Episodi

  • Surfing with Humpback Whale in the Outer Banks | #43

    Surfing with Humpback Whale in the Outer Banks | #43
    Jan 16 2026

    Winter in the Outer Banks has a way of settling in quietly, and for many people it brings more than colder temperatures and shorter days. Once the holidays pass, there's often an emotional and financial strain that shows up, especially in a seasonal, resort-based community like this one. Work slows down, businesses feel the shift, and the outdoor lifestyle that draws so many of us here isn't always as easy to access when the weather turns, which can make the offseason feel heavier than expected.

    I also want to share a quick update on the podcast. After a bit of a technical pause, I'm glad to be back and moving forward again, with plans to bring more local voices into the conversation as we head into the coming months. Sometimes an unplanned reset is part of the process, and I'm feeling optimistic about where things are headed and the stories that are still waiting to be told.

    Just before Christmas, I had one of those experiences that reminds me why the Outer Banks are special year-round. I paddled out alone on a rare calm winter day, surrounded by dolphins, when a massive humpback whale surfaced nearby. I followed it for nearly forty-five minutes as it fed, blowing bubbles and drawing in birds, fish, and more dolphins. Moments like that are humbling and grounding, and they're a reminder that even in winter, this place still holds a quiet kind of magic.

    In This Episode:

    • [00:03] Winter is settling into the Outer Banks, and life changes after the holidays in a seasonal, resort-based community.
    • [01:15] Short days, cold weather, and constant wind can make winter feel heavier, especially for people who moved here for the outdoor lifestyle.
    • [02:30] The holidays are joyful, but the financial strain that follows can be magnified when most income depends on the summer season.
    • [03:28] Many local businesses shut down for months, and money gets tight for residents who rely on seasonal work.
    • [04:24] Even in winter, getting outside matters, and some of the most meaningful moments happen when you least expect them.
    • [05:59] A rare calm winter day before Christmas creates the perfect opportunity for a solo surf session.
    • [06:32] Surfing in winter means cold water, heavy wetsuits, and conditions that feel like a cold plunge.
    • [07:21] Dolphins surround the lineup, adding to an already special day in the ocean.
    • [08:36] Increased activity in the water draws attention, with birds and fish signaling something unusual nearby.
    • [09:19] A massive humpback whale surfaces close to the surfboard, turning a quiet session into a surreal encounter.
    • [10:50] Remembering a past sunfish encounter explains the instinct to paddle closer rather than away.
    • [11:26] Following the whale at close range reveals dolphins gathering around what feels like the leader of the pack.
    • [12:08] The whale's presence dominates the water, disappearing and resurfacing in unpredictable ways.
    • [13:01] An unexpected smell raises awareness of just how powerful and alive the ocean environment can be.
    • [15:45] The experience becomes one of the most humbling moments ever in the water.
    • [17:10] Why the Outer Banks remain special year-round, even in the quiet winter season.

    Resources:

    Beach Road Banter Podcast
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    18 min
  • Will Holmes on Surf, Community, and Why the Outer Banks Still Feels Like Magic | #42

    Will Holmes on Surf, Community, and Why the Outer Banks Still Feels Like Magic | #42
    Dec 2 2025

    Growing up on the Outer Banks shapes a person in ways that are hard to fully explain unless you've lived it. Today's episode taps into that local heartbeat through someone who embodies the true spirit of this place: Will Holmes, a lifelong OBX native who grew up in Chicahauk in Southern Shores, surrounded by salt air, bikes on the paths, and a tight-knit community of friends who are still connected decades later. His story is full of nostalgia for a time when kids spent sunrise to sunset outside, knocking on doors, riding bikes, and living life without screens in their hands.

    Will has spent every summer of his life on the Outer Banks, and he knows the hustle it takes to build a life here including working in numerous local restaurants, catering, surfing, and doing whatever it takes to stay rooted in the community he loves. His energy is contagious, and he's passionate about supporting the next generation, celebrating local talent, and embracing the changes shaping the Outer Banks, from Manteo's evolving scene to the growth of local businesses and creative culture.

