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A good mechanic saves weekends. A great one shows up in your driveway with a story that reminds you what grit really looks like. Meet Matt Thompson, the owner of Renew Mobile Small Engine and Equipment Repair, who turns dead mowers and stubborn snowblowers into reliable workhorses all across Northern Kentucky—no trailers, no shop drop-offs, no waiting weeks to be seen.

We dig into what “mobile repair” really means for homeowners and small property managers: on-site diagnostics, transparent fixes, and the seasonal realities of riding mowers, push mowers, trimmers, leaf blowers, and snowblowers. Matt breaks down common culprits like stale fuel, clogged carburetors, safety interlocks, worn belts, and low-oil shutdowns that mimic bigger failures. He shares how quick checks can save time and money, when to repair versus replace, and why simple maintenance habits pay off before the first snowfall or the first cut of spring.

Then the conversation turns personal. In 2021, Matt survived a ruptured brain aneurysm, months in a medical coma, multiple strokes, and a long rebuild through intensive rehab at the Shepherd Center. Doctors said disability was permanent and driving was off the table. He pushed back, retrained, retested, and returned to the wheel—and to work. Renew Mobile grew from that resolve: a locally rooted business built to serve neighbors, chip away at medical debt, and prove that skill and service can thrive after hardship. If you care about reliable equipment, practical advice, and the power of a second chance, this one’s for you. You can reach Matt Thompson at 859-991-9350. You can email him at renewmobilesmallengine@gmail.com

Subscribe for more local stories that spotlight the people behind essential services. Share this episode with someone who needs a trusted mobile small engine expert, and leave a review to help others in Northern Kentucky find us.

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Looking for a dog that fits real life, not a fantasy? We head out to Shiloh Farms in Union to meet seven Doodle puppies raised with purpose: crate trained, noise desensitized, travel practiced, and already sleeping through the night. Crystal Bonati opens her “Place of Peace” to walk us through how thoughtful breeding, early socialization, and steady routines shape confident family dogs.

We break down the alphabet soup—F1, F1B, double doodle, multi-gen—so you can understand parentage, likely coat traits, and size expectations. Then we go pup by pup: from Sabo’s striking phantom markings to Burrow’s teddy-bear charm, Mia’s fearless curiosity, Gabby’s gentle calm, Caitlin’s sweet chill, Petey’s cuddly loyalty, and Boomer’s laid-back independence. Crystal explains why she invites families to visit multiple times, bring a worn shirt for scent, and choose the dog whose temperament fits their life. The process turns impulse into insight and helps ensure a bond that lasts.

We also explore real-world needs: how crate training makes workdays manageable, how noise desensitization helps during fireworks and grooming, and why car trips now prevent anxiety later. For empty nesters and first-time owners alike, an older, well-prepped litter can be a gift—less chaos, more connection. Crystal shares how her faith centers the farm’s mission to “train them up” and send them out, plus moving stories of second dogs easing grief and becoming daily companions.

Curious which personality fits your home? Listen, then come meet the pups at Shiloh Farms in Union and see the difference a calm start makes. Call Crystal at 513-885-0656 to schedule a puppy visit!

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What if the fastest way to add real value to a property is to make the vision obvious at first glance? We sit down with Logan Stamm, owner of C&L Land Services, to unpack how professional land clearing, forestry mulching, grading, and drainage work transform overgrown, overlooked lots into build-ready, marketable assets. From one-acre homesites to large tracts and full demolition, Logan explains how his team creates clean slates that help buyers see where the house sits, where the driveway runs, and why the view matters.

We get practical about methods and money. Logan breaks down the difference between forestry mulching and brush hogging, when to choose each, and how slope, species, and access impact timelines. He shares transparent day rates, the importance of an on-site free estimate, and the many ways to handle debris—stack for firewood, mulch on site, or haul it away. Beyond clearing, we cover drainage solutions that keep water out of crawl spaces and basements, smart grading that protects foundations, and gravel driveway repairs that improve access and curb appeal. It’s a masterclass in site prep for homeowners, realtors, and builders who need land to work as hard as the budget.

Logan also opens up about family and faith as the core of his business: teaching Sunday school with his wife Sarah, raising two young daughters, and building a legacy of work ethic and service. We highlight local philanthropy through Give Where You Live NKY and the power of neighbors investing where they live. If you’ve kicked the can on an overgrown lot, hunting property access, or a stubborn drainage issue, this conversation offers clarity and next steps from a trusted local pro.

Ready to talk about your land? Call or text C&L Land Services at 606-748-5913.

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A beloved 50-year dental practice doesn’t change hands lightly—and this one didn’t. We sit with Dr. Tiffany Buller to explore how a retiring small-town dentist chose his successor not for scale or corporate polish, but for shared values: conservative treatment, active listening, and unwavering community care. Within a week he realized the practice was safe, retired fully, and now returns as her patient. That’s trust you can feel.

We dig into what makes dentistry truly work for people: the psychology behind the chair, not just the tools on the tray. Dr. Tiff explains why active listening beats memorized scripts, how she tailors visits for fear and comfort, and the practical ways a laid-back, human practice—think 80s pop, gentle humor, and real conversations—can lower anxiety and raise outcomes. From same-day crowns and therapeutic Botox for TMJ to extractions, implant restoration, and periodontal therapy, she keeps care accessible while staying conservative: fix what’s needed, protect what’s healthy, and never sell what doesn’t serve.

Prevention is the quiet hero here. We walk through why six-month visits matter, the life-saving role of oral cancer screenings, and how panoramic x-rays every few years spot hidden issues early. Tiffany also addresses the controversial topic of refusing x-rays and the legal concept of supervised neglect, making a clear case for evidence-based imaging with today’s low-radiation tech. Most importantly, she maps the mouth–body connection—periodontal bacteria in arterial and brain plaques, the two-way street with diabetes, and why people with cardiac conditions, autoimmunity, or dementia need dental care that’s proactive and consistent.

