What does the future of public education look like in Columbia, South Carolina?

In this episode of the Soda Citizen Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Todd Walker, Superintendent of Richland School District One, to discuss his Vision 2030 plan and how one of Columbia's largest school districts is preparing students for the future.

From career and technical education to artificial intelligence in the classroom, Dr. Walker shares how Richland One is creating new opportunities for students while strengthening the community as a whole.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Richland One's Vision 2030
• How schools are preparing students for high-skill, high-wage careers
• Why career pathways are just as important as college pathways
• The role of AI in education
• Why strong schools help build strong communities
• The future of public education in Columbia

Whether you're a parent, educator, community leader, or considering a move to Columbia, this conversation offers an inside look at where education is headed and why it matters.

Richland One Vision 2030 & Beyond

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What does it take to build one of Columbia's most beloved local businesses?

This week on the Soda Citizen Podcast, Brad Allen and Mary Lane Sloan sit down with Kellen Monroe and Katelyn Shire, the owners of Craft & Draft, to talk about how a neighborhood bottle shop grew into a true community hub.

From choosing the perfect craft beer to hosting trivia nights, live music, and family-friendly events, they share what has made Craft & Draft a place where people gather, connect, and keep coming back.

The conversation also explores Columbia's growing food and brewery scene, favorite local spots, what makes the city special, and why supporting local businesses matters now more than ever.

Whether you're a craft beer enthusiast, a Columbia local, or someone considering a move to the Midlands, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the city's favorite gathering places.

In this episode:

• 🍻 The story behind Craft & Draft
• 🍺 How they choose hundreds of craft beers
• 📍 Columbia's best local food and drink recommendations
• 🏡 Why Columbia is such a great place to live
• 🎉 Community events, trivia, music, and more
• ❤️ Building a business centered around people, not just beer

Craft & Draft

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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

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