Do You Even Live Here?

In this week's episode, the guys wrap up season one and prepare for summer vacation as Jeremy Borden, longtime journalist and executive director of Beacon Media, turns the tables and asks them to reflect on the show so far. They share stories from listeners who reached out, including a young man near Fletcher who said the podcast inspired him to consider running for office. They also discuss t...

BMEN founder Martin Henson joins Preston and Dalton for restorative justice, anime redemption arcs, and Black men's mental health. They also discuss the White House UFC event, Michelle Obama's mistreatment, Juneteenth's politicization, and a sports roundup covering the Hurricanes' Stanley Cup win, the NBA Finals, and the Knicks' chaotic celebration. Do You Even Live Here? is produced in partnershi...

This week, Dr. Lori Stradley, director of Impact Health, joins Preston and Dalton to talk about what drives health outcomes before anyone ever sees a doctor. From rural transportation gaps to food box deliveries stabilizing families, Lori makes the case that investing in basic needs is the smartest healthcare dollar Western North Carolina can spend. Stick around to the end for a follow-up on our b...

This week, the guys are back with a new guest! Dalton and Preston sit down with current Hendersonville City Councilmember, and friend of the show, Gina Baxter to growing up in WNC as a transplant, Appalachian identity, and her ongoing campaign for re-election this November. Also this week, Gina joins Preston and Dalton for a special segment highlighting everyone's favorite hate comments they've re...

This week, the guys sit down for another news episode to discuss the first new school in Watauga County in over 30 years, springboarding into a larger discussion on ongoing efforts to recover from Hurricane Helene. They also discuss ongoing labor disputes within the NC Democratic Party and how they relate to the upcoming amendment on ballots for NC this fall that would enshrine Right to Work in th...

On this week's episode, Dalton and Preston dive deep on local government in their Budget Season Special! Join them as they discuss the process for deciding the budgets in Boone and Fletcher, the realities of running local governments, and how a proposed amendment on this November's ballot could upend all of it. Stick around to hear Preston and Dalton's dream projects for their towns!

In this week’s episode, Preston and Dalton learn about the Healthy Opportunities Pilot, a revolutionary public health program pioneered in North Carolina that was recently defunded by state legislators. They sit down with DeBorah Ogiste, a former beneficiary of the program and participant in Beacon Media’s new documentary, The Root of Good Health, to discuss the impact of the program, its loss, an...

For this week's episode, Preston and Dalton talk about a recent post they made in response to an ongoing project on the Blue Ridge Parkway and their own concerns, discuss their recent travels to Arizona and D.C., and wrap up by sharing Preston's column on the Supreme Court's attack on the Voting Rights Act as well as his own family's connection to civil rights. Give it a listen, yo...

For this week's episode, Preston and Dalton had their first in-person studio session, and there was no better way to mark it than by having two incredible guests. Graig and Kym Meyer are a power couple in NC. Together, we talk about navigating the transition from the legislature, environmental and climate action, messaging, and our unique political moment. Graig Meyer is a former NC Senator, f...

Episode 6: Henderson County, Hospitality House, and Coach Carter In this episode, we sit down with Todd Carter—Mayor Pro Tem of Boone, Dalton’s right-hand man, and Chief Development Director at Hospitality House of WNC—for a wide-ranging conversation rooted in community and impact. Todd shares his journey from Henderson County to becoming a key figure in Boone’s local leadership, along with an ins...

In our second news episode with just our two hosts, Preston and Dalton, touch on an ongoing healthcare challenge related to a hospital in WNC, the replacement process for NC Senator Graig Meyer's seat, their own controversies, and wrap it up talking about March Madness as well as attacking (and defending) Dalton's new school's performance.

Here's part two of our conversation with Petey Smith McDowell, known Asheville comic, influencer, and much more,. Follow Petey for all your AVL memes and for upcoming shows @peteysmithmcdowell. Big shoutouts to Preston's family business, Quality Janitorial Group Inc. for hosting!

So excited that we had the Petey Smith McDowell, known Asheville comic, influencer, and much more, join us for our first in person episode! Together we talk comedy, politics, and Western North Carolina. Follow Petey for all your AVL memes and for upcoming shows @peteysmithmcdowell. Big shoutouts to Preston's family business, Quality Janitorial Group Inc. for hosting!

Welcome to episode 3, where Preston and Dalton switch gears and talk to each other about ongoing events in Boone, Fletcher, and across North Carolina. Together, they talk about Data Centers and their impacts, what they do as local leaders to provide protections, the contentious nature of primaries, Asheville's odds of getting a Costco, and their favorite Pokémon.

Welcome back to Do You Even Live Here? This is part 2 of our chat with Andrew Aydin. We had a lengthy conversation that we're sure you'll enjoy. In this episode, Andrew shares some Jesse Jackson stories honoring the late civil rights hero and spills about some comic insights. Look to support Andrew in his ongoing work, the Appalachian Comics Project, a graphic novel based on the many heroe...

For our second episode, we're excited to host Andrew Aydin, John Lewis's former Digital Director and Policy Advisor, a #1 New York Times bestselling author, and a comics writer. We touch on a bit throughout these two parts. We hope you enjoy and look to support Andrew in his ongoing work, the Appalachian Comics Project, a graphic novel based on the many heroes and stories of Hurricane Hele...

Friend of the show, Gwen Frisbie-Fulton continues the conversation about her work, AI, organizing, and much more in this part two of our episode one. Preston and Dalton stick around after and re-cap and touch on their first jobs. Special thanks for this episode goes to the talented Gwen Frisbie-Fulton, find her work on Substack at WorkingClassStories.substack.com. 

Welcome to our first episode, everyone! Friend of the show, Gwen Frisbie-Fulton joins us for a conversation about her work, AI, organizing, and much more. Gwen is a writer and organizer dedicated to amplifying the voices of working-class people in rural communities across the state. There's few folks better suited to kick of "Do You Even Live Here!"