The Charlotte Ledger Podcast

Redefining the New South in Charlotte, with Richard Cooper

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 08 May 2026 12:26:49 -0400

The Levine Museum of the New South is preparing for a major new chapter — one that museum leaders hope will help redefine how Charlotte engages with history, community and public conversation. After years without a permanent home, the museum plans to relocate to a new South End campus that blends modern design with the preservation of a historic church site, while expanding its role as both a cultural institution and a civic gathering space.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Levine Museum president and CEO Richard Cooper discusses the museum’s search for a new home, why South End emerged as the right fit and how the institution has continued growing its audience even without a permanent building. The conversation also explores:

How the museum plans to preserve and incorporate the historic Grace Covenant Church site into the new campus
Why community feedback is shaping everything from exhibits to gathering spaces and family programming
How technology like AI, virtual reality and interactive design could play a role in the future museum experience
What “New South” means in 2026 and how the South continues evolving culturally and demographically
Why museums and libraries remain among the country’s most trusted institutions during a divisive political era
How the Levine Museum hopes to become both a history museum and a community hub where difficult conversations can happen safely
The challenges of funding and building a major cultural institution in one of America’s fastest-growing cities

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is presented by PBS Charlotte's Unspun program, helping you learn what politicians are thinking but not saying. Hosted by former governor Pat McCrory.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks. For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, go to TheCharlotteLedger.com.

What colleges really want — and how to stand out

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 01 May 2026 14:48:52 -0400

Applying to college has always been stressful, but for today’s students and families, the process can feel more overwhelming than ever. Acceptance rates are shrinking, expectations are shifting and the pressure to stand out — academically and personally — starts earlier than many realize. For parents in Charlotte and beyond, it can be hard to know when to step in, when to step back and how to help their child navigate it all without burning out.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Lee Shulman Bierer of Bierer College Consulting and Ashley Ausman of The Essay Architect break down what’s really driving the stress behind today’s admissions process — from the surge in applications to the growing emphasis on “spike” interests over well-rounded resumes. They share practical advice on everything from course selection and extracurriculars to summer planning and campus visits, along with candid insights into what colleges are actually looking for.

The conversation also dives into some of the most important — and often misunderstood — parts of the process:

How students can tell authentic, compelling stories that go beyond grades and test scores
Why specificity matters more than topic and how to uncover meaningful personal stories
How tools like AI are complicating essay writing — and why authenticity still matters most
How to identify strong-fit schools, including overlooked and in-state options
Strategies for keeping both students and parents grounded throughout the process

Today’s episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is sponsored by Child Care Search, a service of Child Care Resources Inc. Looking for child care? Our team provides guidance every step of the way! Search online at www.FindChildCareNC.org or call 1-888-600-1685 for live assistance and free, customized referrals.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks. For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, go to TheCharlotteLedger.com.

Charlotte’s history explains its biggest challenges, with Tom Hanchett

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 15:31:26 -0400

Charlotte didn’t become the city it is today by accident — and many of the forces that shaped its neighborhoods, growth patterns and economic divides are still at play. From the rise of streetcar suburbs to the legacy of segregation written into deeds, the city’s past continues to influence everything from where people live to why housing has become so difficult to afford.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Tony Mecia sits down with local historian Tom Hanchett for a live conversation about how Charlotte developed and what that history reveals about the city today.

Hanchett traces Charlotte’s evolution from a compact, walkable town to a fast-growing Sun Belt city, unpacking how business leaders shaped decisions, how neighborhoods became increasingly segregated by race and income, and why Charlotte has long preferred to resolve big issues quietly behind closed doors. He also connects those historical patterns to one of the city’s most pressing modern challenges: affordable housing. From the disappearance of “starter homes” to the growing number of working residents who can’t afford to live where they serve, Hanchett explains how past decisions created today’s housing realities — and why solving them will require both policy changes and a broader understanding of who affordable housing is really for.

This episode was recorded during a live conversation at The Sharon at SouthPark on April 21, 2026.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is sponsored by Crimson Park Digital. Get your brand seen, capture demand, and turn attention into revenue, now. Visit CrimsonParkDigital.com to get started.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks. For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, go to TheCharlotteLedger.com.

Why the music stopped for Lovin' Life

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:31:47 -0400

Charlotte’s brief run as a music festival city hit pause this year, raising bigger questions about what it takes to sustain live music at scale. After two years of big crowds, major headliners and a sense that Charlotte had finally “arrived” as a festival destination, Lovin' Life Music Fest abruptly went quiet — leaving fans, artists and industry watchers wondering what went wrong and whether it can come back.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, managing editor Ashley Fahey talks with freelance journalist Rachel Black about her reporting on the festival’s sudden pause. The two unpack the mix of factors behind the decision — from competition with major acts and shifting fan expectations to the challenges independent promoters face in an industry dominated by giants like Live Nation. They also discuss:

The role of city support
The economics behind large-scale festivals
What the loss of Lovin' Life could mean for Charlotte’s ambitions as a cultural and music hub
Whether there’s still a path for the festival’s return
What it would take for Charlotte to truly become a lasting home for live music

Read the full article in The Charlotte Ledger by clicking here.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is presented by PBS Charlotte’s “Unspun” program, helping you learn what politicians are thinking but not saying. It’s hosted by former Gov. Pat McCrory.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks. For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, go to TheCharlotteLedger.com.

Charlotte’s identity crisis — or its strength

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 17:47:59 -0400

Charlotte is growing fast — adding jobs, people and new development at a dizzying pace — but for all its momentum, the city still struggles to answer a basic question: what, exactly, is Charlotte?

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Steve Dunn talks with Michael Graff, founder of The Charlotte Optimist, about the city’s evolving identity and whether it even needs one. Their conversation is sparked by Graff’s reflections on "Charlotte: Searching for Soul in a Booming Southern City" by Robert FitzPatrick — a book that questions whether Charlotte’s rapid growth has come at the expense of its soul.

Graff shares why he launched a storytelling platform and how hundreds of conversations with locals have shaped his view of the city as a place defined less by tradition and more by possibility. Together, he and Dunn explore the tension between growth and belonging, the challenges facing Charlotte’s middle class, and why the same forces that make the city feel hard to define may also be what draws people in. In a city that often feels like it’s still becoming itself, Graff offers a different perspective: maybe Charlotte’s “undefined space” isn’t a weakness — maybe it’s exactly the point.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks. For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, go to TheCharlotteLedger.com.

Behind the deal to bring 2,000 bank jobs to Charlotte

The Charlotte Ledger — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 17:56:03 -0400

Charlotte landed one of its biggest job announcements in years this week, with Japanese banking giant Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) planning a major hub that could bring up to 2,000 jobs. It’s a significant win not just for the sheer number of jobs, but for what it signals: Charlotte continues to draw global financial firms looking for talent, lower costs and room to grow. The deal also reflects a broader trend — even as the city diversifies, finance remains at the core of its economic engine.

In this bonus breaking-news episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Ledger editors Ashley Fahey and Tony Mecia unpack how the deal came together, what it tells us about Charlotte’s place in the national banking landscape, and what stood out from the announcement. They also dig into the types of jobs expected, how quickly they might arrive, and what this could mean for everything from hiring to office space — including the possibility of filling one of uptown’s most prominent vacant towers.

They also explore the bigger picture: why Charlotte keeps winning these projects, how it stacks up against competitors like Dallas, and what may still be in the pipeline.

We discussed:

Why this deal is unusually large for Charlotte — and how it compares to past announcements
What kinds of jobs are coming (and where they may come from)
How fast hiring could ramp up — and when to expect openings
The behind-the-scenes recruitment effort, including an international push
Where the new hub might land — and what it could mean for uptown real estate
Why Charlotte continues to attract financial firms — and what that says about the city’s future

You can find out more about The Charlotte Ledger at TheCharlotteLedger.com

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Tony Mecia.

Keeping ballet alive in Charlotte

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 11:58:36 -0400

Charlotte Ballet is entering a new chapter under artistic director Alejandro Cerrudo, a dancer and choreographer whose career has taken him from Madrid to Germany, the Netherlands, Chicago and now Charlotte. As the city continues to define itself culturally, Cerrudo sees ballet not as a relic of the past, but as a living, evolving art form — one that can surprise people, move them and help shape Charlotte’s creative identity.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, the Charlotte Ballet leader talks about his artistic journey, what it means to direct a company in a fast-growing city and why this is the right moment to bring his acclaimed full-length work “One Thousand Pieces” to Charlotte audiences. He also reflects on Charlotte Ballet’s place on the national stage, the balance between honoring tradition and pushing ballet forward, and why he believes what some may call "dying" art forms like opera and ballet are important now more than ever. For newcomers who may feel ballet is intimidating or not “for them,” he offers a simple invitation: come as you are, and let yourself feel something.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks. For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, go to TheCharlotteLedger.com.

How Phil Berger lost — and what it means

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 17:11:48 -0400

Longtime state Senate leader Phil Berger — one of the most powerful figures in Raleigh for more than a decade — lost his primary by just 23 votes. In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, editor Tony Mecia sits down with former North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory to unpack one of the most surprising political upsets in recent memory.

McCrory walks through how it happened, from local backlash over a proposed casino to shifting voter sentiment and the limits of political influence. They also discuss:

What Berger’s loss says about money in politics
The role of endorsements (including from President Donald Trump)
How power in the state legislature could shift in the months ahead
How political dynamics in North Carolina have evolved — and what this moment might signal for future races

This conversation was recorded as a webinar on March 26, 2026, as part of PBS Charlotte’s Unspun series, hosted by former Gov. Pat McCrory. Unspun airs at 8 p.m. on Friday nights on PBS Charlotte. An online version, Unspun Unscripted, with viewer questions is on the last Friday of the month at 10 a.m.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks. For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, go to TheCharlotteLedger.com.

Inside Charlotte's housing crunch

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 13:04:54 -0400

As thousands of people move to the region each year, the gap between housing supply and affordability continues to widen, leaving many working families priced out of homeownership.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Ledger managing editor Ashley Fahey talks with Laura Belcher, president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte region, about how the organization is evolving to meet that challenge. Including a shift away from exclusively doing scattered-site construction to developing entire neighborhoods, Habitat is adapting to rising land costs, changing policy and a housing market that has grown increasingly complex. (After this conversation was recorded, Habitat confirmed Belcher will step down from her role at the end of the year.)

In this conversation, they discuss:

Why Charlotte’s housing affordability problem has intensified — and why it’s so difficult to solve
How population growth, rising interest rates and limited supply are reshaping the housing market
Habitat’s shift from building individual homes to developing full neighborhoods
How partnerships with private builders are helping expand affordable housing options
The role of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) in allowing more density
Why preserving existing affordable housing is just as important as building new units
How institutional investors are changing the homeownership landscape
Common misconceptions about affordable housing and who it serves
Why there’s no “silver bullet” — and what it will take to make progress

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks. For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, go to TheCharlotteLedger.com.

Why financial planning is about more than picking stocks

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 13:06:29 -0400

For many people, personal finance feels overwhelming until life forces the issue — a first 401(k), a divorce, a diagnosis, retirement or the sudden realization that no one ever really taught them how money works. In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, that uncertainty is at the center of the conversation: how people build financial confidence, why so many avoid planning and what changes when someone finally takes ownership of the numbers.

Ledger editor Tony Mecia talks with Mary Ware, a Charlotte native and wealth advisor with Carnegie Wealth whose path into finance started not with business school, but with journalism and a personal-finance class at Central Piedmont that changed the course of her career. She explains how financial planning goes far beyond picking investments, why women are poised to control more wealth in the coming years, and what people often miss when navigating major transitions like retirement or divorce. They also discuss:

Why financial planning is really about values, goals and life decisions
The most common mistakes people make with retirement and estate planning
Why divorce can be one of the most financially stressful transitions in life
What AI may change in financial advice — and what it probably won’t
Why knowing your numbers is one of the most important steps in planning well
How mahjong is like financial planning.

We hope you enjoy the conversation with Mary Ware.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks. For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

Forecasting the storm, and weathering the internet

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 17:59:40 -0500

The weather forecast has never been more precise — or more distrusted. In an era of viral storm posts, default phone apps and nonstop social media chatter, even a mostly accurate forecast can feel like a failure if the worst-case scenario doesn’t come true. For meteorologists, the job is no longer just predicting what the atmosphere might do. It’s also pushing back against hype, calming nerves and explaining why being “less bad than expected” is still not the same as being wrong.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, managing editor Ashley Fahey talks with Brad Panovich, chief meteorologist at WCNC, about what it’s like to forecast weather in 2026. Panovich reflects on how social media transformed his job, why Charlotte’s winter ice storm sparked what he calls a “rooting for ruin” reaction online, and how AI is changing the science of meteorology behind the scenes. He also shares his thoughts on weather apps, climate change in Charlotte, his weather pet peeves (hint: groundhog), the very practical supplies he grabs before a major storm and his favorite weather movies.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is presented by PBS Charlotte’s “Unspun” program helping you learn what politicians are thinking but not saying. It’s hosted by former Gov. Pat McCrory.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks. For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, go to TheCharlotteLedger.com.

Understanding the I-77 toll debate

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 19:36:09 -0500

Interstate 77 has been one of Charlotte’s most frustrating stretches of pavement for years. Now, as state leaders move closer to widening that corridor with new toll lanes, a fresh political battle has erupted — not just over tolls, but over what the expansion would mean for neighborhoods already divided by the highway decades ago.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Ledger editor Tony Mecia sits down with Steve Harrison, political reporter at WFAE, for a live conversation recorded Feb. 23, 2026 at The Sharon at SouthPark Retirement Community. Together, they unpack how the I-77 debate evolved from complaints about expensive toll lanes in North Mecklenburg to a broader fight over equity, neighborhood impact and whether Charlotte leaders still have any power to reshape the project.

We hope you enjoy the conversation with Steve Harrison. For more information on The Charlotte Ledger and WFAE’s “Charlotte in Motion” newsletter, or to subscribe, please visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Reporters’ Roundtable — Discussing the local news of the week

Tony Mecia, Ashley Fahey, and Lindsey Banks — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 15:31:46 -0500

In this live video chat recorded Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, Charlotte Ledger reporters discuss some of their coverage from the week:

* American Airlines and Charlotte’s airport work toward a new lease that could shape the future of the airport and the airline

* Development moratoriums are popping up in the Charlotte region, as communities outside Charlotte contend with rapid growth

* High school and college newspapers are struggling to find printers, as the move toward digital publications accelerates

* Charlotte FC takes steps to improve the fan experience, with cheaper tickets, a reward program and a new showroom uptown

* Waymo driverless taxis hit the streets of Charlotte

Find out more about The Charlotte Ledger at TheCharlotteLedger.com

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

How Counter- became Charlotte’s only Michelin-starred restaurant

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 12:20:49 -0500

Sam Hart didn’t grow up in the kitchen. Fast food and corporate dining were more familiar than family recipes. But a broke stretch in Utah turned cooking into a daily necessity — then into an obsession.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, host Steve Dunn sits down with Hart, creator of Counter- and founder of Irreverently Refined Hospitality Group, to talk about how a sketchbook idea became Charlotte’s first and only Michelin-starred restaurant. Hart explains why Counter is not a restaurant but a “fully immersive sensory dining experience” — and how mental health, sustainability and storytelling shape every menu.

In this conversation, they discuss the Netflix “Chef’s Table” episode that changed Hart’s trajectory; staging at Alinea in Chicago and the grueling experience that followed; the personal breaking point that reshaped Hart’s approach to kitchen culture; the philosophy behind changing the menu every 90 days; what earning Charlotte’s only Michelin star means; and where Hart likes to eat in Charlotte.

We hope you enjoy the conversation with Sam Hart. To learn more or make a reservation with Counter-, visit CounterCLT.com.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks. For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

The 2026 Republican primary election in Mecklenburg

The Charlotte Ledger — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 22:59:52 -0500

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger podcast, Ledger editor Tony Mecia talks with Sucharita Kodali, executive director of The Election Hub, about the Republican ballot in Mecklenburg County.

The primary election is March 3, 2026. Early voting runs through Feb. 28, 2026.

Registered Republicans and unaffiliated voters can cast ballots in the Republican primary, which features races for U.S. Senate, U.S. House, the General Assembly and an N.C. Court of Appeals seat.

➡️ You can find information about every candidate on the Mecklenburg ballot at TheElectionHub.org.

🎥 You can find a video of this podcast on YouTube.

🎧 Democratic ballot info: You can listen to an accompanying podcast on the Democratic ballot in Mecklenburg here.

Check out The Charlotte Ledger at TheCharlotteLedger.com

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

The 2026 Democratic primary election in Mecklenburg

The Charlotte Ledger — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 22:53:49 -0500

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger podcast, Ledger editor Tony Mecia talks with Sucharita Kodali, executive director of The Election Hub, about the Democratic ballot in Mecklenburg County.

The primary election is March 3, 2026. Early voting runs through Feb. 28, 2026.

Registered Democrats and unaffiliated voters can cast ballots in the Democratic primary, which features races for U.S. Senate, U.S. House, the General Assembly, judgeships, the Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners and sheriff.

➡️ You can find information about every candidate on the Mecklenburg ballot at TheElectionHub.org.

🎥 You can find a video of this podcast on YouTube.

🎧 Republican ballot info: You can listen to an accompanying podcast on the Republican ballot in Mecklenburg here.

Find out more about The Charlotte Ledger at TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Why economics matters in Charlotte

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 13:32:31 -0500

Economics can sound like a subject you suffered through once and never wanted to revisit — but Michael Blanco, president of the Charlotte Economics Club, argues it’s actually the stuff people talk about every day: jobs, housing, inflation, interest rates, tariffs, AI, and where the economy is headed.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Tony Mecia sits down with Blanco to talk about what the club does, who shows up to its events and why Charlotte — a longtime banking town that’s becoming an even bigger financial hub — is the perfect place for a growing economics club.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks. Visit TheCharlotteLedger.com to learn more.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Reporters’ Roundtable - Discussing the local news of the week

Tony Mecia, Ashley Fahey, and Lindsey Banks — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 12:43:35 -0500

In this live video chat recorded Friday, Feb. 15, 2026, Charlotte Ledger reporters discuss some of their coverage from the week:

* Opposition increases over plans to expand I-77 near uptown

* Early voting starts for the March 3 primary

* New job numbers show Charlotte was No. 2 in the country for creating jobs in 2025, behind only New York City

* A closer look at a mixed-use project in Charlotte’s West End — and what it might mean for similar projects elsewhere in the city

* The start of soccer season for Charlotte FC and Carolina Ascent

* Valentine’s Day flowers are costing more this year — with our panel’s tips on gift-giving if you don’t yet have a plan

… and more!

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The Charlotte Ledger is a locally owned media company that delivers smart and essential news. We strive for fairness and accuracy and will correct all known errors. The content reflects the independent editorial judgment of The Charlotte Ledger. Any advertising, paid marketing or sponsored content will be clearly labeled.

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This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Why Charlotte is still searching for its soul

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 14:09:47 -0500

Charlotte is booming. New towers rise, new residents arrive and the city’s economic engine hums. But beneath the growth, some longtime residents ask a deeper question: What has been lost along the way?

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, host Steve Dunn talks with Robert FitzPatrick — a Charlotte native, longtime community organizer and nationally known expert on pyramid schemes and consumer fraud, and author of “Charlotte: Searching for Soul in a Booming Southern City.”

FitzPatrick explores what he means by “soul” — a city’s sense of place, identity and shared ownership — and argues that Charlotte’s singular focus on economic growth has come at a cost. From the destruction of Brooklyn in the 1960s to battles over Freedom Park, FitzPatrick traces how commercial priorities have shaped, and sometimes overshadowed, civic life.

We hope you enjoy the conversation with Robert FitzPatrick. To learn more about “Charlotte: Searching for Soul in a Booming Southern City," click here.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks. Visit TheCharlotteLedger.com to learn more.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

The future of Charlotte’s Center City

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 13:37:32 -0500

Billions of dollars in public investment. New office towers breaking ground. Nearly 5,000 apartments in the pipeline. After years of pandemic disruption and slow return-to-office trends, Charlotte’s center city may be entering a pivotal new chapter.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Ledger editor Tony Mecia talks with Michael Smith and James LeBar of Charlotte Center City Partners about the newly released 2026 State of the Center City Report — an annual snapshot of uptown, South End and Midtown. They discuss why 2025 was a “super productive year,” what they mean by an “inflection point,” and how transportation, talent growth and large-scale development projects could reshape Charlotte’s urban core over the next decade.

The report includes detailed maps, data and projections for the next 12–24 months. You can explore the full 2026 State of the Center City Report here.

We hope you enjoy the conversation with James LeBar and Michael Smith. For more information on Charlotte Center City Partners, visit CharlotteCenterCity.org.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks. Visit TheCharlotteLedger.com to learn more.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

PBS Charlotte at a crossroads

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 15:45:00 -0500

Recorded live Jan. 5, 2026, at The Sharon at SouthPark.

PBS and public media have been in the spotlight lately — and not in a way anyone asked for. When federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting was eliminated, NPR and PBS stations across the country faced sudden cuts and hard choices.

In this special live episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Ledger editor Tony Mecia sits down at The Sharon at SouthPark with Amy Burkett, general manager of PBS Charlotte, to talk about what that shift has meant locally — and what it’s forcing public media to do differently. Burkett, a former commercial TV reporter and anchor, shares how PBS Charlotte has rebuilt itself since nearly going dark in the early 2010s, how the station is adapting after losing $1.2 million overnight, and why she believes public media is more valuable in an era when trust is harder to come by.

They also dig into what PBS does best (history, long-form storytelling, local documentaries), what it struggles to compete on (reality-style programming), and how the station is trying to reach viewers across platforms — from broadcast to Passport streaming to YouTube.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks. For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Understanding change in aging adults

The Charlotte Ledger — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 15:53:53 -0500

Aging rarely arrives all at once. For many families, the realization comes quietly: a holiday visit that feels a little different, a parent who seems less steady, less engaged, or less organized than before.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, we share a recording of a Jan. 14, 2026, webinar produced in partnership with Caregiving Corner, focused on how families can recognize meaningful changes in aging adults and respond thoughtfully without panic, judgment or damaging trust. Ledger executive editor Tony Mecia is joined by Jennifer Szakaly, founder and CEO of Caregiving Corner, for a wide-ranging, practical conversation that blends medical insight, real-world caregiving experience and audience questions from families navigating these decisions in real time.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is sponsored by Caregiving Corner. Caregiving Corner works with families who are taking care of aging relatives and need assistance navigating the long-term care system. Whether you are planning for aging, or needing help managing a crisis, our team is here for you. For more information, visit CaregivingCorner.com.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks. For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Reporters’ Roundtable — Charlotte News of the Week

Tony Mecia, Ashley Fahey, and Lindsey Banks — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 15:00:00 -0500

In this live video chat recorded Friday, Jan. 15, 2026, Charlotte Ledger reporters discuss some of their coverage from the week:

* Development plans for the Manor Theatre site in Eastover

* Workplace trends in 2026, such as AI and “job-hugging”

* An interview with new LendingTree CEO Scott Peyree — on plans for the company and how he found out about the death of predecessor Doug Lebda

* How historic designation plans might slow approval of the toll lanes on I-77 south of uptown

* Elon University’s plans for a law school at Queens University of Charlotte

* Drake Maye and his wife, Ann Michael Maye, receive national attention — him for football, her for baking videos on TikTok

* Why John Stamos was in Mooresville

… and more!

