The Mountain Magnolia’s Podcast

This week I welcome Eve Stevens—spiritual coach, ordained minister, and priestess—whose journey reminds us that real transformation begins with naming what we want to change, and what we long to create.
 
Eve’s path carried her from seminary in New York to ministry in Charlotte, and eventually here to the mountains of Western North Carolina. Along the way, she shifted from long hours in the pulpit to blending nutrition, spiritual coaching, and emotional well-being into a holistic practice of healing.
 
Her words stay with me:
“Coaching is making changes in order to heal, and therapy is healing in order to make changes.”
 
And from her own writing:
“Once I learned the names of what I wanted to change, the power to do so found me. Once I learned the names of what I wanted to create, new energy flowed into me.”
Eve’s story is an invitation for us all: to pause, to listen, and to honor what we feel by calling it by name.
Book a spiritual heath coaching session  @ https://www.anatomyofchange.life
#MountainMagnoliaShow #Asheville #BlackMountain #SpiritualCoaching #HealthAndWellness #CommunityVoices

Please join me in welcoming Rich Caisse to the Mountain Magnolia Show!
 
Rich is an EC teacher and Wrestling Coach at Owen High School. He attended Appalachian State University (1999–2004), where he was a proud member of the wrestling team. After some years in Florida, he and his wife longed for the mountains of Western North Carolina, and in 2011 they returned to WNC to build their life here.
 
Today, Rich serves as case manager for 17 exceptional children and coaches 25 student athletes on Owen High School’s wrestling team.
 
Rich shared these powerful words with me:
“Beyond the mat and classroom.”
That phrase reflects his mission. I’ve seen him firsthand not only coaching athletes, but also showing up for them in the community. After Tropical Storm Helene, Rich and his team worked side by side to help neighbors clear tree debris—all while raising money to fund their tournaments. His drive to support and mentor our youth is truly next-level.
 
How You Can Support the Team
The Owen High School Wrestling Team is gearing up for the 2025–2026 season, and Rich shared a few ways our community can rally behind them:
 
Fans in the stands! Show up for home matches—your energy makes a huge difference.
Donate to the fundraiser. Every contribution, big or small, helps the wrestlers pursue their goals.
 
https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-owen-high-wrestling-teams-journey
 
The team’s motto says it all:
“Family is how we break it down every day.”
And when you see the camaraderie, dedication, and heart in this group—you know it’s true.
 
Let’s cheer them on, lift them up, and celebrate the spirit of community that Rich and his wrestlers embody.

 Meet Samara Price, owner of Brew Naturals in Black Mountain! 
 
Her journey started with a simple recipe to keep her little one healthy… and today she’s creating amazing elderberry syrups, butters, mixers, and even a knock-your-socks-off barbecue sauce! 
 
 From 3-gallon pots in her kitchen to a 40-gallon kettle in her purple cottage on West Street, Samira now uses over 1,000 pounds of elderberries a year — all sourced from local + domestic farms.
 
Why elderberry?  It’s a native superfood, rich in antioxidants + immune support. Daily use may help keep colds + flus away, and at the first sign of sniffles it can even shorten the duration.
 
From elderberry lemonade  to peach butter  to craft cocktails , Samira shows us that elderberry isn’t just medicine — it’s delicious, versatile food that brings health + joy to the table.
Fun Fact  9 0z of elderberry syrup has 3000 elberries. 
 
 Find her at local farmers markets and taste the difference for yourself. Brew Naturals is Black Mountain’s own blend of wellness, creativity, and community.
  To sign up for Brew Naturals newsletter and  order elderberry products go to https://www.brewnaturals.com
 
#BrewNaturals #ElderberryLove #BlackMountainNC #ShopLocal #MountainMagnoliaShow #WNCWellness
Come be on The Mountain Magnolia Show where I reveal the heart and soul of our community members here in WNC.  Listen on Spotify – The Mountain Magnolia’s 
or tune in to Big Foot 103.9 FM
 Sat at 10 AM
Wed at 7 PM
 Listen Live
 

 Happy Saturday, beautiful people! 
We’ve got a special treat for you on the Mountain Magnolia Show today!  Please help me welcome the amazing Rhoda Weaver!
 
Born right here in Asheville, Rhoda grew up singing with her family in church and at gatherings—and she’s carried that passion into a life full of music. You’ll find her lighting up festivals, weddings, churches, and even busking in downtown Asheville. 
 
