In this episode, I’m joined by Sandi Walker—Valdese Mayoral Candidate, owner of Dolls & Designs, and Senior Tour Guide for the Waldensian Trail of Faith. A direct descendant of the original Waldensian settlers, Sandi brings a deep, personal perspective to Valdese’s history and community.
Together, we talk about the Waldensians’ incredible journey from the Alpine valleys of Italy to the foothills of North Carolina, how their faith shaped the town of Valdese, and the modern challenges the community faces today.
If you’ve never heard of the Waldensians—or if you’re curious about small-town leadership, heritage tourism, and the future of Valdese—this episode is for you.
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In this episode, I’m joined by Jason—the creator behind Instagram's @SpookyCLT, a project dedicated to digging into Charlotte’s folklore, true crime, and dark history. From haunted cemeteries to forgotten landmarks, Jason’s work shines a light on the stories that most folks walk right past without ever knowing they’re there.
Jason is also a passionate historic preservation advocate, serving on the boards of both Historic Elmwood-Pinewood Cemetery and the Charlotte Historic Landmarks Commission. Together, we discuss some of the spooky stories that have shaped the Queen City.
If you’ve ever wondered what secrets lie beneath Charlotte’s skyline—or why preserving history matters just as much as uncovering it—this episode is for you.
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In this second part of my conversation with Tim Hamilton—professor of physics and researcher of grist mills in the Great Smoky Mountains—we pick up right where we left off.
This time, we’re diving into some of the Smokies’ most fascinating stories: Mingus Mill, the legendary Quill Rose, and yes—moonshine. From the ingenuity of millwrights to the colorful characters who defined mountain life, these stories remind us that Appalachian history isn’t just something you read in a book—it’s living, breathing, and woven into the land itself.
If you’ve ever been curious about how mills shaped the Smokies, who kept them running, and how traditions like moonshining fit into the larger Appalachian story, you’ll want to tune in to this one.
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In this first part of a two-part conversation, I’m joined by Tim Hamilton, professor of physics and researcher of grist mills in the Great Smoky Mountains.
We dig into the history of the Smokies’ grist mills—why there were so many of them, the unique stories behind the grist stones, and what these mills tell us about Appalachian ingenuity and community life. Tim also shares insights on the TVA’s use of eminent domain in Swain County, how families were uprooted, and the lasting impact of those decisions.
Our conversation doesn’t stop at history, though—we also discuss present-day issues, like the new parking fees in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and how many locals see them as breaking a promise made to Appalachian people generations ago.
If you love Appalachian history—or want to better understand how decisions of the past and present shape daily life in the Smokies—you won’t want to miss this episode.
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In this episode, I sit down with Amanda Woolard to talk about Marshall, North Carolina—and what happens when disasters fade from the headlines but the recovery never comes.
During Hurricane Helene, Amanda and I helped coordinate real relief for families in crisis. But while neighbors pitched in and volunteers showed up, con artists slipped in too—eroding trust and leaving legitimate efforts struggling for support.
We talk about scammers who fabricated tragedies to solicit donations, and folks who impersonated FEMA officials. Frauds didn’t just steal money—they sabotaged the work of people trying to help. Amanda explains how she’s mentored honest grassroots groups, challenged organizations to stay accountable, and celebrated small wins—like a local church that exposed an embezzling preacher.
If you’ve ever wondered why bad actors get away with so much—or how ordinary people can make sure their help really reaches those in need—this conversation will hit home.
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In this episode, I sit down with Charles Jurney—one of the most respected dog trainers in the South—to talk about working dogs.
Charles has spent more than 25 years training performance and hunting dogs, producing hundreds of titled animals across the country. From Grand Hunting Retriever Champions to Master Hunters, his legacy is woven into field trials, duck blinds, and dog kennels across the region.
You may know him from his training manual Finished Dog, or from the videos Game Dog, Gun Dog, and Water Dog, which have helped thousands of amateur trainers find their footing.
If you’ve ever worked with a hunting dog, trained a puppy, or simply love watching a dog do what it was born to do, this one’s for you.
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In this episode, I sit down with Laura Pierro, Executive Director of the North Carolina Innocence Inquiry Commission, to talk about the life-changing work they do—and the serious threat they're facing right now. If you’ve never heard of the commission, you’re not alone. It’s the only one of its kind in the entire country, created to take a hard, honest look at possible wrongful convictions in our state.
Laura walks me through how the commission works, what sets it apart, and why its funding is now at risk. We talk about the human cost of injustice—about real people, with real families, who’ve lost years of their lives to prison for crimes they didn’t commit.
This conversation isn’t just about the legal system—it’s about fairness, accountability, and what kind of North Carolina we want to live in. If you care about justice, you’ll want to hear this.
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Tags: #LauraPierro #NorthCarolina #NCPol #InnocenceInquiryCommission #WrongfulConvictions
In this episode of Where the Dogwood Blooms, I sit down with Wilmington native, realtor, and New Hanover County GOP chairman John Hinnant to talk about some hot-button issues making waves in the Port City. From the future of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge to concerns over the public library and potential tax hikes, we break down what’s fact, what’s fiction, and what it all means for locals.
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Tags: #Wilmington #NewHanoverCounty #NorthCarolina #JohnHinnant #NHCGOP
Today, we’re talking with Nick Searcy—actor, director, and proud Western North Carolina native. You’ve seen him in Fried Green Tomatoes, Nell, and Justified as the unforgettable Art Mullen. But off-screen? He’s just a hillbilly from Cullowhee with deep roots and big stories. We’ll talk about his childhood in WNC, life in Hollywood, and what he’s working on now.
