The Charlotte Ledger Podcast

After decades of working and saving, how do you know when you have enough to retire? And once you get there, how do you shift from saving money to actually spending it?

In the fourth and final installment of The Charlotte Ledger’s "Facing Your Financial Fears" series, we turn our attention to baby boomers and the financial decisions that come with retirement, aging and planning for the next generation.

Recorded live at the Mint Museum Randolph on Oct. 28, 2026, the conversation features Gray Dyer, founder of Dyer & Co.; Brian Miller, a wealth advisor at Huntington Bank; and Jennifer Szakaly, CEO of Caregiving Corner. Moderated by The Ledger’s Tony Mecia, the panel explores retirement savings, Social Security, estate planning, protecting against financial scams and the often-overlooked costs of aging.

The panelists also discuss how to navigate difficult conversations with loved ones about caregiving, inheritance and leaving a financial legacy.

Special thanks to Dyer & Company, Huntington Bank, Caregiving Corner and the Mint Museum for sponsoring this free community event.

This episode was produced by Raizdeen Mohamed. For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, go to https://thecharlotteledger.com/.

Charlotte has no shortage of ghost stories, haunted landmarks and spooky history. But how much of it do we really know?

Just in time for Halloween, The Charlotte Ledger's managing editor Ashley Fahey sits down with Jason Tapp, the creator of the popular Instagram account SpookyCLT and a member of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission, to explore the city's haunted past and the importance of preserving its history.

From the mysterious skeleton discovered in the Dunhill Hotel's elevator shaft to the legend of the Lake Norman monster, Tapp shares some of Charlotte's most fascinating ghost stories and explains how local folklore can reveal surprising details about the city's past.

The conversation also explores why Charlotte doesn't have the same haunted reputation as cities like Savannah or New Orleans, the challenges of preserving history in a rapidly growing city and the spooky places Tapp still hopes to investigate.

This episode is presented by Childcare Search, a service of Childcare Resources Inc., which offers free, personalized guidance to help families find licensed childcare that meets their needs. Visit https://findchildcarenc.org or call 1-888-600-1685 to learn more.

This episode was produced by Lindsey Banks. For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, go to https://thecharlotteledger.com/.

Breaking down the 2026 Mecklenburg ballot: What voters need to know

The 2026 election ballot contains races for Congress, the N.C. Supreme Court, the state legislature and local offices — plus three proposed constitutional amendments and $425 million in Charlotte bond referendums.

In this 11-minute episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, host Tony Mecia talks with Sucharita Kodali, executive director of the nonpartisan Election Hub, about some of the lesser-known races and ballot questions that voters might overlook.

Visit The Election Hub for independent candidate profiles and ballot information covering Mecklenburg, Gaston, Cabarrus and Catawba counties.

Early voting runs through Oct. 31, and Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Learn more about The Charlotte Ledger at https://www.thecharlotteledger.com.

For Gen X, retirement is getting closer, but so are some of life's biggest financial responsibilities. From saving for retirement and paying for college to caring for aging parents, how can people in their 40s, 50s and early 60s prepare for the future while balancing the demands of today?

In the third installment of The Charlotte Ledger's four-part "Facing Your Financial Fears" series, Ledger executive editor Tony Mecia moderates a conversation focused on the financial challenges facing Generation X. Recorded Oct. 21, 2026, at the Mint Museum Uptown, the discussion explores how to determine whether you're on track for retirement, make smarter investment decisions and navigate financial conversations with both children and aging parents.

The conversation features Greg Dyer, founder of Dyer & Company; Johanan Hernandez, a relationship banker at Huntington Bank; and Chanel Glover of Caregiving Corner. Together, they discuss strategies for maximizing retirement savings, managing investment risks, understanding Roth conversions and preparing for the rising costs of long-term care.

Special thanks to Dyer & Company, Huntington Bank, Caregiving Corner and the Mint Museum for sponsoring this free community event.

This episode was produced by Raizdeen Mohamed. For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, go to https://thecharlotteledger.com/.

For many women, finding a job is just one step toward achieving financial independence. Having the confidence, resources and support to succeed in that job can be just as important.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, host Steve Dunn sits down with Emily Jensen Wheeler, CEO of Dress for Success Charlotte, a nonprofit that helps women achieve economic independence through professional clothing, career development, financial education and other support services.