Threaded through it all is a warm portrait of real life: two daughters with full schedules, a house of pets with big personalities, Midwest sports loyalties, and small-town roots that run deep. Gratitude flows—to Hebron patients who built her first practice and to Bellbrook families who welcomed her with open arms. If you care about compassionate dentistry, community trust, and practical prevention that protects your health and your wallet, this conversation will stick with you. Subscribe, share with a friend who hates the dentist chair, and leave a review to tell us what helps you feel at ease. Visit www.bellbrookdental.com or call Dr. Tiff at 937-848-8662.

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Serkan Orsan discusses how Kings Hammer Soccer Club has grown from its' Cincinnati roots to serve nearly 10,000 youth players across four states, with a mission focused on developing both athletes and community members through soccer.

• Kings Hammer operates in eight regions across Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio, and Florida
• The club offers competitive programs, recreational opportunities, and hosts about 40 events annually
• Kings Hammer provides scholarship programs to ensure financial barriers don't prevent participation
• Serkan emphasizes the importance of meaningful partnerships with local businesses rather than simple sponsorships
• The club's mission centers on inspiring, encouraging, and empowering young people
• Soccer teaches crucial life skills including teamwork, discipline, and resilience
• The organization is preparing for increased interest as the 2026 World Cup approaches
• Parents should view youth soccer as an investment in personal development beyond athletic skills

Visit www.kingshammer.com to learn more about our programs and partnership opportunities, or contact Serkan directly at 404-422-5793.

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Step into the chair at The Hive Hair Studio, where seasoned stylist Miranda Walsh transforms not just hair, but creates lasting connections with every client. After 15 years in the industry, Miranda has brought her passion for hair extensions, color work, and eyebrow treatments to Union's growing Promenade district, opening her books to new clients after nearly a decade of closed clientele.

What makes Miranda's approach special is her unwavering commitment to both technical excellence and personal connection. "I love creating that bond where they feel like when they're sitting next to me, they're not just leaving with a new hairstyle—they're leaving with a new friend," she explains. This philosophy extends to her educational approach, ensuring clients understand how to maintain their hair investment between their recommended six-to-eight week appointments.

The Hive Hair Studio represents more than just a new business in Union—it symbolizes the personal and professional growth happening throughout the community. Located in the Luxe Suites at the Promenade, Miranda has witnessed firsthand the influx of new residents seeking quality services. When she's not transforming clients in her chair, Miranda balances life as a mother to three sports-active children, crediting her own mother as the "rock" that makes her success possible.

Ready to experience the difference at The Hive? Contact Miranda directly at 859-818-3473 or find booking links on her social media. Whether you're new to the area or simply seeking a stylist who values relationships as much as results, Miranda welcomes you with open arms: "If you're looking for real connection and want to not just feel good about yourself but make friends and leave with a lasting impression—come see me."

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When Jin Hand first picked up the flute at age 12, she couldn't have imagined how the instrument would shape her journey from South Korea to Northern Kentucky. Twenty-six years later, she's not just playing – she's transforming young lives through music.

"It's not just about playing notes here and there," Jin explains with passion during our conversation. "I'm teaching them how to not give up. I'm teaching them how to push through." Her approach at Hand Flute Studio treats each lesson as an opportunity for profound connection, where technical skills and life lessons intertwine.

The dedicated flutist brings impressive credentials to her teaching practice. After studying at the prestigious Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan, she continued her education with bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in music performance. Now she balances performing with the Kentucky Symphony Orchestra while teaching students throughout Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati.

Jin's perspective on musical education is refreshingly realistic yet deeply encouraging. She compares learning the flute to running a marathon – progress happens in waves, with plateaus that require perseverance to overcome. "You can play a song within a month or two," she notes, "but it's really about how well you want to play it." Her long-term students demonstrate the rewards of this patient approach, some studying with her for up to ten years and winning national competitions.

Beyond technical instruction, Jin builds community through creative activities like "sour candy challenges" during summer sessions and maintains an Instagram page showcasing student achievements. Her teaching locations – a home studio in Independence, Kentucky and Glory Baptist Church in Blue Ash, Ohio – accommodate families throughout the region.

Want to experience this unique approach to flute instruction? Contact Jin at 480-313-5699 or visit the Hand Flute Studio Instagram page to see her students in action. Whether your child is a beginner or advanced player, they'll find more than music in Jin's studio – they'll discover their capacity for growth, resilience, and joy.

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Jason Crouch from Innovative Home Loans shares his expertise as a mortgage loan broker with over 23 years of experience. Through his role, Jason can offer clients numerous financing options that traditional banks can't provide, enabling him to truly advocate for his customers' best interests rather than following restrictive institutional guidelines.

• First-time homebuyers often mistakenly believe they need 20% down to purchase a home
• Many loan programs exist that require only 3% down, allowing buyers to build equity over time
• Various mortgage options are available for investment properties, from rental homes to multi-family units
• Young people should consider real estate investment as a wealth-building strategy
• Critical credit advice: avoid large purchases or opening new accounts during the homebuying process
• Jason acts as a "mortgage coach" for clients who need time to prepare financially
• Customer service is Jason's priority - he's available evenings and weekends for client questions
• His philosophy differs from others in the industry - he's willing to work with challenging credit situations
• The satisfaction of helping someone achieve homeownership when they thought it impossible is incredibly rewarding

To learn more about your mortgage options or begin preparing for homeownership, contact Jason Crouch directly on his cell phone at 859-468-2221.