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Photos: 20 Years Of Stars On Charlotte Talks

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Richard Simmons and Mike Collins

Over the 20 years of Charlotte Talks with Mike Collins, there have been many notable, celebrity guests who have sat across the desk from Mike. Here are a few of those guests and some memories shared by producers of the show. 

RICHARD SIMMONS

Erin Keever, Charlotte Talks producer shared one of her favorite episodes.

"This was before my time at the station but is still one of my favorites. Richard was so over-the-top enthusiastic. He was this ball of energy singing songs with Mike and making jokes. Mike had his hands full, but you could tell the two of them were having a lot of fun on-air. His warm and genuine side came through the radio too, you got a sense that under all the sequins, he’s a sensitive person who really cares about other people."

THE AVETT BROTHERS

Mike Collins listening to The Avett Brothers.
Credit WFAE

"We had the Avett Brothers on when they were just beginning to hit the big time. It was fun to talk to this group and then watch their music explode on the national scene," recalled Wendy Herkey, the show's executive producer. 

TERRY McMILLAN

Novelist Terry McMillan with Mike in 2009.
Credit WFAE

KATHY REICHS

Mike with bestselling author and forensic anthropologist Kathy Reichs in 2012.
Credit WFAE

"Kathy Reichs has been a frequent guest. She and Mike have a wonderful chemistry. I always enjoy hearing about her writing and the Tempe Brennan/Bones series," said Wendy Herkey.

CTPOD20170727.mp3
Kathy Reichs on Charlotte Talks in 2017.

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JEANNETTE WALLS

Mike with the bestselling author of "The Glass Castle," Jeannette Walls at Lenoir Rhyne University in Hickory in 2009.
Credit WFAE

THE BACON BROTHERS

Mike with music act "The Bacon Brothers," Michael (left) and Kevin Bacon in 2014.
Credit WFAE

WYNTON MARSALIS

Jazz musician Wynton Marsalis was a guest in 2013.
Credit WFAE

MADELEINE ALBRIGHT  

Mike interviewed former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright at the Democratic National Convention in 2012.
Credit WFAE

DELTA BURKE

Delta Burke and Mike in 2004.
Credit WFAE

Delta Burke, the actress, was "super nice and gracious," remembered Herkey.

DELL CURRY, KEVIN DONNALLEY

Former Charlotte Hornets player Dell Curry, Mike, and former Carolina Panthers Kevin Donnalley in 2004.
Credit WFAE

MIKE KRZYZEWSKI  

Duke Basketball Coach Mike Krzyzewski with Mike in 2000.
Credit WFAE

JEFF GORDON  

NASCAR's Jeff Gordon spoke with Mike in 2017 from the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
Credit WFAE

JUAN WILLIAMS

Journalist, commentator and former NPR host Juan Williams with Mike in 2000.
Credit WFAE

DIANE REHM    

Longtime NPR host Diane Rehm with Mike in 2016.
Credit WFAE

BOB EDWARDS

Former NPR Morning Edition host Bob Edwards and Mike broadcast live from Dilworth Coffee in 1999.
Credit WFAE

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