Wheeler also shares her personal journey from a career in higher education to nonprofit leadership, why she and her family chose to put down roots in Charlotte, and how she's navigating the challenges of balancing motherhood, community involvement and her role as CEO.

Learn more about Dress for Success Charlotte, including how to donate clothing or get involved, at https://charlotte.dressforsuccess.org/.

This episode is sponsored by the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, presenting "Bach 360," an intimate, in-the-round concert exploring Johann Sebastian Bach's extraordinary influence on music across generations. Performances are Nov. 13 and 14 at Booth Playhouse. Tickets are available at https://www.charlottesymphony.org/.

This episode was produced by Lindsey Banks. For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, go to https://thecharlotteledger.com/.

For millennials, adulthood comes with no shortage of financial decisions. Between buying a home, paying off debt, raising children, saving for retirement and helping aging parents, figuring out where to put your money — and what to prioritize — can feel overwhelming.

In this special episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, recorded live Oct. 14, 2026, at the Mint Museum in uptown Charlotte, three financial experts tackle some of the biggest money questions facing adults ages 30 to 45 as part of The Ledger's four-part “Facing Your Financial Fears” series.

The conversation features Gray Dyer, founder of Charlotte-based financial planning and wealth management firm Dyer & Company; Caroline Hawkins, a financial planning associate at Dyer & Company; and DeMia Johnson, a financial relationship banker at Huntington Bank. Together, they break down some of millennials' biggest financial questions, from navigating mortgage rates and paying off debt to saving for children's education, planning for retirement and making smart investments.

Special thanks to Dyer & Company, our event partner, and sponsors Huntington Bank, the Mint Museum and Caregiving Corner for making this event possible.

This episode was produced by Raizdeen Mohamed. For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, go to https://thecharlotteledger.com/.

Scout Motors is bringing an iconic American automotive brand back to life — and Charlotte is playing a major role in that effort.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, host Tony Mecia talks with Scout Motors CEO Scott Keogh about the Volkswagen-backed company's plans to establish its headquarters in Plaza Midwood, create 1,200 jobs in Charlotte and manufacture electric SUVs and pickup trucks at a new factory in Blythewood, S.C.

Keogh shares why Scout chose Charlotte over more traditional automotive hubs, how the company is recruiting talent and what employees can expect when its new headquarters opens in early 2027.

The conversation also explores the uncertain electric vehicle market and why Keogh is betting on Scout's range-extender technology, which combines electric power with a gas-powered generator. With more than 210,000 vehicle reservations, Keogh says the company is positioning itself to become America's next iconic automotive brand.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is sponsored by Crimson Park Digital. Get your brand seen, capture demand, and turn attention into revenue, now. Visit https://crimsonparkdigital.com/ to get started.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks. For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, go to TheCharlotteLedger.com.

Budgeting, credit cards, student loans, retirement accounts and investing can be intimidating, especially when you're just starting out. But building a strong financial future doesn't have to be complicated.

In this special episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, recorded live Oct. 7, 2026, at the Mint Museum in uptown Charlotte, assistant editor Lindsey Banks moderates the first panel in The Charlotte Ledger's four-part "Facing Your Financial Fears" series, presented in partnership with Dyer & Co.

The conversation features Brian Li, a financial literacy educator at Providence Day School; Gilbert Rogers, financial education and wellness manager at Huntington Bank; and Caroline Hawkins of Dyer & Co. Together, they break down some of Gen Z's biggest financial questions, from building credit and paying off debt to starting a 401(k), growing an emergency fund and making your first investments.

The panelists share practical advice on automating savings, avoiding common credit card mistakes, navigating student loans and having sometimes uncomfortable conversations about money with family. Their biggest takeaway? You don't need a lot of money to start building good financial habits — but the earlier you start, the better.

Special thanks to our event partner, Dyer & Co., and our sponsors Huntington Bank, the Mint Museum and Caregiving Corner for making this event possible.

This episode was produced by Lindsey Banks. For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, go to https://thecharlotteledger.com/.

