K-Town Connection

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Chris Hughes & Ryan Dayvault take you on a journey through their hometown, Kannapolis, N.C. with the K-Town Connection Podcast. This show will keep you up to date with the latest happenings from Downtown Kannapolis and the entire Kannapolis community, they'll inform you, but this show will also entertain you and certainly make you laugh with a little ROUGH TALK and old-school humor! Joined by broadcasting legend, Chuck "Dr. Dave from Z-100" Irvin and David Steele, we are your one stop shop for all things Kannapolis! 

  1. 5d ago

    Lady Wonder Champions: 25 Years Later with Doug Wilson, Elise Stanback & Betina Brown | EP 85

    Coach Doug Wilson, Elise Stanback, and Betina Brown reunite on K-Town Connection to celebrate 25 years since the A.L. Brown Lady Wonders’ 2001 conference tournament championship—a memorable chapter in Kannapolis basketball history. Before the championship came tough losses, demanding practices, and a team determined to get better. Coach Wilson recalls rebuilding the program, while Elise and Betina share how trust, accountability, and friendships helped turn those early struggles into a championship run. From learning to play together to challenging each other to take the next shot, these Lady Wonders explain what it took to win—and why their bond has lasted long after their final game. The conversation revisits the tournament run, the championship victory over West Rowan, and a dramatic playoff finish that brought the gym to life. The group also remembers devoted supporter Basil Adams, whose encouragement, newspaper clippings, and constant presence made a lasting impression. His story is a reminder of how much it matters to show up for young people, whether the scoreboard is in their favor or not. Through laughter and heartfelt reflections, Elise and Betina thank Coach Wilson for lessons that reached far beyond basketball. It’s a reunion about perseverance, mentorship, and the community pride that makes being a Wonder something you carry for life. Filmed at the Historic Dayvault’s Dyno Garage in Kannapolis, North Carolina, with the #RoughTalkCousins Chris Hughes and Ryan Dayvault. Chuck “Dr. Dave” Irvin and David Steele were off this week—and we send a happy birthday shout-out to Dr. Dave! Were you in the stands, on the team, or walking the halls of A.L. Brown in 2001? Share your Lady Wonders memories in the comments, send this episode to a former teammate or classmate, and subscribe to K-Town Connection for more stories celebrating our hometown.

  2. Oct 29

    Dale Earnhardt Called Him “Shaky” | Frankie DeFeo | EP 84

    Frankie DeFeo joins K-Town Connection to remember his longtime friend Dale Earnhardt—the Kannapolis legend who affectionately nicknamed him “Shaky.” Through laughter, tears, and personal stories, Frankie shares how a NASCAR fan from New Jersey became part of Dale’s world and found a friendship that changed his life. From meeting Dale at the Waldorf Astoria to getting garage passes at Dover and eventually moving south to work with Sports Image, Frankie takes us back to the moments that made it all feel possible. Hear the story behind “Shaky,” a jelly-donut run involving Dale’s racing uniform, and the practical jokes that revealed the playful side of the Intimidator. The conversation also explores Frankie’s model-car creations, his connection with NASCAR artist Sam Bass, memories of the souvenir business and QVC, and the pride of being welcomed by the people behind the No. 3. Along the way, the crew remembers unforgettable moments at Daytona and Talladega, while Ryan shares the story of a birthday phone call from Dale. Frankie also reflects on losing his friend and what it means to finally sit down and share these memories in a place dedicated to preserving them. For Kannapolis and Earnhardt fans everywhere, this episode offers a personal look at the man behind the racing legend—and the friendships that keep his memory close. Filmed at the Historic Dayvault’s Dyno Garage in Kannapolis, North Carolina, with the #RoughTalkCousins Chris Hughes and Ryan Dayvault, along with Chuck “Dr. Dave” Irvin and David Steele. What’s your favorite Dale Earnhardt memory? Tell us in the comments, share this episode with a fellow No. 3 fan, and subscribe to K-Town Connection as we preserve the stories and people who make Kannapolis special. Three for Dale.

