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Katie's journey between Madrid and Columbus reveals the profound ways living abroad shapes your perspective on community, work, and what truly matters in life.

After falling in love with Spain during a high school language program, Katie built a relationship with the country that spanned years, eventually living in Madrid while working remotely for a Texas-based insurance startup serving Hispanic communities. Working East Coast hours from Spain meant functioning from 3 PM to midnight local time – a schedule that, while worth it initially, eventually highlighted the challenge of building meaningful connections when your rhythms are out of sync with everyone around you.

Now settled in New Albany, Katie has created a life that blends her international perspective with Midwestern community values. Working from BrickHouse Blue coworking space and teaching Legree fitness and yoga at a local studio, she's found the walkable neighborhood culture reminiscent of what she loved in Spain, while appreciating the logistical ease of life back in the States.

What makes Katie's story particularly remarkable is her kidney donation to her brother three years ago. Having watched him undergo dialysis and knowing the physical and mental challenges involved, she committed to a life-altering decision that gave her profound perspective on health and wellness. "The fact that your body can do all of this is incredible," she reflects, noting how her remaining kidney expanded by 70% to compensate for the donation – a powerful reminder that fitness isn't about aesthetics but capability and longevity.

From baking elaborate wedding cakes to churning her own butter, teaching fitness classes to managing finances for a growing startup, Katie embodies the rich possibilities that emerge when you embrace diverse experiences and communities. Her story reminds us that sometimes the path with more resistance leads to the most rewarding outcomes.

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What happens when the final out is called on your high school baseball career? Four graduating seniors from New Albany's baseball team take us behind the scenes of their remarkable journey to the state semifinals. Jacob Richardson (second base), Brandon Pettinger (DH/first base), Trey Wentz (pitcher), and Tanner Hamilton-Ekinger (pitcher/shortstop) bring us into their world with candid reflections on a season that ended in controversy.

The conversation opens with the elephant in the room—that disputed catch in right field during their state semifinal match against Amherst Steele. "Quinn made like a great play and it was one of the best catches I've ever seen," recalls one player, still processing how that pivotal moment changed their championship aspirations. But rather than dwelling on what could have been, these young men quickly pivot to celebrate what was—a stellar 19-11 season marked by resilience, growth, and unforgettable memories.

Their insights extend far beyond game recaps. The players offer wisdom that only comes from living through the intense pressure of high-level high school sports: "Nobody cares about stats—we're just trying to win every game." They discuss how injuries created opportunities for younger players, their regional championship victory against Big Walnut (where they were considered underdogs), and the strange feeling of baseball ending after playing year-round since childhood. For some, like Tanner who's recovering from Tommy John surgery, the journey continues in college baseball. For others, their competitive playing days have concluded.

What stands out most is their perspective on youth development. Having progressed through New Albany's baseball program from little league to varsity success, they offer advice that parents and young players should hear: "Continue to try your best to have fun, no matter how competitive stuff gets" and "Don't worry about outside noise...worry about yourself and how you improve." Listen now for an authentic glimpse into the lessons learned both on and off the diamond, and how these experiences have prepared four remarkable young men for whatever comes next.

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Mario Jordan sits across from me with a quiet confidence that belies his youth. Having just graduated from New Albany High School, this young man has already accumulated more life experience than many twice his age.

Our conversation reveals an extraordinary story of adaptation and perseverance. After transferring from Columbus City Schools as a freshman, Mario faced the challenge of catching up to New Albany's advanced academic standards while simultaneously competing in national karate tournaments. "Columbus city schools are down here and Albany was like up here," he explains, gesturing the difference with his hands. Rather than becoming overwhelmed, he embraced the challenge.

What strikes me most about Mario is his remarkable work ethic. While completing his senior year through an early graduation program, he maintained a 40+ hour work schedule. Even now, he bikes to and from Swensons late at night, working shifts that end at 1:30 AM. When asked about his earnings, he humbly mentions helping his mom with rent "even though she don't need the help" and saving the rest.

Beyond his academic and professional accomplishments, Mario's perspective on socioeconomic differences is refreshingly mature. When navigating New Albany's diverse economic landscape, he shares his internal dialogue: "In my head I put all these kids are like me. There's not rich kids here, they're all like me." This mindset allowed him to form genuine connections across perceived barriers.

Looking ahead, Mario has thoughtfully evaluated several career paths before settling on a plumbing apprenticeship. His systematic elimination of underwater welding, firefighting, and military service shows a pragmatic approach to career planning that many adults still struggle with.

