The Charlotte Ledger Podcast

As thousands of people move to the region each year, the gap between housing supply and affordability continues to widen, leaving many working families priced out of homeownership. In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Ledger managing editor Ashley Fahey talks with Laura Belcher, president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte region, about how the organization is evolving to meet that challenge. Including a shift away from exclusively doing scattered-site construction to developing entire neighborhoods, Habitat is adapting to rising land costs, changing policy and a housing market that has grown increasingly complex. (After this conversation was recorded, Habitat confirmed Belcher will step down from her role at the end of the year.)In this conversation, they discuss:Why Charlotte’s housing affordability problem has intensified — and why it’s so difficult to solveHow population growth, rising interest rates and limited supply are reshaping the housing marketHabitat’s shift from building individual homes to developing full neighborhoodsHow partnerships with private builders are helping expand affordable housing optionsThe role of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) in allowing more densityWhy preserving existing affordable housing is just as important as building new unitsHow institutional investors are changing the homeownership landscapeCommon misconceptions about affordable housing and who it servesWhy there’s no “silver bullet” — and what it will take to make progressThis 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. 

For many people, personal finance feels overwhelming until life forces the issue — a first 401(k), a divorce, a diagnosis, retirement or the sudden realization that no one ever really taught them how money works. In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, that uncertainty is at the center of the conversation: how people build financial confidence, why so many avoid planning and what changes when someone finally takes ownership of the numbers.Ledger editor Tony Mecia talks with Mary Ware, a Charlotte native and wealth advisor with Carnegie Wealth whose path into finance started not with business school, but with journalism and a personal-finance class at Central Piedmont that changed the course of her career. She explains how financial planning goes far beyond picking investments, why women are poised to control more wealth in the coming years, and what people often miss when navigating major transitions like retirement or divorce. They also discuss: Why financial planning is really about values, goals and life decisionsThe most common mistakes people make with retirement and estate planningWhy divorce can be one of the most financially stressful transitions in lifeWhat AI may change in financial advice — and what it probably won’tWhy knowing your numbers is one of the most important steps in planning wellHow mahjong is like financial planning. We hope you enjoy the conversation with Mary Ware. 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, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com. 

The weather forecast has never been more precise — or more distrusted. In an era of viral storm posts, default phone apps and nonstop social media chatter, even a mostly accurate forecast can feel like a failure if the worst-case scenario doesn’t come true. For meteorologists, the job is no longer just predicting what the atmosphere might do. It’s also pushing back against hype, calming nerves and explaining why being “less bad than expected” is still not the same as being wrong.In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, managing editor Ashley Fahey talks with Brad Panovich, chief meteorologist at WCNC, about what it’s like to forecast weather in 2026. Panovich reflects on how social media transformed his job, why Charlotte’s winter ice storm sparked what he calls a “rooting for ruin” reaction online, and how AI is changing the science of meteorology behind the scenes. He also shares his thoughts on weather apps, climate change in Charlotte, his weather pet peeves (hint: groundhog), the very practical supplies he grabs before a major storm and his favorite weather movies. 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. 

Interstate 77 has been one of Charlotte’s most frustrating stretches of pavement for years. Now, as state leaders move closer to widening that corridor with new toll lanes, a fresh political battle has erupted — not just over tolls, but over what the expansion would mean for neighborhoods already divided by the highway decades ago.In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Ledger editor Tony Mecia sits down with Steve Harrison, political reporter at WFAE, for a live conversation recorded Feb. 23, 2026 at The Sharon at SouthPark Retirement Community. Together, they unpack how the I-77 debate evolved from complaints about expensive toll lanes in North Mecklenburg to a broader fight over equity, neighborhood impact and whether Charlotte leaders still have any power to reshape the project. We hope you enjoy the conversation with Steve Harrison. For more information on The Charlotte Ledger and WFAE’s “Charlotte in Motion” newsletter, or to subscribe, please visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.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. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

