The Catawba Chronicles

Ever wondered how the influx of new residents and businesses from nearby Charlotte has changed the landscape of Catawba County? Discover the delicate balance between progress and preserving the old community spirit as we share personal memories like childhood trips to the iconic Terrell Country Store for a scoop of ice cream. Our special guest, a dedicated local historian, joins us to discuss thei...

What if a suburban family could transform a sprawling 147-acre farm into a hub of sustainable living? Join us on this episode of the Catawba Chronicles as we sit down with Melissa from True Cut Ranch in Claremont, North Carolina. Melissa shares her incredible journey from a modest suburban lot in Mecklenburg County to managing a diverse farm. From the initial resistance to the eventual embrace of...

What makes Hickory such a special place to live and work? Join us as we sit down with Clarissa Starnes, the Executive Director of the Hickory Museum of Art, who offers an intimate glimpse into her personal journey and unwavering connection to Hickory and Catawba County. Clarissa recounts her upbringing in this close-knit community, her education at Lenore Ryan University, and her remarkable 13-yea...

Step into the world of Erin Graves, Director of Programs at the Catawba Science Center, as she traces her roots from a quaint South Carolina town to her influential role in Hickory, North Carolina. With an academic background in biology and a spirited history of teaching in bustling New York City, Erin's voyage has been nothing short of extraordinary. Her adventures span the concrete jungle t...

When the gentle hum of countryside life mingles with the echoes of personal triumph, magic happens. Leah Livingston of Amillia Acres embodies this enchantment, sharing her poignant tale that interweaves loss, love, and the nurturing bond between humans and animals. Our conversation traverses the path from the origins of Amillia Acres— a touching homage to Leah's daughter—to the bustling homes...

Have you ever walked the streets of your town and wondered what secrets lie beneath the very ground you tread?  Let's embark on a journey through time with Alex Floyd, the esteemed local historian from Newton Library's Rhodes Room, as he weaves the narrative of Catawba County's storied past and its profound transformation. Alex traces his own path from a Raleigh native to a devoted...

Have you ever planted a seed of change that blossomed into a community cornerstone? Shelley Orr, the dynamic Library Services Manager for Catawba County, did just that as she helped transform a library corner lot into a thriving community garden. Our vibrant chat navigates her anthropological roots to her flourishing role, where she weaves cultural threads into a tapestry of library services. We s...

Season two of the Catawba Chronicles opens its doors wider than ever, inviting you to pull up a chair alongside me, Oliver Connor, as we unearth the heartbeat of our community through the stories and jobs of its most influential citizens.  With the first 750 words of our latest episode setting the stage, you'll realize that this isn't just another local podcast; it's a journey share...

For our next episode of "The Catawba Chronicles," we are thrilled to feature a special guest whose infectious spirit and commitment to service have touched countless lives: Ben Triplett. Growing up, Ben was known for his jovial nature and the ability to lift the spirits of everyone around him. He was a breath of fresh air, someone whose presence could brighten any day. His warm-hearted n...

In this episode of "The Catawba Chronicles," we are excited to introduce you to Sherry Butler, a former school board member and local politician from Catawba County, NC. Sherry has dedicated her life to improving education and advocating for her community, and her story is an inspiring testament to the power of perseverance and civic engagement. Support the show

In this episode of "The Catawba Chronicles," we had the pleasure of speaking with two amazing women from the Friends of the Catawba County Library. This dedicated group of volunteers is committed to supporting and promoting the local library, enriching the lives of the residents of Catawba County. Support the show

In our next episode of The Catawba Chronicles, we are thrilled to introduce you to a true American hero and an outstanding example of the extraordinary individuals who hail from Catawba County. Lucas Bandy, a graduate of Bandys High School, has dedicated over a decade of his life to serving our great country. From his time as a combat medic to becoming a captain in military intelligence, Lucas&apo...

We are excited to announce our next guest on the Catawba Chronicles podcast: Jeff Coffey, an inspiring individual who has achieved great success in various fields. From his basketball days playing with legends like Sleepy Floyd to becoming a successful author and entrepreneur, Jeff's story is nothing short of fascinating. Join us as we dive into his life, works, and experiences, including his...

In this episode, host Oliver Connor sat down with Ryan Vasconcellos, the owner of Equipment Repair and Service NC, Inc., to discuss his journey in the equipment repair industry and the challenges he's faced along the way. Support the show

We can’t wait to introduce our next guest, Shelly Leatherman. Shelly Leatherman is an accomplished artist who has made a name for herself in the music industry. She is based in Nashville, Tennessee, where she works with music industry professionals daily, collaborating with some of the most legendary musical geniuses for her upcoming album. As an artist, Shelly pushes herself to the forefront of t...

The latest episode of the Catawba Chronicles Podcast features Justin Brown, a creator known for his creativity and passion for creating engaging content. In this episode, Justin shares with us how his childhood in Catawba County played a pivotal role in shaping his imagination. Support the show

We speak with Brian Sigmon, a Catawba County native and author. Brian grew up in Catawba County and attended Bandys High School. He is best known for his novel, "Archimedes," which is now available on Amazon  Support the show

Carolina Cleaning Company is a full-service cleaning company that provides services to residential and commercial clients. They offer a wide range of services. The company is committed and strives to provide its clients with the highest client service. Support the show

Good Soles is a non-profit organization founded by Jeremy Coffey with a mission to help individuals transition out of homelessness by providing them with a pair of work shoes. This small but impactful gesture can make a huge difference in someone's life, as having proper footwear is often a requirement for employment. Support the show

In the next episode of the Catawba Chronicles podcast, Johnny Beane from Beason Homes discusses building custom homes for the local community and what it took to get here. Support the show

 The Sherrills Ford Optimist is a community gem that provides a range of youth sports programs for kids. These programs promote physical activity and teamwork and teach kids valuable life skills such as optimism and resilience.  Support the show

If you're interested in learning more about the history of Catawba County, you'll want to check out the latest episode of "Catawba County Chronicles with Robert Eades." In this episode, Robert Eades touches on the county's past, sharing stories and insights about the people, events, and communities that have shaped its history. Support the show

 Born and raised in Statesville in the 1970s, Charles initially pursued a career in medicine and graduated with a background in the field. After moving to Kiser Island, Charles opened a pharmacy in downtown Mooresville and was doing quite well for himself, but he discovered there was more than one way to measure success. However, he found his true passion lay with dogs.  Support the show

I am excited to announce our next podcast episode, where I have the pleasure of chatting with Timmy Harper about his upbringing in Catawba County. Timmy shares with us his experiences growing up in this small town One topic that we delve into is Timmy's love for basketball. From his days playing on the high school team to his time as a collegiate athlete, Timmy has always had a passion for th...

Our second podcast episode featured Scott La Sala of Hella Farms, where we discussed the importance of sustainable agriculture and the innovative methods used by Hella Farms to produce fresh, organic meat. Scott shared with us how Hella Farms is focused on using regenerative farming techniques to produce high-quality meat and improve the health of the soil and the surrounding ecosystem. Using chic...