Big Orange Business
Business & Finance
About
Knoxville and East Tennessee business podcast.
Episodes
- 115 - You Would NEVER Expect This at a Knoxville Cookie Shop 😳
This episode of the Big Orange Business Podcast visits Whimsy Cookie Company, a Knoxville cookie shop. The episode provides a look into entrepreneurship, family business, and building a boutique brand, discussing topics such as custom cook…
- 114 - The Hidden Music Culture in Knoxville You Didn’t Know About (Bagpipes & Drums)
This episode of the Big Orange Business Podcast explores the Knoxville Pipes and Drums. The discussion covers the group's history, its connection to East Tennessee culture, and its journey from local performances to international competiti…
- 113 - Why You Should NEVER Put Ketchup on a Hot Dog (Chicago vs Knoxville Food Culture)
This episode of Big Orange Business features Haley Jones and Chicago Mike discussing the differences between Chicago and Knoxville food cultures, focusing on authentic Chicago-style hot dogs and the experience of building a business as an…
- 112 - You Would Never Expect This in Knoxville
This episode features a conversation with the owner of a unique Knoxville experience focused on connection and creativity. The discussion explores building a business designed to slow people down and bring them together, highlighting what…
- 111 - Seafood in Knoxville? How Fresh Seafood Actually Works (and Why It Costs More)
The Big Orange Business Podcast features Haley Jones and Lucia Deen discussing the logistics of getting fresh seafood to Knoxville, TN. They explain the reasons behind higher costs, common cooking errors, and popular seafood choices among…
- 110 - The Biggest Yard Mistake Knoxville Homeowners Make
On the Big Orange Business Podcast, Haley Jones talks with Jose from JJP Landscaping about common Knoxville homeowner mistakes in landscaping, including soil preparation, grading, plant selection, and project timing. The episode offers adv…
- 109 - A Business That Shouldn’t Work… But Thrives in Knoxville
This episode of Big Orange Business features the owner of a Knoxville cat café that shouldn't work but thrives. They discuss the café's origins, its role in the community, and its success in facilitating over 1,000 cat adoptions.
- 108 - The Truth About Buying Land in East Tennessee (No One Tells You This)
Haley Jones and Adam Jackson discuss the complexities of buying raw land in East Tennessee, covering challenges like terrain, drainage, utilities, and unforeseen expenses to help buyers avoid costly mistakes.
- 107 - How One Problem Almost Ruined a Knoxville Wedding Venue | Ivey House
Colleen Brackins discusses the transformation of a historic East Tennessee home into The Ivey House, a unique wedding and event venue. She shares insights into its growth, restoration, and the challenges of establishing it within the Knoxv…
- 106 - Knoxville’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade | Behind the Scenes
This episode of the Big Orange Business Podcast features organizers of Knoxville’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade discussing its origins, growth, and the complex logistics involved in staging the event, from creative floats to coordinating volun…
- 105 - How Mast General Store Helped Transform Downtown Knoxville | Big Orange Business Podcast
This episode features Natalea Cummings of Mast General Store discussing the company's role in transforming downtown Knoxville and shaping Gay Street's growth. The conversation covers the evolution of Knoxville over the past 10-20 years, th…
- 104 - How Moonshine Mountain Cookies Became a Knoxville Favorite | Mike Maddox
Mike Maddox, co-founder of Moonshine Mountain Cookies, shares the story behind the Knoxville favorite. The episode covers the business's start, name origin, unique brand elements, popular flavors, and the challenges of building a special l…
- 103 - Inside a Thriving Knoxville: Local Businesses, Big Ideas & Community Stories
This episode compiles standout moments from interviews with Knoxville's local business owners and community leaders. It highlights successes and changes in healthcare, hospitality, retail, nonprofits, and service industries, showcasing why…
- 102 - From a Dinner Disaster to a Bakery Empire with Heidi Davidson
Heidi Davidson shares her journey on the Big Orange Business Podcast, detailing how a cooking disaster led to founding Heidi's Bakery & Home Cooking, offering insights into entrepreneurship, baking as a science, and business growth.
- 101 - Kids Play. Parents Relax. | The Story Behind Wild Child Cafe in Knoxville
This episode features Hannah and Cody, founders of Wild Child Cafe in Knoxville, discussing how their business addresses the need for safe children's play areas and parental relaxation. They explain the cafe's focus on community, screen-fr…
- 100 - How He Saved a Beloved Knoxville Diner | The Pete’s Restaurant Story
This episode of Big Orange Business features Jake Lrander, owner of Pete's Restaurant and Coffee Shop, discussing his 2024 acquisition of the Knoxville diner. He shares insights on preserving the diner's classic atmosphere while introducin…
- 99 - Don’t Buy a Bed Like This: Inside Blue Ridge Beds & Custom Furniture Done Right
John and Linda Luther, owners of Blue Ridge Beds, discuss common errors made when purchasing beds and bedroom furniture. They highlight the differences between mass-produced and custom-made items, emphasizing quality, craftsmanship, and cu…
- 98 - Ask Your Pharmacist This: Prescriptions, GLP-1s, and Better Care
In this Big Orange Business podcast episode, Haley Jones talks with Morgan Honeycutt, CEO of Mac’s Hometown Pharmacies. They cover patient misunderstandings about prescriptions and healthcare, the accessibility of pharmacists, and question…
- 97 - Inside Fable Hollow: The Coffee + Bookshoppe Knoxville Can’t Stop Talking About
Big Orange Business interviews Fable Hollow co-founder Alyssa Stewart about the bookshop and coffee bar's fantasy-inspired creation, its growth challenges, and community engagement, including book clubs and author events.