For Ike Belk, sports have always been about more than competition. His grandfather and namesake spent decades involved in the U.S. Olympic movement, instilling in Belk a belief in sports’ power to bring people together. Now, Belk is carrying that legacy forward as co-founder of the U.S. Performance Center, which trains and supports Olympic and national-team athletes while working to establish Charlotte as a major hub for amateur sports.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, host Steve Dunn talks with Belk about the Performance Center’s work with hundreds of elite athletes, its research into injury prevention and rehabilitation, and why national governing bodies are increasingly looking to Charlotte as a place to train and compete.

They also look ahead to one of Belk’s biggest undertakings yet: bringing the 2027 World Military Games to Charlotte. The international competition is expected to bring athletes and military delegations from more than 100 countries to the region for Olympic-style events — and Belk hopes it will demonstrate Charlotte’s ability to host major international sporting events.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is presented by Child Care Search. Does your search for child care have you stressed out? There’s a lot to consider — like quality, price, location, schedule, and more. At Child Care Search, a service of Child Care Resources Inc., our knowledgeable navigators can help you find licensed care that fits your family’s needs! Visit https://www.findchildcarenc.org/ or call 1-888-600-1685 for free, personalized guidance.

This episode was produced by Lindsey Banks. For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, go to https://thecharlotteledger.com/.

After nearly two decades as a Charlotte television journalist, Michelle Boudin traded the newsroom for entrepreneurship. But one thing hasn't changed: her passion for storytelling.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, host Steve Dunn talks with Boudin, a former WCNC investigative reporter, founder of Embolden Creative and winner of The Ledger's 40 Over 40 award, about her unexpected journey from journalism to running a creative agency that helps nonprofits and businesses tell their stories.

Boudin shares what makes a compelling story, why listening is the most important interviewing skill and how artificial intelligence is changing her industry. She also reflects on memorable stories from her reporting career, the challenges of running her own business and why Charlotte remains the place she calls home.

This episode is sponsored by the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, presenting The Music of Tina Turner. Vocalists join the Orchestra to perform the anthems that crowned Tina Turner the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll – from "What's Love Got to Do with It" to "Son of a Preacher Man.” Friday, Oct. 16, and Saturday, Oct. 17, at Knight Theater. Tickets available at https://www.charlottesymphony.org/.

This episode was produced by Lindsey Banks. For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, go to https://thecharlotteledger.com/.

Navigating the healthcare system can be overwhelming, especially as we age.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, executive editor Tony Mecia sits down with Jennifer Szakaly, founder of Caregiving Corner, for a conversation recorded at The Sharon at SouthPark retirement community.

Szakaly shares practical advice on advocating for yourself at doctor's appointments, keeping track of medical records and medications, and involving family members in your care. They also discuss advance care planning, powers of attorney and the importance of having difficult conversations with loved ones to ensure your wishes are understood and respected.

This conversation was recorded live at The Sharon at SouthPark on Sept. 21, 2026.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is presented by Child Care Search. Does your search for child care have you stressed out? There’s a lot to consider — like quality, price, location, schedule, and more. At Child Care Search, a service of Child Care Resources Inc., our knowledgeable navigators can help you find licensed care that fits your family’s needs! Visit https://www.FindChildCareNC.org or call 1-888-600-1685 for free, personalized guidance.

This episode was produced by Lindsey Banks. For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, go to https://thecharlotteledger.com/.

Pat McCrory helped shape modern Charlotte during his record-setting tenure as mayor. But his four years as North Carolina governor — and the political controversies that followed — left a more complicated legacy.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Ledger editor Tony Mecia talks with journalist and author Andrew Dunn about his new book, “The Change Agent: Pat McCrory’s Rise, Reckoning, and Legacy.”

Dunn discusses McCrory’s role in bringing the light rail to Charlotte, his relationship with the Republican-led General Assembly and how the controversial HB2 law overshadowed other parts of his governorship. The conversation also explores the political fallout from the I-77 toll lanes, behind-the-scenes stories from McCrory’s career and what his experience reveals about North Carolina politics today.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is presented by the Home Builders Association of Greater Charlotte’s 2026 Parade of Homes, on Sept. 19, 20, 26 and 27, from 1 to 5 p.m. Experience inspiration and explore possibilities by enjoying this free, self-guided tour of the latest in design and craftsmanship in the Charlotte area’s most desirable homes and communities. Visit https://ParadeofHomesCharlotte.com to map your tour.