 Rhoda is also the soulful voice behind Rhoda & The Risers, a Black Mountain–based band playing Motown, soul, and funk that will have you dancing in no time. Catch them live at the Black Mountain Blues Festival, Friday, Sept 26th at 4:30 PM—you won’t want to miss it!
 
 Fun fact: Rhoda also runs an airport shuttle business—and rumor has it, she just might sing you a tune along the way. 
 
Rhoda, thank you for sharing your heart and soul with our community. You are a true inspiration. 
 
 Check out Rhoda & The Risers on YouTube: 
https://youtu.be/t-qEzC94geQ?si=_aETKP3DIodUBuz2
 To book Rhoda & The Risers or Her AIrport Shuttle Service call : 828-702-6663
 
Full interview now streaming!
Listen on Spotify – The Mountain Magnolia’s
or tune in to Big Foot 103.9 FM
Wednesdays at 7 PM
Saturdays at 10 AM
 

 Movement, Mindfulness & Finding Your Happy Place 
 
This week on the Mountain Magnolia Show, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Christey Carwile, owner of Elemental Pilates in Black Mountain, NC.She is , is the heart and soul behind Elemental Pilates in Black Mountain. We talked about the healing power of movement, how we work out our work, and how she turned a pandemic parking lot Pilates class into a beautiful community studio.
From earning her PhD in Anthropology to building a thriving Pilates studio, Christey has lived a life dedicated to both the mind and the body. We talked about:
 “Movement is not just about fitness—it’s about working things out of your body so they don’t become pain.” – Christey Carwile
 How movement can carry us through grief, stress, and life’s toughest seasons
 Why “working it out” is more than just exercise—it’s healing
 The journey from teaching in her home to creating a warm, welcoming studio space where the community can thrive
Whether you’re new to Pilates or simply need a reminder to get up and move, Christey’s story will inspire you to make space for your body and your joy.
 
Visit Elemental at 106 WNC Shopping Center Dr, Black Mountain, NC 28711 or on the web at https://www.elemental-pilates.com/about-us

Please welcome Emma Allen, the creator and owner of Everyday Oil, proudly based right here in Black Mountain, NC.
Emma started making Everyday Oil for herself years ago—out of necessity. She couldn’t find a product that was effective, high-quality, and fairly priced. So, like any true innovator, she created it. What began as a personal solution soon grew into a beloved, all-purpose skincare staple used by people across the country.
Everyday Oil is made from a powerful blend of organic, cold-pressed, plant-based oils. It’s designed to do it all—cleanse, moisturize, balance your skin, and even nourish your hair and cuticles. It’s antimicrobial, healing, and gentle enough for all skin types—including oily and acne-prone skin.
Originally formulated as a face oil, Emma quickly discovered how versatile it really was. Today, it’s a minimalist’s dream: one product, endless uses, packed with certified organic, cruelty-free, microbiome-friendly ingredients that are clinically proven to be non-comedogenic.
Emma and her small but mighty team here in Black Mountain pour love and integrity into every bottle, with the goal of making Everyday Oil something you can truly rely on—a daily essential rooted in care, simplicity, and intention.
One of Emma’s favorite quotes is from spiritual teacher Ram Dass:
“You can do it like it’s a great weight on you, or you can do it like a dance.”
It’s a reminder that how we move through life is up to us. And that sentiment is woven into the very heart of Everyday Oil—a product made not just for your skin, but for your spirit, too.
So whether you’re discovering it for the first time or you’re already a fan, you’re going to love learning more about the inspiring woman behind it all.
Follow them on Instagram: @everyday_oil
Learn more: everydayoil.com
Listen on Spotify – The Mountain Magnolia Show
https://open.spotify.com/show/3HmQ9JNaYoGWHgwgbryk0B...
Or tune in to Big Foot 103.9 FM
Wednesdays at 7 PM
Saturdays at 10 AM

Welcome to the Mountain Magnolia Show!
 
Today, I’m thrilled to introduce someone who’s no stranger to the heart of Black Mountain hospitality — Danielle Topping. Danielle has been the manager at Que Sera Restaurant and Oyster Bar for over a decade. When longtime owners Carl and Janie decided to retire, it was only natural for Danielle to carry forward their legacy. She recently stepped into her new role as owner, and with her at the helm, Que Sera continues to shine as one of Black Mountain’s culinary gems.
 
