Where the Dogwood Blooms

Artificial intelligence is changing the world at a breathtaking pace. But behind every AI chatbot, cloud service, and streaming platform is something most people rarely think about: data centers. I sat down with AI expert Craig Reynolds to talk about why those facilities have become one of the most controversial development issues facing North Carolina. We started by clearing up a common misconcep...

I sat down with Rose Willis to talk about something no parent ever wants to think about: what happens when you're no longer able to care for your child. A recent health scare involving an enlarged aortic aneurysm forced Rose to confront that question head-on. Her daughter, Morgan, is an adult living with cerebral palsy and epilepsy, and for years Morgan's care has been a family effort. Sin...

I sat down with journalist AP Dillon to talk about something a lot of North Carolinians are still trying to make sense of: the lasting impact of the Cooper years. Like many families, AP's life was turned upside down during COVID. We talked about homeschooling, school mask policies, vaccine concerns, and what it was like trying to navigate those years while also covering state government as a r...

I sat down with my friend Ellie Parker to talk about her ancestor, Brodie Duke—the black sheep of the Duke family. If you’ve ever heard his name, it’s probably been attached to scandal. Brodie had a reputation—alcohol, failed marriages, and headlines that followed him across the country.  For a long time, that’s where his story has started and ended. But here’s the part most folks don’t know: The...

I sat down with Jonah Garson, Vice Chair of the North Carolina Democratic Party, for a long conversation about politics, culture, and policy here in North Carolina. We start with a softball: why North Carolina voters split their tickets so often. We talk about the state’s long tradition of independent voters, the fact that North Carolina elects a whole slate of executive offices, and how the gover...

In this episode, I sat down in downtown Raleigh with Lennie Friedman — retired NFL player and Vice Chair of the North Carolina Forward Party — for a real, candid conversation about why he stepped into a third-party movement that says it’sfighting for the political “middle 70%.” Lennie walks through how the Forward Party first came together nationally, led by Andrew Yang and former New Jersey Gover...

Cassie sits down with North Carolina State Auditor Dave Boliek to talk plainly about the North Carolina Office of Recovery and Resiliency — why it was created, and why so many North Carolinians were left frustrated and waiting. They walk through NCORR’s beginnings after Hurricanes Matthew and Florence, when people needed help fast and trusted the state to get it right. Instead, there were leadersh...

In this episode, host Cassie visits Moores Creek National Battlefield to sit down with renowned historian Dr. Chris Fonvielle for a deep dive into one of the most pivotal—and often overlooked—battles of the American Revolution. Dr. Fonvielle, a former UNC Wilmington history professor and respected Civil War scholar, shares insights from his latest research, which turns its focus to the Revolutiona...

In this episode, I sit down with Tevin Robinson for a real, no-nonsense conversation about North Carolina, culture, and what happens when you speak your mind online. Tevin is a Wilmington native who’s built a following of more than 100,000 on TikTok simply by telling the truth about this state—where we come from, where we’re headed, and what we risk losing along the way. We talk about Southern hos...

In this episode, I sit down with Matt Mercer, Communications Director for the North Carolina GOP, to talk about the winding road that took him from journalism into the heart of state politics—and what he’s seeing from the inside now. We talk about his time working alongside Michael Whatley, how he landed in his current role, and what’s actually driving Republican momentum in North Carolina, includ...

In this episode, I sit down with Dane Scalise—New Hanover County commissioner and a candidate for the North Carolina State House—to talk about what’s really going on in Wilmington. We get into the big, sometimes uncomfortable conversations: the controversy surrounding the Charlie Kirk Memorial at UNCW, how illegal immigration policies are playing out locally, and what the future holds for the Cape...

In this episode, I’m joined by Kay Olsen and Abbi Carson, leaders of Fix Buncombe, a grassroots movement focused on restoring conservative leadership and returning common-sense policy to Buncombe County, North Carolina. Together, we break down the political shifts that have reshaped the county over the past several decades, the impact of gerrymandered districts, and growing concerns around educati...

In this episode, I’m joined by Sandi Walker—Valdese Mayoral Candidate, owner of  Dolls & Designs,  and Senior Tour Guide for the  Waldensian Trail of Faith.  A direct descendant of the original Waldensian settlers, Sandi brings a deep, personal perspective to Valdese’s history and community. Together, we talk about the Waldensians’ incredible journey from the Alpine valleys of Italy to the foo...