    We also talk about Down the Road, the surf-art-music festival Will co-created with my son Ryan, which has grown from a backyard gathering to a signature fall event held every second week of October. And we'll hear about Will's next big chapter of splitting his year between the Outer Banks and Puerto Rico to chase waves, build community, and create a place where friends from all over can come together. I'm excited for you to experience his perspective, his positivity, and his deep love for this special place we call home.

    In This Episode:

    • [01:04] Will shares what it was like growing up in Chicahauk, a tight-knit Southern Shores neighborhood.
    • [02:48] He talks about the freedom of childhood before cell phones and the lasting friendships formed.
    • [06:50] Will describes his family roots and how his dad spent summers on the Outer Banks in the 1950s.
    • [07:18] Discussion about the population changes and remote-worker influx after COVID.
    • [08:54] We reflect on development and how the community has evolved without losing its spirit.
    • [09:38] Memories of SeaMark and other iconic Outer Banks spots that have disappeared over time.
    • [09:52] Will explains how he discovered his passion for the restaurant industry and culinary school.
    • [11:27] The year-round work cycle and seasonal employment hustle of the Outer Banks lifestyle.
    • [13:43] Will shares his role at Olives in Manteo and what he loves about the town's recent growth.
    • [15:01] The housing challenge for young locals and why he ended up living in Manteo.
    • [16:36] Talk about new restaurants, breweries, and small businesses raising the bar along the OBX.
    • [19:23] The Outer Banks hustle: two jobs or two houses if you want to make it here.
    • [20:59] A conversation about storms, off-season boredom, local resilience, and the unique rhythm of island life.
    • [23:34] Will describes the story behind Down the Road, the surf-art-music festival he and Ryan created.
    • [25:47] Even in bad weather, the community showed up and young surfers kicked off the event.
    • [27:02] The second week of October will remain the annual date for Down the Road.
    • [28:48] Will reveals his next chapter: splitting time between the Outer Banks and Puerto Rico to surf and build community.
    • [30:03] His dream of creating a surf retreat in Puerto Rico where friends can come stay, surf, and connect.
    • [31:26] Watching Will charge big waves at Tres Palmas and how powerful the moment was.
    • [33:05] Will talks about cooking and connecting with people in Puerto Rico, serving food oceanside.
    • [34:04] Invitation to explore Manteo, support local businesses, and mark calendars for Down the Road 6.

    Resources:

    • Willy's Family
    • Down the Road Surfing
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    35 min
  • How To Make Sure Your Real Estate Transaction Closes. Lynn Sherman with eXp Realty Outer Banks Joins Me | #41

