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Gaston's Great

Gaston's Great

Hosted by Steven Long

Episodes

220

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Welcome to "Gaston's Great," the podcast that delves into the dynamic world of non-profits and leadership in Gaston County, North Carolina! I'm your host Steven Long, and I'm excited to guide you through the inspiring stories, impactful initiatives, and visionary leaders who are making a difference in our community. In each episode, "Gaston's Great" shines a spotlight on the dedicated individuals and organizations that contribute to the social fabric of Gaston County through their work in the non-profit sector. Join us as we explore the innovative solutions, community-driven projects, and the passion that fuels these organizations' missions. Discover the leadership philosophies that drive positive change, as we sit down with influential figures from Gaston County's non-profit landscape. Hear firsthand accounts of challenges overcome, victories celebrated, and the collaborative spirit that defines the non-profit sector in our community. But "Gaston's Great" isn't just about stories – it's about inspiring action and fostering a sense of community engagement. Each episode offers insights into effective leadership strategies, highlights the resources available for those looking to make a difference, and showcases how individuals can get involved in supporting local non-profits. So, whether you're an aspiring leader, a passionate advocate, or simply someone curious about the incredible work happening in Gaston County, this podcast is your go-to source for all things non-profit and leadership-related. "Gaston's Great" is your front-row seat to the heartwarming stories of those who lead with purpose and drive positive change in our beloved community. Join us on this journey of empowerment, motivation, and community building. "Gaston's Great," because leadership and non-profits are the cornerstones of a community that truly thrives. Let's explore the transformative power of leadership together!

Listen to episodes

60 recent
August 13, 2026Episode 19339 min

Beyond the Courtroom: Locke Bell’s Journey of Leadership & Service

In Episode 193 of Gaston’s Great, we sit down with Locke Bell, retired District Attorney of Gaston County, for a powerful conversation about leadership, public service, and the community he has called home for decades.Locke shares his journey into law, the experiences that shaped him as a leader, and the lessons he learned throughout his career serving Gaston County. From making difficult decisions to understanding the responsibility that comes with leadership, this episode gives us a personal look at the man behind the title.🔵 In this episode:• Locke Bell’s journey into law and public service• Lessons learned through years of leadership• The challenges and responsibilities of serving as District Attorney• His connection to Gaston County and the community• Advice and perspective gained from a lifetime of service🎙️ Watch Episode 193 of Gaston’s Great and hear Locke Bell’s story in his own words.👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with the people who make Gaston County GREAT!🔊 Thank you for listening to Gaston's Great! If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it. Your support helps us reach more listeners and continue bringing you great content!💬 Join the Conversation: Follow us on social to stay updated on the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content.👍  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gastonsgreat 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gastonsgreat/🌐 Website: https://www.gastonsgreat.com/▶️ Gaston's Great YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gastonsgreat📧 Get in Touch: Have a question, suggestion, or just want to say hi? Email us at podcast@gastonsgreat.com. We’d love to hear from you!📅 Stay Tuned: We release new episodes every Thursday, so be sure to subscribe and stay connected. Gaston's Great Podcast Brought to You By GSM Services

August 6, 2026Episode 19246 min

More Than a Diagnosis: The Mission of Gaston Cancer Services

A cancer diagnosis can impact every part of a person's life , but no one should have to face that journey alone.In this episode of Gaston's Great, we sit down with Kim and Samarian from Gaston Cancer Services to learn how their organization is providing hope, compassion, and practical support to cancer patients and their families throughout Gaston County.From helping with transportation and financial assistance to connecting patients with essential resources, Gaston Cancer Services is dedicated to ensuring that no one has to navigate cancer without support. Kim and Samarian share the heart behind their mission, the impact their programs have on our community, and inspiring stories of lives that have been touched through their work.Whether you've been personally affected by cancer, know someone who has, or simply want to learn more about an organization making a meaningful difference in our community, this conversation is one you won't want to miss.In this episode, you'll learn:How Gaston Cancer Services supports local cancer patients and their familiesThe programs and resources available throughout Gaston CountyWhy emotional and financial support is so important during treatmentWays our community can get involved and make a differenceThe inspiring mission that drives Kim, Samarian, and their team every dayWant to get involved?  ➜ Gaston Cancer Services🔊 Thank you for listening to Gaston's Great! If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it. Your support helps us reach more listeners and continue bringing you great content!💬 Join the Conversation: Follow us on social to stay updated on the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content.👍  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gastonsgreat 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gastonsgreat/🌐 Website: https://www.gastonsgreat.com/▶️ Gaston's Great YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gastonsgreat📧 Get in Touch: Have a question, suggestion, or just want to say hi? Email us at podcast@gastonsgreat.com. We’d love to hear from you!📅 Stay Tuned: We release new episodes every Thursday, so be sure to subscribe and stay connected. Gaston's Great Podcast Brought to You By GSM Services

