This week, Kat sits down with licensed esthetician and owner of Peche Skin Co, Georgia Woodard. Ever wonder why you leave a facial feeling a level of relaxation that lasts for days? Well in this episode, Georgia explains the powerful impacts of facials on our parasympathetic nervous system. We talk supporting local businesses and advice for those starting on their journey.

Happy 2026, Columbia South CarolinAAAAA! Bring in the new year with Kat and local influencer Brii Sweatshirt as they discuss transitioning out of the military in Columbia, uplifting small businesses in the city, and finding Brii's voice! Brii talks everything from post-partum to baked beans to friendship. You surely will not want to miss it!

Kat sits down with her dear pal Paul Curtin to discuss the beauty of multigenerational/intergenerational friendships. The pair have been friends for several years and have an age gap of 40 years. Paul shares his experiences snow-birding in Columbia, SC and creating a home and a life here. Listeners, you are sure to enjoy Paul’s wisdom and humor in this special Christmas episode!

It's a pleasure to have Licensed Professional Counselor Tracey Goldson share her

Welcome back to the Carbonated Conversations podcast! This week's guest, Zita Riser, is the zine creator and collector behind the South Carolina Zine Collection at Richland Library, where zine authors can have their creations catalogued for check out just like any book in the library's collection. Zita shares their journey from online blogger to zine artist and author, recalls first discovering Columbia's world of zines after moving to the city, and explains how zines function as a symptom of a thriving arts community. Ge your tissues ready because this episode is full of Pisces energy and as always carbonated holiness: laughter.

This week Claire, one of the founding organizers of Columbia Community Fridges, joins us to talk food insecurity, rescue, recovery, and redistribution. CCF is a grassroots organization working to bring outdoor, publicly accessible community fridges to our city. These fridges are beautifully decorated with murals by local artists and community members and will be accessible 24/7 without supervision. Claire discusses mutual aid in detail, including how mutual aid is the naural order of the universe biologically , and how to support CCF and their mission. You will not want to miss this one!

This week's guest is Kat's bestie of 25 years, Jim O'Malley, a Nurse Practitioner, world traveler, yoga instructor, and the podcasts first pop drinker!! Jim shares his perspectives on Columbia, SC as a now two-time visitor. Jim also talks about his recent move to Grand Rapids, MI and how he has made new friends through different activities, groups, and opportunities. Tune in to find out why Jim is "falling for" Soda City and what he wants to see next time he visits.

This week, Kat is joined by her dear friend Maria Paz Villanueva, a local body artist from Santiago, Chile. Maria shares her experience learning English through Columbia’s ESL classes, where Soda City residents from all over the world come together to practice language, build community, and support one another. She also talks about making new friends through Bumble BFF and how those friendships have helped her grow more confident in her English speaking. What makes Maria feel most confident in speaking English? The answer may surprise you ;) And stick around until the end for a little musical surprise.