The Charlotte Ledger Podcast

Hosted by The Charlotte Ledger

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202

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Jun 2026

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About the show

We talk with Charlotte leaders about important and interesting issues, with an eye toward making you smarter, telling you things you don’t know and introducing you to people with insights about trends in Charlotte. <br/><br/><a href="https://www.thecharlotteledger.com?utm_medium=podcast">www.thecharlotteledger.com</a>

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June 12, 2026Episode 20236 min

Charlotte's moment at the table, with Kristen Wile of Unpretentious Palate

Kristen Wile has spent more than a decade documenting Charlotte’s restaurant scene, and in that time she’s watched the city transform from a place searching for its culinary identity into one drawing national attention. Michelin stars, Top Chef contestants and James Beard semifinalists may dominate the headlines today, but Wile argues Charlotte’s rise didn’t happen overnight. Instead, it’s the result of years of growth, local talent, ambitious chefs and a dining community that has steadily built something worth noticing.In this live episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, recorded at The Sharon in SouthPark, Wile — founder and editor of Unpretentious Palate — joins Ledger managing editor Ashley Fahey for a conversation about the forces shaping Charlotte’s food scene. They discuss:How Charlotte evolved into a city chefs increasingly want to build careers in The growing challenges independent restaurants face from national chains and rising costs How takeout, changing drinking habits and labor shortages continue to reshape the industry Why the “regular” restaurant customer has largely disappeared The surprising rise of chicken tenders and other comfort foods during economic uncertainty Whether viral food trends actually help restaurants build lasting success How Charlotte diners can better support local restaurants Wile's favorite restaurants, dishes and hidden gems around Charlotte Why she believes Charlotte should stop looking to outsiders for validation of its food scene➡️ Find out more about Unpretentious PalateToday’s episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is sponsored by Child Care Search, a service of Child Care Resources Inc. Looking for child care? Our team provides guidance every step of the way! Search online at www.FindChildCareNC.org or call 1-888-600-1685 for live assistance and free, customized referrals.This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks. For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, go to TheCharlotteLedger.com.

June 5, 2026Episode 20137 min

Charlotte through a developer’s eyes, with Adam McMichael and Paul Zarian

Charlotte’s growth has made it one of the hottest real estate markets in the country. But what does the city look like through the eyes of the developers betting millions of dollars on its future?In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, The Ledger's managing editor Ashley Fahey sits down with two industry leaders helping shape Charlotte’s next chapter: Adam McMichael of Republic Development Group and Paul Zarian of Hines. The conversation explores why their firms are investing heavily in Charlotte, how the city compares to other fast-growing Sun Belt markets and what opportunities they see as Charlotte continues to evolve. In this episode, they also discuss: Why Hines and Republic Development chose to expand their presence in Charlotte How Charlotte compares with peer markets like Raleigh, Nashville and other high-growth cities The opportunities and challenges facing developers in today’s market Why both firms are bullish on Charlotte despite economic headwinds The role infrastructure and transportation play in supporting future growth Why relationships and local partnerships matter in Charlotte’s development community The neighborhoods and corridors they believe have the most potential over the next decade Lessons Charlotte can learn from cities across the country Development projects they admire, from South Carolina to California and beyond Their picks for underrated cities worth visitingThis conversation was recorded as part of a partnership with the local chapter of the Urban Land Institute (ULI).This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is presented by PBS Charlotte's Unspun program. Wondering what politicians are thinking but not saying? Watch PBS Charlotte Fridays at 8 p.m. as former Governor Pat McCrory delivers no-spin answers. Stream anytime on demand at wtvi.org/unspun.This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks. For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, go to TheCharlotteLedger.com.

May 29, 2026Episode 20035 min

Reporters Roundtable: Charlotte's month of May in review

May was one of the busiest months Charlotte has seen in recent memory. Mayor Vi Lyles announced her resignation, city leaders reversed course on the controversial I-77 toll lane expansion, data centers sparked heated debate at City Hall and the region continued grappling with a months-long drought. In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Ledger editors Tony Mecia, Ashley Fahey and Lindsey Banks sit down for a live Reporters Roundtable to unpack the biggest local stories of the month. Recorded via Zoom in front of a live audience on May 29, 2026, the conversation goes beyond the headlines to explain how these developments happened, why they matter and what comes next for Charlotte.Whether you've been following every twist in Charlotte politics or just need a catch-up on the month's biggest developments, this conversation offers context, insight and a behind-the-scenes look at the stories shaping the region. Also, discussed: Lake Lure's reopening after Hurricane Helene and what it says about Western North Carolina's recovery. Why affordable housing is becoming harder to find not only in Mecklenburg County, but across the entire Charlotte region. The rise of homeowners choosing major renovations instead of moving because of today's housing market. Reflections on the lives and legacies of Charlotte figures including Chris Thomas and media pioneer Ted Turner. The surprisingly competitive world of Charlotte birthday freebies. Some of the Ledger stories that stood out most to the newsroom this month, from neighborhood history to soccer moms and hospital oversight. Today’s episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is sponsored by Child Care Search, a service of Child Care Resources Inc. Looking for child care? Our team provides guidance every step of the way! Search online at www.FindChildCareNC.org or call 1-888-600-1685 for live assistance and free, customized referrals.This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks. For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, go to TheCharlotteLedger.com.

