7:02 - Guest: Chris Swecker (Former FBI Special Agent) - discusses the psychology of Luigi Mangione and the intense investigation

 surrounding this high-profile murder with Bo and Beth - 9:507:12 - Press conference introducing Coach Tim Albin as the Charlotte 49ers fourth head coach in school history - 19:30
Break

7:35 - Guest Tommy Viola, VP of Communications of the Charlotte Knights.  Tommy with Sharon and Ed discusses the 5th Annual Light the Knights Festival, together with Truist, at Truist Field. Enjoy ice skating, snow tubing, shopping, holiday treats, tens of thousands of lights, decor, and more. It's everything you need for a fun-filled family day.  Tommy shares what it takes to plan and execute this growing event. And how Truist Field is becoming a year-round destination for fun and family - 23:15

7:02 - Guest:&nbsp;Chris Swecker (Former FBI Special Agent) - discusses the psychology of Luigi Mangione and the intense investigation
&nbsp;surrounding this high-profile murder with Bo and Beth - 9:507:12 - Press conference introducing&nbsp;Coach Tim Albin&nbsp;as the Charlotte 49ers fourth head coach in school history - 19:30 Break
7:35 - Guest Tommy Viola, VP of Communications of the Charlotte Knights.&nbsp; Tommy with Sharon and Ed discusses the 5th Annual Light the Knights Festival, together with Truist, at Truist Field. Enjoy ice skating, snow tubing, shopping, holiday treats, tens of thousands of lights, decor, and more. It's everything you need for a fun-filled family day.&nbsp; Tommy shares what it takes to plan and execute this growing event. And how Truist Field is becoming a year-round destination for fun and family - 23:15

Carolina Focus with Sharon Thorsland and Ed Billick – Sunday Dec 15, 2024

7:02 - Monica Reese, Director of Trend and Style at Lowe’s. She discussed the latest décor trends and how shoppers can find the best deals on all types of décors for the holidays.  Local person born and raised in the Carolinas...know the business, creative and artistic in her role at Lowes....with Ed - 14:15

7:16 - Dr. Taren Coley, MD, Director of Child & Adolescent Services at HopeWay.  Board-Certified Psychiatrist discusses how to navigate holiday stress | Tips for a calmer holiday season with Ed - 15:45 


Break

7:35 - Guests Melissa Hall and Ralph Owen from Fields of Hope Organization - combatting human trafficking with Bo Thompson and Beth Troutman. Eye opening segment about the ever present and growing problem here in the Queen City - 23:30

7:02 - Monica Reese, Director of Trend and Style at Lowe’s. She discussed the latest décor trends and how shoppers can find the best deals on all types of décors for the holidays.  Local person born and raised in the Carolinas...know the business, creative and artistic in her role at Lowes....with Ed - 14:15
7:16 - Dr. Taren Coley, MD, Director of Child &amp; Adolescent Services at HopeWay.  Board-Certified Psychiatrist discusses how to navigate holiday stress | Tips for a calmer holiday season with Ed - 15:45 
 Break
7:35 - Guests Melissa Hall and Ralph Owen from Fields of Hope Organization - combatting human trafficking with Bo Thompson and Beth Troutman. Eye opening segment about the ever present and growing problem here in the Queen City - 23:30

Carolina Focus with Sharon Thorsland and Ed Billick – Sunday Dec 8, 2024

7:02 - Cass Santandare,  with Explore Asheville. Discussing the continued recovery in the Asheville area and what business have reopened and what events and celebrations are going on for the holidays with Sharon - 23:14

7:25 - CA Focus Tribute to the retirement of our Chief Engineer Ron Tollison - a segment of Good Morning BT's interview with Ron, earlier in the week - 6:20


Break

7:35 - Guest in Studio with Sharon and Ed, Molly Kenny, Marketing Manager with Charlotte City Partners discusses the Uptown Market and all the many activities in Upton Charlotte this Holiday Season - 23:15