Need to sign up for this e-newsletter? We offer a free version, as well as paid memberships for full access to all 6 of our local newsletters:

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

LendingTree's new CEO, Scott Peyree

The Charlotte Ledger — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 17:46:49 -0500

When tragedy struck one of Charlotte’s most visible tech companies last fall, it forced an unexpected leadership transition at a pivotal moment. LendingTree CEO Doug Lebda’s sudden death in October 2025 left the company — and the city — reeling. Within hours, longtime executive Scott Peyree was asked to step into the top role and steady a business serving millions of consumers nationwide.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Ledger editor Tony Mecia talks with Peyree about the night everything changed, how he learned of Lebda’s passing, and what it meant to lead through grief while keeping a public company on track. Peyree reflects on his path from founding QuoteWizard to running LendingTree, the company’s future in Charlotte, and how artificial intelligence could reshape how consumers shop for financial products. Along the way, he also shares a few personal details — including his love of Seattle grunge and why hybrid work is here to stay.

We hope you enjoy the conversation with Scott Peyree. For more information on LendingTree, visit LendingTree.com.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks. For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Reporters’ Roundtable — Charlotte news of the week

Tony Mecia, Ashley Fahey, and Lindsey Banks — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 16:19:10 -0500

In this live video chat recorded Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, Charlotte Ledger reporters discuss some of their coverage from the week:

* Fallout from the arrest of Sycamore Brewing’s co-founder on sex-crime charges

* The drop in enrollment at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools to their lowest level in 14 years

* Unraveling the mystery of why Coffey and Thompson art gallery in Eastover closed

* A look at the most checked-out books of the year from Charlotte Mecklenburg Library

* Why rage rooms are multiplying in the Charlotte region

… and more!

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Taking control of your money, with Brian Li

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 15:11:32 -0500

Most people don’t learn about money in school — yet nearly every adult is expected to juggle budgets, debt, savings, taxes and investing. For many, that gap creates stress, shame, or a sense that finance is “for other people.” But what if understanding your money wasn’t about getting rich — but about gaining freedom?

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, host Steve Dunn explores the real meaning of financial literacy with Brian Li, longtime Providence Day School teacher and finance coach. Li argues that financial literacy isn’t an elite skill set — it’s an achievable toolkit for anyone, regardless of income, background or math ability.

Li explains how financial literacy—built on simple habits like budgeting, tackling high-interest debt and investing early in low-cost, tax-advantaged accounts—can give people of all incomes more freedom, confidence and control over their lives.

We hope you enjoy the conversation with Brian Li. To learn more about him or to browse his financial resources, visit BLiFinanceCoach.com.

This episode is sponsored by AC Creative Collective. Based in Charlotte, N.C., and founded by sisters Amoura and Avery Carter, AC Creative Collective specializes in end-to-end marketing and learning and development services. They are dedicated to helping businesses and organizations streamline their operations and achieve their goals with creativity and precision. From social media strategies to workshops and brand launches, they’ve got you covered. Visit www.accreativecollective.com to learn more.

For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com. This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Unconventional holiday movie picks, with Lawrence Toppman

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 23:57:19 -0500

Every December, the same Christmas classics return on repeat — “Elf,” “Home Alone,” “A Christmas Story,” “It’s a Wonderful Life.” But longtime Charlotte arts critic Lawrence Toppman says some of the season’s richest films are the ones most people have never heard of. From forgotten Thanksgiving dramas to animated immigrant tales, from World War I truces to bittersweet family reunions, Toppman opens up a deeper, more surprising cinematic world behind the holidays.

In this special episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, we bring you a live recording of Toppman’s December 1, 2025 talk at The Sharon at SouthPark Retirement Community, where he shares his favorite under-the-radar holiday films — and a few spicy opinions about the ones everyone already knows.

Toppman shares his curated list spanning Día de los Muertos, Armistice Day, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and Christmas. Whether you’re looking for something touching, funny, unusual, or decidedly not cheerful, this list has a film to surprise you.

We hope you enjoy the conversation with Lawrence Toppman.

For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com. This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Reinventing college for a changing Charlotte, with Rick Mathieu of Johnson & Wales

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 16:06:07 -0500

Higher education is in the midst of a transformation — from rising costs and enrollment declines to new questions about the value of a degree. But in the middle of uptown Charlotte, Johnson & Wales University is carving out a different path, one rooted in affordability, career readiness and a unique strength in food, wellness and hospitality.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, managing editor Ashley Fahey talks with Richard “Rick” Mathieu, president of Johnson & Wales’ Charlotte campus, about how the university is adapting to a shifting higher-ed landscape.

Matthews explains how JWU is boosting access with its “JWU Pledge,” expanding programs tied to workforce needs, adding new pathways in hospitality, health and nursing — and how the school’s culinary footprint continues to shape Charlotte’s growing food scene.

We hope you enjoy the conversation with Rick Mathieu. For more information on Johnson & Wales University's Charlotte campus, please visit Experience.JWU.edu.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is sponsored by Metro Blinds of Charlotte — delivering high-quality window fashions and professional installation while saving you up to 30% compared to big box stores. Transform your space with stylish, affordable blinds and shades. Schedule your appointment online at metroblinds.net or call 704-396-9153.

For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com. This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Reporters’ Roundtable — Charlotte news of the week

Tony Mecia, Lindsey Banks, and Ashley Fahey — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 10:59:57 -0500

In this live video chat recorded Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, Charlotte Ledger reporters discuss some of their coverage from the week:

* Border Patrol arrests in Charlotte

* Controversy over plans to wide I-77 between uptown and South Carolina with toll lanes

* Arts funding

* Recent economic development announcements of Maersk and Scout Motors

* Will passage of the transit referendum lead to land deals?

* The tragic death by suicide of a Myers Park High student

* Sycamore Brewing’s holiday beer can labels

… and more!

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

How to write a novel, with lawyer-turned-writer Mathew Flatow

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 14:09:29 -0500

Between billable hours and family life, few professionals find time to chase the stories in their heads — but one Charlotte attorney did. As a trial attorney, Mathew Flato has spent decades in litigation. Now, he’s turned his eye for detail and structure into a new kind of brief: a debut novel.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Steve Dunn talks with Flato about “Ocean Child,” his first book — a sweeping story of three half-sisters raised oceans apart who must confront the imprint of a broken father and define belonging on their own terms. Flato shares how he carved out writing time, the lessons he brought from law into fiction, and the balancing act between storytelling, editing and vulnerability.

We hope you enjoy the conversation with Mathew Flatow. To learn more about Flatow and his debut novel, visit MEFlatow.com.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks. For more ifnormation on The Charlotte Ledger, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Bechtler Museum's role in Charlotte’s cultural fabric, with director Todd Smith

The Charlotte Ledger — Sat, 08 Nov 2025 14:24:45 -0500

Uptown Charlotte’s cultural block is home to three museums that opened within months of each other, helping define the city’s modern arts identity. Among them is the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, a compact, instantly recognizable building anchored by the mirrored “Firebird” sculpture — one of the most photographed artworks in North Carolina. Inside, the museum holds a world-class collection of European and American modernism, much of it acquired by the Swiss Bechtler family through personal relationships with artists.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, host Steve Dunn talks with Todd D. Smith, executive director of the Bechtler, about how the museum fits into Charlotte’s artistic ecosystem, its partnership with neighbors like the Mint and the Gantt, and why modern art still matters in a world overflowing with images. Smith also discusses the museum’s recent work to make art more accessible — from therapeutic “art on prescription” programs to collaborations with visually impaired artists that reimagine how we experience texture, sound and space.

For more information on the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, visit Bechtler.org.

This episode is sponsored by Coca-Cola Consolidated, Charlotte’s local bottler and the largest Coca-Cola bottler in the US. Coca-Cola Consolidated demonstrates a strong commitment to supporting veterans and military families through initiatives like the Veterans Resource Group, Hiring Our Heroes partnerships, and community engagement events, recognizing the value of their service and skills. Learn more at www.cokeconsolidated.com/BehindtheBottle.

For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com. This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Reporters’ Roundtable — Charlotte news of the week

Tony Mecia, Ashley Fahey, and Lindsey Banks — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 15:48:39 -0500

In this live video chat recorded Friday, Nov. 7, 2025, Charlotte Ledger reporters discuss some of their coverage from the week:

* Tuesday’s election

* Michelin ratings of Charlotte restaurants

* The effect of the government shutdown on food-assistance benefits and flights at Charlotte’s airport

* The prospect for new office construction

* The upcoming shutdown of Charlotte magazine

* Trends in home decor from the High Point furniture market

* A new padel complex near uptown

* “Hunting Wives” casting call at Coyote Joe’s

… and more!

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Meet The Ledger's new managing editor, Ashley Fahey

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 10:30:02 -0400

After nearly a decade covering Charlotte’s skyline and business growth — first at the Charlotte Business Journal and then on a national real estate beat — journalist Ashley Fahey is returning to her local roots. Now, as managing editor of The Charlotte Ledger, she’s helping steer the newsroom’s next chapter of growth and community reporting. Fahey officially joined the team in September 2025.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, host Steve Dunn talks with Fahey about her path back to Charlotte media, her vision for the Ledger and what she sees as opportunities to reach new readers and tell deeper stories about the city’s evolution.

We hope you enjoy the conversation with Ashley Fahey. For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, please visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Breaking down the 2025 election in 11 minutes

The Charlotte Ledger — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 07:04:41 -0400

In this special episode, we quickly break down what’s on the ballot in Mecklenburg County for the 2025 election — from the Charlotte City Council races to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Board of Education contests and the closely watched transit tax referendum.

Tony Mecia of The Charlotte Ledger and Sucharita Kodali of The Election Hub explain what each race means for the future of the community, how the proposed transit sales tax referendum could reshape the region’s transportation network and what’s at stake in local leadership and education policy.

For reliable, nonpartisan information on candidates and issues, visit TheElectionHub.org. It has biographies on every candidate on the Mecklenburg ballot (including races in Mecklenburg’s towns), plus information on candidates in the Gaston County cities of Gastonia, Belmont and Mount Holly. It’s a project designed to make it easier for local residents to make informed choices.

Tune into this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast for a clear, concise overview of what’s on the ballot and why it matters for Charlotte’s future.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4. Early voting runs at 21 sites through Nov. 1.

We hope you enjoy the conversation.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

How Charlotte’s legal advocates are weathering a funding storm, with Larissa Mañón Mervin

The Charlotte Ledger — Sat, 25 Oct 2025 07:33:19 -0400

When federal funding cuts and grant freezes hit local nonprofits, many in Charlotte’s safety-net community were forced to make painful choices. One of them, Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy, has spent decades standing up for the region’s most vulnerable residents — and now finds itself navigating a financial and moral test of its own.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, The Ledger’s Lindsey Banks talks with Larissa Mañón Mervin, the organization’s new CEO and its first permanent woman and Latina leader. Mervin explains the toll of federal disruptions, the community partnerships keeping services alive, and why access to civil legal aid remains essential for thousands of Mecklenburg County residents.

We hope you enjoy the conversation with Larissa Mañón Mervin. For more information on the Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy, please visit CharlotteLegalAdvocacy.org.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks. For more information on The Charlotte Ledger or to subscribe to our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Building a fun way to learn something new, with Haley Bohon of SkillPop

The Charlotte Ledger — Sat, 18 Oct 2025 07:41:57 -0400

In a city full of newcomers eager to make connections, a Charlotte startup found a simple way to bring people together — through learning. From watercolor painting to small business branding, SkillPop has helped thousands of locals discover new skills and friendships by turning breweries, boutiques and coffee shops into classrooms. What began as a handful of pop-up lessons in 2015 has evolved into a thriving business that’s marking its 10-year anniversary and expanding once again.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, SkillPop founder and CEO Haley Bohon talks with The Ledger's Tony Mecia about how the company grew from a one-woman experiment into a self-funded success. The conversation explores the challenges of entrepreneurship in Charlotte, the pandemic pivot that reshaped the company and what SkillPop’s next chapter says about the city’s creative energy and appetite for community.

We hope you enjoy the conversation with Haley Bohon. For more information on SkillPop, visit SkillPop.com.

For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, go to TheCharlotteLedger.com. This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is sponsored by Crimson Park Digital. For Charlotte businesses, getting noticed and staying visible is tougher than ever. That’s where Crimson Park Digital comes in: a boutique marketing agency delivering bespoke strategies for advertising, content, social media, and search engines. They’re helping bold, service-focused brands get seen, capture demand, and turn attention into revenue. Ready to bolster your marketing this Fall? Visit CrimsonParkDigital.com to get started.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

The case against Mecklenburg's transportation referendum

The Charlotte Ledger — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 11:30:00 -0400

In this episode, we talk with Robert Dawkins of Action NC, who explains why he believes raising Mecklenburg's sales tax to pay for transit and transportation is unfair and misguided. Dawkins advocates for a "NO" vote on November's referendum, arguing that the plan puts too heavy a burden on low- and middle-income families, lacks accountability and repeats a pattern of broken promises from previous city transportation initiatives.

In a conversation with Charlotte Ledger editor Tony Mecia, Dawkins shares stories from his work with displaced residents, outlines concerns about transparency and oversight and questions whether the city’s mobility plan truly serves those who rely on public transportation the most. He urges voters to take a closer look at who benefits—and who bears the costs—of the proposed tax.

Dawkins also wrote a column expressing his ideas in a recent edition of Transit Time, a weekly newsletter on transit and transportation produced by The Charlotte Ledger and WFAE.

THE OTHER SIDE: This episode and accompanying column are part of a two-part series exploring the arguments for and against Mecklenburg's transportation referendum, which is on the Nov. 4 ballot. Be sure to check out the perspecive of the "VOTE YES" side, in a conversation and column with Shannon Binns of Sustain Charlotte.

Together, these different perspectives provide a balanced look at both sides of the transportation sales tax debate.

The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Finding purpose after retirement, with Sallie Jarosz

The Charlotte Ledger — Sun, 12 Oct 2025 19:14:22 -0400

After more than 40 years in commercial real estate and banking, Sallie Jarosz thought she was ready for rest. But just a few months into retirement, she realized that slowing down completely wasn’t in her nature.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, host Steve Dunn talks with Jarosz about rediscovering purpose, mentoring others and why she traded spreadsheets for service — joining Fields of Hope, a Charlotte nonprofit supporting survivors of sex trafficking.

Jarosz reflects on a career that spanned Charlotte’s explosive growth, from financing the first renovation of SouthPark Mall to watching neighborhoods like South End transform. She also shares candid insights on how the city’s real-estate scene has evolved, what it was like being a woman in a male-dominated industry and why she’s optimistic about this next chapter.

In this conversation, Jarosz shares how retirement taught her the importance of staying connected and purposeful, her path from banking executive to nonprofit leader at Fields of Hope, the challenges facing commercial real-estate financing today and mentoring the next generation of women in real estate.

Jarosz received The Ledger’s 40 Over 40 Award in 2025. You can learn more about Fields of Hope here.

This podcast episode is part of a series highlighting winners of The Ledger’s 40 Over 40 awards, which honor and celebrate often unheralded people over the age of 40 who are making important contributions to Charlotte. It’s hosted by Steve Dunn of Miles Mediation and Arbitration. Find out more about the 40 Over 40 awards by going to Ledger40over40.com.

This episode is sponsored by Coca-Cola Consolidated, Charlotte’s local bottler and the largest Coca-Cola bottler in the U.S. From package recycling, emissions reduction and water leadership, Coca-Cola Consolidated is championing industry-leading sustainability solutions and best practices that put the planet first. Learn more at CokeConsolidated.com/sustainability.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

The case for Mecklenburg's transportation referendum

The Charlotte Ledger — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 11:30:00 -0400

In this episode, we hear from Shannon Binns of Sustain Charlotte, who makes the case for a “YES” vote on the proposed transportation sales tax referendum. Binns argues that investing in transit, roads, sidewalks and bike lanes is essential to keep up with the region’s explosive growth, improve safety, reduce congestion and make Charlotte more competitive for the future.

In a conversation with Charlotte Ledger editor Tony Mecia, Binns explains why he believes the plan offers a balanced approach — funding roads and safety improvements, expanding bus and rail service, and creating cleaner, healthier communities. He urges voters to seize this rare opportunity to build a transportation system that serves everyone.

Binns also wrote a column expressing his ideas in a recent edition of Transit Time, a weekly newsletter on transit and transportation produced by The Charlotte Ledger and WFAE.

THE OTHER SIDE: This episode and accompanying column are part of a two-part series exploring the arguments for and against Mecklenburg's transportation referendum, which is on the Nov. 4 ballot. Be sure to check out the perspecive of the "VOTE NO" side, in a conversation and column by Robert Dawkins of Action NC.

Together, these different perspectives provide a balanced look at both sides of the transportation sales tax debate.

The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

It takes two to tango a business

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 15:52:01 -0400

Matthew Seneca and Sarah Hayes Harkins are bringing Argentine tango — and a new kind of event space — to Charlotte. Together, they founded Tango CLT, a school for the dramatic partner dance, and The Long Room, a Plaza Midwood venue that blends art, community and celebration.

Both come from performing arts backgrounds — Seneca in theater and teaching, Harkins as a ballerina with Charlotte Ballet — and they’ve found a surprising overlap between the discipline of the stage and the demands of running a business. From building a tango community to learning the ins and outs of event planning, they’re charting their own path in Charlotte’s growing cultural scene.

On this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Matthew and Sarah share why tango offers a depth and community that other dances don’t, the challenges of starting an event venue, how The Long Room stands out and how they’re growing a consistent tango community with weekly classes and monthly brunches.

The background music for this episode is a piece called “El Idioma del Bosque,” composed by Ramiro Gallo. It translates to “the language of the forest.”

We hope you enjoy the conversation with Matthew and Sarah. For more information on Tango CLT, visit https://www.tangoclt.com/, or to book The Long Room, visit https://www.thelongroomcharlotte.com/.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks. For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Examining the Carolinas' rapid growth — Live panel discussion from Canopy Expo

The Charlotte Ledger — Sat, 27 Sep 2025 07:52:00 -0400

The Charlotte region is in the middle of a population boom, adding tens of thousands of new residents each year. That growth is fueling opportunity and energy, but it’s also straining roads, schools, housing, and infrastructure in ways that demand new solutions.

At this year’s Canopy Realtor® Association EXPO, Charlotte Ledger executive editor Tony Mecia moderated a panel of regional leaders who dug into what growth means for communities across the Carolinas — and how local chambers and business alliances are responding.

The panel featured Kit Cramer of the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, Tracy Dodson of the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance, and Dean Faile of the York County Regional Chamber of Commerce.

This episode is a recording from the economy and economic development panel at the Canopy EXPO on Sept. 9, 2025.

For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com. This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Building a medical practice on trust and science, with Carlos and Nathalie Jorge

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 11:23:05 -0400

When Carlos Jorge and Nathalie Simmons Jorge talk about healthcare, it goes far beyond checkups and prescriptions. For them, medicine is equal parts science, integrity and human connection.

Their Charlotte-based practice, Companion Health, PLLC, was built on a belief that the best care is rooted in research and compassion, and that sometimes the most powerful thing a doctor can say is, “I don’t know — I have to look into that more.” As entrepreneurs, clinicians and community members, the Jorges have shaped a model of care in their concierge practice that puts people first while navigating the complex business of modern medicine.

The Jorges moved to Charlotte in 2002 after completing medical training and business school. What began with Carlos serving uninsured and underinsured patients in the city’s growing Hispanic community has evolved into a practice that balances medical expertise with entrepreneurship and a deep commitment to doing what’s right for each patient. Today, Carlos serves as chief medical officer, and Nathalie serves as CEO.

On this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, the Jorges share how they navigate the rise of social media health advice and focus on evidence-based care, the challenge and importance of saying, “I don’t know” in medicine and what it’s like blending medicine and business as both physicians and entrepreneurs.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is sponsored by Child Care Search, a service of Child Care Resources Inc. Looking for child care? Our team provides guidance every step of the way! Search online at www.FindChildCareNC.org or call 1-888-600-1685 for live assistance and free, customized referrals.

The Jorges received The Ledger’s 40 Over 40 Award in 2025. Find out more about the 40 Over 40 awards by going to Ledger40over40.com.

For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com. The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Fueling nonprofit growth, with Kristin Winkle Beck of Social Venture Partners

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 16:22:18 -0400

After more than 20 years in Charlotte’s corporate banking world, Kristen Winkle Beck made the leap into the nonprofit sector. Today, she leads Social Venture Partners Charlotte (SVP), a venture philanthropy organization that supports emerging nonprofits by combining grant funding with business expertise and professional networks.

Beck says many nonprofits are started by passionate community members who see a need but could benefit from connections to people who can help them get off the ground. SVP helps fill that gap, pairing funding with skilled volunteers who can strengthen infrastructure and strategy, ensuring local organizations can grow their impact. One of SVP’s most visible programs is SEED20, an annual pitch competition and year-long learning experience that equips nonprofit leaders to share their innovative ideas.

On this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Beck sits down with Ledger editor Tony Mecia to talk about the needs and challenges of nonprofits, the history and impact of Social Venture Partners and how its SEED20 program empowers social entrepreneurs.

We hope you enjoy the conversation with Kristin Winkle Beck. For more information on Social Venture Partners Charlotte, visit svpcharlotte.org.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is sponsored by Crimson Park Digital. For Charlotte businesses, getting noticed and staying visible is tougher than ever. That’s where Crimson Park Digital comes in: a boutique marketing agency delivering bespoke strategies for advertising, content, social media, and search engines. They're helping bold, service-focused brands get seen, capture demand, and turn attention into revenue. Ready to bolster your marketing this Fall? Visit CrimsonParkDigital.com to get started.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Career Boost: Get more done without burning out

The Charlotte Ledger — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 05:33:00 -0400

How do you get more done in a world that never stops pulling at your attention—without burning out? In this episode, we talk with Brie Chrisman, the founder and CEO of Boss Co Ops, who brings her background in operations, project management and Six Sigma expertise to share practical strategies for boosting productivity while keeping your sanity intact.

