164 episodes

In this weekly series, Chris Lea (WRAL-TV) and Dennis Cox (99.9 The Fan) interview famed sports figures, entertainers and pop-culture icons about their love of and contributions to the North Carolina sports culture and the state's large, sometimes over-looked, impact on the national sports scene. Culture State instills pride in natives, residents and fans in what’s produced or influenced by our state, while also generating intriguing continuing fan conversations and water-cooler moment laughs. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @CultureStatePod @ChrisLeaTV (Chris Lea) @TheFanRookie (Dennis Cox)

Culture State Capitol Broadcasting

    • Sports
    • 5.0 • 35 Ratings

In this weekly series, Chris Lea (WRAL-TV) and Dennis Cox (99.9 The Fan) interview famed sports figures, entertainers and pop-culture icons about their love of and contributions to the North Carolina sports culture and the state's large, sometimes over-looked, impact on the national sports scene. Culture State instills pride in natives, residents and fans in what’s produced or influenced by our state, while also generating intriguing continuing fan conversations and water-cooler moment laughs. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @CultureStatePod @ChrisLeaTV (Chris Lea) @TheFanRookie (Dennis Cox)

    People were hating on the Carolina Hurricanes for their moves at the trade deadline, but it worked out for the better

    People were hating on the Carolina Hurricanes for their moves at the trade deadline, but it worked out for the better

    The Carolina Hurricanes are moving on to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs after a 2-1 overtime win over the New York Islanders. Remember when fans weren't happy over the lack of production from the Canes at the trade deadline? Chris and Dennis remember. They break down how other teams have failed in the playoffs despite the players they acquired at the deadline, and how the Canes are doing just fine. 

    • 23 min
    Bryce Young officially introduced as a Carolina Panthers

    Bryce Young officially introduced as a Carolina Panthers

    Yesterday afternoon, the Carolina Panthers held their introductory press conference at Bank of America Stadium for the first overall pick, Bryce Young. Some of the topics he addressed were earning the locker room's respect immediately, his relationship with the second overall player drafted, CJ Stroud, and whether or not he'll wearing the No. 9 in Carolina. One quarterback already wearing the No. 9 is Matt Corral who didn't seem too pleased on Thursday night during the draft.

    Also, the Panthers selected an edge rusher from Oregon, DJ Johnson with the 80th pick last night after a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Paul Ihander, brand manager and program director of 99.9 The Fan, and University of Oregon graduate backs up the prosecutor when it comes to the pick.  

    • 13 min
    Trading in that sweet home Alabama for some sweet home Carolina

    Trading in that sweet home Alabama for some sweet home Carolina

    Bryce Young was the number one guy for the Carolina Panthers with their first overall pick. In honor of Bryce's birthday year which is 2001, Chris and Dennis recap the Panthers' draft history in 2001 and what they went on to accomplish that season. Apparently, Panthers great Steve Smith is a Carolina Panthers expert. He called it when it came to the Panthers selecting Mingo Johnson in the second round of the draft last night. 

    Also, Culture State producer Graham Hill admits that even though he's grown up in the state of North Carolina his entire life, he's never taken an interest in the Panthers until now due to the off-season excitement. 

    • 23 min
    Canes move past the Islanders and are heading to the 2nd round; Bryce Young is officially the guy

    Canes move past the Islanders and are heading to the 2nd round; Bryce Young is officially the guy

    Paul Stastny's overtime goal gave the Carolina Hurricanes a 2-1 victory in game six over the New York Islanders and the Canes are now moving on to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. They'll now await the winner of the New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers series. Also, with the first overall pick in the NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers selected Bryce Young. The Panthers held their introductory press conference yesterday to introduce the quarterback. 

    • 23 min
    Kenan Stadium set to host international "football"

    Kenan Stadium set to host international "football"

    History will be made at the Kenan Memorial Stadium on July 19th, as the home of North Carolina's football team will host a different kind of football. Wrexham AFC will meet Chelsea in an international friendly as part of the 2023 FC Series. This will mark the first-ever meeting between the two clubs at a natural site. UNC women's soccer head Anson Dorrance describes the significance of an event like this coming to the campus of North Carolina and the program's success during his tenure.

    Also, in honor of the NFL Draft taking place this week, Chris, Dennis, and Graham hold their own draft in regard to North Carolina sports figures. 

    • 27 min
    Do the Canes have the Islanders right where they want them?

    Do the Canes have the Islanders right where they want them?

    After the Carolina Hurricanes' 5-1 loss to the New York Islanders in Game 3, do the Canes actually have the Islanders in a position they want them to be in? They can win Game 4 tomorrow, return to Raleigh on Tuesday for Game 5, and clinch the series in front of their home crowd. Hanna Yates, Hurricanes Bally Sports South host/reporter discusses the team's strategy moving forward in the remainder of this series. 

    Also, now that we've finally reached the week of the 2023 NFL Draft, is it safe to say that the Carolina Panthers know that they're picking Bryce Young with the first overall pick?

    • 20 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
35 Ratings

35 Ratings

MrReal4Real ,

Carolina’s Finest!

Love the show! Great crew with great chemistry making great content!!! Thank you for bringing attention the rich history of the state.

KDH0324 ,

Worth a Ric Flair Woooooo

Love this podcast. Chris and Dennis do an incredible job sharing stories from across NC and love their coverage of our state that sometimes doesn’t get the highlight it deserves. Great listen and one of my favorite podcasts.

CWT302 ,

North Carolina is full of amazing stories, and Culture State is telling them.

Hosts Chris Lea and Dennis Cox bring in guests that tell the story of North Carolina from a variety of perspectives. Much as WRAL’s Tar Heel Traveler explores the “where” of the state, Culture State examines the “who” of figures in sports, music and more that contribute to the culture of NC. The hosts’ talent, relationship, and interview style is well suited for the podcast format and audience, and this is a must listen for those connected to the state.

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