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

Craft & Draft on Instagram

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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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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

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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
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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

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

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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