Charlotte Talks With Mike Collins

Mar 07 2025 20 ep. 50 mins 205
Charlotte Talks With Mike Collins Podcast artwork

Launched in April 1998, Charlotte Talks with Mike Collins has become the region's exclusive forum for the discussion of politics, arts, culture, social issues, literature, human interest, the environment and more.

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Local News Roundup: Some in Matthews change tune on transit; overdose deaths spike among Black and Hispanic residents; Carolina Theatre prepares to open

Mar 07 2025 50 mins  
Matthews’ opposition to the transit plan may be easing, while wildfires burn across the Carolinas. Overdose deaths in Mecklenburg County have increased dramatically among Black and Hispanic residents since 2019. Meanwhile, the Carolina Theatre prepares to open after 47 years.

The North Carolina General Assembly's long session is underway. What can we expect?

Mar 06 2025 50 mins  
We take a closer look at what’s been going on in the General Assembly since it returned to session and which proposed bills have a chance to advance.

Sonny Vaccaro on Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant and taking on the NCAA

Mar 05 2025 50 mins  
A conversation with the man who took Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant’s careers to legendary heights. From the biggest deals in the history of sports marketing to a campaign against the NCAA, we sit down with Sonny Vaccaro and his co-author, Armen Keteyian, to discuss his new book "Legends and Soles."

Chasing Losses: When online gambling becomes more than a game

Mar 04 2025 50 mins  
Online sports gambling was legalized statewide last March — and as wagers increased, so did calls to a hotline for those seeking help. Who is at risk for problem gambling? How can they get support? We ask the experts.

Local News Roundup: Transit bill introduced in Raleigh; CMS apologizes for response to threats; NC house pushes through Helene relief

Feb 28 2025 50 mins  
On the local news roundup, there's movement on the transit plan in Raleigh, while microtransit service begins in north Mecklenburg. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Superintendent Crystal Hill apologizes for how the system handled threats made to several schools last week. And singer Roberta Flack, born in Black Mountain and a profound influence on American music, dies.

A conversation with NC doctor Brian Klausner on his new book on chronic homelessness

Feb 27 2025 50 mins  
On the next Charlotte Talks, the U.S. has an increasing number of homeless people many of whom are chronically homeless. Dr. Brian Klausner has spent his career taking care of these people as patients and says the time has come to address the problem but that it will require solutions grounded in our shared ideals and values. His book "In the Gaps: Better Understanding the Expensiv

The future of passenger rail in NC

Feb 26 2025 50 mins  
In 2024, North Carolina’s passenger trains experienced another bustling year and riding the train has become more popular than ever in the state. We explore what's behind the rising popularity of train travel in N.C. and plans for expanding the places you can go.

A conversation with Mark Jerrell, chair of the Mecklenburg County Commission

Feb 25 2025 50 mins  
On the next Charlotte Talks, a conversation with Mark Jerrell, chair of the Mecklenburg County Commission, elected in 2018 and rose to the top spot in December after George Dunlap decided not to seek another term as leader. Jerrell said he will focus on improving equity and affordability. We’ll ask him about those priorities, the climate, taxes, and more.

Impact of federal cuts on North Carolina's economy

Feb 24 2025 50 mins  
Donald Trump and Elon Musk have stopped funding, ended programs and fired thousands of federal workers. Some of that funding comes to North Carolina. Last year, the state got more than 40% of its revenue from federal funding. Some of those workers work in North Carolina, not Washington, D.C. A look at the possible economic hit.

Local News Roundup: Riggs-Griffin protests; Winter weather; Possible budget concerns

Feb 21 2025 50 mins  
Protests erupt across North Carolina over the still-unsettled state Supreme Court race. Clues emerge in the case of Asha Degree, missing since 2000. And Senate leader Phil Berger is unconcerned about a potential drop in state revenue.