Best Jason Barfield Podcasts (2025)

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Citizen Warrior: Gene Merritt and John Meyer on advocating for a better Wilmington 51:00

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6d ago51:00

51:00

Citizen Warrior is an autobiographical account of Gene Merritt’s lifelong efforts to improve Wilmington — work that was at times contentious, creative, and even inspired.Merritt fought to change the downtown nightlife scene, pushing for liquor-by-the-drink while also evicting topless bars and sex shops. His next battle was an industrial coal pile p…

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Roundtable: Wilmington's anti-camping ordinance and the issue of homelessness 29:51

19d ago29:51

29:51

On this special episode, WHQR's Aaleah McConnell shares the highlights and throughlines of a wide-ranging panel on Wilmington's new anti-camping ordinance and the issue of homelessness.By Aaleah McConnell

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A conversation with District Attorney Jason Smith after year one in office 50:00

19d ago50:00

50:00

On today's episode, we sit down with Jason Smith, district attorney for New Hanover and Pender counties. After a tough race for DA in 2024, Smith faced several challenges: rebuilding morale, adapting to E-courts, new state and local laws, and the perennial challenge of youth violence.By Benjamin Schachtman

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Candidates Forum: Seven candidates running for three seats on Wilmington City Council 37:45

1M ago37:45

37:45

On today's show, WHQR's Ben Schachtman and Kelly Kenoyer look at the highlights from the recent candidates forum, held by WHQR, WECT, and Port City Daily, featuring candidates running for Wilmington City Council. We'll add some context and analysis to the seven candidates' answers to some tough questions.…

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Candidates Forum: Bill Saffo, Jonathan Barfield, Jr., and Billy Craig running for mayor of Wilmington 50:00

2M ago50:00

50:00

On today's show, WHQR's Ben Schachtman and Kelly Kenoyer look at the highlights from the recent candidates forum, held by WHQR, WECT, and Port City Daily, featuring candidates running for Wilmington office. We'll add some context and analysis to the three mayoral candidates' answers to some tough questions.…

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CAFO Country: A closer look at concentrated animal feeding operations 53:46

2M ago53:46

53:46

On today's show, WHQR's series CAFO Country, featuring environmental journalist David Boraks, takes a deep dive into North Carolina's hog and poultry industry — it's a major economic driver for the state, but also the source of serious environmental concerns. Plus, we sat down with Inside Climate News' Lisa Sorg to catch up on her latest reporting …

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A conversation about book challenges with New Hanover County school board member Josie Barnhart 39:20

3M ago39:20

39:20

On today's show, a slightly overdue conversation with Josie Barnhart, Republican vice-chair of the New Hanover County Board of Education, and a mother of three. Earlier this year, Barnhart challenged the book Blended in the district, leading to some tough questions about the intersecting roles of parent and elected official, as well as how to handl…

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A conversation with Spence Broadhurst, looking back at five years on The Endowment board 1:01:30

3M ago1:01:30

1:01:30

On today's show, a candid sitdown with Spence Broadhurst, who helped steer the hospital sale that led to the creation of The Endowment, served as its first board chair, and has, in his words, acted as a watchdog for its founding documents. We discuss the challenges and debates the board has faced. And we touch on some of the tension around the rece…

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Rail Redux: Passenger rail's potential return to Wilmington 50:00

3M ago50:00

50:00

All throughout the northside of downtown Wilmington, there are little markers of the past — a past filled with the sound of metal wheels clattering down the tracks. The Northside was once home to a sprawling railyard and passenger rail station — and it could be the home of passenger rail again.By Kelly Kenoyer

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2025 City of Wilmington Council Elections: Candidate Kelly Roberts 17:49

4M ago17:49

17:49

WHQR is sitting down with all eight candidates for Wilmington's City Council — two incumbents and six newcomers — who are running for three seats. On this episode of The Newsroom, an interview with challenger Kelly Roberts.By Benjamin Schachtman

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2025 City of Wilmington Council Elections: Candidate Chakema Clinton-Quintana 40:55

4M ago40:55

40:55

WHQR is sitting down with all eight candidates for Wilmington's City Council — two incumbents and six newcomers — who are running for three seats. On this episode of The Newsroom, an interview with challenger Chakema Clinton-Quintana.By Benjamin Schachtman

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2025 City of Wilmington Council Elections: Candidate Clifford Barnett, Sr. 24:49

4M ago24:49

24:49

WHQR is sitting down with all eight candidates for Wilmington's City Council — two incumbents and six newcomers — who are running for three seats. On this episode of The Newsroom, an interview with incumbent Clifford Barnett, Sr.By Benjamin Schachtman

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2025 City of Wilmington Council Elections: Candidate Luke Waddell 33:58

