It's no surprise, especially in North Carolina, that there's a huge number of UNC Men's Basketball fans. Scott Whisnant was someone who grew up in the time of the old-school ACC basketball territories. Someone who was on the edge of his seat with every Tarheel game - including historic battles with Duke and NC State. In his book, Tarheel Bred, Scott covers how the events of his life correlated with UNC hoops.

The Hart Square Foundation, including Hart Square Park, located in Catawba County, aims to keep a historic and old-time tradition alive. It involves a community of hand-built log cabins, craft makers, etc., on 200 acres in Valdese. They provide tours and events, including the Annual Heritage Festival.

WNCW had a chance to recap recent stories by Smoky Mountain News on how the federal government shutdown is affecting Great Smoky Mountains National Park and how nonprofits are helping to keep locations along the park operating. This includes support from Friends of the Smokies and Smokies Life. Our guest was the News Editor of Smoky Mountain News, Kyle Perrotti.

This feature interview focused on the annual October fall and mountains edition of Our State Magazine, which this year is a special issue: "Healing After Helene". Editor-in-Chief, Elizabeth Hudson, shared how the publication reflected on the devastation of Hurricane Helene and how she finds awe in the resilient spirit of North Carolinians that arose amidst the devastation.

Gardner-Webb University's Professor of Spanish, Dr. Charles Moore, was honored with a distinguished award and grant, which enabled him to publish his book on Spanish history and its rich language. This was made possible by Sigma Delta Pi, and Moore sat down with WNCW to share all the details.

Downtown Spruce Pine Executive Director Spencer Bost sat down with WNCW to go over the all-new Hellbender Festival on Labor Day weekend. Did you know that Hellbenders - a part of the salamander family - roam the waters of Spruce Pine? The hellbender can only be found in 15 states. The festival offers live music, food, crafts, and even river science.

Founder and Director, Heather Maloy of Terpsicorps Theater of Dance in Asheville, shared the exciting news about their new summer production, Appalachian Phoenix. The story, dance performances, and even the music score were inspired by every hero that made a difference following Hurricane Helene. Asheville performances are coming up July 24th through 26th at The Wortham Performing Arts Center.

Music runs through about everything Joe Hooten does in life. This full-time Social Studies teacher at Asheville Middle School decided he wanted to provide guitar lessons to interested students as well. Known for his own music and a part of the band Tin Roof Echo, Joe shared his desire to put a used guitar in the hands of each and every young teenage student who comes his way. He says it doesn't matter if the instrument has low value, is dusty or slightly damaged, they'll be used.

Echoes of the Forest is a new non-profit group in Western North Carolina, where individuals are taking a stand for large trees that were sadly knocked down by events like Helene. It gives woodworking artists a chance to turn the wood of these trees into incredible art creations. Group founder Liisa Andreassen was our guest. This interview originally aired in mid-June 2025.