The Hometown Holler

What's in your water? This week the Holler finds out with the help of Professor La'Meshia Whittington, Founder and President of Democracy Green. A social scientist, policy expert, and environmental justice activist, Professor Whittington unpacks the complexities of PFAS pollution and its far-reaching impact, on public health. Along the way, she highlights the importance of new EPA regulations to remove PFAS from our water and offers practical advice for individuals to minimize their exposure to toxic "forever chemicals." From the history of corporate negligence in the American South to the pivotal role of policy in protecting public health, Professor Whittington tells listeners how our water got so damn disgusting and how we can clean it up!

Connect with Professor Whittington at https://www.professorlameshia.com/ and on Instagram @nebiyah_

00:00 World's Greatest Podcast Intro

01:49 Professor Whittington's Background

05:43 Impact of PFAS

07:47 Accountability and Corporate Pollution

08:33 Challenges in Regulation

13:45 Global Perspectives on PFAS

23:53 Current Regulatory Framework

Husband, father, candidate, congressman, soldier, social media star—on a given day, Jeff Jackson is all of these and more. The candidate for NC Attorney General sits down with Quinn and Daniel for what will surely go down as the most ruthless grilling of his political career. In a wide-ranging conversation, Jeff reflects on how he went from being the guy behind the counter at Blockbuster Video to one of North Carolina’s most celebrated leaders. Along the way, Jeff recounts his decision to enlist in the Army after 9/11 and the role chance has played in his extraordinary political career—the dude won his first election by ONE vote! From sage insights to Hollywood hot takes, this is Jeff Jackson as you’ve never seen him before.

Connect with Congressman Jackson at his website jeffjacksonnc.com or on social media @jeffjacksonnc

Show Notes:

00:13 On Location Episode: Exploring History and Politics

00:47 Catching Up with Congressman Jeff Jackson

02:01 Who is Jeff?

03:04 Finding Balance in a Busy Life

08:46 Jeff's Journey: Was it All a Plan?

12:55 Making Politics Possible: the Importance of Mentors and Role Models

16:25 Reflections on September 11

18:54 The Changing Landscape of Local Journalism

19:38 Utilizing Social Media for Transparency

20:30 Making Friends on Capitol Hill

22:14 Hollywood Hot Takes: From Blockbuster to Recent Hits

26:04 Exploring North Carolina's Hidden Treasures

27:35 Guilty Pleasures and Personal Interests: Books, Presidents, and Music

31:55 Closing Thoughts: Politicians are People too

As candidate for Commissioner of Labor, Braxton Winston gives North Carolina voters a lot to like. His diverse background includes experience as a union stagehand, sports TV grip for the Charlotte Hornets, and mayor pro tem of North Carolina’s largest city. In his first conversation with the Holler, Braxton reflects on his bones-deep commitment to public service, the importance of good labor policy, and his vision to make North Carolina the best state in the Union for workers AND businesses. Most importantly, he also takes a moment to explain just what exactly the Commissioner of Labor does. Keep up with Braxton at www.votebraxton.com and on social media @votebraxton

This week the Holler digs deep with Eric Henry, President of TS Designs, about North Carolina’s role in the global apparel industry, the importance of land use regulations (zoning), and why what we wear matters. From organic gardening with his grandfather to facing the challenges posed by NAFTA, Eric shares his journey towards creating a triple bottom line of people, planet, and profit. Join us as we explore how North Carolina can embrace sustainable land use and transparent supply chains for a better future.

This week on the Holler Quinn & Daniel navigate the complexities of North Carolina's childcare crisis, uncovering the challenges families face in accessing affordable and quality care. From soaring costs to limited availability, the duo examines the far-reaching impacts on parents, children, and society.

Firing squads, witchcraft, and Twix bars. This episode has it all.

This week the Holler shines a light on the best-kept secret in our public schools: adult education! Joining Quinn and Daniel for this uplifting lesson is a true Hometown Hero. As Executive Director of College and Career Readiness at Alamance Community College, Jen Mock is a daily witness to the power of adult education and the role our public schools play in empowering lifelong learners. Jen teaches us about the non-traditional learner, the individual and societal benefits of adult education, and the incredible programs our community colleges offer adult learners for FREE!!

In China, 2024 is the year of the Dragon. In North Carolina, it's the year of the Public School. In that spirit, the Holler is hosting a series of conversations on the state of public education in the Tar Heel state. To kick things off, Quinn and Daniel speak with Dayson Pasión, an award-winning public educator and Teacher Advisor to Governor Roy Cooper. Dayson dishes insights from his experience in education policy, including the impact of vouchers on public education, the role of charter schools, the DRIVE task force for educator diversity, and the importance of supporting public education through policy and community involvement. Dyson also touches on the need for supporting educators and early childhood education, reflecting on his journey from classroom teacher to policy advisor.

"Here's the mail. It never fails. It makes me want to wag my tail. When it comes I want to wail... MAIL!!!!!"