In this episode, I sit down with Matt Mercer, Communications Director for the North Carolina GOP, to talk about the winding road that took him from journalism into the heart of state politics—and what he’s seeing from the inside now.

We talk about his time working alongside Michael Whatley, how he landed in his current role, and what’s actually driving Republican momentum in North Carolina, including rising GOP voter registration and expanding influence across the state.

We dig into the tension between grassroots conservatives and establishment Republicans, why unaffiliated voters matter more than ever, and the realities behind hot-button issues like gerrymandering and candidate support.

Matt also opens up about media dynamics, the growing role of influencers, the long shadow of COVID-era policies under Governor Cooper, and why the 2028 gubernatorial race is already looming large.

At the center of it all is strategy—unity, consistency, and relentless voter engagement—and what it will take for the GOP to keep gaining ground in North Carolina.

Episode Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Matt Mercer

00:24 Transition from Journalism to Politics

02:07 North Carolina GOP's Recent Successes

03:41 The Shift in North Carolina's Political Landscape

07:27 Challenges in Blue Areas

11:25 Engaging Unaffiliated Voters

12:53 Controversies and Gerrymandering

20:42 Grassroots vs. Establishment

31:10 Upcoming Gubernatorial Race

32:02 Reflecting on the 2008 North Carolina Election

32:34 Republican Resurgence in North Carolina

33:12 The Importance of Fundraising in Politics

34:28 Out-of-State Influence in North Carolina Politics

36:00 Challenges with Media Access During COVID-19

38:58 Personal Impact of COVID-19 Restrictions

40:19 Investigating Media Control by the Governor's Office

42:23 Hurricane Relief and Political Optics

59:11 The Role of Influencers in Modern Politics

01:01:23 Getting Involved with the North Carolina GOP

Connect with Matt Mercer:

• Website
• X

Sponsors:

• Knights of Pythias Cumberland Lodge No. 5

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Tags:

#MattMercer #NCGOP #NorthCarolinaPolitics #NCPOL #WhereTheDogwoodBlooms

In this episode, I sit down with Dane Scalise—New Hanover County commissioner and a candidate for the North Carolina State House—to talk about what’s really going on in Wilmington.

We get into the big, sometimes uncomfortable conversations: the controversy surrounding the Charlie Kirk Memorial at UNCW, how illegal immigration policies are playing out locally, and what the future holds for the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge.

We also talk about what so many locals feel every day—overdevelopment squeezing the life out of the city, the ongoing PFAS water crisis, and how local politics are shifting right under our feet.

At the heart of it all is Wilmington itself. Dane shares his vision for protecting the area’s culture, realistic ways to preserve green space, and making sure locals aren’t the ones being ignored.

Connect with Dane Scalise:

• X

Sponsors:

• Knights of Pythias Cumberland Lodge No. 5

Support Where the Dogwood Blooms: If you enjoy our content, consider supporting us via:

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• cassie@wherethedogwoodblooms.com

Tags:

#DaneScalise #NewHanoverCounty #WilmingtonNC #SENC #ForeverChemicals #PFAS #NorthCarolinaPolitics #WhereTheDogwoodBlooms

In this episode, I’m joined by Kay Olsen and Abbi Carson, leaders of Fix Buncombe, a grassroots movement focused on restoring conservative leadership and returning common-sense policy to Buncombe County, North Carolina.

Together, we break down the political shifts that have reshaped the county over the past several decades, the impact of gerrymandered districts, and growing concerns around education—everything from curriculum changes and teacher performance to the challenges created by chronically low-turnout local elections.

We also dive into the broader issues facing Buncombe County today: debates over reparations, the long-term implications of the Buncombe 2043 plan, rising living costs, cultural changes, and what many see as a push toward increasingly socialist policies.

