TC Spotlight

In this episode, we sit down with Will West, owner of Carolina Grits Company, to explore his journey from the East Coast to the West Coast and ultimately back home to the Twin Counties. Will shares the story of stepping into his father’s legacy and taking over Carolina Grits Co., a beloved local business rooted in tradition, craftsmanship, and Southern culture.

We also dive into Will’s creative side—his career as a musician and artist, his experiences performing across the country, and how his artistic identity continues to shape his work today. Will reflects on what drew him back to Eastern North Carolina, what it means to carry his family’s business forward, and how he balances entrepreneurship with his passion for music.

Tune in to hear Will’s inspiring journey, his vision for the future of Carolina Grits Co., and why returning to the Twin Counties was the right move at the right time.

For more information, check out Carolina Grits Company's website.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Will Lamb, founder of The Kainos School, a new hybrid education model that blends the flexibility of homeschooling with the structure and support of in-person instruction. Dr. Lamb shares the inspiration behind Kainos and how it draws from successful models like Heritage Leadership Academy in Raleigh, combining academic rigor, faith-based values, and community to create a transformative educational experience.

We explore how Kainos offers families a personalized approach to learning—where students receive tailored instruction from qualified teachers while maintaining the freedom and engagement of home-based education. Dr. Lamb discusses the vision behind the school, what sets Kainos apart from traditional and charter models, and how this hybrid approach is designed to prepare students not only academically but also spiritually and socially.

Tune in to hear how The Kainos School is reimagining education for the next generation of learners in Eastern North Carolina, bridging innovation, family involvement, and faith-centered learning.

Learn more at https://www.thekainosschool.com.

In this episode, we sit down with Jason Gupton, a Nash County native and veteran Hollywood stunt coordinator whose credits include the film Roofman starring Channing Tatum. Jason shares how his journey—from action sports and parkour to stunt work—led him to coordinate high-risk sequences in major productions. 

We explore Jason’s experiences on set, the discipline and creativity required for stunt coordination, and how his roots in Eastern North Carolina shaped his career. He offers a behind-the-scenes look at what happens when the cameras roll and the action begins, and shares advice for anyone looking to pursue a career in the stunt industry. You can follow him on Instagram at @jstunts and on Facebook at the real Jason Gupton. 

Tune in for an action-packed conversation that connects Hollywood high-stakes with local hometown inspiration—proving that you can make big moves from the Twin Counties.

In this episode, we sit down with Kaila Billups, Vicky Mayer, and Madeline Mills, three dynamic team members from the Rocky Mount Family YMCA, to explore the incredible impact the Y has on families and youth in our community. Kaila, who serves as Associate Executive Director, leads the conversation on the Y’s mission, culture, and its role as a cornerstone for health, development, and connection in the Twin Counties.

We dive into the YMCA’s youth sports programs, swim instruction, and gymnastics programs, discussing how each helps children build confidence, teamwork, and lifelong skills. Kaila, Vicky, and Madeline share stories about what makes the YMCA’s approach to youth development so special—from its emphasis on inclusivity and character-building to the sense of belonging it creates for families.

Tune in to hear how the YMCA continues to strengthen the fabric of our community through sports, wellness, and mentorship, and how families across the region can get involved in the programs shaping our next generation.

In this episode, we sit down with Bernnadette Yarborough, Director of the Day School at Good Shepherd Church in Rocky Mount, to talk about her lifelong dedication to early childhood education and her passion for nurturing young learners. Bernnadette shares her professional journey, the personal mission that drives her, and the deep sense of purpose she brings to leading one of the region’s most respected childcare programs.

We explore the Day School’s 5-star quality rating, what it means for families, and how Good Shepherd is committed to providing intentional, faith-based care and development for young children. Bernnadette walks us through the curriculum, the culture of care, and the ways the school partners with parents to support each child’s emotional, academic, and spiritual growth.

Our conversation also digs into the broader challenges facing early childhood education, from staffing and funding issues to increasing demand for quality care. Bernnadette offers insight on both the hurdles and the opportunities ahead—and what communities can do to support educators, families, and young children in this critical developmental stage.