    How To Make Sure Your Real Estate Transaction Closes. Lynn Sherman with eXp Realty Outer Banks Joins Me | #41
    Nov 21 2025
    More real estate deals are falling apart today than at any time in recent memory, and anyone watching the 2025 market can feel the shift. With inventory inching up, days on market stretching longer, and buyers becoming more selective, the Outer Banks are seeing a noticeable rise in contracts that don't make it to the closing table. It's a change that affects every seller, every buyer, and every agent working here right now. My guest today is Lynn Sherman with eXp Realty Outer Banks, my longtime business partner and a seasoned agent who's worked through multiple market cycles along our coast. Lynn has nearly a decade of selling experience and grew up around the real estate industry long before becoming an agent herself. She brings a steady, experienced perspective to the ups and downs of this market, and together we've helped hundreds of buyers and sellers navigate transactions in every type of environment. In this episode, we talk about why more deals are falling through, how buyer expectations have changed, and why due diligence and inspections are becoming pressure points instead of simple checkpoints. We also share real examples from recent transactions, explain what both sides can do to keep a contract together, and dig into the communication challenges that newer agents are facing as the market shifts back toward normal. Whether you're preparing to list, considering making an offer, or just trying to understand what's happening beneath the headlines, this conversation gives you a clear, honest look at what it takes to get a deal all the way to closing in 2025. In This Episode: [01:00] Lynn and I talk about the biggest shift we're seeing in 2025: more contracts falling through after going under contract.[02:11] We walk through three recent deals that nearly fell apart and what those situations revealed.[03:39] We discuss Redfin's report showing more than 15% of contracts are terminating nationwide.[04:22] We compare today's fall-through rate to the unusually steady stretch from 2022 through 2024.[05:01] We talk about interest rates, affordability, and how longer days on market are affecting buyer behavior.[06:01] We break down North Carolina's due diligence system and how it adds pressure to negotiations.[07:15] Lynn explains why some buyers feel they finally have leverage after waiting through the hot market.[08:17] We talk about the importance of communication and why experience matters in a shifting market.[09:12] We explain how incorrect pricing can cause sellers to chase the market down.[10:06] I share how some agents use flawed market data to justify lower offers, frustrating sellers.[11:04] We show how today's fall-through rate actually reflects a more normal, balanced market.[12:10] We walk through the "as-is" sale where the buyer still tried to renegotiate heavily.[13:20] We talk about the $70K+ concession request and why we chose not to engage with it.[14:46] We explain how pre-listing inspections can help prevent surprises once a home is under contract.[15:45] Lynn shares how inspection findings must be disclosed once the seller knows them.[16:11] We break down the difference between due diligence fees and earnest money.[17:06] I explain how old contract language created gray areas around what counted as "operating as intended."[18:00] We talk about the days when buyers put multiple homes under contract with zero financial risk.[19:06] We recall how due diligence fees skyrocketed during the ultra-competitive COVID market.[20:06] We discuss why the due diligence system can feel unfair to buyers when hidden issues surface.[21:23] Lynn explains how appropriate due diligence fees vary depending on a home's age and condition.[22:31] We stress the importance of discussing expectations around due diligence early with both sides.[23:13] Lynn shares why sellers need reminders throughout the process, not just at the listing appointment.[24:14] We talk about newer agents failing to prepare buyers for what "as-is" truly means.[25:28] I explain why visible issues should already be reflected in the offer price.[26:04] We discuss how due diligence should focus on unknown issues, not visible or obvious ones.[27:09] We share why buyers and sellers often get stuck on round numbers instead of the big picture.[28:17] Lynn highlights why consistent communication is essential to keeping deals together.[29:03] I explain how Lynn and I prepare before delivering tough conversations to clients.[30:03] We talk about navigating emotions—not just negotiations—during a real estate transaction.[31:06] We close by encouraging clients to stay open, ask questions, and communicate throughout the process. Resources: Beach Road Banter - InstagramThe Jones GroupeXp Realty in Outer Banks
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    32 min
  • "We Are Not Broken" Allison Brown OBX Local And Life Coach Shares How To Handle Adversity And Thrive | #40