July 30, 2026Episode 19143 min

Episode 191: Following Your Heart with Dr. Dustin Letts

What inspires someone to dedicate their life to caring for the hearts of others?On this week's episode of Gaston's Great, we're honored to sit down with Dr. Dustin Letts, a cardiologist with CaroMont Health, for a heartfelt conversation about purpose, compassion, and the experiences that shaped his journey into medicine.Rather than focusing solely on cardiology, Dr. Letts opens up about the people and moments that led him to pursue this calling. He shares his "why"—the personal passion that continues to inspire him to care for patients with empathy, kindness, and excellence every day.This conversation is a reminder that behind every physician is a person with a story, a purpose, and a genuine desire to make a difference. Dr. Letts' humility, authenticity, and love for serving others shine throughout the episode, making it one of those conversations that stays with you long after it ends.🔊 Thank you for listening to Gaston's Great! If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it. Your support helps us reach more listeners and continue bringing you great content!💬 Join the Conversation: Follow us on social to stay updated on the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content.👍  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gastonsgreat 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gastonsgreat/🌐 Website: https://www.gastonsgreat.com/▶️ Gaston's Great YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gastonsgreat📧 Get in Touch: Have a question, suggestion, or just want to say hi? Email us at podcast@gastonsgreat.com. We’d love to hear from you!📅 Stay Tuned: We release new episodes every Thursday, so be sure to subscribe and stay connected. Gaston's Great Podcast Brought to You By GSM Services

July 16, 2026Episode 19046 min

🎙️Episode 190 | Ready, Set, Grow: Helping Local Students Start the School Year Strong 📚🎒

As a new school year approaches, one local event is making sure students and families have the support they need to start with confidence.This week on Gaston's Great, we're joined by Pastor Joe Bell, Sarah Miller, and Bree Thurman Wilson to talk about Ready, Set, Grow, an incredible back-to-school event hosted by the Gaston County Early Literacy Collaborative and CaroMount Health that brings churches, organizations, businesses, and volunteers together to serve families across our community.From free school supplies and backpacks to shoes, clothing, haircuts, community resources, and so much more, Ready, Set, Grow is about more than preparing kids for the classroom, it's about reminding every child that they are valued, supported, and loved. ❤️In this inspiring conversation, you'll hear:🎒 The story behind Ready, Set, Grow📚 How the event impacts local students and families🤝 Why partnerships and volunteers make all the difference💙 Ways you can get involved and help make an impact in Gaston CountyLearn More About The Event!Whether you're a parent, educator, volunteer, or someone looking to give back, this episode is a powerful reminder of what can happen when a community comes together for its children.🔊 Thank you for listening to Gaston's Great! If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it. Your support helps us reach more listeners and continue bringing you great content!💬 Join the Conversation: Follow us on social to stay updated on the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content.👍  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gastonsgreat 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gastonsgreat/🌐 Website: https://www.gastonsgreat.com/▶️ Gaston's Great YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gastonsgreat📧 Get in Touch: Have a question, suggestion, or just want to say hi? Email us at podcast@gastonsgreat.com. We’d love to hear from you!📅 Stay Tuned: We release new episodes every Thursday, so be sure to subscribe and stay connected. Gaston's Great Podcast Brought to You By GSM Services

July 9, 2026Episode 18947 min

Leadership Starts Here | Gaston County Jaycees: Building the Next Generation of Community Leaders