This episode was produced by Lindsey Banks. For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, go to https://thecharlotteledger.com/.

When Tryon Medical Partners launched in 2018, a group of physicians made a big bet: They left Atrium Health’s Mecklenburg Medical Group to build an independent practice of their own.

Eight years later, Tryon is looking to get bigger.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, host Tony Mecia talks with Lindsay Muns, CEO of Tryon Management Group, about the practice’s plans to become a stronger third option in a Charlotte healthcare market dominated by Atrium Health and Novant Health.

Muns discusses Tryon’s push to add more specialties, physicians and locations across the Charlotte region, as well as the challenges of competing for talent and navigating an increasingly complicated healthcare industry. Tryon added 15 physicians last year and plans to add another 15 net new physicians this year as it expands its capacity for new patients.

This episode was produced by Lindsey Banks. For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, go to https://TheCharlotteLedger.com.

For most of his life, Tommy Tomlinson has thought about food and weight. He wrote an entire book about it — "The Elephant in the Room: A Journey of Weight Loss" — after years of trying diets, medications and nearly every other strategy short of weight-loss surgery.

Then, two years ago, he started taking GLP-1 weight-loss drugs.

Tomlinson, a former columnist and also the author of "Dogland" about the Westminster Dog Show, joins podcast host Steve Dunn to talk about losing 132 pounds, the disappearance of constant “food noise” and what GLP-1s have taught him about willpower, cravings and weight.

Steve shares his own experience taking GLP-1s as they discuss side effects, cost, stigma and the complicated psychology of changing habits that have shaped your life for decades.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is hosted by Steve Dunn of Miles Mediation & Arbitration. This episode was produced by Lindsey Banks. For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, go to https://TheCharlotteLedger.com.

What if a law firm looked less like a traditional office and more like a creative studio?

That question helped shape Gardner Skelton PLLC, where colorful murals, collaborative workspaces, office dogs and a renovated former chocolate factory reflect founder and CEO Nicole Gardner's belief that better environments create better lawyers. Gardner says fostering creativity, supporting mental health and building a strong workplace culture ultimately leads to better outcomes for clients.

But the conversation goes well beyond office design. In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Gardner discusses the evolution of her legal career, mentoring young attorneys, balancing leadership with client work, giving back to the Charlotte community and why she believes the city's entrepreneurial spirit continues to make it an exciting place to build a business.

Nicole Gardner was recognized as one of The Charlotte Ledger's 40 Over 40 honorees.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is hosted by Steve Dunn of Miles Mediation & Arbitration. This episode was produced by Lindsey Banks. For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, go to TheCharlotteLedger.com.

Charlotte is often criticized for not having much history. Old buildings have given way to new development, neighborhoods have transformed and many longtime landmarks have disappeared from the skyline.

But according to local history writer John Short, Charlotte hasn't lost its history — it's simply hidden in plain sight. From Eastover's origins as the city's first automobile suburb to the remarkable story of Grier Heights, one of Charlotte's oldest Black communities, the city's neighborhoods reveal how transportation, housing, race and economic growth have shaped the Charlotte we know today.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Managing Editor Ashley Fahey talks with Short, the author of The Ledger's new "Love Thy Neighborhood" series, about why neighborhood history matters, the surprising stories hiding around Charlotte and how understanding where the city has been can help residents make better decisions about where it's headed.

This episode was recorded live at The Sharon at SouthPark on July 13, 2026.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks. For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, go to TheCharlotteLedger.com.

For years, the rising cost of college has led many families to question whether a four-year degree is worth the investment — and whether elite private colleges are financially out of reach altogether.

Davidson College hopes to change that perception. The school recently announced one of the most generous financial aid programs in its history, promising that students from families earning less than $85,000 annually can attend at essentially no cost, while many middle-income families will qualify for free tuition. College President Doug Hicks says the goal is simple: make Davidson more accessible to talented students who may never have considered applying because of the price tag.

