Starting with nothing but a pickup truck and a need for beer money, Parker Snell and Brandon Britt turned a college side hustle into one of Columbia’s most trusted moving companies, ProHelp Movers.

In this episode of The Soda Citizen, Brad Allen and Mary Lane Sloan sit down with the founders to talk about how they built their business from the ground up learning lessons along the way, navigating licensing hurdles, and figuring out what it really takes to run a successful moving company.

They also break down:

• The biggest mistakes people make when moving
• What actually happens behind the scenes on moving day
• Why hiring the right mover matters more than you think
• The wildest things they’ve ever had to move
• And how Columbia has grown alongside their business

Plus, the conversation dives into life in Columbia, South Carolina from favorite local spots to why it’s such a great place to live, work, and build something meaningful.

Whether you’re planning a move or just love hearing how local businesses get their start, this episode gives you a real look at the hustle behind the scenes.

For more on ProHelp Movers: https://www.prohelpmovers.com/

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What’s really behind the buzz around Forest Acres?

In this episode of The Soda Citizen Podcast, Brad and Mary Lane sit down with Forest Acres council members Stephen Oliver and Haskell Kibler to break down why this Columbia, SC community continues to grow in popularity.

From its small-town feel with big-city amenities to its loyal local businesses, top grocery spots, parks, and family-friendly lifestyle, Forest Acres has become one of the Midlands’ most talked-about areas and for good reason.

They also share updates on major developments like the Richland Mall redevelopment, future park plans (including an amphitheater), and what’s next for growth in the area.

Plus, they get into topics like:

• What makes Forest Acres different from the rest of Columbia
• Why businesses are choosing to open here
• Local favorites, hidden gems, and community events
• Short-term rentals, annexation, and city growth
• What the real estate market looks like right now

Whether you're thinking about moving to Columbia or just want to stay in the know on what’s happening locally, this episode gives you a true inside look at Forest Acres.

📍For more on Forest Acres: https://www.forestacres.net/
https://www.instagram.com/cityofforestacres/

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Columbia’s food scene is having a moment and if you haven’t noticed yet, you’re about to 👀

In this episode of The Soda Citizen Podcast, we sit down with Ashley Elsey, co-director of the Columbia Food and Wine Festival, to talk about how the city’s culinary scene has evolved into one of the South’s best-kept (and quickly discovered) secrets.

From nationally recognized chefs to hidden gem restaurants and unforgettable events, Columbia is stepping into the spotlight and the Food & Wine Festival is at the center of it all.

We get into:

• What makes the Columbia Food and Wine Festival so unique
• A breakdown of events—from the Grand Tasting to the Cheese Rave
• How the festival has grown over the years
• Why Columbia’s food scene is gaining national recognition
• The power of supporting local restaurants and businesses

We also talk about what it’s like to live, work, and build community in Columbia, SC and why more people are choosing to stay (and move here).

Whether you’re a local foodie, new to the area, or just looking for your next great experience in Columbia, this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at what’s happening right now in the city.

🎟️ Thinking about going to the festival? Don’t wait—many events sell out quickly!

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What does it take to shape the future of a city?

In this episode of Soda Citizen, Brad Allen and Mary Lane Sloan sit down with Tripp Roche, fifth-generation owner of Columbia staple Villa Tronco, to talk about legacy, big ideas, and what’s next for Columbia, SC.

From bringing back the Italian Festival to building a growing table tennis community and even reimagining the city skyline, Tripp shares how he’s thinking differently about Columbia’s future and why now is the time to dream bigger.

They also dive into:

• The story behind Villa Tronco (South Carolina’s oldest restaurant)
• Why Columbia is perfectly positioned for growth
• How events and culture are shaping the city
• What young professionals need to stay and thrive here
• Big ideas that could transform Columbia

Whether you’ve lived in Columbia your whole life or you’re just getting to know it, this episode will leave you seeing the city in a whole new way.

More information:

Villa Tronco

Carolina Pong

Columbia SC Italian Festival

What makes Columbia, SC such a special place to live and why are so many people choosing to call it home?