Mario's story isn't just about overcoming adversity—it's about maintaining perspective, working diligently toward goals, and finding your path regardless of where you start. If his approach to high school is any indication, this young man's future holds tremendous promise.

Have a graduate with an inspiring story? Reach out to be featured on an upcoming episode of White Fence Living.

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When Michaela Nash posted a TikTok video of her family that went viral in December 2022, she decided to follow her dream of applying for Family Feud. Little did the Nash family know this spontaneous application would lead to an unforgettable adventure on national television a year later.

In this engaging conversation, the Nash family—Michaela, Braylon, and Marsha—share their remarkable journey from New Albany, Ohio to the bright lights of Atlanta's Tyler Perry Studios. They reveal fascinating behind-the-scenes details that viewers never see: the multiple audition rounds, the hour-and-a-half filming process for each 22-minute episode, and Steve Harvey's hilarious unscripted comedy breaks between segments. The family's competitive spirit shined through as they won four consecutive games, with Braylon becoming "Steve Harvey's man" and Michaela achieving the second-highest Fast Money score of the season at an impressive 184 points.

Beyond their game show success, we explore how the Nash family's athletic background prepared them for television competition. Braylon, now playing basketball at Ohio State University, credits his multi-sport youth experience for developing his versatile skills. Marsha reflects on raising three children in New Albany and the community's evolution over the years, from struggling to find gym space for youth sports to the development of new facilities. Throughout their story, the value of New Albany's supportive community environment and strong educational system emerges as foundational to their family's success.

The conversation takes a personal turn as Michaela shares news of her two-week-old daughter, the family's first grandchild, highlighting how much has changed since their Family Feud appearance was filmed. Their story beautifully illustrates how embracing opportunities, thorough preparation, and family teamwork can lead to extraordinary experiences—whether on television competing for prizes or navigating life's everyday challenges.

Join us for this delightful conversation filled with laughter, insights, and a firsthand look at what it takes to succeed on one of America's favorite game shows.

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What if a cancer diagnosis didn't just mean treatment schedules and doctor appointments, but also included something to look forward to—a moment of pure joy during the toughest battle of your life? That's the revolutionary idea behind the Karen Wellington Foundation, an organization I had the privilege of exploring with Columbus chapter leader Irene Adams.

Karen Wellington lived with breast cancer for ten years—a quarter of her life—before passing at age 40. But as Irene powerfully shared, "Karen lived the entire width of those years." She joined a band, bought a shoe shop, painted, and refused to let cancer define her existence. This determination to embrace joy even in darkness became the foundation's guiding philosophy when her husband Kent established it after her passing.

Instead of funeral flowers, Kent sent two families from chemo chairs on vacation. Eighteen years later, that beautiful gesture has evolved into 4,000 "gifts of fun" delivered to women battling cancer across multiple chapters nationwide. These aren't just any gifts—they're deeply personalized experiences based on what each recipient defines as "fun," from Disney vacations and spa days to houseboats in Seattle and ski trips in Colorado.

What makes these gifts extraordinary is their timing. They arrive when fun seems impossible, when medical concerns dominate every thought. The foundation's simple question—"what does fun look like to you?"—opens a door to possibility. And with no restrictions on income or timing (nominations never expire), women can choose when they're ready, whether during treatment or in recovery.

The stories Irene shared moved me deeply. A mother and daughter who received a Disney vacation that became their final trip together. A family from Africa experiencing skiing for the first time, laughing as they tumbled in the snow. These aren't just vacations—they're memories that redefine a cancer journey.

As Karen's daughter Angeline beautifully wrote in a letter Irene shared, her mother "was the person who always made room for others" by expanding her dining room table to welcome more people. That's the perfect metaphor for this foundation: creating space for joy when life seems to offer only hardship.

Want to make a difference? Consider nominating someone you know who's battling cancer, volunteering for a gift delivery, or supporting their annual April Fool's Day gala (Karen's birthday). After all, as Irene wisely noted, "We can raise funds for cancer research and try to eliminate cancers, and we can put fun on our calendar." Sometimes, the most powerful medicine is laughter.

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Ever wonder how a single salon visit could spark a business empire? Sisters Kristin and Kailen take us on their entrepreneurial journey from a chance discovery in New York City to founding The Blowout Bar, a salon concept that's thrived for 13 years by perfecting a single service: blowouts without cuts or color.

Their story begins with a family trip to NYC where they experienced a specialized blowout bar and immediately recognized the opportunity to bring this concept to Columbus. Kristin's words capture the moment perfectly: "It was one of those experiences that I just couldn't go back to doing it the old way." Despite having no cosmetology background, they launched their Grandview location and quickly expanded to Dublin and Easton, with plans for a fourth Columbus location before targeting Cleveland and Cincinnati.

