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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.