The Roundtable Talk Podcast

Hoke County voters are turning out in numbers that could reshape the conversation heading into Election Day. But what does the surge actually mean? In Episode 168 of Roundtable Talk, Ruben Castellon and Chris Holland examine early-voting figures showing a dramatic increase over the 2022 midterm elections. Republican, Democratic, and unaffiliated turnout have all risen, with unaffiliated voters sho...

Ralph Carter for NC House discuses his platform for running for NC House District 48 (Hoke & Scotland counties). Also, information of candidates running for school board. Sponsored by: North State Journal , The LIBRE Initiative - North Carolina , Christian 105.7 WCLN FM . Tagging:   What's Happening Hoke , What's Happening Hoke Discussion Group , The Voices of HOKE COUNTY , Hoke County GOP , R...

What happens when economic relief today creates another bill tomorrow? In Episode 166 of the Roundtable Talk Podcast, Ruben Castellon and Chris Holland dig into the economic and political issues dominating the conversation heading into the 2026 midterm elections. The discussion begins with a proposed $5,000 payment to Americans and quickly moves into a larger question: where does government money...

Hoke County taxpayers paid more than $21,000 connected to a commissioners' trip to a national conference in New Orleans. Do the expenses match the county's own policies? That's the question Ruben Castellon and Chris Holland tackle in Episode 165 of the Roundtable Talk Podcast. The hosts work through reported lodging, airfare, meal per diems and meeting reimbursements and compare those numbers with...

How much power should government agencies have? That's one of the central questions in this episode of Roundtable Talk. Ruben Castellon and Chris Holland begin by examining a recent federal court decision that challenges suppressor registration requirements under the National Firearms Act and discuss what the ruling means for gun owners, constitutional rights, and the future of Second Amendment pr...

Election season has arrived. Chris Holland and Ruben Castellon preview the 2026 Hoke County ballot, discuss campaign strategy, explain why local elections matter, examine campaign finance controversies, and review major Second Amendment court developments affecting North Carolina voters. Sponsors : North State Journal (Hoke County edition) The LIBRE Initiative Christian 105.7 FM.

In this episode of Roundtable Talk, Ruben Castellon and Chris Holland break down the largest county budget in Hoke County history and examine the portion designated for public education. They discuss the relationship between the Hoke County Board of Commissioners and the Board of Education, including who controls local school funding and how lottery money may be used for capital projects. The conv...

Roundtable Talk Podcast | 161 | June 25, 2026 Ruben Castellon and Chris Holland break down four major Raleigh veto overrides, a property tax relief bill, the defense of women's spaces, and a Guilford County COVID-shot lawsuit headed back to court — all from right here in Raeford. Sponsors : Raeford Guns North State Journal (Hoke County edition) The LIBRE Initiative Christian 105.7 FM.

Sponsors : Raeford Guns North State Journal (Hoke County edition) The LIBRE Initiative Christian 105.7 FM.

In Episode 158 of the Roundtable Talk Podcast, hosts Ruben Castellon and Chris Holland open with good news from Hoke County Schools — celebrating outstanding athletes, dedicated coaches, a Rockfish Middle School Teacher of the Month, and seniors racking up hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships, including one student awarded over $500,000. As Chair of the Hoke County Board of Education,...

“Leadership failed at the school level when the mission to educate children stopped for activism.” — Ruben Castellon In Episode 156, hosts Ruben Castellon and Chris Holland sit down at the roundtable to break  down the recent May Day rally that closed school districts across North Carolina. Was it a legitimate teacher protest or a political rally in disguise? Sponsors : Raeford Guns North State Jo...

In this episode of The Roundtable Talk Podcast, hosts Ruben Castellon and Chris Holland kick things off with an honest, lighthearted conversation about seasonal allergies, natural remedies, and how our bodies—and our communities—change over time. The discussion quickly turns to civic matters: from Virginia’s controversial redistricting to the broader effects of political reshaping across the Unite...

In this episode of Roundtable Talk, Ruben Castellon and Chris Holland cut through the noise to discuss i ssues that matter most to Hoke County and North Carolina. They break down the North Carolina Supreme Court’s final word on the state’s voter ID law, explore the  closure of the 32‑year Leandro education case, and examine ongoing debates over educational funding, local accountability, and growth...

Sponsors : Raeford Guns North State Journal (Hoke County edition) The LIBRE Initiative Christian 105.7 FM.

The votes are in — now what? Ruben Castellon and Chris Holland unpack the Hoke County election results and what they mean for our community. Listen to The Roundtable — local voices, real talk, honest solutions. In this post‑election conversation, Ruben Castellon and Chris Holland sit down in Raeford to unpack the results, the surprises, and the stories behind Hoke County’s 2026 races. From voter t...

In this episode of the Roundtable Talk Podcast, Ruben Castellon and Chris Holland sit down with Dr. Ralph Carter—a local physician, community leader, and candidate for public office—to discuss the issues shaping life in Hoke and Scotland Counties. Dr. Carter shares his vision for sustainable growth, smarter infrastructure, local healthcare improvements, and fiscal responsibility. The conversation...

In this episode, Ruben and Chris dive into the start of early voting in Hoke County, examine the details behind the SAVE Act (Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act), and discuss why voter ID laws matter for election integrity. The conversation widens to faith and politics, exploring the moral foundations behind law, justice, and civic responsibility. They also talk about the growing concerns su...

Ruben Castellon and Chris Holland dig into North Carolina power shifts and why they matter locally.  They break down recent Raleigh moves affecting who appoints the State Board of Elections, how that filters to county boards, and what it could mean for voter ID enforcement and local oversight Then the guys lighten it up with a very North Carolina weather check (brace for a soggy Sunday, maybe a me...

In Episode 148 of The Roundtable Talk Podcast, hosts Chris Holland and Ruben Castellon sit down with Dr. Ralph Carter, orthopedic surgeon and candidate for North Carolina House District 48 (Hoke and Scotland Counties). Dr. Carter shares his heart for public service, his perspective on healthcare, and his plan to restore strong local leadership by focusing on affordability, infrastructure, and real...

Sponsors : Raeford Guns North State Journal (Hoke County edition) The LIBRE Initiative Christian 105.7 FM.

It’s filing season in North Carolina, and the local slate is taking shape. Ruben and Chris walk through who files where, what it costs, deadlines that actually matter, and what redrawn districts could mean for Hoke County. We hit the basics (age, residency, unaffiliated petitions, fees), local races already drawing primaries, and a quick reality check on challenges and eligibility. Plus a communit...

Sponsors : Raeford Guns North State Journal (Hoke County edition) The LIBRE Initiative Christian 105.7 FM.

Sponsors : Raeford Guns North State Journal (Hoke County edition) The LIBRE Initiative Christian 105.7 FM.

Streaming live from Christian 105.7 (WCLN), Ruben Castellon and Chris Holland sit down with Rockfish Chamber of Commerce president Erlene Harper for a practical look at how a small chamber drives big impact. We cover: what a chamber really does (advocacy, education, networking), opportunities for micro-businesses and pop-ups, veterans advocacy, and the path toward group insurance. Erlene walks us...

Ruben and Chris unpack Hoke County’s $115,000 refund tied to gaming-machine licenses after a legal clampdown and zoning rollback. They press for transparency, suggest FOIA as a tool, and even call out how poor livestream audio erodes public trust. Plus: clear, parent-friendly NC DMV updates, and a quick look at fall parades, festivals, and the Hoke Native American Scholarship Foundation banquet—en...