Gaston's Great

Hosted by Steven Long

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Episodes

212

Latest episode

Jun 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

June 11, 2026Episode 1911 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, 2026Episode 19029 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

May 28, 2026Episode 18929 min

Episode 125 Re-Release: Camp Sunshine | Creating Summer Memories That Last a Lifetime

In this heartwarming re-release of Gaston’s Great, we revisit our conversation with Beth Patton and the incredible mission behind Camp Sunshine ☀️Beth shares how Camp Sunshine creates unforgettable summer experiences for children who may not otherwise have the opportunity to enjoy the joy, friendships, and memories that camp can bring. From how it all began to the lasting impact it has on campers, families, and volunteers, this episode highlights the power of community, inclusion, and creating moments that truly matter.Join us as we revisit the stories, challenges, and meaningful moments that make Camp Sunshine so special, and learn how you can support a place where every child has the chance to shine. 💙WEBISTE: https://fumcgastonia.org/🔊 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

May 21, 2026Episode 18849 min

✨ Episode 154 Re-Release: Finding Peace in the Pressure ✨

This week on Gaston's Great, we’re revisiting an uplifting conversation with Carenda Deonne: Christian motivational speaker, author, and founder of Stress Easy LLC. 💜In this inspiring episode, Carenda shares her journey of faith, perseverance, and purpose while encouraging others to overcome stress and life’s challenges with positivity and intentional living. 🙌📖She also dives into her powerful S.M.I.L.E. Method — Sleep, Meditation, Inventory, Laughter, and Education; a practical approach designed to help people reduce stress, build emotional resilience, strengthen personal leadership, and create healthier daily habits. 😊✨From motivational speaking to ministry and personal growth, Carenda’s message is filled with encouragement, wisdom, and real-life tools that listeners can apply in their everyday lives. 🌟WATCH NOW🎧 Tune in as we re-release this impactful episode and hear how Carenda Deonne is helping others “stress easy” while living with greater peace, confidence, and purpose. 🔗Learn more at www.shetalkspurpose.com📽️ Carenda's YouTube Channel📸 Carenda's Instagram📲 Carenda's Facebook🔊 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

May 7, 2026Episode 18746 min

Connecting Generosity with Community Needs: Gaston Community Foundation

🎙️ This week on Gaston's Great, we sit down with Elizabeth and Richard from the Gaston Community Foundation to talk about the incredible ways they are helping strengthen and support our community. 💙Elizabeth first joined us back in 2021, and this episode gives us the chance to hear exciting updates, stories of impact, and how the foundation continues connecting generosity with real community needs across Gaston County.From supporting local nonprofits to investing in the future of our community, this conversation highlights the power of giving and collaboration right here at home.Learn more about this: https://www.cfgaston.org/#GastonsGreat #GastonCounty #CommunityImpact #Podcast #CommunityFoundation🔊 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

April 30, 2026Episode 18627 min

Saving Lives in Gaston County 🐾 | Low-Cost Spay & Neuter with Terry Kenny

🐾🎙️ New Episode of Gaston’s Great!This week, we’re sitting down with Terry Kenny to talk about the incredible work being done through the Animal League of Gaston County, including their Low Cost Spay/Neuter Program! We dive into: ✔️ Why spay/neuter is so important for our community ✔️ How these affordable services are helping local families ✔️ The real impact on pet overpopulation in Gaston CountyIf you’re a pet owner, or just love seeing our community come together, this is an episode you don’t want to miss 💙🐾🎧 Listen now & learn how you can support or get involved!#GastonsGreat #GastonCounty #AnimalLeague #SpayNeuter #SupportLocal #PetCare #CommunityImpact🔊 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

March 26, 2026Episode 18554 min

Breaking Barriers Through Faith & Dialogue in Gastonia: Interfaith Trialogue

🎙️ What happens when three different faiths come together with one shared goal? 💙In this episode of Gaston's Great, we sit down with Joan, Ray, and Mark from Interfaith Trialogue of Gastonia to talk about the power of conversation, understanding, and unity across different beliefs.From building meaningful relationships to strengthening our local community, this conversation dives into how respectful dialogue can break barriers and bring people together, right here in Gaston County.💡 You’ll hear: ✔ How Interfaith Trialogue got started ✔ Why these conversations matter now more than ever ✔ Real stories of connection and impact ✔ How YOU can be part of creating a stronger communityWhether you’re rooted in faith or just passionate about people, this is a conversation that will challenge, inspire, and encourage you. 🙌🔊 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

March 19, 2026Episode 1841 hr 3 min

Investing in the Next Generation: Leadership & Legacy in Gaston County

🎧 This week on Gaston’s Great…We’re joined by Preston, Chair of the Ashbrook High School Foundation Board, and Kendall, Chairman, for a conversation all about impact, leadership, and investing in the next generation.From supporting local students to strengthening our community, they share the heart behind what they do and why it matters right here in Gaston County. 💙Learn more about the Ashbrook High School Foundation and how you can get involved: https://ashbrookfoundation.org/Hear their stories, vision for the future, and how you can be part of making a meaningful difference.🔊 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

March 12, 2026Episode 18351 min

🏀 Re-Release: Coach Troy Phillips – The Leader Behind Hunter Huss Basketball

Episode Re-ReleaseWith the Hunter Huss Huskies heading to the State Championships this weekend, we’re bringing back one of our most popular episodes of Gaston’s Great!In this episode, Steven sits down with Coach Troy Phillips to talk about the impact a coach can have on shaping young men’s lives, both on and off the court.From leadership and discipline to community and character, Coach Phillips shares what it really means to pour into the next generation.Now as the Huskies make their run for a state title, it’s the perfect time to revisit this powerful conversation. WATCH NOW: https://youtu.be/RRrP67Z-49c🔊 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

March 5, 2026Episode 18256 min

Big Smiles & Big Impact: Ft. Will Current of Current Dentistry of Gastonia

🎙️ This week on Gaston’s Great… we’re talking SMILES, community, and the passion behind local business! 😁 Steven sits down with Will Current, owner of Current Dentistry of Gastonia, to hear the story behind his journey into dentistry and how he’s making a difference right here in Gaston County, one smile at a time. 🦷✨From building trust with patients to creating a welcoming environment that feels more like family than a dentist’s office, Will shares what drives him, what sets his practice apart, and why investing in local people matters so much.In this episode, you’ll hear about: 🔥 The heart behind modern dentistry 💬 Real conversations about confidence and care 🏡 The power of serving your own community 👏 And what it means to run a business with purposeIf you love hearing from passionate local leaders who are helping Gaston County shine, this is an episode you don’t want to miss! 💙WATCH NOW Want to learn more about Will and his team? Check them out at 👉 https://currentsmiles.com/🔊 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