4M ago33:58

33:58

WHQR is sitting down with all eight candidates for Wilmington's City Council — two incumbents and six newcomers — who are running for three seats. On this episode of The Newsroom, an interview with incumbent Luke Waddell.By Benjamin Schachtman

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The Endowment's CEO exits (again), transparency questions, and what's next: A conversation with Derrick Anderson 58:45

4M ago58:45

58:45

On this episode, WHQR News Director Benjamin Schachtman sat down with Derrick Anderson, host of a long-running community affairs show, to talk about The Endowment. From questions about the abrupt departure of CEO Dan Winslow, to the fate of the Northside Co-op grant, to the backstory of why the foundation does so much of its work in private, there'…

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2025 City of Wilmington Mayoral Elections: Candidate Jonathan Barfield, Jr. 43:12

4M ago43:12

43:12

WHQR is sitting down with all three candidates for Wilmington mayor, including the incumbent, and two challengers. On this episode of The Newsroom, an interview with challenger Jonathan Barfield, Jr.By Benjamin Schachtman

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GenX: Eight years down the line 50:00

4M ago50:00

50:00

The chemical GenX has plagued the Cape Fear Region for decades — though we only found out it was in the river eight years ago. Since then, there’ve been myriad fights: for regulation at the state and federal level, for filtration, and for accountability against the polluter. This week, we’ll have an update on the status of this slow-moving crisis i…

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2025 City of Wilmington Mayoral Elections: Candidate Bill Saffo 54:52

4M ago54:52

54:52

WHQR is sitting down with all three candidates for Wilmington mayor, including the incumbent, and two challengers. On this episode of The Newsroom, an interview with incumbent Mayor Bill Saffo.By Benjamin Schachtman

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2025 City of Wilmington Council Elections: Candidate Cassidy Santaguida 25:45

4M ago25:45

25:45

WHQR is sitting down with all eight candidates for Wilmington's City Council — two incumbents and six newcomers — who are running for three seats. On this episode of The Newsroom, an interview with challenger Cassidy SantaguidaBy Benjamin Schachtman

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2025 City of Wilmington Council Elections: Candidate Sean Guerrero 27:01

4M ago27:01

27:01

WHQR is sitting down with all eight candidates for Wilmington's City Council — two incumbents and six newcomers — who are running for three seats. On this episode of The Newsroom, an interview with challenger Sean Guerrero.By Benjamin Schachtman

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2025 City of Wilmington Mayoral Elections: Candidate Billy Craig 46:24

4M ago46:24

46:24

WHQR is sitting down with all three candidates for Wilmington mayor, including the incumbent, and two challengers. On this episode of The Newsroom, an interview with challenger Billy Craig.By Benjamin Schachtman

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2025 City of Wilmington Council Elections: Candidate J.C. Lyle 23:31

4M ago23:31

23:31

WHQR is sitting down with all eight candidates for Wilmington's City Council — two incumbents and six newcomers — who are running for three seats. On this episode of The Newsroom, an interview with challenger J.C. Lyle.By Benjamin Schachtman

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2025 City of Wilmington Council Elections: Candidate Richard Collier 24:55

4M ago24:55

24:55

WHQR is sitting down with all eight candidates for Wilmington's City Council — two incumbents and six newcomers — who are running for three seats. On this episode of The Newsroom, an interview with challenger Richard Collier.By Benjamin Schachtman

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Triple Whammy: A deep dive into New Hanover County Schools' funding predicament 57:12

4M ago57:12

57:12

On this edition of The Newsroom, WHQR's Ben Schachtman and Rachel Keith unpack the New Hanover County Schools' budgetary needs — for the current year, and for longer-term facility needs. It's hundreds of millions, if not billions, of dollars — and it's not clear right now where all that funding is going to come from.…

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Do or DEI; Pender County vs. The Pender Post 50:00

5M ago50:00

50:00

On this edition, The Assembly’s Erin Gretzinger on the rapidly shifting landscape of DEI policy in North Carolina higher education. Plus, WHQR's Nikolai Mather helps unpack the lawsuit between a Pender County newspaper and county officials — and the political context behind the litigation.By Benjamin Schachtman, Nikolai Mather

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What employees and safety data say about NHRMC's issues. Plus, understanding FERPA and book challenges 50:00

6M ago50:00

50:00

WHQR News Director Ben Schachtman and reporter Kelly Kenoyer unpack some of our recent reporting about Novant NHRMC: staff interviews and watchdog data show some concerning trends at the hospital, but the newest leadership team says things are improving. And, Rachel Keith helps explain FERPA, the federal law protecting student privacy, and how it m…

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Shooting the Messenger: NPR's Leila Fadel on the First Amendment and a free press 1:24:30

6M ago1:24:30

1:24:30

Leila Fadel, host of NPR's Morning Edition and the Up First podcast, came to Wilmington last month for WHQR's luncheon. On this episode of The Newsroom, we've got her keynote speech, a Q-and-A session with the audience, and a one-on-one interview with WHQR News Director Ben Schachtman.

