The Charlotte Ledger Podcast

<p>In this live video chat recorded Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, Charlotte Ledger reporters discuss some of their coverage from the week:</p><p>* Fallout from the arrest of Sycamore Brewing’s co-founder on sex-crime charges</p><p>* The drop in enrollment at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools to their lowest level in 14 years</p><p>* Unraveling the mystery of why Coffey and Thompson art gallery in Eastover closed</p><p>* A look at the most checked-out books of the year from Charlotte Mecklenburg Library</p><p>* Why rage rooms are multiplying in the Charlotte region</p><p>… and more!</p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://charlotteledger.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_2">charlotteledger.substack.com/subscribe</a>

<p>Most people don’t learn about money in school — yet nearly every adult is expected to juggle budgets, debt, savings, taxes and investing. For many, that gap creates stress, shame, or a sense that finance is “for other people.” But what if understanding your money wasn’t about getting rich — but about gaining freedom?</p><p>In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, host <strong>Steve Dunn</strong> explores the real meaning of financial literacy with <strong>Brian Li</strong>, longtime Providence Day School teacher and finance coach. Li argues that financial literacy isn’t an elite skill set — it’s an achievable toolkit for anyone, regardless of income, background or math ability.</p><p>Li explains how financial literacy—built on simple habits like budgeting, tackling high-interest debt and investing early in low-cost, tax-advantaged accounts—can give people of all incomes more freedom, confidence and control over their lives.</p><p>We hope you enjoy the conversation with Brian Li. To learn more about him or to browse his financial resources, visit <a target="_blank" href="https://www.blifinancecoach.com/">BLiFinanceCoach.com</a>.</p><p><em>This episode is sponsored by </em><a target="_blank" href="https://www.accreativecollective.com/"><em>AC Creative Collective</em></a><em>. Based in Charlotte, N.C., and founded by sisters Amoura and Avery Carter, AC Creative Collective specializes in end-to-end marketing and learning and development services. They are dedicated to helping businesses and organizations streamline their operations and achieve their goals with creativity and precision. From social media strategies to workshops and brand launches, they’ve got you covered. Visit </em><a target="_blank" href="https://www.accreativecollective.com/"><em>www.accreativecollective.com</em></a><em> to learn more.</em></p><p>For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, visit <a target="_blank" href="http://TheCharlotteLedger.com">TheCharlotteLedger.com</a>. This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.</p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://charlotteledger.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_2">charlotteledger.substack.com/subscribe</a>

<p>Every December, the same Christmas classics return on repeat — “Elf,” “Home Alone,” “A Christmas Story,” “It’s a Wonderful Life.” But longtime Charlotte arts critic <strong>Lawrence Toppman</strong> says some of the season’s richest films are the ones most people have <em>never</em> heard of. From forgotten Thanksgiving dramas to animated immigrant tales, from World War I truces to bittersweet family reunions, Toppman opens up a deeper, more surprising cinematic world behind the holidays.</p><p>In this special episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, we bring you a live recording of Toppman’s December 1, 2025 talk at <strong>The Sharon at SouthPark Retirement Community</strong>, where he shares his favorite under-the-radar holiday films — and a few spicy opinions about the ones everyone already knows.</p><p>Toppman shares his curated list spanning Día de los Muertos, Armistice Day, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and Christmas. Whether you’re looking for something touching, funny, unusual, or decidedly <em>not</em> cheerful, this list has a film to surprise you.</p><p>We hope you enjoy the conversation with Lawrence Toppman.</p><p><em>Today’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 </em><a target="_blank" href="http://www.findchildcarenc.org/"><em>www.FindChildCareNC.org</em></a><em> or call 1-888-600-1685 for live assistance and free, customized referrals.</em></p><p>For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, visit <a target="_blank" href="http://TheCharlotteLedger.com">TheCharlotteLedger.com</a>. This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.</p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://charlotteledger.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_2">charlotteledger.substack.com/subscribe</a>

<p>Higher education is in the midst of a transformation — from rising costs and enrollment declines to new questions about the value of a degree. But in the middle of uptown Charlotte, <strong>Johnson & Wales University</strong> is carving out a different path, one rooted in affordability, career readiness and a unique strength in food, wellness and hospitality.</p><p>In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, managing editor <strong>Ashley Fahey</strong> talks with <strong>Richard “Rick” Mathieu</strong>, president of Johnson & Wales’ Charlotte campus, about how the university is adapting to a shifting higher-ed landscape.</p><p>Matthews explains how JWU is boosting access with its “JWU Pledge,” expanding programs tied to workforce needs, adding new pathways in hospitality, health and nursing — and how the school’s culinary footprint continues to shape Charlotte’s growing food scene. </p><p>We hope you enjoy the conversation with Rick Mathieu. For more information on Johnson & Wales University's Charlotte campus, please visit <a target="_blank" href="https://experience.jwu.edu/?utm_source=google&#38;utm_medium=cpc&#38;utm_campaign=jwu-brand&#38;utm_content=non-online&#38;utm_term=jwu%20charlotte&#38;gad_source=1&#38;gad_campaignid=17621414768&#38;gbraid=0AAAAAC-5zFgn0fXfXbLCjvqRgOkS8zwMh&#38;gclid=CjwKCAiAuIDJBhBoEiwAxhgyFiQcwMzQhBQvvz2BIGTTAeVcZVQOpX2Fnwx0GwyOP3Ant3lIugR6JBoC6SoQAvD_BwE">Experience.JWU.edu.</a></p><p><em>This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is sponsored by Metro Blinds of Charlotte — delivering high-quality window fashions and professional installation while saving you up to 30% compared to big box stores. Transform your space with stylish, affordable blinds and shades. Schedule your appointment online at metroblinds.net or call 704-396-9153.</em></p><p>For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, visit <a target="_blank" href="http://TheCharlotteLedger.com.">TheCharlotteLedger.com.</a> This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks. </p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://charlotteledger.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_2">charlotteledger.substack.com/subscribe</a>

<p>In this live video chat recorded Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, Charlotte Ledger reporters discuss some of their coverage from the week:</p><p>* Border Patrol arrests in Charlotte</p><p>* Controversy over plans to wide I-77 between uptown and South Carolina with toll lanes</p><p>* Arts funding</p><p>* Recent economic development announcements of Maersk and Scout Motors</p><p>* Will passage of the transit referendum lead to land deals?</p><p>* The tragic death by suicide of a Myers Park High student</p><p>* Sycamore Brewing’s holiday beer can labels</p><p>… and more!</p><p></p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://charlotteledger.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_2">charlotteledger.substack.com/subscribe</a>