Storytellers Podcast

From Elizabeth: Long May It Wave

18 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

As the country's 250th birthday nears, our editor in chief reflects on the way star-spangled sightings across North Carolina provide her with a moment...

A Taste of Our State: Fatback

18 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In the South, we happen upon fatback in our stores and well-seasoned sides. This month, fatback finds its way, finally, into columnist Sheri Castle's ...

Ramblin' Man: An Ill Wind

18 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

It takes more than April showers to bring on the beauty of spring. As waves of yellow coat everything in sight, our Ramblin' Man stocks up on tissues ...

North Carolina, Naturally: Crown Shyness

18 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

While nature might seem competitive, mature pine forests offer a lesson in coexistence — a natural phenomenon known as crown shyness.

Hidden History: Fort Dobbs

18 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In Iredell County, one of North Carolina's state historic sites provides a window into pre-Revolutionary War life at the edge of North Carolina's west...

Ramblin' Man: From the Ashes

18 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Writer T. Edward Nickens examines how prescribed fires clear out overgrown forests and make way for new life.

From Elizabeth: Well Kept

18 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Beyond commercial jingles, Our State's editor in chief remembers the way her mother and grandmother turned cleaning into an act of care.  

Hidden History: Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railway

18 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In the heart of North Carolina, the state's largest privately owned short-line railway is rekindling an appreciation for railroads and "slow travel" w...

North Carolina, Naturally: Spanish Moss

18 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Tendrils of Spanish moss may evoke Southern Gothic allure, but in their habitats, the epiphyte shares a symbiotic relationship with its fellow flora a...

Taste of Our State: Mess of Greens

18 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In a season known for cleaning, Sheri Castle welcomes a freshly picked mess into her kitchen.

Ramblin' Man: Common Grounds in North Carolina

14 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Wherever he travels, T. Edward Nickens finds comfort in a cup of joe.

Hidden History: U.S. Navy B-1 Band

14 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In 1942 at UNC Chapel Hill, young musicians marched into history as the Navy's first all-Black unit band.   

A Taste of Our State: Cornmeal

14 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

When food writer Sheri Castle discovers her grandfather's old mill, she and her family set out to revive a Southern tradition fueled by grits and gris...

North Carolina, Naturally: Fossils

14 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A paleontologist uncovers the ancient lives still hidden in North Carolina's rocks and coastline.

From Elizabeth: The Warmest Reception

14 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

 In a state shaped by kindness and hospitality, our editor in chief reflects on how simple gestures, from pound cake to a warm welcome at the door, i...

Taste of Our State: Pods of Gold

17 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

North Carolina, Naturally: Nature's Architects

17 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

From Elizabeth: Memory Lane

17 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ramblin' Man: The Art of the Lure

17 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hidden History: Making Tacks

17 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

North Carolina, Naturally: Mistletoe

12 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Eleanor Spicer Rice explores how North Carolina's "tree thief" nourishes a surprising community of wildlife, from cedar waxwings to great purple h...

Hidden History: IFB Solutions

12 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

For nearly 90 years, Winston-Salem's Industries for the Blind Solutions has been a beacon of opportunity for individuals with vision impairments.

From Elizabeth: Wish List

12 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As Christmas draws near, our editor in chief takes a moment to reflect on the spirit of giving and sense of gratitude it nurtures.

Ramblin' Man: Facing South

12 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

At the end of another year of travels, writer and adventurer T. Edward Nickens reflects on what roots him to North Carolina.

A Taste of Our State: Oyster Season

12 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

 Food writer Sheri Castle gives thanks for the Atlantic's seasonal bounty of oysters and how it gives those in the snow-capped Appalachian mountains ...

Ramblin' Man: The Secret Lives of Deer

15 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Everywhere in North Carolina, deer walk among us, mostly unnoticed. A glimpse of these quiet creatures reveals how closely the natural world mirror...

Hidden History: Rescuing History

15 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A painter, a poet, a novelist, a middle school student, and many others have played a role in revealing the story — and the lessons — of the a...

A Taste of Our State: Crowning Achievement

15 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The sizzle in a skillet, the scent of toasting flour, the taste of I savory victory: Gravy-making engages the senses to honor of the humble glor...

North Carolina, Naturally: Silent Giants

15 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

From pocosins to hollows, black bears shape North Carolina's wild places — with persistence, silence, and strength. Listen as the pages of t...

