You’re about to hit play on another episode of the Raising a Ruckus Podcast—the show that’s all about rule-breakers, change-makers, and risk-takers, and the leaps of faith, sleepless nights, disasters, and big decisions they made along the way. So let’s get after it, y’all.

If you’ve spent any time in Charlotte’s music scene, you probably know the name Kate Bankston. Kate’s debut album “Cry A Little” is packed with dynamic vocals, catchy arrangements, and lyrics that linger long after the last note fades. Her sound? Like Norah Jones, Lake Street Dive, and Carole King all jamming together in a Queen City living room. 

Kate moves boldly through genres—pop, jazz, folk—always driven by her background as a pianist and vocalist, and always with a knack for making you feel every word. Whether she’s playing to a packed festival crowd or an intimate local stage, Kate’s music is the kind that makes you want to sing along, dance a little, and maybe, just maybe, cry a little too.

On this episode, Kate Bankston talks about finding her voice in Charlotte, writing songs that stick with you, and what it means to carve out your own path in a city full of sound.

Cheers!

Garrett Tichy is the kind of guy who doesn’t just walk into a room—he builds the room, stocks the fridge, and makes sure everyone feels like they belong there. Serial entrepreneur, community architect, and now, co-owner of Seemingly Overzealous, Charlotte’s fun, fast-growing dairy-, egg-, and gluten-free ice cream shop, Garrett has made a career out of turning “what ifs” into “why nots.”  

If you’ve spent a minute in Charlotte’s creative circles, you’ve probably heard of Hygge Coworking—Garrett’s first big leap into building spaces where people connect, create, and thrive. But when the world shut down in 2020, Garrett and his wife, Jessica Berresse, started making ice cream at home for friends—a hobby that quickly spiraled into a sweet obsession and, eventually, a business that’s now scooping up smiles across three locations. (See what we did there?) 

Seemingly Overzealous isn’t your average ice cream shop. Everything is homemade, and every scoop is free from dairy, eggs, and gluten—so everyone, from the most allergy-sensitive kid to the pickiest adult, can dig in without worry. Garrett’s mission? To make ice cream fun, inclusive, and, above all, delicious. As he puts it, “The experience is important to us. We want it to be a fun place to be, not only for kids, but adults too.”  

On this episode of Raising a Ruckus, Garrett Tichy shares how a pandemic hobby became Charlotte’s coolest new hangout, why building community is always at the heart of his ventures, and what happens when you stop worrying about stuff and just go for it.

Cheers!

Garrett Tichy on LinkedIn

Garrett Tichy on Instagram

Seemingly Overzealous Website

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Well-Run Media Website

Mistry Projects Website

If you know, you know: There is NO ONE quite like Bill Bartee. The Mayor of Quail Corners, the Ambassador to SouthPark, the voice of the Carolina Outdoors; Bill is a consummate storyteller, genuine showman – in the best possible way, and part of the retail bedrock of south Charlotte. 

He really is a Renaissance Man. 

Bill’s got more stories than an ocean has fish, and some of them are actually true. At least we think they might be… But if you take the stairs up to Jesse Brown’s and Charlotte’s OG outdoors store, Bill’s sure to make it worth the trip. 

We’ve known Bill for 20-plus years, and love it every time we get a minute or 20 to spend with him. No one, and we mean no one lights up when the mics are hot like Bill Bartee. And when he gets rolling, you just want to get on board for the ride! 

Well, we got him rolling in the studio with us on this episode of the Raising a Ruckus Podcast! 

Cheers, y’all! 

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Bill Bartee on LinkedIn

Jesse Brown's Outdoors

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Well-Run Media Website

Mistry Projects Website

Alright, ruckus-raisers, buckle up, because today we're talking to a guy who's basically the Godfather of good times in Charlotte – Mr. Larry Farber! This dude started playing gigs when most of us were still trying to figure out how to tie our shoes. Fast forward a few years, and he's not only booking the big bands, but he's also throwing the biggest bashes around. A mentor told him he’d make a name not AS a musician, but working IN the music biz. He took that advice and the rest, as they say, is local music history.    You may know him as the man behind Music with Friends, or Charlotte’s first-in-a-long-time jazz club, Middle C Jazz. But Larry's not just about the music; he's also a legit do-gooder who really hasn’t settled down; he's still rock 'n' roll (and jazz!) at heart. So settle in, and prepare for some seriously unfiltered stories from a guy who's seen it all, and done it all in the local music scene. He probably has the T-shirt to prove it, too.    Let's get this party started with Larry Farber!

Hey there, ruckus raisers! We’re BACK and ready to blow your minds with another episode of Charlotte’s most irreverent programs. We diving headfirst into the luminous world of Meredith Connelly, the queen of glow-in-the-dark mushrooms and fairy rings.

This isn't your average paint-by-numbers artist, folks. Meredith's been turning forests into psychedelic wonderlands and making nature trip balls with her mind-bending light installations. She's like Mother Nature's cooler, more rebellious sister who decided to throw a rave in the woods. (It’s not a phase, Mom!)

But wait, there's more! When she's not busy making trees look like they're on acid, Meredith's fighting the good fight for bodily autonomy. She's curated a show called "Sovereign" that's all about telling the powers that be to keep their grubby mitts off our bodies. It's like a middle finger to the man, but with way more style and presumably a lot less jail time. 

So buckle up, buttercups! We're about to get weird, wild, and wonderfully illuminated with the one, the only, Meredith Connelly. Let's raise some mind-altering, thought-provoking, body-positive conversation here on the Raising a Ruckus Podcast! 

