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by Cassie Clark
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- Apr 8, 202658 min
Brodie Duke: The Black Sheep
I sat down with my friend Ellie Parker to talk about her ancestor, Brodie Duke—the black sheep of the Duke family.If you’ve ever heard his name, it’s probably been attached to scandal. Brodie had a reputation—alcohol, failed marriages, and headlines that followed him across the country. For a long time, that’s where his story has started and ended.But here’s the part most folks don’t know:The Duke empire? It traces back to his vision.Brodie was the one who helped pull his family into tobacco manufacturing in Durham, laying the groundwork for what would become one of the most powerful business dynasties in the South.So I asked the question—was he really just the family’s cautionary tale? Or was he something more complicated than that?This conversation digs into both sides of Brodie: the troublemaker the newspapers loved, and the man whose ideas helped shape North Carolina history.Because like a lot of stories around here—it ain’t clean, it ain’t simple, and it sure ain’t one-sided.And in that way, it might just be one of the most North Carolina stories there is.Sponsors:Knights of Pythias Cumberland Lodge No. 5Support Where the Dogwood Blooms: If you enjoy our content, consider supporting us via:VenmoCash AppConnect with Where the Dogwood Blooms:WebsiteInstagramXTikTokContact:cassie@wherethedogwoodblooms.comTags:#NCHistory #UntoldStories #Storytelling #BrodieDuke #DukeFamily #DurhamNC #TobaccoHistory #SouthernRoots
- Mar 18, 20261h 3m
Divergent Voices: Conservative Versus Liberal
I sat down with Jonah Garson, Vice Chair of the North Carolina Democratic Party, for a long conversation about politics, culture, and policy here in North Carolina.We start with a softball: why North Carolina voters split their tickets so often. We talk about the state’s long tradition of independent voters, the fact that North Carolina elects a whole slate of executive offices, and how the governor’s power here was intentionally designed to be weaker than in most states.From there, we get into the debate over transgender participation in sports and bathroom access, revisiting the fallout from the Public Facilities Privacy & Security Act. Jonah argues that transgender women have become a political scapegoat and that conversations about safety should include everyone. I push back by raising concerns about women’s privacy, trauma, and self-defense, which naturally leads us into a broader discussion about guns and public safety.We also talk about disaster response and rebuilding after Hurricane Helene—from flood-zone rebuilding limits to insurance denials and the question of whether more government actually helps or just adds red tape. Jonah makes the case for better government, not necessarily bigger government.Along the way, we wade into a whole list of thorny topics: the “socialism” label in American politics, healthcare debates like single-payer vs. frustrations with Obamacare, welfare benefit cliffs that trap people in poverty, federalism and local power, crime and prison reform, and the lingering fallout from COVID policies.And yes—we end with the classic political hot seat moment when Jonah declines to answer the simplest question of all.00:00 — Meet the Guest01:45 — Why North Carolina Voters Split Tickets03:20 — Why North Carolina Has a Weak Governor04:37 — Trans Rights and the HB2 Debate06:23 — Bathroom Safety and the Scapegoating Argument13:16 — Guns, Self-Defense, and Public Safety15:44 — Social Media and Debate Culture18:40 — Storm Response and Infrastructure21:16 — Hurricane Helene Recovery vs. Red Tape26:03 — “Better Government” vs. “Bigger Government”28:26 — Neighbors Helping Neighbors29:04 — Teasing the Tougher Questions29:30 — The “Socialism” Label Debate31:58 — Healthcare: Single-Payer vs. Obamacare Frustrations37:29 — Nordic Models and Immigration40:51 — Federalism and Local Control50:36 — Welfare Benefit Cliffs54:50 — Crime, Prisons, and Reform59:28 — COVID Policy Fallout01:03:01 — The Gotcha QuestionConnect with Jonah Garson:WebsiteXSponsors:Knights of Pythias Cumberland Lodge No. 5Support Where the Dogwood Blooms: If you enjoy our content, consider supporting us via:VenmoCash AppConnect with Where the Dogwood Blooms:WebsiteInstagramXTikTokContact:cassie@wherethedogwoodblooms.comTags:#JonahGarson #ConservativeVersusDemocrat #CivilPoliticalDiscussion #HurricaneHeleneRecovery #TransgenderSportsDebate #WhatIsAWoman