In this live video chat recorded Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, Charlotte Ledger reporters discuss some of their coverage from the week:* American Airlines and Charlotte’s airport work toward a new lease that could shape the future of the airport and the airline* Development moratoriums are popping up in the Charlotte region, as communities outside Charlotte contend with rapid growth* High school and college newspapers are struggling to find printers, as the move toward digital publications accelerates* Charlotte FC takes steps to improve the fan experience, with cheaper tickets, a reward program and a new showroom uptown* Waymo driverless taxis hit the streets of CharlotteFind out more about The Charlotte Ledger at TheCharlotteLedger.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Sam Hart didn’t grow up in the kitchen. Fast food and corporate dining were more familiar than family recipes. But a broke stretch in Utah turned cooking into a daily necessity — then into an obsession.In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, host Steve Dunn sits down with Hart, creator of Counter- and founder of Irreverently Refined Hospitality Group, to talk about how a sketchbook idea became Charlotte’s first and only Michelin-starred restaurant. Hart explains why Counter is not a restaurant but a “fully immersive sensory dining experience” — and how mental health, sustainability and storytelling shape every menu. In this conversation, they discuss the Netflix “Chef’s Table” episode that changed Hart’s trajectory; staging at Alinea in Chicago and the grueling experience that followed; the personal breaking point that reshaped Hart’s approach to kitchen culture; the philosophy behind changing the menu every 90 days; what earning Charlotte’s only Michelin star means; and where Hart likes to eat in Charlotte. We hope you enjoy the conversation with Sam Hart. To learn more or make a reservation with Counter-, visit CounterCLT.com.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, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger podcast, Ledger editor Tony Mecia talks with Sucharita Kodali, executive director of The Election Hub, about the Republican ballot in Mecklenburg County.The primary election is March 3, 2026. Early voting runs through Feb. 28, 2026.Registered Republicans and unaffiliated voters can cast ballots in the Republican primary, which features races for U.S. Senate, U.S. House, the General Assembly and an N.C. Court of Appeals seat.➡️ You can find information about every candidate on the Mecklenburg ballot at TheElectionHub.org.🎥 You can find a video of this podcast on YouTube.🎧 Democratic ballot info: You can listen to an accompanying podcast on the Democratic ballot in Mecklenburg here.Check out The Charlotte Ledger at TheCharlotteLedger.comThis episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger podcast, Ledger editor Tony Mecia talks with Sucharita Kodali, executive director of The Election Hub, about the Democratic ballot in Mecklenburg County.The primary election is March 3, 2026. Early voting runs through Feb. 28, 2026.Registered Democrats and unaffiliated voters can cast ballots in the Democratic primary, which features races for U.S. Senate, U.S. House, the General Assembly, judgeships, the Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners and sheriff.➡️ You can find information about every candidate on the Mecklenburg ballot at TheElectionHub.org.🎥 You can find a video of this podcast on YouTube.🎧 Republican ballot info: You can listen to an accompanying podcast on the Republican ballot in Mecklenburg here.Find out more about The Charlotte Ledger at TheCharlotteLedger.com.This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Economics can sound like a subject you suffered through once and never wanted to revisit — but Michael Blanco, president of the Charlotte Economics Club, argues it’s actually the stuff people talk about every day: jobs, housing, inflation, interest rates, tariffs, AI, and where the economy is headed.In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Tony Mecia sits down with Blanco to talk about what the club does, who shows up to its events and why Charlotte — a longtime banking town that’s becoming an even bigger financial hub — is the perfect place for a growing economics club. 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. Visit TheCharlotteLedger.com to learn more. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

