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Naomi is an award-winning storyteller who writes her own material based on her experiences growing up and living in the South-Central portion of the North Carolina Appalachian Mountains. Her stories often involve her family, particularly her Granny. She has a way of pondering the ordinary while highlighting the extraordinary in our lives. She believes that when we listen to each other’s stories we connect in meaningful ways.

Amelia Empson is an Indie Americana and roots singer-songwriter from Christiansburg, VA. We discuss the caveats of playing saw and her album, Overalls and Lingerie.

Elsa Howell is a roots and Old Time inspired singer-songwriter from Roanoke, VA. We dive into her debut EP, Eyes Wide.

Grateful Village, based in Asheville, recently conducted a holiday market in support of those affected by Helene. The event raised funds for a 501(c)3, Chances for Children Carolinas. Organizers called it a holiday shopping experience with a purpose. Learn more about Grateful Village and its year-round efforts. This interview originally aired in late November.

Our State magazine editor Elizabeth Hudson joined WNCW to recap this year's special Christmas edition. She previewed features such as Towns that Twinkle, A Downtown Forest City Christmas, and Off We Go: 14 Tours. Our State is truly in the holiday spirit. This interview aired in December.

Sarah Michaels with Carolina Public Press recapped general election results from Nov. 5th. Sarah broke down voting results in North Carolina, such as absentee voting and how more Republicans voted early this time. She also interviewed Western Carolina University Political Science Professor Chris Cooper for his thoughts. This interview originally aired in late November.

Zora Walker (1922-2013) was from the Yellow Branch community of Graham County, North Carolina. She was a wealth of folklore, including stories, jokes, children’s games, traditional folk songs, and ballads.This story, "I Want My Big Toe", has been around for many generations. Folklorist Richard Chase collected and told a version. It’s a classic mountain folktale.

We had such a great time talking with Marc Pruett about his musical career that we found ourselves with a longer story. In this second episode, we look back at some of his early influences, the well-loved Bill Stanley’s BBQ, and the birth of Balsam Range.

Most people know Andy Griffith as the loveable sheriff of Mayberry, the town based in Mount Airy, NC. Beyond the role, Griffith was a musician and entertainer who shared his knowledge and love of traditional music with his audiences.

Donna Ray Norton and Melanie Rice are eight-generation ballad singers. Along with noted musician Sheila Kay Adams and other local singers, they host a monthly ballad swap at the Old Marshall Jail in downtown Marshall, NC. The event has gained notoriety as the only recurring ballad swap in the area, bringing awareness of the traditional music genre to a broader audience.