On this episode of The Current with K.J., we examine a federal investigation into alleged illegal voting in California ahead of the November midterm elections, recap the Tampa Bay Rays' advance to the World Series, and break down Netflix's latest earnings report. We also look ahead to Apple's upcoming product announcement, including speculation about its first touchscreen MacBook, and explore how scientists are using artificial intelligence to develop viruses that could help fight antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.

Then, in Carolina Focus, we discuss Pfizer's newly announced layoffs at its Rocky Mount and Sanford facilities and what the...

🏈 Welcome to Week 10 of The Grit n Grind! 🏈

Shawn and Deryl Lucas are back to break down the madness from Week 9 and look ahead to a huge Week 10 in Eastern North Carolina high school football! From shocking upsets to major rivalry clashes and double-threat playmakers, this episode has it all!

Here’s what’s packed into this week’s show:
🧠 Trivia Question: Which former Warren County Eagle scored the first regular-season touchdown in Jacksonville Jaguars franchise history?

🐦‍⬛ Eating Crow: Shawn and Deryl own up to missing on Northern Nash, who made a massive statement with...

🏈 Welcome to Week 9 of The Grit n Grind! 🏈

Shawn and Deryl Lucas are back to break down the dramatic Week 8 gridiron action and set the stage for an explosive Week 9 across Eastern North Carolina high school football! From clutch nail-biters to incredible defensive shutouts and high-stakes flag football, this episode is loaded from top to bottom!

Here’s what’s packed into this week’s show:
🧠 Trivia Question: Which team defeated a 12-2 Robbinsville Black Knight squad 28-20 to capture the 2015 1A State Football Championship?  Drop your guesses in the comments! 👇   

⏪ The Rewind:
💥 J.H. Rose...

On this episode of The Current with K.J., we remember the life and music of R&B legend Freddie Jackson, who died at age 70; examine protests at Cornell University surrounding the school’s response to sexual assault allegations; and look at a record number of book bans in public schools across the country. We also break down General Motors’ plans to bring more hybrid vehicles to its U.S. lineup and the unprecedented legal and medical questions surrounding Christa Pike after she survived Tennessee’s attempt to carry out her death sentence.

Then, in Carolina Focus, we exp...

🏈 Welcome to Week 8 of The Grit n Grind! 🏈

Shawn and Deryl Lucas dive into Week 7 highlights and look ahead to a huge slate of Week 8 action across Eastern North Carolina high school football! From dynamic defensive battles to dominant road wins and high-stakes girls flag football, this episode has it all!

Here’s what’s packed into this week’s show:
🧠 Trivia Question: Which Eastern NC football team won four consecutive 4A State Championships from 2003 to 2006, and who was their legendary head coach? (Hint: J.H. Rose Rampants led by Head Coach Greg Thomas!) Drop your guess...

🏈 It's Week 7 of High School Football &The Grit n Grind! 🏈

Shawn and Deryl are back with another power-packed episode covering all things Eastern North Carolina high school football! From deep-cut trivia and humble pie to big-time road wins and history-making matchups, we’ve got you covered!

Here’s what’s on tap for this week’s show:
🧠 Trivia Question: What high school team was known as the "Zambu Express Defense" back in 1983? Leave your answers in the comments!
🐦‍⬛ Eating Crow: Shawn and Deryl revisit Northern Nash taking down Fike in Week 6 

⏪ The Rewind:
Richmond vs...

On this episode of The Current with K.J., we revisit the death of Nolan Wells after a Mississippi grand jury declined to indict anyone in the case, leaving questions surrounding the 18-year-old’s death unresolved. We also recap Week Two of the NFL season, look at McDonald’s $8.5 billion plan to modernize its restaurants with artificial intelligence and other upgrades, and break down the developing legal battle over White House access for several major news organizations.

Then, in Carolina Focus, we examine the updated agreement to combine WakeMed and Atrium Health and what the proposed deal coul...

🏈 Welcome to Week 6 of The Grit n Grind! 🏈

Shawn & Deryl are back to break down all the Week 5 chaos and look ahead to a massive Week 6 in Eastern North Carolina high school football! From owning up to missed picks to breaking down wet and wild rivalry games, this episode has everything you need!