If you care about Western North Carolina, local leadership, or the future direction of Buncombe County, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Episode Chapters:

00:00 — Introduction to Fix Buncombe

01:34 — The Political Landscape of Buncombe County

04:59 — Challenges in the Education System

18:07 — Why Local Elections Matter

21:06 — Reparations & Historical Context

29:22 — Socialist Trends in Buncombe County

34:17 — A Love for Western North Carolina

35:04 — Shifts in Local Leadership

35:51 — Controversial Figures & Voting Patterns

37:44 — Mask Mandates & Public Backlash

40:12 — The Fix Buncombe Initiative

44:04 — The Buncombe 2043 Plan

50:03 — Concerns About Asheville’s Future

55:19 — Call to Action: Community Involvement

Connect with Fix Buncombe:

• Website
• Facebook
• X
• Instagram
• YouTube

Sponsors:

• Knights of Pythias Cumberland Lodge No. 5

Support Where the Dogwood Blooms: If you enjoy our content, consider supporting us via:

• Venmo
• Cash App

Connect with Where the Dogwood Blooms:

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Contact:

• cassie@wherethedogwoodblooms.com

Tags:

#FixBuncombe #BuncombeCounty #AshevilleNC #WNC #LocalElectionsMatter #NorthCarolinaPolitics #GrassrootsPolitics #WhereTheDogwoodBlooms

In this episode, I’m joined by Sandi Walker—Valdese Mayoral Candidate, owner of Dolls & Designs, and Senior Tour Guide for the Waldensian Trail of Faith. A direct descendant of the original Waldensian settlers, Sandi brings a deep, personal perspective to Valdese’s history and community.

Together, we talk about the Waldensians’ incredible journey from the Alpine valleys of Italy to the foothills of North Carolina, how their faith shaped the town of Valdese, and the modern challenges the community faces today.

If you’ve never heard of the Waldensians—or if you’re curious about small-town leadership, heritage tourism, and the future of Valdese—this episode is for you.

Connect with Sandi Walker:

• Website
• Facebook
• X

Sponsors:

• NC/TN High Country WX
• Nascar WX
• Knights of Pythias Cumberland Lodge No. 5

Support Where the Dogwood Blooms: If you enjoy our content, consider supporting us via:

• Venmo
• Cash App

Connect with Where the Dogwood Blooms:

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Contact:

• cassie@wherethedogwoodblooms.com

Tags:

#Valdese #Waldensians #NorthCarolinaHistory #SmallTownNC #WesternNorthCarolina #LocalHeritage #CommunityLeadership #WhereTheDogwoodBlooms

In this episode, I’m joined by Jason—the creator behind Instagram's @SpookyCLT, a project dedicated to digging into Charlotte’s folklore, true crime, and dark history. From haunted cemeteries to forgotten landmarks, Jason’s work shines a light on the stories that most folks walk right past without ever knowing they’re there.

Jason is also a passionate historic preservation advocate, serving on the boards of both Historic Elmwood-Pinewood Cemetery and the Charlotte Historic Landmarks Commission. Together, we discuss some of the spooky stories that have shaped the Queen City.

If you’ve ever wondered what secrets lie beneath Charlotte’s skyline—or why preserving history matters just as much as uncovering it—this episode is for you.

Connect with Spooky CLT:

• Instagram
• Website
• Historic Elmwood Cemetery

Sponsors:

• NC/TN High Country WX
• Nascar WX
• Knights of Pythias Cumberland Lodge No. 5

Support Where the Dogwood Blooms: If you enjoy our content, consider supporting us via:

• Venmo
• Cash App

Connect with Where the Dogwood Blooms:

• Website
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• X
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Contact:

• cassie@wherethedogwoodblooms.com

Tags:

#SpookyCLT #CharlotteHistory #NorthCarolinaFolklore #TrueCrime #HistoricPreservation #HauntedCharlotte #QueenCity #WhereTheDogwoodBlooms

In this second part of my conversation with Tim Hamilton—professor of physics and researcher of grist mills in the Great Smoky Mountains—we pick up right where we left off.

