Growing up in rural Kentucky, John Brock comes from a long line of unsuccessful farmers. As a young man, he fell in love with his best friend (a handsome young man) and quickly realized that Kentucky was not a safe place, so he moved to New York.  After five years, John moved to Atlanta for the vibrant gay community. John served as the commissioner of Hotlanta Volleyball and participated in Gay Games 1990 and 1994. At the same time, John attended graduate school at Emory University and later worked at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a toxicologist. After working way too hard for 10 years, doing research in 17 countries, and sitting in traffic far too long, John moved to Asheville in 2001 to be a professor and create a nurturing home life. John now teaches at the University of North Carolina Asheville and consults on a national study of birth defects. John lives in a loving web of people but, oddly, is currently single. He would like to date (hint hint). He is currently raising his nearly perfect adopted 16-year-old son who will soon go off to college. He also is raising a sweet, somewhat neurotic dog, who will not. Asheville is John’s home base but he dreams of living in other countries, one or two month a year, and some new adventures.·       Asheville is a city located in the western part of the state of North Carolina, United States. Here are some quick facts about Asheville:·       Population: As of the 2020 Census, the estimated population of Asheville was 97,317.·       Geography: Asheville is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains and is surrounded by the Pisgah National Forest. The city sits at an elevation of 2,134 feet (650 meters) above sea level.·       Climate: Asheville has a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The average high temperature in July is 83°F (28°C), while the average low temperature in January is 28°F (-2°C).·       LGBTQ Community: Asheville has a vibrant LGBTQ community and has been recognized as one of the most gay-friendly cities in the country. The city has numerous LGBTQ-owned businesses and hosts several LGBTQ events throughout the year, such as the Blue Ridge Pride Festival.·       Crime and Safety: According to the FBI's Uniform Crime Report, Asheville has a crime rate that is higher than the national average. However, the city has a relatively low violent crime rate. Like any city, it is important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings. ·     Cost of Living: Asheville has a cost of living that is slightly higher than the national average. However, the city has a relatively low cost of housing compared to other cities on the East Coast. The cost of living can vary depending on the neighborhood you live in and your lifestyle. Support the showIf you enjoy these podcasts, please make a donation by clicking the coffee cup on any page of our website www.wheredogaysretire.com. Each cup of coffee costs $5 and goes towards bringing you these podcasts in the future.