May 22, 2026Episode 19937 min

Turning tragedy into support for Charlotte families, with Meg McElwain

After losing her 2-year-old son Mitchell to leukemia, Meg McElwain found herself navigating unimaginable grief while also trying to help her surviving son process the trauma that had reshaped their family. What began as a donor-advised fund supporting other pediatric cancer families eventually evolved into Mitchell's House — now the first nonprofit counseling center in the country focused specifically on children, siblings and parents facing pediatric medical trauma.In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, McElwain reflects on Mitchell’s life, the emotional toll of caregiving, and the difficult years that followed his death. She talks candidly about grief, divorce, parenting a surviving sibling, faith and rebuilding her life while transforming personal tragedy into a growing nonprofit that now serves families across the Charlotte region. McElwain also discusses: Why siblings of sick children often become “glass children” whose grief and trauma are overlooked The emotional and financial strain pediatric illness places on entire families Why the organization focuses on the entire family — not just the child receiving treatment The realities of anticipatory grief for parents whose children have terminal diagnoses How grief changes over time and what healing looked like more than a decade after losing Mitchell The challenges pediatric illness places on marriages and family dynamics What friends and loved ones often misunderstand about supporting grieving families This episode is hosted by Steve Dunn. For more information on Mitchell’s House or to donate, please visit MitchellsHouse.org. This podcast episode is sponsored by PBS's Unspun program. Wondering what politicians are thinking but not saying? Watch PBS Charlotte Fridays at 8 p.m. as former Governor Pat McCrory delivers no-spin answers. Stream anytime on demand at wtvi.org/unspun.This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks. For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, go to TheCharlotteLedger.com.

May 15, 2026Episode 19835 min

The story behind Charlotte’s most talked-about restaurants, with Jamie Brown

Charlotte’s restaurant scene has changed dramatically over the past two decades, and few people have helped shape it more than Jamie Brown. Alongside her husband, Jeff Tonidandel, Brown has built some of the city’s most recognizable restaurants — from Growler’s Pourhouse and Haberdish to Supperland, Ever Andalo and Leluia Hall — while also helping define what Charlotte’s food culture can become.In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Brown reflects on the unconventional path that led her and Jeff from corporate jobs and world travel into the restaurant business, why each concept is deeply personal to their lives and how they approach building restaurants around storytelling, hospitality and design. She talks about the meticulous details that go into every space, from table spacing and plate placement to preserving historic Charlotte buildings and creating restaurants that feel rooted in the city’s identity. Brown also discusses: The highs and lows of opening restaurants in Charlotte, including projects that never came to fruition The importance of paying a living wage and building career paths for restaurant employees Why her restaurant group adopted tip pooling and how it changed workplace culture Her experience with anxiety, panic attacks and the gut-health journey that transformed her life How her dietary restrictions reshaped the way her restaurants think about accommodating guests What it takes to preserve consistency in an industry where “one strike and you’re out” Why Charlotte’s food scene is becoming an increasingly important part of the city’s identity What’s next for the restaurant group, including Olivelli Deli, Wyatt’s Superfine and a new commissary project in South EndThis episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is presented by PBS Charlotte's Unspun program, helping you learn what politicians are thinking but not saying. Hosted by former governor Pat McCrory.This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks. For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, go to TheCharlotteLedger.com.

May 8, 2026Episode 19724 min

Redefining the New South in Charlotte, with Richard Cooper

The Levine Museum of the New South is preparing for a major new chapter — one that museum leaders hope will help redefine how Charlotte engages with history, community and public conversation. After years without a permanent home, the museum plans to relocate to a new South End campus that blends modern design with the preservation of a historic church site, while expanding its role as both a cultural institution and a civic gathering space. In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Levine Museum president and CEO Richard Cooper discusses the museum’s search for a new home, why South End emerged as the right fit and how the institution has continued growing its audience even without a permanent building. The conversation also explores: How the museum plans to preserve and incorporate the historic Grace Covenant Church site into the new campus Why community feedback is shaping everything from exhibits to gathering spaces and family programming How technology like AI, virtual reality and interactive design could play a role in the future museum experience What “New South” means in 2026 and how the South continues evolving culturally and demographically Why museums and libraries remain among the country’s most trusted institutions during a divisive political era How the Levine Museum hopes to become both a history museum and a community hub where difficult conversations can happen safely The challenges of funding and building a major cultural institution in one of America’s fastest-growing citiesThis episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is presented by PBS Charlotte's Unspun program, helping you learn what politicians are thinking but not saying. Hosted by former governor Pat McCrory.This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks. For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, go to TheCharlotteLedger.com.

