Institute for Emerging Issues

Sep 14, 2021

First in Future: After the Flood Waters Recede?

In this episode, we focus on "After the Flood Waters Recede" with guests Jim Fox, former Director of NEMAC; Mayor Zeb Smathers of Canton NC; Jeff Howell, Yancey EMC; and NC House of Representatives Majority Leader, John Bell. 

Sep 6, 2021

Connected: Supporting Connectivity for Migrant Farmworkers

In this episode of the “Connected” podcast series, host Maggie Woods (IEI Policy and Program Manager and BAND-NC Program Director) speaks to Natalie Rivera (NCFHP Internet Connectivity Project Coordinator with NC DHHS) about the sustainable initiative to bring internet to migrant farmworker housing across North Carolina. 

Sep 2, 2021

Faith and Community: Rural Aging

In the second episode of “Faith and Community,” Rev. Karen Richardson-Dunn of the NC Council of Churches “Partners in Health & Wholeness” initiative discusses aging as a natural process as we move through life. 

Aug 19, 2021

Faith and Community: Reclaiming Rural: Building Thriving Rural Congregations

In the first episode of “Faith and Community,” Rev. Allen Stanton, the Executive Director of the Turner Center, discusses his new book "Reclaiming Rural: Building Thriving Rural Congregations" and how rural faith leaders can relate to their congregations and communities. 

Aug 17, 2021

First in Future: Power Of Affordability In Increasing Attainment with Toni Blount, Martha Quillin and Abdur-Raqib Gant

In this episode, we focus on the "Power of Affordability In Increasing Attainment" with guests Toni Blount - Regional Impact Manager, myFutureNC; Abdur-Raqib Gant - NCA&T student, and Martha Quillin - News and Observer reporter. 

Aug 16, 2021

Connected: Cooperative Extension’s role in digital inclusion

In this inaugural episode of the “Connected” podcast series, host Maggie Woods (IEI Policy and Program Manager and BAND-NC Program Director) speaks to Kenny Sherin (Randolph County Extension Director and the Broadband Access and Education Coordinator for NC Cooperative Extension) about Cooperative Extension’s role in digital inclusion. 

Aug 3, 2021

First in Future: Power of Sports with Gabbi Cunningham, Hill Carrow and David Joyner

In this episode, we focus on the "Power of Sports" with guests David Joyner of the Rocky Mount Events Center, Hill Carrow of the 2027 World University Games and Gabbi Cunningham - NCSU Alum and 100M Hurdles Olympian. 

Jul 21, 2021

First in Future: Power of STEM with Peter Harries, Jamila Simpson and Thomas Redd

In this episode, we focus on the "Power of STEM" with guests Peter Harries - Dean of NCSU Graduate School, Jamila Simpson of NCSU College of Science and Thomas Redd of NC A&T State. 

Jul 7, 2021

First in Future: Power Of Historical Fiction with Carole Boston Weatherford, John Hood & A.J. Mayhew

In this episode, we focus on the "Power of Historical Fiction" with guests Carole Boston Weatherford, Author of “Freedom on The Menu”; John Hood, Author of “Freedom on The Menu”, and A.J. Mayhew, Author of “Tomorrow's Bread”. 

Jun 22, 2021

First in Future: Role of Counties in Recovery with Rep. Dean Arp & Kevin Leonard and Paige Worsham with the NCACC

In this episode, we focus on the "Role of Counties in Recovery" with guests Rep. Dean Arp, R-Union; Kevin Leonard, Exec. Dir. NCACC; Paige Worsham, Assoc. General Council, NCACC. Pandemic financial relief is coming from the federal government. We discuss about how do we make sure we use it wisely to make a full recovery, and possibly even come back stronger than we were before the pandemic?