City of Charlotte

LET'S GO RACIN'! For the final episode of #AdventureCLT in 2017, Gina and the ATC crew hit the road to visit one of the biggest draws in the region - the NASCAR Hall of Fame! Gina sits down with the Director of Exhibits Kevin Schlesier (6m 43s) to talk history, voting, and what's happening at the Hall of Fame. Communications Manager Kristen Moore (23m 50s) also joins the show to talk a little more about what you can expect when you visit. #AroundTheCrown - What floats your boat, works for us!

[CHEERS!] What has been dubbed the “Brunch Bill” got its official Charlotte seal of approval. City lobbyist Dana Fenton (4m 33s) breaks down its impact to both consumers and local business owners. Local distillery owner Ollie Mulligan (12m 39s) also explains why he celebrated as soon as he heard the news.

Hear from Charlotte-based artist Nick Napoletano (00m 50s) on this week’s Around the Crown. Napoletano’s work has been showcased internationally and he recently garnered attention for a massive mural along the North Tryon Corridor. Todd Stewart of the Arts & Science Council (22m 40s) also stops by with information on what the public art process looks like for artists, how the process engages community, and how ASC hopes to increase the number of opportunities for local artists. Around the Crown - what floats your boat works for us!

Dream up ways to engage your neighbors on this week of Around the Crown. Jason Roberts (0m 55sec), IT specialist turned neighborhood advocate and reviver, visits Charlotte to share ideas that we can each take into our neighborhoods to create our own “better blocks.” Scott Curry (23m 53sec) of CDOT also stops by with information on how to get your ideas approved. Around the Crown - What floats your boat works for us!

Around the Crown stops by Topgolf as part of its summer series known as Adventure Charlotte! Join host Gina DiPietro and the podcast crew as they learn about how the technology works and which big names have already stopped by (3m 25sec). Their director of instruction offers a few tips to up your golf game (16m 28sec), and the executive chef shares a few items off the seasonal menu (25m 48sec).

Hear how construction is moving along on the CATS LYNX Blue Line Extension on this episode of Around the Crown. Host Gina DiPietro sits down with Leslie Blaser (3m 29sec) for an update. Gina also talks with Lana Laws (11m 32sec) of Savvy & Co Real Estate to hear how the light rail has already impacted the Charlotte real estate market.

Host Gina DiPietro takes a closer look at the challenges of flying drones in a bustling city like Charlotte. Hear from an officer with CMPD’s Aviation Unit who recently experienced a near miss with a drone while flying a helicopter ( 01m 12s). Gina also sits down with drone pilot Thomas Wilson of Wilson Aerial Productions, LLC ( 17m 09s).

Host Gina DiPietro sits down with several guests to help you navigate what it takes to start a business here in Charlotte! Hear from Bill Gill with Charlotte SCORE (3m 58s), Tom Conroy from CPCC’s Small Business Center (15m 05s), and Christi Floyd of the City of Charlotte’s Economic Development department (27m 35s). Gina also sits down with 704 Shop co-owner Scott Wooten (32m 53s) who explains how the business got its start. Scott also shares some exciting news! Around the Crown – what floats your boat works for us!

Around the Crown is hitting the road for a new summer series! Host Gina DiPietro and the podcast crew stops by Carowinds this week for the first edition of Destination Charlotte. Hear what’s new this year from PR Manager Laresa Thompson (2m 33sec) and learn more about the record-setting rides from Maintenance Director, and Carowinds legend, Steve Jackson (19m 35sec). Around the Crown – what floats your boat works for us!

Host Gina DiPietro sits down with NASCAR young gun Chase Elliott (18m 25s) to learn more about what life is like around and off the track, his role in a Disney movie, and what he thinks about Dale Earnhardt Jr’s retirement. She’ll also discuss the Charlotte Knights with Tommy Viola (Director of PR/Media Relations - 4m 30s) and learn more about the Quality of Life Explorer with data analyst Andrew Bowen (28m 57s).

Host Gina DiPietro sits down with crossfit super mom Emily Breeze Ross Watson (24m 20sec) to learn more about what drives this fitness star's new trend, how she handles juggling a business, being a mom, and inspiring thousands of dedicated and passionate followers. She’ll also discuss the Blessing Box campaign with the wizard of About Face Charlotte Dana Endsley (7m 10sec), and learn more about some creative healthy living programs happening within the City of Charlotte with Denada Jackson (41m 39sec).

Host Gina DiPietro sits down with Johnson C. Smith University President Dr. Ronald Carter (25m 25sec) to learn more about JCSU’s 150th Anniversary, his thoughts on the Northwest Charlotte Corridor, and his future plans with retirement looming. She’ll also discuss the current refugee situation from across the United States with the Executive Director of the Carolina Refugee Resettlement Agency Marsha Hirsch (2m 01sec), and introduce the GOV Porch with City of Charlotte urban designer and planning coordinator Monica Holmes (40m 20sec).

Host Gina DiPietro sits down with Carolina Panthers Pro Bowl LB Thomas Davis Sr. (13m 30sec) to learn more about his foundation, how he's climbed to the top through adversity, and how he continues to help youth grow through his foundation. Also, get some life tips from Life Coach Cay'me Andrea (2m 50sec), and learn more about what's happening in local government with Sarah Hazel from the Charlotte City Manager's Office (26m 00sec).

Host Gina DiPietro sits down with CMPD Chief Kerr Putney (16m 30sec) to talk about the current state of CMPD and how he got to where he is. Also, learn more about health and wellness from Wellness Administrator Nan Mann (5m 30sec), and what's trending on social media from City of Charlotte Social Media manager Ken Brown (27m 20sec).