Charlotte Talks With Mike Collins
MON-FRI • 9AM-10AM / 8PM-9PM | SAT • 7AM-8AM
Launched in April 1998, Charlotte Talks with Mike Collins has become the region's exclusive forum for the discussion of politics, growth, the arts, culture, social issues, literature, human interest, the environment and more. If something is of interest to the Charlotte region, listeners and leaders know the topic is bound to be discussed on Charlotte Talks. Learn more about Charlotte Talks.
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Latest Episodes
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Artificial intelligence is swiftly entering many aspects of ordinary people’s lives, from seeking advice on how to craft the perfect email or resume to editing photos. It’s also increasingly being used by young people turning to AI for mental health and guidance. It’s easy, costs nothing and there’s no fear of judgment — but is it healthy or dangerous? We take a look at the pros and cons. -
The rise in the number of data centers to power artificial intelligence is driving a surge in demand for electricity. Nuclear energy may be poised to fill the gap. Some see nuclear power as clean but, in the U.S., we haven’t built a new plant since the 1980s and the specter of accidents casts a dark shadow. So, with demand rising, is it time to take another look? -
We discuss a precious time capsule we have here in North Carolina — our state archives. We'll discuss with the state archivist what it takes to maintain history and how someone can find pieces of themselves reflected in archives. We also find out what you won’t discover in the state's archives, and why that is. -
On this Charlotte Talks local news roundup, Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper’s name shows up several times in emails in the latest release of the Epstein files. A federal audit says CATS’ safety plan has 18 areas of non-compliance. More measles cases in South Carolina. And Charlotte Symphony music director Kwamé Ryan wins a Grammy. -
On this "Charlotte Talks," we listen to the candidate forum WFAE hosted Tuesday evening with two of the men running for sheriff in Mecklenburg County. Both are Democrats — no Republican is running. Incumbent Garry McFadden and challenger Antwain Nance were unavailable, so we hear from retired Chief Deputy Sheriff Rodney Collins and retired CMPD Sgt. Ricky Robbins. -
As we approach Super Bowl Sunday, we check in with veteran New York Times reporter Ken Belson. His new book, 'Everyday is Sunday,' dives into how the NFL’s commissioner, Roger Goodell, and its two most powerful owners, Jerry Jones and Robert Kraft, turned the league into a cultural phenomenon. We get an inside look at how America’s favorite sport achieved its status — and how these three men let nothing stand in their way. -
Moshe Gildenman was a civic leader and musician in a small Ukrainian town until — one day in 1942 — Nazis murdered 2,000 Jews in his village, including his wife and daughter. He escaped with his son, carrying a revolver, a handful of bullets and a Yiddish songbook. His story of resilience, resistance and revenge is told in a new book by UNC Charlotte musicologist James Grymes. -
In January, President Trump urged Congress to cap credit card interest rates at 10% and said Americans are being “ripped off” by credit card companies. Bankers quickly opposed the idea, with some calling it an economic disaster. There is also debate over capping credit card late fees. We look at the pros and cons of these proposals and whether any of them would lead to more affordability. -
It's been a rough week for parents, teachers and students as school goes virtual again, with another winter event possible this weekend. Republican Sen. Thom Tillis calls for Kristi Noem to be ousted from her job. Another measles case has been reported in Mecklenburg, with dozens more in upstate South Carolina. Those stories and more with our roundtable of reporters. -
Two years ago, Americans bet $120 billion on sports, a 27% increase from the previous year. That figure grew to $150 billion in 2024. Journalist Danny Funt investigates what's considered one of the most consequential — and least scrutinized — shifts in modern American sports in his new book, "Everybody Loses: The Tumultuous Rise of American Sports Gambling."