7:02 - Cass Santandare,  with Explore Asheville. Discussing the continued recovery in the Asheville area and what business have reopened and what events and celebrations are going on for the holidays with Sharon - 23:14
7:25 - CA Focus Tribute to the retirement of our Chief Engineer Ron Tollison - a segment of Good Morning BT's interview with Ron, earlier in the week - 6:20
 Break
7:35 - Guest in Studio with Sharon and Ed, Molly Kenny, Marketing Manager with Charlotte City Partners discusses the Uptown Market and all the many activities in Upton Charlotte this Holiday Season - 23:15

 Carolina Focus with Sharon Thorsland and Ed Billick – Sunday Dec 1, 2024

7:02 - Guest: Robert Krumbine, Director of the Novant Health Thanksgiving Parade,  It returns to light up the night on Tryon Street once again this year.  The parade will step off on Thanksgiving Eve, Wednesday, November 27 at 5:30pm and will air live on WCCB starting at 6:00pm. The 2024 parade will continue this tradition and kick off the holiday season in style. Robert shares the details w/Ed 16:42

7:19 - Guest: Theresa Payton (Cyber Security Expert) - Bluesky Gaining Traction?, and A.I. strikes again with Bo and Beth on Good Morning BT - 11:05

Break

7:35 - Jonathan Coleman, Senior Director of Communications for Charlotte Motor Speedway. Talking about the 15th anniversary of Speedway Christmas, which runs 11/22-1/5 with Sharon - 19:00

7:55 - Pediatric Walking Pneumonia Cases on the Rise: What You Need to Know– With pediatric walking pneumonia cases increasing across the nation, it is critical to understand symptoms and take preventative measures to help stop the spread of this dangerous infection. Dr. Amina Ahmed, medical director of pediatric infectious disease and immunology at Atrium Health Levine Children’s, discusses this illness - 4:55.

7:02 - Guest: Robert Krumbine, Director of the Novant Health Thanksgiving Parade,  It returns to light up the night on Tryon Street once again this year.  The parade will step off on Thanksgiving Eve, Wednesday, November 27 at 5:30pm and will air live on WCCB starting at 6:00pm. The 2024 parade will continue this tradition and kick off the holiday season in style. Robert shares the details w/Ed 16:42
7:19 - Guest: Theresa Payton (Cyber Security Expert) - Bluesky Gaining Traction?, and A.I. strikes again with Bo and Beth on Good Morning BT - 11:05
Break
7:35 - Jonathan Coleman, Senior Director of Communications for Charlotte Motor Speedway. Talking about the 15th anniversary of Speedway Christmas, which runs 11/22-1/5 with Sharon - 19:00
7:55 - Pediatric Walking Pneumonia Cases on the Rise: What You Need to Know– With pediatric walking pneumonia cases increasing across the nation, it is critical to understand symptoms and take preventative measures to help stop the spread of this dangerous infection. Dr. Amina Ahmed, medical director of pediatric infectious disease and immunology at Atrium Health Levine Children’s, discusses this illness - 4:55.

Carolina Focus with Sharon Thorsland and Ed Billick – Sunday Nov 24, 2024

7:02 - Guest: Ned Williams, tax consultant with Atlantic Choice Advisors discussing "Covid $$" that are still available for self-employed workers.  He and his team will help you determine if you qualify.  Large dollars are there if covid impacted the business.  Deadline is April 19, next year...with Ed 13:30

7:16 - WBT's Brett Jensen's interview with Mayor Vi Lyles Charlotte Mayor to discuss her life, her role as Mayor and the status on numerous issues facing the Queen City,. current political views 

Break

7:35 -Mecklenburg County District Attorney Spencer Merriweather discusses the campaign to create The Umbrella Center in Charlotte w/WBT's Pete Kaliner. It will serve as a one-stop shop of services and support for people fleeing domestic violence - 10:50

7:47 - Sharon joins Ed to share her experiences traveling/working for the Carolina Panthers and their trip to Munich, Germany. Also, a mid-season update on the rest of the season- 12:35

