TC Spotlight

Bruce Tyler’s story is one of service, grit, and vision. Before co-founding Weldon Mills Distillery, Bruce served as a JAG officer in the Middle East, advising military leaders on complex legal matters in high-stakes environments. That experience forged the discipline and clarity of mission that would later define his entrepreneurial journey. When Bruce returned to North Carolina, he set out to cr...

In this episode, we sit down with Israel James , a proud Rocky Mount native whose story embodies youth leadership, academic excellence, and entrepreneurial innovation. Israel shares his journey from growing up in Rocky Mount to being elected Student Body President at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM), and his role as Chairperson of the NC State Youth Council, where he ad...

In this episode, we sit down with Dillon Hamill , Principal of Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH) School  in Rocky Mount. Dillon shares his journey from public education to leading a thriving private school, offering insight into what inspires him as an educator and administrator. We explore OLPH’s rich history as a cornerstone of Catholic education in Rocky Mount, the school’s mission to foster ac...

Join us for a conversation with David Farris, President and CEO of the Rocky Mount Chamber of Commerce, and Taylor Anderson, Vice President of Operations. We discuss the Chamber’s latest initiatives to support business growth, community engagement, and economic development in Rocky Mount. In this episode, we cover the newly awarded transit grant to launch a new commuter bus service between Raleigh...

This week, Twin County Media collaborated with Barnhill Construction's Constructing the Carolinas to publish a joint podcast. Join us for an inspiring conversation about the momentum transforming Eastern North Carolina with three leaders at the forefront of the region’s growth: Benton Moss, CEO of Simmons and Harris and host of the Twin County Spotlight podcast; Bob Pike, President & CEO o...

Join us for an inspiring episode featuring Chris Barnes, Rocky Mount’s first-ever IFBB Pro bodybuilder, as he embarks on the intense and elite stage of the 2025 Masters Olympia in Tokyo. Competing in the Men’s Classic Physique – Masters 40+ division, Barnes stands shoulder-to-shoulder with a global elite field, including names like Wagner Abreu, Armando Aman, Michael Bell, and many others. We’ll d...

Join us for our conversation with Dr. Evan Duff, President of North Carolina Wesleyan University, as we explore the university’s recent transition to university status and its impact on academic offerings and community engagement. Dr. Duff discusses the evolution of Wesleyan’s academic programs, including the growth and success of the Bishop’s sports programs and the university’s commitment to nur...

In this episode, join us as we sit down with Dr. Drew Gorham and Dr. Richard Hunt from Hunt, Hunt, and Gorham Dentistry , a patient-focused dental practice deeply rooted in Rocky Mount. Dr. Gorham reflects on his entrepreneurial journey, detailing his decision to join Dr. Hunt’s practice and their collaborative approach to general dentistry. Together, they emphasize a high-touch, community-focused...

Join us for our conversation with Dalton Barrett, Captain and Second-in-Command at Edgecombe County EMS, where he plays a pivotal role in community health and safety. Dalton leads the Rapid Response Team for Edgecombe County’s narcotics and drug overdose response program, a critical initiative that involves analyzing street drugs to identify the substances present in opioids circulating within our...

Join us for an engaging conversation with , the CEO and Founder of CarneyCo, a prominent business strategy and marketing consulting practice known for its innovative approaches. In this episode, Skip shares insights from his latest book,  How Might We , where he delves deep into his revision process with compelling stories and practical insights. Learn about Skip’s unique perspective on strategy a...

Join us as we sit down with  Sara Kusan  and  Tyler Pollock  from the Franklin County Home Builders Association, now expanding to encompass Nash County! They share insights into the association's membership benefits, including networking opportunities, continuing education, Builder's Mutual Insurance, and special events tailored for members in the building industry. Tune in to hear how this expans...

If you've seen Twin County Media's social media podcast graphics, you might be wondering - 'who's behind the photography?' In this episode, we’re republishing our conversation with Eric Brown, our partner and a talented professional photographer, who is responsible for much of Twin County Media's headshots. Eric recently published a new book full of his best work,  ITELDU. ...

