The Stories That Built Gainesville

Season 1 of A Place To Call Home Podcast

In our debut season, we bring you personal stories from the heart of Gainesville—stories of resilience, passion, and community. From fitness leaders to entrepreneurs, veterans to artists, each episode offers a unique perspective on what makes this Gainesville truly feel like home.

Where to Listen to A Place to Call Home

Episode 1: Andy Farina
We're joined by Andy Farina. Andy is an ultra marathon runner, a fitness instructor, a community chaplain, father, husband, and wears a handful of other hats. Learn what inspires Andy and how he's doing his own part to make the world a better place!

Joe Cirulli Podcast Guest

Episode 2: Joe Cirulli
GHF Owner and CEO, Joe Cirulli, is with us in the studio. Joe started Gainesville Health & Fitness 45 years ago and has been recognized for his achievements all around the world. From family to exercising in front of the TV as a young boy, find out the whos, whats, wheres, whens and whys of what has made Joe and GHF who and what they are today!

Romona Jackson GHF Podcast headshot

Episode 3: Romona Jackson
Romona Jackson joins us for a wonderful conversation about her life, how she formed her own financial management company, how she works to build up the community through her non-profit work and even touches on her work as a published writer!

Matt Mallard GHF Podcast headshot Episode 4: Matt Mallard
Director of Personal Training at GHF, Matt Mallard, joins us to breakdown the path from pursuing a career as a pharmacist to shifting into the world of fitness, and best of all, the role of a dedicated and loving family man.

Donte Jones GHF Podcast headshot Episode 5: Donte Jones
Donte Jones joins us to talk about his time as an Army Rangers and life right out of the service as he transitioned into civilian life, getting married, having kids and facing his mental health head on.

Shawn Hinds GHF Podcast headshot Episode 6: Shawn Hinds
This episode we are joined by Shawn Hinds (GHF GroupFit Manager) who shares with us how trying something new opened her up to a whole new world of possibilities and how the power of positive thinking and faith got her through years and years of not knowing her biological family and has helped her realize her true self today.

Glen Purdy GHF Podcast headshot Episode 7: Glen Purdy
GHF's own Glen Purdy joins us as this week's guest. Glen breaks down how a childhood of mischievous creativity lead him to a career in making advertisements—and lots and lots of signs—for Gainesville Health & Fitness.

Billie Bob GHF Podcast headshot Episode 8: Billie Bob Sykes
To cap off the first season of A Place to Call Home, we are joined by the beloved GHF Ambassador, Billie Bob Sykes. Billie Bob shares a little bit about her 99 years of life from being a little girl in Georgia to growing a loving family of her own right here in Gainesville, FL!