On this week's episode of Gaston's Great, we're joined by Dominick and Nate from the Gaston County Jaycees, a local organization dedicated to developing young leaders while making a lasting impact throughout our community. 🙌From organizing community events and volunteer projects to creating opportunities for personal and professional growth, the Gaston County Jaycees are helping shape the next generation of leaders in Gaston County.In this episode, Dominick and Nate share what the Jaycees are all about, how the organization is making a difference, and why getting involved is one of the best ways to build meaningful connections while giving back to the community. They also give us a look at some of their biggest upcoming events, including their annual initiatives that bring people together for great causes.Tune in to hear how the Gaston County Jaycees continue to strengthen our community one project, one leader, and one act of service at a time. 💙➜ WATCH HERE! Want to get involved? Follow the Gaston County Jaycees on Facebook and Instagram to learn about upcoming events, community projects, and membership opportunities!Facebook LinkInstagram Link🔊 Thank you for listening to Gaston's Great! If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it. Your support helps us reach more listeners and continue bringing you great content!💬 Join the Conversation: Follow us on social to stay updated on the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content.👍  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gastonsgreat 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gastonsgreat/🌐 Website: https://www.gastonsgreat.com/▶️ Gaston's Great YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gastonsgreat📧 Get in Touch: Have a question, suggestion, or just want to say hi? Email us at podcast@gastonsgreat.com. We’d love to hear from you!📅 Stay Tuned: We release new episodes every Thursday, so be sure to subscribe and stay connected. Gaston's Great Podcast Brought to You By GSM Services

July 2, 2026Episode 18813 min

Episode 188: A Reading of the Declaration of Independence | Fourth of July Special

In this special Fourth of July episode of Gaston's Great, Steven Long reads the Declaration of Independence, the historic document adopted on July 4, 1776, that forever changed the course of our nation's history.As we celebrate America's birthday, take a few moments to reflect on the words that declared the thirteen colonies' independence and laid the foundation for the freedoms we enjoy today.Whether you're spending the holiday with family, traveling, or simply taking in the meaning of Independence Day, we hope this reading serves as a reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and vision that shaped our country.From all of us at Gaston's Great and GSM Services, we wish you a safe, happy, and meaningful Fourth of July!➜ WATCH NOW!🔊 Thank you for listening to Gaston's Great! If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it. Your support helps us reach more listeners and continue bringing you great content!💬 Join the Conversation: Follow us on social to stay updated on the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content.👍  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gastonsgreat 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gastonsgreat/🌐 Website: https://www.gastonsgreat.com/▶️ Gaston's Great YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gastonsgreat📧 Get in Touch: Have a question, suggestion, or just want to say hi? Email us at podcast@gastonsgreat.com. We’d love to hear from you!📅 Stay Tuned: We release new episodes every Thursday, so be sure to subscribe and stay connected. Gaston's Great Podcast Brought to You By GSM Services

June 25, 202648 min

Re-Release:💜 Spreading Love & Comfort in the Community | From Hearts 2 Home Carolinas

This week on Gaston's Great, we're revisiting an inspiring conversation with Jeannine Beert, founder of Hearts 2 Home, an organization dedicated to bringing hope, comfort, and support to families throughout our community. 💜🏡Jeannine shares the story behind Hearts 2 Home, the mission that drives her work, and the incredible impact the organization continues to make in the lives of those facing difficult circumstances. From heartfelt moments to powerful lessons in compassion and service, this episode is a reminder of how much of a difference one person can make.Whether you're hearing this conversation for the first time or revisiting it with us, you'll be inspired by Jeannine's passion, perseverance, and commitment to helping others feel seen, supported, and at home.➜ WATCH NOW!🎧 Tune in to learn more about the mission of Hearts 2 Home, the needs within our community, and how each of us can play a role in making a positive impact.🔊 Thank you for listening to Gaston's Great! If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it. Your support helps us reach more listeners and continue bringing you great content!💬 Join the Conversation: Follow us on social to stay updated on the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content.👍  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gastonsgreat 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gastonsgreat/🌐 Website: https://www.gastonsgreat.com/▶️ Gaston's Great YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gastonsgreat📧 Get in Touch: Have a question, suggestion, or just want to say hi? Email us at podcast@gastonsgreat.com. We’d love to hear from you!📅 Stay Tuned: We release new episodes every Thursday, so be sure to subscribe and stay connected. Gaston's Great Podcast Brought to You By GSM Services