- 96 - From Nurses to Donuts: Building The Sugar Queen from Scratch
This episode features Staci Meyer, owner of The Sugar Queen Creamery and Doughnutry, detailing her journey from nursing to entrepreneurship. She discusses building her scratch-made dessert business, expanding from a food truck to brick-and…
- 95 - The Dental Advice Everyone Needs (But Doesn’t Get) | Dr. Wesley Mullins
Dr. Wesley Mullins joins the Big Orange Business Podcast to share essential dental advice, covering topics like preventative care, identifying oral health issues, and the link between dental health and systemic conditions like diabetes and…
- 94 - Exploring Knoxville’s Past: The Mabry-Hazen House Story with Patrick Hollis & Joshua Loomis
This episode of Big Orange Business features Patrick Hollis and Joshua Loomis discussing the Mabry-Hazen House Museum in Knoxville. They cover its 1858 history, Civil War role, preserved artifacts, cultural significance, and community prog…
- 93 - More Than a Soup Kitchen: The Real Work Behind KARM and Homelessness
Celia and Josh Lively discuss Knox Area Rescue Ministries (KARM), its mission, services for the homeless in Knoxville, and the role of KARM Stores. The episode addresses myths about homelessness and highlights community support and the uni…
- 92 - Inside Knoxville’s Fantasy of Trees: The Holiday Tradition That Saves Lives
This episode of Big Orange Business features Natalia Havasy of East Tennessee Children’s Hospital discussing Knoxville's Fantasy of Trees. The event, which began in 1985, raises funds for lifesaving pediatric care and attracts over 60,000…
- 91 - From Kitchen Dreams to Community Impact: Real Good Kitchen’s Mission in Knoxville
Haley Jones talks with Bailey Foster, founder of Real Good Kitchen, Knoxville’s first shared commercial kitchen and culinary incubator. Bailey explains how the kitchen supports local food entrepreneurs with space, business resources, and c…
- 90 - Q3 2025 East TN Real Estate Market Pulse - What Real Estate Agents Are Saying about Q3
The Q3 2025 East Tennessee real estate market is reviewed using data from the Realtors MLS Market Pulse Survey. Local agents express optimism regarding the current real estate market.
- 89 - Transforming Homes in East Tennessee with TN Valley Renovation
In this episode of Big Orange Business, Neil Crye, owner of TN Valley Renovation, shares insights on remodeling and renovation services in East Tennessee. He highlights his company's commitment to quality craftsmanship and client satisfact…
- 88 - Planning for the Future: Special Needs & Legacy Law with Chloe Lyons of Smoky Mountain Legacy Partners
In this episode of Big Orange Business, Haley interviews Chloe Lyons of Smoky Mountain Legacy Partners about special needs planning and conservatorships. The discussion aims to provide insights and actionable steps for families, clarifying…
- 87 - SimplySinks Knoxville with David Praet
David Praet, owner of SimplySinks Knoxville, discusses his company's affordable sink replacement, countertop cutouts, and installation services for homeowners in East Tennessee. He highlights their focus on quality craftsmanship and custom…
- 86 - Unlocking Homeownership: Mortgage Insights with Hannah Blevins of Foundation Mortgage
In this episode of Big Orange Business, Hannah Blevins of Foundation Mortgage discusses the mortgage process, offering insights for first-time homebuyers and investors. She covers interest rates, loan options, and how to avoid common pitfa…
- 85 - Unlocking Spinal Health: A Deep Dive with Knoxville Chiropractor Dr. Clint Whittler
This episode features Knoxville chiropractor Dr. Clint Whittler discussing the benefits of chiropractic care, including back pain relief, posture improvement, and overall wellness. Dr. Whittler shares insights and tips for achieving a pain…
- 84 - Farragut High School's 865 Academies Experience - 2025 Update
Dr. Amanda Edsell discusses Farragut High School's 2025 865 Academies program, which connects student education with real-world career pathways in Knox County. The discussion covers program updates, effectiveness, and implications for stud…
- 83 - Transforming Spaces with Art - Interview with Michelle Kiely, Owner of Crafty Girl Expressions
This episode features Michelle Kiely, owner of Crafty Girl Expressions, discussing her work in custom murals, window art, and hand-painted logos. The conversation explores how visual art can elevate brands and transform spaces, offering in…
- 82 - 2025 UT FOOTBALL - 5 Things to Know Going Into the Season
This episode of Big Orange Business previews the 2025 Tennessee Volunteers football season. It covers the team's blue chip ratio, roster, recruiting, quarterback situation, and schedule, highlighting five key players.
