The Best Better Podcast

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Best Better Podcast , we sit down with our new agriculture agent, Rachel Tarkington, to get to know the person behind the role. Rachel shares her background, what led her to join Cooperative Extension, and her excitement about serving the community in Lenoir County. We talk about her goals, the opportunities she sees for local agriculture, and what she hopes...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Best Better Podcast, we sit down with leaders from Kinston Teens Jose Cartagena-Lanza, Jr. & Bridget Rouse  for an inspiring conversation about community, collaboration, and creating opportunities for local youth. We dive into what Kinston Teens is all about, the powerful outreach initiatives they lead, and the many ways young people can get involved. Fr...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Best Better Podcast , we go In the Kitchen with Extension as Family & Consumer Sciences Agent Kelly Tyndall joins us to share a fun, easy pizza recipe and practical tips for building healthier eating habits. We talk about how small changes in the kitchen can lead to big improvements in overall wellness, especially for teens and families. Plus, we highlig...

Send us Fan Mail In this special episode of The Best Better Podcast , we sit down with students from Junior Leadership Lenoir (JLL) to talk about service, leadership, and community. After spending the day baking cookies for veterans and assisted living homes, the students reflect on why community involvement is so important and how small acts of kindness can have a big impact. Tune in to hear yout...

Send us Fan Mail Things are getting a little spooky in this special Halloween edition of The Best Better Podcast! Join hosts Joel and Abbigail as they sit down with Paige Petticrew , Lenoir County Horticulture Agent, and Kaelyn Lane , Lenoir County Agriculture Agent, for a frightfully fun conversation about what’s growing in the dark — both in our fields and in our careers. From creepy-crawly crit...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Best Better Podcast , hosts Joel and Abigail sit down with NC State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Dean, Dr. Garey Fox, and NC State Extension Director of 4-H, Dr. David Monks. Together, they dive into the future of agriculture, youth leadership, and the vital role 4-H plays in shaping tomorrow’s leaders. From supporting young people i...

Send us Fan Mail In this inspiring episode of The Best Better Podcast, Lenoir County 4-H’ers Lamonie Taylor and Sanaa Thompson sit down with NC Congressman Don Davis for a powerful conversation about leadership, service, and the role young people play in shaping the future. From Congressman Davis’s personal journey into public service to Lamonie and Sanaa’s own 4-H experiences, this discussion exp...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Lenoir County students share their first impressions of hosting exchange students from Michigan! From Southern hospitality to Midwest traditions, we dive into the excitement, challenges, and unexpected surprises of bringing two communities together. Hear firsthand stories about culture shocks, funny misunderstandings, and the friendships forming along the way. Wha...

Send us Fan Mail Gardening is more than just plants—it’s about people, too! Join us as we shine a spotlight on the dedicated NC Extension Master Gardener Volunteers of Lenoir County who share their time, knowledge, and passion to grow stronger communities. Let's dig into the impact of volunteer work, from teaching sustainable gardening practices to supporting local food initiatives and restor...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we look back at the past year—celebrating our wins, lessons learned, and everything in between. We also chat about setting meaningful goals for the new year, sharing practical tips to help you stay on track. Plus, we dive into some exciting upcoming events you won’t want to miss! Whether you're aiming for personal growth or just need some fresh inspiration fo...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Best Better Podcast, we dive deep into some of the toughest challenges young people face today: conflict, stress, anxiety, and bullying. How do you manage stress when everything feels overwhelming? What are effective ways to resolve conflicts without escalating the tension? We also tackle the impact of bullying, both in real life and online, and discuss how...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Catching the Breath , we delve into the pressing issue of vaping among youth in Lenoir County schools. Join us for an insightful conversation with Sherita Simmons, a dedicated public health educator with the Lenoir County Health Department, as she shares her expertise and experience in addressing the growing concern of vaping in the community. Sherita discusses...

Send us Fan Mail It’s almost go-time! In this episode, we’re gearing up for the biggest transition of your life—college. You’ve got your acceptance letter, you’ve survived high school, and now it’s time to tackle the realities of living alone, making new friends (without the awkward high school cafeteria vibe), and managing money like a real adult (spoiler: it’s not just ramen and late-night pizza...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Best Better Podcast , we sit down with the inspiring youth of Junior Leadership Lenoir to explore the art of balance. Join us as they share their secrets for juggling school, family commitments, extracurricular activities, and social life. Discover their tips for time management, stress relief, and maintaining connections with friends and family while naviga...

Send us Fan Mail On this episode we sit down with Dr. Tammy Kelly ( Lenoir County Extension Director) and Ashley Chadwick (Director for Junior Leadership of Lenoir) as we discuss North Carolina 4-H, Cooperative Extension, and Junior Leadership Lenoir. Get a close look into the lives of some youth development professionals who strive to make the best better in their communities.  NC State and N.C....

Send us Fan Mail Join us as we make our best even better by engaging youth in meaningful dialogue.  Look forward to hearing from our Lenoir County youth each month as the discuss topics on community, leadership and youth culture. NC State and N.C. A&T State universities are collectively committed to positive action to secure equal opportunity and prohibit discrimination and harassment regardle...