May 1, 2026Episode 19659 min

What colleges really want — and how to stand out

Applying to college has always been stressful, but for today’s students and families, the process can feel more overwhelming than ever. Acceptance rates are shrinking, expectations are shifting and the pressure to stand out — academically and personally — starts earlier than many realize. For parents in Charlotte and beyond, it can be hard to know when to step in, when to step back and how to help their child navigate it all without burning out.In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Lee Shulman Bierer of Bierer College Consulting and Ashley Ausman of The Essay Architect break down what’s really driving the stress behind today’s admissions process — from the surge in applications to the growing emphasis on “spike” interests over well-rounded resumes. They share practical advice on everything from course selection and extracurriculars to summer planning and campus visits, along with candid insights into what colleges are actually looking for.The conversation also dives into some of the most important — and often misunderstood — parts of the process:How students can tell authentic, compelling stories that go beyond grades and test scores Why specificity matters more than topic and how to uncover meaningful personal stories How tools like AI are complicating essay writing — and why authenticity still matters most How to identify strong-fit schools, including overlooked and in-state options Strategies for keeping both students and parents grounded throughout the processToday’s episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is sponsored by Child Care Search, a service of Child Care Resources Inc. Looking for child care? Our team provides guidance every step of the way! Search online at www.FindChildCareNC.org or call 1-888-600-1685 for live assistance and free, customized referrals.This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks. For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, go to TheCharlotteLedger.com.

April 24, 2026Episode 19535 min

Charlotte’s history explains its biggest challenges, with Tom Hanchett

Charlotte didn’t become the city it is today by accident — and many of the forces that shaped its neighborhoods, growth patterns and economic divides are still at play. From the rise of streetcar suburbs to the legacy of segregation written into deeds, the city’s past continues to influence everything from where people live to why housing has become so difficult to afford.In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Tony Mecia sits down with local historian Tom Hanchett for a live conversation about how Charlotte developed and what that history reveals about the city today. Hanchett traces Charlotte’s evolution from a compact, walkable town to a fast-growing Sun Belt city, unpacking how business leaders shaped decisions, how neighborhoods became increasingly segregated by race and income, and why Charlotte has long preferred to resolve big issues quietly behind closed doors. He also connects those historical patterns to one of the city’s most pressing modern challenges: affordable housing. From the disappearance of “starter homes” to the growing number of working residents who can’t afford to live where they serve, Hanchett explains how past decisions created today’s housing realities — and why solving them will require both policy changes and a broader understanding of who affordable housing is really for. This episode was recorded during a live conversation at The Sharon at SouthPark on April 21, 2026. This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is sponsored by Crimson Park Digital. Get your brand seen, capture demand, and turn attention into revenue, now. Visit CrimsonParkDigital.com to get started.This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks. For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, go to TheCharlotteLedger.com.

April 17, 2026Episode 19422 min

Why the music stopped for Lovin' Life

Charlotte’s brief run as a music festival city hit pause this year, raising bigger questions about what it takes to sustain live music at scale. After two years of big crowds, major headliners and a sense that Charlotte had finally “arrived” as a festival destination, Lovin' Life Music Fest abruptly went quiet — leaving fans, artists and industry watchers wondering what went wrong and whether it can come back.In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, managing editor Ashley Fahey talks with freelance journalist Rachel Black about her reporting on the festival’s sudden pause. The two unpack the mix of factors behind the decision — from competition with major acts and shifting fan expectations to the challenges independent promoters face in an industry dominated by giants like Live Nation. They also discuss: The role of city supportThe economics behind large-scale festivalsWhat the loss of Lovin' Life could mean for Charlotte’s ambitions as a cultural and music hubWhether there’s still a path for the festival’s returnWhat it would take for Charlotte to truly become a lasting home for live musicRead the full article in The Charlotte Ledger by clicking here. This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is presented by PBS Charlotte’s “Unspun” program, helping you learn what politicians are thinking but not saying. It’s hosted by former Gov. Pat McCrory.This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks. For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, go to TheCharlotteLedger.com.

April 10, 2026Episode 19335 min

Charlotte’s identity crisis — or its strength

Charlotte is growing fast — adding jobs, people and new development at a dizzying pace — but for all its momentum, the city still struggles to answer a basic question: what, exactly, is Charlotte?In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Steve Dunn talks with Michael Graff, founder of The Charlotte Optimist, about the city’s evolving identity and whether it even needs one. Their conversation is sparked by Graff’s reflections on "Charlotte: Searching for Soul in a Booming Southern City" by Robert FitzPatrick — a book that questions whether Charlotte’s rapid growth has come at the expense of its soul.Graff shares why he launched a storytelling platform and how hundreds of conversations with locals have shaped his view of the city as a place defined less by tradition and more by possibility. Together, he and Dunn explore the tension between growth and belonging, the challenges facing Charlotte’s middle class, and why the same forces that make the city feel hard to define may also be what draws people in. In a city that often feels like it’s still becoming itself, Graff offers a different perspective: maybe Charlotte’s “undefined space” isn’t a weakness — maybe it’s exactly the point.Today’s episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is sponsored by Child Care Search, a service of Child Care Resources Inc. Looking for child care? Our team provides guidance every step of the way! Search online at www.FindChildCareNC.org or call 1-888-600-1685 for live assistance and free, customized referrals.This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks. For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, go to TheCharlotteLedger.com.

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