The Charlotte Ledger Podcast The Charlotte Ledger

Charlotte is a fast-growing city. And it's also one of the lowest-density major cities in the U.S. What are the implications of that? And what moves should Charlotte make to accommodate all these newcomers?
In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, we talk with Shannon Binns, executive director of Sustain Charlotte. It's a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for sustainable development and urban issues in the Charlotte region. Binns founded the nonprofit in 2010 with a focus on equitable growth, transportation diversity and community livability.
He and Ledger editor Tony Mecia discuss the city's transit plan, Charlotte's historic reliance on cars, changes in local land-use planning and more.
Today’s episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is sponsored by SouthPark Community Partners, an independent nonprofit organization whose mission is to lead SouthPark's advancement by driving economic vitality, creating memorable experiences, and ensuring an extraordinary quality of life.
The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is produced by Lindsey Banks.
For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.


Get full access to The Charlotte Ledger at charlotteledger.substack.com/subscribe

Aleksandra Degernes is the visionary founder of the Eastern European Business Network in Charlotte. Originally from Russia, Alexandra immigrated to the United States in 2013 and quickly recognized the need to unite and empower Eastern European professionals and entrepreneurs in her new community.
With a background in event production and a passion for fostering connections, Alexandra has led the Eastern European Business Network in providing invaluable resources, networking opportunities and advocacy for its members.
On this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Degernes discusses Charlotte’s growing Eastern European community, her personal journey of immigration to the United States and settling in Charlotte, and what it’s like being a Russian-American in the current geopolitical climate.
On May 30, 2024, The Eastern European Business Network is holding its first major event, called "The Power of Networking." You can find out more about the organization at eebn.org.
Today’s episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is sponsored by SouthPark Community Partners, an independent nonprofit organization whose mission is to lead SouthPark's advancement by driving economic vitality, creating memorable experiences, and ensuring an extraordinary quality of life.
This episode was hosted by Ledger executive editor Tony Mecia.
The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is produced by Lindsey Banks.
For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.


Get full access to The Charlotte Ledger at charlotteledger.substack.com/subscribe

Wegmans recently gave Charlotte some long-awaited news: that it’s opening its first store in the Charlotte region in 2026 in Ballantyne. But how did it choose the location? What can shoppers expect? And why is there such interest in a grocery store?
In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, The Ledger’s Cristina Bolling takes a closer look in a conversation with Hallie Johnston, Wegmans' North Carolina district manager. They discuss the store's features, why Ballantyne is a good fit and if Wegmans has plans to open more Charlotte locations in the future.
This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.
For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.


Get full access to The Charlotte Ledger at charlotteledger.substack.com/subscribe

Glenn Proctor is a certified professional coach, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, retired newspaper editor, mental health advocate and instructor, Marine Corps gunnery sergeant and a Vietnam veteran.
In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Proctor discusses how he uses his personal experiences to educate and support individuals and organizations in their understanding of mental health.
He talks with host Steve Dunn of Miles Mediation & Arbitration.
This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.
Today’s episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is sponsored by SouthPark Community Partners, an independent nonprofit organization whose mission is to lead SouthPark's advancement by driving economic vitality, creating memorable experiences, and ensuring an extraordinary quality of life.
For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com. This episode is part of a series in which we interview winners of The Charlotte Ledger 40 Over 40 Awards, which honor people aged 40+ who are making our community a better place. Find out information about those awards at Ledger40Over40.com.


Get full access to The Charlotte Ledger at charlotteledger.substack.com/subscribe

Bob Durkin is the co-founder of Southern Entertainment, a Charlotte-based events and production company that's put on over 500 live music events around the country. Durkin and his business partner, Rob Pedlow, got their start in Charlotte by owning bars in uptown like Dixie’s Tavern.
Durkin and his team are gearing up for the first Lovin’ Life Music Festival, a weekend-long, all-genre music festival in the First Ward neighborhood in uptown Charlotte from May 3 to May 5, 2024. Over 40 artists will take one of the festival’s three stages, including big names like Post Malone, Stevie Nicks, Noah Kahan, DaBaby and the Beach Boys.
In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Durkin shares the origins of Southern Entertainment and Lovin' Life Music Fest, what it's been like planning the festival, and its impact on Charlotte's economy and local music scene.
For more information on Southern Entertainment and Lovin' Life Music Fest, visit SouthernEntertainment.com.
Today’s episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is sponsored by SouthPark Community Partners, an independent nonprofit organization whose mission is to lead SouthPark's advancement by driving economic vitality, creating memorable experiences, and ensuring an extraordinary quality of life.
This podcast was hosted and produced by Ledger staff writer Lindsey Banks.
For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com.


Get full access to The Charlotte Ledger at charlotteledger.substack.com/subscribe

Emily Harry is a co-founder of Baby Bundles, a nonprofit organization in Charlotte that provides essential items to mothers in need as they leave the hospital with their newborns. Harry founded the nonprofit alongside Heather Leavitt and Cat Long 11 years ago to honor the babies that they each lost.
Baby Bundles offers bags filled with necessities like clothing, blankets, books, and toys, aiming to alleviate stress for new moms who may not have had a baby shower.
In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Harry discusses the process of assembling Baby Bundles, the nonprofit's commitment to its core mission and avoiding mission creep and her perspective on Charlotte.
She talks with host Steve Dunn of Miles Mediation & Arbitration.
This podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.
For more information about The Charlotte Ledger, or to sign up for our newsletters, visit TheCharlotteLedger.com. This episode is part of a series in which we interview winners of The Charlotte Ledger 40 Over 40 Awards, which honor people aged 40+ who are making our community a better place. Find out information about those awards at Ledger40Over40.com.


Get full access to The Charlotte Ledger at charlotteledger.substack.com/subscribe