- Feb 25, 20261h 2m
The NC Forward Party
In this episode, I sat down in downtown Raleigh with Lennie Friedman — retired NFL player and Vice Chair of the North Carolina Forward Party — for a real, candid conversation about why he stepped into a third-party movement that says it’sfighting for the political “middle 70%.”Lennie walks through how the Forward Party first came together nationally, led by Andrew Yang and former New Jersey Governor Christine Todd Whitman — and why the North Carolina chapter is choosing to stay laser-focused on state issues instead of getting swallowed up in national political chaos.We dig into what they see as the root problem: broken political incentives. That means tackling gerrymandering, pushing for term limits, and advocating for instant runoff (ranked-choice) voting so candidates actually have to earn 50% support — especially in primaries where someone can currently win with roughly 30%.Lennie makes the case that those reforms would reduce the “spoiler” fear around third parties, force candidates to campaign beyond their base, and maybe — just maybe — cool down some of the mudslinging that’s become standard operating procedure.We also get into education. Lennie talks about outcomes over dollars spent, pointing to what’s been called the “Mississippi Miracle” and gains in other Southern states as proof that improvement is possible. I raise concerns about schools drifting away from core academics and toward social and cultural debates. He’s clear: the party’s focus is foundational skills — reading, math, communication, and real workforce readiness. We talk teacher pay too, particularly how compensation connects to performance and student outcomes.Of course, I ask the question conservatives and unaffiliated voters are thinking: where exactly does this party land? Lennie outlines support for the Second Amendment alongside background checks, expanding voting access while maintaining voter ID, and a rejection of the loudest, most extreme partisan narratives on both sides.I share my own positions too — from free speech to medical marijuana for PTSD — and my frustration with the constant polarization. And yes, we talk about my strong opposition to Governor Roy Cooper and why that stance is personal for me.We close on kitchen-table issues: jobs, affordability, and what globalization has done to small towns across North Carolina. We talk trade skills, community colleges, permitting bottlenecks, and regulation. Lennie argues that deregulation could help increase affordable housing supply, and that healthcare reforms — including reducing certificate-of-need restrictions — could boost competition and lower costs.It’s not a shouting match. It’s not a gotcha interview.It’s a long, thoughtful conversation about whether there’s room in North Carolina for something different — and whether the “middle” is as invisible as it feels.Connect with Lennie Friedman:WebsiteXSponsors:Knights of Pythias Cumberland Lodge No. 5Support Where the Dogwood Blooms: If you enjoy our content, consider supporting us via:VenmoCash AppConnect with Where the Dogwood Blooms:WebsiteInstagramXTikTokContact:cassie@wherethedogwoodblooms.comTags:#LennieFriedman #NCForwardParty #NorthCarolinaPolitics #RankedChoiceVoting #ElectionReform #ThirdPartyMovement #RoyCooper
- Feb 4, 202658 min
The NCORR Disaster
Cassie sits down with North Carolina State Auditor Dave Boliek to talk plainly about the North Carolina Office of Recovery and Resiliency — why it was created, and why so many North Carolinians were left frustrated and waiting.They walk through NCORR’s beginnings after Hurricanes Matthew and Florence, when people needed help fast and trusted the state to get it right. Instead, there were leadership shakeups, expensive mistakes, and a sweeping audit that raised some hard questions.Cassie and Auditor Boliek dig into what went wrong — from misused funds to a botched software rollout and a recovery system that moved far too slowly for families who had already lost so much. They also zoom out and talk about the bigger picture: what