Podcast
The Charlotte Ledger Podcast
Hosted by The Charlotte Ledger · EN
We talk with Charlotte leaders about important and interesting issues, with an eye toward making you smarter, telling you things you don’t know and introducing you to people with insights about trends in Charlotte.
www.thecharlotteledger.com
www.thecharlotteledger.com
14episodes
Episodes
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The story behind Charlotte’s most talked-about restaurants, with Jamie Brown
May 1500:35:17Tap to summarizeCharlotte’s restaurant scene has changed dramatically over the past two decades, and few people have helped shape it more than Jamie Brown. Alongside her husband, Jeff Tonidandel, Brown has built some of the city’s most recognizable restaurants — from Growler’s Pourhouse and Haberdish to Supperland, Ever Andalo and Leluia Hall — while also helping define what Charlotte’s food culture can become.In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Brown reflects on the unconventional path that led her and Jeff from corporate jobs and world travel into the restaurant business, why each concept is deeply personal to their lives and how they approach building restaurants around storytelling, hospitality and design. She talks about the meticulous details that go into every space, from table spacing and plate placement to preserving historic Charlotte buildings and creating restaurants that feel rooted in the city’s identity. Brown also discusses: The highs and lows of opening restaurants in Charlotte, including projects that never came to fruition The importance of paying a living wage and building career paths for restaurant employees Why her restaurant group adopted tip pooling and how it changed workplace culture Her experience with anxiety, panic attacks and the gut-health journey that transformed her life How her dietary restrictions reshaped the way her restaurants think about accommodating guests What it takes to preserve consistency in an industry where “one strike and you’re out” Why Charlotte’s food scene is becoming an increasingly important part of the city’s identity What’s next for the restaurant group, including Olivelli Deli, Wyatt’s Superfine and a new commissary project in South EndThis episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is presented by PBS Charlotte's Unspun program, helping you learn what politicians are thinking but not saying. Hosted by former governor Pat McCrory.This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks. For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, go to TheCharlotteLedger.com.
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Redefining the New South in Charlotte, with Richard Cooper
May 800:24:21Tap to summarizeThe Levine Museum of the New South is preparing for a major new chapter — one that museum leaders hope will help redefine how Charlotte engages with history, community and public conversation. After years without a permanent home, the museum plans to relocate to a new South End campus that blends modern design with the preservation of a historic church site, while expanding its role as both a cultural institution and a civic gathering space. In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Levine Museum president and CEO Richard Cooper discusses the museum’s search for a new home, why South End emerged as the right fit and how the institution has continued growing its audience even without a permanent building. The conversation also explores: How the museum plans to preserve and incorporate the historic Grace Covenant Church site into the new campus Why community feedback is shaping everything from exhibits to gathering spaces and family programming How technology like AI, virtual reality and interactive design could play a role in the future museum experience What “New South” means in 2026 and how the South continues evolving culturally and demographically Why museums and libraries remain among the country’s most trusted institutions during a divisive political era How the Levine Museum hopes to become both a history museum and a community hub where difficult conversations can happen safely The challenges of funding and building a major cultural institution in one of America’s fastest-growing citiesThis episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is presented by PBS Charlotte's Unspun program, helping you learn what politicians are thinking but not saying. Hosted by former governor Pat McCrory.This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks. For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, go to TheCharlotteLedger.com.
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What colleges really want — and how to stand out
May 100:59:12Tap to summarizeApplying to college has always been stressful, but for today’s students and families, the process can feel more overwhelming than ever. Acceptance rates are shrinking, expectations are shifting and the pressure to stand out — academically and personally — starts earlier than many realize. For parents in Charlotte and beyond, it can be hard to know when to step in, when to step back and how to help their child navigate it all without burning out.In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Lee Shulman Bierer of Bierer College Consulting and Ashley Ausman of The Essay Architect break down what’s really driving the stress behind today’s admissions process — from the surge in applications to the growing emphasis on “spike” interests over well-rounded resumes. They share practical advice on everything from course selection and extracurriculars to summer planning and campus visits, along with candid insights into what colleges are actually looking for.The conversation also dives into some of the most important — and often misunderstood — parts of the process:How students can tell authentic, compelling stories that go beyond grades and test scores Why specificity matters more than topic and how to uncover meaningful personal stories How tools like AI are complicating essay writing — and why authenticity still matters most How to identify strong-fit schools, including overlooked and in-state options Strategies for keeping both students and parents grounded throughout the processToday’s episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is sponsored by Child Care Search, a service of Child Care Resources Inc. Looking for child care? Our team provides guidance every step of the way! Search online at www.FindChildCareNC.org or call 1-888-600-1685 for live assistance and free, customized referrals.This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks. For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, go to TheCharlotteLedger.com.
Transcribe →Empowering immigrant entrepreneurs in Charlotte, with José Alvarez
Dec 9, 2024Tap to summarizeJosé Alvarez believes that everyone has the potential to be an entrepreneur. As vice president of Prospera North Carolina, a nonprofit dedicated to helping Latino entrepreneurs, Alvarez works to provide invaluable support to immigrant entrepreneurs by offering bilingual services that guide them through the complexities of starting a business.In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Alvarez discusses trends he's noticed among immigrant entrepreneurs in Charlotte, the importance of offering support in someone’s native language and how Prospera gives guidance in understanding the U.S. business and financial systems.You can find out more about Prospera at ProsperaUSA.org.For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com. This episode is part of a series in which we interview winners of The Charlotte Ledger 40 Over 40 Awards, which honor people aged 40+ who are making our community a better place. Find out information about those awards at Ledger40Over40.com.This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecharlotteledger.com/subscribe
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