Five Prime Podcast

Jeremy Herring, President of FIG Inc., a company specializing in residential and commercial construction and development, joins Conversations with Mark. They discuss the challenges and opportunities facing small businesses in today’s economic environment, including the factors influencing growth and success. 

Dr. Matthew Colna, Chief of Heart Failure and Medical Director at East Carolina University, and Emily Knight, VAD Coordinator at ECU Health Medical Center, discuss the LVAD (Left Ventricular Assist Device), a device that can support patients with advanced heart failure. They explain how the LVAD program works and the comprehensive support available to patients throughout their treatment journey. 

Sabree Flood joins Conversations with Mark to share her experiences in the classroom and discuss preparations for students returning to school. Flood will also serve as a recurring guest co-host, bringing her perspective and insight to future conversations. 

Don returns to Conversations with Mark to discuss the beginning of the new school year and reflect on significant historical events that took place in August and helped shape the world. The conversation highlights events including the Allied victory over Japan in World War II, the 1969 Woodstock Music Festival, and the independence of India and Pakistan. 

Steve Hawley, Public Information Officer for Greenville Utilities, joins the conversation to discuss a variety of topics impacting utility customers throughout the area. He shares energy conservation tips, offers advice on preparing for severe weather, and discusses the potential impact of cyberattacks on utility systems. 

Thomas and Sandy Utley join the show to share the story behind Utley Refreshments and their commitment to natural wellness. They discuss their line of all-natural products, their approach to healthy living and self-care, and the inspiration behind their growing business. 

Dr. Steve Lassiter, Superintendent of Pitt County Schools, returns to the show to review the 2025–26 academic year. He discusses high school graduations, district funding, personnel transfers and appointments, and other key issues impacting students throughout Pitt County Schools.

City of Greenville Public Information Officer Brock Letchworth is joined by Megan Howard, Marketing & Events Coordinator for Greenville Recreation and Parks. They discuss the Fourth of July festivities planned for the Greenville Town Common and the downtown First Street area, highlighting activities, entertainment, and community celebrations. 

Jonathan Sergeant, Energy Services Team Lead, returns to the show to share practical energy-saving tips for the hot summer months. He discusses recommended thermostat settings, ways to improve energy efficiency at home, and assistance programs available to help low-income households manage energy costs. 

Julie Gaven, Research Program Manager at the ECU Brody School of Medicine, is the featured guest for Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. She discusses the differences between dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, while sharing practical strategies for maintaining brain health and improving overall mental well-being.

 Trent McGee, President & CEO, and Aileen Peacock, Director of Events, join the show to discuss the organization’s rebranding as the Greater Greenville Chamber and its ongoing involvement throughout the community. They also highlight upcoming events, programs, and initiatives sponsored by the chamber. 

Janis Gallagher, Pitt County Manager, joins Mark Woodson for a special edition of Conversations with Mark. They discuss the role and responsibilities of the county manager, along with key elements of Pitt County’s strategic plan, including long-term priorities, policy initiatives, and service delivery. 

 Scott Mullis, Director of Customer Relations with GUC, joins the show to discuss his retirement and look back on 30 years of dedicated service with the company, sharing reflections on his career and experiences along the way. 

 This episode features Chris Padgett, Assistant General Manager and Chief Operating Officer for Greenville Utilities. He discusses ongoing projects and programs designed to support the utility’s services and meet the needs of its customers.

Brock Letchworth, Public Information Officer for the City of Greenville, is joined by Margot Clark, Special Events Coordinator, and Annah Edwards, Special Events Assistant, to preview the activities and events planned for the April 25 PirateFest. The conversation highlights what attendees can expect from one of the city’s signature celebrations.

 Dr. Lathan Turner sits down with ECU student leader Giselle Glover, a junior majoring in Exercise Physiology and Psychology. She shares her experiences being involved in multiple university clubs and organizations, offering insight into student leadership and campus life. 

 Dr. Anita Joyner, Founder and Executive Director of Where the Healing Begins, Inc. and a member of Pitt Partners for Health, is the featured guest for this episode. In recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, she shares valuable insights, resources, and support available for children and families in the community. 

Brock Letchworth, Public Information Officer for the City of Greenville, returns with guest Vanessa Boateng, Program Specialist in Community Development Services, to highlight activities and public events recognizing National Community Development Week. The conversation showcases how these initiatives support and strengthen the local community. 

 Isaiah Thompson, an ECU Communications major and Five Prime Media Group intern, returns for a conversation with host Mark Woodson. They discuss a variety of topics, including collaborations with other media outlets and coverage of ECU athletics. 

 In recognition of National Nutrition Month, Brenda Leigh, Director of Lifestyle Medicine at ECU Health, returns to the show to share practical advice on healthy living and making smarter food choices. She also discusses the services and programs offered through the clinic to support long-term wellness. 