  3. Oct 26

    Serving Veterans Around Kannapolis: Rich Todaro & PJ Threatt | EP 83

    Rich Todaro and PJ Threatt join K-Town Connection to share the mission behind Battle-Scarred Outdoors, a nonprofit bringing veterans, active-duty military, and first responders together through outdoor experiences and friendship. It’s a conversation about service, community, and the people around Kannapolis and Cabarrus County helping make a difference. What began with taking a veteran into the woods grew into a mission to give others that same opportunity for connection. Rich and PJ share stories from hunting trips, fishing outings, and evenings around the campfire, where conversations turn into friendships that last long after everyone heads home. They discuss the unseen burdens people can carry after serving, the importance of listening, and why making someone feel welcome matters. They also explain how volunteers, sponsors, local businesses, and landowners help make these experiences possible at no cost to participants—from providing meals and equipment to helping with transportation and places to hunt. There’s plenty of the familiar garage humor along the way, but the heart of this episode is simple: showing up for the people who have shown up for others. Chris Hughes couldn’t be in the garage for this one, but he leaves a few messages at the beginning before Ryan Dayvault, Chuck “Dr. Dave” Irvin, and David Steele take it from there. Filmed at the Historic Dayvault’s Dyno Garage in Kannapolis, North Carolina—home of K-Town Connection and the #RoughTalkCousins. To learn about participating, volunteering, donating, or offering access to land, look for Battle-Scarred Outdoors on Facebook and connect with their team. Share this episode with a veteran, first responder, or neighbor who should hear their story. Leave a word of thanks in the comments, and subscribe to K-Town Connection for more conversations with the people making a difference in our community.

  4. Oct 17

    Kannapolis Sweet Street: Charlie Barber & Rhonda Barber | EP 82

    Charlie Barber and Rhonda Barber join the K-Town Connection to share the story behind Sweet Street, the Halloween gathering that brings thousands of children and families to downtown Kannapolis. Through Outside the Lines Ministry, they’re bringing neighbors together and showing what it means to care for a community. It started in 2015 with a phone call and a simple idea: create a place for families to come trick-or-treating together. In this episode, Charlie and Rhonda describe how Sweet Street grew into an event that welcomed approximately 12,000 people—including children, families, and vendors—at the previous year’s gathering. Behind the candy, music, and smiling faces are months of planning, generous local businesses, churches, sponsors, and a small but mighty team. The Barbers share what it takes to bring it all together and why welcoming people from every background matters to them. Their work continues long after the candy is gone. Hear how their ministry reaches beyond church walls, hosts community events, and connects faith partners with needs among students and staff at Kannapolis City Schools. Rhonda also shares her book, Best Protector Ever. Sweet Street October 31 • 5–8 p.m. Downtown Kannapolis, on the research campus Rain or shine Filmed in the Historic Dayvault’s Dyno Garage with the #RoughTalkCousins Chris Hughes and Ryan Dayvault, along with Chuck “Dr. Dave” Irvin and David Steele. Have a favorite Sweet Street memory? Share it in the comments, send this episode to a Kannapolis neighbor, and subscribe to K-Town Connection for more stories from the people who make our community special.

  5. Oct 14

    CARDIACS Sponsors Sam Mayer’s No. 41: Charlotte Race Weekend Recap | K-Town Connection 81