From Elizabeth: Pages Past

15 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Listen as the pages of the magazine come to life in the Storytellers podcast, a new series featuring the voices of six Our State writers, including Ed...

North Carolina, Naturally: Guardians of the Night

17 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Entomologist Dr. Eleanor Spicer Rice travels to Asheville to learn about the endangered gray bats species as the local population recovers after Hurri...

From Elizabeth: After the Storm

17 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

One year after Hurricane Helene, Our State's editor in chief finds awe in the resilient spirit of North Carolinians that arose amidst the devastation.

Ramblin' Man: Trims & Travels

17 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

More than 20 years ago, writer T. Edward Nickens found a hairstylist and a kindred spirit — and discovered the transportive power of a well-told sto...

Hidden History: Mountain Lion

17 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Hidden History, Brad Campbell shares the story of a Presbyterian minister and the lasting impact he made in Banner Elk, NC, and the...

Taste of Our State: The Fruited Plain

17 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Writer Sheri Castle muses on in-season apples fill more than our pastries and pies. They're forever baked into our family trees and tales.

From Elizabeth Hudson: Jet Set

13 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hidden History: Big Wheels

13 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

North Carolina, Naturally: Winged Rainbows

13 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Taste of Our State: Something in the Air

13 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ramblin' Man: Making Landfall

13 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

North Carolina, Naturally: Fall Line

14 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

From Elizabeth: A Life in Lunch Breaks

14 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hidden History: Camp Dreamland

14 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

North Carolina, Noted: Old Time Picker

14 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ramblin' Man: Hoofin' It

14 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Taste of Our State: Romancing the Vine

14 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ramblin' Man: Casting Light

10 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

North Carolina, Noted: Tones of the Heart

10 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

North Carolina, Naturally: Shaped by Nature

10 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hidden History: Splendor in the Glass

10 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

From Elizabeth: Swing Shift

10 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Taste of Our State: From Ear to Ear

10 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hidden History: County Flags

14 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Hidden History, Brad Campbell takes us to Granville County, North Carolina, where the creation and hoisting of the first officia...

From Elizabeth: A Rising Tide

14 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

During a stay at Carolina Beach, our editor in chief observes how rolling tides mirror the ebb and flow of the beach and the way we experience its won...

North Carolina, Naturally: Fireflies

14 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of North Carolina, Naturally, Dr. Eleanor Spicer Rice introduces us to the 40-plus species of North Carolina fireflies that put on...

North Carolina, Noted: Beach Music

14 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join writer Mark Kemp as we turn up the volume on the quintessential sound of summer: beach music. In this episode, we meet the band The Embers, w...

Ramblin Man: The Color of North Carolina

14 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The kaleidoscopic beauty of life in North Carolina can hardly be put into words. But that doesn't stop some keen observers from trying. Listen as ...

Taste of Our State: Salt

14 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Writer and cookbook author Sheri Castle muses on the way salt is an inextricable part of a North Carolina summer and a lifetime of good eating, wh...

Ramblin' Man: Reel Heroes

15 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Our Ramblin' Man tags along on a fishing trip with Operation Resolute, a nonprofit based in eastern North Carolina that provides all-too-rare opportun...

A Taste of Our State: Hoop Cheese

15 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Any North Carolinian familiar with driving along backroads will recognize the signature sight of bright-orange hoop cheese inside old-fashioned countr...

Hidden History: Lew Powell Memorabilia Collection

15 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A devoted collector finds treasures in items that were once the stuff of everyday life in North Carolina. His growing collection, housed in UNC Chapel...

North Carolina, Naturally: A Match Made in Nature

15 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The close relationship between butterflies and flowers is obvious, but eastern tiger swallowtails and bright, blooming azaleas take it to another leve...

From Elizabeth: Pressing Matters

15 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Our editor in chief reflects on her mother's love and the way it shone in the most quiet, everyday moments — be it a freshly ironed shirt, a warm me...

North Carolina, Noted: Roberta Flack

15 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Before her voice captivated the world with pop hits like "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" and "Killing Me Softly With His Song," Roberta Flack —...

Hidden History: North Carolina's Textile Leagues

18 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In the early 20th century, textile mill owners sponsored baseball teams, providing entertainment for their employees and nurturing a passion for the g...