Brie explains why our brains get overwhelmed, what “executive dysfunction” really means and how small shifts in your day can have an outsized impact on your focus and energy.

Whether you’re juggling a demanding job, a family schedule, or both, this episode will give you actionable tools to reclaim your focus and make real progress on what matters most.

About Career Boost: This is part of a September 2025 series in The Charlotte Ledger called “Career Boost,” designed to help professionals sharpen their skills, grow their careers and thrive in the workplace. Each installment offers practical tips and expert insights on everything from leadership and productivity to communication and personal branding. It’s smart, actionable guidance for anyone looking to take the next step in their career.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is sponsored by Crimson Park Digital. For Charlotte businesses, getting noticed and staying visible is tougher than ever. That’s where Crimson Park Digital comes in: a boutique marketing agency delivering bespoke strategies for advertising, content, social media, and search engines. They're helping bold, service-focused brands get seen, capture demand, and turn attention into revenue. Ready to bolster your marketing this Fall? Visit CrimsonParkDigital.com to get started.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

Find out more about The Charlotte Ledger at TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Career Boost: Make LinkedIn work for you

The Charlotte Ledger — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 16:24:36 -0400

In today’s workplace, your online presence is just as important as your resume. LinkedIn has become a cornerstone of how careers grow: it’s where opportunities surface, reputations are built and connections turn into fruitful business relationships.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Amy George of Charlotte-based By George Communications talks with The Ledger’s Tony Mecia about how professionals at every stage can use LinkedIn to strengthen their careers. Amy, who helps clients refine their profiles and presence, shares insights on how to make the platform work for you — whether you’re job hunting, networking or building credibility in your field.

This episode is packed with practical tips that professionals can apply right away to strengthen their LinkedIn presence and, by extension, their careers. It’s useful, real-world advice that can help you look better online, connect more effectively and open doors to new opportunities.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

Find out more about The Charlotte Ledger at TheCharlotteLedger.com

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Career Boost: Communicate like a leader

The Charlotte Ledger — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 14:55:18 -0400

Being good at your job isn’t enough. At some point, every professional is asked to step out from behind the spreadsheets, codes or reports and communicate — whether it’s presenting to leadership, giving feedback to a colleague or rallying a team around a shared vision. That’s where careers are made or stalled.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, The Ledger’s Tony Mecia talks with Lou Solomon, founder of Charlotte-based communications training company Interact Studio and an expert in helping leaders communicate with authenticity. Lou shares practical strategies to move from subject-matter expert to communicator, using tools like storytelling, brevity and honest dialogue to build influence and trust.

This conversation offers practical tips on how better communication can help you grow in your career.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

Find out more about The Charlotte Ledger at TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Building a business in hazard removal, with Gilberto Bergman

The Charlotte Ledger — Sun, 31 Aug 2025 14:12:50 -0400

When Charlotte-based entrepreneur Gilberto Bergman describes asbestos removal, he makes it sound like a mix of science, construction and public health. His company, Bergman Brothers Staffing, provides trained, certified workers for jobs that require the safe handling of hazardous materials like asbestos, lead and mold. These jobs, he explains, aren’t just dirty or technical — they’re lifesaving.

“You know you’re doing something that is going to protect the well-being of the people in that building,” Bergman said.

Bergman’s journey into the field wasn’t planned. Originally from Nicaragua, he moved to the U.S. as a teenager, eventually landing in Charlotte, where he and his brother started a staffing business. When his brother left, Bergman kept the company going and gradually steered it into a highly specialized niche.

Nearly 25 years later, Bergman Brothers is bidding on projects from Texas to Hawaii and working on federal sites across the country. For Bergman, it’s both a business and a calling.

On this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, in an interview with host Steve Dunn, Bergman shares the joys of entrepreneurship and finding his purpose, how toxic materials like asbestos are removed in an environmentally safe way, his journey from Nicaragua to the U.S., and his plans for the future.

Bergman received The Ledger’s 40 Over 40 Award in 2025. Find out more about the 40 Over 40 awards by going to Ledger40over40.com.

For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com. The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Building and maintaining muscle as you age, with OrthoCarolina's Dr. Robert Morgan

The Charlotte Ledger — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 14:54:40 -0400

Maintaining strength and mobility isn’t just about looking fit—it’s about preserving independence, health and quality of life as we age. Muscles naturally begin to change around midlife, with metabolism slowing and the body losing some of its ability to build or maintain mass.

Without attention, that shift can lead to less strength, more fatigue, and a higher risk of chronic conditions. But experts say muscle longevity—the ability to keep muscles strong and functional well into later years—is possible with the right habits.

On this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, The Ledger’s Tony Mecia talks with orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist Dr. Robert Morgan about how aging affects muscle, what people can do to counteract the decline, and why it’s never too late to start.

This episode is a recording of the third session of the free “Move Well, Live Well” webinar series, brought to you by The Charlotte Ledger and OrthoCarolina. This summer, we’re bringing you a three‑part series designed to help you stay strong, mobile, and pain‑free as you age. Each session features practical advice from experts you can use right away.

We hope you enjoy the conversation with Robert Morgan. Click here for more information on the “Move Well, Life Well’ webinar series.

Other podcasts in the series:

Part 1: "Improving your muscle health, with OrthoCarolina's Dr. Barrett A. Little"

Part 2: "Understanding arthritis and easing the aches, with OrthoCarolina's Dr. Michael Bates"

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Understanding arthritis and easing the aches, with OrthoCarolina's Dr. Michael Bates

The Charlotte Ledger — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 07:12:50 -0400

Arthritis is one of the most common conditions people face as they age, often bringing pain, stiffness and limits on mobility. But while many assume it’s an unavoidable part of getting older, experts say there are steps people can take to slow its progression and even reduce the risk of developing it in the first place.

From lifestyle choices like exercise and weight management to newer treatment options, the conversation around arthritis is shifting from inevitability to prevention and management.

On this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Dr. Michael Bates, a Charlotte orthopedic surgeon recognized as a 2023 Top Doctor by Charlotte Magazine, sits down with The Ledger’s Tony Mecia to explain what arthritis is, dispel common myths, and share practical advice.

This episode is a recording of the second session of the free “Move Well, Live Well” webinar series, brought to you by The Charlotte Ledger and OrthoCarolina. This summer, we’re bringing you a three‑part series designed to help you stay strong, mobile, and pain‑free as you age. Each session will feature practical advice from experts you can use right away.

We hope you enjoy the conversation with Michael Bates. Click here for more information on the “Move Well, Life Well’ webinar series.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Improving your muscle health, with OrthoCarolina's Dr. Barrett A. Little

The Charlotte Ledger — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 18:29:54 -0400

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is presented by OrthoCarolina, a leading orthopedic care center based in Charlotte. For more information or to book an appointment with an expert, visit OrthoCarolina.com.

This episode is a recording of the first session of the free “Move Well, Live Well” webinar series, brought to you by The Charlotte Ledger and OrthoCarolina. This summer, we’re bringing you a three‑part series designed to help you stay strong, mobile, and pain‑free as you age. Each session will feature practical advice from experts you can use right away.

Whether you're managing joint pain on the pickleball court, staying active as you age or just trying to stay strong between TV episodes, Barrett A. Little, MD, has the answers on how to keep your muscles strong and active at any stage of life that you’re in, including movement, nutrition, supplements and proactive care.

Little is a board‑certified sports medicine and orthopedic surgeon with OrthoCarolina based in Fort Mill and Rock Hill. He has more than 15 years of experience treating athletes of all ages, specializing in shoulder and knee arthroscopy, joint and fracture care, and general sports orthopedics. He also serves as the team physician for Winthrop University Athletics.

We hope you enjoy the conversation with Barrett Little. Click here for more information on the “Move Well, Life Well’ webinar series.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

The heart and smoke behind Sweet Lew’s BBQ, with Lewis Donald

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 12:36:03 -0400

Lewis Donald, better known as “Sweet Lew,” is the classically trained chef behind Sweet Lew’s Barbecue in Charlotte’s Belmont neighborhood. After two decades in fine dining and country clubs, including an apprenticeship at The Greenbrier in West Virginia, Donald traded white tablecloths for wood smoke in 2018, opening a counter-service spot dedicated to Carolina barbecue and community.

At Sweet Lew’s, the focus is on simplicity, consistency and tradition: whole pork shoulders, brisket, ribs and house-made sausages smoked entirely over wood, alongside nods to multiple regional styles like South Carolina hash and rice, Lexington-style chopped pork and both red and white slaws. Donald says the goal is to be Charlotte’s go-to neighborhood barbecue joint — approachable, unpretentious and the kind of place where memories are made over smoked meats.

In this episode, Donald shares how his fine dining skills translate to the pit, what he’s learned running a neighborhood barbecue joint and why he’s passionate about pushing North and South Carolina barbecue into the national spotlight.

For more information on Sweet Lew’s, visit SweetLewsBBQ.com.

This podcast episode is part of a series highlighting winners of The Ledger’s 40 Over 40 awards, which honor and celebrate often unheralded people over the age of 40 who are making important contributions to Charlotte. It’s hosted by Steve Dunn of Miles Mediation and Arbitration. Donald received The Ledger’s 40 Over 40 Award in 2025.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks. For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Building drum and bugle corps Carolina Crown, with Doug Madar

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 25 Jul 2025 07:12:00 -0400

Before Doug Madar helped launch Carolina Crown into one of the world’s top drum and bugle corps, he was simply a young music enthusiast captivated by the intensity and precision of the activity. Though he never marched himself, Madar became a lifelong supporter and, in 1990, co-founded the Fort Mill-based corps with just 57 members, homemade uniforms and used horns.

Today, Carolina Crown is celebrated for its unmatched horn line, dynamic shows and the passion of its performers, many of whom are college-age musicians from across the globe. Beyond the field, Crown also hosts NightBEAT — a premier competition that draws more than 11,000 fans each year and showcases the very best of the activity.

On this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Madar shares how Carolina Crown grew from a small local group to a world-class ensemble, why drum corps is both an art and a life lesson and the values that keep performers and fans dedicated to the activity.

Madar received The Ledger’s 40 Over 40 Award in 2025. For more information on Carolina Crown, visit CarolinaCrown.org.

This podcast episode is part of a series highlighting winners of The Ledger’s 40 Over 40 awards, which honor and celebrate often unheralded people over the age of 40 who are making important contributions to Charlotte. It’s hosted by Steve Dunn of Miles Mediation and Arbitration. Find out more about the 40 Over 40 awards by going to Ledger40over40.com.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Behind the 'Graveyard of the Atlantic,' with journalist Mark Washburn

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 17:35:36 -0400

Off the coast of North Carolina lies one of the world’s most treacherous stretches of sea — a place where shifting shoals, sudden storms and centuries of shipwrecks have earned it the name “Graveyard of the Atlantic.”

In July 2025, The Charlotte Ledger ran a series with that same name — researched and written by journalist Mark Washburn — that explores the region’s lore through wartime sinkings, devastating hurricanes, pirate legends, lost treasure and enduring nautical mysteries.

Washburn recently spoke in front of an audience at The Sharon at SouthPark retirement community about his research process and what he learned along the way. He was interviewed by Ledger assistant editor Lindsey Banks, and we recorded the conversation for anyone who wants to listen and dive deeper into the series.

On this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Washburn discusses the inspiration behind the “Graveyard of the Atlantic” series, how he approached the research and the surprising discoveries he made along the way.

To read the full series, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com and subscribe today.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Meet Mecklenburg's new parks director, Nick Walker

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 17:33:41 -0400

Running a large parks system in a fast-growing county might sound overwhelming, but for Nick Walker, it’s exactly the kind of challenge he was looking for. The former Memphis parks director took over as head of Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation in February 2025 and now oversees more than 290 parks, greenways and facilities across 22,500 acres.

Since arriving in Charlotte, Walker has been getting to know the system from the inside out. He’s toured parks, met staff and listened to residents’ feedback as the department begins updating its master plan — a process that will help shape future investments in parks, sports fields, pools and community centers. While the county has made major progress in recent years — completing more than 50 of 85 planned projects — Walker says the demand still outpaces what’s currently in place.

On this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Walker sits down with The Ledger’s Lindsey Banks to talk about his vision for the county’s parks and recreation system, the challenges of managing a growing park system, and upcoming projects he’s excited about. They also discuss what drew Walker to Charlotte, big-picture needs like more ball fields and pools, and the accuracy of the NBC sitcom “Parks & Rec."

For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com. This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Behind the Leon Levine Foundation's big surge in giving

The Charlotte Ledger — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 11:37:12 -0400

What happens when a major foundation suddenly triples its giving?

In this episode, we talk with Tom Lawrence, CEO of The Leon Levine Foundation, about the decision by the 3rd-largest foundation in the Carolinas to boost its annual grantmaking to $100 million.

Ledger editor Tony Mecia talks with Lawrence and board chair Michael Tarwater about how the move fulfills Leon Levine’s longtime vision, what kinds of organizations stand to benefit and how the foundation is navigating this turning point.

Lawrence shares insights on giving priorities, how funding decisions are made, and what the surge in grant-making means for communities across the Carolinas.

For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Sisters, strategy & storytelling, with Amoura & Avery Carter

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 16:56:13 -0400

Running a business with your sibling might sound like a challenge, but for Amoura and Avery Carter, it’s become their secret weapon. The Charlotte-based sisters co-founded AC Creative Collective, a firm offering marketing and learning and development services across the Carolinas. With complementary skills — Amoura in strategy and operations, Avery in design and messaging — the two are helping businesses cut through the noise and build authentic, effective brands.

On this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, the Carters talk about what led them to entrepreneurship, how they combine creativity with structure and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. They also discuss why so many companies struggle with consistent branding and employee development, the importance of planning and authenticity in a noisy digital landscape, and the advantages (and quirks) of running a business as sisters.

Listen in for a wide-ranging conversation about purpose-driven entrepreneurship, and how two Charlotte natives turned their passion into a growing, people-centered business.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks. For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, please visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

A peek under the cover, with author Joy Callaway

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 17:15:34 -0400

Joy Callaway started her career in marketing, but after rediscovering her childhood love of storytelling, she traded spreadsheets for stories. Now the Charlotte-based author has seven books to her name, including two new releases in very different genres: a World War I-era historical novel set in west Charlotte called “The Star of Camp Greene,” and a contemporary romance rooted in small-town charm called “Sing Me Home to Carolina.”

On this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Callaway talks with former Ledger managing editor Cristina Bolling about her journey to becoming a full-time author, how she researches her books and why setting plays such a central role in her work.

Listen in for a conversation about writing, research and the unexpected ways stories find us.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is sponsored by Child Care Search, a service of Child Care Resources Inc. Looking for child care? Our team provides guidance every step of the way! Search online at FindChildCareNC.org or call 1-888-600-1685 for live assistance and free, customized referrals.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks. For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

How community colleges are fueling N.C.’s workforce, with John Loyack

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 16:17:59 -0400

As North Carolina employers grapple with a tight labor market and rapid technological change, community colleges are stepping up to meet the demand, and more students are taking notice. Enrollment at the state’s two-year colleges jumped 8.3% this spring compared with the previous year, outpacing the national average.

John Loyack, vice president of economic development for the North Carolina Community College System, attributes the growth to the system’s flexible pathways, from associate degrees and short-term certificates to custom training for local employers. The state’s community colleges are playing a key role in preparing workers for fast-growing industries like advanced manufacturing, aviation, life sciences and cybersecurity — all sectors where hands-on training and technical credentials are essential.

On this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Loyack sits down with Ledger editor Tony Mecia to talk about the role community colleges play in the local economy, the impact of student debt debates on educational choices, "hot jobs" and specific industries and skills that are in high demand, and much more!

For more information on The Charlotte Ledger or to subscribe to one of our newsletters, please visit TheCharlotteLedger.com

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Trends in Charlotte's hospitality and retail scene

The Charlotte Ledger — Sat, 07 Jun 2025 07:30:00 -0400

Charlotte’s hospitality and retail scene is changing rapidly, but what’s really driving the evolution?

Industry experts agree that Charlotte’s hospitality market is thriving but becoming more competitive, with new players entering the scene and raising consumer expectations. Neighborhoods like South End have been pivotal in putting Charlotte on the map. However, the suburban retail market is now gaining momentum — like in SouthPark, Ballantyne and Huntersville.

A new report, called the Charlotte Hospitality and Retail Guide 2025, lays out the key trends shaping the city’s retail landscape. In this episode, Ledger editor Tony Mecia is joined by three contributors to the report: Daniel Gibson of NiceDay, a marketing agency that specializes in retail, hospitality and real estate; Adam Williams of Rebel Rebel, an urban retail advisory firm that provides full-service brokerage and consulting services; and Bryan Southwick of Southwick Architecture + Interiors, a hospitality-focused architecture and interior design firm

They break down the city’s shifting development patterns and the rise of smaller-format retail, new expectations from consumers and how developers and restaurateurs can adapt to stand out in a competitive market.

This podcast episode is brought to you by Coca-Cola Consolidated, Charlotte’s local bottler and the largest Coca-Cola bottler in the US. Coke Consolidated recently invested $15 million into its Monroe facility, which included a new technical training academy, the first of its kind within the Coca-Cola System. Learn more at www.CokeConsolidated.com/media.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Going the extra mile, with Susan Evren of Go Jen Go

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 30 May 2025 18:08:58 -0400

Before Susan Evren became the executive director of the Go Jen Go Foundation, a Charlotte nonprofit supporting families facing breast cancer, she was no stranger to pushing limits. A passionate ultrarunner, Evren has completed grueling 50k races — events that test not just endurance, but mental grit.

Evren’s journey on the trail has informed her approach to nonprofit work, she says. Just as every race comes with unexpected hills and challenges, so does supporting families in crisis. At Go Jen Go, she walks alongside women navigating one of the toughest seasons of their lives, ensuring they feel seen, supported and never alone.

In this episode, Susan opens up about how ultrarunning shaped her leadership philosophy, the lessons she’s learned from the families Go Jen Go serves and the legacy of Jen Pagani — the organization’s namesake and her friend. It’s a conversation about endurance, heart and what it really means to keep showing up, mile after mile, for the people who need you most.

Evren received The Ledger’s 40 Over 40 Award in 2025. Find out more about the 40 Over 40 awards by going to Ledger40over40.com.

You can learn more about Go Jen Go here.

For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com. The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

An entrepreneur's journey, with Grace Weisiger

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 23 May 2025 20:49:46 -0400

Before Grace Weisiger could join her family’s four-generation business, The Weisiger Group (formerly Carolina Tractor and Equipment), her parents told her she needed to gain some experience in a different industry. In 2014, while still a student at the University of Georgia, she received a call from a friend of a friend, who had a cryptic pitch: “I can’t tell you what we’re doing, but we’re starting a company, and it's going to be huge. And we’d like you to be a part of it.”

Skeptical but intrigued, Weisiger listened. That call led her to Bumble, a dating app, which was then just a fledgling idea with a bold mission: empower women to make the first move. What followed was a crash course in startup grit, cultural change and marketing innovation that would shape her career. Today, Weisiger is the founder of Willow Hill, a private investment vehicle.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Weisiger sits down with Ledger editor Tony Mecia to discuss her career, including her family’s business, The Weisiger Group, her early role at Bumble and what she learned, the principles of search funds, her journey in investment and how she approaches finding and leading scalable businesses.

Today’s episode is sponsored by Hillandale Advisors, a Charlotte-based investment and advisory firm that provides strategic counsel to local business owners and invests in private businesses, public equities, and commercial real estate. The Private Business Roundtable hosts events to connect and educate the private business community in Charlotte, Raleigh and Winston-Salem. Are you looking for support in capital raising, hiring key talent or selling your business? Contact Matt@HillandaleAdvisors.com or learn more at www.HillandaleAdvisors.com.

You can find out more about The Charlotte Ledger, and subscribe to our locally focused newsletters, at TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This episode was produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

🎥 WATCH: The Meck Dec's 250th anniversary celebration

The Charlotte Ledger — Tue, 20 May 2025 14:30:19 -0400

Charlotte celebrated the 250th anniversary of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence on May 20, 2025, at a ceremony and re-enactment in uptown Charlotte.

Watch the full celebration, with commentary and interviews by co-hosts Tony Mecia and Cristina Bolling of The Charlotte Ledger — with impromptu guests including former county commissioner Matthew Ridenhour, planning commission member Clayton Sealey and Ledger history correspondent John Short.

You might also enjoy this podcast about the Meck Dec:

Related Ledger articles:

* “Debating the Meck Dec” (May 12)

* “Charlotte breweries release Meck Dec-themed beers” (May 7)

* “Blowout celebrations planned for Meck Dec milestone” (March 17)

* “Historical Heavyweights: Charlotte’s revolutionary tavern keeper” (March 15)

Need to sign up for this e-newsletter? We offer a free version, as well as paid memberships for full access to all 6 of our local newsletters:

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Life in morning radio, with WFAE's Marshall Terry

The Charlotte Ledger — Sat, 17 May 2025 14:42:45 -0400

If you've ever tuned into Charlotte’s NPR station in the mornings, you've probably heard the soothing voice of Marshall Terry. But you probably don't know much about him otherwise. In an era marked by building personal brands, influencers and oversharing on social media, Terry is refreshingly old school. He doesn’t post on social media, and he rarely talks to media interviews outside of his job.

On this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Terry talks with Ledger editor Tony Mecia about the unique aspects of Terry’s career, his love for the early morning radio lifestyle and his unexpected journey into broadcasting.

You can find out more about The Charlotte Ledger, and subscribe to our locally focused newsletters, at TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This episode was produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

The Meck Dec: Fact or fiction?

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 09 May 2025 20:18:41 -0400

Did a group of Charlotte patriots really declare independence from Britain more than a year before the rest of the colonies? Or is the tale of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence — the “Meck Dec,” said to be signed on May 20, 1775 — just a case of wishful thinking and poor recollections?

As the 250th anniversary of the Meck Dec approaches, this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast looks deeper into that enduring debate — one that has been raging for more than two centuries, and one that even Thomas Jefferson and John Adams weighed in on.

The episode is a recording of a panel discussion held in early May 2025 at The Sharon at SouthPark retirement community and led by The Ledger’s Cristina Bolling. The panelists were:

Scott Syfert, co-founder of the May 20th Society, chairman of the Trail History Board and author of “The First American Declaration of Independence?”

