K-Town Connection

ktownconnection

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! 

Episodes

  1. 1d ago

    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.

  2. 4d ago

    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.

  3. 4d ago

    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

  4. 4d ago

    Steve Post & Steve Gantt: NASCAR Broadcasting Legends & Kannapolis Roots | EP 71

    Steve Post (Motor Racing Network / Charlotte Motor Speedway) and Kannapolis motorsports historian Steve Gantt join the Rough Talk Cousins for a deep dive into NASCAR broadcasting history, local racing roots, and the future of the sport — all from Historic Dayvault’s Dyno Garage in K-Town. This episode also marks the official debut of Big Dave’s SportsCenter with David Steele joining the team full-time. Steve Post shares his journey from a young fan in Pennsylvania listening to races on a transistor radio to becoming one of the most recognizable voices in motorsports. He reflects on lessons from legendary broadcasters Barney Hall, Ken Squier, and Eli Gold, plus behind-the-scenes stories from decades on pit road and the charter flights. The conversation pays tribute to two recently lost icons — Ned Jarrett and Kyle Busch — including Jarrett’s strong Kannapolis connections through local mechanics, race teams, and community history. The group also covers the evolution of NASCAR, the next wave of talent coming through Millbridge Speedway, and why Kannapolis remains one of racing’s most important hometowns. Chapters: 0:00 Cold Open / Hilbish Ford 0:36 Welcome to Historic Dayvault’s Garage – Full House 1:56 Big Dave’s SportsCenter Debuts 6:32 Episode 71 – Introducing Steve Post & Steve Gantt 7:30 How the Two Steves Met at Concord Motorsport Park 11:30 Steve Post’s Journey from Pennsylvania to the Booth 15:00 Kannapolis Racing Roots & Local TV Memories 18:40 Path to Motor Racing Network 20:30 Lessons from Barney Hall, Ken Squier & Eli Gold 29:00 Flying with Barney Hall & Garage Ethics 34:30 Remembering Gentleman Ned Jarrett 39:30 Kyle Busch Memories & Lasting Impact 44:20 Next Generation at Millbridge Speedway 52:00 Kannapolis Pride & Community Connections 56:19 Pit Road Pickleball & Funny Road Stories 59:00 Closing Thanks 1:00:03 Episode 71 in the Books + Carolina Pickleball Club Hosts: Chris Hughes, Ryan Dayvault, Chuck “Dr. Dave” Irvin & David Steele 📍 Recorded at Historic Dayvault’s Dyno Garage – Kannapolis, NC If you love NASCAR history, Kannapolis stories, and conversations with the people who shaped the sport, this one’s for you. Like, subscribe, and share with a fellow racing fan. Follow K-Town Connection on all platforms and visit ktownconnection.com.

  5. 4d ago

    Future K-Town Hosts? Ava & Aubree Dayvault (The K2 Twins) Debut | EP 72

    Ava & Aubree Dayvault (the K2 Twins) make their official K-Town Connection debut! In this special mini-episode filmed at Historic Dayvault’s Dyno Garage in Kannapolis, Ryan Dayvault brings his two-month-old twin daughters to the set for the first time. Sporting custom K-Town Connection onesies, Ava and Aubree join the crew for a lighthearted Father’s Day episode full of firsts, laughs, and pure K-Town pride. Cousin Chris Hughes gets his first hold of Aubree (he held Ava the night she was born), the guys talk future hot seats, and Ryan proves he’s already a sub-minute diaper-changing expert. At just over nine pounds each and two minutes apart, the girls already feel right at home in the garage. 00:00 Theme Song – K-Town Strong 02:05 Cold Open & Little Features for Little People 02:48 Meet the K2 Twins – Ava & Aubree Dayvault 05:10 Two Months Old, Family Stories & Telling Them Apart 09:00 Diaper Changing Expert & Garage Laughs 12:30 Happy Father’s Day Closing 13:50 Sponsors – Hilbish Ford + Carolina Pickleball Club 📍 Filmed at Historic Dayvault’s Dyno Tune-Up & Brake Service Garage in Kannapolis, NC 🎙️ Featuring: Chris Hughes • Ryan Dayvault • Chuck “Dr. Dave” Irvin • David Steele If you love local Kannapolis stories, mill-town roots, and real community connection, hit subscribe and turn on notifications. The next generation of K-Town is already in the building. #KTownConnection #Kannapolis #Dayvault #K2Twins

  6. 4d ago

    K-Town Connection Ep. 78: Pizza For Good

    In Episode 78, the K-Town Connection Crew paid a visit to Corner Crust Pizza to learn how they’re using pizza to make a difference in the fight against pediatric cancer. This short but powerful episode highlights a great local business supporting an even greater cause. Watch the show, then make a trip to Corner Crust Pizza this month, enjoy a slice, and help support the cause. Local pizza. Local people. A meaningful impact.

