Join us as we talk with Diane Villa! Diane is the Deputy Director and Chief Communications Officer at the North Carolina Zoo, where she leads knowledgeable and passionate staff covering marketing, public relations, social media, website, events, graphics, emergency operations/security, and guest services. Her team brands and promotes the North Carolina Zoo, creates safe, memorable guest experiences, and focuses on inspiring people to make a difference for wildlife and wild places. Tune in as we explore leadership, sustainability, and what it takes to run the NC Zoo!

Learn more about the NC Zoo:

Instagram: @nczoo

Website: www.nczoo.org

Join us as we talk to Jeff Michael, Deputy Secretary for Natural Resources at the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. Jeff oversees the North Carolina Zoo, Division of State Parks and Recreation, N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences, North Carolina Aquariums, and Division of Land and Water Stewardship and brings a powerful lens of leadership, conservation, and connection to the role.

In this episode, we explore how natural and cultural resources can serve as powerful tools for building stronger, more connected communities across North Carolina.

Learn more about the Department of Natural & Cultural Resources:

Instagram: @ncculture

Website: www.dncr.nc.gov

Join us as we continue our conversation with Julius Tillery, Paul Nicholson, and Gary Rudolph Redding. They are from Tillery, North Carolina and their work spans agriculture, education, law, and community empowerment.

Julius Tillery is a fifth-generation cotton farmer dedicated to preserving and redefining the legacy of Black cotton farming. He founded BlackCotton, a company that transforms raw cotton into home décor and accessories, aiming to honor his roots and promote Black-grown cotton. Julius has been recognized for his leadership and contributions to agriculture and rural development. His efforts have earned him accolades such as the 2021 Williams C. Friday Award from NC State University and Distinguished Young Alumni Award from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Paul Nicholson is a proud native of Tillery, NC and currently serves as the Director of a nonprofit organization based in Halifax County, dedicated to empowering youth across District 27. Paul has held impactful roles in public, charter, and private educational institutions. His diverse experience fuels his mission to guide the next generation toward their own greatness, blending technology, mentorship, and purpose-driven leadership to create lasting change.

Gary Rudolph Redding is a dedicated attorney and educator with a deep commitment to public interest law and community empowerment. A native of Tillery, NC, he is a third-generation “resettler” in the historic Tillery New Deal Resettlement Project, an initiative born from President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s 1935 New Deal. Rooted in his humble beginnings and inspired by his family’s legacy, Gary continues to uplift marginalized voices and shape narratives that honor history, identity, and justice.

Thanks for joining us for this two part conversation with Gary, Paul, and Julius!

Be sure to follow Gary, Paul, and Julius to stay up to date on their work:

Instagram: @garyrredding, @thebrotherhoodnonprofit, @blackcotton.us

Join us as we talk to Julius Tillery, Paul Nicholson, and Gary Rudolph Redding, three men from Tillery, North Carolina whose work spans agriculture, education, law, and community empowerment.

Julius Tillery is a fifth-generation cotton farmer dedicated to preserving and redefining the legacy of Black cotton farming. He founded BlackCotton, a company that transforms raw cotton into home décor and accessories, aiming to honor his roots and promote Black-grown cotton. Julius has been recognized for his leadership and contributions to agriculture and rural development. His efforts have earned him accolades such as the 2021 Williams C. Friday Award from NC State University and Distinguished Young Alumni Award from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Paul Nicholson is a proud native of Tillery, NC and currently serves as the Director of a nonprofit organization based in Halifax County, dedicated to empowering youth across District 27. Paul has held impactful roles in public, charter, and private educational institutions. His diverse experience fuels his mission to guide the next generation toward their own greatness, blending technology, mentorship, and purpose-driven leadership to create lasting change.

Gary Rudolph Redding is a dedicated attorney and educator with a deep commitment to public interest law and community empowerment. A native of Tillery, NC, he is a third-generation “resettler” in the historic Tillery New Deal Resettlement Project, an initiative born from President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s 1935 New Deal. Rooted in his humble beginnings and inspired by his family’s legacy, Gary continues to uplift marginalized voices and shape narratives that honor history, identity, and justice.

This is just Part 1 of our conversation, tune in next week for Part 2 as we continue diving into their journeys and impact.

Be sure to follow Gary, Paul, and Julius to stay up to date on their work:

Instagram: @garyrredding, @thebrotherhoodnonprofit, @blackcotton.us

Join us as we continue the conversation about ethical wildlife experiences with Joe Jacob, President of Haw River Canoe & Kayak!