Kendall Kendrick, director of the Charlotte Trail of History and Charlotte Liberty Walk

John Short, a history buff who writes The Charlotte Ledger’s “Historical Heavyweights” series

In this episode, the expert panel unpacks the history, explores the evidence and explains why this centuries-old mystery still matters today. Whether you’re a history buff or just curious about Charlotte’s past, this conversation will fill you in on one of the region’s most fascinating and contested stories.

You can find out more about The Charlotte Ledger at TheCharlotteLedger.com. You can find out more about the May 20 Society at may20thsociety.org .

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Making businesses run smoothly, with Joanna Beck

The Charlotte Ledger — Wed, 07 May 2025 07:13:09 -0400

Joanna Beck has an eye for identifying inefficiencies. She helps businesses see their potential for improving their operations. She founded Beck Insights, a business consulting and strategy firm, with the mission to help businesses recognize their challenges and make the necessary changes to thrive.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Beck sits down with podcast host Steven Dunn to talk about her experience in transforming inefficient business operations into profitable, structured systems — and how small changes can lead to significant improvements.

This episode is part of a series in which we interview winners of The Charlotte Ledger 40 Over 40 Awards, which honor people aged 40+ who are making our community a better place. Beck won in 2024., Find out information about those awards at Ledger40Over40.com.

For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Uniting forces to tackle poverty, with Kathryn Firmin-Sellers

The Charlotte Ledger — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 07:56:38 -0400

In a world where the disparity between different socioeconomic classes is increasing, organizations like United Way of Greater Charlotte play a critical role in forging paths toward greater economic mobility for future generations.

United Way of Greater Charlotte is one of the Charlotte region's largest health and human services nonprofits. The nonprofit stands at a unique confluence of the public sector, private corporations, philanthropy and nonprofit organizations, which allows it to harness resources and expertise from different arenas.

United Way has put nearly $18 million in community investments into 134 nonprofit organizations across a four-county area: Anson, Cabarrus, Union and Mecklenburg.

In this episode of the Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Kathryn Firmin-Sellers, who first joined United Way of Greater Charlotte in 2018 as chief impact officer before becoming president and CEO in April 2025, sits down with Ledger editor Tony Mecia to discuss the organization's mission to lift children and families out of poverty by leveraging community partnerships.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

You can find out more about The Charlotte Ledger at TheCharlotteLedger.com. Be sure to sign up for our newsletter!

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Strengths and strains in Charlotte's economy, with economist Mark Vitner

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 11:35:24 -0400

In a time of economic turbulence and market volatility, understanding where things stand—and where they’re headed—feels more important than ever.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Ledger editor Tony Mecia talks with economist Mark Vitner. Vitner, a longtime Charlotte-based economist formerly with Wells Fargo, is now chief economist for Piedmont Crescent Capital, a boutique economic consulting firm. He explains why the Charlotte region has remained resilient—and what clouds may be gathering on the horizon.

Vitner notes that while the fundamentals remain solid, warning signs are starting to flash—especially when it comes to trade tensions, inflation expectations and real estate. He also discusses how Charlotte’s unique strengths position it better than many peer cities to weather a potential downturn.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Tony Mecia.

You can find out more about The Charlotte Ledger at TheCharlotteLedger.com. Be sure to sign up for our newsletter!

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

The art of aging well, with Jennifer Szakaly of Caregiving Corner

The Charlotte Ledger — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 07:58:00 -0400

Aging is a stage of life that many of us are either confronting personally or experiencing through the eyes of loved ones. Discussing it can be uncomfortable and overwhelming, especially when there is some resistance or hostility toward extra care as you or your loved one gets older.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Caregiving Corner CEO Jennifer Szakaly shares practical and compassionate advice for families navigating aging and caregiving. It's the audio of a webinar held in April 2025 by The Charlotte Ledger and Caregiving Corner, which provides care management and counseling services for older adults and their families.

Szakaly talks with Ledger managing editor Cristina Bolling about practical strategies to help families prepare for the aging journey with less stress and more support.

For more information on Caregiving Corner, visit https://caregivingcorner.com/

The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Building a sustainability program, with Esther Moberly of Coke Consolidated

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 11:40:00 -0400

April has been dubbed as “sustainability month,” and sustainability and environmental impact initiatives have become increasingly more important for businesses — especially for bottling companies like Charlotte-based Coca-Cola Consolidated, the largest Coke bottling company in the U.S.

Esther Moberly was hired as the company’s first-ever sustainability manager almost two years ago, just a few years after the company created its sustainability department dedicated to ensuring the company follows EPA regulations and minimizes its environmental footprint. Moberly has over 20 years of experience in environmental program design and implementation for organizations.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Ledger staff writer Lindsey Banks sits down with Moberly to talk about the importance of sustainability in corporate operations, Coca-Cola Consolidated's specific initiatives and how residents can engage in environmental advocacy efforts led by the company.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

You can find out more about The Charlotte Ledger at TheCharlotteLedger.com. Be sure to sign up for our newsletter!

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Workplace Trends, Part 3: Retaining and developing your employees

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 15:04:27 -0400

Engaged and motivated employees are more likely to stay and grow. In this third and final installment of the “Trends in the Workplace 2025” series, experts share the secret sauce to retaining talent and how to transform employees into your company’s biggest competitive advantage.

This episode is a recording from March 2025 of the third day of a three-part webinar series, brought to you by Catapult Employers Association and The Charlotte Ledger. The webinar series explores the key trends, technologies and shifts reshaping the workplace in 2025 and beyond.

In this episode, The Charlotte Ledger’s Tony Mecia talks with:

◼️ Dr. Carlie Houchins, who leads Catapult’s learning solutions team responsible for designing, developing and deploying products; and

◼️ Jill Feldman, the director of strategic HR services at Catapult.

Here’s the line-up for the other two episodes, which you can listen to on The Charlotte Ledger Podcast:

Part 1: What’s coming in 2025?

Part 2: Rethinking your hiring strategy

Find out more about Catapult at LetsCatapult.org. Find out more about The Charlotte Ledger at TheCharlotteLedger.com.

The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is produced by Lindsey Banks.

This episode is sponsored by Catapult Employers Association. Catapult empowers Charlotte's business community with trusted, local HR expertise. Join Charlotte's top employers this April in Greensboro, NC, at their 2025 HR Conference: HResilient. Learn more at letscatapult.org/hresilient2025/.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Workplace Trends, Part 2: Rethinking your hiring strategy

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 14:54:33 -0400

What do recruiters and hiring managers think candidates want? What do job seekers actually need? Rethinking your hiring strategy could be the key to long-term success. In this second installation of the “Trends in the Workplace 2025” series, experts break down the shifting workplace expectations and how to attract and retain top talent.

This episode is a recording from March 2025 of the second day of a three-part webinar series, brought to you by Catapult Employers Association and The Charlotte Ledger. The webinar series explores the key trends, technologies and shifts reshaping the workplace in 2025 and beyond.

In this episode, The Charlotte Ledger’s Tony Mecia talks with:

◼️ Jacqueline Esposito, a compensation advisor for Catapult, who is responsible for advising Catapult's member companies in the areas of compensation and total rewards

◼️ Kendra Stewart, who has expertise in talent development, workforce planning, strategic HR implementation and management consultation; and

◼️ Shannon Leonida, Catapult’s recruiting team lead.

Be sure to check out the other two episodes on The Charlotte Ledger Podcast:

Part 1: What’s coming in 2025?

Part 3: Retaining and developing your employees

Find out more about Catapult at LetsCatapult.org. Find out more about The Charlotte Ledger at TheCharlotteLedger.com.

The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Workplace Trends, Part 1: What’s coming in 2025?

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 14:47:22 -0400

Workforce trends for 2025 are taking shape — from AI and automation to evolving employee expectations and hybrid work models. In this kickoff of the “Trends in the Workplace 2025” series, experts break down what’s coming and what it means for the workplace.

This episode is a recording from March 2025 of the first day of a three-part webinar series by Catapult Employers Association and The Charlotte Ledger. The webinar series explores the key trends, technologies and shifts reshaping the workplace in 2025 and beyond.

In this episode, The Charlotte Ledger’s Tony Mecia talks with:

◼️ Dr. Cheryl Richards, the president & CEO of Catapult, who brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in higher education and workforce development; and

◼️ Doug Blizzard, Catapult’s chief solutions officer with more than three decades in HR, leading service delivery and advising on everything from compliance to talent strategy.

Be sure to check out Part 2 and Part 3, which you can listen to on The Charlotte Ledger Podcast.

Part 2: Rethinking your hiring strategy

Part 3: Retaining and developing your employees

Find out more about Catapult at LetsCatapult.org. Find out more about The Charlotte Ledger at TheCharlotteLedger.com.

The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Building up tomorrow's leaders, with Courtnie Coble

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 17:50:04 -0400

Growing up, Courtie Coble’s Saturdays were filled with day trips to Charlotte. Her mother, a self-made entrepreneur who never went to college, would load Coble and her siblings into the car and take them to open houses in Charlotte’s gated communities. Coble would see glimpses of a life that, at the time, felt worlds away from her small town of Burnsville, N.C. But to Coble’s mother, these trips weren’t just outings; they were lessons.

"It’s hard to have what you don’t see," Coble said.

Today, as the visionary and CEO of The Academy of Goal Achievers, she’s passing down that same lesson — showing young people that their futures can be bigger than they ever imagined. Founded in 2015, The Academy of Goal Achievers helps prepare high school students and their families for post-secondary success.

On this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Coble sits down with Ledger podcast host Steve Dunn to talk about the importance of opening up students' horizons and giving them a sense of possibilities.

For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com. This episode is part of a series in which we interview winners of The Charlotte Ledger 40 Over 40 Awards, which honor people aged 40+ who are making our community a better place. Find out information about those awards at Ledger40Over40.com.

This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Exploring Charlotte's fascinating history, with John Short

The Charlotte Ledger — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 07:33:00 -0400

John Short, who writes the "Historical Heavyweights" column for The Charlotte Ledger, talks with Ledger editor Tony Mecia about Charlotte's most fascinating historical figures and the importance of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence and early settlers. They also discuss two of Short's other projects: The Charlotte Podcast (which has nearly 300 episodes) and the Elizabeth neighborhood's Halloween pumpkin wall (which Short helps organize).

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

You can find out more about The Charlotte Ledger at TheCharlotteLedger.com. Be sure to sign up for our newsletter!

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library's next chapter, with CEO Marcellus Turner

The Charlotte Ledger — Sun, 16 Mar 2025 16:09:00 -0400

Since Marcellus “MT” Turner took over as CEO and chief librarian of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library in 2021, the library system has undergone significant transformation — and it’s not over yet.

The library system, which currently has 21 locations, has ambitious plans to expand to 31 branches to better meet the needs of the city’s growing population. Charlotte Mecklenburg Library wants to bring branches to "library deserts," where residents lack easy access to library resources, as well as modernizing existing facilities to provide more meeting spaces, technology access and interactive learning opportunities.

A major highlight of the system’s growth is the new Main Library coming in 2026, which will replace the previous structure at its long-standing Tryon Street location. Slated to be a state-of-the-art facility, the six-story building will feature expanded public spaces, a café, a makerspace and an immersive theater, with no administrative offices taking up space.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, recorded in front of an audience at The Sharon at South Park retirement community in March 2025, Turner talks about the role of libraries in Charlotte, how it’s shifted over the past few decades, and what we can expect to see in the future.

You can find out more about The Charlotte Ledger at TheCharlotteLedger.com.

The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Turning research into thriving businesses, with Michelle Bolas of NCInnovation

The Charlotte Ledger — Sat, 08 Mar 2025 09:09:00 -0500

North Carolina is home to world-class university research — but many groundbreaking ideas never make it beyond the lab. Now, a new nonprofit backed by state and private funds is working to turn university research into thriving businesses, with the goal of creating jobs and boosting the state’s economy.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Michelle Bolas, executive vice president and chief innovation officer of NCInnovation, discusses how the organization works to bridge the gap between lab research and market-ready technology.

In a conversation with Ledger editor Tony Mecia, Bolas discusses: why university research is important to the future of North Carolina; why private industry alone can’t develop promising technologies; projects NCInnovation is supporting at UNC Charlotte, on water quality and electric grid stability; and how NCInnovation spends its money, and what it is doing with the $500 million allocated to it from North Carolina’s General Assembly.

You can find out more about NCInnovation at NCInnovation.org.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

You can find out more about The Charlotte Ledger at TheCharlotteLedger.com. Be sure to sign up for our newsletter!

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

20 years of beer, bikes & BBQ, with Tony Salerno of Mac's Speed Shop

The Charlotte Ledger — Sat, 01 Mar 2025 10:44:16 -0500

In 2005, a group of friends with a shared love of motorcycles, beer and barbecue opened a restaurant in an industrial area near uptown known as South End. Today, 20 years later, that restaurant — Mac's Speed Shop — has grown into a company with nine such restaurants in North and South Carolina, with more on the way.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Tony Salerno, president of Mac’s Hospitality Group, talks with Ledger editor Tony Mecia about how this well-known fixture in Charlotte's restaurant scene has endured and continues to expand. They talk about challenges in the restaurant industry, how Mac's tries to stand out in a growing city, the importance of building a strong team, changes in technology and more.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

You can find out more about The Charlotte Ledger at TheCharlotteLedger.com. Be sure to sign up for our newsletter!

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

In the room where it happens, with Tom Gabbard of Blumenthal Arts

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 17:25:39 -0500

What does it take to turn a city into a top destination for Broadway tours? Tom Gabbard, CEO of Blumenthal Arts since 2003, joins The Charlotte Ledger Podcast to pull back the curtain on Charlotte’s booming arts scene. Under Gabbard's leadership, Blumenthal has transformed into a powerhouse, managing four theaters and hosting more than 1,000 events annually.

In this engaging conversation—recorded in front of an audience at The Sharon at South Park—Gabbard shares the inside story of how Charlotte became a top 10 market for Broadway touring shows and what it was like being in the room when Lin-Manuel Miranda first pitched the musical "Hamilton."

In a conversation with The Ledger's Cristina Bolling, and in responding to audience questions, Gabbard discusses Blumenthal’s efforts to expand the arts beyond the stage, how it adapted during the pandemic, the balancing act of booking national tours while fostering local talent, and what it’s like being a longtime Tony Awards voter.

Whether you're a theater lover, an arts advocate, or just curious about the business behind the spotlight, this episode is packed with behind-the-scenes stories and insights on the future of the arts in Charlotte.

You can find out more about Blumenthal Arts at blumenthalarts.org.

You can find out more about The Charlotte Ledger at TheCharlotteLedger.com.

The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

A front-row seat to N.C. politics, with Republican strategist Carter Wrenn

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 14 Feb 2025 17:28:48 -0500

Longtime Republican consultant Carter Wrenn, who spent decades shaping North Carolina politics, has witnessed a dramatic shift in the political landscape since he began his career in the 1970s. Wrenn, a senior advisor to the late U.S. Sen. Jesse Helms, helped build the National Congressional Club, a fundraising powerhouse that revolutionized political outreach and advertising.

In a recent interview on The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Wrenn noted that while politics has always been “rough and tumble,” a key difference today is the public’s tolerance for dishonesty.

“Politicians were afraid to tell lies because they paid a price,” Wrenn said. “People didn't approve of that, and that's changed today. You hear politicians telling tales all the time, and a lot of times, people cheer them.”

In this episode, Wrenn — who recently authored “The Trail of the Serpent: Stories from the Smoke-Filled Rooms of Politics,” a book recounting his political career — talks with retired N.C. political reporter Jim Morrill about his front-row seat in North Carolina politics and shares stories and perspectives from the 1970s through today.

They discuss Wrenn's work with Sen. Jesse Helms and their eventual falling out, how the political landscape has changed since the 1970s and the use of race in political campaigns — including the famout "white hands" commercial Helms ran against former Charlotte Mayor Harvey Gantt in the 1990 Senate race.

For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Behind the scenes of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, with Steve Dunn

The Charlotte Ledger — Sun, 09 Feb 2025 15:18:00 -0500

This week’s podcast guest might sound a little familiar. You’ve been listening to his voice for more than two years.

Steve Dunn regularly interviews winners of The Charlotte Ledger’s 40 Over 40 Awards, which are awarded every spring to individuals over the age of 40 who are doing important and inspiring work in Charlotte.

While podcasting has become a significant part of his work, Dunn’s primary profession is mediation—following a career as an employment lawyer. As a mediator with Miles Mediation and Arbitration, Dunn brings his expertise in navigating complex conversations, a skill that translates seamlessly into his role as a podcast host. His approach to interviewing is marked by curiosity and a deep appreciation for the personal and professional journeys of his guests.

Dunn sat down with Ledger editor Tony Mecia to talk about his experiences hosting the podcast over the past couple of years, what he’s learned during the process, and how his job in mediation translates into podcasting.

You can find out more about the 40 Over 40 Awards, presented by U.S. Bank, here. Nominations are open until Feb. 17, 2025, with an awards celebration in May 2025.

For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

The state of Charlotte's center city

The Charlotte Ledger — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 19:31:28 -0500

Charlotte Center City Partners, an organization that promotes and advocates for uptown and South End, recently published its annual report on the state of the Center City in 2025.

Charlotte Center City Partners President and CEO Michael Smith and James LaBar, senior vice president of economic development, recently sat down with Ledger editor Tony Mecia to talk about the state of the center city and its upcoming plans for the area.

For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Getting ready for Charlotte's PGA Championship, with tournament director Jason Soucy

The Charlotte Ledger — Sat, 25 Jan 2025 07:34:00 -0500

The 2025 Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) Championship is set to take place at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte from May 12-18, 2025, bringing one of golf’s four major championships back to the Queen City. Tournament Director Jason Soucy, who has spent decades in the sports industry, is leading the effort to organize the event, which is expected to draw global attention.

On this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Ledger editor Tony Mecia talks with Soucy to talk about the magnitude of hosting a major championship, the planning to accommodate tens of thousands of fans each day, careers in sports management and the fan experience at Quail Hollow Club.

For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Where healthcare is heading

The Charlotte Ledger — Sat, 18 Jan 2025 10:56:00 -0500

Michelle Crouch is a freelance writer and healthcare reporter for The Charlotte Ledger and North Carolina Health News, which is a nonprofit statewide newsroom that covers a variety of healthcare topics in North Carolina.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Ledger editor Tony Mecia talks with Crouch about the state of healthcare — why it is the way it is, and where it is heading. It’s a recording of a conversation and Q&A session at The Sharon at South Park on Jan. 6, 2025. It is part of a monthly series of discussions at The Sharon on current events.

In response to questions from Mecia and residents of The Sharon, Crouch also discusses the landscape of healthcare in Charlotte and how it affects patients, why there is a drive to consolidate healthcare, tips for consumers on how to navigate medical billing, the significance of the new medical school at The Pearl in Charlotte and the use of artificial intelligence in medicine

Find out more about The Charlotte Ledger and subcribe to our newsletter at TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

The State of The Charlotte Ledger

The Charlotte Ledger — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 06:39:37 -0500

One of the questions Charlotte Ledger founder and executive editor Tony Mecia is asked a lot is, “How is it going with The Ledger?” As we begin 2025, now is the traditional time to answer. In the spirit of transparency, we’re giving you a peek behind the curtain of our operation.

The Ledger published an article on Dec. 30, 2024, recapping the year, what The Ledger accomplished and what we hope to see in 2025. You can check it out here.

But we wanted to take it a step further. Mecia recently sat down with Ledger Podcast host Steve Dunn to talk more in-depth about The Ledger’s 2024, how we operate and where we're heading. In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, they discuss The Ledger's growth, its revenue, its business model, changes in media, where The Ledger fits into the local media landscape and more.

You can find out more about The Charlotte Ledger at TheCharlotteLedger.com.

The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Understanding mental health, with Amanda McGough

The Charlotte Ledger — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 16:25:59 -0500

Amanda McGough has spent more than two decades helping people navigate their most challenging moments, from suicide prevention to life transitions. As a licensed psychologist, she’s seen firsthand how overwhelming struggles can affect mental health, but she’s equally passionate about the power of conversation and connection in healing.

On this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, McGough talks with host Steve Dunn about how to know when to seek professional help and the critical role of openness in addressing issues like mental health and suicide — issues that have historically been shrouded in silence.

McGough, who holds a Ph.D. in psychology, also discusses bereavement and her work with families who have experienced loss.

This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Inside the mind of a critic, with Lawrence Toppman

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 16:07:13 -0500

Longtime Charlotteans know Lawrence Toppman from the 40+ years he spent as a critic at The Charlotte Observer. Now, he writes reviews for The Charlotte Ledger several times a month in a column called "Larry At Large."

The Ledger has a partnership with The Sharon at South Park retirement community and hosted a Q&A session in December 2024 for residents. Toppman shared his experiences as an arts critic, how he approaches his reviews and what he’s learned along the way. He also answers residents’ pressing questions, like how he decides what things to review, his opposition to most Charlotte standing ovations, and if he ever regretted a review or wishes to take one back. (Hint: The review was for a popular sci-fi film in the 1970s.)

He also discusses his opinions on a wide range of movies, including "Ghost," "Moana," "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" and "O Brother, Where Art Thou?"

His conversation with Ledger managing editor Cristina Bolling and Sharon residents was so good, we turned the recording into a podcast to share with you. Enjoy!

This is a recording of Lawrence Toppman’s talk at The Sharon on December 2, 2024.

You can find out more about The Charlotte Ledger at TheCharlotteLedger.com.

The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Empowering immigrant entrepreneurs in Charlotte, with José Alvarez

The Charlotte Ledger — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 10:32:31 -0500

José Alvarez believes that everyone has the potential to be an entrepreneur. As vice president of Prospera North Carolina, a nonprofit dedicated to helping Latino entrepreneurs, Alvarez works to provide invaluable support to immigrant entrepreneurs by offering bilingual services that guide them through the complexities of starting a business.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Alvarez discusses trends he's noticed among immigrant entrepreneurs in Charlotte, the importance of offering support in someone’s native language and how Prospera gives guidance in understanding the U.S. business and financial systems.

You can find out more about Prospera at ProsperaUSA.org.

This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

A widow's hopeful message, with Kelly Weeks

The Charlotte Ledger — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 18:18:48 -0500

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, we are sharing a speech by Kelly Weeks at the Rotary Club of Charlotte. She is the widow of U.S. Marshal Tommy Weeks, who was one of four law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty in a shootout in east Charlotte on April 29, 2024.

