Sometimes an episode just hits a little closer to home—and this one does exactly that. On this heartfelt edition of People, Politics and Pork, co-hosts Greg Webb and Newell Clark trade their usual wisecracks and pop culture riffs for a deep, personal conversation about family, resilience, and the devastating floods that recently struck parts of Texas.

Greg opens up about how the tragedy landed right on his doorstep, affecting his bonus daughter’s family and their connection to the historic Camp Mystic. The episode moves gently between personal anecdotes—including a hilarious story that earned Greg the nickname “Papa John”—and sobering reflections on how quickly life can change.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• A deeply personal story of survival during the Texas floods

• Reflections on what it means to truly “lift others up” in times of crisis

• A discussion on community development, growth, and the unintended consequences that can contribute to natural disasters

• A reminder from Canton Mayor Zeb Smathers (referenced from a past episode) about leading in “the world that is, not the world you want”

Whether you’re tuning in for the humor or the heart, this one’s got plenty of both. So grab a cup of coffee—or maybe a slice of Papa John’s—and settle in.

Now streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and wherever you listen to your favorite shows.

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In this heartfelt and deeply personal episode of People, Politics and Pork, hosts Newell Clark and Greg Webb welcome Mayor Zeb Smathers of Canton, North Carolina — a hometown leader who has seen his share of challenges and still manages to keep faith and hope alive.

From devastating floods to the sudden closure of a historic paper mill, Mayor Smathers paints a vivid picture of how a small town has battled heartbreak after heartbreak — and yet found the will to rise each time. With stories of neighbors coming together, kids cheering in a stadium rebuilt after tragedy, and the power of community prayers, this conversation is about far more than politics; it’s about resilience.

Mayor Smathers shares lessons learned through repeated disasters, the struggles of dealing with federal disaster relief, and the importance of bipartisan support to truly rebuild. He also issues a passionate call to take care of your “own backyard” — encouraging listeners to strengthen their homes, neighborhoods, and communities as the first line of defense against division and hardship.

Greg and Newell round out the conversation with their own reflections on local leadership, public service, and the essential role of civic-minded communities.

If you believe in grit, grace, and the power of neighbors coming together, this is an episode you can’t miss.

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In this witty and thought-provoking episode of People, Politics and Pork, Greg Webb and Newell Clark kick things off with a laugh, swapping stories about the wonders — and perils — of beef tallow. From DIY skin balms to accidental Amazon subscriptions, they explore the quirks of modern consumer culture in true Triple P fashion.

But as the conversation shifts, the hosts dive into deeper waters: the erosion of constitutional checks and balances and the dangers of presidential overreach. They raise sharp questions about Supreme Court decisions that may weaken protections against executive power, unpacking how these shifts could disrupt everything from immigration enforcement to corporate planning.

Newell and Greg highlight the very real consequences of chaotic, unrestrained policy swings — from rural hospital closures to threatened public services — while also warning about the temptation to trade long-term community stability for short-term economic bargains.

Greg caps the conversation with a powerful personal story about Walmart, his father’s wisdom, and the hard choices communities face between values and convenience. The message is clear: in a world of “good steaks, cheap,” we need to stay mindful of what we might be giving up.

If you enjoy candid, unscripted conversation that blends humor, civic insight, and Southern storytelling, this episode is for you.

🎧 Now streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartMedia, or wherever you listen.
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