7:02 - Guest: Ned Williams, tax consultant with Atlantic Choice Advisors discussing "Covid $$" that are still available for self-employed workers.  He and his team will help you determine if you qualify.  Large dollars are there if covid impacted the business.  Deadline is April 19, next year...with Ed 13:30
7:16 - WBT's Brett Jensen's interview with Mayor Vi Lyles Charlotte Mayor to discuss her life, her role as Mayor and the status on numerous issues facing the Queen City,. current political views 
Break
7:35 -Mecklenburg County District Attorney Spencer Merriweather discusses the campaign to create The Umbrella Center in Charlotte w/WBT's Pete Kaliner. It will serve as a one-stop shop of services and support for people fleeing domestic violence - 10:50
7:47 - Sharon joins Ed to share her experiences traveling/working for the Carolina Panthers and their trip to Munich, Germany. Also, a mid-season update on the rest of the season- 12:35

 Carolina Focus with Sharon Thorsland and Ed Billick – Sunday Nov 17, 2024

7:02 - Guest: Jan Johnson with the Uptown Farmer's Market. She shares the history and growth of one of Charlottes treasures.  41/2 acres over 60 vendors selling fresh locally produced eggs, meats and vegetables, along with other Farmers markets staples.  In studio with Sharon and Ed - 29:55Jan Johnson with the Uptown Farmer's Market. She shares the history and growth of one of Charlottes treasures.  4,5 acres with over 60 vendors at the 300 block of Davidson.  Selling fresh locally produced eggs, meats and vegetables, along with other Farmers markets staples.  In studio with Sharon and Ed - 29:55

7:35 - Guest Jennifer Smetana, Show Manager for the 57th AnnualSouthern Christmas Show, the largest holiday show in North America, returns to Charlotte Thursday, Nov. 14, through Sunday, Nov. 24, featuring more than 400 holiday vendors from the Charlotte area and around the country showcasing the latest gifts, treats, holiday décor, gourmet goodies and much more.  The show spans 3 halls, the equivalent of over 11 football fields full of vendors and entertainment. This year’s theme: 12 Days of Christmas with Ed 23:57

7:02 - Guest: Jan Johnson with the Uptown Farmer's Market. She shares the history and growth of one of Charlottes treasures.  41/2 acres over 60 vendors selling fresh locally produced eggs, meats and vegetables, along with other Farmers markets staples.  In studio with Sharon and Ed - 29:55Jan Johnson with the Uptown Farmer's Market. She shares the history and growth of one of Charlottes treasures.  4,5 acres with over 60 vendors at the 300 block of Davidson.  Selling fresh locally produced eggs, meats and vegetables, along with other Farmers markets staples.  In studio with Sharon and Ed - 29:55
7:35 - Guest Jennifer Smetana, Show Manager for the 57th Annual<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.southernchristmasshow.com/__;!!LcufUzPfjw!Bg6FVC4jRTM1jhT5YQTESBN6Z02Ny67nP6cALNa6TCRS477JIqdEgZZs6yJcvUelkuh6OWIoz2XHiBCBOR8P0g$" data-linkindex="0" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-ogsc="black"> </a><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.southernchristmasshow.com/__;!!LcufUzPfjw!Bg6FVC4jRTM1jhT5YQTESBN6Z02Ny67nP6cALNa6TCRS477JIqdEgZZs6yJcvUelkuh6OWIoz2XHiBCBOR8P0g$" data-linkindex="1" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-ogsc="rgb(5, 99, 193)">Southern Christmas Show</a>, the largest holiday show in North America, returns to Charlotte Thursday, Nov. 14, through Sunday, Nov. 24, featuring more than 400 holiday vendors from the Charlotte area and around the country showcasing the latest gifts, treats, holiday décor, gourmet goodies and much more.  The show spans 3 halls, the equivalent of over 11 football fields full of vendors and entertainment. This year’s theme: 12 Days of Christmas with Ed 23:57

Carolina Focus with Sharon Thorsland and Ed Billick – Sunday Nov 10, 2024

7:02 - Guest: Part 2 from last week - In Studio, U Deserve a Chance Foundation President Jeff Schaefer, who shares his baseball career and now his life's mission.  Jeff is a former major league baseball player that founded the UDACF in 2014. After years of coaching, he noticed a trend where underserved kids in the communities. He shares the many organizations' he is involved with...and talks the upcoming Home Plate Gala on November 8th at Truist Field....with Sharon and Ed  - 30:00

https://udacf.org/about/ Break



7:35 - Guest Andy Alligood, owner of AA Pet Taxi & Transport.  Shares his personal mission of collecting and delivering much needed supplies to the hurricane victims of WNC.  Heartfelt stories...as he demonstrates the good of the human spirit w/ Ed - 8:50