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Tags: #NorthCarolina #NickSearcy #WNC #MargoInWNC
Today, we’re joined by Sam Green—the NIL guru behind Athletecon. A Charlotte native with a passion for helping student-athletes make the most of their name, image, and likeness, Sam knows this world inside and out. We’ll talk about what her job really looks like, hear about some of her favorite athletes, and get her best tips for content creators navigating the NIL space.
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Tags: #NorthCarolina #SamGreen #Athletecon #NIL
Today, we’re joined by William I. Wells, co-host of the Dub Dub and Groo Talk Sports segment on the Liberty iNC podcast. Dub Dub is a native North Carolinian and a true sports fanatic, so buckle up—we’re diving into everything from the Carolina Panthers to March Madness!
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Tags: #NorthCarolina #WilliamIWells #DubDubAndGroo #MarchMadness
Today, we’re joined by Laura Stotts, the creative force behind Diary of Abandonment. Laura explores forgotten homesites and rusted-out vehicles across the state, capturing their stories through her lens.
Join us as we uncover her journey—what sparked her passion for documenting abandoned places, which sites have left the deepest impression, and how genealogy played a role in her path to healing from addiction.
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Tags: #NorthCarolina #LauraStotts #DiaryofAbandonment #QueenofRust #AbandonedSites
Today, we’re joined by North Carolina Kerry, a digital content creator known for his unique blend of North Carolina comedy and history. When he’s not making videos, he’s spending time with his wife, two sons, and dog, traveling everywhere from small-town North Carolina to Jamaica, visiting breweries, staying active, watching football, and writing music.
Join us as we dive into his journey—how he became a content creator and why he’s so passionate about sharing the stories of the Old North State!
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Tags: #NorthCarolina #NCKerry #NCHistoryMuseum #NCInfluencers
Today, we’re joined by Roger B. Newman, a medical doctor and author of seven books. Though he hails from South Carolina, his North Carolina roots run deep. His latest novel, Boys, opens in Rockingham County and delves into the Jim Crow era of the American South, told through the eyes of two brothers—one white, one Black. In this episode, Roger shares the inspiration behind his book and the historical truths woven into its pages.
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Tags: #NorthCarolina #RogerBNewman #BoysNovel #RockinghamCounty #SouthernAuthors
Welcome to Where the Dogwood Blooms, where today we're joined by JP Decker, the Executive Director of Mercury One. Mercury One was among the first responders on the ground in Western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene hit. JP is here to share his firsthand experiences from the frontlines of the disaster response, the challenges they faced, and the ongoing efforts to help communities rebuild.
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Tags: #NorthCarolina #MercuryOne #JPDecker #WNC #HurricaneHelene
Welcome to Where the Dogwood Blooms, where we're joined by the Strategic Communications Advisor of the LPNC, Joshua Glawson. Joshua is not only a staunch advocate for the legalization of marijuana and the abolition of North Carolina's ABC (Alcohol Beverage Control) system but also a passionate enthusiast of North Carolina's rich history.
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Tags: #NorthCarolina #Podcast #JoshuaGlawson #RobertDoughton #MarijuanaLegalization #Marijuana
Join Cassie and her husband, Brandon, as they delve into the contrasts between their teenage years in Wilmington and Fayetteville.
Brandon grew up in Fayetteville, a city frequently misjudged by those who haven't experienced its community firsthand. Known for its military presence, Fayetteville often gets a bad rap as being gritty and unsafe, but how much truth is there to these perceptions?
In addition to exploring these hometown differences, Brandon shares his unique insights on what life is like being married to the "NC Queen!"
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Tags: #NorthCarolina #Podcast #Fayetteville #Wilmington #TerrySanfordHigh #Fayettenam #The90s
Welcome to Where the Dogwood Blooms, where we're joined by the incredible Shawn Hendrix, known for his adventures with MrBeast. Originally from Oklahoma, Shawn has settled into Winterville, NC, over the last two years, where he's not just making waves online but also leaving a significant mark with his charitable efforts post-Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina.
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Tags: #NorthCarolina #Podcast #ShawnHendrix #MrBeast #HurricaneHelene
Welcome to another episode of "Where the Dogwood Blooms," where I explore the narratives that bind NC communities. Today, I have the honor of hosting Leigh Thomas Brown, who will share insights into North Carolina's real estate dynamics and her perspective on the relief efforts following Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina.
Who is Leigh Thomas Brown?
Leigh Brown is a powerhouse in the real estate sector, with decades of experience that she uses to mentor real estate professionals at every stage of their career. Her goal is to empower agents and REALTOR® members, fostering a strong professional presence and confidence. In a market that's constantly evolving, Leigh understands the distinct challenges faced by today's agents and brokers.
Her methodical approach to identifying and conveying personal value has been instrumental in providing agents with the confidence and tools necessary for success. A celebrated author with three top-selling business books under her belt, Leigh passionately shares her knowledge to help others unlock their potential and achieve their aspirations.
Leigh's passion for uplifting her peers is not just about professional growth but also about fostering personal development. Her relentless drive and infectious enthusiasm encourage others to aim higher and achieve more.
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North Carolina's Real Estate Market:
Strategies for Building a Landowner Empire:
Reflections on Hurricane Helene:
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Tags: #NorthCarolina #Podcast #LeighThomasBrown #NCRealEstate #HurricaneHelene
Welcome to another episode of Where the Dogwood Blooms, where we delve into the stories that knit the fabric of our communities together. Today, we're privileged to have Amanda Woolard with us, diving deep into her experience aiding Western North Carolina in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
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Amanda's Professional Impact:
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Tags: #NorthCarolina #Podcast #HurricaneHelene #WNC #Appalachia