But affordability is only one challenge facing higher education. Colleges are also navigating demographic shifts, skepticism about the value of a degree, the rapid rise of artificial intelligence and questions about how to prepare students for careers that may not yet exist.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, summer reporting intern Cooper Hall talks with Davidson College President Doug Hicks about the college's new financial aid model, why he believes liberal arts education remains relevant and how Davidson is positioning itself for the future.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is sponsored by Crimson Park Digital. Get your brand seen, capture demand, and turn attention into revenue, now. Visit https://crimsonparkdigital.com/ to get started.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks. For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, go to TheCharlotteLedger.com.

Charlotte has a new mayor at a pivotal moment. The city is closing in on 1 million residents, wrestling with questions about growth, affordability and transportation, and navigating political divisions over how to shape its future.

Just days after taking the oath of office, Mayor Rob Harrington sat down with The Charlotte Ledger's Ashley Fahey to talk about how he plans to lead through those challenges — and what kind of city he hopes Charlotte will become.

In a wide-ranging conversation, Harrington discusses his first days in office, why he believes business and community interests shouldn't be viewed as opposing forces, and how Charlotte can continue to grow while creating opportunity for longtime residents. He also shares his views on building trust within City Council, the importance of Charlotte Douglas International Airport, investing in affordable housing through the city's Housing Trust Fund, and why partnerships among government, businesses and nonprofits have long been one of Charlotte's greatest strengths.

The interview wraps up with a lighter round of rapid-fire questions: Harrington reveals the Charlotte institutions he'd show a first-time visitor, the cities he admires, what he thinks leaders don't talk about enough and why he wants Charlotte to become a national model for how fast-growing cities can thrive without losing what makes them special.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Tony Mecia. For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, go to TheCharlotteLedger.com.

Charlotte's political landscape is shifting.

Mayor Vi Lyles is preparing to leave office after nearly nine years, a new mayor is stepping in and City Council is wrestling with some of the biggest issues the city has faced in years — from I-77 toll lanes and airport negotiations to data centers and the future direction of city government.

On this week's Charlotte Ledger Podcast episode, Tony Mecia is joined by WSOC-TV reporter Joe Bruno and WFAE reporter Steve Harrison for a wide-ranging conversation about what this moment means for Charlotte. The trio breaks down why City Council selected lawyer Rob Harrington as mayor, what kind of leadership style he is expected to bring and how his relationship with an increasingly independent City Council could shape major decisions over the next 18 months. They also discuss Mayor Vi Lyles' legacy, the possibility of future leadership changes at City Hall and the political dynamics that could define Charlotte's next chapter.

Whether you closely follow local politics or just want to understand what's happening at City Hall, this episode offers an inside look at one of the most consequential moments in recent Charlotte government.

Today’s episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is sponsored by Child Care Search, a service of Child Care Resources Inc. Looking for child care? Our team provides guidance every step of the way! Search online at http://www.findchildcarenc.org/ or call 1-888-600-1685 for live assistance and free, customized referrals.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks. For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, go to TheCharlotteLedger.com.

The Charlotte region adds roughly 150 new residents every day, but beyond the statistic are thousands of individual stories about why people choose to make the region home.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Ashley Fahey talks with Charlotte filmmaker and videographer Duvale Murchison about his new micro-documentary series, "150+ A Day: Everybody's Moving to Charlotte." Inspired by the region's rapid growth, the project captures candid conversations with transplants from across the country — and around the world — about what brought them here, what surprised them and how Charlotte has changed their lives.

Murchison shares how a chance visit to Charlotte in 2014 convinced him to relocate from Michigan, why he believes the city offers a unique blend of opportunity and quality of life, and what he's learned from interviewing dozens of newcomers. From New Yorkers who say Charlotte helped them slow down to international residents discovering the Queen City's culture, the conversations paint a portrait of a region that continues to evolve.

Check out "150+ A Day: Everybody's Moving to Charlotte" on Murchison's YouTube channel.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is presented by PBS Charlotte's Unspun program. Wondering what politicians are thinking but not saying? Watch PBS Charlotte Fridays at 8 p.m. as former Governor Pat McCrory delivers no-spin answers. Stream anytime on demand at https://wtvi.org/unspun.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks. For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, go to TheCharlotteLedger.com.