Gaston's Great

This week, we’re shining a light on the incredible impact of Bit of Hope Ranch right here in Gastonia, NC. A place where healing, hope, and connection come together through equine-assisted programs. 💙 In this episode, we talk about their mission, the lives being changed through their work, and how our local community continues to rally around those in need. It’s an inspiring conversation about co...

👗✨ On this episode of Gaston's Great , we’re thrilled to sit down with Pam Nixon , CEO of Poffie Girls , and Syble Latta , founder of this beloved bridal and formalwear boutique that has been creating unforgettable moments for generations. Since its beginnings, Poffie Girls has helped women and families celebrate life’s biggest milestones—from saying yes to the perfect wedding dress to find...

🎙️ This week on Gaston’s Great, we sit down with Dan Commerford, Lead Pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Gastonia. Dan shares his heart for serving Gastonia, the role faith plays in strengthening a community, and how leadership rooted in purpose can make a lasting impact. From personal calling to community outreach, this conversation highlights how faith shows up beyond the church walls. Wheth...

Settle in and enjoy a cozy Christmas episode of Gaston’s Great! ✨ Steven invites listeners to slow down and soak in the magic of the season with a heartwarming holiday lineup perfect for all ages. He begins by reading the beloved Christmas classic " ’Twas the Night Before Christmas" , bringing a timeless tradition to life. Along the way, Steven shares some of his favorite Christmas movi...

Episode 177 is on fire — in the best way! 🔥🚒 This week on Gaston’s Great , Steven sits down with the incredible team from the Gastonia Firefighters Foundation , an organization dedicated to supporting the brave men and women who protect our community every single day. We dive into:  • How the foundation serves Gastonia’s firefighters 💙  • Ways they provide support beyond the fire station  • The...

A special Thanksgiving message from Gaston’s Great! 🦃💛 In this holiday special, Steven sits down with his daughters, Hannah & Rachel, for a sweet family moment on the mic. They share what they’re thankful for this year, their favorite Thanksgiving traditions, and a few fun childhood memories that always make them smile. 🍁✨ Whether you’re cooking, traveling, or relaxing with family today, w...

In this episode of Gaston’s Great , we’re joined by Chris Ballard from the Gastonia Ghost Peppers , Gastonia’s newest and spiciest addition to the local sports scene! ⚾🔥 Chris shares how the Ghost Peppers came to life, the vision behind the team, and how they’re creating a fun, family-friendly atmosphere that’s bringing the community together in a big way. From game-day traditions and themed nig...

🔥 You don’t go from couch to 5K overnight… but every BIG change starts with one SMALL step👟 In today’s episode, we talk about how to build confidence, why baby steps beat crash plans , how to break through plateaus , nutrition tips that actually fit your life, and habits that keep you strong for years to come. 💪✨ Natalie Castro and Aikane Burnell (A.B.) also share how HiTone Fitness is investi...

This week on Gaston’s Great , we’re joined by Brent Messer , owner of Facet Foundry Jewelry Studio in Gastonia, NC. Since 1992, Brent and his team have been crafting stunning, custom jewelry pieces that blend creativity, precision, and a personal touch. From engagement rings to restorations, Facet Foundry has become a trusted name across Gaston County for artistry and integrity. In this episode, B...

On this episode of Gaston's Great , we’re honored to sit down with Jennie Stultz — the first female mayor of Gastonia (serving from 1999–2011) who went on to lead community and education initiatives across the region!  Jennie shares her journey from early-childhood education to public service, her passion for community revitalization and global connections through the Sister Cities program, a...

This week on Gaston's Great , we’re joined by Michelle Bowers and Renee Long from the Warlick Family YMCA — a place where fitness, family, and community come together! 💜 Discover how the YMCA stands apart from any other in the region, offering unique programs and opportunities that make a lasting impact across Gaston County. From youth development to wellness to community connection, Michell...

 This week on Gaston’s Great , we’re joined by Alexandrea Pizza from the Gaston County Museum of Art & History ! 🖼️✨   Dive into Gaston County’s rich heritage as Alexandrea shares how the museum preserves local stories, inspires creativity, and connects our community through art and history.   🎧 Tune in now at GASTONSGREAT.COM or your favorite podcast platform! #GastonsGreat #GastonCounty #L...

