We talk with LaKesha Womack, Democratic nominee for North Carolina's 14th Congressional District, consultant, author, ordained minister, and Chief Strategy Officer at Aspire Community Capital. LaKesha shares her journey from rural Alabama to public service, discussing her grassroots approach to campaigning, the importance of listening to communities, and why she believes complex challenges require thoughtful, long-term solutions rather than political sound bites. The conversation explores economic opportunity, healthcare, childcare, small business development, political engagement, and her work helping entrepreneurs grow sustainable businesses through community-focused lending and technical assistance.LaKesha Womack is a consultant, author, ordained minister, and Chief Strategy Officer at Aspire Community Capital. With more than 20 years of experience in strategic planning, organizational development, and small business growth, she helps organizations and communities solve complex challenges through systems-based thinking and practical leadership. She is also the Democratic nominee for North Carolina's 14th Congressional District.

We talk to Robert Long, Director of Economic Development for Chester County, South Carolina. He discusses how small communities compete for big investment in today’s global economy. From international trips to Seoul, Korea, to local workforce training programs, Robert breaks down how economic development actually works and why it matters to everyday residents. Robert also explains how Chester County has shifted from simply chasing jobs to focusing on high-quality opportunities that benefit the community long-term, including major projects like IKO and E. & J. Gallo Winery.Robert Long is the Director of Economic Development for Chester County, where he leads efforts to recruit new industry, support existing businesses, and grow the local economy. With a background in demography and years of experience in economic development, he focuses on strategic growth that balances job creation, workforce development, and sustainable community impact. Under his leadership, the county has seen significant investment, wage growth, and even reductions in property tax rates through an expanded tax base.

We talk to York Area Business Person of the Year Beth Black White from Black’s Peaches about her family’s multi-generational farming operation in York County, South Carolina. She tells us  how they’ve evolved from traditional agriculture into a thriving agritourism destination. We cover everything from growing fruits and vegetables to creating community experiences like hayrides, corn mazes, and farm markets, while also exploring the realities of seasonal food, crop loss, and the importance of supporting local agriculture.Beth Black White is a co-owner of Black’s Peaches, a family farm with roots in the 1700s and over 100 years of peach production. Her great-grandfather planted the first peach crop, and the business has since expanded under multiple generations to include strawberries (now in their 50th year), produce markets, and agritourism. In addition to running the farm, Beth serves as a York Soil and Water Commissioner, advocating for sustainable land and water use and supporting local farmers.

In today's episode, we talk with Andrew T. Hsu, the president of the College of Charleston. We explore the leadership and vision behind one of the country’s most respected academic institutions in one of the most desirable cities in the world. Our conversation focuses on balancing affordability, innovation, and academic rigor while continuing to strengthen academic programs and navigate the long-term impact of COVID.The episode also explores Dr. Hsu’s personal journey, from being born in China and growing up during the Cultural Revolution to building a career in the United States across multiple colleges and universities. Now serving in his first presidency at the College of Charleston, he reflects on his path to leadership, his appreciation for Charleston, and how his experiences have shaped his perspective on education, opportunity, and institutional growth.

Today we talk to economist Dr. Laura Ullrich about the state of the U.S. economy, the evolving labor market, and how AI, policy, and inequality are reshaping work in real time. We dig into stagnant hiring, ghost jobs, healthcare-driven employment growth, the rise of a K-shaped economy, and why communication, leadership, and skilled trades may matter more than ever in the future of work. Dr. Laura Ullrich is an economist and Director of Economic Research at Indeed’s Hiring Lab, where she leads North American labor market research. She previously served as an economics professor and Associate Dean at Winthrop University and spent over six years as an economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. She earned her education at the University of Georgia and is a frequent media contributor on workforce and economic trends.

On this episode we talk to Dr. Jermaine Johnson about his extraordinary journey from homelessness and personal tragedy to public service, professional sports, and a run for governor of South Carolina. We discuss his lived experience with gun violence, housing insecurity, and mental health, how those experiences shape his leadership in the State House, and his focus on bipartisan problem-solving, rural healthcare, infrastructure, affordability, and investing in people over politics.Dr. Jermaine Johnson is a South Carolina House Representative, Democratic candidate for governor, former professional basketball player, and lifelong learner who earned his doctorate after completing both undergraduate and master’s degrees. He played professionally in the U.S. and abroad, overcame homelessness, and has become a leading advocate for mental health, rural communities, education, and pragmatic, people-centered policy.

Today we talk with Ryan Harvey, President & CEO of Family Trust Federal Credit Union. We discuss the difference between credit unions and banks, the power of keeping money local, and how financial institutions can truly serve their communities. Ryan shares insights on leadership, culture, growth, and how technology improves experience-focused banking while still staying rooted in community values.Ryan Harvey has been the President & CEO of Family Trust Federal Credit Union in Rock Hill, SC since 2024. He holds a degree in Computer Science from Winthrop University and an MBA from Syracuse University, and brings a background in technology, customer experience, and strategic leadership to guiding Family Trust’s growth across the Carolinas.

In this wide-ranging conversation, we talk with creative swiss army knife, Chris Walldorf. He outlines  his creative journey across film, music, and editing. He touches on his early interest in filmmaking, formative experiences in film school, and deep roots in collaborative indie film. He also talks about his long-running involvement in bands and recording, and his later success as a film editor on major projects including Netflix documentaries, while reflecting on friendships, creative process, and the value of long-term artistic collaboration.Chris Walldorf is an audio engineer, music producer, and film editor based in Charlotte, North Carolina. He attended the University of Georgia briefly, and completed a four-year program at the North Carolina School of the Arts, after which he built a career spanning documentary film editing (including Netflix’s Night Stalker), studio recording and production, and long-term involvement in influential regional bands and creative projects rooted in the Southeast.

We sit down with Melanie Cooper, Executive Director of the Arts Council of York County, for a wide-ranging conversation about creativity in York County. We discuiss how the arts fuel economic growth, mental health, and a community’s sense of place. From galleries, festivals, classes, and the Ag + Art Tour to youth advisory programs and artist studios, Melanie explains how the Arts Council supports creatives while helping revitalize Old Town and reflects candidly on the tension between art, entertainment, and making a living as an artist in a changing city.Melanie Cooper is the Executive Director of the Arts Council of York County where she has occupied multiple roles for over a decade. With a background in arts, culture, and civic engagement, from Alaska public affairs to historic site work, she now champions local artists, creative programs, and cultural growth throughout Rock Hill and York County.

In this episode, Hope of Rock Hill president Gordon Bell shares the mission and day-to-day impact of the organization, providing food, emergency assistance, and hope to families in crisis across the Rock Hill community. He discusses the growing need for support, how the nonprofit partners with local churches and volunteers, and the importance of treating every client with dignity. Gordon also highlights how the community came together during the recent Government Shutdown.Gordon Bell is a community-focused leader with a background in nonprofit service, educated in social sciences and ministry. His commitment to service and faith continues to guide his leadership at Hope of Rock Hill.