In Episode 6 of Mill Talk, host Kathleen Prokesch welcomes acclaimed North Carolina artist Scott Ballard, whose exhibition The Spiritus Series: Beyond the Surface is on display at Revolution Mill from July 15 through October 15.

Scott's vibrant impressionistic landscapes and wildlife paintings invite viewers to look beyond what first meets the eye. In this thoughtful conversation, he explains why every work of art has its own voice, how paintings sometimes "tell him" they're not finished, and why curiosity is one of life's greatest superpowers. 

Scott also reflects on the profound influence of his late mother, who spent years encouraging him to pursue art before he finally embraced his calling. From studying Monet and Van Gogh to developing his own bold, energetic style, Scott shares an inspiring story of perseverance, creativity, and lifelong growth.

In this episode:

•  The inspiration behind The Spiritus Series: Beyond the Surface
•  Why Scott believes every painting is a conversation 
•  How his creative process evolves after the first brushstroke 
•  The influence of Monet, Van Gogh, and the Impressionist masters 
•  Honoring his mother, Peg, through this year's body of work 
•  Finding inspiration in the Blue Ridge Mountains 
•  The value of curiosity, experimentation, and creative risk 
•  What Scott hopes every visitor experiences while viewing his exhibit 

Whether you're an artist, an art lover, or simply someone who appreciates creativity and meaningful conversation, this episode offers an inspiring glimpse into the heart and mind of one of North Carolina's gifted painters.

About Scott Ballard

Scott Ballard is an award-winning North Carolina artist whose impressionistic landscapes, wildlife paintings, and vibrant use of color have earned recognition throughout the Southeast. His work is represented at exhibitions, galleries, and festivals across North Carolina.

Learn more: https://www.scottballardart.com/

Learn more about Revolution Mill:  https://revolutionmillgreensboro.com/

About Mill Talk

Mill Talk is a podcast about the people, stories, and connections that make Revolution Mill one of Greensboro's most inspiring communities. Hosted by Kathleen Prokesch, each episode introduces listeners to the entrepreneurs, artists, business owners, residents, and community leaders helping shape the future of Revolution Mill.

Mill Talk is proudly brought to you by The Health Insurance Shop.

What does it mean to invest not just in buildings, but in people?

In this week's Mill Talk, host Kathleen Prokesch welcomes Susan Schwartz, Executive Director of the Cemala Foundation, for a conversation about philanthropy, community leadership, and the lasting legacy of the Cone family.

Founded in 1986 by Martha and Caesar Cone II, the Cemala Foundation has spent decades investing in initiatives that strengthen Greensboro and Guilford County. Susan shares how a career devoted to civic engagement led her to the foundation, why early childhood development remains one of its highest priorities, and how strategic investments in workforce development continue to benefit the entire region. 

The conversation also explores the deep historical connection between Revolution Mill and the Cone family, the remarkable transformation of the mill into today's thriving mixed-use community, and why preserving a spirit of collaboration remains essential to Greensboro's future.

In this episode:

• The history and mission of the Cemala Foundation
• The Cone family's enduring commitment to Greensboro
• Why early childhood development changes the future of a community
• Building a stronger workforce through education and partnerships
• The foundation's investment in GTCC's aviation program
• Supporting career development through organizations like StepUp Greensboro
• The remarkable redevelopment of Revolution Mill
• Why collaboration is one of Greensboro's greatest strengths

Whether you're passionate about community development, philanthropy, education, or the history of Revolution Mill, this episode offers an inspiring look at the people quietly shaping Greensboro's future.

About Susan Schwartz

Susan Schwartz has served as Executive Director of the Cemala Foundation for more than twenty years, leading investments that strengthen education, workforce development, civic engagement, and quality of life throughout Greensboro and Guilford County.

Learn more about Revolution Mill by visiting https://revolutionmillgreensboro.com/

About Mill Talk

Mill Talk is a podcast about the people, stories, and connections that make Revolution Mill one of Greensboro's most inspiring communities. Hosted by Kathleen Prokesch, each episode introduces listeners to the entrepreneurs, artists, business owners, residents, and community leaders helping shape the future of Revolution Mill.

Mill Talk is proudly brought to you by The Health Insurance Shoppe.

In this episode of Mill Talk, Kathleen Prokesch sits down with Adam Aksoy, co-founder of Cugino Forno, to explore the remarkable journey that began with three cousins, a trip to Naples, Italy, and a dream to bring authentic Neapolitan pizza to North Carolina.

Adam shares how months of traveling across the Southeast ultimately led them to Revolution Mill—long before it became the destination it is today. Together they discuss family, hospitality, craftsmanship, community, and the philosophy that has helped Cugino Forno grow from a single restaurant inside the Mill into one of the region's most respected restaurant brands.

The conversation also explores the launch of Solo Taco, why simplicity is often the key to excellence, and how maintaining quality remains the driving force behind every new location.

Whether you're a longtime Cugino Forno fan, an aspiring entrepreneur, or simply love hearing the stories behind successful local businesses, this episode offers an inspiring look inside one of Revolution Mill's greatest success stories.

Featured Guest

Adam Aksoy
Co-Founder
Cugino Forno

About Cugino Forno

Founded by three cousins with a passion for authentic Neapolitan pizza, Cugino Forno opened its first location at Revolution Mill in Greensboro. Known for imported Italian ingredients, handcrafted wood-fired ovens, and a commitment to quality, the company has grown into one of North Carolina's premier artisan pizza brands while remaining true to its original vision of bringing people together around exceptional food.

