WNC Heartbeat Podcast

03/23/2026

What is 4-H really like for families here in Western North Carolina?
We sat down with Madison County 4-H Extension Agent Misty Varnell and a local 4-H family to talk about what this program actually looks like day-to-day — beyond the stereotypes. From building confidence and real-world skills to creating a sense of community for both kids and parents, this conversation gives a clear picture of why 4-H continues to matter.
If you’ve ever wondered whether 4-H might be a good fit for your family, or you’re just curious what kids are really getting out of it today, this episode is worth a listen.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/N9CmmDW3tgE

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/54QDWYBsBMPt93lIYfOs5K?si=p_J10T9fTgqGEjSIbwlDmg

If you’re local to Madison County and want to learn more or get involved: https://madison.ces.ncsu.edu/madison-county-4h/

Have you or your kids ever participated in 4-H? What was your experience like? Or if you haven’t — what would you want to know before joining?

WNC Heartbeat Podcast · Episode

01/15/2026

Community centers are more than gathering places — they’re the heartbeat of rural communities.

In this episode, Susan Garrett of WNC Communities shares how trust, listening, and long-term investment help community centers build stronger, more resilient futures across Western North Carolina.

🎥 Watch the full conversation here: https://youtu.be/iLm0MB8-B2k

Community centers are more than buildings — they are the glue that holds rural communities together. In this episode, Susan Garrett of WNC Communities shares...

01/15/2026

Community centers are more than gathering places — they’re the heartbeat of rural communities.

In this episode, Susan Garrett of WNC Communities shares how trust, listening, and long-term investment help community centers build stronger, more resilient futures across Western North Carolina.

🎥 Watch the full conversation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLm0MB8-B2k

Community centers are more than buildings — they are the glue that holds rural communities together. In this episode, Susan Garrett of WNC Communities shares...

01/06/2026

Tourism isn’t just about visitors — it’s about survival, stewardship, and responsibility.
In this clip from WNC HeartBEAT, Bill Downey explains why tourism became more vital than ever for Madison County after Hurricane Helene, and how careful trail maintenance, responsible promotion, and collaboration help protect the natural beauty that sustains our local economy. This conversation highlights a side of tourism that often gets missed: preparation, restraint, and long-term thinking — not just marketing.
Watch the full interview on our YouTube channel: youtube.com/

01/06/2026

How does tourism actually work in Madison County — and who decides where funding goes?

In our latest WNC HeartBEAT episode, we sit down with Bill Downey for a candid, informative conversation about the role of the Tourism Development Authority and how tourism impacts our local economy, businesses, nonprofits, and quality of life.
Bill breaks down what the TDA does (and doesn’t do), how tourism dollars are structured, how projects like outdoor recreation and destination marketing are evaluated, and why sustainable, community-centered tourism matters in Western North Carolina. If you’ve ever wondered how tourism decisions are made — or how local organizations can engage — this episode offers much-needed clarity and context.

🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube:�https://youtu.be/DE4LYN8YPq8

🎧 Listen on Spotify:�https://open.spotify.com/episode/5L2Zwq9nbJSOfGg5QLW2IM?si=W5IaZkR1Rm-mwQ7iVuodyQ

Follow WNC HeartBEAT for more conversations with the people shaping the future of Western North Carolina

In this in-depth WNC HeartBEAT conversation, we sit down with Bill Downey to unpack how tourism actually works in Madison County, North Carolina—from the rol...

12/17/2025

Food rescue is one of the most effective — and least understood — tools for addressing food insecurity in Western North Carolina. In our latest WNC HeartBEAT episode, we sit down with Marisha MacMorran of the Food Connection to explain how surplus food is rescued, redistributed, and transformed into a lifeline for neighbors across our region.

This conversation goes beyond statistics to explore the real logistics, partnerships, and human impact behind food rescue, including how dignity, nutrition, and community connection are built into every distribution.

Watch the full podcast episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUvK2B3OuWc

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/78VcFrfttHdn5HU77oH8W7?si=w-lGzFZgSRia5z1pOBFUzg

In this episode of WNC HeartBEAT, we sit down with Marisha MacMorran of The Food Connection to explore how food rescue is transforming hunger relief across W...

11/26/2025

Madison County is working hard to improve food access — and the MadCo Food Coalition is leading that effort on the ground. Ali and Anna from WNC HeartBEAT sat down with Ashly and Matt for an in-depth conversation about food insecurity, rural transportation barriers, and how community members can directly shape future grant funding.

Watch the full interview here:
https://youtu.be/RfzI1o7OloY

Listen to the audio version here:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5XhuTw2mVjGZqT5MiehWt1?si=zOeagkXfTmaHswzOTVbvDQ

Support MadCo Food Coalition by completing a community needs assessment: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc9gZLrBBxkVQkxDiAbeo0n2lXEIqThH3H38fzIuyUxMbGB-g/viewform

Donate (add note that it’s for MadCo Food Coalition): https://givebutter.com/wncmtnreporter

Attend the MadCo Food Coalition community food distribution event on December 13: ​​https://www.facebook.com/events/s/free-community-meal/2629399107424314/

Learn More About MadCo Food Coalition
Website: https://www.madcofoodco.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61578348551553.

Learn more about WNC HeartBEAT: https://wncheartbeat.substack.com

Madison County faces unique challenges around food access, transportation, and community support — and the MadCo Food Coalition is working on the front lines...

11/10/2025

Western North Carolina’s stories live in the voices of our people.

In this WNC HeartBEAT interview, Donna Ray Swann—an 8th-generation Madison County ballad singer and memory coordinator of the Appalachian Memory Project (AMP)—shares how song preserves memory, why AMP is recording oral histories, and what you’ll find in the new Spring Creek Book.

Pre-order to support more recordings and books: https://www.millionmemoryproject.org/spring-creek

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/wNCKPtwuMAw

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4uQRVVHI524fihZAN5k4iv?si=XLa7bdDkSCSA4ndMHP8etg

WNC Heartbeat Podcast · Episode