The Stories of the Upstate

On this episode, let's have a cup of Joe. Check out owner of Spartanburg's Union Street Coffee Bar, Brittany Vanover's story complete with doing stand up comedy as a kid; overcoming ovarian cancer as a teen, watching Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman; listening to Fiona Apple and Tom Petty; loving the Fitzgerald Museum and having a passion for artists.

Did you experience a hugely embarrassing moment in high school? You aren't alone, Cory Harrison had the most embarrassing moment in his entire life while in high school and it involved being on stage before the entire school and five bricks.

On this episode we go to summer camp. Check out the Executive Director of YMCA Camp Greenville, Cory Harrison's story complete with growing up in poverty; going to summer camp with the Salvation Army; having a high school graduation class of three, watching the A-Team; listening to Garth Brooks; loving the outdoors and having a passion for kids.

To write a song for a friend as a memorial for their father can be emotional and amazing. This is Jeremy Brewer's bonus story.

On this episode, we're front porch jamming. Check out singer-songwriter and member of Taught By Heroes, Jeremy Brewer's story complete with a childhood immersed in bluegrass and family; watching Who's The Boss; listening to Crosby and Nash; being a big goofball; loving music and having a passion for supporting our first responders.

Kayaking can be fun, exhilarating and dangerous as we find out in Sara Bell's bonus story.

On this episode, we go zipping along into the Gorge. Check out the owner of The Gorge Zip Line, Sara Bell's story complete with being a headstrong child, trying out cheerleading as a teen; watching Dennis the Menace; listening to Ani DiFranco, surfing for Christmas with her kids; loving the Peace Center and having a passion for foster kids.

Sometimes learning a new sport on a family vacation can be embarrassing, just check out Ryan Ross's bonus story to see what we mean.

On this episode, we take pictures with a drone. Check out the owner of Ross Drone Photography, Ryan Ross' story complete with digging tunnels in 2' snow piles; being an Air Force brat; watching Captain Kangaroo; listening to Foo Fighters; loving the North Carolina mountains and having a passion for feeding kids in need.

On this episode, it's all about the branding. Check out CEO of The Brand Leader, Geoff Wasserman's story complete with growing up Canadian; playing baseball and hockey; watching All In The Family; listening to Billy Joel; loving Downtown Greenville in the early morning hours and having a passion for foster care.

On the second Wednesday of each month on Stories Of The Upstate™ we launch a free concert, the Downtown Jam™, for your smartphone, computer or tablet with local singer-songwriters and their original songs. #gvlmusic

On this episode, we paint and draw. Check out Greenville mother and artist, Sarah Lyons' story complete with growing up on 600 acres with a 76 acre lake nearby; being an angsty teen; watching Friends, laughing with John Oliver; being a quiet listener but a free spirit; loving the forest and bodies of water and having a passion for creative expressions.

Parents can be difficult and funny. Hot 98.1 FM morning show host, Dex MItchell's parents are no exception. Check out his bonus story about them.

On this episode, we listen to the radio. Check out Hot 98.1 FM morning show host, Dex Mitchell's story complete with growing up with a Tiger Mom; getting into inline speed skating; watching South Park; listening to A Day To Remember; loving aquariums and having a passion for connecting charities with the media to increase awareness.

Enjoy a story/song about losing one's love and winning her back.