Epic Carteret

Coastal Connections

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 22:56:31 +0000

What do fishing piers, barber shops, tea rooms, and libraries have in common?

They’re all third places: spaces outside home and work that help us build relationships, feel a sense of belonging, and stay connected.

This summer, a team of young people from Carteret County came together to explore these vital spaces, interviewing local business owners, librarians, artists, and each other. The result is Coastal Connections, a moving, often funny, and inspiring podcast episode on community, connection, and what it means to belong.

Turning the Page: A New Voice for EPIC Carteret

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 14:23:32 +0000

EPIC Carteret is entering an exciting new chapter. In this one-minute trailer, Autumn Ware introduces Emily Carter as the new host of the beloved community podcast and the first author to debut under the EPIC Carteret Books imprint. With her memoir A Spork in the Road launching this spring, Emily brings her deep roots, engaging voice, and heartfelt storytelling to the forefront—continuing the mission to celebrate the resilience, creativity, and connection that define coastal North Carolina. Subscribe and stay tuned. The next story begins now.

How Empowered Women Power Epic Communities

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 16:59:24 +0000

In this episode, we explore how empowered women create ripple effects that strengthen and uplift their communities. Featuring insights from Carolina Women’s Collective founders Silvana Botta, Jillian Lister, and Booth Parker, along with Brandy Bell, director of the Carteret Community College Small Business Center, we uncover the transformative impact of fostering connections, supporting one another, and creating opportunities for growth. Through inspiring stories from conference attendees and local leaders, we celebrate the unique culture of collaboration in Carteret County and the women shaping its future.

How Generous Leaders Nurture Community Growth with Erin Knight

Wed, 25 Dec 2024 17:00:23 +0000

Erin Knight, President of the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce, shares her vision for nurturing leadership through empathy, innovation, and collaboration. From implementing transformative policies like parental leave to supporting local businesses with modern tools and resources, Erin discusses how thoughtful leadership empowers teams and strengthens communities.

Strengthening Communities through Volunteerism with Melissa Kelley

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 19:25:58 +0000

Melissa Kelley, a community leader and former Marine Corps officer, shares how her military service shaped her leadership in volunteer work, from the Carteret Writers to local theaters. She discusses the impact of local cultural initiatives like writing conferences and community arts, offering insights on balancing your personal life with a passion for service. Through her story, we explore the vital role dedicated volunteers play in fostering engagement and strengthening the cultural fabric of Carteret County.

Keeping Local Culture Alive and Vibrant with Barbara Garrity-Blake

Mon, 02 Sep 2024 00:33:18 +0000

Barbara Garrity-Blake, a cultural anthropologist, musician, and festival organizer, delves into the integration of cultural heritage and modern community engagement in this episode of EPIC Carteret. We explore her initiatives like the Wild Caught Local Seafood and Music Festival and her work with community movements like Saltwater Connections. Highlighting her efforts in preserving traditional folkways, Barbara offers insights into how committed individuals can keep local culture alive and vibrant.

Summer Spirits 2024

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 21:13:02 +0000

We’ve distilled the spirit of our Winter Hauntings to a chilling hour of storytelling in poem, prose and music in our broadcast of Summer Spirits, including: John Greenleaf Whittier’s “The Palantine” performed by local playwright and actor Doug Miron; poems written and read by Pamlico County Poet Laureate Malaika King Albrecht; songs written and performed by the musical duo Emily and John Carter (a.k.a. Chick ‘N’ Biscuit); and the top three stories in our 2023 ghost story competition “A Fireside Chat” by Willow Red, “Heaven or Hell” by Jessi Waugh, and contest winner “The Causeway” by Melissa Kelley performed by Carteret Community Theater superstars Alex Russell, Matt Brooks, and Kimberly Murdoch.

Content warning

The locally inspired stories, poems, and songs performed in this episode of EPIC Carteret’s Summer Spirits 2024 contain mature themes and scenes that may be distressing to some listeners, including but not limited to: Fire and related destruction Encounters with dastardly pirates Ghostly apparitions and supernatural events Depictions of murder and violence Discussions of adultery and witchcraft Other frightening and unsettling content

Listener discretion is advised.

Rights Retention Statement: All artists retain full rights to their submitted stories, poems, and songs shared in this special episode of EPIC Carteret.

How Epic Leaders Earn Trust with Mayor Sharon Harker

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 18:54:34 +0000

Join me in conversation with Beaufort Mayor Sharon Harker on getting involved, building connections, and voting every chance you get. Mayor Harker talks about what concerned her when she ran for office, how she earned the trust of her constituents, and why your vote matters, among other things.

The Power of Empathy in Epic Communities with Catissa Head

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 17:20:09 +0000

Join me as I chat with Catissa Head, Executive Director of Coastal Community Action, an organization that serves the most vulnerable members of our eastern North Carolina community. Catissa credits her mom with teaching her compassion and shares how she reciprocates that loving care. Then, we explore the challenges faced by impoverished people in Carteret County and how organizations like CCA and local volunteers offer our most resource-strapped neighbors with critical opportunities to improve their circumstances.

Making Space for Celebration in Communities with Emily Carter

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 14:24:50 +0000

Join Emily and me at Vlad’s Lookout Lodge, a seasonal haunt in Beaufort, to explore how Carteret County folks use celebrations as an excuse to have more fun while doing more good. It was the perfect setting for a spirited conversation about how good times together help strengthen community bonds.

How to Grow a Community of Learners with Amanda McCall

Tue, 10 Oct 2023 18:00:12 +0000

In Episode 2, Amanda and I are setting our sights on the educational horizon to consider how a community of learners can make progress together. Could it be that a collective commitment to personal growth is one of the secret ingredients when you’re cultivating an epic community?

The Secret to a Thriving Business Community with Tom Kies

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 00:27:53 +0000

The first stop on our quest to uncover what makes Carteret County so inviting is the community’s dynamic business ecosystem. In conversation with Tom Kies, Chamber of Commerce President and Edgar-nominated author of the popular Geneva Chase mystery series, we’ll explore how business owners and creatives in Carteret County thrive by collaborating with each other and the broader community. Get ready for some enlightening stories of entrepreneurial teamwork and community partnership. Dive deeper into Tom’s writing career, the Chamber, and other topics mentioned in the episode by visiting epic-carteret.com, where you'll find links to organizations mentioned and articles that provide more insights into Carteret County.

Epic Extra: Tom Kies Sees a Trend Toward Creative Exploration

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 15:43:28 +0000

In this Epic Extra Tom Kies talks about an interesting trend he's noticed toward more creative exploration.

Season One Trailer

Sun, 20 Aug 2023 21:35:02 +0000

What does it take to create an epic community?

Join writer Autumn Ware on an audio journey to find out.