The Less Desirables: March 18, 2026 – Hangin’ Out and Chillin’

The Less Desirables Recorded in The Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza.

Caroline Van Warner of Chill Nitro joins Tim for an episode that is equal parts joyful chaos and wide‑eyed wonder. Before the mics even warm up, she brings in a lineup of handcrafted ice creams, including a bourbon‑kissed butter pecan that stops the show the moment Tim takes his first bite. From there, Caroline walks through what makes Chill Nitro so different from the ice cream shops people grew up with. Every scoop is made fresh to order using liquid nitrogen, allowing for custom flavors, allergy‑safe combinations, and a level of creativity that feels more like culinary theater than dessert service. It’s ice cream, yes, but it’s also community, connection, and a place where people gather to feel a little lighter.

Caroline shares stories that reveal the heart behind the shop. She talks about the regulars who’ve become friends, the customers who come in for comfort or celebration, and the woman who cried because she could finally enjoy ice cream safely thanks to Chill Nitro’s allergy‑conscious process. Tim digs into the science behind the nitrogen method, the spectacle of the billowing vapor, and the precision that goes into every bowl. Caroline explains how she accommodates dairy‑free, gluten‑free, and nut‑free needs, and how the shop’s setup prevents cross‑contamination. It’s clear that the magic of Chill Nitro isn’t just the ice cream — it’s the care, the intention, and the joy woven into every order.

The episode also traces Caroline’s unexpected journey to ownership. After returning home from New York on a gut feeling, taking a part‑time job at Chill Nitro and falling in love with the work, the people, and the atmosphere. Within a year, she found herself signing the papers to take over the business. She and Tim swap stories about Winston‑Salem, concerts that start too late, and the quirks of local social media, all while celebrating the passion that drives small businesses forward. It’s a conversation full of laughter, heart, and the unmistakable sound of someone who truly loves what she does.

Special thanks, as always, to Top Leaf Cigar Lounge, Soft Golf, Coffee Park Airstream, Dream Kreams, and X1 Communications.
“Magic” by Clay Howard is the song of the week.