People & Places EXTRA

We continue to celebrate WNCT-TV's 70th anniversary by catching up with some former Channel 9 personalities. Host Ken Watlington sits down with current Farmville mayor and former "Carolina Today" host John Moore to talk about his days working with the legendary Slim Short and so much more.

We've been spotlighting personalities that have helped make WNCT such a special place over the past 70 years. During December, WNCT has been celebrating and gearing up for its 70th anniversary. On December 22, 1953, WNCT-TV began broadcasting its TV signal. In this podcast, we talk with anchor Alan Hoffman, who served 27 years at Channel 9.

As part of WNCT-TV’s upcoming 70th anniversary, host Ken Watlington is catching up with some former WNCT personalities and fan favorites. The celebration continues as Ken sits down with former Channel 9 meteorologist Phillip Williams. Phillip and Ken talk about 1999's Hurricane Floyd, what it's like growing up and working in Eastern North Carolina, WNCT's impact on the community and much more.

As part of WNCT-TV's 70th anniversary celebration, host Ken Watlington is catching up with some former WNCT personalities and fan favorites. This episode features meteorologist Dontae Jones who worked at WNCT from 2013-2018. Dontae talks about his memories of the station and eastern North Carolina, he and Ken's shared winter weather experiences in Ohio, and some of the storms that affected ENC dur...

Host Ken Watlington catches up with Pitt County native Rachel Harris who just finished a solo drive from Mexico to Alaska. The 22-year-old shares some of her travel experiences and how her journey is inspiring others. Plus, Rachel details some of the things that can go wrong when you're out and about in the wilderness and what trip she hopes to make in the future!

 Brewery 99 owner Pete Frey is the first two-time guest on the podcast. Host Ken Watlington catches up with Pete to talk about Brewery 99's new 2,500-square-foot taproom and all the unique things visitors will find if they come for a visit.

Host Ken Watlington travels to Washington, NC to sit down with the owner of a century-old home that is now a boutique hotel called The Ell Hotel. After transitioning out of the US Army, Ellen Brabo found herself searching for a career in hospitality. Learn more about that, what her hotel has to offer guests and how she's become invested in the Washington community.

Host Ken Watlington chats with author Bethany Bradsher about her book "The Big Rock: Inside the Stakes Hunt for the Elusive Million-Dollar Marlin." Hear why she decided to write about one of the east coast's biggest fishing tournaments and find out what will be the focus of her next sports-related book.

Music fans are once again spinning records in record numbers. Host Ken Watlington visits Alley Cat Records in Greenville to talk about the resurgence of vinyl and much more with store manager Jeff Blinder.

This podcast isn't going to the dogs but it sure is meant to spotlight those who help them. This episode takes us to the dog pound. Host Ken Watlington visits Pitt County Animal Services to learn more about a unique program called "Mutt Strutters" that is not only helping the dogs at the shelters but also a group of volunteers.

Host Ken Watlington visits the Leroy James Farmers Market in Pitt County. He's chatting with the manager and two vendors about what makes the year-round market a destination in Eastern NC. 

We're pulling up to a parking lot in Washington to visit the Perfect Perks Coffee Hut, a place putting the "small" in small business. Host Ken Watlington chats with owner Micki Taylor Kinnion and employee Brittany Daniels about the Hut's 8'x8' building and what it's like working in such close proximity. Plus, we dive into the impact the business is making on the community.

This episode visits a hidden gem in Greenville with a one-of-a-kind name, LookAtDatDer BBQ House & Catering. Host Ken Watlington sits down with owner Ivan Hawkins to talk about the origin of the name, his love of cooking good food, why it's important to feed those in his community, and much more!

 Host Ken Watlington chats with the owners of Ghost Harbor Brewing Company, Thomas and Tabitha Reese. Hear the story behind how they started Elizabeth City's first craft brewery, how the beer scene has grown in the "Harbor of Hospitality," and why they think supporting small businesses can make a difference in the community. 

The peanut is the star of this episode. Host Ken Watlington catches up with Sharon & Chris Smith, owners of Mackeys Ferry Peanuts in Martin County, for the story behind why they bought the business. Plus, the scoop on the 30-plus varieties of peanuts that has people from all over stopping by.

Host Ken Watlington visits CD's Grill, a popular restaurant in Winterville, to chat with owner Lawrence Manning. From overcoming a fire and surviving the pandemic, Lawrence details what makes his restaurant special, how far away folks are coming for his cheese biscuits, and his plans for the future.

Host Ken Watlington visits the Eastern Carolina Village & Farm Museum on the outskirts of Greenville. He chats with two board members, Holly Hoag and Sharon Arnold, about how this remarkable living history exhibit got started, some special events planned for the holidays, and how you can get involved and either visit or volunteer.

He's the man behind the #PlatformForGood movement across Greenville. Host Ken Watlington chats with restaurant owner Yordanys "Jay" Bastardo about coming to the U.S. from the Dominican Republic and opening two restaurants, the challenges he faced when he took ownership of Greenville breakfast staple Harvey's and how he uses his platform to help those in need across the community.

The latest stop on our "Brew To You" tour highlighting eastern North Carolina craft breweries is historic downtown Wilson. Host Ken Watlington chats with husband-and-wife team of Ryan Witter-Merithew and Mahalia Breen, owners of Casita Brewing Company. From ENC to Vermont to Europe and back home, Ryan and Mahalia talk about their journey and how they're now impacting Wilson.

The “Brew To You” tour is back, highlighting the impact craft breweries are making across Eastern North Carolina. The latest stop was in historic Washington. Host Ken Watlington chats with Tim Jackson and Belinda Summerlin, owners of Two Rivers Alehouse. Learn more about the brewery's beginnings, something unique they're serving up and the overall excitement about the future of downtown Washington...

Host Ken Watlington sits down with Matt and Lindsay Shortway, owners of Shortway Brewing Company in the Carteret County town of Newport. They talk about their roots in the military, why Newport was their choice to live and work, and how they're using the brewery to make a difference in their community.

Host Ken Watlington chats with Sammy & Desta Hudson, the folks behind The Refuge in Greene County, a camp aimed at giving children from all walks of life a chance to have fun. The Hudsons are also foster parents and talk about their experiences with Methodist Home For Children in getting assistance in their efforts to foster.

When you think of a French bakery, Paris likely comes to mind. Maybe New York City. But probably not tiny Farmville, North Carolina. Host Ken Watlington visits Café Madeleine to chat with owner Coleen Starling about the bakery's roots and impact on Farmville, her love of croissants and much more!

Take me out to the ball game! Host Ken Watlington visits the North Carolina Baseball Museum in Wilson to chat with museum volunteer Quintin Gilfus. Learn more about what's on display and some of the great history of baseball in the Tar Heel State. Plus, what you can do to help the museum's expansion efforts.

Take me out to the ball game! Host Ken Watlington visits the North Carolina Baseball Museum in Wilson to chat with museum volunteer Quintin Gilfus. Learn more about what's on display and some of the great history of baseball in the Tar Heel State. Plus, what you can do to help the museum's expansion efforts.