In this episode of Gaston’s Great, we’re joined by Chris Ballard from the Gastonia Ghost Peppers, Gastonia’s newest and spiciest addition to the local sports scene! ⚾🔥

Chris shares how the Ghost Peppers came to life, the vision behind the team, and how they’re creating a fun, family-friendly atmosphere that’s bringing the community together in a big way. From game-day traditions and themed nights to local partnerships and what fans can expect with the upcoming season, Chris gives us an exciting inside look at the heart and heat of the Ghost Peppers.

Whether you’re a baseball fan, a proud Gaston County local, or just love supporting community-driven organizations, this episode is packed with stories, laughs, and hometown pride. Tune in and discover why the Gastonia Ghost Peppers are quickly becoming one of the hottest teams in the area! 🎙️🌶️💙

Check out their website for all things Ghost Peppers: https://ghostpeppersbaseball.com/

And their socials for all future updates and fun announcements!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gastoniaghostpeppers/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ghostpeppersbaseball/

WATCH NOW!

🔊 Thank you for listening to Gaston's Great!

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it. Your support helps us reach more listeners and continue bringing you great content!

💬 Join the Conversation: Follow us on social to stay updated on the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content.

• 👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gastonsgreat
• 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gastonsgreat/
• 🌐 Website: https://www.gastonsgreat.com/
• ▶️ Gaston's Great YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gastonsgreat

📧 Get in Touch: Have a question, suggestion, or just want to say hi? Email us at podcast@gastonsgreat.com. We’d love to hear from you!

📅 Stay Tuned: We release new episodes every Thursday, so be sure to subscribe and stay connected.

Gaston's Great Podcast Brought to You By GSM Services

🔥 You don’t go from couch to 5K overnight… but every BIG change starts with one SMALL step👟

In today’s episode, we talk about how to build confidence, why baby steps beat crash plans, how to break through plateaus, nutrition tips that actually fit your life, and habits that keep you strong for years to come. 💪✨

Natalie Castro and Aikane Burnell (A.B.) also share how HiTone Fitness is investing in Gaston County through meaningful community initiatives, including:

🌟 The Golden Mug Initiative — partnering with Canal Coffee & Smoothie King to celebrate local schools, teachers, and students.

🏃‍♀️ Fall Into Fitness Community Event — a free, open-to-all day of Zumba, stretching, strength classes, and connection.

🔥 Special Boot Camps & Local Meet-Ups — bringing neighbors together and making fitness accessible for all ages and levels.

💜 Free Monthly Trainer Sessions — offering every member a complimentary session to learn proper form, safer workouts, and sustainable routines.

❤️ Real Impact Stories — including one member whose “stairs without pain” milestone restored her confidence and independence.

From accountability to outreach, these initiatives are helping build a healthier, stronger, and more connected Gaston County — far beyond the gym walls.

🎥 WATCH EPISODE NOW

🔗 Connect With HiTone Fitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hitonefitnessgastonia

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Hitonefitnessgastonia

Website: https://www.hitonefitness.com/locations/gastonia-nc

🔊 Thank you for listening to Gaston's Great!

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it. Your support helps us reach more listeners and continue bringing you great content!

💬 Join the Conversation: Follow us on social to stay updated on the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content.

• 👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gastonsgreat
• 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gastonsgreat/
• 🌐 Website: https://www.gastonsgreat.com/
• ▶️ Gaston's Great YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gastonsgreat

📧 Get in Touch: Have a question, suggestion, or just want to say hi? Email us at podcast@gastonsgreat.com. We’d love to hear from you!

📅 Stay Tuned: We release new episodes every Thursday, so be sure to subscribe and stay connected.

Gaston's Great Podcast Brought to You By GSM Services

This week on Gaston’s Great, we’re joined by Brent Messer, owner of Facet Foundry Jewelry Studio in Gastonia, NC.

Since 1992, Brent and his team have been crafting stunning, custom jewelry pieces that blend creativity, precision, and a personal touch. From engagement rings to restorations, Facet Foundry has become a trusted name across Gaston County for artistry and integrity.

In this episode, Brent shares how he discovered his passion for jewelry design, how the local community has shaped his business, and what it means to build lasting relationships through craftsmanship.

🎧 Tune in to hear how one Gastonia artist continues to make our community shine — one custom piece at a time!

WATCH NOW

Check out Brent's website for more information!

https://www.facetfoundryjewelry.com/

🔊 Thank you for listening to Gaston's Great!

