Have you ever wondered what makes a service dog so extraordinary? In this eye-opening conversation with Matt from Canine Companions, we uncover the remarkable journey these dogs take from puppyhood to becoming life-changing partners for people with disabilities.

Nestled on 16 acres in New Albany sits one of the country's most impactful nonprofits that many locals don't even realize exists. For nearly 50 years, Canine Companions has been breeding, raising, and training service dogs that transform lives through their ability to perform dozens of specialized tasks. From retrieving dropped items to opening doors, turning on lights, and even helping veterans with PTSD navigate challenging situations, these dogs enable independence in ways that seem almost magical.

What makes this organization truly special is their commitment to providing these $50,000+ service dogs completely free of charge to recipients. Matt walks us through the fascinating process - from the careful breeding of Labs and Goldens in California to the dedicated volunteer puppy raisers who socialize the dogs for 18 months before professional trainers teach them 45 specific commands. We learn about the meticulous matching process that pairs each dog with the perfect recipient based on their unique needs and lifestyle.

The stories Matt shares are nothing short of incredible. A veteran stranded in an empty parking lot when his keys fell under his Jeep, only to have his service dog retrieve them without even being commanded. Children in schools who couldn't be calmed by teachers or administrators but immediately settled when a service dog entered the room. College students gaining independence through their canine partners. These aren't just dogs - they're life partners providing freedom, confidence, and connection.

Want to witness these amazing animals in action? Join Canine Companions at their annual Dog Fest on September 21st from 1-4pm at their New Albany campus. This family-friendly event welcomes both humans and pets to explore the facilities, meet service dogs and their recipients, and learn more about how these extraordinary animals are changing lives every day. Whether you're considering becoming a volunteer puppy raiser, supporting their mission, or simply fascinated by what dogs can achieve through specialized training, this is an organization that deserves the spotlight.

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Three identical brothers, one million YouTube views, and a rapidly growing podcast that's capturing their community's attention. Meet Houston and Alexander, two-thirds of the triplet team behind "Anything Flies," a podcast that transformed from casual lunch table debates into a media platform with impressive reach.

What started as six high school friends discussing sports has evolved into a polished production featuring the three brothers and their friend Nash. With 870 subscribers and climbing, these young content creators have tapped into the power of consistent, quality content centered around their community. Their journey illustrates how dedication to craft and willingness to experiment can turn a simple idea into something truly special.

The brothers share how they approached their high school baseball coach with a bold proposal to provide game coverage—complete with live commentary, highlight reels, and behind-the-scenes content. Their persistence paid off, creating not just entertaining content but a valuable service for families who couldn't attend games in person. This initiative perfectly demonstrates how podcasting can bridge gaps in community connection.

As they prepare to attend Cedarville University together where they'll continue their golf careers (they've been playing since age four), the brothers reflect on production techniques, content strategies, and how they'll maintain their creative momentum through college. Their entertaining formats like "Beard or No Beard" and blind rankings of everyday items showcase their knack for engaging audiences beyond just sports talk.

Whether you're interested in starting your own podcast, building a YouTube presence, or simply appreciate stories of young entrepreneurs finding their voice, this conversation offers practical insights and genuine enthusiasm for the power of storytelling. Listen now to discover how three identical voices created a unique media presence that's just getting started.

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What happens when a physician reimagines healthcare from the ground up? Dr. Oza takes us behind the curtain of his concierge medical practice, revealing a revolutionary approach to patient care that prioritizes time, relationships, and prevention over the traditional revolving-door model.

As a third-generation physician who transitioned from hospital medicine to concierge care, Dr. Oza explains how the membership-based model allows him to provide same-day appointments, 24/7 access, and consultations lasting up to an hour – a stark contrast to the rushed 15-minute visits common in traditional practices. The conversation delves into how price transparency empowers patients, giving them control over their healthcare decisions without surprise bills appearing months later.

Perhaps most fascinating is Dr. Oza's innovative incorporation of fitness directly into his medical practice. He discusses working out alongside patients in his in-office gym, creating natural opportunities for meaningful conversations about health optimization. This relationship-centered approach extends to his treatment of weight management, where medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide serve as tools within comprehensive lifestyle programs.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Oza separates health fact from fiction, addressing everything from the legitimacy of various supplements (creatine gets a thumbs up; "proprietary blends" don't) to the core pillars of longevity: exercise, high-quality sleep, cancer prevention, and maintaining strong interpersonal connections. He also touches on the growing mental health crisis and the shortage of psychiatrists to address it.

Whether you're frustrated with the current healthcare system, curious about weight loss medications, or simply interested in evidence-based approaches to longevity, this conversation offers refreshing insights from a physician dedicated to transforming how we think about health and wellness. Ready to reimagine your relationship with healthcare? This episode is your blueprint.

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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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