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Unpacking NC Project LEAD's policy forum, and legislative efforts to fund free school meals 50:54

7M ago50:54

50:54

On this episode: Rachel Keith recently hosted a panel for N.C. Project LEAD, asking elected officials and community leaders some tough policy questions. We’ll hear what they said about universal basic income, collective bargaining, and more. Plus, Nikolai Mather unpacks legislative efforts to fund school meals for all.…

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The third time's the charm for Ted Davis' PFAS bill; NHCS Turnaround Task Force moves on 50:00

7M ago50:00

50:00

On this episode, Rachel Keith takes stock of what the New Hanover County Schools’ turnaround task force has accomplished in two years, and what’s next for them – and Nikolai Mather sits down with Representative Ted Davis to talk about his PFAS legislationBy Rachel Keith, Nikolai Mather, Benjamin Schachtman

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A conversation Curt Farrison, president of Wilmington's Vietnam Veterans of America chapter 49:59

8M ago49:59

49:59

On the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, WHQR's Ben Schachtman sat down with Curt Farrison, president of Chapter 885 of the Vietnam Veterans of America, to talk about coming home from war, understanding and managing PTSD, and what the country could do better for men and women who have worn a uniform.…

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Healthy Opportunities Pilot shows cost savings for Medicaid: “It’s a hand up” 50:00

8M ago50:00

50:00

On today’s show, host Rachel Keith talks about the groundbreaking Healthy Opportunities Pilot—one of the first in the country—where some Medicaid recipients get assistance for food, rent and utilities, and counseling for interpersonal violence or toxic stress needs. Service providers helping these people get reimbursements from the HOP program.…

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Celebrating Sunshine Week and Blerd culture 50:00

9M ago50:00

50:00

On today’s show, Rachel Keith celebrates Sunshine Week, an annual event focused on open government and transparency. In honor of this year’s sunshine week, we’re taking a look at government speech policies — we’ll dig into how much public employees, including college professors, can say when they talk to journalists or speak out on political issues…

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A conversation with New Hanover County Commissioner LeAnn Pierce about taxes, budget cuts, and spending priorities 47:30

9M ago47:30

47:30

On today’s show, I’m sitting down with Republican New Hanover County Commissioner LeAnn Pierce about her thoughts and goals as the county’s budget negotiations move forward. We asked Pierce, vice-chair of the Board of Commissioners, about her thoughts on where the tax rate should go — and ways to make the county more efficient, including calls to e…

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A conversation with New Hanover County Commissioner Rob Zapple about taxes, budget cuts, and spending priorities 54:10

9M ago54:10

54:10

On today’s show, I’m sitting down with Democratic New Hanover County Commissioner Rob Zapple to talk about his priorities and perspectives on the county’s ongoing budget process. We asked Zapple about what he thinks about efforts to make the county more financially efficient — as well as calls to do away with the county’s DEI office, and have the E…

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A conversation with New Hanover County Commissioner Stephanie Walker about taxes, budget cuts, and spending priorities 35:27

9M ago35:27

35:27

On today’s show, I’m sitting down with Democratic New Hanover County Commissioner Stephanie Walker to talk about her perspective on the county’s budget negotiations — which are going on right now. Walker, who was recently elected to her first term as a commissioner in November after serving for four years on the county’s school board, campaigned as…

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Planning the Future of Development in the Cape Fear Region 50:00

9M ago50:00

50:00

The entire Cape Fear Region is growing at a blistering pace: and residents worry about the impact on traffic, trees, and stormwater. But growth here is moulded by planners who want to make sure residents don’t get left behind. We’ll hear from a panel of those experts on this week's episode of the Newsroom.…

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A conversation with New Hanover County school member David Perry about gender in schools 27:39

9M ago27:39

27:39

The New Hanover County Board of Education recently voted to reshape the district's strategic plan, policies, and procedures to comply with President Trump's recent executive orders on both DEI and gender issues. Board member David Perry recently accused the media of a "blackout" of the latter, so we asked him to come into the studio to unpack his v…

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A conversation with New Hanover County Commissioner Dane Scalise about taxes, budget cuts, and spending priorities 42:20

9M ago42:20

42:20

On today’s show, a conversation with Republican New Hanover County Commissioner Dane Scalise about taxes and government spending. Scalise recently penned an opinion piece in the Wilmington Business Journal, which we’ll have links to on the page, where he laid out a fairly simple argument: if property values are going up, taxes should go down. So we…

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A conversation about community safety with LINC's Frankie Roberts 57:00

