Welcome to another episode of Where the Dogwood Blooms, where we delve into the stories that knit the fabric of our communities together. Today, we're privileged to have Amanda Woolard with us, diving deep into her experience aiding Western North Carolina in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

Who is Amanda Woolard?

• Her Roots: Amanda hails from Rocky Mount in Eastern North Carolina, where her roots run deep.
• Her Passion: With a degree from NC State University, Amanda has devoted her career to supporting youth through trauma and mental health challenges.
• Her Journey: Though Raleigh, NC, is where she currently resides, her love for Western North Carolina was cultivated during her five-year stint in the picturesque town of Hendersonville.

Amanda's Professional Impact:

• Current Role: She now works with Wake Monarch Academy, a beacon of hope and recovery for students battling substance use disorders.

Beyond Work:

• Amanda treasures her downtime with loved ones, including her furry friend Rocky, revels in the thrill of NC State sports, and finds solace in art and song.

Episode Highlights:

Immediate Response:

• How Amanda quickly organized and executed her relief efforts.
• The logistics of loading supplies and reaching affected areas.

On-the-Ground Experience:

• Amanda's firsthand accounts of the conditions in WNC after the hurricane.
• Emotional and touching stories from her encounters with residents.

Impact and Reflections:

• Discussion on what struck Amanda the most during her supply runs.

• Community resilience and the spirit of togetherness in disaster situations.

Future Plans:

• Amanda's thoughts on continuing her efforts as WNC rebuilds.

• Potential for ongoing support and how listeners can get involved.

Follow Amanda Woolard:

• X (formerly Twitter)

Sponsors:

• Elicit Sports Authority
• NC/TN High Country WX
• Knights of Pythias Cumberland Lodge No. 5

Support Where the Dogwood Blooms: If you enjoy our content, consider supporting us via:

• Venmo
• Cash App

Connect with Where the Dogwood Blooms:

• Website
• Instagram
• X
• TikTok

Contact:

• cassie@wherethedogwoodblooms.com

Tags: #NorthCarolina #Podcast #HurricaneHelene #WNC #Appalachia

BJ Barham, the iconic voice of American Aquarium, joins us on Where the Dogwood Blooms. A native of North Carolina, BJ's music has transcended geographical boundaries, resonating with fans across the nation and earning acclaim from local to legendary publications like Indy Week and Rolling Stone.

Episode Highlights:

• Musical Beginnings: Discover how BJ found his passion for music and what inspired him to pick up a guitar.
• Song Meanings: Dive into the stories and emotions behind some of American Aquarium's most beloved tracks.
• Overcoming Addiction: Explore BJ's personal battle and triumphant recovery from addiction.
• Personal Insights: Get a glimpse into BJ's worldview, where he shares that even celebrities hold onto their right to an opinion.

Follow American Aquarium:

• Website
• X (formerly Twitter)
• Instagram
• Facebook
• TikTok

Sponsors:

• Elicit Sports Authority
• NC/TN High Country WX
• Knights of Pythias Cumberland Lodge No. 5

Support Where the Dogwood Blooms: If you enjoy our content, consider supporting us via:

• Venmo
• Cash App

Connect with Where the Dogwood Blooms:

• Website
• Instagram
• X
• TikTok

Contact:

• cassie@wherethedogwoodblooms.com

Tags: #NorthCarolina #Podcast #AmericanAquarium #BJBarham #NCMusic

Dive into the shimmering history of gold in North Carolina with Cassie and Joshua Glawson, as they unravel the tale of America's first gold rush.

About Joshua Glawson: Joshua, a seasoned writer and speaker, delves into the realms of politics, philosophy, economics, and precious metals. As the Strategic Communications Adviser for the Libertarian Party of North Carolinaand Content Manager for Money Metals Exchange, he brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. His daily engagement with gold transactions provides him with unique insights into the historical and economic impacts of gold in the state.

Episode Highlights:

• The Dawn of Gold Rush: Explore when and how North Carolina sparked America's first gold fever.
• Economic Ripple Effects: Understand how this gold rush shaped North Carolina's economy.
• Gold Today: Is there still gold to be found in North Carolina's fields and streams? We'll find out!
• Pronunciation Tips: Cassie shares the correct way to say her name.