Que Sera isn’t just a restaurant — it’s an experience. Whether you’re catching up with old friends or making new ones, you’re almost guaranteed to see a familiar face. The menu highlights fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and seafood delicacies straight from the Atlantic. But more than that, it’s a place that nourishes both body and soul — rooted in community, flavor, and genuine service.
 
Looking for a casual evening out or something a bit more refined? Que Sera has both — the relaxed Oyster Bar and the elegant dining room are back-to-back, offering a little something for every taste. Sip a cold pint with the always-popular oyster shucker or settle in at a white tablecloth table with attentive service.
 
Upcoming Event Spotlight
Wine Club: Greek Series – July 21 at 6 PM
Join us for an evening of exquisite Greek wines. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or just beginning your wine journey, there’s a glass waiting for you. Taste 6 hand-picked selections and hear the stories behind each one.
$45 – Try & Buy
 
 Hours
 
Monday: Oyster Bar Only | 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Tuesday–Saturday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Follow Que Sera on Facebook
https://www.queserarestaurant.com/

LOCAL SPOTLIGHT: The Laundry – Black Mountain, NC
 
 
Today’s Mountain Magnolia Show is one you won’t want to miss. Please welcome Luna Carwyn, co-owner of The Laundry, alongside her amazing business partners Addie King and Emily Abney.
 
Luna has called Black Mountain home since she was just 3 years old, and it’s been such a joy to watch her grow into someone giving so much back to this community. I’ve known Luna since her Art Space days with my son—so it’s especially meaningful to see her creating something this special.
 
Every week, we share a quote that ties into the heart of our episode. This week’s quote says it all:
“Sustainability is not about doing less harm, it’s about doing more good.” — Jochen Zeitz
 
So, what is The Laundry all about?
It’s not just a shop—it’s a movement. Located in the heart of downtown Black Mountain, The Laundry is:
A refillery with earth-friendly products
A coffee bar serving locally roasted goodness
A pottery studio filled with handmade beauty
 
Step inside and you’re transported—imagine a cozy French café infused with the scent of essential oils, thoughtfully curated gifts (from Chanel-inspired robes to artisan cutting boards), and a European-inspired design that’s both elegant and inviting.

In this episode, we sit down with Candace Reilly, Executive Director of the North Carolina Glass Center, to explore how Asheville’s rich creative culture, and the silica-rich mountains, helped shape a thriving hub for glass artists from around the region and beyond.
Candace shares what brought her to Western North Carolina over 15 years ago, from being drawn in by the abundance of artists and community to eventually joining the board for the Non-Profit and growing the organization. 
We’ll talk about the Glass Center’s beginnings in the River Arts District, the newly opened Black Mountain Studio, and the vital role “experience tourism” has played in their growth.
Whether you’re looking to take a 30-minute hands-on class, dive into an 8-week intensive, or browse the gallery featuring over 80 regional artists, this nonprofit organization is a must-visit. 
With 6 workstations across both locations, a welcoming team of instructors, and a deep commitment to artist education and affordability, the NC Glass Center makes the art of glassblowing accessible to all.
Did you know? Over 80% of the Non-Profit Glass Center’s income comes from tourism, making your visit or donation vital to sustaining WNC’s vibrant art community.
Walk-ins welcome Wednesday - Sunday, 10 AM to 5 PM at both locations, or book your experience online: ncglasscenter.org/classes
Mark your calendar for the Black Mountain Grand Opening Celebration on October 4th! We'll see you there!
 

Welcome to the Mountain Magnolia Show, where we celebrate the heart and soul of our community. Today, I’m thrilled to welcome Lori Cozi, Executive Director of the Black Mountain Center for the Arts. Lori joins us to talk about one of the area’s most anticipated events — the 19th annual Art in Bloom, happening this weekend, June 19th through 22nd. If you’ve never experienced this beautiful celebration of creativity, nature, and community, I can’t recommend it enough.
Art in Bloom is a rich, multi-day event featuring two gallery exhibits, stunning live floral arrangements, and a local garden tour where you’ll encounter working artists creating in real time. Whether you attend one part or enjoy the whole weekend, your presence directly supports the thriving arts community in Black Mountain.
 
To view the schedule go to : https://www.blackmountainarts.org/artinbloom
 
Black Mountain Center for the Arts offers an array of art, music,dance classes, and kids camps. To view classes go to: https://www.blackmountainarts.org/classes