CONVERSATIONS WITH HEART & SOUL
A podcast from the editors of VIE Magazine. Hosted by Founder/Editor-in-chief of VIE, Lisa Marie Burwell. Listen below or subscribe to never miss an episode.
Danielle Torley, Founder – Emerald Flame
Episode #12: “Dancing Through Fire” – A Conversation with Danielle Torley
After a devastating experience with a house fire at six years old, Danielle Torley held onto her grief and fear for many years. She and her younger sister escaped the blaze that took their mother’s life and put their father in the hospital for a month. The fire was a thief that stole a piece of her childhood and her heart, and years passed before Torley met a fire dancer in Roatán who helped her face her demons head-on by literally asking them to dance. Our host, VIE CEO/editor-in-chief Lisa Burwell, sat down with Torley for this special episode of VIE Speaks: Conversations with Heart & Soul. They discuss overcoming your fears, the thrills of fire dancing, Torley’s TED Talks experience, and her thriving entertainment business, Emerald Flame. Thank you, Danielle, for sharing your story with our listeners! Look for more from her coming soon in VIE ‘s June 2021 Issue.
Robert Davis, Founder – Seaside®, Florida
Episode #11: “The Godfather of New Urbanism” – A Conversation with Robert Davis
VIE CEO/editor-in-chief Lisa Burwell sits down with special guest Robert S. Davis, the founder of the idyllic town of Seaside ®, Florida, in our latest episode of VIE Speaks! The New Urbanism community along Scenic Highway 30-A and the Gulf of Mexico celebrates its fortieth anniversary this year. Robert looks back on his visions for the town alongside his wife, Daryl, and the world-class team of town planners, architects, and creatives who have brought their vision to life and evolved it over the past four decades. From inspiring other communities around the world to playing host to celebrities and scholars, Seaside ® is genuinely a town like no other, and its future is bright.
Alexis Miller, Director of Events for Alys Beach, FL & 2021 President – Cultural Arts Alliance
Episode 10: “Keeping the Arts Alive in 2021” – A Lively Chat with Alexis Miller
After a challenging year for arts and events in 2020, this year’s president of the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County and director of events at Alys Beach, Alexis Miller, is ready to get back into the groove. She sat down with our host, VIE CEO/editor-in-chief Lisa Burwell, to discuss what’s coming up for the Northwest Florida Gulf Coast, including the return of Alys Beach’s premier arts event, Digital Graffiti festival, May 12–15. VIE is excited to host once again the annual Digital Graffiti Awards Party—with a new virtual dance-off twist! Listen in for more details and stay tuned to learn how you can join us and experience Digital Graffiti from home, plus get the scoop on the all-new Beach Club at Alys Beach and much more.
Romona Robbins Reynolds, Photographer/ProducerShane Reynolds,
Filmmaker/Television Host
Episode 9: “A Dynamic Duo: Living an Adventurous Life” – A Conversation with Romona Robbins and Shane Reynolds
We welcome you to the ninth episode of VIE Speaks: Conversations with Heart & Soul, a podcast and limited video series from the creators of VIE magazine. Our host, VIE founder/editor-in-chief Lisa Burwell, has been friends with the dynamic husband-and-wife creative duo, Romona Robbins and Shane Reynolds, for many years, working with them on various projects for VIE and its publisher, The Idea Boutique. As world-class photographers, filmmakers, producers, and more, Shane and Romona have traversed the globe—both above and below the water’s surface—telling stories and creating content for National Geographic, Travel Channel, VIE, Connemara Life, Lonely Planet, and more. Join them for a chat about life, love, family, and adventure!
Nathan Alan Yoakum, Owner/ArtistNathan Alan Yoakum Art (NAYA)
Episode 8: “Art on the Spectrum: Seeing What Others Cannot” – A Conversation with Nathan Alan Yoakum
In the eighth episode of VIE Speaks: Conversations with Heart & Soul, a podcast and limited video series from the creators of VIE magazine, our host, VIE founder/editor-in-chief Lisa Burwell, catches up with artist Nathan Alan Yoakum. A heartfelt and candid conversation follows detailing Nathan’s stunning resin sculptures and pop art, as well as his personal journey of living on the autism spectrum and how it has shaped his life and career. Through art, Nathan finds his creative niche and thrives in a world where he can see what others cannot. His visions become a beautiful story for his audience and collectors. Find Nathan’s work at isidro dunbar Modern Interiors in Miramar Beach, Florida, Jay Etkin Gallery in Memphis, and Chic Evolution in Art in Atlanta.