💜 Episode Summary: In this heartwarming episode of Gaston’s Great Podcast , we sit down with Jeff Thomas, the incredible leader of Rice N Beans Gastonia — an organization dedicated to providing hot meals, clothing, and personal care items to men, women, and children experiencing homelessness throughout Charlotte, Gastonia, Rock Hill, Wilmington, and Monroe. 💜 Tune in as we explore: 🍚 The inspir...

This week, Steven sits down with Dixie Abernathy & Jeff Ramsey for a candid conversation about serving Gaston County—showing up for people, building community, and staying grounded through it all. You’ll hear practical wisdom, heartfelt stories, and the kind of encouragement that reminds us why Gaston County is such a special place to live and work. In this episode: The “why” behind Dixie &amp...

In this inspiring episode of Gaston’s Great , we sit down with Amia Massey — HR Director for Gaston County and Chair of the Advisory board for Gaston Together. Amia shares her journey of leadership, faith, and family, reminding us that “God’s promises are yes and amen” and encouraging us to “do the right thing because it’s the right thing to do.” 🙌 From personal stories about her son to her leade...

On this week’s episode of Gaston's Great, we’re thrilled to welcome Jeannine Beert, the passionate leader of Hearts 2 Home . 💜🏡 WATCH THIS EPISODE NOW ON YOUTUBE Hearts 2 Home is more than just a name — it’s a mission to bring comfort, care, and a sense of belonging to people who need it most. From providing essentials to lifting spirits, Jeannine and her team are pouring love into every pr...

This week on Gaston's Great , we sit down with John Forgan , who shares his incredible journey from the steel and foundries of Cleveland to the textiles, farms, and chicken coops of Gaston County. 🏭➡️🐓 John reflects on what it was like stepping into a whole new culture, learning an entirely different kind of business portfolio, and discovering that success comes down to one thing: adapting...

In this episode of Gaston's Great , we sit down with Sandi McCarter , a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones who found her true calling right here in Gaston County. Sandi opens up about her unique career journey — from starting out in social work to realizing her passion for helping people could be fulfilled through financial advising. She shares how her background in business ownership and he...

In this week’s episode of Gaston's Great , we’re honored to welcome Jimmy McCallister—a man whose story begins in West Virginia and unfolds into a legacy of faith-driven leadership in Belmont and Gastonia, NC. Jimmy takes us through his upbringing, the path that brought him to North Carolina, and the values that have shaped his service in the community. Whether through his career, ministry, o...

In this powerful episode of Gaston's Great , we sit down with Danielle Webb , CEO & Co-Founder of Displaced Roses , whose journey from surviving homelessness to leading a transformative outreach ministry is nothing short of inspiring. 🌹 Displaced Roses meets unhoused neighbors where they are—offering hot meals, hygiene services, case management, and even final respects for those who pass...

This week on Gaston’s Great , Steven sits down with longtime friend and local business leader Mike Sumner, CEO of The Sumner Group! 🌟 With nearly 40 years in business and a passion for community, Mike shares his journey in marketing, his time leading the Chamber of Commerce, and what continues to drive his creative vision in Gaston County. 💼🎉  👉 Learn more about The Sumner Group and connect wi...

This week on Gaston’s Great , Steven Long chats with hometown hero Jennifer Thomas—Market President of South State Bank and full-on Gaston County superfan! 🎉 Jen’s journey takes us from Ashbrook High to Gaston College to Belmont Abbey, and now she’s making major moves in local banking. 💼✨ Hear how her Gaston roots shaped her path, why she’s passionate about people, and how she’s helping our com...

This 4th of July, Gaston’s Great is lighting up the airwaves with something truly patriotic. Steven brings the Declaration of Independence to life in a powerful reading of the document that sparked a revolution and forever changed history. Celebrate freedom, courage, and the American spirit—tune in while the grills are sizzling and the fireworks are flying! 🎆🗽  #IndependenceDay #4thOfJuly #Decla...

 In this special Independence Day episode of Gaston's Great, we're celebrating the spirit of freedom and patriotism with a reading of the Declaration of Independence by our very own Steven. Join us as we take a journey back to 1776, honoring the courageous visionaries who laid the foundation for the United States of America.  Tune in, share with friends and family, and let's celebra...

This week on Gaston’s Great, we’re joined by Greg Dills—CEO of Page Power Systems, co-president of the Rotary Club, and one of Gaston County’s most respected leaders. But before all that? He was just Steven’s elementary school friend. 💼 Tune in as they talk about Greg’s journey in business, leadership, and community service, plus a few laughs and memories from growing up together in Gastonia. It’...