Ramblin' Man: Next-Door Nature

18 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Our Ramblin' Man reflects on backyard encounters and how they remind us that we share North Carolina with all manner of neighbors — furred, feathere...

North Carolina, Naturally: My Friends the Squirrels

18 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A scientist who once rescued a pair of helpless squirrels returns to the forest where she released them. She recalls their saga fondly — but will th...

A Taste of Our State: Vinegar

18 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

 Vinegar carries the familiar zing that brightens our barbecue and bounties first, our spirits and souls second. One food writer ponders the question...

North Carolina, Noted: For the Record

18 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Our writer reflects on where his love of vinyl began, and how the snap, crackle, and pop of a needle sliding across a turntable will always satisfy hi...

From Elizabeth: What's Old Is New Again

18 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

At the John C. Campbell Folk School, hands still craft with purpose. Stitch by stitch, our editor in chief finds a rhythm reminiscent of her mother's ...

Ramblin' Man: Curled Up Against the Chill

18 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

During a late-winter hike, contributor T. Edward Nickens reflects on the sight of tightly curled rhododendron leaves, just waiting to shake off the ch...

Hidden History: North Carolina's Rise of Modernist Design

18 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A landmark lecture given by Frank Lloyd Wright in Raleigh in 1950 heralded the recently formed School of Design at North Carolina State College as a d...

A Taste of Our State: Butter

18 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Contributor Sheri Castle reminds us that whether it's hidden in a pie crust or glistening atop a biscuit, good butter should never go unappreciated. ...

North Carolina, Noted: The Martha Bassett Show

18 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On Thursday evenings at the historic Reeves Theater in Elkin, North Carolina, musician Martha Bassett transports live audiences back to simpler times ...

North Carolina, Naturally: From the Mouths of Winnow Ants

18 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In the forests around central North Carolina, a industrious population labors to ensure native wildflowers and herbs thrive. Watch here to learn how t...

From Elizabeth Hudson: Lessons in Listening

18 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Whether found in rural Randolph County's pastures or during a mountain trail ride in Burnsville, our editor in chief cherishes the moments of silence ...

Hidden History - Lost & Found

15 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Around 150 years ago, a group of freedmen and women established a kingdom in Henderson County that flourished, faded, then disappeared. Written by Br...

From Elizabeth - By Bread Alone

15 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Listen as the pages of the magazine come to life in the Storytellers podcast, a new series featuring the voices of six Our State writers, including Ed...

North Carolina, Naturally - Red Wolf Resilience

15 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In North Carolina's Albemarle Peninsula, the last population of endangered red wolves — which total fewer than two dozen — roam freely in the wild...

North Carolina, Noted - Mariachi Dreams

15 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In a quiet neighborhood in Lincolnton, a quartet of musicians share their Mexican heritage through colorful folk songs, passing their traditions on to...

Ramblin' Man - The Old Guys

15 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

At the end of duck hunting season, three treasured decoys stir bittersweet memories. Written by T. Edward Nickens Listen as the pages of the m...

A Taste of Our State - Liquid Sunshine

15 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Honeybees devote themselves to making one of the sweeter things in life. Written by Sheri Castle Listen as the pages of the magazine come ...

Ramblin' Man - Where Rivers Meet

17 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When one stream flows into another, the two chart a new course for the future — together. Written by T. Edward Nickens Listen as the pages of the...

North Carolina, Noted - Sacred Soul

17 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The poignant voices of gospel music seem to rise from the soil of eastern North Carolina. The genre's lineage is as rooted to the land as the ...

Hidden History - Fields of Honor

17 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A historic Rose Bowl pitted Duke University against Oregon State in Durham. Then, in the dark days of World War II, those same football player...

A Taste of Our State - Digging Deep

17 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Memories of spuds are firmly rooted in one chef's mind, just like the Watauga County potatoes she once unearthed. Written by Sheri Castle ...

North Carolina, Naturally - The Sound of Wild Ice

17 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In winter, when the weather is just right, water turns ethereally symphonic — if you stop to listen. Written by Eleanor Spicer Rice Listen as...

From Elizabeth - By All Measures

17 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Listen as the pages of the magazine come to life in the Storytellers podcast, a new series featuring the voices of six Our State writers, includin...