What makes their business model fascinating is how clearly they've defined their niche. By focusing exclusively on blowouts and styling, they've created a convenient, consistent experience that serves both working professionals with standing weekly appointments (Monday-Thursday) and special event clients seeking styling for weddings and celebrations (weekends). Their seven-day schedule and specialized staff ensure clients can almost always find availability.

Beyond business, the conversation delves into their personal lives as New Albany residents—both sisters moved from downtown Columbus to raise their families (each has two boys, coincidentally of nearly identical ages). They share their appreciation for New Albany's walkability and community events while reminiscing about their Northeast Ohio roots, complete with nostalgic discussions of regional foods and traditions.

Ready to experience a specialized salon that's reimagining what hair care can be? Visit any of The Blowout Bar's three Columbus locations and discover why so many clients have made their services part of their regular routine!

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Beth's journey from retail executive to nonprofit founder illustrates the extraordinary power of addressing a need in your own family and watching it transform the lives of hundreds. When her three-and-a-half-year-old son Will, who has Down syndrome, wanted to learn tennis like his older brother, Beth discovered a profound lack of consistent programming for individuals with developmental disabilities. What began as a weekend clinic has flourished into Buddy Up for Life, a national organization with over 20 chapters serving more than 800 individuals with Down syndrome and engaging approximately 1,800 volunteers.

The magic of Buddy Up lies in its one-to-one pairing system, matching each athlete or student with a dedicated volunteer buddy. These relationships often evolve into meaningful friendships that address a critical social gap many individuals with Down syndrome experience – having plenty of acquaintances but lacking deeper connections. The organization's "Connections" program specifically nurtures these relationships through social outings during summer months.

From its tennis origins, Buddy Up has expanded to meet diverse needs: circuit training when families wanted fitness options, summer camps when schools were closed, and comprehensive life skills classes covering communication, finance, technology, cooking, and personal safety. This holistic approach serves individuals from age five through adulthood, recognizing that people with Down syndrome benefit from consistent, year-round programming with plenty of repetition and routine.

Beth's retail planning background at Express provided a surprisingly relevant foundation for building this nonprofit – from testing programs before scaling, to creating consistent processes, to managing budgets effectively. The organization operates primarily through donations, with their annual gala serving as their largest fundraiser, complemented by grants and community partnerships.

Ready to get involved? Visit BuddyUpForLife.org to register as an athlete, volunteer, or donate to support programming that's raising the bar and creating opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome to develop skills, build relationships, and thrive. As Beth's son Will demonstrates through his football career and current studies at Vanderbilt University – where there's a Will, there's always a way.

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From driving a 1998 Toyota Corolla long after he could afford an upgrade to opening his first orthodontic practice during the 2009 recession with a baby on the way, Dr. Jeff Shirck's journey exemplifies calculated risk-taking and unwavering financial discipline.

Dr. Shirck takes us behind the scenes of building Shirck Orthodontics from a single Pataskala location to five thriving practices throughout the Columbus area. With refreshing candor, he credits much of his financial wisdom to his wife Zhenya, who immigrated from Ukraine at age nine with just $300 to her family's name. Their partnership demonstrates how clear financial boundaries and thoughtful decision-making create both business success and family stability.

As a father of three active children, Dr. Shirck shares his evolving philosophy on parenting in today's complex world. He discusses the delicate balance of keeping kids engaged in activities without overwhelming them, finding appropriate mentors beyond parents, and teaching financial literacy in an era where spending opportunities are endless. His approach includes requirements like piano lessons (despite protests from his children), maintaining good grades, and staying physically active – creating structure that builds discipline regardless of natural inclinations.

The conversation explores the fascinating evolution of youth sports from seasonal activities to year-round commitments, with Dr. Shirck questioning whether early specialization truly benefits children's development. His experiences coaching youth sports despite having no prior experience highlight how community involvement creates unexpected connections and opportunities to positively influence young people beyond one's immediate family.

Through stories about exploring Ohio with his family, participating in New Albany community events, and watching the thoughtful development of the area, Dr. Shirck reveals how business success and genuine community engagement create a fulfilling life rooted in relationships rather than material possessions.

Join us for this insightful conversation that will inspire you to reconsider your approach to financial decisions, parenting challenges, and community involvement. Subscribe now and share your thoughts on what resonated most with you from Dr. Shirck's journey!

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