Here’s what’s packed into this week’s show:
🐦‍⬛ Eating Crow:
Podcast Smitty sent a video reaction for his missed picks against Cardinal Gibbons and Hoke County! 🎥
Shawn & Deryl own up to picking Hillside over Wake Forest after the Cougars pulled off...

Welcome to Business-Centered, a monthly podcast focused on the conversations, challenges, resources, and real-world experiences that come with starting, growing, and sustaining a small business.

Hosted by the Director of the Small Business Center at Nash Community College, Business-Centered is designed for entrepreneurs at every stage—from those with an idea scribbled on a piece of paper to experienced business owners looking for their next opportunity to grow.

In our very first episode, “What is a Small Business Center?”, we’re starting at the beginning. What exactly does a Small Bu...

🏈 Welcome to Week 5 of The Grit n Grind! 🏈

Shawn and Deryl Lucas are back to break down all the dramatic Week 4 action and look ahead to a huge slate of Week 5 matchups across Eastern North Carolina high school football! From down-to-the-wire heartbreakers to huge road wins and rivalry showdowns, we’ve got you covered!

Here’s what’s packed into this week’s show:
⏪ The Rewind:
⚡ Cardinal Gibbons 23, SE Raleigh 21: Complete breakdown with game footage, plus interviews with the SE Raleigh  and Cardinal Gibbons coaches!
🔥 Hoke County 25, Seventy-First 24: Highlights and an interview with the Hoke County h...

On this episode of The Current with K.J., we look at a changing of the guard in Silicon Valley as Tim Cook steps down as Apple CEO, break down the latest rise in oil and gas prices, unpack a massive $245 million Bitcoin theft fueled by social engineering, and celebrate the return of both college and NFL football.

Then, in Carolina Focus, we cover a developing homicide investigation in Bertie County, the indictment of a North Carolina State Highway Patrol trooper in the death of a Cumberland County sheriff’s captain, Wake Forest University’s latest campus free...

🏈 Welcome to Week 4 of The Grit n Grind! 🏈

Shawn and Deryl Lucas are back to break down some Week 3 action and set the stage for a massive Week 4 in Eastern North Carolina high school football! From swallowing a little humble CROW pie to spotlighting dominant road wins and double primetime games of the week, this episode is packed!

Here’s what’s on tap for this week’s show:
🦅 Eating Crow: Shawn and Deryl admit where they went wrong last week as Shawn owns up to his Corinth Holders pick and Deryl revisits his South Granville...

🏈 Welcome to Week 3! 🏈
Shawn and Deryl Lucas are back to dive into another wild week of Eastern North Carolina high school football! From rivalries and top-five power rankings to massive road victories, we’ve got everything covered.
Here’s what’s packed into this week’s show:

⏪ The Rewind: Breakdown, footage, and top player spotlights from Tarboro vs. Hunt (featuring Coach Jackson) and J.F. Webb vs. Warren County (featuring Coach VJ Hunt)!
🚗 Best Road Wins

🌟 Players of the Week:
🪨 Grit Player of the Week (Deryl): DE Kameron Campbell (#9), Hoke County Bucks!
⚙️ Grind Playe...

On this episode of The Current with K.J., we remember the life and extraordinary legacy of country music icon Dolly Parton, from the songs that made her a global star to the philanthropy and literacy work that touched millions of lives. We also break down the alleged drug ring connected to Penn State students, the NFL’s decision to officially end the Pro Bowl game after 75 years, and a promising new FDA-approved treatment for one of the most difficult cancers to detect and treat.

Then, in Carolina Focus, we look at North Carolina’s major settlement with...

🏈 Welcome to Week 2 of The Grit n Grind! 🏈
Your hosts Shawn and Deryl Lucas are back to dive into another huge week of Eastern North Carolina high school football! From big road victories to unmatched individual performances, we’ve got all the coverage you need!
Here’s what’s packed into this week’s show:

⏪ The Rewind: Breaking down all the key takeaways and highlights from last week's Northern Nash vs. J.H. Rose matchup!
🚗 Best Road Wins: Shawn breaks down Wilson Fike’s dominant 80-0 shutout at North Moore, while Deryl spotlights Southern Nash’s road victory a...