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it. Your support helps us reach more listeners and continue bringing you great content!

💬 Join the Conversation: Follow us on social to stay updated on the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content.

• 👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gastonsgreat
• 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gastonsgreat/
• 🌐 Website: https://www.gastonsgreat.com/
• ▶️ Gaston's Great YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gastonsgreat

📧 Get in Touch: Have a question, suggestion, or just want to say hi? Email us at podcast@gastonsgreat.com. We’d love to hear from you!

📅 Stay Tuned: We release new episodes every Thursday, so be sure to subscribe and stay connected.

Gaston's Great Podcast Brought to You By GSM Services

On this episode of Gaston's Great, we’re honored to sit down with Jennie Stultz — the first female mayor of Gastonia (serving from 1999–2011) who went on to lead community and education initiatives across the region!

Jennie shares her journey from early-childhood education to public service, her passion for community revitalization and global connections through the Sister Cities program, and how she’s turned her leadership into building stronger non-profits and local partnerships today. Whether you’re a business owner, community leader, or someone curious about the power of civic leadership, this conversation is packed with inspiration and actionable insights.

Tune in to hear about:

• How an early career in education shaped her leadership style.
• The story of being Gastonia’s first female mayor and navigating change in a growing community.
• Building bridges globally and locally through programs like sister cities and service initiatives.
• Her transition into consulting, non-profit leadership, and how she continues to impact Gaston County today.

Don’t miss this deep dive into vision, community service, and designing a life of purpose with one of Gastonia’s true civic champions.

WATCH NOW

🔊 Thank you for listening to Gaston's Great!

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it. Your support helps us reach more listeners and continue bringing you great content!

💬 Join the Conversation: Follow us on social to stay updated on the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content.

• 👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gastonsgreat
• 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gastonsgreat/
• 🌐 Website: https://www.gastonsgreat.com/
• ▶️ Gaston's Great YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gastonsgreat

📧 Get in Touch: Have a question, suggestion, or just want to say hi? Email us at podcast@gastonsgreat.com. We’d love to hear from you!

📅 Stay Tuned: We release new episodes every Thursday, so be sure to subscribe and stay connected.

Gaston's Great Podcast Brought to You By GSM Services

This week on Gaston's Great, we’re joined by Michelle Bowers and Renee Long from the Warlick Family YMCA — a place where fitness, family, and community come together! 💜

Discover how the YMCA stands apart from any other in the region, offering unique programs and opportunities that make a lasting impact across Gaston County. From youth development to wellness to community connection, Michelle and Renee share how the Y continues to inspire and uplift lives every day.

🎃 Plus — don’t miss details about their upcoming Trick-or-Trail event happening Saturday, October 25th, featuring a 5K Trail Run, 1-Mile Fun Run, and the fan-favorite Mascot Run! 🏃‍♂️🐾

👉 Visit the Warlick Family YMCA website for event times and more special activities coming up this season.

WATCH NOW!

#GastonsGreat #YMCA #GastonCounty #CommunityStrong #FamilyFun #TrickOrTrail #LocalPodcast #InspiringStories #HealthAndWellness

🔊 Thank you for listening to Gaston's Great!

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it. Your support helps us reach more listeners and continue bringing you great content!

💬 Join the Conversation: Follow us on social to stay updated on the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content.

• 👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gastonsgreat
• 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gastonsgreat/
• 🌐 Website: https://www.gastonsgreat.com/
• ▶️ Gaston's Great YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gastonsgreat

📧 Get in Touch: Have a question, suggestion, or just want to say hi? Email us at podcast@gastonsgreat.com. We’d love to hear from you!

📅 Stay Tuned: We release new episodes every Thursday, so be sure to subscribe and stay connected.

Gaston's Great Podcast Brought to You By GSM Services

This week on Gaston’s Great, we’re joined by Alexandrea Pizza from the Gaston County Museum of Art & History! 🖼️✨

Dive into Gaston County’s rich heritage as Alexandrea shares how the museum preserves local stories, inspires creativity, and connects our community through art and history.

🎧 Tune in now at GASTONSGREAT.COM or your favorite podcast platform!
#GastonsGreat #GastonCounty #LocalPodcast #SupportLocal #CommunityStrong #MuseumLife #ArtAndHistory

WATCH NOW

Check out the Museum's Social accounts below to keep up with new and upcoming events!