 In recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month, Ms. Noemi Rivera, Director of the TEDI BEAR Clinic at ECU Health, and Dr. Matthew Ledoux, Pediatrician-in-Chief at ECU Health, join the show to discuss the clinic’s vital services. As one of the largest child advocacy centers in North Carolina, the TEDI BEAR Clinic plays a critical role in supporting and protecting children and their families. 

Dr. Ben Degner, Assistant Professor in the Division of Cardiac Surgery, and Dr. Samuel Sears, Professor of Psychology and the Department of Cardiovascular Sciences at the Brody School of Medicine and ECU Health, join host Mark Woodson to discuss heart health. The conversation explores testing, screening, evaluation, and treatment options for cardiovascular disease, while also highlighting the emotional and personal impact heart conditions have on patients and their families. 

The show features Dr. Jennifer Stalls, Director of STEM for Pitt County Schools, as she talks about the mission, purpose, and criteria of STEM programs for different school communities.

Steve Hawley, Public Information Officer for Greenville Utilities, is back to share tips on conserving energy and key steps to follow during the winter. He also gives updates on GUC projects, recent awards and recognitions, and offers helpful safety advice.

Brock Letchworth, the Public Information Officer for the City of Greenville, is joined by Jonathan Bryant, a Community Engagement Specialist. Together, they talk about the 50-in-10 affordable housing project and the upcoming community listening sessions taking place across the city.

In this segment, Chris Dyba, Vice Chancellor for University Advancement at ECU, talks about his main responsibilities, ongoing fundraising efforts, the financial challenges facing both the university and its students, as well as endowments and various giving campaigns.

Greenville Mayor P.J. Connolly is back to talk about projects and initiatives that affect local residents. Topics include the work of the new city council, economic growth and development, infrastructure improvements, and budget matters.

This special edition highlights ECU Chancellor Dr. Philip Rogers as he talks about this semester’s graduating class, the university’s mission, student enrollment, funding sources, the current state of Brody Medical School, and the challenges facing higher education.

John Worrell, Director of Electric Systems, and Anthony Miller, Director of Gas Systems, both part of Greenville Utilities’ senior leadership team, sit down with Mark Woodson to talk about their upcoming retirements this year. They each share their journey to management, the challenges they’ve navigated over the years, and offer personal reflections on their time at GUC.

Dr. Steve Lassiter, Superintendent of Pitt County Schools, is back to talk about key issues affecting students in the district. He highlights accomplishments from the 2024-25 school year and shares goals for 2025-26, touching on student performance, the role of AI technology, and a range of district initiatives and programs.

Dr. Peter Jones, a Vitreoretinal Surgeon at ECU Health and Associate Professor at the Brody School of Medicine, talks about diabetes and its impact on vision. He explains his role as a retina specialist in managing and treating diabetic retinopathy.

Dr. Ashley Quinn, a Surgical Oncologist at ECU Health and Associate Professor of Surgical Oncology at Brody Medical School, shares insights on breast cancer awareness. She covers risk factors, symptoms, screening methods, and treatment options for the disease.

Pam Strickland, founder of the nonprofit NC Stop Human Trafficking, talks about her organization’s work to build a community free from human trafficking. She also highlights the “Behind the Demand” webinar series on trafficking prevention, set for Wednesdays, November 5, 12, and 19, 2025, at 7 p.m. For more details: www[.]ncdemandreduction[.]com/events/

Mark and Don return to discuss the legacy of “barbershop wisdom” withing the African American community. They talk about life experiences, cultural traditions, stereotypes, and responsibilities of being a black male.

Jonathan Sergeant, an Energy Services Specialist with Greenville Utilities, is back to share tips on saving energy during cold weather. He covers topics like ideal temperature settings, heating unit efficiency, and related advice.

This show features a conversation with Dr. Ann Ostrovsky, Chief of Ophthalmology at ECU Health, focusing on eye health in relation to contact lenses. She covers topics like proper contact lens wear, cleaning and disinfecting methods, and their long-term effects and usage.

This show honors Mr. Leroy James, the former Director of Agriculture Extension for Pitt County, celebrating his remarkable legacy of community service. He passed away on September 28, 2025.

This special edition features Uconda Dunn, Vice President of Business and Workforce Solutions – Pitt Community College, and David Horn, Director of Strategic Partnerships – ENC Greenville Alliance. They describe the career fair to take place on October 2, 2025 from 2pm to 5pm at the Greenville Convention Center.

This show features Clay Roberson, Substance Abuse Counselor and Levi Young, Peer Support Specialist from Walter B. Jones Treatment Center in Greenville. They discuss addiction, treatment, recovery, and connection to mental health during Addiction Awareness Month.

This episode highlights Ms. Gretchen Wilson, the Director of School Nutrition Services for Pitt County Schools. She talks about school programs and services, the effects of COVID on food services, and adhering to USDA nutrition guidelines.