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Sheila is the Co-Founder and inaugural Artistic Director of Artists Standing Strong Together (ASST, pronounced “assist”), a vibrant non-profit born out of the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. ASST has quickly grown into a thriving community that uplifts the arts and artists, offering exciting digital performance and exhibition opportunities, hands-on workshops, and a crucial emergency support fund. Recognized for their impactful work, Sheila and her Co-Founder Donna Washington received the 2021 Distinguished National Service Award from the National Storytelling Network.

Rolling Stone contributing writer and Smoky Mountain News, Arts and Entertainment Reporter, Garret Woodward was honored to talk about how upcoming concerts will raise funds for Helene relief. Check out the events, the artists, locations, and dates for good music in the name of humanity. This conversation aired in October 2024.

Thanks to NPR and UNC Public Radio, WNCW provided parts of a report about the crucial African American male vote for the upcoming election. This segment includes the opinions of hard-working black male voters across the state. This conversation aired in late Sept. 2024

The United States Department of Energy Deputy Secretary, David Turk spoke directly with WNCW to address the federal government's ongoing efforts to help Western North Carolina recover from Hurricane Helene. Turk shared the mission at hand, from electricity restoration to FEMA disaster recovery centers to infrastructure. This conversation aired in October 2024.

Imari Scarbrough with Carolina Public Press shared her story on applying for FEMA Aid in Western North Carolina. In the aftermath of Helene, good tips for homeowners, renters, and small businesses were discussed. Also included is Liz Whalen Tallent of The Orange Peel, Asheville on what she has witnessed in this time of storm recovery. This conversation aired in October 2024.

Bobby McMillon was a traditional ballad singer, musician, and storyteller from Yancey County, N.C. He grew up hearing firsthand the scary stories and witch tales that his family told. His grandfather had an old Victrola record player and a lot of old records. Bobby loved to listen and learn the old songs. It wasn’t long before he began to realize that some of the recorded songs were similar to the old songs that his family and neighbors sang. In his teens, he developed an avid interest in documenting these songs, spending any free time visiting and recording. Bobby McMillon was considered one of the leading authorities in Southern Appalachian music. In 1995, he received the N.C. Folklore Society’s Brown-Hudson Folklore Award and in 2000 he received the N.C. Folk Heritage Award. He passed away on November 28, 2021. Bobby learned this ballad, "Lady Bright", from Lizzie Ellison from Boone, N.C

In this Down the Road episode, host Laura Boosinger interviews Brandon Johnson, the Executive Director of the Madison County Arts Council and the director of The Bluff Mountain Festival. Johnson explains how the annual festival began, when he became involved, and the importance of the music and community.

Connie Regan-Blake is an award-winning storyteller, coach, and workshop facilitator. Among her many awards and accolades, she has received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Storytelling Network. Connie has also been honored by the NC Arts Council and the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival. She served on the board of directors for the National Storytelling Association at varying intervals between 1974 and 1984.

In 1975, Connie Regan-Blake teamed up with Barbara Freeman to travel and tell stories across the country. The women made a marvelous duo, strategically and creatively sharing stories from the past and present. Many Appalachian tales have roots in Irish, Scottish, and English history, dating back hundreds of years, while others were developed and shared in more recent times.

Jim Shumate was a fiddler who gained his notoriety in the 1940s when he played with some of the great musicians of bluegrass, including Bill Monroe & the Bluegrass Boys, Lester Flatt, and Earl Scruggs. He added his flair to the songs of the time, emphasizing ‘long-bow’ fiddling, a style which he discovered listening to Arthur Smith from the Grand Ole Opry.