Geoff Speyrer, VeteranU.S. Army
Episode 7: “Life Is a Battlefield” – A Conversation with Geoff Speyrer
Welcome to episode seven of VIE Speaks: Conversations with Heart & Soul, a podcast and limited video series from the creators of VIE magazine. Our host, VIE founder/editor-in-chief Lisa Burwell, talks with US Army veteran and fitness competitor Geoff Speyrer. His recent SET 22 Challenge—a grueling strength, endurance, and training event that took place over Memorial Day weekend in 2020—raised over $10,000 for Mission 22, a nonprofit helping veterans with treatment for post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injuries, and substance abuse along with promoting suicide prevention. Geoff discusses his own experiences fighting on the battlefields of the military, addiction, self-harm, fitness, and rebuilding his life through hard work and dedication.
Zoltan “Zoli” Nagy, Owner/Trainer
Destin Athletic Club
Episode 6: “Fit for Life” – A Conversation with Zoltan “Zoli” Nagy
Welcome to episode six of VIE Speaks: Conversations with Heart & Soul, a podcast and limited video series from the creators of VIE magazine. Our host, VIE founder/editor-in-chief Lisa Burwell, sits down with health and fitness expert Zoltan “Zoli” Nagy. This former professional hockey player, now the owner and lead trainer at Destin Athletic Club in Destin, Florida, is also a VIE cover gent. Join Lisa and Zoli as they discuss the importance of keeping both your body and your mind strong and healthy, everyday fitness tips, and more.
Brook Stetler, Executive Director
The Repertory Theatre – Seaside, Florida
Episode 5: “Love The REP” – A Conversation with Brook Stetler
Welcome to a new episode of VIE Speaks: Conversations with Heart & Soul, a podcast and limited video series from the creators of VIE magazine. Our host, VIE founder/editor-in-chief Lisa Burwell, sits down with Brook Stetler, the executive director of The Repertory Theatre in Seaside, Florida. This small local theater company makes big waves throughout the year with a robust lineup of productions for adults and children, concerts, film series, and more. Lisa caught up with Brook to chat about The REP and the value of supporting the arts in your community.
Jordan Staggs, Managing Editor
VIE magazine
Episode 4: “VIE Adventures, Part II” – A Conversation with Jordan Staggs
This episode of VIE Speaks: Conversations with Heart & Soul, a podcast and limited video series from the creators of VIE magazine, features our host, VIE founder/editor-in-chief Lisa Burwell, and managing editor Jordan Staggs. Join us as they recount some of VIE’s most memorable photo shoot moments from the past several years, the joys and struggles of making a monthly magazine, and their love of all things Hamilton in this installment of “VIE Adventures.” Stay tuned for more adventures with the VIE staff on future episodes of VIE Speaks.
Brittney Kelley, Cofounder/CEO
Tribe Kelley
Episode 3: “Pivot with Your Tribe” – A Conversation with Brittney Kelley
On the third episode of VIE Speaks: Conversations with Heart & Soul, a podcast and limited video series from the creators of VIE magazine, Lisa Burwell sits down with Brittney Kelley. As the cofounder, CEO, and designer for Tribe Kelley lifestyle brand along with her husband, Brian Kelley of country music duo Florida Georgia Line, Brittney has become an influential creative voice in her community and online. She shares information on her partnership with mental health advocacy program PIVOT Relational Alignment, what’s coming up for Tribe Kelley, and more.
Tracey Thomas, Creative Director
VIE magazine
Episode 2: “VIE Adventures, Part I” – A Conversation with Tracey Thomas
In the first installment of “VIE Adventures,” our host, VIE magazine founder/editor-in-chief Lisa Burwell, chats with creative director Tracey Thomas about the history and vision of VIE. Join us for a special episode of VIE Speaks: Conversations with Heart & Soul as they share behind-the-scenes tidbits about working with fashion designer Christian Siriano on a massive cover and lifestyle shoot at Ballynahinch Castle Hotel in Ireland, traveling the world for stories, and the inspiration and evolution behind VIE’s brand for the past twelve years.
Laurie Hood, Founder
Alaqua Animal Refuge
Episode 1: “Rescue Me” — A Conversation with Laurie Hood
Welcome to the first episode of VIE Speaks: Conversations with Heart & Soul, a new podcast and limited video series from the creators of VIE magazine. Our host, VIE founder/editor-in-chief Lisa Burwell, sits down with Laurie Hood, the founder of Alaqua Animal Refuge and the Florida state director for Animal Wellness Action. In this heartfelt and candid conversation, they discuss Hood’s mission for giving animals shelter, safety, and second chances, along with the ups and downs of running a nonprofit no-kill animal refuge with over 400 volunteers.
