Freedom and Glory - Tales of American Spirit

When Americans think about the founding of the United States, most minds immediately go to Boston, Philadelphia, Lexington, and Concord. But what if one of the most important chapters of the American Revolution happened right here in North Carolina? In this episode of Tales of American Spirit, host Liz Morris welcomes Kelly Arnold from the Alliance for Historic Hillsborough to explore the remarkab...

Rick Webb shares how his father, backed by his mother’s support, built Waco from one locomotive and eight team members into a diversified supply chain services company operating 47 short line railroads and serving 3,500+ customers across North America and Australia. He explains how an evergreen 1983 contract with a Louisiana paper mill—cancelable with 30 days’ notice—taught Waco to differentiate t...

Holly Higgins, a Gold Star mother, shares the story of her son Daniel, a 22-year-old U.S. Air Force explosive ordnance disposal technician killed in Afghanistan in October 2010, and explains how years of mourning led her to use storytelling—on stages, in workshops with Lt. Col. Scott Mann, and in a widely viewed TEDx talk—to help veterans, Gold Star families, first responders, and others find heal...

Hosts Liz Morris and Bill LuMaye interview Kelly C. Hyke, owner of Hyke Funeral Home in Redfield, South Dakota, who spent 18 years in law enforcement before switching to mortuary science and buying the funeral home with his wife Bonnie in 2015. Kelly explains how flying American and service flags began as a simple thank-you—especially to veterans—and grew into a widely noticed community tradition,...

On Freedom and Glory: Tales of American Spirit, hosts Liz Morris and Bill LuMaye talk with John Newberry and Tom Vols, co-founders of Gopher, a community-driven gig marketplace sparked by a golf course moment and built to bring fairness and transparency to local delivery and services. They explain how users post what they need and set what they want the worker to earn, while Gopher adds a small pl...

Join Liz Morris and Bill Lume as they speak with Turquoise Parker, an educator and community leader from Durham, North Carolina. Turquoise shares the inspiring story of Bull City Food Raiser, a grassroots effort she founded to combat food insecurity among students. Learn about the exponential growth of the initiative, from helping one family to supporting thousands of children across multiple scho...

Join Liz Morris and Bill LuMaye on this episode of 'Freedom and Glory: Tales of American Spirit,' as they explore the inspiring journey of Carrot Top Industries' transformation into Freedom and Glory. Learn about their mission to bring meaningful change through flag sales and community impact. Special guest Eric Henry, president of TS Designs, shares his powerful story of resilience in the textile...

Dr. Richard Bedlack: Revolutionizing ALS Treatment with Science, Hope, and Style Join us in this inspiring episode featuring Dr. Rick Bedlack, a renowned neurologist, researcher, and leader of the Duke ALS Clinic. Known for his colorful suits and hopeful approach, Dr. Bedlack shares his journey from his childhood fascination with the brain to his transformative work in ALS research. Discover the s...

Join us for an emotional and inspiring episode featuring Amy Dozier from the Woody Williams Foundation. Amy shares her personal journey of loss, being a Gold Star spouse, and her mission to honor her husband's legacy through supporting military families. She discusses the challenges and healing processes Gold Star families face, the importance of connection and remembrance, and her involvement wit...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Lindsay Roselle of Vortic Watch Company , as she shares her remarkable entrepreneurial journey and how she’s transforming antique US pocket watches into modern timepieces. Lindsay shares her diverse background in business development and entrepreneurship, the challenges of managing a business while being a mother, and stepping in as interim CEO after her...

In this episode, we are joined by Kirk Higgins, Vice President of Content at the Bill of Rights Institute, to discuss the importance of civic education in shaping the next generation of informed and engaged citizens. Kirk shares insights about the institute's mission, the challenges of teaching civics in today's polarized political climate, and the importance of students understanding their rights...

Join us as we talk with Debbie Taylor, a passionate business teacher at Cardinal Gibbons High School in Raleigh, North Carolina. With a rich background as a former CFO, Debbie brings real-world business experience into the classroom, teaching students to think critically and innovate like entrepreneurs. She discusses her journey from the business world to education, the unique programs at Cardinal...

Join us for a special July episode as we delve into Revolutionary War history with Kathi and Jim Turner, owners of the Rising Eagle Public House in Melrose, Massachusetts. Discover how this couple's passion for American history inspired their unique restaurant, rooted in the rich history of Malden's role in the fight for independence. Learn about their journey from the seafood business to owning m...

In today's episode of Freedom and Glory, we spotlight Victor Lytvinenko, co-founder of Raleigh Denim Workshop in North Carolina. Victor shares his journey from his family's move from Ukraine to his entrepreneurial spirit, leading to the creation of Raleigh Denim. He delves into his passion for craftsmanship, his experience in various crafts such as furniture making and cooking, and the inspiration...

Join us in this special Memorial Day episode as we speak with four distinguished veterans who share their unique ways of celebrating and remembering the sacrifices of their comrades. Meet Ed, a Marine and Army Reserve veteran, and Chuck, a retired member of the 82nd Airborne Division, as they recount their journeys and the impact of their service. The episode also highlights the impactful work of...

In this episode, we sit down with Neelesh Patel, president of Net Friends, an IT services company in Durham, North Carolina. Neelesh recounts his incredible journey through the dot-com bubble, the 2008 recession, and his path into entrepreneurship and leadership. Raised by immigrant parents, Neelesh learned valuable life lessons while working in his family's hotel business. He also shares pivotal...

Join us as we dive into the inspiring life of Shawn Roser Warren, an interior decorator and non-profit volunteer who's spent decades improving her community and honoring veterans. Sean shares her extensive work in various non-profit organizations, detailing how she and her late husband, Kit, have launched impactful projects like the Grave Marker Project and Hometown Hero Banners. Sean reflects on...

Join hosts Liz Morris and Bill LuMaye in a captivating interview with 99-year-old WWII veteran Dorma Holt from Burlington, North Carolina. Drafted in 1944, Holt's service includes participating in the Battle of the Bulge and liberating a concentration camp. After the war, he led a successful life as a businessman and entrepreneur. Holt shares his experiences, from growing up on a self-sufficient f...

In this episode, Dwight Morris, Carrot-Top Founder shares his inspiring journey from being a hospital administrator to starting and successfully running his own flag business. Born and raised in the District of Columbia, Dwight moved to Chicago for work before deciding to start his own business, driven by a desire to control his ethics and the quality of service. Starting from his home and initial...

Stories of Perseverance and the American Spirit Join Liz and Bill as they launch their exciting new podcast dedicated to celebrating the American Spirit and Dream. This series features interviews with diverse guests whose stories highlight our nation's core values of perseverance, determination, and hope. From the inspiring neighbor next door to historical heroes like those at the Battle of the Bu...