7:44 - Guest: Theresa Payton (Cyber Security Expert) discusses the latest threats and the cyber watchouts during this election season with Bo Thompson and Beth Troutman - 8:05

7:54 - Guest Brianna Kraemer, Carolina Journal: NC young voter trends show higher Republican turnout, Dems down 37K with WBT's Nick Craig - 6:06

7:02 - Guest: Part 2 from last week - In Studio, U Deserve a Chance Foundation President Jeff Schaefer, who shares his baseball career and now his life's mission.  Jeff is a former major league baseball player that founded the UDACF in 2014. After years of coaching, he noticed a trend where underserved kids in the communities. He shares the many organizations' he is involved with...and talks the upcoming Home Plate Gala on November 8th at Truist Field....with Sharon and Ed  - 30:00
<a href="https://udacf.org/about/" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0" data-ogsc="">https://udacf.org/about/</a> Break
 
7:35 - Guest Andy Alligood, owner of AA Pet Taxi &amp; Transport.  Shares his personal mission of collecting and delivering much needed supplies to the hurricane victims of WNC.  Heartfelt stories...as he demonstrates the good of the human spirit w/ Ed - 8:50
7:44 - Guest: Theresa Payton (Cyber Security Expert) discusses the latest threats and the cyber watchouts during this election season with Bo Thompson and Beth Troutman - 8:05
7:54 - Guest Brianna Kraemer, Carolina Journal: NC young voter trends show higher Republican turnout, Dems down 37K with WBT's Nick Craig - 6:06

Carolina Focus with Sharon Thorsland and Ed Billick – Sunday Nov 3, 2024

7:02 - Tara Hewitt, senior director of marketing for Charlotte FC, talks with Sharon about the team being in the playoffs and the watch party going on Sunday night. - 5:43

7:08 -Karla Dingle, who is the education director for Queen City Comedy. Talking with Sharon about the Charlotte Comedy Experience going on this week - 10:34

7:17 - Guest:  Sung Poblete, PhD, RN, CEO of FARE discusses the risks for kids with food allergies at Halloween, what the Teal Pumpkin Project is and how to participate, ideas for non-food treats, recipes, and more.  Food Allergy nonprofit FARE’s Teal Pumpkin Project is an initiative that promotes inclusivity at Halloween for the 1 in 13 children who have potentially life-threatening food allergies. The program encourages people to offer non-food treat options and place a teal-colored pumpkin or printable sign at the door or at events to let parents know you have non-food treats. Conversation with Ed - 13:30

 Break



7:35 - Guest: In Studio, U Deserve a Chance Foundation President Jeff Schaefer, who shares his baseball career and now his life's mission.  Jeff is a former major league baseball player that founded the UDACF in 2014. After years of coaching, he noticed a trend where underserved kids in the communities. He shares the many organizations' he is involved with...and talks the upcoming Home Plate Gala on November 8th at Truist Field....with Sharon and Ed 0 - 24:00

https://udacf.org/about/

7:02 - Tara Hewitt, senior director of marketing for Charlotte FC, talks with Sharon about the team being in the playoffs and the watch party going on Sunday night. - 5:43
7:08 -Karla Dingle, who is the education director for Queen City Comedy. Talking with Sharon about the Charlotte Comedy Experience going on this week - 10:34
7:17 - Guest:  Sung Poblete, PhD, RN, CEO of FARE discusses the risks for kids with food allergies at Halloween, what the Teal Pumpkin Project is and how to participate, ideas for non-food treats, recipes, and more.  Food Allergy nonprofit FARE’s Teal Pumpkin Project is an initiative that promotes inclusivity at Halloween for the 1 in 13 children who have potentially life-threatening food allergies. The program encourages people to offer non-food treat options and place a teal-colored pumpkin or printable sign at the door or at events to let parents know you have non-food treats. Conversation with Ed - 13:30
 Break
 
