A ghost cat, a lost hand, and a haunted mill — welcome to The Hometown Holler Halloween Special! Every Tar Heel town has a story. Liz Z. Pardue just happens to know all the ones that’ll keep you up at night. Liz joins The Holler to share the folklore behind our state's haunted past, why storytelling still matters in the digital age, and what local history can teach us about ourselves. From ghost cats to Blackbeard, this episode's got plenty of tricks and treats!
Connect with Liz on social media @liz.z.pardue
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We thank them for their service — but do we understand their lives?Maria Donnelly and Katy Stevick join The Hometown Holler for a conversation about service, sacrifice, and the unseen struggles of America’s military families.As co-founders of the Military Family Foundation, Maria and Katy open up about life as Army spouses — from constant moves and financial strain to the resilience and community that hold it all together. They share how their personal experiences turned into a mission to reform how our nation supports the families who serve, revealing why so many military spouses face unemployment, food insecurity, and systemic barriers that could be fixed with simple policy changes.They also reflect on friendship, finding home wherever you land, and why community might just be the most powerful form of national defense we have.
Connect with Katy and Maria at https://www.militaryfamilyfoundation.com/Help keep North Carolina hollerin’ — become a Friend of the Holler on Patreon today.
She’s running again — and this time, it’s personal. Beth Kennett joins The Holler to talk about why she’s stepping up once more to run for mayor of Burlington, North Carolina — and what it means to lead, listen, and fight for the community you love.Beth opens up about her journey from minister to mayoral candidate, the lessons she’s learned from losing by just 170 votes, and how she’s channeling that experience into a campaign built on listening, inclusion, and change.She also reflects on what it means to be a woman in politics, the ripple effects of local leadership, and why Burlington’s pickleball controversy says so much about who gets heard — and who doesn’t — in local government.For more Tar Heel deep dives and quick hits, subscribe to The Hometown Holler and follow us on social media:Follow us on Instagram & help us keep the lights on by becoming a Friend of the Holler
She’s back! One of our most requested guests — NYT columnist Dr. Tressie McMillan Cottom — returns to The Hometown Holler for a conversation about belonging, memory, and the stories we tell ourselves about America.Tressie takes us inside Winston-Salem’s Black Panthers, unpacks the rise of disaster nationalism, and explains the difference between nostalgia and memory — and why that difference matters more than ever.She also breaks down why calling Trump an “idiot” completely misses the point, what the Left gets wrong about understanding his appeal, and what it really takes to build a sense of belonging in modern America.For more Tar Heel deep dives and quick hits, subscribe to The Hometown Holler and follow us on social media:Follow us:
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One year after Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina, Canton Mayor Zeb Smathers joins The Hometown Holler for a powerful conversation about crisis, community, and the fight to keep small towns alive. Zeb relives Helene — from the death and destruction, to the misinformation and political spin, to the everyday acts of heroism that show why small towns still matter. He also recounts the paper mill shutdown known as “Black Monday” and shares what these experiences taught him about resilience, humanity, and the meaning of home. Along the way, he reveals what Washington gets wrong about rural America — and even weighs in on pro wrestling.For more Tar Heel deep dives and quick hits, subscribe to The Hometown Holler and follow us on social media:Follow us:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehometownhollerTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hometownhollerBlue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/thehometownholler.bsky.socialTwitter/X: https://x.com/hometown_hollerFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehometownhollerPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheHometownHoller
North Carolina’s culture wars are heating up, and we’re going to the front lines. Freshman Rep. Jordan Lopez (@lopez4nc) and Former Rep. Ricky Hurtado (@rickyhurtadonc) join us for an unfiltered conversation on race, power, and the future of NC.
Listen now to learn:
👉 Why lawmakers are stuck in culture wars while schools fall behind
👉 Who really gets blamed when immigrant neighbors are scapegoated
👉 Whether it’s still possible to unite people across race and class
One of our most candid, eye-opening conversations yet — don’t miss it.
With the 2026 midterms approaching, DNC Vice Chair Reyna Walters-Morgan joins The Holler to break down the role and powers of the DNC (it’s not just press conferences and conventions), how Democrats are rebuilding trust and enthusiasm, the challenge of balancing energizing the base with reaching moderates and swing voters, and how the party should respond to a potential government shutdown.
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As North Carolina’s chief election official, Karen Brinson Bell oversaw every Tar Heel election from 2019–2025 — from record-breaking voter turnout to the challenges of COVID-19, natural disasters, and legal battles like the infamous Griffin case.
