The Swannanoa River is showing signs of recovery after Helene. Jaclyn Anthony talks with NC Wildlife’s Luke Etchison about how storm damage to a dam opened passage for returning native fish, why smallmouth bass matter to freshwater mussels, and how local colleges and community partners are helping restore the river’s habitat.

Kevin Washington’s guest is Ronald Harrill, a Shelby, NC author who is part of The Our Stories Project. They helping to lead the effort to uncover the unmarked grave sites for about 300 people, enslaved and free Black people, and paupers white and Black. Along with that uncovering, was the discovery of the first erected Black church and the first public school for Black students in Shelby.

Jaclyn Anthony’s guests this week are Coleman Forshee, general manager of Klingspor's Woodworking Shop, and western North Carolina woodturner Kevin Felderhoff. They discuss the 26th Annual Woodworking Extravaganza, coming to Hickory October 23–24. The free event features demonstrations, competitions, hands-on activities, and artisans showcasing everything from woodcarving and woodturning to pyrography. They also discuss efforts to introduce younger generations to woodworking and preserve traditional craftsmanship.

The Friday Feature of the Week heads to Brasstown for John C. Campbell Folk School’s 50th Fall Festival. Jaclyn welcomes events and volunteer manager Morgan Budzinski and music and dance events coordinator T-Claw Crawford.

Jaclyn Anthony’s guest is Herb Klann, Bat Cave resident and author of the forthcoming Ready, Set, Hunt: A Field Guide for the Beginner Hunter, releasing September 29th from Asheville-based Otterpine. The guide gives new and experienced hunters practical guidance, hard-earned lessons and confidence to find their own way outdoors. They talk about Klann’s hunting experience growing up and how hunters make good conservationists.

Jaclyn Anthony’s guest for this Friday Feature of the Week is Andrew Aydin, co-founder of the Appalachia Comics Project and one of the survivors whose stories appear in its graphic novel, Islands in the Sky: A People’s History of Hurricane Helene. The anthology pairs survivors with comic writers and artists, published by Good Trouble Productions. On September 27, contributors and survivors will mark Helene’s second anniversary with a book signing at Main Street Comics and Games in Marshall.

Based on the true events that unfolded when 38 planes carrying thousands of passengers from around the world were diverted to Gander, Newfoundland, following the events of 9/11. This critically acclaimed musical is an uplifting reminder of humanity’s capacity to come together in even the most difficult moments.

In this week’s Friday Feature, Jaclyn talks with David Weintraub, documentary filmmaker and executive director of the Center for Cultural Preservation, about his new film, Raising Cane: The Cherokee and Rivercane—which premieres September 19 at Blue Ridge Community College’s Thomas Auditorium.

In this week’s Friday Feature of the Week, Jaclyn talks with Darren Clark with the Elk Mill-Poga Volunteer Fire Department ahead of the third annual First Responder RibFest in Mountain City. The event raises money for first responders while bringing departments and the community together for a day of barbecue and friendly competition. Hear more about how RibFest got started, where the money goes, and what’s planned for this year’s event.

This week, Kevin Washington interviews Sara Colée, a brand strategist and the founder of Stella Creative Studio. In the interview, Sara talks about the work of the organization she co-founded, Fair Play of Charlotte, where they advocate for a fair ecosystem for musicians and artists in Charlotte by engaging with venues, event producers, and organizations, highlighting the value of having an inclusive music scene in Charlotte. Sara discusses the work that Fair Play has done, including the data gathered about the progress that Charlotte has made in supporting local artists.