    "We Are Not Broken" Allison Brown OBX Local And Life Coach Shares How To Handle Adversity And Thrive | #40
    Nov 7 2025
    Some conversations stay with you, and this one will. Allison Brown has a calm, grounded way of talking about things most of us struggle to face including loss, change, and learning to trust ourselves again. She's a life coach, mentor, and spiritual guide, as well as a wife, mom of three, and active member of the Outer Banks community. With a background in psychology from UNC Chapel Hill and advanced training in Jungian life coaching, she combines psychology, spirituality, and neuroscience to help people live into wholeness after hardship. After the sudden passing of her mother, Allison began asking the bigger questions: Who am I? What really matters? How do you keep going when life falls apart? Those questions led her to a new chapter focused on helping others heal through self-awareness and compassion. She shares the practices that helped her like journaling, long beach walks, and learning that "you're not broken, you're just human." Together we talk about what it means to live with awareness, to lead with compassion, and to keep showing up as yourself no matter what's happened before. It's one of those conversations that reminds you how strong people can be, and how healing often starts right where you are. In This Episode: [00:28] Allison Brown is here to talk about resilience, loss, and personal growth.[03:11] Allison opens up about the loss of her mother and how it led her to question identity, purpose, and meaning.[04:05] She talks about earning her psychology degree from UNC Chapel Hill and studying spiritual formation.[05:13] We discuss the importance of self-reflection and why it's rarely taught to kids or adults.[06:00] Allison recalls the tragic accident that changed her life and her family forever.[07:44] We reflect on the Outer Banks community's remarkable support during her father's recovery.[09:14] Allison shares how long walks on the beach became part of her healing journey.[09:50] She discovers Jungian life coaching and the message that "you're not broken."[10:25] Reading her mother's journals revealed patterns of people-pleasing and self-doubt.[11:18] Allison decides to align her inner and outer life and show up authentically.[12:08] We talk about parenting, ego, and gaining perspective later in life.[13:38] Allison shares how she learned to start each day with self-care and journaling.[14:27] She walks through her daily practice for grounding and reconnecting with purpose.[15:15] We talk about how empathy and listening can change relationships.[16:59] Discussion about tools like StrengthsFinder and the Enneagram for personal insight.[17:57] Allison explains how Carl Jung's ideas, shadow work, and neuroscience shape her coaching.[19:14] We talk about how early conditioning and childhood patterns still affect adult behavior.[20:05] Allison shares why emotional triggers can be powerful teachers.[21:05] She explains how she structures her coaching work with individuals and teams.[22:14] We discuss the growing acceptance of counseling and coaching, especially among men.[23:01] Allison describes how her business grew through word-of-mouth and local book clubs.[23:49] She reflects on the joy of watching clients experience breakthroughs.[26:05] Allison's biggest realization: you're not broken — you're whole and human.[27:00] Learning to accept anger, sadness, and imperfection in ourselves and others.[28:05] Finding grace and understanding for parents, kids, and life's messy moments.[28:20] We talk about the power of the Outer Banks and how daily beach walks bring clarity.[29:18] Allison reflects on quiet, phone-free moments and the peace they bring.[30:00] Teaching emotional awareness to her kids through open, honest conversations.[31:37] Letting children grow through struggle and self-discovery.[32:12] Allison shares what she loves most about life on the Outer Banks like the beach and connection.[33:22] We talk about technology, parenting, and staying present in real life.[35:02] Lessons learned through heartbreak and challenges and letting our kids do the same.[36:03] Closing thoughts on gratitude, purpose, and what it means to live fully each day. Resources: Beach Road Banter - InstagramAllison BrownThe Enneagram InstituteStrengthsFinderThe Outer Banks
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    37 min
  • Business Leader, Wife, Mom And Top Real Estate Broker, Sarah Spencer | #39

    Business Leader, Wife, Mom And Top Real Estate Broker, Sarah Spencer | #39
    Oct 24 2025

    There's something about the Outer Banks that stays with you. It's not just the beaches or the slower pace, it's the feeling that people here are building something meaningful. They work hard, raise families, and find ways to stay close to the coast no matter what life brings. Sarah Spencer has done all of that and more. She's managed to grow a thriving career while staying grounded in the place she loves most.

    Sarah is a longtime real estate broker, business owner, and community leader who's spent nearly thirty years helping shape the local market. She built Keller Williams OBX, now home to about 80 agents, into one of the area's largest and most respected brokerages. What really stands out is how she leads with a focus on people, teamwork, and doing things the right way. Her approach to culture, training, and shared success has made her business a reflection of her values, not just her accomplishments.

    We dive into how it all started from waiting tables in college, falling in love with the Outer Banks, and finding her path in real estate. She shares what she's learned along the way, what she wishes she'd done sooner, and how she keeps her priorities straight when life gets busy. It's an honest, grounded look at what it means to build a business, raise a family, and stay connected to what matters most.

    In This Episode:

    • [01:58] Sarah Spencer shares her long career in real estate.
    • [02:45] Conversation about balancing business ownership and family life.
    • [03:28] Thoughts on teamwork, community, and the positive culture in Outer Banks real estate.
    • [04:26] Sarah credits her husband and business partner for shared success.
    • [05:19] Insights on building a strong team and not focusing on rankings or titles.
    • [06:03] How Sarah first came to the Outer Banks and what drew her back.
    • [07:19] The story of meeting her husband while waiting tables on the island.
    • [08:15] The biggest lesson Sarah wishes she'd learned earlier—investing sooner.
    • [09:47] Reflections on how younger generations view homeownership and passive income.
    • [11:11] Comparing the housing market then and now, and how it's changed over time.
    • [12:06] Why having clear exit plans matters for real estate investments.
    • [13:30] A conversation about parenting, education, and helping kids find their own path.
    • [15:04] Sarah reveals her next big goal: creating a new beachside office for Keller Williams OBX.
    • [17:15] Thoughts on competition in real estate and how collaboration leads to success.
    • [18:29] How trust and teamwork helped build lasting business partnerships.
    • [20:23] The story behind how Keller Williams OBX began and what it took to make it work.
    • [22:46] Sarah credits mentors and team members who helped the brokerage grow.
    • [22:53] Keller Williams OBX now includes around 80 agents serving the Outer Banks market.
    • [25:04] Advice on staying positive, learning from rejection, and keeping perspective.
    • [26:03] Guidance for new agents on confidence, emotional resilience, and communication.
    • [27:26] How the market has shifted since COVID and what agents must learn now.
    • [28:49] The importance of honesty and managing tough client conversations.
    • [30:11] Reflections on negotiation, mindset, and lifelong learning in real estate.
    • [31:28] Why ongoing training and coaching are central to the Keller Williams OBX culture.
    • [33:22] How agents can find their own path instead of following a single model.
    • [34:22] Discussion on the rise of social media and influencers in real estate.
    • [35:09] Thoughts on authentic connection and two-way conversations with audiences.
    • [35:55] Sarah describes her perfect day off—relaxing on the sand while her family surfs.
    • [36:33] Closing thoughts on balance, family, and what makes the Outer Banks feel like home.