June 18, 202643 min

Re-Release - Beyond the Badge: Leadership, Legacy, and Lessons with Joseph Ramey

This week on Gaston's Great, we take a look back at our conversation with former Gaston County Police Chief Joseph Ramey, exploring the leadership lessons, community connections, and commitment to service that defined his remarkable career. Drawing from decades of experience in law enforcement, Chief Ramey shares the lessons that shaped his career, the importance of building trust and strong community partnerships, and the advice he would give to the next generation of leaders. He also reflects on life after retirement, his continued commitment to serving others, and what makes Gaston County such a special place to call home. ➜ WATCH NOWWhether you're a business leader, public servant, or simply someone looking for inspiration, this episode is filled with practical wisdom, memorable stories, and valuable insights that still resonate today.🎧 Tune in to hear:• Leadership lessons learned over a lifetime of service• The role trust and community play in effective policing• Advice for young professionals and future leaders• Why giving back remains a lifelong mission• What makes Gaston County truly great🔊 Thank you for listening to Gaston's Great! If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it. Your support helps us reach more listeners and continue bringing you great content!💬 Join the Conversation: Follow us on social to stay updated on the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content.👍  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gastonsgreat 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gastonsgreat/🌐 Website: https://www.gastonsgreat.com/▶️ Gaston's Great YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gastonsgreat📧 Get in Touch: Have a question, suggestion, or just want to say hi? Email us at podcast@gastonsgreat.com. We’d love to hear from you!📅 Stay Tuned: We release new episodes every Thursday, so be sure to subscribe and stay connected. Gaston's Great Podcast Brought to You By GSM Services

June 11, 20261 hr 5 min

🎙 Re-Release: Leading by Design: A Conversation with Jennie Stultz

On this re-release of Gaston's Great, we're revisiting our conversation with Jennie Stultz — a trailblazing leader who made history as Gastonia's first female mayor and has spent decades serving our community through education, public service, and nonprofit leadership.Jennie shares her journey from the classroom to City Hall, the lessons she learned leading a growing city, and her continued passion for strengthening communities both locally and around the world. Her story is one of service, vision, and a deep commitment to making Gaston County a better place for future generations.In this episode, you'll hear about:• How her background in education shaped her approach to leadership.• The experience of serving as Gastonia's first female mayor and helping guide the city's growth.• Building connections through community partnerships and international Sister Cities programs.• Her work in nonprofit leadership, consulting, and community development after public office.Whether you're interested in local history, leadership, community service, or making a difference where you live, this conversation offers valuable insights from one of Gastonia's most influential civic leaders.Tune in and enjoy this special re-release of Episode 172 with Jennie Stultz.🔊 Thank you for listening to Gaston's Great! If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it. Your support helps us reach more listeners and continue bringing you great content!💬 Join the Conversation: Follow us on social to stay updated on the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content.👍  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gastonsgreat 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gastonsgreat/🌐 Website: https://www.gastonsgreat.com/▶️ Gaston's Great YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gastonsgreat📧 Get in Touch: Have a question, suggestion, or just want to say hi? Email us at podcast@gastonsgreat.com. We’d love to hear from you!📅 Stay Tuned: We release new episodes every Thursday, so be sure to subscribe and stay connected. Gaston's Great Podcast Brought to You By GSM Services

June 4, 202629 min

Episode 150 Re-Release: More Than Man's Best Friend 💙🐾

In this special re-release from Season 6, we're joined by Walter J. Hart, founder of Canine Companions Ltd, to discuss the incredible impact service dogs have on the lives of those they serve. 🐕‍🦺Walter shares how these remarkable dogs help veterans living with PTSD, support individuals facing daily challenges, and bring comfort through therapy dog programs in our community. He also talks about the mission of Canine Companions Ltd and their efforts to expand their reach throughout Gaston County and beyond. 🎖️🐾Whether you're a dog lover, passionate about helping others, or simply enjoy uplifting stories, this episode is packed with inspiration and heart.🎧 Tune in and discover how a loyal companion can make a life-changing difference.Learn more here!Canine Companions Facebook Page🔊 Thank you for listening to Gaston's Great! If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it. Your support helps us reach more listeners and continue bringing you great content!💬 Join the Conversation: Follow us on social to stay updated on the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content.👍  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gastonsgreat 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gastonsgreat/🌐 Website: https://www.gastonsgreat.com/▶️ Gaston's Great YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gastonsgreat📧 Get in Touch: Have a question, suggestion, or just want to say hi? Email us at podcast@gastonsgreat.com. We’d love to hear from you!📅 Stay Tuned: We release new episodes every Thursday, so be sure to subscribe and stay connected. Gaston's Great Podcast Brought to You By GSM Services

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