TC Spotlight

In this episode, we sit down with Will West, owner of Carolina Grits Company, to explore his journey from the East Coast to the West Coast and ultimately back home to the Twin Counties. Will shares the story of stepping into his father’s legacy and taking over Carolina Grits Co., a beloved local business rooted in tradition, craftsmanship, and Southern culture. We also dive into Will’s creative si...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Will Lamb, founder of The Kainos School, a new hybrid education model that blends the flexibility of homeschooling with the structure and support of in-person instruction. Dr. Lamb shares the inspiration behind Kainos and how it draws from successful models like Heritage Leadership Academy in Raleigh, combining academic rigor, faith-based values, and community...

In this episode, we sit down with Jason Gupton, a Nash County native and veteran Hollywood stunt coordinator whose credits include the film Roofman starring Channing Tatum. Jason shares how his journey—from action sports and parkour to stunt work—led him to coordinate high-risk sequences in major productions.  We explore Jason’s experiences on set, the discipline and creativity required for stunt...

In this episode, we sit down with Kaila Billups, Vicky Mayer, and Madeline Mills, three dynamic team members from the Rocky Mount Family YMCA, to explore the incredible impact the Y has on families and youth in our community. Kaila, who serves as Associate Executive Director, leads the conversation on the Y’s mission, culture, and its role as a cornerstone for health, development, and connection i...

In this episode, we sit down with Bernnadette Yarborough , Director of the Day School at Good Shepherd Church in Rocky Mount , to talk about her lifelong dedication to early childhood education and her passion for nurturing young learners. Bernnadette shares her professional journey, the personal mission that drives her, and the deep sense of purpose she brings to leading one of the region’s most...

In this episode, we sit down with Devin Keaton, founder of Spring Hope Studios, David Keaton, founder of Film Finance Group International (FFGI), and Michael Dallas, the software developer bringing David's innovative ideas to life. Together, they share a fascinating look into how a family’s passion for film, technology, and entrepreneurship is helping shape a new creative hub right here in Nas...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Wendy Cook, Vice President of Student Access & Success at Nash Community College, to dive into the college’s newly launched Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) plan. Dr. Cook shares her journey in higher education and how it led her to NCC, where she now plays a crucial role in shaping student success and institutional growth. We break down what the SEM...

In this episode, we sit down with April Baker, Founder and CEO of A Touch of the Father’s Love based in Momeyer, NC. April shares her inspiring journey—how she started the nonprofit from humble beginnings, grew it through hard work and faith, and eventually secured a permanent home in the old Bass Brothers’ Appliance store. We discuss her vision to expand the organization’s reach, the number of pe...

In this episode, we bring together three leaders shaping the future of the Twin Counties: Susan Phelps (Economic Development Director, Nash County), Bob Pike (CEO, Carolinas Gateway Partnership), and Sandy Roberson (Mayor of Rocky Mount). We explore the region’s growth prospects across housing, infrastructure, job creation, and public policy initiatives. Our wide-ranging conversation digs into how...

In this episode, we sit down with Elton Daniels, the new City Manager of Rocky Mount, NC. Elton shares insights from his first days on the job — the challenges he’s faced, the early wins that have energized his team, and the vision they’re building for the city’s future. We explore Elton’s career journey and what prepared him for this leadership role, dive into Rocky Mount’s upcoming comprehensive...

Bruce Tyler’s story is one of service, grit, and vision. Before co-founding Weldon Mills Distillery, Bruce served as a JAG officer in the Middle East, advising military leaders on complex legal matters in high-stakes environments. That experience forged the discipline and clarity of mission that would later define his entrepreneurial journey. When Bruce returned to North Carolina, he set out to cr...

In this episode, we sit down with Israel James , a proud Rocky Mount native whose story embodies youth leadership, academic excellence, and entrepreneurial innovation. Israel shares his journey from growing up in Rocky Mount to being elected Student Body President at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM), and his role as Chairperson of the NC State Youth Council, where he ad...

In this episode, we sit down with Dillon Hamill , Principal of Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH) School  in Rocky Mount. Dillon shares his journey from public education to leading a thriving private school, offering insight into what inspires him as an educator and administrator. We explore OLPH’s rich history as a cornerstone of Catholic education in Rocky Mount, the school’s mission to foster ac...