In this exclusive Hometown Holler interview, Bell shares:
• The biggest myths about voting and how elections actually work
• Why North Carolina’s system is safe and secure
• Her shocking removal from office after a partisan power grab
• What these changes mean for voters heading into future elections
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North Carolina Governor Josh Stein takes us from his days as a high school soccer star to the frontlines of our state's biggest challenges. He explains why NC governors often have to lead with one hand tied behind their back, how unregulated THC products pose a growing public health risk, and why Western North Carolina might just be the most unforgettable place on Earth. Josh makes his case for a fairer, more functional state government while dishing on bipartisan wins, ‘80s soft rock, and his go-to Jersey Mike’s order.👉 Support the Hometown Holler by becoming a Patron or by leaving a tip on PayPal
David A. Graham is a staff writer for The Atlantic and author of The Project: How Project 2025 Is Reshaping America. David joins the Hometown Holler to unpack what Project 2025 actually is, how it’s shaping Trump’s second term, and the real-world consequences already unfolding for Americans. The conversation also explores the evolution of Trump’s rhetoric, why public fear of crime often outpaces reality, the surge of nationwide anti-Trump protests, and why Southern communities may face the next Hurricane alone.👉 Support the Holler by on Patreon or by Donating to our PayPal📲 Follow The Hometown Holler on Social Media:🌟 Instagram🌟 TikTok🌟 Blue Sky🌟 Twitter🌟 Facebook
The Holler hangs out with Patrick Newton, Chair of the North Carolina Forward Party, to dive into the role of third parties in American democracy. We unpack the arguments both for and against third-party movements, explore what North Carolina voters could gain from having the Forward Party on the ballot, and examine how alternative parties can shift political conversations—even without winning elections. Patrick also shares why putting data above ideology is crucial for building effective policies and moving beyond partisan gridlock. Whether you’re skeptical of third parties or searching for new political pathways, this conversation offers a thoughtful look at what “moving forward” might really mean.
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This week on The Hometown Holler podcast, we sit down with Blair Reeves—North Carolina’s favorite Waffle House Democrat and co-founder of Carolina Forward. Blair breaks down how the collapse of local media and a decade of ruthless gerrymandering paved the way for unchecked corruption in Raleigh. We dig into how the GOP supermajority seized control—and what it means for our schools, environment, voting rights, and future. What will it take to fight back and restore sanity in North Carolina politics? Blair’s got ideas.
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What happens when a nationally touring comedian with ADHD, a love for cats, and a deep sense of political urgency takes a vow to become Democracy's greatest defender? Answer: Blaire Postman! The Holler hangs out with America's Cat-Lady-In-Chief to explore how she turned a meme into a movement! Starting from scratch (pun intended) Blaire unleashed the full furry fury of America's cat ladies in 2024 and she's just getting started! With biting jokes and blistering insight, Blaire brings hope, wisdom, and the kind of energy that makes espresso look like decaf.👉 Support the Holler by Donating to our PayPal📲 Follow The Hometown Holler on Social Media:🌟 Patreon🌟 Instagram🌟 TikTok🌟 Blue Sky🌟 Twitter🌟 Facebook
🎧 Topics Covered:-Cat Ladies for Kamala: origin story-Using comedy as a political tool-Organizing beyond the party structure-Why mainstream Dems don’t know how to fight-The billionaire takeover of American life-How ADHD helped (and complicated) her activism-Grassroots organizing vs. professional “grassroots”-Calls to action for everyday folks-What “cat lady” really means
Stormie Daie—drag queen, science educator, and LGBTQ+ activist—returns to the Holler to talk about growing up queer in the South, the intersection of drag and education, and using art as activism.
A founding member of the legendary House of Coxx in Durham, NC, Stormie shares how drag became her armor—both a celebration of self and a shield in the fight for visibility and equality. We cover everything from femmephobia and trans rights to drag bans, bomb threats, and Pride parades. Whether she’s performing at Drag Story Hour or organizing for liberation, Stormie Daie brings beauty, brilliance, and bold truth to communities across North Carolina.
If you’ve ever wondered “What is drag?” or “Why is drag under attack?”—this conversation is a must-listen.