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Meredith Connelly on Instagram

Art By Meredith Connelly - Website

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Well-Run Media Website

Mistry Projects Website

Alright, buckle up, folks! It's time for another wild ride on the Raising a Ruckus Podcast, and boy, do we have a treat for you today. We're about to get a little – no make that a LOT smarter -- with Dr. Sharon Jones, the tech education rockstar you want to know.

Here’s the short version: a former teacher who decided the classroom wasn't enough and went on to found the Dottie Rose Foundation. Why? Because she's on a mission to kick the gender gap's butt in technology. Dr. Jones is the rebel we need, empowering young girls to dive headfirst into the crazy world of STEM.

But wait, there's more! She's a globe-trotting speaker and author, dropping knowledge on data analytics, educational practices, and tech like it's her job. Wait… it is. Her book, "A Recipe for Success Using SAS University: How to Plan Your First Analytics Project," is so good it's being used in curriculums across the country. And when she’s not busy teaching and writing, she’s out collecting awards for all her hard work.

We’ll get into all of that, and answer the two burning questions you’re probably asking yourself right now: why would someone so smart agree to be on this program, and what career path almost lured her away from computers. Listen and find out! 

Cheers! 

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Dr. Sharon Jones

Dottie Rose Foundation

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Well-Run Media Website

Mistry Projects Website

 

Juliet Kuehnle is one of the coolest (and most colorful) people we know. But that’s not the only reason you’ll want to listen in to this episode of the Raising a Ruckus Podcast. She’s cool because she’s on a mission to destigmatize mental health and get the treatment they need. And she’s crushing it. 

Juliet is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor and founder of Sun Counseling and Wellness; a practice that's as warm and welcoming as its name suggests. See what we did there? With a team of superstar providers by her side, they’re tackling everything from trauma and grief to eating disorders and anxiety. 

In this episode, Juliet talks modern therapy, where authenticity meets evidence-based techniques. Her practice is all about treating the WHOLE person, and she's not afraid to get creative in her approach to helping clients achieve a balanced and fulfilling life. We also talk hair, clothes, sports, podcasts, family and books. Prepare to take notes. 

Cheers! 

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Sun Counseling and Wellness

Yep I go to therapy

Juliet Kuehnle on Instagram

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Well-Run Media Website

Mistry Projects Website

OG Charlotte folks may recognize the name and the voice Divakar Shukla. He was a longtime staple of Charlotte's radio and media scene. Actually, he still is. 

As a former radio host on 106.5 The End, Divakar brought local music to the forefront with his iconic shows like "90 Minutes" and "The New Music & Indie Label Show," where he showcased emerging talent and indie sounds that defined Charlotte's airwaves. 

But Divakar's influence doesn't stop there. He's also the publisher of Saathee Magazine, a legit print publication serving the Indian community here in Charlotte. Through Saathee, Divakar connects cultures, shares stories, and provides a platform for dialogue and celebration within the Indian diaspora. (How’s that for an SAT word, y’all?) 

In this episode of The Raising a Ruckus Podcast, Divakar talks radio, rock and roll,  publishing pages, and the importance of community representation in the media. But seriously, why are we just now getting in the same booth with this guy? 

Cheers! 

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Saathee Magazine Website

Saathee Magazine on Instagram

Divakar Shukla on Instagram

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Well-Run Media Website

Mistry Projects Website

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Yash's one and only acting stint

Makayla Binter isn't just another artist on the program. She’s part of the TEAM at Charlotte is Creative. We’re big fans, of course. Along with helping transform the city into a canvas for artistic expression and community engagement, she’s also a creative in her own right. 

In this episode of the Raising a Ruckus Podcast, Makayla explains how the outdoors in upstate NY were her early inspiration, making the move to CLT, and her personal journey as a multidisciplinary artist. Have y’all seen her website yet?? Google that after you listen in, of course. 

Yes, she’s as cool as she seems on social media. And yes, she’s a smart, fun, and gracious guest. 

Makayla shares her experiences of balancing commercial work with personal projects, and how she uses her art to spark conversations about social issues. From large-scale murals to intimate illustrations, she's proving that art can be both beautiful and powerful. Stick around, party people. We’re getting into it (in the best way possible) with Makayla Binter to prove once again that Charlotte is indeed Creative. 

Cheers! 

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Makayla Binter on Instagram

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Well-Run Media Website

Mistry Projects Website

As the founder of the 24 Foundation, Spencer Lueders is on a mission to transform lives through the power of community engagement right here in Charlotte. But that’s just part of Spencer’s story. 

With a passion for philanthropy and an entrepreneurial spirit, Spencer has turned his love for cycling into a force for good. For those who aren’t in the loop, The 24 Foundation is not just about bikes; it’s about creating opportunities for individuals and families affected by cancer. Through innovative events like the 24 Hours of Booty, Bourbon for Booty, and Dam to Dam, Spencer and the 24 Foundation have raised millions to support cancer survivorship programs. 

Again, that’s just part of Spencer’s story. 

In the 20-plus years we’ve known him, we’ve seen him and his family do amazing things. And he’s not coasting on us yet. In this episode of The Raising a Ruckus Podcast, we’ll talk innovation, inspiration, and legacy. Let’s goooooooo! 

Cheers! 

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Spencer Lueders on Instagram

24 Foundation Website

24 Foundation on Instagram

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Well-Run Media Website

Mistry Projects Website