disaster recovery should look like in North Carolina, why local knowledge matters, why a coordinated state response is critical, and what has to change so we don’t repeat these same mistakes the next time a storm hits.00:00 Introduction and Welcome01:03 Background on NCOR02:12 Creation and Leadership of NCOR03:33 NCOR's Purpose and Responsibilities08:09 Challenges and Mismanagement14:38 Accounting Issues and Contractor Relations27:36 Future Recommendations and State Collaboration29:12 The Importance of Long-Term Disaster Planning31:03 Firsthand Accounts of Disaster Impact31:52 Human Cost and Accountability in Disaster Recovery32:33 Tracking and Accountability of Disaster Funds33:28 Challenges in Long-Term Recovery38:12 Unified Approach to Disaster Recovery51:38 Role of Local Knowledge in Disaster Response55:31 Ensuring Effective Use of Disaster FundsConnect with Dave Boliek:WebsiteXSponsors:Knights of Pythias Cumberland Lodge No. 5Support Where the Dogwood Blooms: If you enjoy our content, consider supporting us via:VenmoCash AppConnect with Where the Dogwood Blooms:WebsiteInstagramXTikTokContact:cassie@wherethedogwoodblooms.comTags:#NCORR #DaveBoliek #HurricaneRecovery #NorthCarolina #WhereTheDogwoodBlooms
- Jan 28, 202654 min
The Battle of Moores Creek
In this episode, host Cassie visits Moores Creek National Battlefield to sit down with renowned historian Dr. Chris Fonvielle for a deep dive into one of the most pivotal—and often overlooked—battles of the American Revolution.Dr. Fonvielle, a former UNC Wilmington history professor and respected Civil War scholar, shares insights from his latest research, which turns its focus to the Revolutionary War and the decisive Battle of Moores Creek Bridge. Together, they examine the local dynamics between Loyalist and Patriot forces, the strategic decisions that shaped the battle, and its far-reaching consequences for North Carolina—and the fight for American independence.Chris also weaves in personal history, recounting his ancestor’s participation in the battle, adding a deeply human dimension to the discussion. Along the way, he and Cassie reflect on their shared love of history and the enduring cultural roots that make places like Moores Creek continue to matter today.00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:41 Meet Dr. Chris Fonvielle: Historian and Author 01:23 The Battle of Moores Creek Bridge 04:33 Scottish Immigration to North Carolina 12:06 The Moore Family Legacy 14:41 Colonial Economy and Plantations 21:29 The Loyalist Recruitment and March 26:38 The Patriots' Tactical Maneuver 29:37 Impact of the Battle of Moores Creek 31:53 Monuments and Memories 38:58 Personal Connections to History 46:23 The Rise and Fall of Brunswick TownConnect with Dr. Chris Fonvielle:WebsiteYouTubeSponsors:Knights of Pythias Cumberland Lodge No. 5Support Where the Dogwood Blooms: If you enjoy our content, consider supporting us via:VenmoCash AppConnect with Where the Dogwood Blooms:WebsiteInstagramXTikTokContact:cassie@wherethedogwoodblooms.comTags:#RevolutionaryWar #DrChrisFonvielle #MooresCreek #NorthCarolinaHistory #WhereTheDogwoodBlooms
- Jan 21, 20261h 39m
TikTok Influencer: Tevin Robinson
In this episode, I sit down with Tevin Robinson for a real, no-nonsense conversation about North Carolina, culture, and what happens when you speak your mind online.Tevin is a Wilmington native who’s built a following of more than 100,000 on TikTok simply by telling the truth about this state—where we come from, where we’re headed, and what we risk losing along the way. We talk about Southern hospitality, the influx of transplants, and why preserving genuine Southern traditions matters more than ever in a rapidly modernizing North Carolina.We also pull back the curtain on content creation itself—what it’s like to go viral, how social media fame changes your life, and the challenge of staying grounded and authentic in a digital world that rewards noise over nuance.This episode is a love letter to North Carolina—its people, its culture, and the voices willing to stand up and protect what makes this place feel like home.