In this live video chat recorded Friday, Feb. 15, 2026, Charlotte Ledger reporters discuss some of their coverage from the week:* Opposition increases over plans to expand I-77 near uptown* Early voting starts for the March 3 primary* New job numbers show Charlotte was No. 2 in the country for creating jobs in 2025, behind only New York City* A closer look at a mixed-use project in Charlotte’s West End — and what it might mean for similar projects elsewhere in the city* The start of soccer season for Charlotte FC and Carolina Ascent* Valentine’s Day flowers are costing more this year — with our panel’s tips on gift-giving if you don’t yet have a plan… and more!Need to sign up for this e-newsletter? We offer a free version, as well as paid memberships for full access to all 6 of our local newsletters:The Charlotte Ledger is a locally owned media company that delivers smart and essential news. We strive for fairness and accuracy and will correct all known errors. The content reflects the independent editorial judgment of The Charlotte Ledger. Any advertising, paid marketing or sponsored content will be clearly labeled.◼️ About The Ledger • Our Team • Website◼️ Newsletters • Podcast • Newcomer Guide • A Better You email series◼️ Subscribe • Sponsor • Events Board • Merch Store • Manage Your Account◼️ Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter, LinkedIn This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Charlotte is booming. New towers rise, new residents arrive and the city’s economic engine hums. But beneath the growth, some longtime residents ask a deeper question: What has been lost along the way?In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, host Steve Dunn talks with Robert FitzPatrick — a Charlotte native, longtime community organizer and nationally known expert on pyramid schemes and consumer fraud, and author of “Charlotte: Searching for Soul in a Booming Southern City.”FitzPatrick explores what he means by “soul” — a city’s sense of place, identity and shared ownership — and argues that Charlotte’s singular focus on economic growth has come at a cost. From the destruction of Brooklyn in the 1960s to battles over Freedom Park, FitzPatrick traces how commercial priorities have shaped, and sometimes overshadowed, civic life.We hope you enjoy the conversation with Robert FitzPatrick. To learn more about “Charlotte: Searching for Soul in a Booming Southern City," click here.This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks. Visit TheCharlotteLedger.com to learn more.This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Billions of dollars in public investment. New office towers breaking ground. Nearly 5,000 apartments in the pipeline. After years of pandemic disruption and slow return-to-office trends, Charlotte’s center city may be entering a pivotal new chapter.In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Ledger editor Tony Mecia talks with Michael Smith and James LeBar of Charlotte Center City Partners about the newly released 2026 State of the Center City Report — an annual snapshot of uptown, South End and Midtown. They discuss why 2025 was a “super productive year,” what they mean by an “inflection point,” and how transportation, talent growth and large-scale development projects could reshape Charlotte’s urban core over the next decade.The report includes detailed maps, data and projections for the next 12–24 months. You can explore the full 2026 State of the Center City Report here.We hope you enjoy the conversation with James LeBar and Michael Smith. For more information on Charlotte Center City Partners, visit CharlotteCenterCity.org.This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks. Visit TheCharlotteLedger.com to learn more. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Recorded live Jan. 5, 2026, at The Sharon at SouthPark.PBS and public media have been in the spotlight lately — and not in a way anyone asked for. When federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting was eliminated, NPR and PBS stations across the country faced sudden cuts and hard choices.In this special live episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Ledger editor Tony Mecia sits down at The Sharon at SouthPark with Amy Burkett, general manager of PBS Charlotte, to talk about what that shift has meant locally — and what it’s forcing public media to do differently. Burkett, a former commercial TV reporter and anchor, shares how PBS Charlotte has rebuilt itself since nearly going dark in the early 2010s, how the station is adapting after losing $1.2 million overnight, and why she believes public media is more valuable in an era when trust is harder to come by.They also dig into what PBS does best (history, long-form storytelling, local documentaries), what it struggles to compete on (reality-style programming), and how the station is trying to reach viewers across platforms — from broadcast to Passport streaming to YouTube.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, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Aging rarely arrives all at once. For many families, the realization comes quietly: a holiday visit that feels a little different, a parent who seems less steady, less engaged, or less organized than before.In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, we share a recording of a Jan. 14, 2026, webinar produced in partnership with Caregiving Corner, focused on how families can recognize meaningful changes in aging adults and respond thoughtfully without panic, judgment or damaging trust. Ledger executive editor Tony Mecia is joined by Jennifer Szakaly, founder and CEO of Caregiving Corner, for a wide-ranging, practical conversation that blends medical insight, real-world caregiving experience and audience questions from families navigating these decisions in real time.This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is sponsored by Caregiving Corner. Caregiving Corner works with families who are taking care of aging relatives and need assistance navigating the long-term care system. Whether you are planning for aging, or needing help managing a crisis, our team is here for you. For more information, visit CaregivingCorner.com.This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks. For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

In this live video chat recorded Friday, Jan. 15, 2026, Charlotte Ledger reporters discuss some of their coverage from the week:* Development plans for the Manor Theatre site in Eastover* Workplace trends in 2026, such as AI and “job-hugging”* An interview with new LendingTree CEO Scott Peyree — on plans for the company and how he found out about the death of predecessor Doug Lebda* How historic designation plans might slow approval of the toll lanes on I-77 south of uptown* Elon University’s plans for a law school at Queens University of Charlotte* Drake Maye and his wife, Ann Michael Maye, receive national attention — him for football, her for baking videos on TikTok* Why John Stamos was in Mooresville… and more!Need to sign up for this e-newsletter? We offer a free version, as well as paid memberships for full access to all 6 of our local newsletters:The Charlotte Ledger is a locally owned media company that delivers smart and essential news. We strive for fairness and accuracy and will correct all known errors. The content reflects the independent editorial judgment of The Charlotte Ledger. Any advertising, paid marketing or sponsored content will be clearly labeled.◼️ About The Ledger • Our Team • Website◼️ Newsletters • Podcast • Newcomer Guide • A Better You email series◼️ Subscribe • Sponsor • Events Board • Merch Store • Manage Your Account◼️ Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter, LinkedIn, Substack Notes This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

