media, Eric’s music is always a journey—and we’re honored to have him set the stage for this one.

You can reach out to your host at vdills@stormphysicaltherapy.com