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:

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Connect with Where the Dogwood Blooms:

• Website
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• X
• TikTok

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