Charlotte Talks

Friday May 2, 2008 | North Carolina Primary

For the first time in decades, voters in North Carolina could have a major impact on the nomination of a presidential candidate. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama bring their close battle to the Tarheel state, but there are other compelling races, as well, including the governor’s race, lieutenant governor, and some senate seats. We’ll take a look at some of these races and get some predictions from our panel.
Guests
Scott Huffmon – Assistant Professor, Political Science Department, Winthrop University
Martha Kropf – Assistant Professor, Political Science Department, UNC Charlotte
Rob Christensen – Political Reporter, Raleigh News and Observer; Author, “Tarheel Politics”

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Thursday May 1, 2008 | Blood Done Sign My Name

We meet the author of the book “Blood Done Sign My Name,” Tim Tyson.  The book is the true story about the public murder of a black man in Oxford, NC, in 1970, where the murderers were found not guilty of the crime.  We’ll talk about the story, and how the events affected race relations in Oxford in those days.  We’ll also be joined by Jeb Stuart, Gastonia native and filmmaker who will be putting “Blood Done Sign My Name” on the screen.  Stuart’s credits include “Die Hard” and “The Fugitive.”

Wednesday April 30, 2008 | Restaurant Survival

We look at the challenges of starting and maintaining a restaurant in the increasingly competitive Charlotte region. Guests Peter Reinhart – Chef-on-Assignment, Johnson and Wales University Tom Sasser – President, Harper Restaurant Group George Couchell – Owner and President, Showmars Restaurants Adam Reed – Owner/Chef, Sante’ Restauran

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Tuesday April 29, 2008 | Average Joes

Today, our Average Joe series continues with a look at what is on the mind of our listeners.  With the North Carolina primary less than a week away, the election is sure to be a hot topic.  Join the conversation here.

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Monday April 28, 2008 | Virginia Madsen

Actress Virginia Madsen of Sideways and A Prairie Home Companion fame is visiting Charlotte to promote women’s health and beauty issues, as well as voter awareness and participation.  Her mother and fellow activist and a local expert join her.

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Friday April 25, 2008 | Access to Healthcare

The Mecklenburg County Health Department is hosting the 3rd Annual Public Health Forum today, with the topic “Beyond Access to Care:  Communities Engaged in Appropriate Care.”    Dr. Gloria WilderBrathwaite, medical director for the DC area Children’s Hopital, will join us on the program along with a panel of experts to talk about how appropriate care available to the public who need it ahs directly impacted their communities. 

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Thursday April 24, 2008 | Dream People of the Amazon

We’ll be joined by Larry Lansburgh on this edition of Charlotte Talks with Mike Collins.  Lansburgh is an Academy Award nominated and Emmy Award winning director whose most recent project has changed his outlook and inspired him to speak publicly about the group of indigenous people the film focused on.  His documentary “Dream People of the Amazon”  follows the Achuar people, who live in a part of the Amazon rain forest that is as pristive today as it was a thousand years ago.  The documentary follows the Achuar as they work to save their land from oil operations who are desperate for the oil under their territory.  We’ll talk about the Achuar, the rain forest, and the situation there today.

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Wednesday April 23, 2008 | Open Phones

It’s a special edition of open phones today.  What do you think about the outcome of the PA primary election?  What are your thoughts on the upcoming primary in NC?

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Tuesday April 22, 2008 | French Ambassador Pierre Vimont

Mike Collins is back in the studio for an interview with French Ambassador Pierre Vimont. The Ambassador is in town to speak to the World Affairs Council of Charlotte, but first, he’ll join us to discuss the long relationship between America and France, recent tensions between the two countries because of the war in Iraq, and we’ll discuss the future of American ties with France through economy, politics and more.

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Monday April 21, 2008 | The Paradox of Tar Heel Politics

Long time Raleigh reporter Rob Christensen has written a book about the unique politics of our state and the diverse cast of characters who have been political leaders in North Carolina.  His book, The Paradox of Tar Heel Politics: The Personalities, Elections, and Events That Shaped Modern North Carolina, attempts to answer questions such as how the same state can produce politicians as different as Jesse Helms and John Edwards.

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