Unscripted with Aaron Conrad

Today's episode is with Adam Lucas. Adam Lucas is a prominent writer, columnist, and broadcaster known for his extensive work covering University of North Carolina (UNC) athletics, primarily through GoHeels.com, the official website of UNC sports. A lifelong Tar Heel fan, Lucas grew up dreaming of playing basketball for UNC but, recognizing his limitations in height and athletic talent, pursued a career in sports journalism. He has been a columnist for GoHeels.com and served as the publisher of Tar Heel Monthly since 2001. Lucas has authored or co-authored seven books on Carolina basketball, including titles that chronicle the program’s storied history and iconic figures. His work extends to broadcasting, where he co-hosts a radio show and contributes to the Tar Heel Sports Network. A 1995 UNC graduate, Lucas combines deep institutional knowledge with a passionate storytelling style, making him a beloved figure among Tar Heel fans and a respected voice in college sports media. His career reflects a lifelong dedication to celebrating and documenting UNC’s athletic legacy.

We are so BACK! Episode 328 is with Curt Harding. Curt has been on several times and returns today to kick off the return of Unscripted! Curt is an author, writer, podcaster, husband, father, and friend. We cover a lot of ground in this episode. Find out more about Curt Harding at curtharding.com

NOEL THOMAS is co-founder and CEO of Dark Watch, a data company focused on anti-trafficking. His faith and conviction opened his heart for the oppressed and marginalized. Noel has been dedicated to researching, educating on, coordinating, and managing the development of counter-trafficking solutions. He addressed the United Nations on human trafficking and sextortion. He lives on Florida’s Atlantic Coast. Rob Suggs is a virtuoso of the written word through his versatility, experience, and relentless creativity. His clients have included New York Times best-selling authors such as Kyle Idleman, Lee Strobel, Mark Batterson, David Jeremiah, Bruce Wilkinson, and many others. He has written or collaborated on more than sixty books. In this promising true crime story of big tech combatting human trade by Noel Thomas and Rob Suggs, Dark Traffic ushers the public into the next phase of anti-trafficking efforts to stop what has evolved into a 150 billion dollar industry involving a complex network of organized crime trafficking sex, labor, and human organs. It has become an all too prevalent and pervasive presence with a world wide grip reaching out to seize the vulnerable, powerless, and marginalized through the Internet and the dark web. Not your average book on trafficking—this is an exclusive look at the side of human trafficking you’ve never known, and how technology is being used to fight the war. Because the game has changed, and we must change with it. As co-founder and CEO of Dark Watch, author Noel Thomas has led United States law enforcement and the judicial system onto the new battleground, where high-tech data analysis is changing how criminals are caught and prosecuted. Offering an insider’s view on the battle, Dark Traffic is Noel Thomas’s plea to a public primarily unaware of the destruction and close proximity of trafficking, seeking to pull back the curtain of what’s happening in our own backyards and ignite a righteous anger that calls readers to step up, learn more, and do more. “This book was written to bridge the information gap,” Thomas writes, “and, consequently, the outage gap. Lives are destroyed in large numbers, and we need to raise an army of awareness and determination to fight this enemy who is thriving in the shadows of our culture.” More than just a report from the battlefield, Dark Traffic is an urgent call for more people to join in the fight. Find out more about Dark Watch - https://darkwatch.io/ [https://darkwatch.io/] Dark Traffic can be purchased wherever you find get books. [https://www.amazon.com/Dark-Traffic-Dangerous-Intersection-Technology/dp/B0CLHV26ZF]

In this episode of 'Unscripted,' the host engages in a compelling conversation with film producer Nate Deen, who discusses his latest project, 'Brave the Dark.' Nate shares his life story, which forms the basis of the film, revealing a childhood filled with traumatic experiences that led him to distrust adults and make poor decisions in his teenage years. At 16, Nate ran away from home, living in his car and getting into trouble. His life took a turn for the better thanks to Mr. Stan Deen, a compassionate high school teacher who took Nate under his wing, eventually becoming a father figure. Nate recounts how this relationship influenced his decision to change his last name to Deen in honor of his mentor. Nate also discusses the founding of the Stan Deen Foundation, aimed at helping young people in need. The film 'Brave the Dark' is currently in theaters, distributed by Angel Studios. Nate emphasizes the film's message of hope and redemption, and his plans to tell more stories of individuals who have overcome adversity.

In this episode of 'Unscripted' recorded in Columbus, Ohio, the host chats with Lee Brown, a real estate broker from Concord, North Carolina, about the ongoing relief efforts and challenges faced by communities in Western North Carolina following a devastating hurricane. Brown provides a personal and detailed account of the work she and others have been doing to support affected areas, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of the impact and the varying levels of recovery across the region. They discuss specific efforts by various organizations, including NASCAR, Samaritan's Purse, and grassroots groups, to provide immediate and long-term relief. Brown highlights the bureaucratic hurdles and delays in government assistance, while also celebrating the rapid response and significant contributions from private and community-led initiatives. The discussion also touches on the broader implications of the disaster and the need for streamlined, efficient government responses to such crises.