Flippin' the Switch

Hosted by Jones-Onslow EMC

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Latest episode

Apr 2026

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About the show

Flippin' the Switch is the monthly podcast of Jones-Onslow EMC, an electric cooperative located in southeastern North Carolina. Listeners can learn more about JOEMC's community programs and involvement, get quick and easy energy tips that'll save them money around the home, and hear how the co-op is using the latest in technologies to assist in providing the best customer experience possible.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

April 2, 2026Episode 420 min

S7 E4: Celebrating the Month of the Military Child with Hug A Hero

On this episode of Flippin' the Switch, we sit down with Trisha Dyal and Carol Jameson to trace how a single handmade “daddy doll” became a nationwide resource for military families, powered by a tiny team of military spouses and volunteers who understand the stakes. April brings special urgency as the Month of the Military Child, and we dig into how local sponsors and businesses help put dolls into families’ hands, plus what corporate sponsorship can look like. We also explore expanding programs for first responders, children’s hospitals, double-sided dolls, and “Heavenly Heroes” memorial dolls meant to be gifted during grief. Tune in and learn how you can give back during the Month of the Military Child and beyond.

March 18, 202617 min

S7 E3: Energy Through Their Eyes - A Visit to Clear View Elementary

Career Day gets a lot more interesting when the kids take the mic. We’re at Clearview Elementary with students who tell us what they learned about Jones Onslow EMC, what electricity powers in their homes, and what they’d change if they could give “electric powers” to anything from a bed to a flying carpet.Subscribe to Flippin’ the Switch, share this with a parent or teacher, and leave us a review. Then follow us on social media to stay in the loop with Jones Onslow EMC.

February 23, 2026Episode 219 min

S7 E2: Dreaming Big in a Small Town with Schumata Brown

What does it take to turn a “passage to the beach” into a small-town destination? We sit down with Maysville’s town manager, Schumata Brown, to unpack a lifetime of roots, the courage to lead at home, and the practical playbook for rural revival: professional management, grant-first funding, and a community that sees itself with fresh eyes.Schumata shares how growing up where everyone knew your name forged integrity and accountability that guide every decision today. From rebranding the gateway sign to acquiring distressed buildings before the grant money was certain, we walk through the bold bets that lit a spark on Main Street—now home to mixed-use apartments, a new laundromat, and the kind of construction fences that signal progress, not decay.We also honor the people who laid the groundwork whose stories shaped Maysville’s identity, plus Schumata's own family legacy in public service. If you care about rural development, civic leadership, and turning pride into projects, this story delivers a clear, gritty blueprint.

January 27, 2026Episode 112 min

S7 E1: New Year, Smarter Power with Member Services

Your winter bill doesn’t have to be a mystery. We sit down with Member Services representative Staci Berkner to unpack the hidden habits that raise costs, the simple tweaks that actually work, and the free tools that help you manage energy like a pro. From the 68-degree thermostat baseline to spotting when auxiliary heat kicks in, we walk through how to interpret your daily usage, connect it to real-life choices, and act before a small spike becomes an expensive surprise.We also highlight key dates and opportunities around the cooperative, including the virtual annual meeting streaming Friday, March 27 at 10 a.m., and details on youth basketball camp scholarships for rising sixth and seventh graders. Along the way, you’ll get winter readiness tips, safety reminders, and a clear path to making 2026 your most efficient year yet. Ready to take control? Follow your daily usage, try one small habit change this week, and explore the free EnergyWise tools at joemc.com.

December 22, 2025Episode 1111 min

S6 E11: Small Hands, Big Impact - Writing Joy Into A Veteran’s Holiday

A ten-year-old with a big heart is changing the holidays for veterans. Tucker, the force behind In Tucker’s Mailbox, shows how handwritten cards can bring comfort to veterans living in VA homes—and how a simple idea can rally an entire community. We follow his journey from practicing his signature to organizing and hand-delivering thousands of Christmas cards to VA homes in Eastern North Carolina.Along the way, Tucker’s letters spark unexpected replies, powerful connections, and living lessons about service, kindness, and showing up for others. He also shares advice for kids who want to make a difference: start with what you love and use it to help someone else.We round out the episode with practical holiday energy-saving and safety tips, plus a look at PowerBucks—an easy way to help a neighbor with their electric bill. If this story inspired you, share it, subscribe, and consider writing a card of your own. Sometimes, the smallest gestures bring the most warmth.

