Storytellers Podcast

A devoted collector finds treasures in items that were once the stuff of everyday life in North Carolina. His growing collection, housed in UNC Chapel Hill's Wilson Library, is invaluable to understanding our state, its culture, and its history. Listen as the pages of the magazine come to life in the Storytellers podcast, a new series featuring the voices of six Our State writers, including Editor...

The close relationship between butterflies and flowers is obvious, but eastern tiger swallowtails and bright, blooming azaleas take it to another level. Join Dr. Eleanor Spicer Rice as she explores this natural match between the springtime pollinator and the iconic flowers that thrive across North Carolina. Listen as the pages of the magazine come to life in the Storytellers podcast, a new series...

Our editor in chief reflects on her mother's love and the way it shone in the most quiet, everyday moments — be it a freshly ironed shirt, a warm meal, or a perfectly tied shoe. Listen as the pages of the magazine come to life in the Storytellers podcast, a new series featuring the voices of six Our State writers, including Editor in Chief Elizabeth Hudson. Each podcast episode features a writer r...

Before her voice captivated the world with pop hits like "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" and "Killing Me Softly With His Song," Roberta Flack — who was born in Black Mountain — began her career in eastern North Carolina, teaching and encouraging choral students at H.B. Sugg School. Listen as the pages of the magazine come to life in the Storytellers podcast, a new series featuring the voices...

In the early 20th century, textile mill owners sponsored baseball teams, providing entertainment for their employees and nurturing a passion for the game that's been handed down through generations of North Carolinians. Listen as the pages of the magazine come to life in the Storytellers podcast, a new series featuring the voices of six Our State writers, including Editor in Chief Elizabeth Hudson...

Our Ramblin' Man reflects on backyard encounters and how they remind us that we share North Carolina with all manner of neighbors — furred, feathered, and scaled. Listen as the pages of the magazine come to life in the Storytellers podcast, a new series featuring the voices of six Our State writers, including Editor in Chief Elizabeth Hudson. Each podcast episode features a writer reading their co...

A scientist who once rescued a pair of helpless squirrels returns to the forest where she released them. She recalls their saga fondly — but will they remember her? Listen as the pages of the magazine come to life in the Storytellers podcast, a new series featuring the voices of six Our State writers, including Editor in Chief Elizabeth Hudson. Each podcast episode features a writer reading their...

 Vinegar carries the familiar zing that brightens our barbecue and bounties first, our spirits and souls second. One food writer ponders the question: What can't vinegar do? Listen as the pages of the magazine come to life in the Storytellers podcast, a new series featuring the voices of six Our State writers, including Editor in Chief Elizabeth Hudson. Each podcast episode features a writer readi...

Our writer reflects on where his love of vinyl began, and how the snap, crackle, and pop of a needle sliding across a turntable will always satisfy his soul. Listen as the pages of the magazine come to life in the Storytellers podcast, a new series featuring the voices of six Our State writers, including Editor in Chief Elizabeth Hudson. Each podcast episode features a writer reading their column...

At the John C. Campbell Folk School, hands still craft with purpose. Stitch by stitch, our editor in chief finds a rhythm reminiscent of her mother's work and a timeless appreciation for goods made from the heart. Listen as the pages of the magazine come to life in the Storytellers podcast, a new series featuring the voices of six Our State writers, including Editor in Chief Elizabeth Hudson. Each...

During a late-winter hike, contributor T. Edward Nickens reflects on the sight of tightly curled rhododendron leaves, just waiting to shake off the chill and unfurl when spring arrives. Written by T. Edward Nickens Listen as the pages of the magazine come to life in the Storytellers podcast, a new series featuring the voices of six Our State writers, including Editor in Chief Elizabeth Hudson. Eac...

A landmark lecture given by Frank Lloyd Wright in Raleigh in 1950 heralded the recently formed School of Design at North Carolina State College as a driving force in modernist architecture. Its lasting influence has led to North Carolina boasting one of the highest concentrations of modernist homes in the country. Watch here to learn how Wright's lecture and the work of School of Design Dean Henry...