Join us for a conversation with David Farris, President and CEO of the Rocky Mount Chamber of Commerce, and Taylor Anderson, Vice President of Operations. We discuss the Chamber’s latest initiatives to support business growth, community engagement, and economic development in Rocky Mount. In this episode, we cover the newly awarded transit grant to launch a new commuter bus service between Raleigh...

This week, Twin County Media collaborated with Barnhill Construction's Constructing the Carolinas to publish a joint podcast. Join us for an inspiring conversation about the momentum transforming Eastern North Carolina with three leaders at the forefront of the region’s growth: Benton Moss, CEO of Simmons and Harris and host of the Twin County Spotlight podcast; Bob Pike, President & CEO o...

Join us for an inspiring episode featuring Chris Barnes, Rocky Mount’s first-ever IFBB Pro bodybuilder, as he embarks on the intense and elite stage of the 2025 Masters Olympia in Tokyo. Competing in the Men’s Classic Physique – Masters 40+ division, Barnes stands shoulder-to-shoulder with a global elite field, including names like Wagner Abreu, Armando Aman, Michael Bell, and many others. We’ll d...

Join us for our conversation with Dr. Evan Duff, President of North Carolina Wesleyan University, as we explore the university’s recent transition to university status and its impact on academic offerings and community engagement. Dr. Duff discusses the evolution of Wesleyan’s academic programs, including the growth and success of the Bishop’s sports programs and the university’s commitment to nur...

In this episode, join us as we sit down with Dr. Drew Gorham and Dr. Richard Hunt from Hunt, Hunt, and Gorham Dentistry , a patient-focused dental practice deeply rooted in Rocky Mount. Dr. Gorham reflects on his entrepreneurial journey, detailing his decision to join Dr. Hunt’s practice and their collaborative approach to general dentistry. Together, they emphasize a high-touch, community-focused...

Join us for our conversation with Dalton Barrett, Captain and Second-in-Command at Edgecombe County EMS, where he plays a pivotal role in community health and safety. Dalton leads the Rapid Response Team for Edgecombe County’s narcotics and drug overdose response program, a critical initiative that involves analyzing street drugs to identify the substances present in opioids circulating within our...

Join us for an engaging conversation with , the CEO and Founder of CarneyCo, a prominent business strategy and marketing consulting practice known for its innovative approaches. In this episode, Skip shares insights from his latest book,  How Might We , where he delves deep into his revision process with compelling stories and practical insights. Learn about Skip’s unique perspective on strategy a...

Join us as we sit down with  Sara Kusan  and  Tyler Pollock  from the Franklin County Home Builders Association, now expanding to encompass Nash County! They share insights into the association's membership benefits, including networking opportunities, continuing education, Builder's Mutual Insurance, and special events tailored for members in the building industry. Tune in to hear how this expans...

If you've seen Twin County Media's social media podcast graphics, you might be wondering - 'who's behind the photography?' In this episode, we’re republishing our conversation with Eric Brown, our partner and a talented professional photographer, who is responsible for much of Twin County Media's headshots. Eric recently published a new book full of his best work,  ITELDU. ...

Tar River Arts + Culture is out with its second edition! Eki Asemota, along with Justin Sykes, editor of the TRAC Magazine, discusses the latest release of Tar River Arts + Culture (TRAC) magazine, highlighting Eki’s studio among its featured stories. Eki’s Famous is a celebrated dance studio located in downtown Rocky Mount.  We explore Eki’s journey in dance education, the cultural impact of her...

In this episode, we sit down with Breonna Walker, Head of School at Southside Academy in South Rocky Mount. Breonna shares her inspiring journey into education and her vision for Southside Academy—a Christian-based, classical school committed to providing a remarkable, God-centered education to children in under-resourced areas. Founded in 2022, Southside Academy currently serves students in grade...

In this episode, we sit down with Gary Lee, President and CEO of Free Will Baptist’s Children’s Home in Middlesex, to explore his journey with the organization and their mission to provide compassionate care for foster children and young adults. Gary shares insights into the organization’s deep-rooted commitment to nurturing and supporting vulnerable youth, emphasizing their holistic approach to m...