Tar River Arts + Culture is out with its second edition! Eki Asemota, along with Justin Sykes, editor of the TRAC Magazine, discusses the latest release of Tar River Arts + Culture (TRAC) magazine, highlighting Eki’s studio among its featured stories. Eki’s Famous is a celebrated dance studio located in downtown Rocky Mount.  We explore Eki’s journey in dance education, the cultural impact of her...

In this episode, we sit down with Breonna Walker, Head of School at Southside Academy in South Rocky Mount. Breonna shares her inspiring journey into education and her vision for Southside Academy—a Christian-based, classical school committed to providing a remarkable, God-centered education to children in under-resourced areas. Founded in 2022, Southside Academy currently serves students in grade...

In this episode, we sit down with Gary Lee, President and CEO of Free Will Baptist’s Children’s Home in Middlesex, to explore his journey with the organization and their mission to provide compassionate care for foster children and young adults. Gary shares insights into the organization’s deep-rooted commitment to nurturing and supporting vulnerable youth, emphasizing their holistic approach to m...

In this episode, we sit down with Kari Young, Executive Director of the Nash Community College Foundation, to discuss her inspiring journey from Washington to North Carolina and the impactful work she’s doing to support students in the Twin Counties. Kari shares how her background in education and nonprofit management led her to the Foundation, and how her passion for community-driven success fuel...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Keisha B. Spivey, founder and Executive Director of Ripple Effects Group, a transformative nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the Twin Counties. Dr. Spivey shares her inspiring journey from ministry to nonprofit counseling, highlighting the pivotal moments that led her to establish Ripple Effects in 2016. Motivated by a series of community tragedies,...

In this episode, we sit down with Melanie Meeks, Anthony Hopkins, and Diane Porter of the C.A.R.E. Coalition—a vital organization in Rocky Mount dedicated to supporting individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges. Since its inception in 2017, C.A.R.E. has been a cornerstone in providing resources, education, and support for those in need, embodying a community-driven approach to...

In this episode, we sit down with Barden Winstead, Co-Branch Manager and Senior Vice President of Investments at Stifel in Rocky Mount. With over 40 years in the financial services industry, Barden shares his journey from his early days in the field to his current role at Stifel, a national investment management firm with a strong local presence. Beyond his professional achievements, Barden is dee...

In this episode, we sit down with Dean Taitz, a founder at the  Ruddell Group , to discuss the upcoming Rocky Mount Industrial Village—a transformative 55-acre industrial park set to begin construction in the next few months.  Dean shares his vision for the park, emphasizing the importance of attracting light commercial and light manufacturing tenants to foster sustainable economic growth in the r...

In this episode, we sit down with  Jeff Johnson , CEO of  GXP Storage , to discuss his journey in growing the company and his decision to establish GXP Storage in Nash County. Jeff shares how the company's strategic location near the Biopharma Crescent and the Research Triangle made Eastern North Carolina an ideal choice for expansion. We also dive into Jeff's belief that the Research Tria...

In this episode, we sit down with Tony and Trevor Foote, a talented married couple who are leaders in the Twin Counties’ real estate and construction industries. Tony Foote, a high-end residential builder, and Trevor Foote, who runs  Foote Real Estate Group  and is a community partner of Twin County Media, combine their expertise to provide a comprehensive service for clients navigating both the c...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Christina R. Peyton, MD, and Charity Stewart, Clinical Director of the UNC Health Nash Women’s Center. Together, they share insights into the center's recent recognition by  U.S. News & World Report  as one of the top women's centers in North Carolina . We also discuss the remarkable milestone of over 8,000 babies being born at the Women's Cent...

In this episode, we sit down with Trey Braswell, President and CEO of Braswell Family Farms, to discuss the current state of the egg market and the impact of avian flu on egg supply. Trey provides insights into the challenges and opportunities within the industry and shares how Braswell Family Farms continues to support the community through various events. We highlight upcoming local events spons...

In this episode, we sit down with Kristina Simpson, owner of  Victory Learning Academy Inc . and the visionary behind the restoration of the OR Pope School in Rocky Mount. Kristina shares her passion for early childhood education and the journey that led her to open her own academy, offering a nurturing environment for young learners. We dive into the challenges facing the early childhood educatio...