In this episode, I’m joined by Jason—the creator behind Instagram's  @SpookyCLT , a project dedicated to digging into Charlotte’s folklore, true crime, and dark history. From haunted cemeteries to forgotten landmarks, Jason’s work shines a light on the stories that most folks walk right past without ever knowing they’re there. Jason is also a passionate historic preservation advocate, serving...

In this second part of my conversation with Tim Hamilton—professor of physics and researcher of grist mills in the Great Smoky Mountains—we pick up right where we left off. This time, we’re diving into some of the Smokies’ most fascinating stories: Mingus Mill, the legendary Quill Rose, and yes—moonshine. From the ingenuity of millwrights to the colorful characters who defined mountain life, these...

In this first part of a two-part conversation, I’m joined by Tim Hamilton, professor of physics and researcher of grist mills in the Great Smoky Mountains. We dig into the history of the Smokies’ grist mills—why there were so many of them, the unique stories behind the grist stones, and what these mills tell us about Appalachian ingenuity and community life. Tim also shares insights on the TVA’s u...

In this episode, I sit down with Amanda Woolard to talk about Marshall, North Carolina—and what happens when disasters fade from the headlines but the recovery never comes. During Hurricane Helene, Amanda and I helped coordinate real relief for families in crisis. But while neighbors pitched in and volunteers showed up, con artists slipped in too—eroding trust and leaving legitimate efforts strugg...

In this episode, I sit down with Charles Jurney—one of the most respected dog trainers in the South—to talk about working dogs. Charles has spent more than 25 years training performance and hunting dogs, producing hundreds of titled animals across the country. From Grand Hunting Retriever Champions to Master Hunters, his legacy is woven into field trials, duck blinds, and dog kennels across the re...

In this episode, I sit down with Laura Pierro, Executive Director of the North Carolina Innocence Inquiry Commission, to talk about the life-changing work they do—and the serious threat they're facing right now. If you’ve never heard of the commission, you’re not alone. It’s the only one of its kind in the entire country, created to take a hard, honest look at possible wrongful convictions in...

In this episode of  Where the Dogwood Blooms , I sit down with Wilmington native, realtor, and New Hanover County GOP chairman John Hinnant to talk about some hot-button issues making waves in the Port City. From the future of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge to concerns over the public library and potential tax hikes, we break down what’s fact, what’s fiction, and what it all means for locals. Conne...

Today, we’re talking with Nick Searcy—actor, director, and proud Western North Carolina native. You’ve seen him in  Fried Green Tomatoes ,  Nell , and  Justified  as the unforgettable Art Mullen. But off-screen? He’s just a hillbilly from Cullowhee with deep roots and big stories. We’ll talk about his childhood in WNC, life in Hollywood, and what he’s working on now. Connect With Nick Searcy: Webs...

Today, we’re joined by Sam Green—the NIL guru behind Athletecon. A Charlotte native with a passion for helping student-athletes make the most of their name, image, and likeness, Sam knows this world inside and out. We’ll talk about what her job really looks like, hear about some of her favorite athletes, and get her best tips for content creators navigating the NIL space. Connect With Sam Green: N...

Today, we’re joined by William I. Wells, co-host of the  Dub Dub and Groo Talk Sports  segment on the  Liberty iNC  podcast. Dub Dub is a native North Carolinian and a true sports fanatic, so buckle up—we’re diving into everything from the Carolina Panthers to March Madness! Connect With William I. Wells: Liberty iNC X Instagram TikTok Sponsors: NC/TN High Country WX Nascar WX Knights of Pythias C...

Today, we’re joined by Laura Stotts, the creative force behind  Diary of Abandonment.  Laura explores forgotten homesites and rusted-out vehicles across the state, capturing their stories through her lens. Join us as we uncover her journey—what sparked her passion for documenting abandoned places, which sites have left the deepest impression, and how genealogy played a role in her path to healing...

Today, we’re joined by North Carolina Kerry, a digital content creator known for his unique blend of North Carolina comedy and history. When he’s not making videos, he’s spending time with his wife, two sons, and dog, traveling everywhere from small-town North Carolina to Jamaica, visiting breweries, staying active, watching football, and writing music. Join us as we dive into his journey—how he b...