ABOUT US
The Heart of Catawba Podcast was born out of a love for this community and the people who make it special. Having grown up in Catawba County, I’ve seen firsthand how our neighbors, small businesses, and community leaders bring energy, creativity, and kindness to our hometown.
This podcast is my way of giving back, by sharing the stories of local entrepreneurs, artists, leaders, and everyday people who make Catawba shine. From small businesses that fuel our economy to inspiring individuals who embody the spirit of community, every episode is a chance to connect, celebrate, and grow together.
Whether you’re a lifelong local or new to the area, Heart of Catawba is your inside look at the voices and stories that make this county truly one-of-a-kind.
MEET YOUR HOSTS
TYLER BARRYMORE
Born and raised right here in Catawba County, I’ve always been proud to call this place home. I grew up on the courts and fields of Newton-Conover High School, graduating in 2014 after playing both basketball and tennis. Sports taught me the value of teamwork, dedication, and a little bit of grit.
During high school, I fell in love with teaching as a tennis pro. There’s something special about seeing kids light up when they master a skill, and it taught me early on the joy of investing in others, helping them grow not just in the game, but in life.
After graduation, I found myself in the hospitality industry, starting in restaurants and eventually landing behind the bar. That’s where I truly learned the art of connection, how to listen, share a laugh, and create a space where people feel welcome. Over the years, my passion for people has only grown, and so has my desire to give back to the community that’s given me so much.
The Heart of Catawba Podcast was born from that passion. I wanted to create a space where the voices of this county could be heard, where small businesses, community leaders, local legends, and everyday folks could share their stories. This is more than a podcast to me; it’s a way to celebrate what makes Catawba County so unique and to preserve those stories for the next generation.
When I’m not behind the mic, you’ll probably find me spending time with my beautiful wife, Dixie, and our son, Jayden. They’re my biggest cheerleaders and my daily reminder of why community matters, because the future we’re building is for them and every other family here.
Whether you’ve lived here your whole life or just discovered this little corner of North Carolina, I hope you’ll join me in celebrating the people, places, and stories that make Catawba County truly feel like home.
LAUREL JENKINS
Founder of Emporium 23, a beloved retail brand rooted in soul, style, and community impact. With over a decade of experience building purpose-driven businesses from the ground up, Laurel brings a rare blend of strategic know-how and heartfelt insight to every conversation.
Before stepping into entrepreneurship, she spent years in corporate retail, mastering the numbers, systems, and behind-the-scenes strategies that make businesses profitable. But what truly sets her apart is her ability to balance the metrics with meaning, helping others create businesses that feel just as good as they look on paper.
Laurel has lived the full journey: from burnout to breakthroughs, from chaos to clarity. She’s built systems, uncovered what really sells, and created spaces where creativity and cash flow can thrive together.
Now, through consulting and community-building, she supports makers, shop owners, and creative entrepreneurs in cutting through the noise, clarifying their vision, and building retail businesses that work, without losing what matters most.
As co-host of Heart of Catawba, Laurel brings her signature blend of real-world experience and heart-centered perspective to the mic, making space for honest conversations, local voices, and the kind of insight that moves both people and communities forward.