Follow Joshua Glawson:

• X (formerly Twitter)
• Website

Sponsors:

• Elicit Sports Authority
• NC/TN High Country WX
• Knights of Pythias Cumberland Lodge No. 5

Support Where the Dogwood Blooms: If you enjoy our content, consider supporting us via:

• Venmo
• Cash App

Connect with Where the Dogwood Blooms:

• Website
• Instagram
• X
• TikTok

Contact:

• cassie@wherethedogwoodblooms.com

Tags: #NorthCarolina #Podcast #JoshuaGlawson #Gold #FirstGoldRush #CabarrusCounty #ReedGoldMine

Join Cassie and NC Governor candidate Mike Ross as they discuss his platform and some of the issues facing the Old North State.

Mike talks about homeschooling his son, what got him involved in political advocacy, and how that led to him running for governor.

Plus, Cassie and Mike chat about the poor turnout for local elections.

Follow Mike:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter/X
• Website

Today's podcast was sponsored by:

• Elicit Sports Authority
• NC/TN High Country WX

If you liked this content and would like to help support Where the Dogwood Blooms, you can do that here:

• Venmo

Follow Where the Dogwood Blooms:

• ⁠Where the Dogwood Blooms⁠
• ⁠Instagram⁠
• ⁠Twitter⁠
• TikTok

Contact Me:

⁠cassie@wherethedogwoodblooms.com

#NorthCarolina #Podcast #ncpol #MikeRoss #NCLibertarianParty #Gastonia #GastonCounty

Join Cassie and pit master Matthew Register as they explore Eastern North Carolina BBQ.

Matthew shares his culinary journey from his first smoker to his Garland, NC BBQ restaurant and how it led him to open a catering business serving the Southeast and write his own Southern cookbook.

Plus, Cassie and Matthew discuss some of their favorite Southern side dishes.

Follow Southern Smoke BBQ:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter/X
• Website

Today's podcast was sponsored by:

• Elicit Sports Authority
• NC/TN High Country WX

If you would like to help support Where the Dogwood Blooms, you can do that here:

• Venmo

Follow Where the Dogwood Blooms:

• ⁠Where the Dogwood Blooms⁠
• ⁠Instagram⁠
• ⁠Twitter⁠
• TikTok

Contact Me:

⁠cassie@wherethedogwoodblooms.com

#NorthCarolina #Podcast #NCBBQ #EasternNCBBQ #MatthewRegister #SouthernSmokeBBQ #Garland #SampsonCounty

Ever wonder what it's like to live in a historic mansion? Join Cassie and her guest, Abby Brothers, as they delve into Abby and her husband's journey to becoming the owners of Aberdeen's Page Mansion.

Abby shares the home's transformation from when they first purchased it to its current state and their plans for a new project.

Additionally, Abby and Cassie discuss the unique experience of being everyday people in the public eye.

Follow the Brothers family:

• Facebook
• Turning the Page Mansion
• The Addorable Church

Today's podcast was sponsored by:

• Elicit Sports Authority
• NC/TN High Country WX

Follow Where the Dogwood Blooms:

• ⁠Where the Dogwood Blooms⁠
• ⁠Instagram⁠
• ⁠Twitter⁠
• TikTok

Contact Me:

⁠cassie@wherethedogwoodblooms.com

#NorthCarolina #Podcast #HistoricHomes #HistoricPreservation #PageMansion #AddorableChurch #MooreCountyNC #AberdeenNC

What do Libertarians believe? Let's find out!

In today's episode, Rob Yates, Communications Director of the NC Libertarian Party, teaches Cassie about Libertarian views.

We discuss the different "flavors" of Libertarians, what a Libertarian country would look like, and some of the party's views on current hot-topic policies.

Follow Rob Yates:

• X/Twitter

Where you can find more information on the Libertarian Party:

• LPNC
• Libertarian Party

Today's podcast was sponsored by:

• Elicit Sports Authority
• NC/TN High Country WX

Follow Where the Dogwood Blooms:

• ⁠Where the Dogwood Blooms⁠
• ⁠Instagram⁠
• ⁠Twitter⁠
• TikTok

Contact Me:

⁠cassie@wherethedogwoodblooms.com

#NorthCarolina #Podcast #LPNC #RobYates #LibertarianParty