In this episode, Tim Goodwin sits down with Chris Brazelton, Executive Director of Woodstock Arts, to explore how art can be a heartbeat for the community and how generosity can show up through creativity.
Chris shares his story, from studying theater at Florida State to leading Woodstock Arts right here in Cherokee County, Georgia. Under his leadership, Woodstock Arts has become a vibrant hub offering theater, music, visual arts, and education programs for all ages. Whether it’s pottery classes, improv for professionals, or music under the stars, their goal is to make art accessible and meaningful for everyone.
This episode touches on:
- Why community-centered arts matters even for those who don’t think of themselves as “artsy”
- How Woodstock Arts helps solve real community problems (like partnering with foster agencies and mental health nonprofits)
- What it means to create a space where people feel connected, seen, and inspired
- The power of local giving and how businesses (like Goodwin Investment Advisory) can partner to make a lasting impact
👨👩👧👦 For our listeners who are quietly building wealth and want to give back meaningfully, this conversation is a reminder that generosity isn’t always financial. Time, talents, and presence all matter.
🎨 Whether you’re retired, raising kids, or running a business, you’ll walk away inspired to use what you have to make where you live better.
💡 Learn more at woodstockarts.org and consider how you can support or get involved.
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For personalized financial guidance, schedule an intro call with our team at Goodwin Investment Advisory in Woodstock, Georgia. Our CFP® professionals can provide advice and help you navigate how to invest your wealth and plan for your retirement. We’d love to help you live out your legacy! To learn more about the benefits and services we offer click here.
Goodwin Investment Advisory is a Registered Investment Advisory firm regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission in accordance with compliance, securities laws, and regulations. Goodwin Investment Advisory does not render or offer to render personalized investment or tax advice through the Money PIG podcast. The information provided is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, investment or legal advice.
The following transcript of the podcast audio was software-generated, and not reviewed for accuracy. Therefore, the transcript below should not be used without verifying the validity and accuracy of its content. Please contact Goodwin Investment Advisory with any questions.
0:04 — Tim Goodwin
Welcome to the Money Pig podcast presented by Goodwin Investment Advisory, where our mission is to lead you to financial P.I.G.—peace, independence, and generosity. I’m your host, Tim Goodwin.
0:16 — Tim
Hey friends, welcome back to the Money Pig. Today’s guest is someone who has become a good friend and someone I deeply respect — Chris Brazelton, the Executive Director of Woodstock Arts. Chris, man, thanks for being here.
0:27 — Chris
Tim, thank you. It’s an honor, seriously. I always love our conversations, and I love what you guys do at Goodwin. Happy to be here.
0:35 — Tim
Well, we’re excited. And before we jump in, I want to brag on you for just a second. Chris has been leading Woodstock Arts—formerly Elm Street—for over a decade. Under his leadership, the local arts scene has exploded with life: theater, concerts, festivals, and of course, the Reeves House Visual Arts Center.
Chris, you’ve helped make Woodstock a more vibrant place to live. Truly.
0:55 — Chris
(laughs) Thank you, Tim. I always tell people it’s not just me — it’s this community. We have incredibly talented artists, passionate volunteers, and people who believe in creativity as a way of life. I just get to help guide it.
1:10 — Tim
Let’s go back to the beginning for a second. You studied theatre at Florida State. You started Leave Your Mark Productions. But what was the moment you realized, “This is what I’m meant to do — build community through art”?
1:23 — Chris
Honestly, it was early. I’ve always believed that art doesn’t just entertain — it connects people.
When I started Leave Your Mark in Tallahassee, the shows weren’t just about performance. They were about mobilizing volunteers, creating purpose, connecting people around stories.
And when I moved to Woodstock, I knew this town had something special. I wanted to help create a space where people felt seen, inspired, and connected.
1:48 — Tim
That’s one thing I admire about Woodstock Arts — you take art seriously, but you also take people seriously.
You’ve said before that great art builds empathy. Talk about that.
2:00 — Chris
Absolutely. When we watch a play, or listen to a song, or look at a painting — we’re stepping into someone else’s world.
Great art softens us. It slows us down. It helps us see each other with more compassion.