    After taking viewers into the Charlotte Motor Speedway garage in Episode 80, K-Town Connection brings the story home for Episode 81. Recorded at the Historic Dayvault’s Dyno Garage in Kannapolis, the #RoughTalkCousins—Ryan Dayvault and Chris Hughes—join Chuck “Dr. Dave” Irvin and David Steele to welcome brothers Jonny and Jeff Cannon of CARDIACS Sports & Memorabilia. Together, they recap the weekend CARDIACS served as primary sponsor of Sam Mayer’s No. 41 Haas Factory Team Chevrolet in the Blue Cross NC 300, a NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race. The pink No. 41 carried a piece of Kannapolis racing history. Its design honored the 1956 K-2 Ford Victoria that Dale Earnhardt drove in his first NASCAR race at age 19, complete with the Dayvault Tune-Up & Brake Service name. For the Cannon and Dayvault families, seeing that familiar pink car and family name return to the track made this sponsorship deeply personal. Jonny and Jeff explain how an idea raised on the ride home from a race grew into months of planning. They recall the work behind the paint scheme, the team’s enthusiasm for its throwback crew uniforms, and the family and friends who gathered to share the experience. Weather changed the plans: the Blue Cross NC 300 moved from Saturday, October 10, to Sunday night, October 11, after rain canceled practice and qualifying. Once the race began, Mayer gave the group plenty to cheer about. He started fifth, finished third in Stage 1 and fourth in Stage 2, and climbed as high as second in the final stage. A flat tire in the closing laps left the No. 41 in 24th place. Everyone revisited the excitement of watching the car run near the front under the lights and the emotion of seeing their Kannapolis tribute on a national stage. Their father, Wayne Cannon, was part of the the studio audience during the conversation as the brothers reflect on the weekend, CARDIACS’ stores in downtown Kannapolis and Apex, and the shirts, hats and diecast collectibles connected to the car. It’s a conversation about racing, family and the hometown relationships that brought this tribute to life. Do you remember Dale Earnhardt’s pink K-2 car, or did you spot Sam Mayer’s No. 41 at Charlotte? Share your memory in the comments and join us for Episode 81.

  6. Oct 9

    Sam Mayer & Dale Earnhardt’s #41 K-2 Tribute Car | Jonny Cannon & CARDIACS Sports & Memorabilia Ep80

    Jonny Cannon of CARDIACS Sports & Memorabilia is helping bring a piece of Kannapolis racing history back to Charlotte Motor Speedway. In this special trackside episode of K-Town Connection, Sam Mayer’s No. 41 Haas Factory Team Chevrolet wears pink in tribute to K-2, the car Dale Earnhardt drove early in his NASCAR career, with the Dayvault Tune-Up & Brake Service name on its side. RoughTalkCousins Chris Hughes and Ryan Dayvault walk through the garage, watch the car head toward inspection, and share why this tribute means so much to the Cannon and Dayvault families. It’s a proud connection between Kannapolis, the Earnhardt legacy, and a new generation of racing. David Steele and Chuck Irvin will rejoin the team when K-Town Connection returns to the studio for its fall season premiere. Recorded at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Hosts: Chris Hughes and Ryan Dayvault Do you remember the original pink K-2 car or Dale Earnhardt’s Kannapolis roots? Share your story in the comments, and subscribe for more K-Town connections.

  7. Oct 6

    Dawn Evans Built Editions Bookstore into a Kannapolis Community Hub | EP 69

    Dawn Evans, owner of Editions Bookstore & Coffee Shop, joins K-Town Connection to share how she helped build a real community hub in downtown Kannapolis starting in 2017 — before the full revitalization boom. From volunteering with Kannapolis Arts and the downtown group, to opening a bookstore and coffee shop on Main Street, expanding into yarn, surviving COVID with a drive-thru, and hosting book crawls, author events, and thousands of visitors, Dawn talks about what it takes to create a welcoming space that locals and out-of-towners keep coming back to. Stop by Editions Bookstore & Coffee Shop in downtown Kannapolis for books, coffee, local authors, yarn, and a genuine community gathering spot. Tell them the cousins at K-Town Connection sent you. Filmed at the historic Dayvault’s Dyno Tune-Up & Brake Service Garage in Kannapolis. 📍 Dayvault’s Garage – Kannapolis, NC 🎙️ Hosted by Chris Hughes & David Steele (filling in for Ryan Dayvault) Chapters: 00:00 Cold Open / Hilbish Ford 00:35 Rain Banter, Missing Hosts & Baby Updates 03:53 Welcome to EP 69 – Chris Hughes & David Steele 05:00 Meet Dawn Evans of Editions Bookstore & Coffee Shop 05:39 Opening Editions in Downtown Kannapolis in 2017 07:24 Taking a Chance on Main Street Before the Revitalization Boom 08:41 Drive-Thru, COVID Survival & Nine Years Later 12:47 From Used Books to New Books, Gifts & Local Art 13:18 Building the Yarn Shop by Hand 15:18 Bucky Covington, Local Energy & Foot Traffic 20:24 Book Crawls Drawing Thousands from Across the Region 22:11 Why Dawn Chose Kannapolis After Houston 29:38 Favorite Books & Author Stories 31:13 Sponsored Authors, Onyx Storm Event & Big Releases 34:41 Editions as a True Downtown Kannapolis Anchor 35:40 Knit Nights, Partnerships & Community Space 37:25 Closing Thanks with Dawn Evans 38:51 Carolina Pickleball Club + Outro Like, subscribe, and keep supporting the people and places that make Kannapolis home.