In her talk, she discusses what her day was like on that awful day — how it started, how she found out he had been shot — and all the support she has received from the community and law enforcement.

She talks about:

* how she and her family are coping with her husband’s death

* what they have learned as they have moved forward, even through tough times

* her passion for encouraging people to appreciate and support the good things in this world, including law enforcement

This is a recording of her speech at Rotary on November 19, 2024. Many thanks to the Rotary Club of Charlotte and to Kelly Weeks for allowing us to share this audio with you. In this recording, she is introduced by Rotary’s executive secretary, Christine Cipriano.

Weeks mentions several charities that have been helpful, including the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and the U.S. Marshals Survivor Benefit Fund.

You can find out more about The Charlotte Ledger at TheCharlotteLedger.com.

The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Building an independent medical practice, with Dr. Dale Owen of Tryon Medical

The Charlotte Ledger — Sun, 17 Nov 2024 08:21:00 -0500

In 2018, Dr. Dale Owen and nearly 90 physicians left Atrium Health to form Tryon Medical Partners, driven by a vision of patient-centered care without the bureaucracy of large health systems. This bold move, initiated amidst legal battles and skepticism, aimed to prioritize personalized care and coordination while reducing costs.

Fast forward six years, Tryon Medical now serves nearly 200,000 patients in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area, demonstrating the viability of independent practices despite immense challenges.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Owen recounts the obstacles faced in establishing Tryon Medical "out of air" — from securing facilities and staff to building insurance partnerships. In a conversation with The Ledger's Tony Mecia, he discusses the lessons he has learned building a medical practice, the challenges of Covid, the complexities of the U.S. healthcare system and Tryon's growth plans following a partnership with a private-equity investment company.

This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Checking in on the N.C. mountains

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 10:16:22 -0500

For many people in Western North Carolina, everything changed on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024.

Hurricane Helene brought record levels of rainfall, reaching as high as 30 inches in some places and triggering massive flooding and mudslides. Roads, buildings, trees, power lines and entire water systems were wiped out, affecting hundreds of thousands of people. More than 90 people died in North Carolina.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Ledger editor Tony Mecia talks with Ledger staff reporter Lindsey Banks about the storm and its aftermath. Banks is a Buncombe County native with close ties to Western North Carolina, and she spearheads The Ledger's Mountain Updates newsletter. The Ledger created it in September 2024 as a pop-up (temporary) newsletter focused on the crisis and recovery in the North Carolina mountains.

The two talk about her experience growing up in the mountains, what it was like seeing her hometown destroyed by the hurricane, what her friends and family have described in the aftermath and the experience of reporting and writing about the mountains.

All issues of Mountain Updates can be found online here. If you’re not on The Ledger’s email list, you can sign up for Mountain Updates and other newsletters at TheCharlotteLedger.com. Ledger subscribers can sign up for Mountain Updates on their account settings page.

This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Preserving local farmland, with Tim Belk, Aaron Newton and Cherie Jzar

The Charlotte Ledger — Sun, 03 Nov 2024 13:00:00 -0500

The Charlotte region is on track to lose about 19,400 acres of farmland by 2040. The Carolina Farms Fund aims to prevent that.

The Carolina Farms Fund is a new initiative from the Conservation Fund, a national nonprofit dedicated to environmental preservation and economic development. The Carolina Farms Fund aims to protect 5,000 acres in the Charlotte region as working farms and to match farmers to those properties with a path toward ownership.

The fund was started in November of 2023 by Tim Belk, the former chairman and CEO of Belk. Belk’s passion for farming comes from the organic farm he started with his wife, Sarah, in 2017, called Wild Hope Farm, in Chester.

On this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, staff writer Lindsey Banks sits down to talk to Tim Belk, fund program manager Aaron Newton, and Cherie Jzar, who co-owns Deep Roots CPS Farm, which was the first farm to partner with the Carolina Farms Fund, with her husband, Wisdom. They discuss how the fund works and why preserving local farmland is important.

This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Election cram session: N.C. statewide races

The Charlotte Ledger — Mon, 21 Oct 2024 06:52:00 -0400

In this special episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Ledger editor Tony Mecia and elections specialist Sucharita Kodali quickly break down the 14 statewide races on the 2024 general election ballot.

In less than 10 minutes, they zip through the races that will be on the ballot for every North Carolinian: the Council of State — including races for governor, lieutenant governor, agriculture commissioner and so on — as well as statewide judicial races and a constitutional amendment.

Check out the accompanying 10-minute podcast on the Mecklenburg ballot.

For full details on the candidates and the races, be sure to check out the Charlotte Ledger Election Hub at NCElectionHub.com. It has brief biographies of 200 candidates in five Charlotte-area counties (Mecklenburg, Union, Gaston, Cabarrus and Iredell), as well as links to candidate questionnaires and articles from other media.

The goal is to provide you with trustworthy, unbiased information you can use to cast your vote.

Find out more about The Charlotte Ledger at TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Election cram session: Mecklenburg ballot

The Charlotte Ledger — Mon, 21 Oct 2024 06:01:00 -0400

In this special episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Ledger editor Tony Mecia and elections specialist Sucharita Kodali quickly break down the Mecklenburg County ballot, including state legislative races, county commissioner races, local judicial elections and bonds.

In less than 10 minutes, they zip through the under-the-radar races that many voters haven’t considered but will find on the ballot.

Check out the accompanying 10-minute podcast on statewide races, such as those for governor, lieutenant governor, insurance commissioner and attorney general.

The goal is to provide you with trustworthy, unbiased information you can use to cast your vote.

Find out more about The Charlotte Ledger at TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Catering to change, with Melissa Sutherland of Best Impressions Caterers

The Charlotte Ledger — Sat, 19 Oct 2024 07:16:00 -0400

In 2019, Melissa Sutherland made a dramatic career shift, leaving her role as a bank executive at Bank of America to join Best Impressions Catering as the company’s chief operating and financial officer. Her move from a global financial institution to a small catering business offered her the chance to take her expertise to a new industry, she says, helping the company expand from a single location in Charlotte to three, including Raleigh and Charleston.

But just as she was settling into her new role, the Covid pandemic hit.

Facing a sudden halt in operations, Sutherland and her team pivoted to launch "Table & Twine," a home delivery service that helped keep staff employed and kitchens running during the shutdowns. Today, Table & Twine remains a successful arm of Combined Caterers, showing how innovation during a crisis can create lasting change.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Sutherland talks with host Steve Dunn about the transition from a big banking job to a small catering company, the challenges of navigating a small business through the pandemic, what she learned from watching Hugh McColl, former CEO and president of Bank of America, and more.

Sutherland was a recipient of The Ledger’s 40 Over 40 Award in 2024. The awards celebrate often unheralded people over the age of 40 who are making important contributions to Charlotte.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is presented by Trinity Episcopal School, marking 25 years of creating scholars, nurturing spirituality and embracing diversity in Charlotte's center city. Trinity offers a unique K-8 curriculum with a focus on critical thinking, curiosity about the world around us, and service to the community. Learn more about the admission process for the 2025-26 school year and register for an open house at TESCharlotte.org.

This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Navigating neurodivergence as a parent, with Diane Reid Lyon

The Charlotte Ledger — Thu, 10 Oct 2024 12:58:24 -0400

Many children who are on the autism spectrum or have ADHD also have anxiety or depression, and parents caring for those children experience high stress.

Diane Reid Lyon’s goal is to help parents not feel quite so alone while finding ways to help their kids. As a licensed clinical mental health counselor for more than three decades, she's helped hundreds of children, teens and adults find growth and healing while dealing with challenges like ADHD, anxiety, depression, grief and trauma.

So, she's written a book, “Caring for Yourself - Caring for Your Neurodivergent Child,” to help walk parents through the journey from how to get a child tested for neurodivergence to learning how to support them.

On this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Ledger managing editor Cristina Bolling sits down with Reid to discuss her book and the importance of understanding your child’s diagnosis, navigating school systems designed for neurotypical students, and avoiding “parent burnout” and loneliness.

This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Leadership lessons from Hugh McColl

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 12:10:43 -0400

Hugh McColl Jr. is a Charlotte household name. As the former chairman and CEO of Bank of America, McColl was a major player in consolidating the banking industry in the 1980s and 1990s that has transformed Charlotte into the financial hub it is today. He was also apart of the group of influential Charlotte leaders that pushed to improve the arts and revitalize uptown.

On September 17, 2024, McColl, 89, was interviewed in front of an audience at Queens University of Charlotte at an event called “Legacy of Leadership: A Conversation with Hugh McColl.” The Charlotte Ledger received permission from Queens to share the audio of the 30-minute conversation on this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast.

At the event, McColl discussed his background, his leadership style, what it was like running one of the country’s biggest banks and his advice for success. He was interviewed by Will Sparks, who is the Dennis Thompson chair and professor of leadership at the McColl School of Business at Queens University of Charlotte.

McColl spoke on the occasion of the launch of a newly designed MBA program from the McColl School of Business. The school describes the McColl MBA as a “dynamic program tailored to meet the evolving needs of Charlotte’s professional community,” and one that offers “unparalleled flexibility, field-based consulting experiences, networking opportunities and a strong leadership focus inspired by McColl himself.” You can find out more about it at www.queens.edu/mba.

(Photo on podcast: courtesy of Queens University of Charlotte)

This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

A new look for the landscaping industry, with Nate Negrin of SouthernEEZ

The Charlotte Ledger — Sun, 22 Sep 2024 21:45:09 -0400

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Nate Negrin, owner of SouthernEEZ Landscaping, discusses the rapid evolution of the landscaping industry. Once viewed as a basic service, landscaping now involves advanced technology, sustainability practices and professional expertise.

Negrin shares his journey from banking to landscaping, the challenges he faced early on, and the emerging trends such as robo-mowers and corporate consolidations. He also highlights the increasing demand for eco-friendly solutions and offers tips for keeping lawns healthy.

This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

University City on the move, with Keith Stanley

The Charlotte Ledger — Sun, 15 Sep 2024 23:23:57 -0400

In a pivotal moment for Charlotte’s University City, Keith Stanley, the newly appointed president and CEO of University City Partners, is bringing a fresh vision to the area. Having transitioned from his role in Milwaukee’s Near West Side Partners, Stanley has been focused on leveraging his experience to enhance the vibrancy and functionality of northeast Charlotte.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Stanley discusses the changes afoot in University City, economic trends, development hotspots, arts and cultural events, the importance of UNC Charlotte and the plans for growth in the area. You can find out more about University City Partners at universitycitypartners.org.

This episode is sponsored by HopeWay, a nonprofit mental health organization offering life-changing treatment and education. On Wednesday, September 18, 2024, HopeWay is hosting an evening with Alexi Pappas, an acclaimed Olympian, bestselling author and filmmaker, who will share her story of mental resilience and the lessons she learned along the way. To purchase tickets, visit hopeway.org.

This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Bringing independent cinema to Charlotte, with Brad Ritter

The Charlotte Ledger — Sun, 08 Sep 2024 20:39:00 -0400

David Cronenberg’s “Dead Ringers” was an eye-opening film for Brad Ritter. He first saw the horror movie in 1988 alongside college friends — and he hasn’t been able to bring himself to watch it since.

“Dead Ringers” exposed Ritter to the world of immersive film, and although he didn’t know it at the time, it would lead to his current role as the executive director of Charlotte’s only arthouse theater and nonprofit, Independent Picture House, located in NoDa.

On this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Ritter shares his take on movie soundtracks, the closure of Charlotte's former arthouse theater called Manor Theatre, how Independent Picture House has found success and what's in the nonprofit's future.

Ritter was a recipient of The Ledger’s 40 Over 40 Award in 2024. The awards celebrate often unheralded people over the age of 40 who are making important contributions to Charlotte.

This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

'100 Things to Do in Charlotte Before You Die,' with author Brianna Crane

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 30 Aug 2024 14:20:27 -0400

While some Charlotteans might struggle to list even 50 must-do activities in the city, Axios reporter Brianna Crane faced the opposite challenge. In her new book, “100 Things to Do in Charlotte Before You Die,” narrowing it down to just 100 was the hard part.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Crane talks with The Ledger's Tony Mecia about the challenges and excitement of curating a list that captures the essence of the city, balancing beloved staples with hidden gems that even longtime residents might not know. They also discuss advice for newcomers, what makes Charlotte distinctive from other cities and the process of writing a book.

This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Leading through 'positive accountability,' with Paulette Ashlin

The Charlotte Ledger — Sat, 24 Aug 2024 09:08:02 -0400

Effective leadership is key to building a thriving work environment and driving team success. Paulette Ashlin, founder and president of Ashlin Associates, is an executive and business coach with a knack for transforming workplace dynamics. With a career spanning various industries, she works to help leaders and teams thrive.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Ashlin talks with The Ledger's Tony Mecia about the art of effective leadership and positive accountability. She shares insights and leadership tips from her latest book, “Five Actions of Positive Accountability,” explaining how clear expectations, constructive feedback and understanding individual motivations can significantly boost team performance.

She also discusses the importance of emotional intelligence and adaptive communication, the 360-degree feedback process, how to have hard conversations, challenges of accountability, feedback techniques leaders can employ in their workplace and generational differences in what employees might need.

This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

All about Plaza Midwood, with Phil Gussman

The Charlotte Ledger — Sun, 18 Aug 2024 11:01:29 -0400

Charlotte's Plaza Midwood neighborhood is often known for its bars and restaurants. But it's more than that: As one of Charlotte's historic streetcar suburbs, Plaza Midwood is a diverse community that stays close-knit. It's also undergoing a lot of change.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, host Steve Dunn — a Plaza Midwood resident — talks with neighborhood leader Phil Gussman about the changes afoot in Plaza Midwood and what makes the area special. As the founder of Gussman Consulting, Gussman has made a significant impact on the nonprofit sector, but his influence extends into spearheading community initiatives, advocating for smart development and ensuring that Plaza Midwood remains a vibrant, connected neighborhood.

From social districts to innovative transit solutions, Gussman is at the heart of making Plaza Midwood more livable and enjoyable. He discusses Plaza Midwood’s identity as a neighborhood in Charlotte, the importance of community involvement in addressing neighborhood issues, and what current and future neighborhood initiatives are in the works.

Gussman was a recipient of The Ledger’s 40 Over 40 Award in 2024. The awards celebrate often unheralded people over the age of 40 who are making important contributions to Charlotte.

This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Bo-Berries and other Bojangles innovations, with Tom Boland

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 09 Aug 2024 10:43:32 -0400

What started as a small Charlotte restaurant in 1977 has since grown into a beloved brand with over 800 locations across 17 states, known for its fried chicken, biscuits and sweet tea.

That’s right, today we’re talking about Bojangles.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Ledger editor Tony Mecia talks with Bojangles' chief marketing officer Tom Boland about how the chicken chain stays relevant in a fiercely competitive industry, how it innovates its menu and the thinking behind its expansion beyond the Southeast.

We talk Bo-Berries, sports marketing, customer menu hacks that evolved into menu items, the "Bo-linda" AI drive-thru chatbot, UNC Chapel Hill's "biscuit boys," tailgating strategy, data analytics in fast food, the power of the WWE and many other intriguing topics.

This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Reimagining Ballantyne, with John Barton of Northwood Office

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 02 Aug 2024 18:10:38 -0400

Since 2018, developer Northwood Office has been working on an ambitious plan to remake the center of Ballantyne with its Ballantyne Reimagined project. Now, the effort on the 535-acre Ballantyne Corporate Park is bearing fruit, with restaurants and retailers opening on the former golf course of The Ballantyne hotel.

Leading the effort has been John Barton, president of Northwood Office. In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Barton shares insights into the project, how and why it came together and what comes next. Also: Is Charlotte is becoming the next Atlanta?

BONUS EPISODE: If you want additional insights, check out The Ledger's bonus subscriber-only podcast with John Barton, in which he discusses the state of the commercial real estate industry and how Northwood is responding to recent challenges in the office sector.

This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Building and sustaining early-stage nonprofits, with Raj Merchant

The Charlotte Ledger — Sun, 28 Jul 2024 18:29:34 -0400

From the challenges of scaling and fundraising to the critical need for financial sustainability, business principles can drive nonprofit success.

Raj Merchant serves as chair of Feeding Charlotte, a nonprofit that provides nutritious food for those in need. He also serves on the boards of Helping Education and the Kenan-Flagler Business School.

In his day job, he’s the director in data and analytics at Perficient, a leading global technology consulting firm serving Fortune 1000 customers.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Merchant talks about the intersection of entrepreneurship and social impact. He also discusses similarities between early-stage nonprofits and startups, challenges in early-stage nonprofits, and the importance of diverse funding streams.

Merchant received The Ledger’s 40 Over 40 Award in 2023. The awards celebrate often unheralded people over the age of 40 who are making important contributions to Charlotte.

This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Plugging into the world of electric vehicles

The Charlotte Ledger — Sun, 21 Jul 2024 16:43:47 -0400

Electric vehicles (EVs) have slowly been taking over the roads of Charlotte. Many people have traded in their transmission cars for one that is more environmentally friendly and offers a quieter and smoother driving experience.

After a year of driving a Ford Mustang Mach-E, Mark Gustafson, an attorney and mediator with Bell, Davis and Pitt, says he will never go back to a gasoline-reliant car. Gustafson even has written an article about what he calls his "personal social experiment" to see if the touted range anxiety and other concerns about EVs held true.

On this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Gustafson sits down with Ledger podcast host Steve Dunn, who also drives an electric vehicle, to bust some EV myths and talk about the advantages and disadvantages of electric vehicles.

This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Empowering nonprofits through skilled volunteering, with Angie Bush, Pete Vacho and Kim Lanphear

The Charlotte Ledger — Sun, 14 Jul 2024 22:28:36 -0400

Speak to any nonprofit leader, and you'll frequently hear about the difficulties of delivering essential community services while also handling the operational aspects necessary for growth and stability.

This is where skilled volunteering becomes invaluable. Skilled volunteering enables volunteers to contribute their expertise and professional experience to charities. For instance, a nonprofit might need assistance with website design but lacks the staff, time or funds to accomplish it. In such cases, a skilled volunteer proficient in web design can step in to fulfill that need.

On this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Ledger managing editor Cristina Bolling talks to the leaders of three Charlotte area nonprofits about the topic of skilled volunteering and how it's made a difference in their organizations. The guests are Angie Bush, CEO of Hospitality House, Pete Vacho, vice president of operations for Veterans Bridge Home, and Kim Lanphear, CEO of Apparo.

This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

Today’s episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is sponsored by Apparo, a Charlotte-based nonprofit that supports other nonprofits through technology and business process improvement. As a community connector, Apparo now hosts the Blue Diamond Awards, Charlotte's prestigious award series that recognizes organizations and individuals innovatively using tech to better achieve their mission or business goals.

For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

An entrepreneur's worldly journey, with Michal Bay

The Charlotte Ledger — Sun, 07 Jul 2024 20:22:20 -0400

Michael Bay was born in a small village in Mesopotamia. Despite his humble beginnings, his ambitions took him far beyond the borders of his village. From helping tourists as a young boy to moving to London driven by the dream of a better life, Bay’s path has been anything but conventional.

In London, he started from scratch, washing dishes before venturing into import-export businesses, and later navigating the challenges of mad cow disease that disrupted his thriving beef trade. His journey continued across numerous countries, including Japan, South Africa and Russia, before he ultimately found a new home and purpose in the United States.

Today, Bay is owner of Merino Mill in Mooresville and three restaurants, The Barcelona Burger & Beer Garden, Alino Pizzeria and Picasso Taqueria. He also owns The Barcelona Burger in Winston-Salem.

On this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Bay discusses his journey to becoming a successful entrepreneur and the lessons he's learned along the way.

Bay was a recipient of The Ledger’s 40 Over 40 Award in 2024. The awards celebrate often unheralded people over the age of 40 who are making important contributions to Charlotte.

This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

Today’s episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is sponsored by SouthPark Community Partners, an independent nonprofit organization whose mission is to lead SouthPark's advancement by driving economic vitality, creating memorable experiences, and ensuring an extraordinary quality of life.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Capturing the 'I do' moments, with wedding photographer Robert Burns II

The Charlotte Ledger — Sat, 22 Jun 2024 10:31:00 -0400

You might be surprised by how many brides still flip through the glossy pages of wedding magazines to gather inspiration for their big day, says Charlotte-based wedding photographer Robert Burns II.

But as with many types of publications, bridal magazines are increasingly moving to digital formats — swapping that satisfying page-turn with a swift click. Burns recently ventured into the world of digital publishing himself, with his new annual bridal publication, BRIDE Magazine.

On this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Robert talks with the Ledger’s Cristina Bolling about what inspired him to launch Bride Magazine, what's trending in wedding photography, locations and styles, as well as tips for couples planning their big day.

This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Shaping Charlotte through thoughtful planning, with Douglas Welton

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 14 Jun 2024 17:00:00 -0400

As chair of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Planning Commission, Douglas Welton has a front-row seat to the complexities of Charlotte's rapid growth. In his role, he faces the challenges and opportunities presented by the city’s expansion, engaging with developers, city staff and residents alike.

Welton's tenure has been marked by a focus on increasing housing supply, advocating for density in appropriate areas and fostering community involvement. His vision for Charlotte's future is one of thoughtful growth, ensuring that the city remains vibrant and inclusive while addressing the practical realities of urban expansion.

On this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Welton talks with the Ledger’s Tony Mecia about Charlotte's rapid growth, affordable housing challenges, transportation issues, public safety and future planning strategies to ensure balanced development and community well-being.

This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Behind 'Charlotte Squawks,' with lawyer/comedy writer Brian Kahn

The Charlotte Ledger — Sat, 08 Jun 2024 07:11:00 -0400

In his day job, Brian Kahn is the Charlotte office managing partner at McGuireWoods. But Brian also has a side-hustle: He is a founder, writer and co-producer of "Charlotte Squawks," a long-running and critically acclaimed comedy stage show poking fun at local politics, pop culture and sports.

On this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Kahn discusses the importance of creativity and humor in law and theater, and how he balances both of his passions. He also gives a glimpse behind the scenes of how he devises song parodies. New seasons of "Charlotte Squawks" traditionally come out each summer. In 2024, "Charlotte Squawks 19" is playing through June 29 at Booth Playhouse at Blumenthal Arts Center.

Kahn was a recipient of The Ledger’s 40 Over 40 Award in 2023. The awards celebrate often unheralded people over the age of 40 who are making important contributions to Charlotte.

