Best of Johnston County®

What if the way you train your dog could also transform how you lead your business, your family, and your life? In this episode, Michael Soler shares how discipline, psychology, and daily habits shaped his journey from Marine to entrepreneur—and how those same principles now help leaders grow with clarity and confidence.

What does it really mean to adopt a child, beyond the legal forms and court filings? In this Ask Jonathan Breeden Anything episode, we break down stepparent, relative, and agency adoptions, and the life-changing responsibilities that come with them. If you’ve ever wondered how adoption works, or whether it’s right for your family, this conversation brings clarity to a deeply meaningful decision.

What if hiring the right contractor didn’t feel like a gamble?In this episode, Chet Hardaway shares how he’s turning years of hands-on experience into a smarter way to connect homeowners with trusted tradespeople. From appliance advice to avoiding costly mistakes, this conversation is packed with practical insights that can save you time, money, and frustration.

What does a 35-year career at the North Carolina Department of Transportation look like when you start as a college intern and finish as Secretary?In this episode of The Best of Johnston County Podcast, Jonathan Breeden sits down with recently retired transportation leader Joey Hopkins to talk about his journey from a small town in Rockingham County to leading one of the largest transportation systems in the country. Along the way, they discuss the future of Johnston County’s roads, the challenges of rebuilding Western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene, and why the people of Johnston County make the community feel like home.

What does it look like to build a fitness community that goes beyond treadmills and weight machines? In this episode of The Best of Johnston County Podcast, Jonathan Breeden sits down with James Woodall, founder of Woodall Fitness in Clayton.From training alongside future UFC legends in Las Vegas to creating a unique functional training gym in Johnston County, James shares the journey that shaped his approach to movement, health, and community impact.

In this special Ask Jonathan Breeden Anything episode of The Best of Johnston County Podcast, Jonathan answers one of the most important modern family law questions: how does digital evidence impact custody and divorce cases?From text messages and Facebook posts to parenting apps and screenshots, what you send today could be read out loud in a courtroom tomorrow. Here is what you need to know before you hit “send.”

What does it take to step back into public service after stepping away? In this episode, Keith Branch shares why he’s running for Johnston County Commissioner in District 7 and what he believes the county needs most right now: financial discipline, collaboration, and fresh perspective. From fund balance debates to school funding and growth management, this conversation dives into the future of Johnston County.

Why would someone step away from power… only to ask for it back?After serving eight years as County Commissioner, Chad Stewart resigned. Now he’s running again. Was it strategy? Service? Or unfinished business?In this episode, we unpack fund balances, tax debates, growth fears, and the pressure of public life in the internet age.When experience meets controversy… who do you trust to lead?

What does the sheriff actually do when the cameras are off?Behind the patrol cars and flashing lights is a role most people never see, managing a $32M operation, supporting deputies through trauma, making decisions the public may never agree with, and carrying the weight of every call that comes in. After nearly three decades in the job, Sheriff Steve Bizzell explains why he still believes this role isn’t a position. It’s a calling.

Why would someone run for sheriff after being hired by the same department three times?This episode isn’t about attacks or politics. It’s about perspective. I talk with Randall Ackley about what he’s seen on patrol, inside investigations, and from years of working in a rapidly growing county. When staffing can’t keep up, presence disappears. What does that mean for safety, trust, and the future of Johnston County?

What happens when someone who’s seen government from the inside decides to run for local office — not for power, but to protect a way of life?Adam Caldwell isn’t a career politician. He’s a father of three, a former public servant, and now a candidate trying to balance growth, taxes, and heritage in Johnston County.Can one person help a fast-growing county stay grounded in its roots?