Podcasts

Patients can no longer receive gender affirming care at UNC Health if they’re under the age of 19. This limit exceeds North Carolina state law, which only bans these treatments for minors — or those under 18. Now, doctors and patients at the Triangle’s largest health system are adapting to the new regulation.

Carolina Connection’s Alice Scott discusses the new restrictions with host Anthony Guerra-Flores.

UNC faculty have raised concerns about academic freedom and their rights after three new policies were implemented that change the rules on classroom procedure.

One policy, which allowed University administrators to record classrooms without instructor knowledge, was recently scrapped by the Chancellor after faculty pushback. Other policies remain in effect, including a new systemwide academic freedom policy, and a decision by UNC System President Peter Hans that declared syllabi to be public records.

Carolina Connection’s Alice Scott joined Anthony Guerra-Flores to discuss the controversies.

Henry Nicholls and Reyna Drake profile Joseph Terrell and his new viral anti-ICE song, “Genuine American Hero.” The song has almost four million views on TikTok. Terrell is a UNC alum and gained fame through his former band, Mipso. 

Henry, who talked with Joseph Terrell, discusses the song’s meaning, the intersection of folk music and political protest, and the importance of social media to the growth of protesting.

Emmy Berger and Maddie Policastro break down the buzz around UNC’s Beekeeping Club and its “Honey for Hunger Initiative.” The club processed and bottled more than 200 pounds of honey, and every dollar from sales goes straight to the Carolina Cupboard campus food pantry.

While tabling in the Pit, the beekeepers have already raised nearly six thousand dollars, and sales will keep rolling out over the next few weeks. 39)

Emmy headed straight to the hives for a closer look at the art of beekeeping. even suiting up to get a firsthand experience with the UNC bee colony tucked inside Battle Grove.

Disney is building a new residential community in Pittsboro called Asteria.

While it won’t be a theme park, Disney says the community will feature Disney branding and amenities run by Disney cast members, such as a wellness and recreation center, restaurant, and a community garden.

With home sales expected in 2027, the project is getting renewed focus from local officials … and from environmental groups.

On this edition of the Carolina Connection podcast, Brooks Stevenson joins host Maddie Policastro to talk about the reaction to Asteria.

On this edition of Carolina Cast, host Maddie Policastro and reporter Gracie Durham dive into the local club, the Chapel Hill Woodturners. The club operates out of a workshop on Old Greensboro Road, where we found that the group is doing more than just shaping wood … they’re building community, bringing together people from all walks of life to create, teach, and give back.

On the latest edition of the Carolina Connection podcast, Maddie Policastro and Marguerite Stouse dive into a new art installation in Raleigh’s Dix Park. Thomas Dambo and his massive wooden trolls have invaded the park, spreading their mission of sustainability and community through the Triangle. Dambo is an international recycled material artist and has recruited local volunteers in building these five wooden trolls.  Marguerite took to the park to understand the community Dambo fosters, and she got a first hand experience of what building these whimsical creatures looks like.