    Resources:

    • Beach Road Banter - Instagram
    • Sarah Spencer
    • The Spencer Team
    • Sarah Spencer - LinkedIn
    • The Spencer Team - OBX Facebook
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    37 min
  • Why Locals Don't Fear Hurricanes | #38

    Why Locals Don't Fear Hurricanes | #38
    Oct 16 2025

    When hurricane season hits the Outer Banks, the question isn't if—it's how you'll handle it. Today, Randy pulls back the curtain on what really happens when a major storm threatens coastal life. Forget the TV panic—Randy shares the real rhythms, risks, and resilience of a community that's weathered decades of hurricanes.

    Hear firsthand what it's like to prepare (and sometimes stay put) through roaring winds, flying debris, and unpredictable tides. Learn how locals decide whether to evacuate, what they do to protect their homes, and why new homeowners may be dangerously underprepared.

    Key Takeaways:

    • The truth behind hurricane hype vs. reality
    • How locals actually prepare—and why some never board up
    • Lessons in risk, resilience, and community after the storm

    Whether you're a coastal dweller, storm chaser, or just fascinated by the grit it takes to live by the sea, this episode will leave you with a deep respect for those who call the Outer Banks home.
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    25 min
  • Investing Smarter in the Outer Banks with Jonathan St. Ledger. | #37

    Investing Smarter in the Outer Banks with Jonathan St. Ledger. | #37
    Sep 12 2025

    The Outer Banks market is shifting—so how do you stay ahead? In this episode, Randy sits down with returning guest Jonathan St. Ledger, an investor, developer, and builder, to unpack what's really happening with rentals, construction, and investment opportunities in 2025.

    Jonathan shares how he balances buying and selling in today's climate, why tax benefits like bonus depreciation matter more than ever, and the creative ways he adds serious value to his properties (rooftop pools and dive-in movie theaters, anyone?).

    Key takeaways include:

    • Why short-term rental demand is evolving, not disappearing
    • How to leverage tax incentives for smarter investing
    • The little details that turn a rental into an experience

    If you're curious about the future of real estate on the Outer Banks—or just love hearing how creative investments come to life—this conversation will inspire you to think bigger and smarter.
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    35 min
  • When Community Becomes Family | #36

    When Community Becomes Family | #36
    Sep 5 2025

    What happens when life throws an unexpected tragedy your way? On today's episode, Randy sits down with Patty McKenna, Executive Director of the Outer Banks Relief Foundation, to share how neighbors step in when storms of life hit hardest—not just hurricanes, but personal crises like illness, job loss, or family emergencies.

    Patty tells the story of how the foundation began with one little girl's battle with leukemia and has grown into a lifeline for countless Outer Banks families. From helping parents keep their homes during medical crises to partnering with community surf contests that give back, Patty reveals the quiet yet powerful ways this small community shows up for each other.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Why personal relief—not just storm relief—matters most
    • How one tragedy sparked a 20-year mission of support
    • The role of local events, from surf contests to beach cleanups, in sustaining community care

    This episode is a reminder that even in life's hardest moments, you don't have to face it alone.

    Connect with Randy:
    Randy Jones → @jonesgroupobx
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    27 min