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.

The Center for Cultural Preservation is introducing a new film, Color Beyond the Lines," about those in Henderson County who fought to provide an all-black school before integration began. The Center's Executive Director, David Weintraub shares more information in the interview. The film debuts on June 21st. The interview originally aired in early June 2025.

"The Flood: Music for Manna" is available online for song downloads with proceeds going toward Asheville's Manna Foodbank. Like many businesses and homeowners across Western North Carolina, Manna experienced damages and losses due to Hurricane Helene. Project Producer Guy Smith and artists Jay Brown and Josh Pierce were our guests.

Camp Grier is a 501-c organization, located in McDowell County. Executive Director, Jason McDougal, and Event and Development Director, Sarah Odom, shared the camp's history, summer campers, and their dedication to their region. This includes the Old Fort Strong Fund and something called Grier Village.

Eastern North Carolina's Adrian Wood is one of three authors contributing to the new book, Autism Out Loud: Parenting Children on the Spectrum. She was a guest on the Friday Feature. Wood is the mother of a young teenager with Autism. They share their journey, including challenges that both the child and the parent face. The interview aired in April, which was National Autism Awareness Month.

Find out about The Weave Project and The Weaver Awards, which recognize and celebrate the weavers — those who weave their communities together — in Wilkes County. Local Weave Staffer, Greg Brady, gives the history and meaning of Weave, while award winner, Teacher Heather Williams, shares why she was recognized. This conversation originally aired in March 2025.

Asheville Theatre Alliance (ATA) Co-Founder, Jeff Cantanese was Paul's guest on this feature interview to share what ATA is all about. The non-profit group came together as a way to strengthen the Asheville theatre community as a whole. Jeff also shared details about an ATA podcast that just got off the ground. This conversation originally aired in March 2025.

Madeline Dierauf, a professional fiddler, can be described as a talented musician, an outstanding college student, and someone with a genuine soul. She's also a new and rare recipient of the Oxford University Rhodes Scholarship, that will enable her to continue her studies in England later this year. Madeline, a member of the all- female bluegrass band, The Wilder Flower, is also the daughter of WNCW Music Host, Roland Dierauf. This conversation originally aired in late February 2025.