  8. Oct 6

    Erin Connor & Erica Earnhardt-Wilson of Spilling the Southern Tea | Kannapolis Businesses | EP 70

    Erin Connor & Erica Earnhardt-Wilson of Spilling the Southern Tea join Ryan Dayvault (back from twins duty!), Chris Hughes, and Chuck “Dr. Dave” Irvin for Episode 70 of the K-Town Connection. Filmed at the historic Dayvault’s Dyno Garage in Kannapolis, the ladies share how their popular social media brand started in a local coffee shop and grew into a platform highlighting restaurants, small businesses, events, and hidden gems across Kannapolis and Cabarrus County. From positive promotion (never harsh reviews) to the real power of social media for local owners, this episode is packed with community pride, laughs, and local history. Ryan also gives an update on life as a new father of twin girls and the incredible support the family received from the Kannapolis community. Plus stories from The Pub, favorite local spots, and plenty of K-Town nostalgia. Follow Spilling the Southern Tea: Facebook: Spilling the Southern Tea Instagram: @spillingthesoutherntea TikTok: @spillingthesoutherntea 00:00 Cold Open – Carolina Pickleball Club 00:32 Welcome to Episode 70 & Ryan Dayvault Returns 02:10 Fatherhood, Twins & Kannapolis Community Support 05:50 Theme Song & Re-Intro at Dayvault’s Garage 06:36 Meet Erin Connor & Erica Earnhardt-Wilson 08:00 How Spilling the Southern Tea Began at Addition’s Coffee Shop 10:45 Showcasing Kannapolis Restaurants & Small Businesses 14:15 The Power of Positive Social Media Marketing 17:30 Preserving Local History Through Digital Storytelling 19:18 Stories from The Pub & Dayvault Family Roots 25:00 Local Favorites, Downtown Events & Hidden Gems 32:00 Jalapeño Poppers, Pickled Eggs & Pub Nostalgia 34:37 How to Find Spilling the Southern Tea Online 36:30 Closing Thanks & Banter 38:45 Episode Wrap-Up 39:17 Hilbish Ford – Your Cabarrus County Destination Guests: Erin Connor – Spilling the Southern Tea Erica Earnhardt-Wilson – Spilling the Southern Tea Hosted by: Chris Hughes Ryan Dayvault Chuck “Dr. Dave” Irvin Filmed at the Historic Dayvault’s Dyno Garage – Kannapolis, NC Watch, share, and support the local businesses that make Kannapolis special. Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode of the K-Town Connection! #Kannapolis #SpillingTheSouthernTea #KTownConnection #CabarrusCounty #SupportLocal

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About

Chris Hughes & Ryan Dayvault take you on a journey through their hometown, Kannapolis, N.C. with the K-Town Connection Podcast. This show will keep you up to date with the latest happenings from Downtown Kannapolis and the entire Kannapolis community, they'll inform you, but this show will also entertain you and certainly make you laugh with a little ROUGH TALK and old-school humor! Joined by broadcasting legend, Chuck "Dr. Dave from Z-100" Irvin and David Steele, we are your one stop shop for all things Kannapolis! 

Information

  • Creator
    ktownconnection
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    K-Town Connection