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:32 Discussing Wilmington and Transplants 01:57 TikTok Journey and Content Creation 05:50 North Carolina's Culture and History 07:41 Southern Identity and Music 22:02 Influence of Hip Hop and Country Music 33:38 Challenges of Being an Influencer 51:03 Rant on Downtown Charlotte 51:19 Palm Trees in North Carolina 52:35 McMansions and Southern Charm 53:09 Culture Clash with Newcomers 53:48 Southern Hospitality and Traditions 54:51 Hillbilly Roots and Settlers 58:41 Weather and Geography of North Carolina 01:05:08 Barbecue and Food Traditions 01:19:11 Political and Social Issues 01:32:48 Content Creation and Personal GoalsConnect with Tevin Robinson:TikTokInstagramYouTubeSponsors:Knights of Pythias Cumberland Lodge No. 5Support Where the Dogwood Blooms: If you enjoy our content, consider supporting us via:VenmoCash AppConnect with Where the Dogwood Blooms:WebsiteInstagramXTikTokContact:cassie@wherethedogwoodblooms.comTags:#Skaterat910 #WilmingtonNC #TikTok #910 #SouthernHospitality #SouthernCulture #WhereTheDogwoodBlooms
- Jan 7, 20261h 2m
Inside the North Carolina GOP with Matt Mercer
In this episode, I sit down with Matt Mercer, Communications Director for the North Carolina GOP, to talk about the winding road that took him from journalism into the heart of state politics—and what he’s seeing from the inside now.We talk about his time working alongside Michael Whatley, how he landed in his current role, and what’s actually driving Republican momentum in North Carolina, including rising GOP voter registration and expanding influence across the state.We dig into the tension between grassroots conservatives and establishment Republicans, why unaffiliated voters matter more than ever, and the realities behind hot-button issues like gerrymandering and candidate support.Matt also opens up about media dynamics, the growing role of influencers, the long shadow of COVID-era policies under Governor Cooper, and why the 2028 gubernatorial race is already looming large.At the center of it all is strategy—unity, consistency, and relentless voter engagement—and what it will take for the GOP to keep gaining ground in North Carolina.Episode Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Matt Mercer00:24 Transition from Journalism to Politics02:07 North Carolina GOP's Recent Successes03:41 The Shift in North Carolina's Political Landscape07:27 Challenges in Blue Areas11:25 Engaging Unaffiliated Voters12:53 Controversies and Gerrymandering20:42 Grassroots vs. Establishment31:10 Upcoming Gubernatorial Race32:02 Reflecting on the 2008 North Carolina Election32:34 Republican Resurgence in North Carolina33:12 The Importance of Fundraising in Politics34:28 Out-of-State Influence in North Carolina Politics36:00 Challenges with Media Access During COVID-1938:58 Personal Impact of COVID-19 Restrictions40:19 Investigating Media Control by the Governor's Office42:23 Hurricane Relief and Political Optics59:11 The Role of Influencers in Modern Politics01:01:23 Getting Involved with the North Carolina GOPConnect with Matt Mercer:WebsiteXSponsors:Knights of Pythias Cumberland Lodge No. 5Support Where the Dogwood Blooms: If you enjoy our content, consider supporting us via:VenmoCash AppConnect with Where the Dogwood Blooms:WebsiteInstagramXTikTokContact:cassie@wherethedogwoodblooms.comTags:#MattMercer #NCGOP #NorthCarolinaPolitics #NCPOL #WhereTheDogwoodBlooms
- Dec 17, 20251h 14m
Fighting for Wilmington's Future
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:XSponsors:Knights of Pythias Cumberland Lodge No. 5Support Where the Dogwood Blooms: If you enjoy our content, consider supporting us via:VenmoCash AppConnect with Where the Dogwood Blooms:WebsiteInstagramXTikTokContact:cassie@wherethedogwoodblooms.comTags:#DaneScalise #NewHanoverCounty #WilmingtonNC #SENC #ForeverChemicals #PFAS #NorthCarolinaPolitics #WhereTheDogwoodBlooms
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About Where the Dogwood Blooms
Hey there! I'm Cassie Clark. And Welcome to Where the Dogwood Blooms – a weekly podcast celebrating everything that makes North Carolina living so sweet! Join me as my guests and I explore the rich history, customs, and flavors of the Old North State. Whether you're a native Tar Heel or just curious about this land of sweet tea and Southern charm, Where the Dogwood Blooms is your ticket to the heart and soul of North Carolina's cultural heritage.
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