7:35 - Guest: In Studio, U Deserve a Chance Foundation President Jeff Schaefer, who shares his baseball career and now his life's mission.  Jeff is a former major league baseball player that founded the UDACF in 2014. After years of coaching, he noticed a trend where underserved kids in the communities. He shares the many organizations' he is involved with...and talks the upcoming Home Plate Gala on November 8th at Truist Field....with Sharon and Ed 0 - 24:00
<a href="https://udacf.org/about/" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0" data-ogsc="">https://udacf.org/about/</a>

Carolina Focus with Sharon Thorsland and Ed Billick – Sunday Oct 27, 2024

7:02 - Guest Jim Ryan, a local Navy Veteran and Owner of Right at Home Rock Hill, to discuss how he is helping his fellow veterans and other across his community through business ownership.  An organization that helps seniors and other "stay in their homes" in their later days of their lives w/ Ed 21:20

7:23 - Greg Lentz, Director of Hearts with Hands, gives an update on his organization's disaster relief efforts in the Asheville area with WBT's Pete Kaliner - 7:30



Break



7:35 - Guest Charles Kimrey, Co-Chair of the 93rd Mallard Creek BBQ welcomes all this Thursday October 24, 2024..shares the history and the process to put on such an event.  Organizers will prepare pork barbecue and famous Brunswick Stew in anticipation of their return to DINE-IN seating, drive-thru, and walk-up carry out with Ed - 18:10.



7:55 - Sharon shares her "insights" on our Carolina Panthers as we approach midseason -5:15

7:02 - Guest Jim Ryan, a local Navy Veteran and Owner of Right at Home Rock Hill, to discuss how he is helping his fellow veterans and other across his community through business ownership.  An organization that helps seniors and other "stay in their homes" in their later days of their lives w/ Ed 21:20
7:23 - Greg Lentz, Director of Hearts with Hands, gives an update on his organization's disaster relief efforts in the Asheville area with WBT's Pete Kaliner - 7:30
 
Break
 
7:35 - Guest Charles Kimrey, Co-Chair of the 93rd Mallard Creek BBQ welcomes all this Thursday October 24, 2024..shares the history and the process to put on such an event.  Organizers will prepare pork barbecue and famous Brunswick Stew in anticipation of their return to DINE-IN seating, drive-thru, and walk-up carry out with Ed - 18:10.
 
7:55 - Sharon shares her "insights" on our Carolina Panthers as we approach midseason -5:15

Carolina Focus with Sharon Thorsland and Ed Billick – Sunday Oct 20, 2024

7:02 - WBT's Brett Jensen interviews "locals" from the Western Carolina Mountains, personal stories of what they endured during the hurricane.  Heartfelt and moving ....helps us to better understand the devastation - 20:30

7:22 - Guest: Erik Spanberg, of the Charlotte Business Journal - B of A Events/Concert For Carolina Hurricane Relief with Bo Thompson and Beth Troutman - 9:20



Break



7:35 - 2025 Old Farmer’s Almanac Predicts “Calmer, Gentler” Winter for U.S.  Guests - Carol Connare, the Almanac’s editor shares the history of the Almanac, it's  purpose and usefulness w/Ed - 16:40

7:53 - Katherine Lambert - Alzheimer’s Association – Western Carolina Chapter . Radio-One is the media partner for the Charlotte Walk to End Alzheimer’s taking place on Saturday October 19.  Katherine and Ed discuss the details - 7:15

7:02 - WBT's Brett Jensen interviews "locals" from the Western Carolina Mountains, personal stories of what they endured during the hurricane.  Heartfelt and moving ....helps us to better understand the devastation - 20:30
7:22 - Guest: Erik Spanberg, of the Charlotte Business Journal - B of A Events/Concert For Carolina Hurricane Relief with Bo Thompson and Beth Troutman - 9:20
 
Break
 
7:35 - 2025 Old Farmer’s Almanac Predicts “Calmer, Gentler” Winter for U.S.  Guests - Carol Connare, the Almanac’s editor shares the history of the Almanac, it's  purpose and usefulness w/Ed - 16:40
7:53 - Katherine Lambert - Alzheimer’s Association – Western Carolina Chapter . Radio-One is the media partner for the Charlotte Walk to End Alzheimer’s taking place on Saturday October 19.  Katherine and Ed discuss the details - 7:15

Carolina Focus

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