Tune in for an inspiring discussion about education, advocacy, and the future of childcare in our community.

In this episode, we sit down with Devin Keaton, founder of Spring Hope Studios, David Keaton, founder of Film Finance Group International (FFGI), and Michael Dallas, the software developer bringing David's innovative ideas to life. Together, they share a fascinating look into how a family’s passion for film, technology, and entrepreneurship is helping shape a new creative hub right here in Nash County.

Devin discusses his background in acting and why he chose Spring Hope, North Carolina as the home for his new studio—a choice inspired by his experiences on The Walking Dead set in Georgia. His journey in the film industry sparked David’s vision to revolutionize film financing, leading to the creation of FFGI, a platform using blockchain and decentralized funding models to make film investment more transparent and accessible. Michael Dallas joins the discussion to explain the software and technological foundation powering this next-generation approach to film finance.

This episode showcases how small-town innovation can have global reach. Tune in to hear how Spring Hope Studios and FFGI are merging creativity, technology, and entrepreneurship to bring new energy to Eastern North Carolina’s economy and creative scene.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Wendy Cook, Vice President of Student Access & Success at Nash Community College, to dive into the college’s newly launched Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) plan. Dr. Cook shares her journey in higher education and how it led her to NCC, where she now plays a crucial role in shaping student success and institutional growth.

We break down what the SEM plan entails—its goals, strategies, and priorities—and unpack why it’s so important not only for NCC but for students and workforce development across our region. Dr. Cook explains how the plan aims to improve access, retention, and completion by aligning programs with community needs and enhancing support systems for learners.

Tune in to hear how Nash Community College is positioning itself to better serve its students and meet regional workforce demands through thoughtful planning and intentional change. Learn more about NCC’s SEM plan here: Nash Community College SEM.

In this episode, we sit down with April Baker, Founder and CEO of A Touch of the Father’s Love based in Momeyer, NC. April shares her inspiring journey—how she started the nonprofit from humble beginnings, grew it through hard work and faith, and eventually secured a permanent home in the old Bass Brothers’ Appliance store.

We discuss her vision to expand the organization’s reach, the number of people they currently serve each year, and the impact it has on the surrounding community. April also opens up about the challenges and triumphs she’s faced along the way and how she continues to push forward with purpose.

Tune in to hear April’s remarkable story of perseverance and service. To learn more about A Touch of the Father’s Love or to support their mission, visit their website: A Touch of the Father’s Love.

In this episode, we bring together three leaders shaping the future of the Twin Counties: Susan Phelps (Economic Development Director, Nash County), Bob Pike (CEO, Carolinas Gateway Partnership), and Sandy Roberson (Mayor of Rocky Mount). We explore the region’s growth prospects across housing, infrastructure, job creation, and public policy initiatives.

Our wide-ranging conversation digs into how both Nash and Edgecombe counties can support sustainable housing development, strengthen infrastructure to attract and retain businesses, and foster an environment for quality job growth. Susan, Bob, and Mayor Roberson also share how policy decisions—at the local and regional level—can accelerate or slow progress, and where they believe the biggest opportunities lie in the years ahead.

Tune in to hear insider perspectives on what’s coming next for the Twin Counties and learn what steps are being taken today to ensure long-term success and prosperity in our community.

In this episode, we sit down with Elton Daniels, the new City Manager of Rocky Mount, NC. Elton shares insights from his first days on the job — the challenges he’s faced, the early wins that have energized his team, and the vision they’re building for the city’s future.

We explore Elton’s career journey and what prepared him for this leadership role, dive into Rocky Mount’s upcoming comprehensive plan, and discuss how his team is approaching growth, infrastructure, and downtown development. Elton also opens up about his personal passion for sports and how it shapes his leadership philosophy.

Whether you’re a Rocky Mount resident, a civic leader, or simply curious about how cities chart their course for the future, this conversation offers a thoughtful look at the direction Rocky Mount is heading and the people driving it forward.