In this episode of the Soda Citizen Podcast, Brad Allen and Mary Lane Sloan sit down with John Sherrer of Historic Columbia to break down the history, architecture, and evolution of the city in a way that actually makes sense.

From Columbia’s beginnings as America’s first planned capital city to the neighborhoods and home styles you see today, this conversation covers how the past has shaped the way we live here now and where the city is headed next.

They also dive into:

• Why historic preservation actually increases property values
• How the Bailey Bill can benefit homeowners
• The evolution of Columbia’s neighborhoods (from streetcar suburbs to ranch homes)
• Growth on Main Street and along the Congaree River
• What makes Columbia such a livable, welcoming city

Whether you’re a longtime local, new to the area, or just curious about Columbia, this episode gives you a deeper understanding of the city and why it continues to grow.

🎙️ The Soda Citizen Podcast highlights the people, places, and stories that make life in Columbia, SC so special.

What started as one family’s camp experience became one of Columbia’s most meaningful spaces for connection, hope, and belonging. In this episode, we sit down with Kelsey Sawyer Carter and Margaret Deans Grantz of Camp Cole to share the story behind the camp, why it was built here in Columbia, who it serves, and how it’s grown into a year-round, fully accessible facility.

We talk about the real behind-the-scenes of building a nonprofit from the ground up, what “inclusive and accessible” looks like in real life, and how Camp Cole stays funded through community support, events, and corporate retreats. Plus: a look at some of their biggest events and why so many people consider them Columbia traditions.

Whether you're a parent, business owner, community leader, or simply someone who believes in making Columbia stronger, this conversation will leave you inspired.

For more information about Camp Cole, upcoming events, or ways to support their mission, visit:
👉 https://www.campcole.org/

And for more episodes featuring the people shaping Columbia, SC, the business owners, nonprofit leaders, and community builders making a difference, be sure to subscribe and follow the Soda Citizen Podcast so you never miss a conversation.

Main Street wasn’t always the vibrant heart of Columbia, SC that it is today.

In this episode of The Soda Citizen Podcast, Brad Allen and Mary Lane Sloan sit down with Matt Kendall, Founding President and CEO of the Main Street District, to talk about the 25-year transformation of downtown Columbia and what’s coming next.

From nearly empty streets and closed storefronts to Soda City Market, student housing towers, luxury hotels, and major mixed-use developments, Matt shares how strategic investment, residential growth, and community events reshaped the city’s core.

We discuss:

• How downtown Columbia changed over the last two decades
• The impact of Soda City Market
• The rise of student and market-rate housing
• New projects like the Grand Bohemian Hotel
• Why “shopping bag retail” is the next focus
• Future development opportunities and vertical growth
• The role of Finlay Park and the riverfront
• Whether Columbia could support professional sports

If you care about where Columbia is headed whether you live here, invest here, or just love this city, this episode gives you an inside look at the people shaping its future.

🎧 Listen now and stay in the know about what’s happening in the heart of the Midlands.

Five Points isn’t just a district in Columbia, it’s a feeling.

In this episode of The Soda Citizen Podcast, we sit down with Heather McDonald, Executive Director of the Five Points Association, to talk about what makes Columbia’s original neighborhood so special and why it continues to evolve.

From brunch crawls and record shops to family-friendly events and beautification efforts, Heather shares what’s changed in the last few years, what’s coming next, and how Five Points is experiencing its own renaissance.

We also dive into:

• The real story behind St. Pat’s in Five Points (and how big it actually is)
• Where festival proceeds go and how they support the community
• The Yellow Shirts ambassador program and safety initiatives
• Misconceptions about Five Points being “just for college kids”
• Events like JerryFest, Neon Joy, and Trick-or-Treat in Five Points
• What people moving to Columbia should know about the city’s culture and districts

If you’ve lived here your whole life, you’ll love the nostalgia.
If you’re new to Columbia (or considering a move), this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at one of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods.

Because at the end of the day, people don’t just want a house — they want a place people love to live.

Learn more about Five Points and upcoming events:
https://fivepointscolumbia.com/