Instagram

Facebook

Direct Website

🔊 Thank you for listening to Gaston's Great!

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it. Your support helps us reach more listeners and continue bringing you great content!

💬 Join the Conversation: Follow us on social to stay updated on the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content.

• 👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gastonsgreat
• 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gastonsgreat/
• 🌐 Website: https://www.gastonsgreat.com/
• ▶️ Gaston's Great YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gastonsgreat

📧 Get in Touch: Have a question, suggestion, or just want to say hi? Email us at podcast@gastonsgreat.com. We’d love to hear from you!

📅 Stay Tuned: We release new episodes every Thursday, so be sure to subscribe and stay connected.

Gaston's Great Podcast Brought to You By GSM Services

💜 Episode Summary:
In this heartwarming episode of Gaston’s Great Podcast, we sit down with Jeff Thomas, the incredible leader of Rice N Beans Gastonia — an organization dedicated to providing hot meals, clothing, and personal care items to men, women, and children experiencing homelessness throughout Charlotte, Gastonia, Rock Hill, Wilmington, and Monroe. 💜

Tune in as we explore:
🍚 The inspiring story behind Rice N Beans
👕 How they serve the homeless and nursing homes
🙌 Powerful impact stories
❤️ Easy ways to volunteer and give

🎥 Watch Episode: https://youtu.be/PpEYa8kIYnw

🌐 Learn More: www.ricenbeans.org
📧 Email (Gastonia): ricenbeansgastonia@gmail.com
🤝 Volunteer in Gastonia: www.signupgenius.com/go/60b0d48afa72dabf85-rice3
💸 Donate: www.ricenbeans.org/donate-financially

📅 Serving Details (Gastonia, NC):
📍 Location: United Way of Gastonia, 200 E Franklin St, Gastonia, NC 28052
🕕 When: Every Tuesday, rain or shine
👥 Volunteer Arrival: 5:45 PM
🍽️ Meal Serving Starts: 6:00 PM

✨ Join us and discover how a simple meal can change a life.

🔊 Thank you for listening to Gaston's Great!

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it. Your support helps us reach more listeners and continue bringing you great content!

💬 Join the Conversation: Follow us on social to stay updated on the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content.

• 👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gastonsgreat
• 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gastonsgreat/
• 🌐 Website: https://www.gastonsgreat.com/
• ▶️ Gaston's Great YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gastonsgreat

📧 Get in Touch: Have a question, suggestion, or just want to say hi? Email us at podcast@gastonsgreat.com. We’d love to hear from you!

📅 Stay Tuned: We release new episodes every Thursday, so be sure to subscribe and stay connected.

Gaston's Great Podcast Brought to You By GSM Services

This week, Steven sits down with Dixie Abernathy & Jeff Ramsey for a candid conversation about serving Gaston County—showing up for people, building community, and staying grounded through it all. You’ll hear practical wisdom, heartfelt stories, and the kind of encouragement that reminds us why Gaston County is such a special place to live and work.

In this episode:

• The “why” behind Dixie & Jeff’s passion for sharing the founding story of Cramerton, North Carolina
• Lessons learned from leading through change and challenge
• Simple ways to make a difference right where you are
• Encouragement for the next generation of local leaders

Listen in for real talk, local love, and takeaways you can apply today. If you enjoy this episode, leave a quick review and share it with a friend in Gaston County!

WATCH NOW!

Check out this link to Amazon to purchase Dixie's trilogy series on the founding of Cramerton, NC!

"Rise From Ruin" Book 1 : https://a.co/d/7daTDyZ

"Promise of a Nation" Book 2 : https://a.co/d/5qfzSw5

"Remember The Name" Book 3 : https://a.co/d/bUe6XFx

🔊 Thank you for listening to Gaston's Great!

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it. Your support helps us reach more listeners and continue bringing you great content!

💬 Join the Conversation: Follow us on social to stay updated on the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content.

• 👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gastonsgreat
• 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gastonsgreat/
• 🌐 Website: https://www.gastonsgreat.com/
• ▶️ Gaston's Great YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gastonsgreat

📧 Get in Touch: Have a question, suggestion, or just want to say hi? Email us at podcast@gastonsgreat.com. We’d love to hear from you!

📅 Stay Tuned: We release new episodes every Thursday, so be sure to subscribe and stay connected.

Gaston's Great Podcast Brought to You By GSM Services