An aquatic biologist and environmentalist, Joe spent over 20 years with The Nature Conservancy before launching his paddlesports business. With a background in marine ecology, teaching, and outdoor guiding, Joe is passionate about helping others connect with nature through responsible recreation on the Haw River.

Learn more about Joe and Haw River Canoe & Kayak on any of their channels below:

Website: https://hawrivercanoe.com/about-us/

Instagram: @haw_river_canoe_kayak

Facebook: Haw River Canoe & Kayak Company

Welcome back to the fourth episode of our series leading up to the Wildlife Wednesday Series! Today, we’re joined by Jennifer Hadley, an award-winning wildlife photographer, filmmaker, and guide based in Raleigh, North Carolina. Jennifer brings expertise, heart, and a deep respect for animals and wild places into every aspect of her work — whether she’s guiding a photography workshop in Alaska or helping students understand the endangered red wolf’s story.

From the Arctic to Africa and beyond, Jennifer’s mission is clear: to use photography and film as powerful tools for conservation, education, and ethical storytelling. In this conversation, she shares how her lens helps spark stewardship, why behavior-based photography matters, and how we can all be more mindful when encountering wildlife — whether it’s behind the camera or out in the wild.

Learn more & connect with Jennifer:

Website: www.jenniferhadleyphotography.com/

Instagram: @jenhadleyphotos

Facebook: www.facebook.com/jenniferhadleyphotography

Welcome back to the third episode of our four-part podcast series leading up to the Wildlife Wednesday Series on June 11 & 18!

In this episode, we get to talk with Kelly McCoy, a fisheries biologist and the founder of RiverGirl Fishing Company.

Kelly brings education, heart, and deep-rooted respect to everything she does. Whether she’s sending her guests on a kayak trip or simply encouraging visitors to pause and appreciate the wildlife around them, her mission is clear: educate, empower, and inspire stewardship.

In this conversation, Kelly shares how RiverGirl encourages ethical wildlife interaction and sustainable tourism, reminding us that the best way to love nature is to learn more about it.

Learn more & connect with RiverGirl:


Website: rivergirlfishing.com


Instagram: @rivergirlfishingco

Welcome back to the second episode of our four-part podcast series leading up to the Wildlife Wednesday Series on June 11 & 18!

Our guest, Grady “Tree” Cole is a graduate from the University of Oklahoma. He began traveling and found a career in ethical wildlife ecotourism, having led trips in Hawai’i, the Virgin Islands, and the Outer Banks. Tree enjoys helping people appreciate nature and wildlife and hopes to instill confidence in everyone’s ability to get outside and explore.

In this episode, Tree shares his thoughtful approach to interacting with wildlife, emphasizing education and ethical practices and encourages a mindset of “just enjoying the view.”

Learn more & connect with Tree:


Website: thelivelost.com

Instagram: @TourGuideTree

This episode kicks off a special four-part podcast series leading up to our Wildlife Wednesday Webinar series on June 11 & 18!

Our guest, Tal Galton, is a lifelong naturalist and founder of Snakeroot Ecotours, where he’s been guiding people through wild places for 30 years. Before launching his ecotourism business, Tal spent two decades teaching in experiential learning environments like the Arthur Morgan School and The Arete Project. He also writes a column on Appalachian ecology for Ashville's Mountain Xpress, coaches cross country, and co-founded the South Toe Conservation Fund.

In this episode, Tal shares his thoughtful approach to connecting people with place, the ethics of wildlife tourism, and how education can support conservation efforts.

Learn more & connect with Tal:


Website: snakerootecotours.com


Blog: https://www.snakerootecotours.com/blog

Instagram: @snakeroot.eco

Facebook: Snakeroot Ecotours

Join us as we talk with Maggie Moncus! A proud Yadkin County native, Maggie has always carried a deep love for her community. After earning a degree in General Marketing from Appalachian State University, she returned home to serve the place that shaped her. Now, as the Executive Assistant for both the Yadkin County Chamber of Commerce and the Yadkin County Tourism Development Authority, Maggie is passionate about promoting her hometown through creative marketing, local events, and storytelling that highlights Yadkin’s charm as a hidden gem in North Carolina’s wine country. When she’s not working, you’ll find her adventuring with her yellow lab, Charlee, or enjoying everything the state has to offer.

Stay connected with what’s happening in Yadkin County by following:

Instagram: @visityadkinnc

Website: VisitYadkin.com

Facebook: Visit Yadkin