Contributor Sheri Castle reminds us that whether it's hidden in a pie crust or glistening atop a biscuit, good butter should never go unappreciated. Written by Sheri Castle Listen as the pages of the magazine come to life in the Storytellers podcast, a new series featuring the voices of six Our State writers, including Editor in Chief Elizabeth Hudson. Each podcast episode features a writer readin...

On Thursday evenings at the historic Reeves Theater in Elkin, North Carolina, musician Martha Bassett transports live audiences back to simpler times with a variety show featuring talented local musicians and those who travel in from around the country. Written by Mark Kemp Listen as the pages of the magazine come to life in the Storytellers podcast, a new series featuring the voices of six Our St...

In the forests around central North Carolina, a industrious population labors to ensure native wildflowers and herbs thrive. Watch here to learn how these tiny but mighty creatures protect and beautify the forest understory. Written by Dr. Eleanor Spicer Rice Listen as the pages of the magazine come to life in the Storytellers podcast, a new series featuring the voices of six Our State writers, in...

Whether found in rural Randolph County's pastures or during a mountain trail ride in Burnsville, our editor in chief cherishes the moments of silence that settle across North Carolina's landscapes — and the quiet wonders they reveal. Listen as the pages of the magazine come to life in the Storytellers podcast, a new series featuring the voices of six Our State writers, including Editor in Chief El...

Around 150 years ago, a group of freedmen and women  established a kingdom in Henderson County that flourished, faded, then disappeared. Written by Brad Campbell Listen as the pages of the magazine come to life in the Storytellers podcast, a new series featuring the voices of six Our State writers, including Editor in Chief Elizabeth Hudson. Each podcast episode features a writer reading their col...

Listen as the pages of the magazine come to life in the Storytellers podcast, a new series featuring the voices of six Our State writers, including Editor in Chief Elizabeth Hudson. Each podcast episode features a writer reading their column aloud, allowing each distinct voice to shine. You can experience Our State wherever you go — in the car, on your walk, or while cooking dinner. Written by Eli...

In North Carolina's Albemarle Peninsula, the last population of endangered red wolves — which total fewer than two dozen — roam freely in the wild. Despite the wolves' ever elusive nature, some researchers have made it their mission to protect the precious species. Written by Dr. Eleanor Spicer Rice Listen as the pages of the magazine come to life in the Storytellers podcast, a new series featurin...

In a quiet neighborhood in Lincolnton, a quartet of musicians share their Mexican heritage through colorful folk songs, passing their traditions on to the next generation. Written by Mark Kemp Listen as the pages of the magazine come to life in the Storytellers podcast, a new series featuring the voices of six Our State writers, including Editor in Chief Elizabeth Hudson. Each podcast episode feat...

At the end of duck hunting season, three treasured decoys stir bittersweet memories. Written by T. Edward Nickens Listen as the pages of the magazine come to life in the Storytellers podcast, a new series featuring the voices of six Our State writers, including Editor in Chief Elizabeth Hudson. Each podcast episode features a writer reading their column aloud, allowing each distinct voice to shine...

Honeybees devote themselves to making one of the sweeter things in life. Written by Sheri Castle Listen as the pages of the magazine come to life in the Storytellers podcast, a new series featuring the voices of six Our State writers, including Editor in Chief Elizabeth Hudson. Each podcast episode features a writer reading their column aloud, allowing each distinct voice to shine. You can experie...

When one stream flows into another, the two chart a new course for the future — together. Written by T. Edward Nickens Listen as the pages of the magazine come to life in the Storytellers podcast, a new series featuring the voices of six Our State writers, including Editor in Chief Elizabeth Hudson. Each podcast episode features a writer reading their column aloud, allowing each distinct voice to...

The poignant voices of gospel music seem to rise from the soil of eastern North Carolina. The genre's lineage is as rooted to the land as the crops growing in its fields. Written by Mark Kemp Listen as the pages of the magazine come to life in the Storytellers podcast, a new series featuring the voices of six Our State writers, including Editor in Chief Elizabeth Hudson. Each podcast episode featu...

A historic Rose Bowl pitted Duke University against Oregon State in Durham. Then, in the dark days of World War II, those same football players — and a legendary coach — joined forces to fight for freedom. Written by Brad Campbell Listen as the pages of the magazine come to life in the Storytellers podcast, a new series featuring the voices of six Our State writers, including Editor in Chief Eliza...