This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

The economics of stadium renovations

The Charlotte Ledger — Tue, 04 Jun 2024 17:58:19 -0400

The city of Charlotte has struck a deal with Tepper Sports and Entertainment on funding renovations at Bank of America Stadium, the home to the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC. The city, which would spend $650 million in tourism tax money for the project, says the deal makes smart business sense because the stadium is responsible for more than $1 billion annually in economic impact to the Charlotte region.

This newsy and bonus episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast examines the economic effects of sports stadiums, in a conversation with Fred Smith, an economics professor at Davidson College. He teaches courses on urban and public economics, as well as sports economics and American economic history. He spoke with The Ledger's Tony Mecia shortly after the deal was announced in early June 2024.

The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is produced by Lindsey Banks.

You can find out more about The Charlotte Ledger and sign up for our newsletters at TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Transforming SouthPark, with Adam Rhew of SouthPark Community Partners

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 31 May 2024 18:20:52 -0400

Imagine strolling down a vibrant street, filled with neighbors stopping by a community farmer's market, admiring local artwork or grabbing lunch at a food truck. That's SouthPark Community Partners's vision for the SouthPark area in south Charlotte.

In April 2024, SouthPark Community Partners released a comprehensive vision plan aimed at enhancing SouthPark's economic vitality and quality of life. The plan, developed through extensive community engagement, outlines 64 projects to shape SouthPark's future over the next decade. The goal is to transform SouthPark into a cohesive, engaging environment where residents and visitors can thrive.

On this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, SouthPark Community Partners CEO Adam Rhew talks with The Ledger’s Tony Mecia about the vision plan and what residents can expect to see in the future.

You can find out more about SouthPark Community Partners at southparkclt.org .

This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Merging passions for community and marketing, with Blair Primis of Flagship Specialty Partners

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 24 May 2024 19:28:17 -0400

One glance at Blair Primis’s LinkedIn profile, and it’s clear that community involvement ignites his passion. Primis serves on the board for numerous nonprofits and organizations in Charlotte, including Charlotte is Creative, 7th Street Public Market, Carolina Farm Trust and Charlotte Cirque & Dance Center.

In his day job, he’s the chief marketing officer of Flagship Specialty Partners, a healthcare management services organization for oral surgery practices. He’s a well-known name in Charlotte’s marketing circles, and he previously was the chief of marketing for OrthoCarolina and served as co-director of the OrthoCarolina Foundation.

Throughout his nearly 17 years as a Charlottean, Primis has become a key figure in transforming healthcare marketing. In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Primis discusses why he thinks it's important to be involved in his community, the challenges and keys to success in the healthcare marketing industry, and what he's learned from his mentors throughout his career.

Primis was a recipient of The Ledger’s 40 Over 40 Award in 2020. The awards celebrate often unheralded people over the age of 40 who are making important contributions to Charlotte.

This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Empowering nonprofits through technology, with Kim Lanphear and Arno Czerveny

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 17 May 2024 13:30:00 -0400

Running a nonprofit is tough. But it’s even tougher without the right technology.

That’s the challenge that Charlotte-based Apparo — which itself is a nonprofit — is trying to help solve. Apparo plays a vital role in Charlotte’s nonprofit community, by giving charities access to technology solutions and other resources to help their organizations run smoother and smarter.

Kimberly Lanphear serves as CEO of Apparo, and Arno Czerveny — who is the head of investment banking, research, government, and institutional banking and sales technology at Wells Fargo — has volunteered with Apparo since 2019.

On this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Lanphear and Czerveny talk about the challenges they see nonprofits face, and describe the changes that can happen when they have access to technology and other resources that they sorely need.

Lanphear also shares her journey transitioning from the for-profit world to leading Apparo. Czerveny, who was a recipient of the Blue Diamond Award hosted by Apparo, brings his insights into how technology leaders can contribute to supporting area nonprofits.

In this episode, hosted by Ledger managing editor Cristina Bolling, Lanphear and Czerveny also discuss Apparo's mission and role in helping non-profits deliver services more effectively and efficiently through technology other resources; the diverse needs of non-profits in terms of technology and business support; the importance of skilled volunteering in addressing non-profits' technology challenges; and the significance of the Blue Diamond Awards in recognizing organizations and individuals leveraging technology for social good, and how to nominate candidates or apply for the awards.

This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Transforming workplace culture for parents, with Sarah Olin and Elena Arecco Bridgmon of LUMO

The Charlotte Ledger — Mon, 13 May 2024 07:45:17 -0400

Balancing work and family life can be a challenge for workers and companies. On this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Sarah Olin and Elena Arecco Bridgmon discuss their experiences building support systems for working parents and helping companies foster a culture that values and accommodates employees’ family responsibilities.

They founded Charlotte-based LUMO, which offers coaching and training programs. It originated from their personal experiences as working mothers and corporate professionals.

On this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Sarah and Elena sit down with Ledger managing editor Cristina Bolling to discuss why emotional intelligence and empathetic leadership are important for effective support — and why companies should invest in employees with families.

This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Building Town Brewing Co., with George Sistrunk

The Charlotte Ledger — Sat, 04 May 2024 07:25:00 -0400

George Sistrunk was a Charlotte lawyer who enjoyed home brewing. But about 15 years ago, he and three lawyer friends decided to take beer-making to the next level and had the idea of turning their garage hobby into a brewery. That’s the origin of Town Brewing Co., a brewery in Charlotte’ Wesley Heights neighborhood.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Sistrunk talks with host Steve Dunn about making beer and turning it into a business — as well as the parallels to his legal career as a partner at Hamilton Stevens Steele + Martin. Sistrunk was a recipient of The Ledger’s 40 Over 40 Award in 2020. The awards celebrate often unheralded people over the age of 40 who are making important contributions to Charlotte.

This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

How Charlotte should grow, with Shannon Binns of Sustain Charlotte

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 14:10:00 -0400

Charlotte is a fast-growing city. And it's also one of the lowest-density major cities in the U.S. What are the implications of that? And what moves should Charlotte make to accommodate all these newcomers?

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, we talk with Shannon Binns, executive director of Sustain Charlotte. It's a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for sustainable development and urban issues in the Charlotte region. Binns founded the nonprofit in 2010 with a focus on equitable growth, transportation diversity and community livability.

He and Ledger editor Tony Mecia discuss the city's transit plan, Charlotte's historic reliance on cars, changes in local land-use planning and more.

The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is produced by Lindsey Banks.

For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Supporting Charlotte's Eastern European community, with Aleksandra Degernes

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 17:13:40 -0400

Aleksandra Degernes is the visionary founder of the Eastern European Business Network in Charlotte. Originally from Russia, Alexandra immigrated to the United States in 2013 and quickly recognized the need to unite and empower Eastern European professionals and entrepreneurs in her new community.

With a background in event production and a passion for fostering connections, Alexandra has led the Eastern European Business Network in providing invaluable resources, networking opportunities and advocacy for its members.

On this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Degernes discusses Charlotte’s growing Eastern European community, her personal journey of immigration to the United States and settling in Charlotte, and what it’s like being a Russian-American in the current geopolitical climate.

On May 30, 2024, The Eastern European Business Network is holding its first major event, called "The Power of Networking." You can find out more about the organization at eebn.org.

This episode was hosted by Ledger executive editor Tony Mecia.

The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is produced by Lindsey Banks.

For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

How Wegmans chose Charlotte — and what to expect

The Charlotte Ledger — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 14:49:21 -0400

Wegmans recently gave Charlotte some long-awaited news: that it’s opening its first store in the Charlotte region in 2026 in Ballantyne. But how did it choose the location? What can shoppers expect? And why is there such interest in a grocery store?

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, The Ledger’s Cristina Bolling takes a closer look in a conversation with Hallie Johnston, Wegmans' North Carolina district manager. They discuss the store's features, why Ballantyne is a good fit and if Wegmans has plans to open more Charlotte locations in the future.

This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

From Marine to mentor — and everything in between, with Glenn Proctor

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 17:52:22 -0400

Glenn Proctor is a certified professional coach, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, retired newspaper editor, mental health advocate and instructor, Marine Corps gunnery sergeant and a Vietnam veteran.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Proctor discusses how he uses his personal experiences to educate and support individuals and organizations in their understanding of mental health.

He talks with host Steve Dunn of Miles Mediation & Arbitration.

This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Behind the Lovin’ Life Music Fest, with Bob Durkin of Southern Entertainment

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 12:11:09 -0400

Bob Durkin is the co-founder of Southern Entertainment, a Charlotte-based events and production company that's put on over 500 live music events around the country. Durkin and his business partner, Rob Pedlow, got their start in Charlotte by owning bars in uptown like Dixie’s Tavern.

Durkin and his team are gearing up for the first Lovin’ Life Music Festival, a weekend-long, all-genre music festival in the First Ward neighborhood in uptown Charlotte from May 3 to May 5, 2024. Over 40 artists will take one of the festival’s three stages, including big names like Post Malone, Stevie Nicks, Noah Kahan, DaBaby and the Beach Boys.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Durkin shares the origins of Southern Entertainment and Lovin' Life Music Fest, what it's been like planning the festival, and its impact on Charlotte's economy and local music scene.

For more information on Southern Entertainment and Lovin' Life Music Fest, visit SouthernEntertainment.com.

This podcast was hosted and produced by Ledger staff writer Lindsey Banks.

For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Providing for new mothers in need, with Emily Harry of Baby Bundles

The Charlotte Ledger — Sun, 24 Mar 2024 19:54:43 -0400

Emily Harry is a co-founder of Baby Bundles, a nonprofit organization in Charlotte that provides essential items to mothers in need as they leave the hospital with their newborns. Harry founded the nonprofit alongside Heather Leavitt and Cat Long 11 years ago to honor the babies that they each lost.

Baby Bundles offers bags filled with necessities like clothing, blankets, books, and toys, aiming to alleviate stress for new moms who may not have had a baby shower.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Harry discusses the process of assembling Baby Bundles, the nonprofit's commitment to its core mission and avoiding mission creep and her perspective on Charlotte.

She talks with host Steve Dunn of Miles Mediation & Arbitration.

This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Dining trends in Charlotte's retirement communities, with Hanna Raskin of The Food Section

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 18:00:37 -0400

Charlotte’s dining scene is widely seen as improving — and that also goes for Charlotte’s retirement communities, which are offering seniors many more options nowadays as a way to distinguish themselves from competitors. On this edition of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, food writer Hanna Raskin of the online publication The Food Section shares her assessments of Charlotte retirement community dining, after touring six upscale spots with her dad.

Among her finds: tuna poke nachos, butternut squash bisque, barbecue pork banh mi and oysters Rockefeller. It’s a fun and lively conversation about trends in retirement dining, with host Cristina Bolling.

The Food Section is a subscription newsletter and website that provides original, inclusive and independent reporting on food and drink in the American South. For more information, visit TheFoodSection.com.

Raskin wrote about the experience recently in an article republished in The Charlotte Ledger.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is hosted by Ledger managing editor Cristina Bolling and produced by Ledger staff writer Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Supporting women in the workforce, with Emily Jensen Wheeler of Dress for Success Charlotte

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 08 Mar 2024 15:15:28 -0500

Emily Jensen Wheeler is the new executive director of Dress for Success Charlotte, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women in the workforce with a network of support, business attire and development tools.

During the month of March, Dress for Success Charlotte hosts its biggest fundraiser of the year, the “Your Hour Her Power” campaign. Every day this month, female leaders across Charlotte will be asking people to donate one hour of their salaries to support Dress for Success Charlotte's mission to provide services and programs that help women forge and sustain careers.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Emily shares more about the services Dress for Success Charlotte offers, the impact the nonprofit has made on the community and ways to get involved.

For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is hosted by Ledger managing editor Cristina Bolling and produced by Ledger staff writer Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Building a pet care business, with Amy Hillis of Social Pet

The Charlotte Ledger — Sat, 02 Mar 2024 07:50:00 -0500

Amy Hillis is the co-founder of Social Pet Hotel and Daycare, a pet care company with two locations in Charlotte and one location in Pineville. Hillis started the business with her husband, Bill, in 2014 to offer customized, high-end care for Charlotte’s pets, including daycare, boarding and grooming.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Hillis talks about her journey as an entrepreneur in the pet care industry and the evolving landscape of pet care in Charlotte.

For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

For more information about Social Pet Hotel and Daycare, visit SocialPetHotel.com.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is hosted by Ledger executive editor Tony Mecia and produced by Ledger staff writer Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

The 2024 Republican primary election in Mecklenburg

The Charlotte Ledger — Sun, 18 Feb 2024 08:14:00 -0500

For the March 2024 primary election in Mecklenburg County, what is on the Republican ballot? What do voters need to know?

In this special express version of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, editor Tony Mecia talks with Republican former Charlotte City Council member Kenny Smith and Ledger elections researcher Sucharita Kodali about the candidates for office — who they are, why they say they’re running and how the races are shaping up.

And we do it all in under 12 minutes.

We’ll give you the overview you need to be informed about races for U.S. Congress, governor and the N.C. Council of State and the General Assembly.

For more information about the 2024 elections, check out the Charlotte Ledger Election Hub, with candidate biographies, videos, questionnaires and links to articles and resources — for the Democratic and Republican primary ballots.

Election Day is March 5, 2024. Early voting runs through March 2, 2024.

The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

The 2024 Democratic primary election in Mecklenburg

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 16 Feb 2024 10:19:00 -0500

For the March 2024 primary election in Mecklenburg County, what is on the Democratic ballot? What do voters need to know?

In this special express version of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, editor Tony Mecia talks with Bryan Holladay of CLT Public Relations and Ledger elections researcher Sucharita Kodali about the candidates for office — who they are, why they say they’re running and how the races are shaping up.

We’ll give you the overview you need to be informed about races for county commissioner, the General Assembly, U.S. Congress and the N.C. Council of State.

Election Day is March 5, 2024. Early voting runs through March 2, 2024.

The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Empowering LGBTQ+ individuals and their families, with Karen Graci, former director of PFLAG

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 09 Feb 2024 15:12:00 -0500

Karen Graci is the former executive director of PFLAG Charlotte, an organization supporting parents, families and friends of LGBTQ+ individuals.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Graci shares her personal journey as a parent of a LGBTQ+ child and the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals and their families. She also delves into the importance of support groups, education and advocacy, highlighting the need for understanding and acceptance.

She talks with host Steve Dunn of Miles Mediation & Arbitration.

This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Navigating courtrooms and motherhood, with attorney Heather Call Fuller

The Charlotte Ledger — Sat, 03 Feb 2024 06:19:00 -0500

Heather Call Fuller is an attorney with Lincoln Derr law firm in Charlotte. She started her law career working with the Department of Justice in Washington D.C., defending the United States in medical malpractice cases.

After her time at the Department of Justice, Fuller took a break to focus on raising her three children over the next 14 years. When she decided to return to law, she encountered obstacles related to licensing requirements and had to overcome the hurdle of retaking the bar exam.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Fuller shares insights about her diverse legal career and a 14-year hiatus during which she was a full-time homemaker.

She talks with host Steve Dunn of Miles Mediation & Arbitration.

This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Laughing all the way, with Brian Heffron of The Comedy Zone

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 26 Jan 2024 22:27:15 -0500

Brian “Heff” Heffron is the owner of The Comedy Zone, a comedy club inside the AvidXchange Music Factory that has hosted seasoned comedians like Wanda Sykes, Ben Schwartz, Janelle James, Pete Davidson and Marcello Hernandez.

Additionally, Heffron is actively involved in Laugh for a Cure, an organization he co-founded with his wife, aimed at using comedy to raise funds for breast cancer research.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Heffron discusses his experiences in the industry, how it has evolved over the years and the challenges and joys associated with it.

He talks with host Steve Dunn of Miles Mediation & Arbitration.

This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Improving Charlotte's economic mobility, with Tonya Jameson of Leading on Opportunity

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 19 Jan 2024 18:22:12 -0500

Tonya Jameson serves as the director of civic advancement for Leading on Opportunity, a part of Foundation for the Carolinas, working to improve economic mobility in the Charlotte area.

In addition to her role with Leading on Opportunity, Jameson is also a member of the Citizens Review Board, which hears complaints regarding allegations of misconduct by police officers, and works as a motorcycle instructor with Motorcycle Safety Foundation.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Jameson discusses Charlotte's economic mobility history, her time as a reporter with The Charlotte Observer and working on political campaigns, and her perspective on Charlotte's future, especially in improving economic mobility.

She talks with host Steve Dunn of Miles Mediation & Arbitration.

This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Strengthening Charlotte's nonprofit sector, with Josh Jacobson of Next Stage

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 12 Jan 2024 17:57:21 -0500

Josh Jacobson is the founder and CEO of Next Stage, a Charlotte based social impact consulting firm that works with nonprofits. Next Stage operates The UnFundable Project, an initiative that raises awareness about a concept called trust-based philanthropy. The Charlotte Ledger is a media partner for the initiative.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Jacobson shares his insights on how nonprofits operate, what trust-based philanthropy is, and what the Unfundable Project is doing for Charlotte.

The Charlotte Ledger wrote about some of these trends in a recent article, "New twist on charitable giving: trust."

Find out more about The UnFundable Project, including a February 2024 celebration, go to https://nextstage-consulting.com/unfundable/.

For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is hosted by Ledger executive editor Tony Mecia and produced by Ledger staff writer Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Charlotte as a banking center, with Dee O'Dell of U.S. Bank

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 05 Jan 2024 13:12:33 -0500

Banking, leadership and philanthropy have always been intertwined in Charlotte, and we explore that history and those connections in a conversation with Dee O’Dell, head of business banking sales at U.S. Bank, which is the fifth-largest bank in the country. O’Dell is based in Charlotte, where U.S. Bank has about 1, 200 employees, and his division serves customers nationally that have between $2.5 million and $25 million in annual sales.

O’Dell has served in multiple community roles, including chairman of the United Way of Greater Charlotte board of directors and co-chair of the Opportunity Task Force, which examined ways to improve economic mobility.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, O’Dell shares his insights about Charlotte’s banking sector, the evolution of banking in Charlotte, the changing landscape of leadership and philanthropy, U.S. Bank’s growth in the city, and where the economy appears headed.

For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is hosted by Ledger executive editor Tony Mecia and produced by Ledger staff writer Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Building the Southern Lion marketplace, with owner Sonja Nichols

The Charlotte Ledger — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 20:32:14 -0500

Sonja Nichols is the owner and president of the Southern Lion, a multi-vendor shopping venue that opened in September in a former Sears building in the Carolina Place Mall in Pineville.

The Southern Lion features many of the same vendors who previously sold goods at the Blacklion Home Furnishings Marketplace that operated for 27 years just a mile away from the new Southern Lion.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Nichols shares her insights about what it's been like opening the Southern Lion and what she's learned about business and retail.

For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is hosted by Ledger managing editor Cristina Bolling and produced by Ledger staff writer Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

🎧 Future of Work: Inside the reporters' notebooks

The Charlotte Ledger — Sun, 10 Dec 2023 12:14:00 -0500

What will tomorrow’s workplaces will look like? And what can employers and workers do to prepare? The Charlotte Ledger published a 4-part special series called “The Future of Work” examining the forces that are changing workplaces in Charlotte and around the country.

Reporters delved into how mentorships have changed, Charlotte's struggling office market, the future of office amenities, and how small towns are luring in remote workers. You can read the complete articles at charlotteledger.substack.com/futureofwork,

Today, we’re sharing conversations with the reporters who wrote those four stories, to give you inside-the-reporter’s-notebook takeaways and analysis.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is sponsored by Crisis Assistance Ministry. This holiday season, thousands of our neighbors are struggling to keep their power flowing, to keep a roof over their heads, and stabilize their families. Give hope, warmth, and light to those in need by donating at http://crisisassistance.org/ledger.

This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Working to end homelessness in Charlotte, with Joe Hamby of Roof Above

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 16:48:56 -0500

Joe Hamby serves as director of community education at Roof Above, an interfaith nonprofit working to ensure everyone has a safe, affordable roof over their head.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Hamby reflects on the challenges that come with his work but how the success stories help him find purpose. He also shares more about how Roof Above is working toward the goal of ending homelessness in Charlotte.

He talks with host Steve Dunn of Miles Mediation & Arbitration.

This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Reviewing Charlotte's growing food scene, with Kristen Wile of Unpretentious Palate

The Charlotte Ledger — Sun, 19 Nov 2023 21:13:37 -0500

Kristen Wile is the founder of Unpretentious Palate, a subscription-based publication that covers Charlotte's dining and drinking scene. Unpretentious Palate focuses on in-depth coverage, including executive chef changes, restaurant openings/closings and detailed restaurant reviews.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Wile talks with Ledger editor Tony Mecia about Charlotte's evolving restaurant scene and the challenges of providing independent coverage of restaurants in an era dominated by social media and influencers. She also shares tips on how to find high-quality local restaurants and provides a few recommendations of underrated spots.

For more information about Unpretentious Palate, go to UnpretentiousPalate.com.

For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is hosted by Ledger executive editor Tony Mecia and produced by Ledger staff writer Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

From district court judge to retirement, with Tracy Hewett

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 13:00:52 -0500

Tracy Hewett is a retired district family court judge in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. Hewett finished her bachelor’s degree in her late 30s and then attended law school as a single mom while also working as a truck driver. She served as a public defender for 10 years and then joined the bench in 2017.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Hewett reflects on her career journey, retirement, and her experiences as a judge in North Carolina.

She talks with host Steve Dunn of Miles Mediation & Arbitration.

This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Sipping to serve, with Lauren Deese of Charlotte Wine + Food

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 03 Nov 2023 13:24:06 -0400

Lauren Deese is the executive director of Charlotte Wine + Food, a nonprofit organization that brings together Charlotte’s wine and food connoisseurs to raise money for children’s charities in the area. Charlotte Wine + Food hosts a weeklong event every April with wine auction and dining events across the city.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Deese discusses Charlotte Wine + Food’s mission, what goes into planning Charlotte Wine + Food Week every year and how the wine industry has changed since the organization started in 1989.

She talks with host Steve Dunn of Miles Mediation & Arbitration.

Find out more about Charlotte Wine + Food at charlottewineandfood.org.

This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Mini-podcast: The 2023 CMS school construction bonds

The Charlotte Ledger — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 17:10:03 -0400

In a special mini-podcast that clocks in at an easy-to-listen-to 8.5 minutes, we discuss the 2023 CMS school construction bonds that are on the ballot in Mecklenburg County. What do they do? Why do supporters say they are needed, and why are some people opposed? What would be the effect on taxes?

Ledger editor Tony Mecia answers these questions and others, based on his reporting on the issue.

For more information about the 2023 elections, check out the Charlotte Ledger Election Hub, with candidate biographies, videos, questionnaires and links to articles and resources.

