This is the complete archive of the Kudzu Project, a podcast featuring in-depth conversations with the people shaping Hendersonville, Henderson County and Western North Carolina. Hosted by Nick Lucey of the Lucey Agency, each episode explores the stories, ideas, and experiences of local leaders, entrepreneurs, veterans, artists, public servants, and community builders.
Browse the episodes below to discover discussions about local business, community leadership, culture, faith, entrepreneurship, and life in Western North Carolina. From behind-the-scenes looks at local organizations to personal stories you won’t hear anywhere else, The Kudzu Project highlights the voices that make our region unique. New episodes are released regularly (typically, on Monday mornings) and are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
From Coach to Counsel to Candidate: Jerry Smith Makes His Case to Be Hendersonville’s Next Mayor Listen now on Spotify Listen now on Apple Podcasts Jerry Smith has spent much of his life serving Hendersonville, North Carolina … from teaching…
No Passport Required: Mike Andress and the Exploration Local Podcast Listen now on Spotify Listen now on Apple Podcasts For the past six-plus years, Mike Andress has helped unearth the stories that make the Southern Appalachian Mountains so unique. As…
Don’t Postpone Joy: Jason Livengood on Life, Happiness, and the Future of TV Listen now on Spotify Listen now on Apple Podcasts Originally from Austin, Texas, Jason Livengood now calls Asheville, N.C., home, and works with AMP Sales & Marketing…
Creative Destruction: Nobel Laureate Peter Howitt on Innovation, Obsolescence, and the Future Listen now on Spotify Listen now on Apple Podcasts Nobel Prize-winning economist Peter Howitt joins the Kudzu Project for a fascinating conversation about technology, obsolescence, and the forces that shape…
Can a Political Outsider Change City Hall? Jeff Groh Thinks So. Jeff Groh has never held elected office, yet he believes that’s exactly what Hendersonville needs. In this episode of the Kudzu Project, Nick sits down with the City Council candidate…
Sobering Thoughts: Hope Coalition’s Patrick Davis and the Road to Recovery Recovery is about much more than breaking free from addiction. It’s about rebuilding a life with purpose, connection, and hope. In this episode of the Kudzu Project, Nick sits down…
Speaking Broadly with Laurel Park Mayor Carey O’Cain Just west of Hendersonville sits the residential community of Laurel Park, North Carolina, a town known for its scenic beauty, tranquility, and rich history. In this episode of the Kudzu Project, Nick sits…
Hope and Healing in Henderson County: A Conversation with Lauren Wilkie of Safelight In this latest episode of the Kudzu Project, I sit down with Lauren Wilkie, CEO of Safelight, an organization that’s been helping survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault,…
Terrye Jacobs: Downtown Hendersonville in Full Bloom Each spring, Hendersonville, NC’s Main Street blossoms into a flowery wonderland during Garden Jubilee — one of the largest gardening shows in Western North Carolina and one of the biggest annual events in…
Phill Hanson: Confessions of a Special Forces Sergeant Major Phill Hanson has lived a life most people only read about. A retired U.S. Army Special Forces sergeant major, he spent decades operating at the highest levels of military and national…
Live, Laugh, Lucey: Lessons from My 94-Year-Old Dad It’s not every day you get to interview your own father on your podcast. So when my dad, William Lucey, came to visit us in Hendersonville recently, I didn’t want to squander…
The Apple of Their Stepdad’s Eye: The Story of Holt Orchards There’s no such thing as sibling rivalry at Holt Orchards in Flat Rock, North Carolina … just a whole lot of teamwork and family pride. Brother-and-sister duo Tracy Cavagnaro and Todd…
From WNC to DC: Jeff Miller and the Blue Ridge Honor Flight The Blue Ridge Honor Flight didn’t start as a national movement. It began as a local effort to do something simple, and honestly, long overdue. The mission: Give…
Sewing a Movement: Georgia Bonesteel and the American Quilt Revival Long before YouTube tutorials and Instagram reels, Georgia Bonesteel was teaching America how to make quilts — one stitch at a time. Georgia helped spark a nationwide quilting revival through her PBS…
Chuck Edwards: From the Golden Arches to the Halls of Congress In this episode of the Kudzu Project, Nick sits down with Congressman Chuck Edwards, a Western North Carolina native whose story begins right here in Henderson County. Born in Waynesville and…
Breaking Free: Tiffany Lucey on Escaping Control and Building a New Life If you live in Henderson County, North Carolina, chances are you’ve seen Tiffany Lucey before. As the Social Media Coordinator for the County, she’s become a familiar face…
From Addiction to Recovery: Daniel Conway’s Mission to Help Others Find Their Way Back Daniel Conway knows addiction from both sides of the table. Today, he serves as the Program Coordinator for Henderson County’s Adult Recovery Court (ARC), a program…
From Georgia Roots to Carolina Soil: Steve Pettis Dishes the Dirt In this episode of the Kudzu Project, I sit down with fellow Marine and podcaster Steve Pettis, Commercial and Consumer Horticulture Agent with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension in Henderson County. Steve helps…
Called to Serve: Adam R. Smith and the Frustration that Fuels his Fight I had the opportunity to sit down with Adam R. Smith, congressional candidate in North Carolina’s 11th District, who took time out of his busy campaign schedule to join…
The Story Behind the Story: Mary Davis Gage of “Getting to Know Hendo” In this episode of the Kudzu Project, I sit down with storyteller Mary Davis Gage, co-host of the Getting to Know Hendo podcast. Mary has a gift for spinning a…
The Home Front: Conversation with Hendersonville City Council Member Gina Baxter In this episode of the Kudzu Project, I sit down with Hendersonville City Council Member Gina Baxter to discuss her path to public service, her love of the region and…