  7. 4d ago

    What’s Cooking at Provisions on Main? Kenny Blake & Anna-Claire Blake | EP 79

    We’re on scene in Kannapolis’ Midway neighborhood for EP 79! Ryan and David sit down with Kenny and Anna-Claire Blake at Provisions on Main Market & Deli to talk about sandwiches, local makers, and their hope to create a place where neighbors gather. Chris is behind the camera—and John the Food Critic makes a surprise appearance when the food comes out. There’s a little Midway history in the conversation, too. Watch EP 79 here on K-Town Connection. What’s your go-to deli sandwich?

  8. 4d ago

    Hollywood Comes to Kannapolis: Benjamin McGuire & Joanne Hock on the Charles Cannon Doc | EP 76

    Benjamin McGuire — the man who helped get K-Town Connection off the ground from Episode 1 — finally steps in front of the camera, bringing acclaimed Charlotte director Joanne Hock with him. Joanne Hock — directed the Charles Cannon documentary that played at the historic Gem Theater, and the conversation dives deep into Kannapolis mill history, local preservation, antique radios, and the stories that still shape this town. Cannon Documentary: https://vimeo.com/288776924 Wednesdays at the Gem Theatre Tease:  https://vimeo.com/1062072136 DISCONNECTED tease: https://vimeo.com/1217477241 📍 Filmed at Historic Dayvault’s Dyno Tune-Up & Brake Service Garage in Kannapolis, North Carolina 🎙️ Hosted by the #RoughTalkCousins Chris Hughes & Ryan Dayvault, along with Chuck “Dr. Dave” Irvin Special Guests: Benjamin McGuire & Joanne Hock 0:00 – Cold Open: Mayberry Vibes, Episode 76 Confirmation & Local Updates 4:50 – Heart of the K-Town Connection 6:28 – Welcome to Episode 76 at Dayvault’s Garage 7:18 – Benjamin McGuire: The Man Who Made This Show Possible 7:46 – Introducing Director Joanne Hock 9:25 – Joanne's Journey & the Early Days of K-Town Connection 12:59 – Joanne Directed the Charles Cannon Documentary at the Gem Theater 17:17 – Joanne’s Family Roots in Film Exhibition & Super 8 25:08 – Deeper into the Cannon Documentary & Local Stories 29:50 – The Miracle That the Gem Theater Survived 31:41 – Radio Station History Next to the Gem Theater 47:10 – Joanne’s Current Project: Screens, Kids & Addiction 54:52 – Ron’s Restored Whataburger Menu Board from Concord 1:01:07 – Ryan's Antique Radios & Harold Holbrook of Kannapolis 1:03:40 – Closing Thoughts + Benjamin gives a shout-out to Doctor Dave 1:05:01 – Carolina Pickleball Club If you love Kannapolis history, the mills, the Gem Theater, or just the people who quietly keep this town’s stories alive, this one’s for you. Share it with someone who still remembers when the whistle blew. Watch more local legends: https://www.youtube.com/@KTownConnection Website: https://ktownconnection.com/

  9. Aug 10

    Hardee’s Biscuits Got Him Inside the Mills: Chad Mitchell’s Untold Story | Ep 75

    In Episode 75 of the K-Town Connection, lifelong Kannapolis photographer and artist Chad Mitchell opens his archive of more than 25,000 photographs that document the demolition of Cannon Mills — the place that built this town. As the massive mill complex disappeared, Chad decided someone had to record what was being lost. What began as a personal mission became one of the most important visual records of Kannapolis history ever created. He takes us inside the abandoned buildings, shares how he gained access (Hardee’s biscuits helped), and reveals the stories behind some of his most powerful images — including the fall of the iconic water tower, a once-in-a-lifetime balloon ride over the complex, and the unforgettable photograph of his late father standing in the partially demolished mill, looking out at the rubble of the place where he had worked for decades. Chad also looks back at an incredible creative career that includes photographing Appalachian State football during its national championship years, serving as team photographer for Kannapolis professional baseball, working with NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity program, and creating artwork connected to Dale Earnhardt. His guiding philosophy has always been simple: Tell as much of the story as possible in one shutter click. Today, as a new generation grows up in a Kannapolis that looks nothing like the mill town their parents and grandparents knew, these photographs have become even more valuable. They don’t just preserve buildings — they preserve the people, the work, the memories, and the identity of a community that was forever changed. This episode is exactly what the K-Town Connection is about: preserving Kannapolis history by telling the stories of the people who lived it. 📸 Browse and purchase Chad’s photography and artwork: ChadMitchell.com 📍 Filmed at Historic Dayvault’s Dyno Tune-Up & Brake Service Garage in Kannapolis, North Carolina 🎙️ Hosted by the #RoughTalkCousins Chris Hughes & Ryan Dayvault, along with Chuck “Dr. Dave” Irvin and David Steele Chapters 0:00 – Intro & Local Updates 5:32 – Welcome to Episode 75 5:52 – Introducing Chad Mitchell 7:02 – Growing Up in Kannapolis 12:00 – How Chad Began Documenting the Mills 14:00 – Getting Access with Hardee’s Biscuits 17:18 – Inside the Abandoned Mill Buildings 19:24 – Over 25,000 Photographs 25:10 – The Darkest Place in the Mill 27:20 – “Lifeline” – The Railroad Light Painting 37:15 – Where to See & Buy the Photos 38:21 – Kiln-Dried Maple Floors & the Sign 39:49 – Baseball Photography Years 43:45 – The Dale Earnhardt Artwork 46:06 – The “Quality Work Means Job Security” Sign 53:45 – The Balloon Ride Over Cannon Mills 56:15 – The Photograph of Chad’s Father 59:48 – Closing Thoughts & Thank You