The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is produced by Lindsey Banks. Find out more about The Charlotte Ledger at TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Mini-podcast: The 2023 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education election

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:01:26 -0400

In a special mini-podcast that's under 10 minutes, we discuss candidates running for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education in 2023: Who are they? Why are they running? What's at stake?

There are 14 candidates running for 3 seats. Ledger editor Tony Mecia discusses the race with WFAE's Ann Doss Helms and Ledger elections researcher Sucharita Kodali.

For more information about the 2023 elections, check out the Charlotte Ledger Election Hub, with candidate biographies, videos, questionnaires and links to articles and resources.

The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is produced by Lindsey Banks. Find out more about The Charlotte Ledger at TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Mini-podcast: The 2023 Charlotte City Council/mayoral election

Tony Mecia and Bryan Holladay — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:00:25 -0400

In a special mini-podcast that's less than 10 minutes, we discuss candidates running for Charlotte City Council and Charlotte mayor in 2023: Who are they? Why are they running? How could Charlotte's city government change?

Ledger editor Tony Mecia discusses the election with Charlotte Public Relations’ Bryan Holladay and Ledger elections researcher Sucharita Kodali.

For more information about the 2023 elections, check out the Charlotte Ledger Election Hub, with candidate biographies, videos, questionnaires and links to articles and resources.

The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is produced by Lindsey Banks. Find out more about The Charlotte Ledger at TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Making Queens University of Charlotte into a top college

Lindsey Banks — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 17:38:51 -0400

There's been a lot of change recently at Queens University of Charlotte in Myers Park. Founded in 1857 as a private university for women, Queens today competes in Division I sports and serves about 2,300 undergraduate and graduate students.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, president Dan Lugo and vice president of Queens’ strategic enrollment and communications Adrienne Amador Oddi sat down with The Ledger’s Cristina Bolling on Queens' campus to discuss the university's rich history in Charlotte, its transition to Division I sports, recent enrollment growth and the future of higher education in Charlotte. The university is working to implement a plan to elevate the school's profile and to become a premier private college on a national stage.

For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is hosted by Ledger managing editor Cristina Bolling and produced by Ledger staff writer Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

The power of communications, with Chris Berger

The Charlotte Ledger — Sat, 14 Oct 2023 15:37:43 -0400

Chris Berger is the vice president of enterprise communications at Atrium Health, a large healthcare system that operates in multiple states. In his role, Berger oversees both internal and external communications for Atrium Health and its 75,000 employees.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Berger discusses the importance of creating strong internal and external communication systems, what it was like working for a hospital's communications department during a pandemic, and how communications is changing due to AI and remote work.

He talks with host Steve Dunn of Miles Mediation & Arbitration. This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Understanding the deadly SouthPark construction fire, with WBTV investigative reporter David Hodges

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 06 Oct 2023 13:17:37 -0400

On May 18, 2023, a fire broke out at a construction site in SouthPark that took the lives of two construction workers, Demonte Sherrill and Reuben Holmes. Charlotte TV station WBTV obtained videos, pictures, interviews and records from the Charlotte Fire Department’s file, and released a special report called “WBTV Investigates: Fire and Failure” in September that digs into the May 18 fire and its causes.

On this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, The Ledger’s Tony Mecia talks with WBTV investigative reporter David Hodges about what WBTV discovered in its investigation and what went into the reporting process — and how much of a problem this might be at construction sites in the Charlotte region.

For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is hosted by Ledger editor Tony Mecia and produced by Ledger staff writer Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

How Make-A-Wish grants wishes

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 12:30:00 -0400

Kathy Jetton is the president and CEO of Make-A-Wish Central and Western North Carolina. Make-A-Wish is a national nonprofit organization that grants wishes for children aged 2 to 18 with critical and life-threatening illnesses in 51 counties.

On this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Jetton sat down with The Ledger’s Cristina Bolling to talk about the types of wishes Make-A-Wish grants and the importance of creating hope for children and families fighting life-threatening illnesses.

For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is hosted by Ledger managing editor Cristina Bolling and produced by Ledger staff writer Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Preparing Charlotte's children for a brighter future, with Glenda Bernhardt

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 12:41:00 -0400

Glenda Bernhardt serves as the CEO of Freedom School Partners, an organization dedicated to promoting the long-term success of children by preventing summer learning loss and fostering a passion for reading and learning. The nonprofit primarily serves under-resourced students and communities. In this episode, Bernhardt shares more about Freedom School Partners's curriculum and how the organization provides transportation, meals and essential items to remove barriers for participating families.

Since this podcast was recorded, Bernhardt has announced she will be stepping down from her role with Freedom School Partners. She has been hired as the new CEO of the Greensboro Jewish Federation.

She talks with host Steve Dunn of Miles Mediation & Arbitration. This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

What's new at Charlotte's Johnson & Wales campus, with President Rick Mathieu

The Charlotte Ledger — Sat, 16 Sep 2023 12:00:00 -0400

Rick Mathieu serves as president of Johnson & Wales University’s Charlotte campus. Johnson & Wales is a public university with some 1,200 students enrolled in Charlotte. It’s located in the heart of Charlotte's Third Ward.

On this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Mathieu sat down with The Ledger’s Cristina Bolling on campus of Johnson & Wales to talk about what's new at the university, his take on the state of higher education, and how Johnson & Wales fits into the greater Charlotte community.

For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is hosted by Ledger managing editor Cristina Bolling and produced by Ledger staff writer Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Helping Southern authors share their stories, with Lynda Bouchard

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 08 Sep 2023 12:19:55 -0400

Lynda Bouchard is the founder and chief inspiration officer of Booking Authors Ink, a boutique public relations firm dedicated to Southern authors. Bouchard assists authors in planning media tours, press releases and website content to create excitement around their books.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Bouchard talks about her transition from the airline industry to becoming a literary publicist, the importance of collaborative storytelling in marketing, and how she helps authors promote their work.

She talks with host Steve Dunn of Miles Mediation & Arbitration. This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

How restaurants are changing, with Jason Hlewicki of Swinerton

The Charlotte Ledger — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 14:41:45 -0400

Restaurants look a lot different than they did a couple decades ago, with restaurant owners preferring open floor plans, using outdoor space like never before and placing the kitchen at the center of the action. In a conversation with The Charlotte Ledger's Tony Mecia, Jason Hlewicki of the construction firm Swinerton discusses trends in the restaurant industry in Charlotte and the Carolinas.

He discusses the evolution of Charlotte's dining scene, how restaurant design has changed, and the outlook for different types of restaurants in the Carolinas — as well as the status of the construction industry.

Swinterton is based in California with regional offices in Charlotte, Raleigh, Atlanta, and other cities.

For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is hosted by Ledger editor Tony Mecia and produced by Ledger staff writer Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

From homeless to housing, with Tameka Gunn of Community Link

The Charlotte Ledger — Sat, 26 Aug 2023 09:33:27 -0400

Tameka Gunn is the president and CEO of Community Link NC, a nonprofit that supports individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming unhoused. Community Link helps people in need across 15 counties in North Carolina to find safe and affordable housing.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Gunn talks about how to transition people in the Charlotte region into more stable housing and some of the misconceptions people have about homeownership.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

The future of Charlotte's airport

The Charlotte Ledger — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 11:30:00 -0400

Charlotte-Douglas International Airport is the 7th-busiest in the world in terms of takeoffs and landings. It handles more than 118,000 passengers a day. But it’s not done growing. Not even close. In this episode, Stuart Hair of the airport and aviation design expert Ben Goebel of architecture firm Gresham Smith discuss CLT's plans for growth over the coming decades.

They discuss the latest on the renovation and expansion of the airport's main terminal, Concourse A, a new runway, development around the airport, the iconic rocking chairs, how to solve congestion on concourses B and C — and what's coming next.

Hair and Goebel are two of the speakers at the South Charlotte Partners Regional Transportation Summit on September 11, 2023, at The Ballantyne hotel. It brings together policymakers from federal, state and local government to discuss transportation and mobility in the Charlotte region. You can find out more and get tickets here. (The Ledger's Transit Time newsletter is the media partner of the event.)

Today's conversation is with Tony Mecia of The Charlotte Ledger. The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is produced by Lindsey Banks. You can find out more about The Charlotte Ledger and subscribe to our newsletters here.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Empowering survivors of sexual abuse, with Crystal Emerick of Brave Step

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 11 Aug 2023 10:34:33 -0400

Crystal Emerick is the founder and executive director of Brave Step, an organization that empowers individuals who have been impacted by sexual abuse. Emerick, a sexual abuse and sexual assault survivor, noticed a gap in sexual trauma support for adult survivors, especially adults who didn’t come forward immediately after their abuse. She founded Brave Step in 2014 to change that.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Emerick discusses why it's important to raise awareness about sexual abuse and empower survivors. This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is hosted by Steve Dunn of Miles Mediation and Arbitration.

You can find out more about Brave Step at bravestep.org.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Uncovering Charlotte's rich history, with Terri White

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 11:21:16 -0400

Terri White is the president and CEO of the Charlotte Museum of History located on Shamrock Drive in east Charlotte. The museum is home to the Rock House, the oldest surviving house in Mecklenburg County, built in 1774. White describes her role as a “dream job” and strives to show people that history is more than just memorizing war dates.

White joined the museum in 2022. Under her leadership, the museum plans exhibits and programs that highlight different themes in Charlotte’s history — something that she says is key for both Charlotte natives and newcomers, too: “It’s important that if you move to any city, be it Charlotte or somewhere else, that you understand what those people who are from there have done to advocate for themselves and to make the city into a place where you have decided to relocate yourself in the first place. … It’s important to understand how the city got to the point where you decided to show up.”

In a conversation with The Ledger's Lindsey Banks, White shares her philosophy behind planning exhibits, what her goals are in her role as president and CEO, why telling Charlotte's history is important and what museum-goers can expect to see in the future.

To learn more about the museum, or to plan your next visit, go to CharlotteMuseum.org.

For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is hosted and produced by Ledger staff writer Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

The business of sports, with Mike Boykin of Bespoke Sports & Entertainment

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 10:54:18 -0400

Mike Boykin is the CEO of Bespoke Sports & Entertainment, an award-winning Charlotte marketing agency. He’s had a career filled with successes and lessons — and he's also part of the team responsible for the idea of dumping mayonnaise on football coaches' heads at the Duke’s Mayo Classic.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Boykin discusses the importance of collaboration in the marketing field, mistakes he's made and how he learned from them, his Charlotte Sports and Business networking group and his thoughts on Charlotte. This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is hosted by Steve Dunn of Miles Mediation and Arbitration.

The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

The power of storytelling, with Shawn Flynn

The Charlotte Ledger — Sun, 23 Jul 2023 14:50:00 -0400

Shawn Flynn is the chief communications officer for Holy Angels, an organization in Charlotte that provides care to those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Prior to his role with Holy Angels, Flynn spent 24 years as a TV news reporter. He retired after his son Liam was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2018.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Flynn discusses his family's journey with pediatric cancer, his 24 years as a TV news reporter, and how he uses his storytelling skills to help others.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is hosted by Steve Dunn of Miles Mediation and Arbitration. It is produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

The future of AI, with Lauren Marturano of Zinnia

The Charlotte Ledger — Thu, 13 Jul 2023 18:06:17 -0400

Artificial intelligence has been getting a lot of buzz in recent months — and Lauren Marturano has a front-row seat on how it works and where it is heading. She's the founder and CEO of Zinnia, a tech platform that helps businesses plan events, and some of the software is powered by AI.

In a conversation with The Ledger's Tony Mecia, Marturano discusses her experience building a tech company in Charlotte, the challenges facing women in the tech industry and advances in AI that are improving companies' productivity. This episode is part of The Ledger's “Faces of AI” series, an up-close look at Charlotte-area people and businesses that are using artificial intelligence.

“This is a huge, pivotal moment for technology, and probably the biggest one we’ll see in our lifetime,” Marturano says. “… AI is going to totally transform the way that businesses run and operate. Companies that don’t adapt to using AI, I think, are going to fall pretty far behind.”

You can find out more about her company, Zinnia, at getzinnia.com.

For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is hosted by Ledger editor Tony Mecia. It is produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Building a social justice book group, with Beth Hardin

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 07 Jul 2023 12:49:15 -0400

Elizabeth Hardin, former vice chancellor for business affairs at UNC Charlotte, is a fellow in Harvard Advanced Leadership Initiative, which is designed to broaden, deepen and accelerate social impact. She’s also an active member of her Charlotte church community and leads a discussion-based book group that encourages community and deep discussions on challenging topics.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Hardin discusses how the UNC system and UNC Charlotte grew during her time working there and her current volunteer work through Holy Comforter Episcopal Church.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is hosted by Steve Dunn of Miles Mediation and Arbitration. It is produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Charlotte's podcasting scene, with Brian Baltosiewich

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 12:46:29 -0400

Brian Baltosiewich is the founder and executive producer of The Queen City Podcast Network and Balto Creative Media. Since its founding in March 2018, The Queen City Podcast Network has grown to over 35 Charlotte-produced podcasts and is regarded as the first hyper-local podcast network in the country.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Baltosiewich discusses the history of podcasts, how he got into podcasting and what Charlotte's podcast scene is like today.

You can find out more about the Queen City Podcast Network at www.queencitypodcastnetwork.com.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is hosted by Steve Dunn of Miles Mediation and Arbitration. It is produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

N.C.'s 'godfather of craft beer,' Oscar Wong

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 23 Jun 2023 16:48:44 -0400

Oscar Wong was born to Chinese immigrants in Jamaica. After an engineering career, including a stint in Charlotte, he retired to Asheville and started the city's first brewery since Prohibition. Today, Highland Brewing is North Carolina's largest brewer, and Wong has become known as the state's "godfather of craft beer."

He turned over operation of Highland Brewing to his daughter in 2015 and is now mostly retired. In May 2023, he was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, North Carolina's highest civilian honor.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Wong discusses his remarkable background, from Jamaica to the U.S. to Asheville, as well as the history of craft beer in North Carolina, his role in shaping the beer industry in the Southeast, and where he sees the craft beer industry going in the future.

For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is hosted by Ledger editor Tony Mecia. It is produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Salvaging food to feed Charlotte's hungry, with Kim Aprill

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 16 Jun 2023 09:37:21 -0400

Local cafeterias sometimes produce more food than they need. Local charities need food to serve the hungry. Kim Aprill co-founded an organization called Feeding Charlotte that bridges the gap between those with excess food and the nonprofits and churches that need it — solving a local problem of food distribution.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Aprill discusses with host Steve Dunn how Feeding Charlotte addresses food insecurity, how food waste contributes to climate change and where the nonprofit gets excess food to donate to those who are hungry.

You can find out more about Feeding Charlotte at https://feedingcharlotte.org.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is hosted by Steve Dunn of Miles Mediation and Arbitration. It is produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Checking in on Charlotte's economic mobility, with Sherri Chisholm

Lindsey Banks — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 16:21:24 -0400

In 2014, a national study ranked Charlotte 50th out of the 50 largest metro areas in the United States in economic mobility — meaning that many of those born into poverty in Charlotte were likely to stay in poverty. It was a wake-up call, and Charlotte's large corporations, nonprofits and government mobilized to tackle the problem. Now, nearly 10 years later, how is Charlotte doing?

Sherri Chisolm, executive director of Leading on Opportunity, discusses Charlotte's economic mobility efforts with Charlotte Ledger editor Tony Mecia. They discuss what's being done to improve economic mobility, how to measure progress and how to keep the city focused on a generations-long journey.

You can find out more about Leading on Opportunity at www.leadingonopportunity.org.

For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is hosted by Ledger editor Tony Mecia. It is produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Guiding older adults through their golden years, with Jennifer Szakaly

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 02 Jun 2023 13:57:47 -0400

Figuring out care and support for older adults can be tricky. It involves navigating a complex web of insurance rules, healthcare options and living arrangements — and is a process that is often emotionally taxing. In this episode, Jennifer Szakaly of Charlotte-based Caregiving Corner offers tips for older adults and their loved ones and discusses the nuances of caregiving, the complexity of the healthcare system, and when someone should start thinking about long-term care.

For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is hosted by Steve Dunn of Miles Mediation and Arbitration. It is produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

BUSINESS TOOLBOX: Exploring healthcare coverage options

Tony Mecia — Thu, 25 May 2023 19:07:44 -0400

Finding the right healthcare coverage for your workers can be complex and confusing, and costs are expected to continue to rise. So how can employers navigate that challenge? The Charlotte Ledger's Tony Mecia talks with Catapult’s Martha Barker about strategies for providing coverage and finding the best options for employees.

This podcast is an audio version of the “Business Toolbox Series,” a webinar collaboration between The Ledger and Catapult to provide practical and useful advice to small- and mid-sized businesses.

This is the recording of a webinar on May 24, 2023. It is the third of three. The first one on the topic of avoiding legal headaches is available as a podcast. So is the second one, on recruiting and retaining workers.

Find out more about Catapult at LetsCatapult.org. Find out more about The Charlotte Ledger at TheCharlotteLedger.com.

The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

BUSINESS TOOLBOX: Tips on recruiting and retaining workers

Tony Mecia — Thu, 18 May 2023 15:44:06 -0400

The job market is tight — and is expected to continue to be. So how can employers find and retain their best workers? The Charlotte Ledger's Tony Mecia talks with Catapult’s Kendra Stewart about strategies for recruiting and keeping top talent, the importance of company culture and amenities and the shifting generational expectations in the workplace.

This is the recording of a webinar on May 17, 2023. It is the second of three. For more information or to register for them, check out this link.

You can also enjoy this episode as a YouTube video.

Find out more about Catapult at LetsCatapult.org. Find out more about The Charlotte Ledger at TheCharlotteLedger.com.

The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

BUSINESS TOOLBOX: Avoiding workplace legal headaches

Tony Mecia — Thu, 11 May 2023 15:01:28 -0400

It's a challenging time for employers these days — what's the best advice for dealing with common human resources challenges? The Charlotte Ledger's Tony Mecia talks with Catapult’s Stephanie Dillon about tips for employers on topics including handling discipline and layoffs, hybrid and remote work and supporting employees’ mental health.

This is the recording of a webinar on May 10, 2023. It is the first of three: the others are on May 17, 2023, and May 24, 2023. For more information or to register for them, check out this link.

You can also enjoy this episode as a YouTube video.

Find out more about Catapult at LetsCatapult.org. Find out more about The Charlotte Ledger at TheCharlotteLedger.org.

The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Building a mentor program for students, with Kimbo Bohannon

Lindsey Banks — Fri, 05 May 2023 17:06:00 -0400

In 2014, Kimbo Bohannon founded Buddy/Mentor, a nonprofit mentoring program for elementary students. She has since retired from her 27-year career in teaching. In this episode, she discusses the importance for students to know someone is cheering them on and how she builds relationships in the community to support Buddy/Mentor.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is hosted by Steve Dunn of Miles Mediation and Arbitration. It is produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

There's more than one way to be smart, with Ross Danis

Lindsey Banks — Fri, 28 Apr 2023 12:58:10 -0400

Ross Danis served as president and CEO of MeckEd, a Charlotte nonprofit dedicated to ensuring access to opportunity for all children. Danis, who retired in April 2023 (after this podcast was recorded), operates under the idea that there is more than one way to be smart. He discusses ways to help children realize that struggling with traditional schooling doesn’t define their intelligence.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is hosted by Steve Dunn of Miles Mediation and Arbitration. It is produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

The future of the doctor's office, with Brannen Edge

Lindsey Banks — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 12:35:30 -0400

Commercial real estate has been falling on hard times lately — but one of its bright spots is the development of medical office buildings, because of the steady demand for healthcare. Brannen Edge, CEO of Charlotte-based Flagship Healthcare Properties, talks with Charlotte Ledger editor Tony Mecia about some of the factors affecting the sector, including the rise of telehealth, changing demographics in the Southeast, healthcare consolidation and the latest design trends in medical offices.

For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Wisdom in law and leadership, with Dave Redding

Lindsey Banks — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 14:55:20 -0400

Dave Redding has been a Charlotte litigator for over 20 years. He’s learned that litigators need to keep themselves mentally and physically fit. In 2011, Redding co-founded a men’s workout group called F3 that's grown to over 50,000 participants worldwide. In this episode, Redding shares why having compassion has made him a better litigator and how F3's leadership structure makes the workout group unique.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is hosted by Steve Dunn of Miles Mediation and Arbitration. It is produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Checking in on Charlotte's small businesses

Lindsey Banks — Sat, 01 Apr 2023 17:36:35 -0400

How are Charlotte small businesses doing in this uncertain economic time? In this episode, recorded LIVE at the Charlotte Area Chamber of Commerce Business Expo 2023, The Charlotte Ledger's team chatted up 8 local businesses for a couple minutes each, in fields including photography services, coworking, yoga, veterinary medicine, restaurant supply and corporate merch.

This episode features brief interviews with: Ada Stevens of Snap Happy Photos; Isaac Yisrael of Blackstone Security; Dave Chen of D&M Restaurant Supply; Mariana Orzech of Promotion Magic; Andrew Carlson of Veterinary Emergency Group; Molley Corely of Yoga Six; Jennifer Canas of BSI Solutions; Evan Preslopsky of Venture X; and Jessica Helms with the Charlotte Area Chamber of Commerce.

For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

The challenges employers face, with Cheryl Richards

Lindsey Banks — Fri, 24 Mar 2023 14:25:08 -0400

Cheryl Richards serves as president and CEO of Catapult, an employers’ association that serves more than 2,300 employers across the Carolinas and beyond. Before joining Catapult, Richards worked in higher education for 32 years.

In this episode, Richards shares how her background prepared her for Catapult, what employment challenges face companies today, and how employers can keep their employees happy and the workplace running smoothly. You can find out more about Catapult at letscatapult.org.

For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is hosted by Charlotte Ledger managing editor Cristina Bolling. It is produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Turning business leaders into authors, with Fabi Preslar

Lindsey Banks — Fri, 17 Mar 2023 15:18:01 -0400

Fabi Preslar founded SPARK Publications in 1998 as a graphic design firm. Now, SPARK is a custom-publishing design firm that helps businesses across a variety of industries grow and convert their knowledge into marketable books or magazines.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is hosted by Steve Dunn of Miles Mediation and Arbitration. It is produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

The Ledger's origin story, with Tony Mecia and Cristina Bolling

Lindsey Banks — Wed, 08 Mar 2023 23:46:10 -0500

As part of the 4th anniversary of the launch of The Charlotte Ledger, The Ledger's Tony Mecia and Cristina Bolling discuss company's origins, how Charlotte journalism has changed over the past 25 years and where The Ledger fits into the future of journalism.