🎧 Topics Covered:
Drag as political protest
The difference between drag and being transgender
Femmephobia and gender norms
Queer representation in the South
Safety threats against drag performers
Pride parades and LGBTQ+ community building
How to support your local Pride
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In this episode of The Hometown Holler, we sit down with former North Carolina State Representative, Attorney Chaz Beasley, to talk about the state of politics — in North Carolina and across the country. From the future of democracy to the challenges of public service, Chaz offers deep insights, honest reflections, and thoughtful takes on what it means to lead in today’s America.If you're interested in North Carolina politics, Democracy, or how real change happens on the ground, this episode is for you.🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you never miss an episode of Hometown Holler — your front-row seat to the voices shaping our state and country.👉 Support the Holler by Donating to our PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted...📲 Follow The Hometown Holler on Social Media:🌟 Patreon: / thehometownholler 🌟 Instagram: / thehometownholler 🌟 TikTok: / hometownholler 🌟 Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/thehometownh...🌟 Twitter: https://www.x.com/hometown_holler🌟 Facebook: / thehometownholler #ChazBeasley #NorthCarolinaPolitics #DemocracyInCrisis #HometownHoller #NCPolitics #StatePolitics #LocalLeaders #PoliticalPodcast #NCNews #ProgressiveVoices
Kenny Wortman ain’t your typical politician. He’s a mohawk-wearing, neck-tattoo-showing, no-time-for-BS father, veteran firefighter, and funeral director. He’s also a lifelong Republican. Wortman joins the Holler to reveal what happens when you stop preaching the party gospel and start asking real questions. From small-town power grabs to backroom deals, this episode unpacks how local corruption can quietly sabotage public education, affordable housing, and economic development anywhere. Wortman pulls back the curtain on the political machine—and makes a powerful case for thinking for yourself, standing your ground, and refusing to play along just to stay in power.👉 Support the Holler by Donating to our PayPal📲 Follow The Hometown Holler on Social Media:🌟 Patreon🌟 Instagram🌟 TikTok🌟 Blue Sky🌟 Twitter🌟 Facebook
In this episode of The Hometown Holler, we sit down with award-winning North Carolina photographer and storyteller Cornell Watson. Hailing from Weldon, NC, Cornell uses his camera to capture the heart, history, and humanity of black communities across the South, blending artistry with unapologetic truth-telling.From intimate family portraits to bold confrontations with systemic injustice, Cornell’s images don’t just tell stories—they challenge us to see, to reflect, and to act. His work has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Rolling Stone, ESPN and more. In this conversation, Cornell opens up about his journey, the inspiration behind his most powerful projects, and why he believes photography can be a potent tool for change—even if it doesn’t always shift policy.We also talk about the emotional weight of stories like that of Julio Zambrano’s disappearance, and how Cornell’s lens brings visibility to lives and experiences too often erased. This is a raw, honest, and inspiring conversation you won’t want to miss.👉 Support the Holler by Donating to our PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted...📲 Follow The Hometown Holler on Social Media:🌟 Instagram: / thehometownholler 🌟 TikTok: / hometownholler 🌟 Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/thehometownh...🌟 Twitter: https://www.x.com/hometown_holler🌟 Facebook: / thehometownholler 🌟 Patreon: / thehometownholler #CornellWatson #TarredHealing #BehindTheMask #BlackPhotographers #ArtAsActivism #JulioZambrano #PhotographyPodcast #HometownHoller #NorthCarolinaStories #SocialJusticeArt
Stephen Prince is a patriotic millionaire—and he wants you to know the game is rigged. In this episode, the vice-chair of the Patriotic Millionaires breaks down why wealth hoarding isn’t just unfair—it’s un-American. From his humble beginnings in small-town South Georgia to building a multimillion-dollar business, Prince shares how he came to believe that raising taxes on the rich is the most patriotic thing we can do. Along the way, he digs into the need for a living wage, the myth of meritocracy, and why systemic change—not charity—is the only real solution.
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Jacob Brooks of National Director of the Great Economy Project joins the Holler for a whiskey-fueled conversation about the soul of the American economy—and why it's time to rethink everything we thought we knew about taxes, patriotism, and working-class power.
Jacob breaks down how the ultra-wealthy are hiding their money in plain sight, why living wages are key to saving rural America, and how the Left can reclaim economic patriotism without apology. We also dive into North Carolina politics, Confederate cosplay, wrestling legends, crypto scams, and why the Rock might actually be our next president.
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In this episode, we sit down with Winston-Salem native Sam Grote—entrepreneur, economist, and founder of the NC Business Impact Forum. Sam shares his journey from hedge funds to launching startups and why he believes better business policy can unite a divided democracy. We talk about the power of investing in kids, what government efficiency really means, and why data needs a human story to matter.👉 Support the Holler by Donating to our PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=69TJJY9ASUBGG📲 Follow The Hometown Holler on Social Media:🌟 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehometownholler🌟 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hometownholler🌟 Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/thehometownholler.bsky.social🌟 Twitter: https://www.x.com/hometown_holler🌟 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehometownholler🌟 Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheHometownHoller
