Cassie sits down with North Carolina State Auditor Dave Boliek to talk plainly about the North Carolina Office of Recovery and Resiliency — why it was created, and why so many North Carolinians were left frustrated and waiting.

They walk through NCORR’s beginnings after Hurricanes Matthew and Florence, when people needed help fast and trusted the state to get it right. Instead, there were leadership shakeups, expensive mistakes, and a sweeping audit that raised some hard questions.

Cassie and Auditor Boliek dig into what went wrong — from misused funds to a botched software rollout and a recovery system that moved far too slowly for families who had already lost so much. They also zoom out and talk about the bigger picture: what disaster recovery should look like in North Carolina, why local knowledge matters, why a coordinated state response is critical, and what has to change so we don’t repeat these same mistakes the next time a storm hits.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:03 Background on NCOR

02:12 Creation and Leadership of NCOR

03:33 NCOR's Purpose and Responsibilities

08:09 Challenges and Mismanagement

14:38 Accounting Issues and Contractor Relations

27:36 Future Recommendations and State Collaboration

29:12 The Importance of Long-Term Disaster Planning

31:03 Firsthand Accounts of Disaster Impact

31:52 Human Cost and Accountability in Disaster Recovery

32:33 Tracking and Accountability of Disaster Funds

33:28 Challenges in Long-Term Recovery

38:12 Unified Approach to Disaster Recovery

51:38 Role of Local Knowledge in Disaster Response

55:31 Ensuring Effective Use of Disaster Funds

Connect with Dave Boliek:

• Website
• X

Sponsors:

• Knights of Pythias Cumberland Lodge No. 5

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Contact:

• cassie@wherethedogwoodblooms.com

Tags:

#NCORR #DaveBoliek #HurricaneRecovery #NorthCarolina #WhereTheDogwoodBlooms

In this episode, host Cassie visits Moores Creek National Battlefield to sit down with renowned historian Dr. Chris Fonvielle for a deep dive into one of the most pivotal—and often overlooked—battles of the American Revolution.

Dr. Fonvielle, a former UNC Wilmington history professor and respected Civil War scholar, shares insights from his latest research, which turns its focus to the Revolutionary War and the decisive Battle of Moores Creek Bridge. Together, they examine the local dynamics between Loyalist and Patriot forces, the strategic decisions that shaped the battle, and its far-reaching consequences for North Carolina—and the fight for American independence.

Chris also weaves in personal history, recounting his ancestor’s participation in the battle, adding a deeply human dimension to the discussion. Along the way, he and Cassie reflect on their shared love of history and the enduring cultural roots that make places like Moores Creek continue to matter today.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:41 Meet Dr. Chris Fonvielle: Historian and Author

01:23 The Battle of Moores Creek Bridge

04:33 Scottish Immigration to North Carolina

12:06 The Moore Family Legacy

14:41 Colonial Economy and Plantations

21:29 The Loyalist Recruitment and March

26:38 The Patriots' Tactical Maneuver 2

9:37 Impact of the Battle of Moores Creek

31:53 Monuments and Memories

38:58 Personal Connections to History

46:23 The Rise and Fall of Brunswick Town

Connect with Dr. Chris Fonvielle:

• Website
• YouTube

Sponsors:

• Knights of Pythias Cumberland Lodge No. 5

Support Where the Dogwood Blooms: If you enjoy our content, consider supporting us via:

• Venmo
• Cash App

Connect with Where the Dogwood Blooms:

• Website
• Instagram
• X
• TikTok

Contact:

• cassie@wherethedogwoodblooms.com

Tags:

#RevolutionaryWar #DrChrisFonvielle #MooresCreek #NorthCarolinaHistory #WhereTheDogwoodBlooms

In this episode, I sit down with Tevin Robinson for a real, no-nonsense conversation about North Carolina, culture, and what happens when you speak your mind online.

Tevin is a Wilmington native who’s built a following of more than 100,000 on TikTok simply by telling the truth about this state—where we come from, where we’re headed, and what we risk losing along the way. We talk about Southern hospitality, the influx of transplants, and why preserving genuine Southern traditions matters more than ever in a rapidly modernizing North Carolina.

We also pull back the curtain on content creation itself—what it’s like to go viral, how social media fame changes your life, and the challenge of staying grounded and authentic in a digital world that rewards noise over nuance.

This episode is a love letter to North Carolina—its people, its culture, and the voices willing to stand up and protect what makes this place feel like home.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:32 Discussing Wilmington and Transplants

01:57 TikTok Journey and Content Creation

05:50 North Carolina's Culture and History

07:41 Southern Identity and Music

22:02 Influence of Hip Hop and Country Music

33:38 Challenges of Being an Influencer

51:03 Rant on Downtown Charlotte

51:19 Palm Trees in North Carolina

52:35 McMansions and Southern Charm

53:09 Culture Clash with Newcomers

53:48 Southern Hospitality and Traditions

54:51 Hillbilly Roots and Settlers

58:41 Weather and Geography of North Carolina

01:05:08 Barbecue and Food Traditions

01:19:11 Political and Social Issues

01:32:48 Content Creation and Personal Goals

Connect with Tevin Robinson:

• TikTok
• Instagram
• YouTube

Sponsors:

• Knights of Pythias Cumberland Lodge No. 5

Support Where the Dogwood Blooms: If you enjoy our content, consider supporting us via:

• Venmo
• Cash App

Connect with Where the Dogwood Blooms:

• Website
• Instagram
• X
• TikTok

Contact:

• cassie@wherethedogwoodblooms.com

Tags:

#Skaterat910 #WilmingtonNC #TikTok #910 #SouthernHospitality #SouthernCulture #WhereTheDogwoodBlooms

In this episode, I sit down with Matt Mercer, Communications Director for the North Carolina GOP, to talk about the winding road that took him from journalism into the heart of state politics—and what he’s seeing from the inside now.

We talk about his time working alongside Michael Whatley, how he landed in his current role, and what’s actually driving Republican momentum in North Carolina, including rising GOP voter registration and expanding influence across the state.

We dig into the tension between grassroots conservatives and establishment Republicans, why unaffiliated voters matter more than ever, and the realities behind hot-button issues like gerrymandering and candidate support.

Matt also opens up about media dynamics, the growing role of influencers, the long shadow of COVID-era policies under Governor Cooper, and why the 2028 gubernatorial race is already looming large.

At the center of it all is strategy—unity, consistency, and relentless voter engagement—and what it will take for the GOP to keep gaining ground in North Carolina.

Episode Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Matt Mercer

00:24 Transition from Journalism to Politics

02:07 North Carolina GOP's Recent Successes

03:41 The Shift in North Carolina's Political Landscape

07:27 Challenges in Blue Areas

11:25 Engaging Unaffiliated Voters

12:53 Controversies and Gerrymandering

20:42 Grassroots vs. Establishment

31:10 Upcoming Gubernatorial Race

32:02 Reflecting on the 2008 North Carolina Election

32:34 Republican Resurgence in North Carolina

33:12 The Importance of Fundraising in Politics

34:28 Out-of-State Influence in North Carolina Politics

36:00 Challenges with Media Access During COVID-19

38:58 Personal Impact of COVID-19 Restrictions

40:19 Investigating Media Control by the Governor's Office

42:23 Hurricane Relief and Political Optics

59:11 The Role of Influencers in Modern Politics

01:01:23 Getting Involved with the North Carolina GOP

Connect with Matt Mercer:

• Website
• X

Sponsors:

• Knights of Pythias Cumberland Lodge No. 5

Support Where the Dogwood Blooms: If you enjoy our content, consider supporting us via:

• Venmo
• Cash App

Connect with Where the Dogwood Blooms:

• Website
• Instagram
• X
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Contact:

• cassie@wherethedogwoodblooms.com

Tags:

#MattMercer #NCGOP #NorthCarolinaPolitics #NCPOL #WhereTheDogwoodBlooms

In this episode, I sit down with Dane Scalise—New Hanover County commissioner and a candidate for the North Carolina State House—to talk about what’s really going on in Wilmington.

We get into the big, sometimes uncomfortable conversations: the controversy surrounding the Charlie Kirk Memorial at UNCW, how illegal immigration policies are playing out locally, and what the future holds for the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge.

We also talk about what so many locals feel every day—overdevelopment squeezing the life out of the city, the ongoing PFAS water crisis, and how local politics are shifting right under our feet.

At the heart of it all is Wilmington itself. Dane shares his vision for protecting the area’s culture, realistic ways to preserve green space, and making sure locals aren’t the ones being ignored.

Connect with Dane Scalise:

• X

Sponsors:

• Knights of Pythias Cumberland Lodge No. 5

Support Where the Dogwood Blooms: If you enjoy our content, consider supporting us via:

• Venmo
• Cash App

Connect with Where the Dogwood Blooms:

• Website
• Instagram
• X
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Contact:

• cassie@wherethedogwoodblooms.com

Tags:

#DaneScalise #NewHanoverCounty #WilmingtonNC #SENC #ForeverChemicals #PFAS #NorthCarolinaPolitics #WhereTheDogwoodBlooms

In this episode, I’m joined by Kay Olsen and Abbi Carson, leaders of Fix Buncombe, a grassroots movement focused on restoring conservative leadership and returning common-sense policy to Buncombe County, North Carolina.

Together, we break down the political shifts that have reshaped the county over the past several decades, the impact of gerrymandered districts, and growing concerns around education—everything from curriculum changes and teacher performance to the challenges created by chronically low-turnout local elections.

We also dive into the broader issues facing Buncombe County today: debates over reparations, the long-term implications of the Buncombe 2043 plan, rising living costs, cultural changes, and what many see as a push toward increasingly socialist policies.

If you care about Western North Carolina, local leadership, or the future direction of Buncombe County, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Episode Chapters:

00:00 — Introduction to Fix Buncombe

01:34 — The Political Landscape of Buncombe County

04:59 — Challenges in the Education System

18:07 — Why Local Elections Matter

21:06 — Reparations & Historical Context

29:22 — Socialist Trends in Buncombe County

34:17 — A Love for Western North Carolina

35:04 — Shifts in Local Leadership

35:51 — Controversial Figures & Voting Patterns

37:44 — Mask Mandates & Public Backlash

40:12 — The Fix Buncombe Initiative

44:04 — The Buncombe 2043 Plan

50:03 — Concerns About Asheville’s Future

55:19 — Call to Action: Community Involvement

Connect with Fix Buncombe:

• Website
• Facebook
• X
• Instagram
• YouTube

Sponsors:

• Knights of Pythias Cumberland Lodge No. 5

Support Where the Dogwood Blooms: If you enjoy our content, consider supporting us via:

• Venmo
• Cash App

Connect with Where the Dogwood Blooms:

• Website
• Instagram
• X
• TikTok

Contact:

• cassie@wherethedogwoodblooms.com

Tags:

#FixBuncombe #BuncombeCounty #AshevilleNC #WNC #LocalElectionsMatter #NorthCarolinaPolitics #GrassrootsPolitics #WhereTheDogwoodBlooms

In this episode, I’m joined by Sandi Walker—Valdese Mayoral Candidate, owner of Dolls & Designs, and Senior Tour Guide for the Waldensian Trail of Faith. A direct descendant of the original Waldensian settlers, Sandi brings a deep, personal perspective to Valdese’s history and community.

Together, we talk about the Waldensians’ incredible journey from the Alpine valleys of Italy to the foothills of North Carolina, how their faith shaped the town of Valdese, and the modern challenges the community faces today.

If you’ve never heard of the Waldensians—or if you’re curious about small-town leadership, heritage tourism, and the future of Valdese—this episode is for you.

Connect with Sandi Walker:

• Website
• Facebook
• X

Sponsors:

• NC/TN High Country WX
• Nascar WX
• Knights of Pythias Cumberland Lodge No. 5

Support Where the Dogwood Blooms: If you enjoy our content, consider supporting us via:

• Venmo
• Cash App

Connect with Where the Dogwood Blooms:

• Website
• Instagram
• X
• TikTok

Contact:

• cassie@wherethedogwoodblooms.com

Tags:

#Valdese #Waldensians #NorthCarolinaHistory #SmallTownNC #WesternNorthCarolina #LocalHeritage #CommunityLeadership #WhereTheDogwoodBlooms

In this episode, I’m joined by Jason—the creator behind Instagram's @SpookyCLT, a project dedicated to digging into Charlotte’s folklore, true crime, and dark history. From haunted cemeteries to forgotten landmarks, Jason’s work shines a light on the stories that most folks walk right past without ever knowing they’re there.

Jason is also a passionate historic preservation advocate, serving on the boards of both Historic Elmwood-Pinewood Cemetery and the Charlotte Historic Landmarks Commission. Together, we discuss some of the spooky stories that have shaped the Queen City.

If you’ve ever wondered what secrets lie beneath Charlotte’s skyline—or why preserving history matters just as much as uncovering it—this episode is for you.

Connect with Spooky CLT:

• Instagram
• Website
• Historic Elmwood Cemetery

Sponsors:

• NC/TN High Country WX
• Nascar WX
• Knights of Pythias Cumberland Lodge No. 5

Support Where the Dogwood Blooms: If you enjoy our content, consider supporting us via:

• Venmo
• Cash App

Connect with Where the Dogwood Blooms:

• Website
• Instagram
• X
• TikTok

Contact:

• cassie@wherethedogwoodblooms.com

Tags:

#SpookyCLT #CharlotteHistory #NorthCarolinaFolklore #TrueCrime #HistoricPreservation #HauntedCharlotte #QueenCity #WhereTheDogwoodBlooms