11 Charlotte Podcasts to Get You Through COVID-19
As Charlotte continues to navigate the state mandated stay-at-home order, the need for connection to the outside world has grown.
by Kim Leaston Apr 09, 2020
Luckily, there are plenty of ways we can practice social distancing while also staying informed on the Queen City. Even during quarantine, local podcasts are still offering new episodes – covering everything from Charlotte business to a little comedic relief.
Brian Baltosiewich, founder and executive producer of the Queen City Podcast Network, has seen growth in listeners since the coronavirus outbreak.
“Our listenership overall is up about 30% since COVID-19. I think people are hungry for local information, and diversions, and we're in a unique position to provide both.”
Here are the local podcasts that you should tune in to.
If you’re interested in business and entrepreneurship
This weekly podcast, brings you a round-up of some of North Carolina’s biggest and most interesting business news stories – from how companies are struggling during COVID-19 to tips on crisis communication. Past guests include the CEO of French |West |Vaughan, Rich French, and Truliant Federal Credit Union CEO, Todd Hall.
Podcast host and chief relations officer, Erin Breeden, interviews some of Charlotte’s most successful entrepreneurs like Craig Barbour, owner of Roots Café, and Corri Smith, founder of Black Wednesday. In turn, you can learn how they found success and what you can do to get your own business started.
If you want to learn more about Charlotte and its people
WFAE’s bi-weekly podcast features investigative stories based on questions submitted by the listeners. Some of the most recent episodes are “Where is the quietest spot in Mecklenburg County” to “What’s up with those mobile police towers in Charlotte?” New episodes are usually available every other Tuesday and can be heard on air at noon during WFAE’s Here and Now program.
Marking its 200th episode earlier this year, co-hosts John Short and Miller Yoho cover the people and things happening in and around Charlotte. The duo have interviewed everyone from Ben Boswell, senior minister at Myers Park Baptist, to discuss the church’s rebrand to Tony of the Map Shop to learn more about its history in the city. New episodes are available on Tuesdays or Wednesdays of every week.
If you need a little fun or fitness
This weekly podcast from Charlotte's only all-comedy club is hosted by local comedians Will Jacobs and Jason Allen King. You can expect a lot of laughs from both the hosts and their local and touring guest comedians. In past episodes, you can hear from professional wrestling legend, Jim “Hacksaw” Duggen, and Charlotte comedian, Tom Riley.
This newly launched podcast is hosted by Liz Hilliard and Lee Kennelly of Charlotte’s Hilliard Studio Method. Each week, the pair have candid conversations on healthy living tips, wine and workouts.
Queen City Comedy presents this improv show following the life of podcaster Cale, who is stuck in “hell” recording a podcast with his producer, Rikkk the Demidemon. Be prepared for laughs that will feature appearances from other hell-bound characters.
If you like to stay informed about local news and politics
Award-winning journalist Sarah Blake Morgan discusses the people shaping and impacting life in the Queen City during this weekly podcast. Past episodes include a discussion of Charlotte’s rapid growth with Ely Portillo, assistant director for outreach and strategic partnerships at UNCC Urban Institute, and COVID-19’s impact on freelance writers with local entrepreneur and journalist Jennifer Moxley.
WFAE’s Mike Collins discusses politics, growth, the arts, culture, social issues, and pretty much any topic relevant to the Charlotte region in this live podcast airing every weekday at 9 a.m. Recent topics discussed are the unemployment rates during the coronavirus pandemic, as well how the nation’s lack of affordable housing has become more prominent during the 2020 presidential race.
City Council District 6 representative and republican, Tariq Bokhari, and District 1 member and democrat, Larken Egleston, record this weekly podcast following the Monday night (now virtual) City Council meetings. Both hosts give different perspectives on subjects ranging from CMS updates to the stay-at-home order.
If you like a great story
Charlotte author Landis Wade chats with other regional and award-winning authors in this weekly podcast. Throughout the episodes, you’ll also learn about emerging works followed by a Q&A that provides an in-depth understanding of the novels and poetry.
Now is a great time to explore one of the many podcast options being produced in the area, get to know new people, and learn more about what Charlotte has to offer.