November 25, 202522 min

S6 E10: Powering Community In The Season Of Giving

On this episode of Flippin' the Switch, we highlight how United Way of Onslow County shows what happens when generosity works like infrastructure—steady, practical, and built to last. Raquel Painter joins us to share how small, consistent acts can have a real impact: students are fed through the CHEW program, families gain access to fresh produce, and neighbors move from crisis to stable housing with wraparound support.Raquel walks us through their model—funding vetted nonprofits, coordinating a volunteer network that runs smoothly, and expanding food access through a community garden that’s now growing into plans for a 28-acre farm. That future farm will supply disaster relief hubs and help the community learn where to turn long before an emergency hits.We also dive into their transitional housing project: 111 units designed with on-site services for therapy, substance-use support, documentation, banking, and job pathways that help people rebuild long-term. United Way’s reentry efforts show what’s possible when barriers come down.And in a rapid-fire segment, Joe—our lineman preparing to join NRECA International in Guatemala—reminds us how technical skills can become life-changing service. Bringing electricity to a village opens doors in education, health, and opportunity.Want to help? Volunteer through Volunteer Onslow, donate at uwonslow.org, or share this episode with someone who believes local action creates lasting change.

September 12, 2025Episode 919 min

S6 E9: A Week in Washington - The Youth Tour Experience with Giana Cadwallader

What happens when you take four high school students from small-town North Carolina and drop them into the heart of Washington, DC for a week? Magic, transformation, and lifelong connections.The Electric Cooperative Youth Tour has been sending students to our nation's capital for over 60 years. In this episode, we get a firsthand account from Giana Cadwallader, a Jacksonville High School senior who experienced this journey of discovery over the summer. From trading state pins with students across America to standing in awe before towering monuments that remind us "freedom isn't free," Giana's story captures the essence of what makes this program so powerful. For any high school juniors listening, applications open in December for next summer's trip. Check our website or social media for details on how you could experience this transformative opportunity. As Gianna's story demonstrates, some lessons can only be learned by walking in the footsteps of history.Run Time: 19 Minutes

August 26, 2025Episode 823 min

S6 E8: Leading the Line with New CEO Ricky Maready

Leadership born from experience stands at the heart of our latest Flippin' the Switch episode featuring Ricky Maready, Jones-Onslow EMC's new CEO who brings an extraordinary 37 years of cooperative service to his role. Ricky's journey from load management technician to chief executive offers a masterclass in understanding electric cooperative operations from the ground up. This front-row seat to Jones-Onslow's evolution has shaped his leadership philosophy, which he summarizes beautifully as focusing on "the little old lady at the end of the line" – ensuring that every member receives equal attention regardless of size or influence.The episode takes a meaningful turn as we spotlight the cooperative's Bright Ideas grant program for teachers with Community and Communications Director Krystal Phillips. Whether you're curious about the cooperative's leadership transition, community development, or educational support initiatives, this episode showcases how Jones-Onslow continues evolving while remaining true to our cooperative principles. Ready to learn more about the people and programs that make your electric cooperative special? Listen now and discover the stories behind the service.Run Time: 23 Minutes

July 15, 2025Episode 716 min

S6 E7: Ask a Dispatcher - Behind the Scenes with Amanda Wilson

What happens when you flip a switch and nothing happens? Behind every power outage is a team of dedicated professionals working around the clock to restore your service. At the center of this operation are dispatchers - the unsung heroes who coordinate everything from routine maintenance to emergency response.Amanda Wilson, Operations Center Supervisor at Jones-Onslow EMC, pulls back the curtain on the dispatcher's world in this eye-opening conversation. Discover the intricate dance of technology, teamwork, and problem-solving that unfolds when your power goes out. Most outages are detected automatically through advanced metering systems before you even call, but Amanda explains why your reports of specific issues like downed trees or damaged equipment dramatically speed up restoration times. Whether you're curious about how your electric cooperative works or appreciate the satisfaction of understanding the systems that power modern life, this conversation illuminates the human element behind every watt of electricity flowing through your home.

June 9, 2025Episode 615 min

S6 E6: Summer Baseball with the Jacksonville Ospreys

Grab your peanuts and Cracker Jacks! Summer in Jacksonville means baseball season is in full swing, and we're diving deep into the heart of our hometown team. Ever wondered how a summer collegiate baseball team comes to life? Dylan Hughes, General Manager of the Jacksonville Ospreys, takes us behind the scenes of creating a baseball tradition from scratch. What began as a simple desire to avoid long drives to neighboring cities for baseball games has blossomed into a community cornerstone that's quickly building its own legacy. The Ospreys represent more than just baseball—they're a testament to community connection. Players from across the country and even overseas find temporary homes with local host families, creating bonds that extend far beyond the diamond. These college athletes, all looking to perfect their craft during the summer months, bring high-level baseball right to our backyard while becoming honorary members of Jacksonville families.North Carolina has a rich baseball tradition, producing legends like Catfish Hunter and Gaylord Perry. Now, Jacksonville is writing its own chapter in that story. With the All-Star Game coming up on June 28th featuring a Home Run Derby and pre-game festivities, there's never been a better time to catch Osprey fever. Become part of our baseball community and watch as Jacksonville's newest tradition takes flight!