And in a world that can feel noisy, busy, divided — art says, “Hey, take a breath. You belong. We’re here together.”
2:24 — Tim
I love that. And it actually ties back to personal finance. Most people think finance is numbers — but it’s actually about values. What matters to you. How you want to live.
And art reminds us of that. It brings people back to center.
2:37 — Chris
Yes! Exactly. Money is a tool. Art gives people meaning. Purpose. Joy. It’s part of a well-lived life.
2:50 — Tim
Let’s talk about the Reeves House Visual Arts Center. That has become a landmark here. What was your vision when it opened?
2:58 — Chris
The vision was simple: make art accessible.
Not intimidating.
Not exclusive.
Just welcoming.
We wanted a space where someone could walk in, grab a coffee, look at incredible artwork, talk to a neighbor, meet an artist, or just sit and exhale.
3:17 — Tim
Mission accomplished. (laughs)
3:19 — Chris
(laughs) Thank you. It’s been amazing to see people use the space the way we hoped they would — community groups meeting, kids doing homework, seniors sketching, parents relaxing, artists creating.
3:35 — Tim
What’s something people may not know about Woodstock Arts that you wish they did?
3:40 — Chris
Great question. I’d say… the arts are for everyone. You don’t have to “understand” art to enjoy it. You don’t have to be an actor or painter to be part of it.
Just showing up, supporting a show, attending an exhibit — you are part of shaping our community’s culture.
3:58 — Tim
Let’s pivot to leadership. You’ve grown a huge volunteer base, staff, and programming. What’s one leadership lesson you’ve learned the hard way?
4:07 — Chris
(laughs) Only one?
I’d say this: listen more than you speak.
People want to be heard. When you listen, you learn. And when you learn, you lead better.
4:20 — Tim
That’s gold. So many leaders miss that.
Another question I love to ask: What are you most proud of in your time at Woodstock Arts?
4:30 — Chris
Honestly, the people. Watching teenagers who started on our stage now performing professionally. Seeing volunteers find purpose and belonging. Watching this community grow through creativity — that’s the best part.
4:45 — Tim
One thing we talk about at Goodwin is generosity — not just financially, but with time, talent, and presence. You’re one of the most generous leaders I know.
What does generosity mean to you?
4:58 — Chris
Generosity is giving from your heart without expecting anything in return.
It’s giving someone a moment, a chance, a safe space, a stage, a listening ear.
The arts teach us that generosity multiplies. When you give creatively, it comes back to you in community, joy, and connection.
5:18 — Tim
Beautiful. Before we wrap up, what’s something exciting coming up at Woodstock Arts that people should know about?
5:25 — Chris
Oh man — so much. We’ve got new exhibits coming to Reeves House, a fantastic lineup of theatre shows, concerts on the green, classes for all ages, and some big events we’re rolling out next year.
There truly is something for everyone.
5:43 — Tim
Chris, thank you for what you do. You’ve helped shape Woodstock into the vibrant, creative, joyful community we all love. And thank you for being here today.
5:52 — Chris
Thank you, Tim. You know I’m a big fan of the work you do helping families find peace, independence, and generosity with their money. It’s been a joy to be here.
6:00 — Tim (closing)
Thanks everyone for listening to the Money Pig podcast. If you enjoyed this conversation, share it with a friend, check out Woodstock Arts, and keep living with purpose, peace, and generosity.
We’ll see you next time.
The Money PIG podcast is hosted by Reid Trego. Goodwin Investment Advisory is a Registered Investment Advisory firm regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission in accordance and compliance with securities laws and regulations. Goodwin Investment Advisory does not render or offer to render personalized investment or tax advice through the Money PIG podcast. The information provided is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, investment or legal advice.
For personalized financial guidance, schedule an schedule an intro call with our team at Goodwin Investment Advisory in Canton, GA . Our CFP® professionals can provide advice and help you navigate how to invest your wealth and plan for your retirement. We’d love to help you live out your legacy!
Goodwin Investment Advisory is a Registered Investment Advisory firm regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission in accordance and compliance with securities laws and regulations. Goodwin Investment Advisory does not render or offer to render personalized investment or tax advice through the Money PIG podcast. The information provided is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, investment or legal advice.
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