Arts & Culture

Sweetpotato Country

Send us a text As the holidays approach, sweetpotatoes are finding their way onto tables across America — but nowhere are they more rooted than in North Carolina. For more than half a century, the state has led the nation in sweetpotato production, shaping both its economy and its culture. In this episode, host Layna…

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Fall for Donuts: Wake N Bake’s Seasonal Favorites

In this Shoresides episode, host Nicolas Magrino takes listeners inside Wake N Bake Donuts, where fall flavors steal the spotlight. Owner Danny Tangredi shares how the Wilmington favorite celebrates the season with limited-edition creations like pumpkin cheesecake, pumpkin glazed, and s’mores donuts — each crafted to capture the cozy taste of autumn. As the tourist…

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On the Art of Tobacco Stringing

When North Carolina summer turns to fall, an old tradition finds new life at the State Fair. In this episode, Shoresides talks with farmer Pat Short to learn about a tobacco stringing contest where participants bundle tobacco leaves onto sticks, in a process that's been an art here for generations.  Links and Resources:North Carolina State…

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Sounds of Coastal North Carolina

Send us a text Take a slow listen to coastal North Carolina. This Shoresides soundscape moves through ordinary places that shape life along the coast — the surf at Wrightsville Beach, a trawler crossing the Intracoastal, a walk through the pines at Carolina Beach, frogs calling from Greenfield Lake, and the background hum of a…

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Gatortown: The Gator Problem

Send us a text As more people move to North Carolina’s coast — and winters warm across the region — encounters with alligators are increasing. In this episode, **Shoresides** speaks with **John Henry Harrelson**, district wildlife biologist with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, about the challenges of managing “alligator season,” the rollout of the…

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The Carolina Beach Shark Invasion That Wasn’t—And What It Reveals About a Vital Emergency Information Network

Send us a text When a false shark sighting shut down Carolina Beach, the ripple effects exposed something deeper: how much our coastal communities rely on the National Weather Service and its communication networks to maintain trust and safety. In this episode, Shoresides sits down with **Stephen Pfaff**, meteorologist-in-charge at NWS Wilmington, to explore the…

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Gatortown: The Gator Catcher of Southport

Send us a text When alligators show up in swimming pools, under cars, or at the local Bojangles drive-through, **Kate Marshall** gets the call. As Southport’s certified jurisdictional alligator handler, she’s seen relocation requests quadruple this year alone. She tells Shoresides exactly what it’s like on the front lines of human–gator conflict. From safety protocols…

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Gatortown: A man and his dog encounter a giant reptile in Southport

Send us a text Lately, the town of Southport, North Carolina has had some excitement, 20 alligator removals since May, setting a new record. For a resident named Bonner Herring and his trusty Labrador Strike, that almost ended in tragedy. In this episode, Shoresides catches up with them to hear their story and to wonder…

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Polish Festival in Castle Hayne, North Carolina at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church

Join us as we take you inside the Polish Festival in Castle Hayne, North Carolina, an annual celebration of Polish heritage hosted by St. Stanislaus Catholic Church. Held every November, the festival is a vibrant gathering filled with authentic Polish cuisine, lively traditional music, and energetic dancing. In this episode, we capture the sights and…

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Cooking Up Success: Corey Scott’s On Thyme Journey

In this episode of Somewhere and Elsewhere, we sit down with Corey Scott, owner and chef of On Thyme Restaurant in Wilmington, North Carolina. Corey takes us through his journey—from washing dishes at a hospital to launching a beloved spot on Castle Street. With support from his wife and inspired by family traditions, he shares…

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