  10. Jul 10

    Lu Graham: How One Band Director Changed Generations in Kannapolis | EP 74

    Lu Graham spent 32 years building one of North Carolina’s most respected high school band programs — the legendary Big Green Machine at A.L. Brown. In this special episode of the K-Town Connection, the #RoughTalkCousins sit down with the retired band director at Historic Dayvault’s Garage to hear the stories behind the music, the mentorship, and the lasting impact she left on generations of Kannapolis students. From recruiting kids in elementary school to leading performances across the country, Lu shares what it took to create a program that became a source of pride for the entire community. Former student David Steele also joins the conversation with personal memories from his time in the Big Green Machine. 📍 Filmed at Historic Dayvault’s Dyno Tune-Up & Brake Service Garage in Kannapolis, NC 🎙️ Hosted by Chris Hughes, Ryan Dayvault, Chuck “Dr. Dave” Irvin & David Steele Chapters: 0:00 – Cold Open 9:47 – Welcome to the Show 12:50 – Introducing Lu Graham 13:24 – Salisbury Roots & Early Influences 16:18 – Kentucky Years & Path to Kannapolis 20:13 – Arriving at A.L. Brown in 1984 25:16 – Fundraising the Big Green Machine 30:11 – Tours, Parades & Big Performances 35:42 – Uniforms, Glowworms & Show Design 39:41 – The Joy of Teaching Beginners 46:09 – Building Camaraderie & Student Impact 54:57 – Mickey Driver Stories 1:00:46 – Closing Reflections If you marched with the Big Green Machine, had a family member in the band, or just love Kannapolis history, this one’s for you. Like, subscribe, and share to help us keep telling the stories that made our town special.

  11. Jul 1

    🇺🇸 Chris Hughes, Ryan Dayvault & Chuck “Dr. Dave” Irvin Celebrate the 4th in Kannapolis | EP 73 🇺🇸

    Happy 4th of July from Kannapolis! The Rough Talk Cousins Chris Hughes & Ryan Dayvault, Chuck “Dr. Dave” Irvin, and David Steele (Big Dave) celebrate Independence Day with a special holiday episode from Historic Dayvault’s Dyno Tune-Up & Brake Service Garage. We’re talking all things Fourth of July — fireworks, parades, festivals, and local events happening across Kannapolis, Faith, Harrisburg, and beyond. Dr. Dave delivers the official scorcher forecast, the guys settle the great burnt-hot-dog debate, share Lake Norman plans, run down the big Faith lineup (Veterans Parade, The Tones, Andy and Onita Band), and dig into classic racing memories including go-kart battles, a near-dead-heat with Ron, and the legendary takeout of Mount Pleasant Mayor Dale Udy. As America celebrates 250 years, we wish everyone a safe and happy Fourth of July. Thank you to all the men and women who have served our country and continue to protect the freedoms we enjoy every day. Recorded live at Dayvault’s Garage in Kannapolis, NC. Hosts: Chris Hughes & Ryan Dayvault (The Rough Talk Cousins) K-Town News & Weather: Chuck “Dr. Dave” Irvin Big Dave: David Steele Chapters: 00:00 Cold Open / Hilbish Ford Sponsor 00:56 K-Town Theme Song – Mill Town Pride 02:34 Show Open: Rough Talk Cousins + Chuck “Dr. Dave” Irvin 03:13 Burnt Hot Dogs & Summer Vibes 03:32 Dr. Dave’s Scorching July 4th Forecast 03:55 Boat Plans on Lake Norman 07:08 Area Fireworks & Events Roundup 10:25 What’s Happening in Faith, NC 12:01 The Tones, Veterans Parade & Andy and Onita Band 14:46 Remembering Doug Winstead & Life on the Road 18:00 Tribute Bands: Tim McGraw & Aerosmith Covers 22:02 The Embers & More Local Music 27:15 Go-Kart Racing Stories from the Track House 31:44 Co-Winners with Ron – Competitive Legends 33:26 Taking Out Mayor Dale Udy 35:03 Mo Logan, Allison Stockwell & Racing Memories 35:59 Closing Thanks to Dr. Dave & Big Dave 36:10 Be Safe This Weekend + Spirit of ’76 Bell 36:35 Carolina Pickleball Club 🎆 We hope you and your family have a wonderful Independence Day weekend! Watch Episode 73 now and let us know how you’re celebrating the Fourth in the comments. Like, subscribe, and tell a friend from Kannapolis or Cabarrus County. Tell ’em the Rough Talk Cousins at the K-Town Connection sent you. 🇺🇸 Happy Birthday, America! 🇺🇸

  • 11 Episodes

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
    11
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    K-Town Connection