Do You Even Live Here?

Episode 9 - DeBorah Ogiste and the Healthy Opportunites Pilot

In this week’s episode, Preston and Dalton learn about the Healthy Opportunities Pilot, a revolutionary public health program pioneered in North Carolina that was recently defunded by state legislators. They sit down with DeBorah Ogiste, a former beneficiary of the program and participant in Beacon Media’s new documentary, The Root of Good Health, to discuss the impact of the program, its loss, and the challenges of raising her 11 year-old grandson. Stick around to the end for a wrap-up on the interview, as well as a rundown on Endangered Species Day and to see some of Dalton’s favorite critters unique to NC. Do You Even Live Here? is produced in partnership with Beacon Media. Find us on Instagram and YouTube with our handle @youliveherepod. Thanks for listening!

Episode 8 - Parkway Controversy, Recent Travels, and the Voting Rights Act

For this week's episode, Preston and Dalton talk about a recent post they made in response to an ongoing project on the Blue Ridge Parkway and their own concerns, discuss their recent travels to Arizona and D.C., and wrap up by sharing Preston's column on the Supreme Court's attack on the Voting Rights Act as well as his own family's connection to civil rights. Give it a listen, you may even find out somebody is (possibly) running for President. (Hint, it's neither Preston nor Dalton!)

Episode 7 - Graig and Kym Meyer: The Legislature, Democrats and Leadership in Trying Times

For this week's episode, Preston and Dalton had their first in-person studio session, and there was no better way to mark it than by having two incredible guests. Graig and Kym Meyer are a power couple in NC. Together, we talk about navigating the transition from the legislature, environmental and climate action, messaging, and our unique political moment. Graig Meyer is a former NC Senator, founder of Beacon Media, and current Executive Director for the North Carolina Justice Center. Kym Meyer is the Litigator Director for SELC. Support each of them by checking out their organizations on the frontline of action across our State and region!

Henderson County, Hospitality House, and Coach Carter

Episode 6: Henderson County, Hospitality House, and Coach Carter In this episode, we sit down with Todd Carter—Mayor Pro Tem of Boone, Dalton’s right-hand man, and Chief Development Director at Hospitality House of WNC—for a wide-ranging conversation rooted in community and impact. Todd shares his journey from Henderson County to becoming a key figure in Boone’s local leadership, along with an inside look at the work Hospitality House is doing across Western North Carolina. We also dive into the story behind the iconic “Coach Carter” political ad, what it represents, and how moments like that shape local narratives. Huge thanks to Todd for sitting down with us this week! We hope y'all enjoy the episode.

Episode 5 - ACA, Graig Meyer, and March Madness

In our second news episode with just our two hosts, Preston and Dalton, touch on an ongoing healthcare challenge related to a hospital in WNC, the replacement process for NC Senator Graig Meyer's seat, their own controversies, and wrap it up talking about March Madness as well as attacking (and defending) Dalton's new school's performance.