Paul Foster

Staff Reporter for Carolina Public Press, Jane Sartwell, sat down with WNCW to recap her recent story about how federal budget cuts in Washington, DC, were being felt by local programs across the state. Programs like HIV testing, well-water testing, and tobacco prevention. Several State Health and Human Services employees also lost their jobs.

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.

John Boyle of Asheville Watchdog shared his Road to Recovery story when he was a guest on WNCW. John discussed businesses affected by Helene in Asheville, where owners either closed or restarted, even though the recovery took some time. John also shared some statistics regarding tourism in the region

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.

The Daily Yonder's Anya Slepyan recapped her story about how potters in Madison County, N.C., are keeping a tradition going of how they create pottery. It's also a way to help them and their neighbors heal after the impact left behind by Helene. This discussion goes over a Chinese-style Dragon Kiln, extreme fire temperatures, and a 3-day process that leads to works of clay that are turned into beautifully created vessels.

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.

Ely Portillo, Executive Editor of WFAE Public Radio in Charlotte, sat down with WNCW to discuss recent happenings with the Charlotte City Council. This includes a council member's fraud charges that occurred before they were in office and a payment of thousands of dollars, voted on behind closed doors, to Police Chief Johnny Jennings. Jennings was upset with a council member's comments towards his job performance and was threatening to sue the city.

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.

WUNC Environment Reporter, Celeste Gracia, sat down with WNCW to talk about her story, "PFAS Pollution Is Hurting Some Small N.C. Businesses And A Lack Of Regulations Makes It Worse". P-FAS, Per and Polyfluoroalkyl-substances, are chemicals that resist grease, oil, water, and heat. Celeste talked with businesses that have become victims of PFAS and what state legislators are doing about it.

"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.