In this special kickoff to Season 2 of Let’s Talk Bethlehem, I’m joined by two very important people in my life—my wife, Ashley Conrad, and my dad, Greg Conrad—who also happen to be proud members of the Bethlehem Lions Club. We dive into the planning, passion, and purpose behind Springfest, the family-friendly event debuting at the newly renovated Bethlehem Park!🌳 Hear how the Lions Club is working to bring the community together🎪 Get a behind-the-scenes look at what to expect from Springfest🦁 Learn how you can support events that give back to the visually impaired📍 Springfest takes place Saturday, May 17th from 9 AM - 4 PM at Bethlehem Park

In this episode of Let’s Talk Bethlehem, we sit down with the dynamic duo behind Bethlehem Direct Care—Dr. Mark and Dr. Jill DeVries. Located right across from the post office, their direct primary care (DPC) model is redefining how healthcare is delivered in our community.

We talk about why they left the insurance-based system, how they balance life as doctors and business owners, and what it means to deliver truly personalized care. Whether you're curious about DPC or just want to hear from two passionate locals making a real impact—this episode is for you.

🎧 Topics Covered:

• What Direct Primary Care really means

• Challenges and rewards of working as a couple

• Health issues most common in our area

• Future plans for Bethlehem Direct Care

• Advice for taking charge of your health

Let’s get personal about healthcare, community, and doing things differently—right here in Bethlehem.

What does it take to hike the entire Appalachian Trail? How do you shape young minds over three decades of teaching? And what life lessons can be learned from Scouting, leadership, and service?

In this episode of Let’s Talk Bethlehem, we sit down with Robert Duncan, a lifelong educator, Eagle Scout, Appalachian Trail hiker, and community leader, to talk about:

✔️ His 29-year career teaching math at Alexander Central and what made him Teacher of the Year
✔️ His 1,250-mile journey with his son on the Appalachian Trail and how he finally completed the full 2,197 miles in 2024
✔️ His lifelong dedication to Scouting, from earning his Eagle Scout at 14 to becoming 2025 Camp Director at Camp Bud Schiele
✔️ His new role as Lay Leader at First United Methodist Church in Taylorsville

This episode is packed with stories of adventure, leadership, and service—don’t miss it!

🎧 Listen now and be part of the conversation!

💬 Want early access to guest announcements and the chance to submit YOUR questions?
Join the High Council on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/bethlehembackstagepass/membership

#LetsTalkBethlehem, #BethlehemNC, #RobertDuncan, #AppalachianTrail, #EagleScout, #TeachingMatters, #CommunityLeadership, #ScoutingForLife, #HikingAdventures, #SmallTownStories, #OutdoorLeadership, #Podcast

Bethlehem is at a crossroads, and Bud Caywood has seen it all. A renowned furniture designer, artist, poet, and longtime Bethlehem resident, Bud joins Let’s Talk Bethlehem to share his unique perspective on community growth, local involvement, and the incorporation debate.

In this episode, we discuss:✔️ Bud’s global career in furniture design & how it shaped his outlook✔️ The importance of community engagement—why it matters more than ever✔️ The incorporation controversy—what pro-incorporation advocates aren’t telling you✔️ Bethlehem’s future—where do we go from here?

🎧 Listen now and be part of the conversation!

💬 Want early access to guest announcements and the chance to submit YOUR questions?
Join the High Council on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/bethlehembackstagepass/membership

#LetsTalkBethlehem #BethlehemNC #BudCaywood #IncorporationDebate #SmallTownPolitics #CommunityLeadership #LocalVoices #FurnitureDesign #PublicEngagement #NCPolitics

In this episode of Let’s Talk Bethlehem, we welcome Holly Campbell, a dedicated community leader making a real difference in Bethlehem. Holly and her husband Tracy turned their family land into a thriving u-pick blueberry farm, but their impact doesn’t stop there. She’s also the driving force behind New Life Thrift Store, a mission-driven shop providing affordable goods and outreach to those in need, and she plays a key role in growing the Bethlehem Farmers Market.

Join us as we discuss:
✔️ The journey from coastal life to farming in Bethlehem
✔️ The joys and challenges of running a u-pick blueberry farm
✔️ How New Life Thrift Store is giving back to the community
✔️ The vision for the Bethlehem Farmers Market and its growth
✔️ Why local food, small businesses, and community outreach matter

🎧 Tune in for an inspiring conversation on farming, faith, and fostering a stronger Bethlehem!

🍏 Apples, Festivals & Community Growth! 🍏

In this episode of Let’s Talk Bethlehem, we sit down with Gina Kay, Executive Director of the Taylorsville Apple Festival, to talk about one of North Carolina’s biggest and most beloved events. We discuss the history and evolution of the festival, its impact on the local economy, and what makes it such a must-attend event every year.

PLUS, we dive into Spring Fest 2025, a brand-new community event coming to Bethlehem Park in May, and how the Bethlehem Lions Club is working to make it a huge success!

And of course, we put our taste buds to the test with a LIVE apple taste test, ranking Granny Smith, Gala, Red Delicious, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, and Fuji on texture and flavor! 🍏🍎

In this powerful episode of Let’s Talk Bethlehem, we sit down with Warren Hollar, a lifelong educator, civic leader, and strategic planner, to dive deep into what it truly means to build a thriving community.

We discuss:
✅ The importance of inclusion in shaping Bethlehem’s future
✅ Lessons from history and how they apply to today’s challenges
✅ Why leadership should serve the greater good of the majority
✅ The incorporation debate and what’s truly best for Bethlehem

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who cares about community, leadership, and making Bethlehem a better place for all.

📢 Listen now and join the conversation!

Bethlehem native Rick Calhoun, co-owner of Honey Picks, shares how he and his brother turned a small idea of tinkering with guitar picks in their garage into a global guitar pick brand. We talk about handcrafting picks for major artists, tone obsession, and how a small-town business made it onto Broadway, Nashville, and international stages. Plus, we reminisce about growing up in Bethlehem, playing jazz band, and even have a live jam session during the episode!

Exciting things are happening in Bethlehem! In the latest episode of Let’s Talk Bethlehem, I sat down with Gary Sain, longtime business owner, Pharmacist, Bethlehem Business Association (BBA) member, and the developer behind Bethlehem Shopping Village. We covered everything from a potential for two new restaurants coming to our community to plans for future development, the farmers market, and the ongoing incorporation debate.

Join me as I sit down with Sheriff Chad Pennell to talk about crime in Bethlehem, the truth behind local crime rate rumors, and the challenges of law enforcement in a growing community. We also dive into his thoughts on Bethlehem’s potential incorporation and what it could mean for public safety. Don’t miss this candid and eye-opening conversation!