- 81 - Powering Through the Storm: Backup Power Solutions with Luke Dalton of McCay Southern
Luke Dalton of McCay Southern explains backup power systems, including generator installation and whole-house solutions, highlighting their importance for reliability in East Tennessee.
- 80 - Crafting Custom Homes with Intention: A Conversation with Heather Hebert of Maker Building Co.
This episode features Heather Hebert of Maker Building Co., discussing their approach to custom home building and renovations. The company emphasizes collaboration, transparency, and artistry in creating beautiful spaces that blend form an…
- 79 - Reclaiming Wholeness: Booth Andrews on Mental Health, Burnout Recovery & Authentic Living
Booth Andrews discusses her journey through burnout and recovery, highlighting insights on resilience, self-compassion, and the importance of rest for authentic living. The episode focuses on mental health and holistic well-being.
- 78 - Designing with Purpose: An Interview with Suzanne Salchert of Your Eminent Domain Interior Design
Suzanne Salchert of Your Eminent Domain Interior Design discusses intentional interior design that reflects clients' personalities and lifestyles. She shares insights into her design process and journey in East Tennessee on the Big Orange…
- 77 - 2025 Mid-Year Knoxville Housing Market Update
This episode features a solo deep-dive into Knoxville's mid-year housing market. Haley provides data-driven insights, covering both the positive and negative aspects of the local real estate landscape.
- 76 - Empowering Strength and Wellness with Paige Marshall of 865 Functional Fitness
This episode features Paige Marshall, founder of 865 Functional Fitness, discussing her journey into fitness entrepreneurship, the principles of functional training, and her approach to building an inclusive gym community. Key takeaways in…
- 75 - Knox Newts: Bronze Newt Scavenger Hunt & Art Adventure in Knoxville, TN
This episode of Big Orange Business covers the Knox Newts bronze sculpture scavenger hunt, a public art installation launched in downtown Knoxville on June 6, 2025. The hunt features 12 life-sized bronze newts hidden in various locations,…
- 74 - Keeping Your Cool (and Warm): HVAC Tips with Rocky from Aire Serv of Knoxville
Rocky from Aire Serv of Knoxville shares essential HVAC tips with Haley on Big Orange Business, covering seasonal maintenance, indoor air quality, and system longevity.
- 73 - Max Archey - A Mortgage Journey Rooted in Tennessee
Haley interviews Max Archey, a Mortgage Loan Originator at Foundation Mortgage Company, who shares insights on various loan types and closing costs. Max, based in Knoxville, TN, has a background in hospitality and a passion for helping cli…
- 72 - From Starter to Success: Chris & Sierra Adorno of Adorno Sourdough
Chris and Sierra Adorno discuss their path from nurturing a sourdough starter in 2014 to founding Adorno Sourdough, a Knoxville business recognized for its organic ingredients and traditional baking.
- 71 - Protecting Your Assets with Smart Coverage – Savannah Mosier of InsureFit RM
Savannah Mosier, an insurance specialist at InsureFit RM, shares valuable tips on protecting assets and mitigating risks for business owners and individuals. The episode focuses on providing peace of mind through smart coverage.
- 70 - Transforming Homes with Wendy Johnson of Southern Deluxe Properties
Wendy Johnson, owner of Southern Deluxe Properties, discusses her journey from DIY enthusiast to renovation business owner. She shares insights on transforming homes in East Tennessee.
- 69 - Transforming Lives Through Technology with Ron Rupard of Persevere
In this episode of Big Orange Business, host Haley talks with Ron Rupard of Persevere. The nonprofit transforms lives by offering tech training and career opportunities, focusing on justice-involved individuals and others with employment b…
- 68 - Creating Art on Glass with Anna Gibson of Hand Painted Glass, Co.
This episode of Big Orange Business features Haley's conversation with Anna Gibson, owner of Hand Painted Glass, Co. The business specializes in custom hand-painted glassware, offering unique, artistic pieces for gifts and home décor.
- 67 - Healing Energy in Knoxville: A Conversation with Reiki Practitioner Erin Rector
Haley talks with Knoxville-based Reiki practitioner Erin Rector about her journey into energy healing. Erin explains Reiki, its benefits for stress reduction and well-being, and what to expect in a session.
- 66 - Find and Become your Authentic Self with Kevin Green Elevates
Kevin Green, founder of Kevin Green Elevates, shares his transition to coaching and his 3P framework (Purpose, Passion, Potential) to help listeners find fulfilling careers and create lives they love. He also offers advice for students nav…