About Solo Taco

Adam also discusses the inspiration behind Solo Taco, Revolution Mill's newest dining destination. Built around the same philosophy of simple menus, premium ingredients, and authentic preparation, Solo Taco represents the next chapter in the founders' commitment to creating memorable dining experiences.

About Mill Talk

Mill Talk shares the stories behind the people, businesses, artists, entrepreneurs, and visionaries who make Revolution Mill one of North Carolina's most dynamic mixed-use communities.

Hosted by Kathleen Prokesch.

In this episode of Mill Talk, Kathleen Prokesch sits down with Mo and Autumn Musa, the husband-and-wife founders of Greenlove Coffee, to share the remarkable journey that transformed personal hardship into one of Revolution Mill's most beloved businesses.

From launching a coffee trailer while raising four young children, to navigating layoffs, embracing faith, and ultimately finding a permanent home inside Revolution Mill, Mo and Autumn discuss the challenges, sacrifices, and unwavering commitment that built Greenlove Coffee from the ground up.

The conversation explores:

• The unexpected events that inspired Greenlove Coffee
• Why Revolution Mill became the perfect home for their business
• Building a company centered around love, community, and faith
• Their unique approach to handcrafted coffee
• The Greensboro coffee community and its culture of collaboration
• Their vision for the future of Greenlove Coffee

If you've ever visited Greenlove Coffee—or simply appreciate hearing the stories behind local entrepreneurs—this episode is sure to inspire.

Featured Guests

Mo and Autumn Musa
Co-Founders, Greenlove Coffee

About Greenlove Coffee

Located inside the historic 1250 Building at Revolution Mill, Greenlove Coffee is a locally owned specialty coffee company serving organic coffee, handcrafted drinks, and genuine hospitality. Every cup reflects the founders' belief that great coffee should bring people together while strengthening the community they love.

What was Revolution Mill like before the restaurants, apartments, galleries, and bustling community spaces existed?

In Episode 2 of Mill Talk, host Kathleen Prokesch sits down with Evelyn Rice, founder and president of Rice & Associates and the longest-tenured business tenant at Revolution Mill. Having worked on campus for more than 35 years, Evelyn offers a unique perspective on the evolution of the mill—from its early days as a developing business incubator to the thriving mixed-use community it is today. 

Evelyn shares memories of the original Center for Entrepreneurship, stories of watching the campus transform over decades, and insights into how the mill's culture of connection and collaboration has shaped both her business and the broader community.

The conversation also explores Evelyn's work as an internationally recognized management consultant, leadership trainer, executive coach, and organizational development expert. Her philosophy of helping people align with their highest potential has impacted organizations ranging from manufacturing companies to aerospace and technology firms across the United States and beyond. 

In this episode:

• What Revolution Mill looked like more than 35 years ago
• The history of the Center for Entrepreneurship
• The evolution of the mill into a modern mixed-use destination
• Why community is the most valuable asset at Revolution Mill
• Lessons from leadership development and executive coaching
• Creating environments where people feel safe and can thrive
• The role emotional intelligence plays in organizational success
• Evelyn's powerful philosophy on freedom, purpose, and human potential

Whether you're interested in the history of Revolution Mill, leadership development, entrepreneurship, or building meaningful community, this episode offers wisdom, perspective, and inspiration from someone who has witnessed it all firsthand.

About Evelyn Rice

Evelyn Rice is the founder and president of Rice & Associates, a management consulting, training, and organizational development firm specializing in leadership development, executive coaching, conflict resolution, consultative selling, creativity, and high-performance teams.

Learn more at:
https://riceassociates.com

About Mill Talk

Mill Talk is a podcast about the people, stories, and connections that make Revolution Mill one of Greensboro's most inspiring communities. Hosted by Kathleen Prokesch, each episode introduces listeners to the entrepreneurs, artists, business owners, residents, and leaders helping shape the future of Revolution Mill.

Mill Talk is proudly brought to you by The Health Insurance Shoppe.

What does it take to transform a shuttered textile mill into one of the most dynamic communities in North Carolina?

In the inaugural episode of Mill Talk, host Kathleen Prokesch sits down with Nick Piornack, General Manager of Revolution Mill, to explore the remarkable story behind Greensboro's most ambitious historic redevelopment project.

Nick shares how he joined the project more than a decade ago, the unconventional strategy that helped win community support, and the challenges of turning a 125-year-old industrial complex into a thriving hub for business, dining, creativity, and residential living.

From construction stories involving massive cranes and six-story elevators to the vision behind the new Social District, this conversation offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the people and decisions shaping Revolution Mill today.

In this episode:

• The early vision for Revolution Mill's redevelopment
• How community tours helped build momentum and trust
• The transformation of historic mill buildings into modern spaces
• The growth to more than 150 businesses and 1,100 daily workers
• The creation of Revolution Mill's Social District
• Memorable challenges, surprises, and success stories from the past decade
• What makes Revolution Mill unlike any other destination in Greensboro

Whether you're a longtime visitor, a tenant, a resident, or discovering Revolution Mill for the first time, this episode provides an insider's perspective on the history, innovation, and community that continue to define this iconic Greensboro landmark.

About Mill Talk

Mill Talk is a podcast about the people, stories, and connections that make Revolution Mill one of Greensboro's most inspiring communities. Hosted by Kathleen Prokesch, each episode introduces listeners to the entrepreneurs, artists, business owners, residents, and leaders helping shape the future of Revolution Mill.

Mill Talk is proudly brought to you by The Health Insurance Shoppe.