Charlotte Talks with Mike Collins

Friday, Jan. 17th, 2020

The Panthers’ Luke Kuechly announces his retirement and adds to questions about what’s coming next for the team.  Our state’s teachers did not get a raise this week because there was no vote in the legislature to override the governor’s budget veto.  And Charlotte City Council holds their annual retreat in Durham.  

Thursday, Jan. 16, 2020

Around the country newspapers are in decline, meaning less coverage, less accountability and a less informed public. An organization called “Report for America” is attempting to change that narrative.

Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2020

Growth and development have changed the city and the region greatly. And we take a closer look at the trends shaping our city and our future.

Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020

Mass shootings have become tragically common, to the point where many have become apathetic. But not those who have lost loved ones - Manuel Oliver, the father of Joaquin Oliver, a victim of the Parkland shooting, is the creator of a one man play about love, grief and his son.

Monday, Jan. 13, 2020

With a momentous year in politics now underway, Charlotte Talks will be spending every Monday looking at the 2020 election. Let's start off with what's on the ballot and what's at stake in North Carolina.

Friday, Jan. 10, 2020

City Council and CMPD begin the year with a new focus on strategies to reduce violence in the Queen City.  HUD Secretary Ben Carson was in Charlotte for an announcement changing the rules for affordable housing.  And the Panthers have a new head coach. Details on this week's top local stories on the local news roundup. 

Jan. 9, 2020

Mayor Vi Lyles makes her first visit to the program in 2020 to talk about one of the key items on her agenda this year: tackling violence in Charlotte.  The city topped out at 108 murders last year – the highest in decades and Mayor Lyles has made reducing that number a priority.  She’ll also talk to Mike Collins about Major league Soccer and a rescue plan for the historic Excelsior Club.

Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020

The Atlantic Coast Pipeline is a proposed 600-mile natural gas pipeline from West Virginia to North Carolina. Supporters consider it an economic boon, while opponents consider it an environmental disaster.

Monday, Jan. 6, 2020

We live in the best of times compared to previous generations and yet anxiety and depression are rising. The solution might be found in resiliency and we look at that.

Friday, Jan. 3rd, 2020

We hear about a new movement – Sober Curious – that encourages people to think about why they drink before they do.

Thursday, Jan. 2, 2020

We wrap up our work-life balance series on what we hope will be a positive note: how to find happiness and fulfillment in and outside the office. Much of our identity is tied up in what we do — there’s no escaping it. And work does give us a sense of purpose, but does it make us happy?

This show originally aired Sept. 30, 2019. This is the fourth in a special four-part series about work-life balance. Details.

Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020

Our special week-long examination of the elusive work-life balance continues with a look at attitudes and the reality of paid family leave. 

This show originially aired on Sept. 25th, 2019. This is the third in a special series about work-life balance. Details. 

Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2019

Our week-long examination of the elusive work-life balance continues with a look at the impact of the need for and expense of child care.

This program, which originally aired Sept. 24, is the second in a special four-part series about work-life balance. Details.

Monday, Dec. 30, 2019

We begin a series on a topic that many Americans struggle with: achieving a work-life balance. We start with a look at the basics swirling around why we don’t take vacations, why we can’t seem to leave work behind and concentrate on family and, when we do, fail at both. We examine the challenges and explore whether a work-life balance is possible.

This show originally aired Sept. 23, 2019. It is part of a special four-part series about work-life balance. Details.

Friday, December 27, 2019

A look back on the most important news stories in 2019.  Charlotte’s homicide rate spiked this year and the Queen City was added to the growing list of cities where mass shootings have occurred as UNC-Charlotte experiences tragedy.  The 9th Congressional District battle raged for most of the year and David Tepper scores a win:  for Major League Soccer.  Our roundtable of reporters takes us through the year.

Thursday, Dec. 26, 2019

You don't have to be a fan of the "Star Wars" saga to know its signature sounds, from lightsaber fights to Darth Vader's gasps. But nothing is more iconic than its music, created by a composer who's an icon in his own right, John Williams, who says the latest "Star Wars" film will be his last.

This program originally aired Dec. 17.

Wednesday, December 25, 2019

On our special Christmas Show, Jazz is making a comeback in Charlotte and it seems like the whole city is working together to make it happen. We meet two of the performers and two entrepreneurs making the Queen City groove. Then join us for "A Cup of Christmas Tea."

Merry Christmas from "Charlotte Talks!" One of our holiday traditions is to share "A Cup of Christmas Tea," a heart-warming poem about the true meaning of the holiday season. It was written by Tom Hegg and is read here by host Mike Collins. Happy holidays from the entire Charlotte Talks staff.

Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2019

You know his writing, and have gotten to know his voice. Now, Tommy Tomlinson shares a new side of himself as he writes about a lifelong struggle with weight.

This show originally aired Jan. 14.

Monday, Dec. 23, 2019

Television shaped Donald Trump and laid the groundwork for his presidency. New York Times media critic James Poniewozik's book, "Audience of One," examines the relationship between Trump and TV.