Ben Whitley welcomes North Carolina native and radio personality Erica DeLong of The Erica Show to the podcast. Together, they talk about her roots in Durham, how she built her career in radio, and what brought her back home after years in major markets. Erica shares the real highs and lows of life on air, along with her favorite self-care strategies for staying grounded while juggling a busy schedule.

Ben sits down with Raleigh real estate legend Marshall Rich for a conversation about growing up in North Carolina and how those roots shaped his career. Together, they explore the Triangle’s rapid growth and what it means for the community, from housing trends to challenges. Marshall also shares practical advice for navigating today’s real estate market, offering insights buyers can use in a changing economy.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to become a judge? Or what judges really think about our legal system? In this episode, Superior Court Judge Keith Gregory takes us behind the bench to share his journey from waiting tables and writing poetry to presiding over North Carolina's most serious cases. It’s an inside look at the challenges, responsibilities, and values that guide judges as they work to keep the system fair for everyone.

On the first episode of Beyond the Bar, Ben Whitley sits down with John McCann of North Carolina Black Alliance. Ben and John discuss growing up in North Carolina and the generational differences they experience that has led to a polarizing political climate.