When tragedy struck one of Charlotte’s most visible tech companies last fall, it forced an unexpected leadership transition at a pivotal moment. LendingTree CEO Doug Lebda’s sudden death in October 2025 left the company — and the city — reeling. Within hours, longtime executive Scott Peyree was asked to step into the top role and steady a business serving millions of consumers nationwide.In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Ledger editor Tony Mecia talks with Peyree about the night everything changed, how he learned of Lebda’s passing, and what it meant to lead through grief while keeping a public company on track. Peyree reflects on his path from founding QuoteWizard to running LendingTree, the company’s future in Charlotte, and how artificial intelligence could reshape how consumers shop for financial products. Along the way, he also shares a few personal details — including his love of Seattle grunge and why hybrid work is here to stay.We hope you enjoy the conversation with Scott Peyree. For more information on LendingTree, visit LendingTree.com.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, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

In this live video chat recorded Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, Charlotte Ledger reporters discuss some of their coverage from the week:* Fallout from the arrest of Sycamore Brewing’s co-founder on sex-crime charges* The drop in enrollment at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools to their lowest level in 14 years* Unraveling the mystery of why Coffey and Thompson art gallery in Eastover closed* A look at the most checked-out books of the year from Charlotte Mecklenburg Library* Why rage rooms are multiplying in the Charlotte region… and more! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Most people don’t learn about money in school — yet nearly every adult is expected to juggle budgets, debt, savings, taxes and investing. For many, that gap creates stress, shame, or a sense that finance is “for other people.” But what if understanding your money wasn’t about getting rich — but about gaining freedom?In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, host Steve Dunn explores the real meaning of financial literacy with Brian Li, longtime Providence Day School teacher and finance coach. Li argues that financial literacy isn’t an elite skill set — it’s an achievable toolkit for anyone, regardless of income, background or math ability.Li explains how financial literacy—built on simple habits like budgeting, tackling high-interest debt and investing early in low-cost, tax-advantaged accounts—can give people of all incomes more freedom, confidence and control over their lives.We hope you enjoy the conversation with Brian Li. To learn more about him or to browse his financial resources, visit BLiFinanceCoach.com.This episode is sponsored by AC Creative Collective. Based in Charlotte, N.C., and founded by sisters Amoura and Avery Carter, AC Creative Collective specializes in end-to-end marketing and learning and development services. They are dedicated to helping businesses and organizations streamline their operations and achieve their goals with creativity and precision. From social media strategies to workshops and brand launches, they’ve got you covered. Visit www.accreativecollective.com to learn more.For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com. This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Every December, the same Christmas classics return on repeat — “Elf,” “Home Alone,” “A Christmas Story,” “It’s a Wonderful Life.” But longtime Charlotte arts critic Lawrence Toppman says some of the season’s richest films are the ones most people have never heard of. From forgotten Thanksgiving dramas to animated immigrant tales, from World War I truces to bittersweet family reunions, Toppman opens up a deeper, more surprising cinematic world behind the holidays.In this special episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, we bring you a live recording of Toppman’s December 1, 2025 talk at The Sharon at SouthPark Retirement Community, where he shares his favorite under-the-radar holiday films — and a few spicy opinions about the ones everyone already knows.Toppman shares his curated list spanning Día de los Muertos, Armistice Day, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and Christmas. Whether you’re looking for something touching, funny, unusual, or decidedly not cheerful, this list has a film to surprise you.We hope you enjoy the conversation with Lawrence Toppman.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.For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com. This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe

Higher education is in the midst of a transformation — from rising costs and enrollment declines to new questions about the value of a degree. But in the middle of uptown Charlotte, Johnson & Wales University is carving out a different path, one rooted in affordability, career readiness and a unique strength in food, wellness and hospitality.In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, managing editor Ashley Fahey talks with Richard “Rick” Mathieu, president of Johnson & Wales’ Charlotte campus, about how the university is adapting to a shifting higher-ed landscape.Matthews explains how JWU is boosting access with its “JWU Pledge,” expanding programs tied to workforce needs, adding new pathways in hospitality, health and nursing — and how the school’s culinary footprint continues to shape Charlotte’s growing food scene. We hope you enjoy the conversation with Rick Mathieu. For more information on Johnson & Wales University's Charlotte campus, please visit Experience.JWU.edu.This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is sponsored by Metro Blinds of Charlotte — delivering high-quality window fashions and professional installation while saving you up to 30% compared to big box stores. Transform your space with stylish, affordable blinds and shades. Schedule your appointment online at metroblinds.net or call 704-396-9153.For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com. This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe