Gaston's Great

We're celebrating a HUGE milestone  ➜  200 episodes of Gaston's Great! For 200 episodes, we've had the privilege of sharing the incredible stories of the people, businesses, and organizations that make Gaston County such a special place to call home. This week, we're switching things up! We're turning the tables on our host, Steven Long , and taking a trip down memory lane...

What does it take to turn a passion for helping others into a mission that makes a lasting impact? This week, we're joined by Tasha White, founder of HELP Carolina , to hear her inspiring journey, the heart behind her organization, and her dedication to making a difference in the lives of others. Tasha shares what inspired her to start HELP Carolina, the challenges and rewards of building an...

Great teachers do more than teach lessons, they encourage, inspire, and leave an impact that students carry with them long after they leave the classroom. In this episode, Erica shares her journey in education, what inspired her to become a teacher, and what it means to be named Gaston County Teacher of the Year . We talk about the moments that make teaching worthwhile, the importance of connectin...

💜 What if one walk could bring us one step closer to a world without Alzheimer’s? On Episode 197 of Gaston’s Great , we’re joined by Christine John-Fuller, Executive Director, and Ashley Collier, Walk Manager, with the Alzheimer’s Association to talk about a cause that touches so many families in our community. Christine and Ashley share more about the mission of the Alzheimer’s Association , the...

What happens when you create a space where entrepreneurs, small business owners, remote workers, and creatives can come together? You get more than just a place to work, you build a community. 💙 In this episode, Keanu shares the story behind Alchemy Coworking , what inspired its creation, and how it’s helping people connect, collaborate, and grow right here in Gaston County. We talk about the cha...

🎙️ What if getting stronger had less to do with what you lift, and more to do with how you think? In Episode 195 of Gaston’s Great , we sit down with Mark Mazzilli of Belmont Fitness for a conversation that goes beyond workouts and into the mindset behind real strength. Mark shares his perspective on fitness, discipline, and Stoicism, including the power of focusing on what you can control, embrac...

🎙️  Tune in to Episode 194 of Gaston’s Great as we go behind the scenes with Laura Little, co-producer of multiple Broadway and Tony Award-winning productions and Executive Producer & Artistic Director of Laura Little Theatrical Productions!  🎭  Laura shares her journey in the world of theater, her passion for bringing stories to life on stage, and the work that goes into creating memorable p...

In Episode 193 of Gaston’s Grea t, we sit down with Locke Bell, retired District Attorney of Gaston County , for a powerful conversation about leadership, public service, and the community he has called home for decades. Locke shares his journey into law, the experiences that shaped him as a leader, and the lessons he learned throughout his career serving Gaston County. From making difficult decis...

A cancer diagnosis can impact every part of a person's life , but no one should have to face that journey alone. In this episode of Gaston's Great , we sit down with Kim and Samarian from Gaston Cancer Services to learn how their organization is providing hope, compassion, and practical support to cancer patients and their families throughout Gaston County. From helping with transportati...

What inspires someone to dedicate their life to caring for the hearts of others? On this week's episode of Gaston's Great , we're honored to sit down with Dr. Dustin Letts , a cardiologist with CaroMont Health , for a heartfelt conversation about purpose, compassion, and the experiences that shaped his journey into medicine. Rather than focusing solely on cardiology, Dr. Letts opens...

As a new school year approaches, one local event is making sure students and families have the support they need to start with confidence. This week on Gaston's Great , we're joined by Pastor Joe Bell, Sarah Miller, and Bree Thurman Wilson to talk about Ready, Set, Grow, an incredible back-to-school event hosted by the Gaston County Early Literacy Collaborative and CaroMount Health that...

On this week's episode of Gaston's Great , we're joined by Dominick and Nate from the Gaston County Jaycees , a local organization dedicated to developing young leaders while making a lasting impact throughout our community. 🙌 From organizing community events and volunteer projects to creating opportunities for personal and professional growth, the Gaston County Jaycees are helping...

In this special Fourth of July episode of Gaston's Great , Steven Long reads the Declaration of Independence , the historic document adopted on July 4, 1776 , that forever changed the course of our nation's history. As we celebrate America's birthday, take a few moments to reflect on the words that declared the thirteen colonies' independence and laid the foundation for the fre...

This week on Gaston's Great, we're revisiting an inspiring conversation with Jeannine Beert, founder of Hearts 2 Home, an organization dedicated to bringing hope, comfort, and support to families throughout our community. 💜🏡 Jeannine shares the story behind Hearts 2 Home, the mission that drives her work, and the incredible impact the organization continues to make in the lives of thos...

 This week on Gaston's Great, we take a look back at our conversation with former Gaston County Police Chief Joseph Ramey, exploring the leadership lessons, community connections, and commitment to service that defined his remarkable career.  Drawing from decades of experience in law enforcement, Chief Ramey shares the lessons that shaped his career, the importance of building trust and stron...

On this re-release of Gaston's Great, we're revisiting our conversation with Jennie Stultz — a trailblazing leader who made history as Gastonia's first female mayor and has spent decades serving our community through education, public service, and nonprofit leadership. Jennie shares her journey from the classroom to City Hall, the lessons she learned leading a growing city, and her...

In this special re-release from Season 6, we're joined by Walter J. Hart , founder of Canine Companions Ltd, to discuss the incredible impact service dogs have on the lives of those they serve. 🐕‍🦺 Walter shares how these remarkable dogs help veterans living with PTSD, support individuals facing daily challenges, and bring comfort through therapy dog programs in our community. He also talks...

In this heartwarming re-release of Gaston’s Great, we revisit our conversation with Beth Patton and the incredible mission behind Camp Sunshine ☀️ Beth shares how Camp Sunshine creates unforgettable summer experiences for children who may not otherwise have the opportunity to enjoy the joy, friendships, and memories that camp can bring. From how it all began to the lasting impact it has on campers...

This week on Gaston's Great, we’re revisiting an uplifting conversation with Carenda Deonne: Christian motivational speaker, author, and founder of Stress Easy LLC. 💜 In this inspiring episode, Carenda shares her journey of faith, perseverance, and purpose while encouraging others to overcome stress and life’s challenges with positivity and intentional living. 🙌📖 She also dives into her po...

🎙️ This week on Gaston's Great , we sit down with Elizabeth and Richard from the Gaston Community Foundation to talk about the incredible ways they are helping strengthen and support our community. 💙 Elizabeth first joined us back in 2021, and this episode gives us the chance to hear exciting updates, stories of impact, and how the foundation continues connecting generosity with real communi...

🐾🎙️ New Episode of Gaston’s Great! This week, we’re sitting down with Terry Kenny to talk about the incredible work being done through the Animal League of Gaston County, including their Low Cost Spay/Neuter Program!  We dive into:  ✔️ Why spay/neuter is so important for our community  ✔️ How these affordable services are helping local families  ✔️ The real impact on pet overpopulation in Gaston...

🎙️ What happens when three different faiths come together with one shared goal? 💙 In this episode of Gaston's Great , we sit down with Joan, Ray, and Mark from Interfaith Trialogue of Gastonia to talk about the power of conversation, understanding, and unity across different beliefs. From building meaningful relationships to strengthening our local community, this conversation dives into how...

🎧 This week on Gaston’s Great… We’re joined by Preston , Chair of the Ashbrook High School Foundation Board, and Kendall , Chairman, for a conversation all about impact, leadership, and investing in the next generation. From supporting local students to strengthening our community, they share the heart behind what they do and why it matters right here in Gaston County. 💙 Learn more about the Ash...

 Episode Re-Release With the Hunter Huss Huskies heading to the State Championships this weekend, we’re bringing back one of our most popular episodes of Gaston’s Great! In this episode, Steven sits down with Coach Troy Phillips to talk about the impact a coach can have on shaping young men’s lives, both on and off the court. From leadership and discipline to community and character, Coach Phillip...

 🎙️ This week on Gaston’s Great… we’re talking SMILES, community, and the passion behind local business! 😁  Steven sits down with Will Current , owner of Current Dentistry of Gastonia, to hear the story behind his journey into dentistry and how he’s making a difference right here in Gaston County, one smile at a time. 🦷✨ From building trust with patients to creating a welcoming environment that...