In this episode of the Roundtable Talk Podcast, Ruben Castellon and Chris Holland sit down with Dr. Ralph Carter—a local physician, community leader, and candidate for public office—to discuss the issues shaping life in Hoke and Scotland Counties.

Dr. Carter shares his vision for sustainable growth, smarter infrastructure, local healthcare improvements, and fiscal responsibility. The conversation ranges from challenges in local development to the impact of statewide leadership decisions and the need for voter involvement at every level. With early voting underway, the hosts and guest encourage citizens to stand up, speak out, and take an active role in shaping the future of southeastern North Carolina.

This is a candid, hometown conversation about values, leadership, and what it will take to build a better, healthier, and more self‑sufficient Hoke County.

Sponsors:

• Raeford Guns
• North State Journal (Hoke County edition)
• The LIBRE Initiative
• Christian 105.7 FM.

In this episode, Ruben and Chris dive into the start of early voting in Hoke County, examine the details behind the SAVE Act (Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act), and discuss why voter ID laws matter for election integrity. The conversation widens to faith and politics, exploring the moral foundations behind law, justice, and civic responsibility.

They also talk about the growing concerns surrounding “fake Republicans”, the importance of vetting candidates, and call on voters to get involved at the local level. The hosts take a faith-informed view of current issues—from debates on transgender identity and Title IX to the moral direction of modern politics—and tie it all back to biblical principles and community leadership.

Stay to the end to catch a historical reflection leading to America’s 250th anniversary, drawing lessons from the early days of the Revolution and applying them to today’s civic challenges.

Sponsors:

• Raeford Guns
• North State Journal (Hoke County edition)
• The LIBRE Initiative
• Christian 105.7 FM.

Ruben Castellon and Chris Holland dig into North Carolina power shifts and why they matter locally. 

They break down recent Raleigh moves affecting who appoints the State Board of Elections, how that filters to county boards, and what it could mean for voter ID enforcement and local oversight

Then the guys lighten it up with a very North Carolina weather check (brace for a soggy Sunday, maybe a messy Monday).

It’s straight talk, local stakes, and plenty of back-and-forth from two voices who call this community home.

Sponsors:

• Raeford Guns
• North State Journal (Hoke County edition)
• The LIBRE Initiative
• Christian 105.7 FM.

In Episode 148 of The Roundtable Talk Podcast, hosts Chris Holland and Ruben Castellon sit down with Dr. Ralph Carter, orthopedic surgeon and candidate for North Carolina House District 48 (Hoke and Scotland Counties).

Dr. Carter shares his heart for public service, his perspective on healthcare, and his plan to restore strong local leadership by focusing on affordability, infrastructure, and real wellness for families across southeastern North Carolina.

“Health care, taxation, and education—they’re not distant issues. They affect families right here in Hoke and Scotland Counties every single day. If we take care of our people, we’ll take care of our state.” — Dr. Ralph Carter

Sponsors:

• Raeford Guns
• North State Journal (Hoke County edition)
• The LIBRE Initiative
• Christian 105.7 FM.

Sponsors:

• Raeford Guns
• North State Journal (Hoke County edition)
• The LIBRE Initiative
• Christian 105.7 FM.

It’s filing season in North Carolina, and the local slate is taking shape. Ruben and Chris walk through who files where, what it costs, deadlines that actually matter, and what redrawn districts could mean for Hoke County. We hit the basics (age, residency, unaffiliated petitions, fees), local races already drawing primaries, and a quick reality check on challenges and eligibility.
Plus a community calendar—Hometown Christmas, Rockfish’s Old-Time Christmas—and our 250th-anniversary vignette on Henry Knox’s “Noble Train of Artillery.”
If you vote here, pay taxes here, or cheer at Friday-night lights here—this one’s for you.

Sponsors:

• Raeford Guns
• North State Journal (Hoke County edition)
• The LIBRE Initiative
• Christian 105.7 FM.

Sponsors:

• Raeford Guns
• North State Journal (Hoke County edition)
• The LIBRE Initiative
• Christian 105.7 FM.

Sponsors:

• Raeford Guns
• North State Journal (Hoke County edition)
• The LIBRE Initiative
• Christian 105.7 FM.

Streaming live from Christian 105.7 (WCLN), Ruben Castellon and Chris Holland sit down with Rockfish Chamber of Commerce president Erlene Harper for a practical look at how a small chamber drives big impact.

We cover: what a chamber really does (advocacy, education, networking), opportunities for micro-businesses and pop-ups, veterans advocacy, and the path toward group insurance. Erlene walks us through Backpack Buddies—a trusted-food-source program delivering 120 weekend meal bags each week to local students—plus how community forums and committees (government affairs, environmental) keep residents informed and involved. We also discuss the recent book-sale/fall-festival dispute, why clarity matters, and how to join or support the mission. 

Highlights:

• Chamber benefits for 1–50-employee businesses
• How “trusted food source” standards protect families
• Practical on-ramps: events, training, internships, advocacy
• Ways to connect: Facebook Messenger or email (as mentioned in-episode)

If this conversation helps, share it with a neighbor, small-business owner, or school leader who cares about Rockfish and Hoke County.

Sponsors:

• Raeford Guns
• North State Journal (Hoke County edition)
• The LIBRE Initiative
• Christian 105.7 FM.

Ruben and Chris unpack Hoke County’s $115,000 refund tied to gaming-machine licenses after a legal clampdown and zoning rollback. They press for transparency, suggest FOIA as a tool, and even call out how poor livestream audio erodes public trust. Plus: clear, parent-friendly NC DMV updates, and a quick look at fall parades, festivals, and the Hoke Native American Scholarship Foundation banquet—ending with a teaser for America250 plans next episode.

Sponsors:

• Raeford Guns
• North State Journal (Hoke County edition)
• The LIBRE Initiative
• Christian 105.7 FM.

Watch past episodes on YouTube, catch the live stream from the WCLN studios, and follow along for next week’s America250 conversation.

Sponsors:

• Raeford Guns
• North State Journal (Hoke County edition)
• The LIBRE Initiative
• Christian 105.7 FM.