This time, we’re diving into some of the Smokies’ most fascinating stories: Mingus Mill, the legendary Quill Rose, and yes—moonshine. From the ingenuity of millwrights to the colorful characters who defined mountain life, these stories remind us that Appalachian history isn’t just something you read in a book—it’s living, breathing, and woven into the land itself.

If you’ve ever been curious about how mills shaped the Smokies, who kept them running, and how traditions like moonshining fit into the larger Appalachian story, you’ll want to tune in to this one.

Connect with Tim Hamilton:

• X
• Website

Sponsors:

• NC/TN High Country WX
• Nascar WX
• Knights of Pythias Cumberland Lodge No. 5

Support Where the Dogwood Blooms: If you enjoy our content, consider supporting us via:

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Connect with Where the Dogwood Blooms:

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Contact:

• cassie@wherethedogwoodblooms.com

Tags:

#MingusMill #QuillRose #Moonshine #GreatSmokyMountainsNationalPark #AppalachianHistory #NCHistory #WhereTheDogwoodBlooms

In this first part of a two-part conversation, I’m joined by Tim Hamilton, professor of physics and researcher of grist mills in the Great Smoky Mountains.

We dig into the history of the Smokies’ grist mills—why there were so many of them, the unique stories behind the grist stones, and what these mills tell us about Appalachian ingenuity and community life. Tim also shares insights on the TVA’s use of eminent domain in Swain County, how families were uprooted, and the lasting impact of those decisions.

Our conversation doesn’t stop at history, though—we also discuss present-day issues, like the new parking fees in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and how many locals see them as breaking a promise made to Appalachian people generations ago.

If you love Appalachian history—or want to better understand how decisions of the past and present shape daily life in the Smokies—you won’t want to miss this episode.

Connect with Tim Hamilton:

• X

Sponsors:

• NC/TN High Country WX
• Nascar WX
• Knights of Pythias Cumberland Lodge No. 5

Support Where the Dogwood Blooms: If you enjoy our content, consider supporting us via:

• Venmo
• Cash App

Connect with Where the Dogwood Blooms:

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• X
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Contact:

• cassie@wherethedogwoodblooms.com

Tags:

#GristMills #GreatSmokyMountainsNationalPark #LakeFontana #TVA #EminentDomain #NCHistory #TheRoadtoNowhere #WhereTheDogwoodBlooms

In this episode, I sit down with Amanda Woolard to talk about Marshall, North Carolina—and what happens when disasters fade from the headlines but the recovery never comes.

During Hurricane Helene, Amanda and I helped coordinate real relief for families in crisis. But while neighbors pitched in and volunteers showed up, con artists slipped in too—eroding trust and leaving legitimate efforts struggling for support.

We talk about scammers who fabricated tragedies to solicit donations, and folks who impersonated FEMA officials. Frauds didn’t just steal money—they sabotaged the work of people trying to help. Amanda explains how she’s mentored honest grassroots groups, challenged organizations to stay accountable, and celebrated small wins—like a local church that exposed an embezzling preacher.

If you’ve ever wondered why bad actors get away with so much—or how ordinary people can make sure their help really reaches those in need—this conversation will hit home.

Connect with Amanda Woolard:

• X

Support Savage, a WNC Relief Volunteer

• Give Send Go

Sponsors:

• NC/TN High Country WX
• Nascar WX
• Knights of Pythias Cumberland Lodge No. 5

Support Where the Dogwood Blooms: If you enjoy our content, consider supporting us via:

• Venmo
• Cash App

Connect with Where the Dogwood Blooms:

• Website
• Instagram
• X
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Contact:

• cassie@wherethedogwoodblooms.com

Tags:

#MarshallNC #HurricaneHelene #DisasterRelief #GrassrootsAid #NCStories #ScamAwareness #FraudPrevention #WhereTheDogwoodBlooms #CommunityRecovery