10M ago57:00

57:00

On this episode, WHQR's Ben Schachtman sits down for a conversation with Frankie Roberts, executive director of LINC, about community safety.For a quarter century, Roberts has run LINC, a non-profit dedicated to helping people rejoin the community after being incarcerated. We’ll talk about how that work has expanded over the years — and how Roberts…

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SYNC, ACEs, and getting to the root of children's wellbeing 50:04

10M ago50:04

50:04

On this episode, WHQR News Director Ben Schachtman sat down with reporter Rachel Keith to talk about the work of SYNC — Strengthening Systems for NC Children. Keith joined about 20 other members who, starting last August, worked to develop a better, broader understanding of how adverse childhood experiences, or ACEs, impact the quality of life for …

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A conversation with Sokoto House's Abdul Hafeedh Bin Abdullah about community safety 50:04

11M ago50:04

50:04

On this episode, WHQR's Ben Schachtman sat down with Abdul Hafeedh Bin Abdullah, co-founder of Sokoto House and the Quality Life Blueprint, to talk about how he sees the issue of community safety through a public-safety lens, and where some other efforts — like Tru Colors and Port City United — may have fallen short.…

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A conversation with District Attorney Jason Smith about youth violence 50:00

11M ago50:00

50:00

On this episode, WHQR News Director Ben Schachtman sits down with recently elected District Attorney Jason Smith to talk about one of the region's most pressing issues: youth violence, especially gun violence.By Benjamin Schachtman

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The WHQR news team reflects on 2024, and looks ahead to next year 55:10

12M ago55:10

55:10

On this year-end episode, WHQR News Director Ben Schachtman looks back over a wild year's worth of reporting with journalists Rachel Keith, Aaleah McConnell, Kelly Kenoyer, and Nikolai Mather.By Benjamin Schachtman

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A Wilmington start-up roundtable: Jessica Kovar, Rob Cooley, Christian Pardue, and Morris Nguyen 1:00:50

12M ago1:00:50

1:00:50

On this episode of The Newsroom, we sit down with four Wilmingtonians working in the tech start-up space: from diagnostic wearables to solving workforce issues to managing federal contract applications, they're bringing the entrepreneurial spirit to some tricky issues. We asked them about tech culture, saving your sanity while you start your compan…

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A conversation with former New Hanover County school board member Hugh McManus 50:03

12M ago50:03

50:03

On this episode, WHQR's Rachel Keith takes over hosting duties for a conversation with Hugh McManus, who just wrapped up his term as a New Hanover County school board member. McManus has dedicated four decades to education, and in this interview, he talks about his journey as a teacher, principal, school director, and board member.…

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A conversation with former Wilmington Police Department Captain Mike Fanta 1:17:50

12M ago1:17:50

1:17:50

At the beginning of this year, Captain Mike Fanta put his name to a formal complaint against Wilmington Police Chief Donny Williams. That led to a $75,000 third-party investigation in Williams' leadership, and pushback from the Black community who defended the city's first Black police chief against Fanta, some of his fellow officers, and others wh…

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Election 2024: Understanding campaign finance and the absentee ballots snafu 53:45

1y ago53:45

53:45

On this episode of The Newsroom, we take a deep dive into what caused this year's consternation over absentee ballots and what might have prevented it (hint: better communication and more resources). Plus, a closer look at some of the campaign funding in local races — and some tips for how to check on candidate fundraising yourself.…

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Cape Fear election results: Purple districts, ballot-splitting voters, and uncertain outcomes 51:02

1y ago51:02

51:02

On this episode, we unpack the evolving electorate and their unpredictable down-ballot choices. Plus, a cloud of uncertainty hangs over New Hanover County races with a growing number of uncounted absentee ballots that count easily swing the race for school board and commissioner seats.By Benjamin Schachtman

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Unpacking the state House and Senate candidates' forum 50:00

1y ago50:00

50:00

On today’s show, WHQR's Ben Schachtman and Nikolai Mather are unpacking the forum we put on earlier this month with WECT and Port City Daily, featuring candidates running for the North Carolina House and Senate. We'll dig into what the candidates had to say, with context, analysis, and some fact-checking.…

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Marlando Pridgen, Democratic candidate for North Carolina's 7th Congressional District 1:03:20

1y ago1:03:20

1:03:20

On this episode, WHQR News Director Ben Schachtman sat down for a long-form interview with Marlando Pridge, Democratic challenger for North Carolina's 7th Congressional District. Topics included domestic policy issues like healthcare, affordable housing, crime and drugs and foreign policy topics like Ukraine and the Middle East.…

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Unpacking the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners candidates' forum 50:00

1y ago50:00

50:00

On today’s show, WHQR's Ben Schachtman and Kelly Kenoyer are unpacking the forum we put on earlier this month with WECT and Port City Daily, featuring candidates running for the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners. We'll dig into what the candidates had to say, with context, analysis, and some fact-checking.…