The Farmer Who’s Fighting Flock: Austin Rhodes on Privacy, Surveillance and Taking a Stand Listen now on Spotify Listen now on Apple Podcasts Austin Rhodes says he never expected to lead a movement. But the Edneyville berry farmer and beekeeper…
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…
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…
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 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…
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…
Guadalcanal Diary: Marine Private Luther Rhodes Finally Heading Home More than eight decades after he was killed in action on Guadalcanal and declared MIA during World War II, the remains of Marine Corps Private Luther Rhodes are finally coming home…
Mayor Barbara Volk on Leadership, Longevity, and her Love of Hendersonville In this episode of the Kudzu Project, I sit down with Barbara Volk, the first female and second longest-tenured mayor of Hendersonville, North Carolina, for a thoughtful conversation about leadership, legacy, and…
In the In-Between: Loss, Listening, and Looking Ahead And now, a word from our host. In this short episode of the Kudzu Project, host Nick Lucey reflects on the quiet, unsettling space between Christmas and the New Year — the pause…
Real Talk with Rev. Anthony McMinn, President & CEO of the Hendersonville Rescue Mission In this episode of The Kudzu Project, I sit down with Rev. Anthony McMinn, President and CEO of the Hendersonville Rescue Mission, for a powerful and raw conversation about…
A Community in Alignment: Dr. Jenn Hensley on Growth, Wellness & Leadership You heard it here first: Dr. Jennifer Hensley is running for Mayor of Hendersonville, N.C. The local chiropractor has spent more than two decades helping people feel more aligned…