Roundtable Talk | 153 |

Roundtable Talk | 157 | Students, Scholarships & Smart Policy – A Look at What's Working in Hoke County

In Episode 158 of the Roundtable Talk Podcast, hosts Ruben Castellon and Chris Holland open with good news from Hoke County Schools — celebrating outstanding athletes, dedicated coaches, a Rockfish Middle School Teacher of the Month, and seniors racking up hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships, including one student awarded over $500,000. As Chair of the Hoke County Board of Education, Ruben puts out a call for parents and especially teachers to weigh in on 22 new discipline and behavior policies currently posted for public comment. The hosts also break down the new driver's education commitment policy, then turn to Raleigh, where two constitutional amendments — capping the state income tax rate at 3.5% and authorizing statewide property tax guardrails — are headed to the November 2026 ballot. Plus: data center regulations, Memorial Day plans, and America 250 celebrations in Raeford. Sponsors: * Raeford Guns [https://raefordguns.com/] * North State Journal (Hoke County edition) [https://hoke.northstatejournal.com/] * The LIBRE Initiative [https://thelibreinitiative.com/state/north-carolina/] * Christian 105.7 FM. [https://christian1057.com/]

Roundtable Talk Podcast | 156 | Teachers, Taxes & the Truth Behind the May Day Rally

“Leadership failed at the school level when the mission to educate children stopped for activism.” — Ruben Castellon In Episode 156, hosts Ruben Castellon and Chris Holland sit down at the roundtable to break  down the recent May Day rally that closed school districts across North Carolina. Was it a legitimate teacher protest or a political rally in disguise? Sponsors: * Raeford Guns [https://raefordguns.com/] * North State Journal (Hoke County edition) [https://hoke.northstatejournal.com/] * The LIBRE Initiative [https://thelibreinitiative.com/state/north-carolina/] * Christian 105.7 FM. [https://christian1057.com/]

Roundtable Talk | 155 |  From Allergies to Action: Politics, Participation & the Fight for Representation

In this episode of The Roundtable Talk Podcast, hosts Ruben Castellon and Chris Holland kick things off with an honest, lighthearted conversation about seasonal allergies, natural remedies, and how our bodies—and our communities—change over time. The discussion quickly turns to civic matters: from Virginia’s controversial redistricting to the broader effects of political reshaping across the United States. Ruben and Chris break down what “out‑of‑cycle” redistricting means, why some state maps have been struck down as unconstitutional, and how that impacts North Carolina voters. They compare state‑level politics in Virginia, California, and Texas; talk about low voter turnout in Hoke County, NC; and challenge faith‑minded citizens to get involved, vote their values, and protect constitutional representation. Toward the close, the hosts praise their local school’s Special Olympics event, salute area veterans, and celebrate true community unity. It’s another episode of neighborly wisdom, political insight, good humor, and grounded local perspective from Raeford’s own Roundtable. Sponsors: * Raeford Guns [https://raefordguns.com/] * North State Journal (Hoke County edition) [https://hoke.northstatejournal.com/] * The LIBRE Initiative [https://thelibreinitiative.com/state/north-carolina/] * Christian 105.7 FM. [https://christian1057.com/]

Roundtable Talk | 154 | April 9, 2026

In this episode of Roundtable Talk, Ruben Castellon and Chris Holland cut through the noise to discuss i ssues that matter most to Hoke County and North Carolina. They break down the North Carolina Supreme Court’s final word on the state’s voter ID law, explore the  closure of the 32‑year Leandro education case, and examine ongoing debates over educational funding, local accountability, and growth management in our communities. They also tackle the latest discussion on state marijuana legalization, upcoming GOP meetings and civic events, and the importance of citizen engagement — reminding listeners that informed voters are the  heartbeat of effective local government. Sponsors: * Raeford Guns [https://raefordguns.com/] * North State Journal (Hoke County edition) [https://hoke.northstatejournal.com/] * The LIBRE Initiative [https://thelibreinitiative.com/state/north-carolina/] * Christian 105.7 FM. [https://christian1057.com/]

Roundtable Talk | 153 |

Sponsors: * Raeford Guns [https://raefordguns.com/] * North State Journal (Hoke County edition) [https://hoke.northstatejournal.com/] * The LIBRE Initiative [https://thelibreinitiative.com/state/north-carolina/] * Christian 105.7 FM. [https://christian1057.com/]