This podcast is hosted by Steve Dunn of Miles Mediation and Arbitration and Tim Whitmire of CXN Advisory.

For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is hosted by Charlotte Ledger managing editor Cristina Bolling. It is produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Helping women achieve stable careers, with Kerry Barr O'Connor

The Charlotte Ledger — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 20:57:15 -0500

Women in need of stable employment and job security need more than a working wardrobe – they need services to help them land meaningful jobs and keep them on the path to career success. Nobody knows that better than Kerry Barr O’Connor, executive director of Dress for Success Charlotte, which during the month of March is holding its Your Hour Her Power fundraising campaign.

In this episode, O’Connor discusses the mission of Dress for Success, the needs she sees in the community and the importance of the Your Hour Her Power campaign to helping the organization achieve its mission.

For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is hosted by Charlotte Ledger managing editor Cristina Bolling. It is produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Building Charlotte FC, with Zoran Krneta

The Charlotte Ledger — Thu, 23 Feb 2023 12:18:53 -0500

As Charlotte FC starts its second season, it is hoping to keep the momentum going from its successful first year, in which it exceeded expectations and nearly made the playoffs. The team's sporting director, Zoran Krneta, shares his philosophy on building a roster. He also recalls some the poignant moments surrounding the tragic death of Anton Walkes in a boating accident this preseason — and explains how it is bringing the team closer together.

Krneta discusses how he and others built the team and its outlook for 2023 with The Charlotte Ledger's Carroll Walton and Tony Mecia. You can keep up with Charlotte FC by reading The Ledger's weekly Fútbol Friday newsletter.

For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Connecting Charlotte's creatives to the community, with Tim Miner

Lindsey Banks — Fri, 17 Feb 2023 16:51:25 -0500

Charlotte's arts scene is evolving, and few understand the landscape better than Tim Miner, co-founder of Charlotte is Creative, a non-profit that helps bridge the gap between artists and the business community. In this episode, Miner discusses the development of the arts in Charlotte and what creative types need to flourish here.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is hosted by Steve Dunn of Miles Mediation and Arbitration. It is produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Who calls the shots in Charlotte? — with journalist Jim Morrill

Tony Mecia — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 09:21:04 -0500

In the 1980s, a handful of local business leaders known as "The Group" would meet to discuss their vision for turning Charlotte into a modern and thriving "New South" city. And they made it happen. Today, the influence of businesses on Charlotte's direction has waned, and decision-making on big issues is more fractured.

Longtime Charlotte journalist Jim Morrill discusses "The Group" and its legacy, which he explored in the February 2023 cover article in Charlotte magazine entitled "Who's in Charge in Charlotte?" Morrill retired in 2021 after a 40-year career at The Charlotte Observer, where he covered politics and government. He and Charlotte Ledger editor Tony Mecia discuss downtown development, the origins of Charlotte's "world-class city" focus, the influence of the business community and how big decisions are made today.

For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Investing in Charlotte's Historic West End, with Charles Thomas

Lindsey Banks — Fri, 03 Feb 2023 11:21:08 -0500

Charles Thomas serves as the Charlotte program director of the Knight Foundation and focuses on the development and preservation of Charlotte's Historic West End neighborhood. In this episode, he discusses how the Knight Foundation invests in the community and encourages residents to participate in the development process.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is hosted by Steve Dunn of Miles Mediation and Arbitration. It is produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Fostering an entrepreneurial spirit, with Todd Buelow

Lindsey Banks — Fri, 27 Jan 2023 12:13:49 -0500

Dualboot Partners principal Todd Buelow's 25-year career as an entrepreneur is centered around servant leadership. In this episode, he shares how he grew his extensive network to help more people, how being a late bloomer shaped his outlook on life, and what advice he would give to aspiring entrepreneurs.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is hosted by Steve Dunn of Miles Mediation and Arbitration. It is produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Creating space for Charlotte artists, with Manoj Kesavan

Lindsey Banks — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 16:12:06 -0500

Manoj Kesavan founded BOOM Charlotte to create a space for Charlotte's talented artists to showcase their work. In this episode, Kesavan shares his inspiration for BOOM, why diversity is important to Charlotte's art scene and where the city falls short in supporting its local artists.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is hosted by Steve Dunn of Miles Mediation and Arbitration. It is produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Charlotte’s path toward sustainability, with Amy Aussieker

The Charlotte Ledger — Fri, 13 Jan 2023 12:01:03 -0500

Amy Aussieker, executive director of Envision Charlotte, is one of Charlotte's leaders in making the city more sustainable. In this episode, she talks about her work at Envision Charlotte, why it’s so important for our city and why she is breeding soldier flies at the city-owned Innovation Barn.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is hosted by Steve Dunn of Miles Mediation and Arbitration. It is produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Introducing the Ledger 40 Over 40 awards

Tony Mecia — Mon, 09 Jan 2023 22:17:47 -0500

Have you ever thought people aged 40+ should be identified and recognized for their good work? Yeah, we did, too — so much that we started The Charlotte Ledger 40 Over 40 Awards, which celebrate people who are making our community better and who are aged 40 and up.

In this special episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Charlotte Ledger editors Tony Mecia and Cristina Bolling explain the whys and hows of the 40 Over 40 Awards, which are now in their 4th year and culminate with a fun 1980s-themed party in April. They are interviewed by Tim Whitmire of CXN Advisory and Steve Dunn of Miles Mediation and Arbitration.

For more information on the Ledger 40 Over 40 Awards, Presented by U.S. Bank, go to Ledger40Over40.com.

The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Where is the economy headed in 2023? A panel discussion

The Charlotte Ledger — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 14:17:57 -0500

As we enter 2023, there are big question marks about the future of the U.S. economy. What will happen with inflation, jobs, stocks and the housing market? A panel of experts broke down those topics and more in a Jan. 4, 2023, online forum called “Taking the Air Out of Inflation: 2023 Economic Outlook.” The panel is presented by Davidson College and U.S. Bank, and the moderator is Charlotte Ledger editor Tony Mecia.

Panelists are Eric Freedman, chief investment officer at U.S. Bank Asset Management Group; Siobhan O’Keefe, assistant professor of economics at Davidson College; Matt Phillips, financial markets correspondent for Axios; and Jennifer Streaks, senior personal finance reporter for Insider.

You can watch a video of the discussion, with captions, here.

For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

How a grieving mom created a pediatric cancer nonprofit, with Diane Restaino

Cristina Bolling — Fri, 30 Dec 2022 14:07:02 -0500

Since the death of her son Joe in 2010, Diane Restaino of Charlotte has been working toward his dying wish that she raise money to advance research and treatment of pediatric cancer. Over the course of 13 years, Diane grew the Joedance Film Festival into a well-known nonprofit that raised more than $400,000 for Atrium Levine Children's Hospital's cancer program. As Diane announced the festival's end, she reflected on the experience of starting a nonprofit in honor of a child, her grief journey and what Joedance has accomplished in the world of pediatric cancer treatment.

For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Charlotte's changing real estate industry, with David Ravin

Tony Mecia — Tue, 13 Dec 2022 20:35:18 -0500

Charlotte's real estate industry is changing — and David Ravin, CEO of development company Northwood Ravin, has had a front-row seat to its evolution over more than two decades. He reflects on his early interest in architecture and urban planning, his time as a student at UNC Charlotte, what he learned at real estate giant Crosland, Northwood Ravin's philosophy on building and where real estate in Charlotte goes from here.

For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Understanding Charlotte's tech sector, with John Espey

Tony Mecia — Sun, 27 Nov 2022 15:34:02 -0500

How does Charlotte's tech sector stack up nationally, and where does it go from here? Veteran local tech entrepreneur John Espey, CEO of Defiance Ventures, assesses Charlotte's strengths and weaknesses in tech, tells what he looks for in making tech investments, discusses the sector's recent challenges and offers an outlook for crypto, artificial intelligence and more.

For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Planning for CMS' future, with Claire Schuch

Cristina Bolling — Thu, 10 Nov 2022 16:24:40 -0500

When Claire Schuch reported for duty at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools in spring 2022, she inherited a department with plenty on its plate. Schuch leads the district’s planning services department, which is responsible for tasks ranging from drawing boundaries for new schools to devising plans to accommodate for growth and shifting populations.

She sat down with Ledger managing editor Cristina Bolling in this episode of the Charlotte Ledger Podcast to talk about her background and the mission behind her department, the importance of understanding the communities beyond the maps and what’s ahead for school growth in south Charlotte.

For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.

The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is produced by Lindsey Banks.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Building a regional transit system, with Geraldine Gardner

The Charlotte Ledger — Thu, 03 Nov 2022 07:43:01 -0400

If a big transit plan for Charlotte is going to happen, it’s going to take a regional approach. And Geraldine Gardner, executive director of the Centralina Regional Council, has been working on a regional approach to Charlotte-area transit since 2019.

Last year, the Centralina Regional Council and the Metropolitan Transit Commission released Connect Beyond, a regional mobility plan that offers a vision of for improving transit and transportation in the 12-county Charlotte region. It produced more than 150 recommendations that will serve as a blueprint for improving connectivity over the next couple decades.

The Charlotte Ledger’s Tony Mecia talked with Gardner about the vision for a regional transit system — and how to get there.

The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is produced by Lindsey Banks.

Find out more about The Charlotte Ledger, or sign up for our award-winning newsletters, at TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

From citizen to politician, with Charlotte City Council member Marjorie Molina

Tony Mecia — Sun, 30 Oct 2022 15:47:44 -0400

Marjorie Molina wasn’t expecting to run for political office. But when a vacancy opened on the Charlotte City Council and friends suggested she give it a try, she went for it.

Some parts of running a political campaign didn’t come naturally, like fundraising. But it worked: She beat four opponents in a May 2022 primary and was sworn in representing Charlotte’s eastside in September 2022.

Molina, 42, spoke with The Ledger’s Tony Mecia about her journey from citizen to politician, what it’s like being a council member, what she hopes to accomplish in her time on council, and what the future looks like for east Charlotte.

The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is produced by Lindsey Banks.

For more information or to sign up for The Charlotte Ledger's newsletters, go to TheCharlotteLedger.com

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Protecting Charlotte's water supply, with Catawba Riverkeeper Brandon Jones

Lindsey Banks — Thu, 20 Oct 2022 12:06:03 -0400

The Catawba River is Charlotte's source of water. It's vital to our region. So how do we protect it? Brandon Jones of the Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation discusses that important topic with The Charlotte Ledger's Lindsey Banks. They explore what being a riverkeeper means, why protecting the river basin is important in Mecklenburg County, the foundation's work and the coolest spot in the basin to visit. Podcast produced by Lindsey Banks.

For original and smart local insights on Charlotte, sign up for The Charlotte Ledger's newsletter at www.TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Building better health care journalism in Charlotte, with Rose Hoban and Michelle Crouch

The Charlotte Ledger — Mon, 03 Oct 2022 20:11:06 -0400

From a new medical school to changes at doctors’ offices, there’s plenty happening in health care in the Charlotte region. Ledger editor Tony Mecia talks with Rose Hoban of North Carolina Health News and longtime Charlotte reporter and editor Michelle Crouch about an innovative new partnership between The Ledger and North Carolina Health News that will enhance the public’s understanding of health care and the local institutions that deliver it.

The joint effort is a creative solution by two digital media companies to keep the public informed, as many legacy news outlets have cut back on independent local reporting — and as large health care companies continue to grow in size and influence.

We examine the initiative and discuss Charlotte’s health care scene, the outlook for local news and how experienced health writers find and report stories.

The Charlotte Ledger podcast is produced by Lindsey Banks.

—

➡️ To donate tax-free to support the Charlotte health care reporting initiative: https://www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/donate_clt/

Need to sign up for this e-newsletter? We offer a free version, as well as paid memberships for full access to all 4 of our local newsletters:

➡️ Opt in or out of different newsletters on your “My Account” page.

➡️ Learn more about The Charlotte Ledger

The Charlotte Ledger is a locally owned media company that delivers smart and essential news through e-newsletters and on a website. We strive for fairness and accuracy and will correct all known errors. The content reflects the independent editorial judgment of The Charlotte Ledger. Any advertising, paid marketing, or sponsored content will be clearly labeled.

Like what we are doing? Feel free to forward this along and to tell a friend.

Social media: On Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Sponsorship information/customer service: email support@cltledger.com.

Executive editor: Tony Mecia; Managing editor: Cristina Bolling; Staff writer: Lindsey Banks; Contributing editor: Tim Whitmire, CXN Advisory; Contributing photographer/videographer: Kevin Young, The 5 and 2 Project

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Behind the Charlotte FC microphone, with broadcaster Jessica Charman

Carroll Walton — Thu, 15 Sep 2022 11:49:16 -0400

Charlotte FC radio color broadcaster Jessica Charman discusses playing soccer as a girl in a male-dominated sport in England, the peculiarities of using British English to explain soccer to an American audience and her favorite moments of the team's first season. Charman, the first female full-time radio broadcaster in MLS, is interviewed by Charlotte Ledger/Fútbol Friday soccer writer Carroll Walton. Podcast produced by Lindsey Banks.

Sign up for the free Fútbol Friday newsletter, with smart and independent news about Charlotte FC, at www.TheCharlotteLedger.com.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

University City after the Centene pullback, with Tobe Holmes and Darlene Heater

The Charlotte Ledger — Tue, 30 Aug 2022 19:30:00 -0400

University City in Charlotte suffered a big setback with the news in August 2022 that insurance giant Centene was abandoning plans for an East Coast headquarters. Guests Tobe Holmes of University City Partners and Darlene Heater of Panorama Holdings discuss the outlook for University City — and why it seems primed for more growth. They unpack the market's development hotspots, its housing market, infrastructure improvements and best-kept secrets.

Stay in the know about Charlotte by signing up for our newsletter at TheCharlotteLedger.com.

Producer: Lindsey Banks

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

The future of Charlotte office space, with Brett Gray of Cushman & Wakefield

Tony Mecia — Tue, 23 Aug 2022 22:49:54 -0400

There are a lot of questions in Charlotte these days about the future of work: remote work, hybrid work, office layouts, companies’ office needs — especially in light of the decision by health insurer Centene to back out of a huge planned East Coast headquarters in Charlotte's University City area. Brett Gray, managing principal of Cushman & Wakefield's Charlotte office, discusses the market for office space in the city with The Ledger's Tony Mecia. Will developers build more office towers in Charlotte? Will companies slash their square footage? What amenities do companies look for nowadays? We examine all that and more in an insightful 15-minute interview.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

A year of growth for The Charlotte Ledger

Tony Mecia — Thu, 30 Dec 2021 09:30:33 -0500

(^ You can listen to Ledger editor Tony Mecia read this letter to readers by clicking above)

Dear Ledger reader:

It’s the end of 2021, the time of the year when organizations look back and look ahead.

At The Ledger, we’ll try to spare you the overly sappy reflections, but we do think it’s healthy to share with our readers what we’ve done and where we’re heading. We can exist only because of our readers’ support, so we think you deserve periodic updates on how our business is doing.

The short version: In 2021, we continued growing, with more paying members climbing aboard, more people hearing about us and more efforts on our part to experiment with new things that readers might like. We plan to keep that up in 2022.

The longer version: Man, we did a lot. We sent 292 email newsletters, broke a ton of news, highlighted trends and introduced you to fascinating people in our city. We are pretty sure we made you smarter and better-informed.

Some of the work we are most proud of includes:

Investigations: We shared some ambitious investigative pieces, including in-depth looks at the sexual assault allegations at Myers Park High, an unexpected $10,000 colonoscopy bill from Atrium Health, the decline of the Arts & Science Council and the trend toward replacing pediatricians with nurses in hospital nurseries.

New newsletters: We started 2 new newsletters this year — Ways of Life (obituaries); and Transit Time, in conjunction with WFAE and UNC Charlotte’s Urban Institute. Not to brag (too much), but Transit Time was named “Best Local Newsletter” by Queen City Nerve and won a national award from our trade group, Local Independent Online News (LION), for “Collaboration of the Year.”

Trends: Because we are connected to Charlotte, we clued you in to interesting and important trends before they became widely apparent. Supply chain disruptions? We looked into the causes months before politicians made it a talking point. Book shortages? We told you about them two weeks before the New York Times. Wild bidding wars for houses? We shared Realtors’ eye-opening stories a week before The Wall Street Journal had the same idea. And when teens started stocking up on feta cheese in February because of a TikTok video, guess which local newsletter was ON IT — two weeks before The New York Times took note.

The Ledger displayed plenty of range in 2021. Clockwise, from upper left: Midnight hockey in Pineville; J.T. Williams, one of N.C.’s first Black surgeons, who became a politician and diplomat; feta cheese supplies running low in February; the prototype of a drive-thru-only Bojangles in Cotswold; analysis of enrollment declines at south Charlotte public schools; a financial salesman who pursued his dream of opening an east Charlotte reptile shop; the bread-only “Sandwiche” from the fictional Breadland restaurant in our April Fools’ edition; pickleball action heats up among newly vaccinated Sun City residents.

Interesting people: We introduced you to Charlotte people with stories to tell and lessons to share, including an Atrium Covid ICU nurse who experienced the pandemic through different eyes when her grandmother became ill with the virus; newly vaccinated seniors in Sun City who were happy to resume playing pickleball and attending Saturday night ’60s dance parties again; a Broadway fan who received a get-well video message from Lin-Manuel Miranda; investors who put money into tech company AvidXchange and waited 20 years to reap big windfalls; and relocated Northerners who play hockey at midnight in Pineville.

Interviews: We gave you Q&As with well-known and fascinating Charlotte people, including former Bank of America CEO Hugh McColl Jr.; former mayors Sue Myrick and Harvey Gantt; the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art’s new executive director, Todd Smith; Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s new CEO, Marcellus “MT” Turner; and basketball broadcast analyst Jay Bilas.

Growth and development: The story of Charlotte is the story of growth, and we have continued to offer unparalleled and authoritative local coverage of this important topic — from insights on the 2040 Comprehensive Plan; to development trends in Sugar Creek, NoDa, west Charlotte, Ballantyne,

The Charlotte Ledger Podcast

Redefining the New South in Charlotte, with Richard Cooper

What colleges really want — and how to stand out

Charlotte’s history explains its biggest challenges, with Tom Hanchett

Why the music stopped for Lovin' Life

Charlotte’s identity crisis — or its strength

Behind the deal to bring 2,000 bank jobs to Charlotte

Keeping ballet alive in Charlotte

How Phil Berger lost — and what it means

Inside Charlotte's housing crunch

Why financial planning is about more than picking stocks

Forecasting the storm, and weathering the internet

Understanding the I-77 toll debate

Reporters’ Roundtable — Discussing the local news of the week

How Counter- became Charlotte’s only Michelin-starred restaurant

The 2026 Republican primary election in Mecklenburg

The 2026 Democratic primary election in Mecklenburg

Why economics matters in Charlotte

Reporters’ Roundtable - Discussing the local news of the week

Why Charlotte is still searching for its soul

The future of Charlotte’s Center City

PBS Charlotte at a crossroads

Understanding change in aging adults

Reporters’ Roundtable — Charlotte News of the Week

LendingTree's new CEO, Scott Peyree

Reporters’ Roundtable — Charlotte news of the week

Taking control of your money, with Brian Li

Unconventional holiday movie picks, with Lawrence Toppman

Reinventing college for a changing Charlotte, with Rick Mathieu of Johnson & Wales

Reporters’ Roundtable — Charlotte news of the week

How to write a novel, with lawyer-turned-writer Mathew Flatow

Bechtler Museum's role in Charlotte’s cultural fabric, with director Todd Smith

Reporters’ Roundtable — Charlotte news of the week

Meet The Ledger's new managing editor, Ashley Fahey

Breaking down the 2025 election in 11 minutes

How Charlotte’s legal advocates are weathering a funding storm, with Larissa Mañón Mervin

Building a fun way to learn something new, with Haley Bohon of SkillPop

The case *against* Mecklenburg's transportation referendum

Finding purpose after retirement, with Sallie Jarosz

The case *for* Mecklenburg's transportation referendum

It takes two to tango a business

Examining the Carolinas' rapid growth — Live panel discussion from Canopy Expo

Building a medical practice on trust and science, with Carlos and Nathalie Jorge

Fueling nonprofit growth, with Kristin Winkle Beck of Social Venture Partners

Career Boost: Get more done without burning out

Career Boost: Make LinkedIn work for you

Career Boost: Communicate like a leader

Building a business in hazard removal, with Gilberto Bergman

Building and maintaining muscle as you age, with OrthoCarolina's Dr. Robert Morgan

Understanding arthritis and easing the aches, with OrthoCarolina's Dr. Michael Bates

Improving your muscle health, with OrthoCarolina's Dr. Barrett A. Little

The heart and smoke behind Sweet Lew’s BBQ, with Lewis Donald

Building drum and bugle corps Carolina Crown, with Doug Madar

Behind the 'Graveyard of the Atlantic,' with journalist Mark Washburn

Meet Mecklenburg's new parks director, Nick Walker

Behind the Leon Levine Foundation's big surge in giving

Sisters, strategy & storytelling, with Amoura & Avery Carter

A peek under the cover, with author Joy Callaway

How community colleges are fueling N.C.’s workforce, with John Loyack

Trends in Charlotte's hospitality and retail scene

Going the extra mile, with Susan Evren of Go Jen Go

An entrepreneur's journey, with Grace Weisiger

🎥 WATCH: The Meck Dec's 250th anniversary celebration

Life in morning radio, with WFAE's Marshall Terry

The Meck Dec: Fact or fiction?

Making businesses run smoothly, with Joanna Beck

Uniting forces to tackle poverty, with Kathryn Firmin-Sellers

Strengths and strains in Charlotte's economy, with economist Mark Vitner

The art of aging well, with Jennifer Szakaly of Caregiving Corner

Building a sustainability program, with Esther Moberly of Coke Consolidated

Workplace Trends, Part 3: Retaining and developing your employees

Workplace Trends, Part 2: Rethinking your hiring strategy

Workplace Trends, Part 1: What’s coming in 2025?

Building up tomorrow's leaders, with Courtnie Coble

Exploring Charlotte's fascinating history, with John Short

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library's next chapter, with CEO Marcellus Turner

Turning research into thriving businesses, with Michelle Bolas of NCInnovation

20 years of beer, bikes & BBQ, with Tony Salerno of Mac's Speed Shop

In the room where it happens, with Tom Gabbard of Blumenthal Arts

A front-row seat to N.C. politics, with Republican strategist Carter Wrenn

The case against Mecklenburg's transportation referendum

The case for Mecklenburg's transportation referendum