🏈 Welcome to another action-packed episode of The Grit n Grind! 🏈

HIGH SCHOOL  FOOTBALL IS BACK!!

Your hosts Shawn and Deryl Lucas are back to break down all things Eastern North Carolina high school football!

Here’s what’s on tap for this week’s show:
🏟️ Bull City Classic Jamboree: A full recap of all the action and top takeaways.
🎙️ Special Guest Interview: NCHSAA Commissioner Que Tucker joins the show to discuss the upcoming season!
⚔️ Game Previews: Breakdown of Hoke County vs. Monroe and Enloe vs. SE Raleigh.
💥 Primetime Game of the Week: Northern Nash vs...

On this episode of The Current with K.J., is the dawn of the robots upon us? We discuss OpenAI's latest cybersecurity test after an AI agent was instructed to think like a hacker, and delivered results that surprised even its own creators. We also recap some of the biggest announcements from this year's San Diego Comic-Con, share the inspiring story of a teenage lifeguard who saved a young boy from powerful California surf, and take a look at our favorite past time, the latest trends in gas prices. 

Then, in Carolina Focus, we examine the University o...

On this episode of The Current with K.J., we take a look at one of the biggest mysteries around the country, the death of Noah Wells. So many questions still exist for his family and friends on what really happened during a Jul 4 celebration. 

We take a dive into the viral parasite, Cyclosporiasis, causing people to think about what they're eating, while at the same time, California decides to remove the "Sell By" date from products sold in stores. We round it out with the celebration of America turning 250. 

In Carolina Focus, "Miracles do ex...

On this episode of The Current with K.J., we take a look into the major $100 million settlement reached by Ohio State University in lawsuits involving former students and a former university physician, and what the case means for accountability in higher education.

We also break down reports that SpaceX is preparing for one of the largest public offerings in history, with a valuation approaching $1.8 trillion, and discuss the growing role of private companies in the future of space exploration.

In media news, we take a closer look at the escalating dispute surrounding the departure...

On this episode of The Current with K.J., we look at major travel disruptions as Spirit Airlines issues an apology following a sudden shutdown that left thousands of passengers stranded nationwide, prompting other airlines to step in with emergency “rescue fares.”

We also take a look at the continued global success of the Michael biopic, which is on pace to surpass $500 million at the worldwide box office, highlighting the lasting cultural impact of Michael Jackson.

In international headlines, Charles III concludes a historic state visit to the United States (the first by a British mona...

On this episode of The Current with K.J., we take a look at the upcoming Michael biopic and its projected record-breaking debut, while also exploring a global push toward a “smokeless generation” as the United Kingdom advances new tobacco restrictions.

We also dive into a fascinating environmental story about how humidity may change the appearance of bees, and preview one of the biggest nights in sports as the 2026 NFL Draft kicks off in Pittsburgh.

In Carolina Focus, we highlight a milestone moment in western North Carolina as train service returns to Old Fort following dama...

On this episode of The Current with K.J., we break down a dominant Super Bowl performance as the Seattle Seahawks secure a championship win over the New England Patriots, along with a global spotlight on the halftime show.

We also cover a powerful 15-week peace walk completed by Buddhist monks from Texas to Washington, D.C., and provide an update on the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. And developments of what really happened to Nancy Guthrie.

In Carolina Focus, we look at rising athletic spending at the UNC Tar Heels men's basketball and what it...

On this episode of The Current with K.J., we take a deeper look at Team USA’s historic performance at the 2026 Winter Olympics, including a record-setting medal count and a dramatic gold medal win in men’s hockey.

We also cover a powerful winter blizzard impacting the Northeast, along with a story of bravery out of Florida where a man rescued a pregnant woman from a submerged vehicle. In entertainment, we highlight a major milestone as Survivor celebrates its 50th season and reflects on its lasting impact on television.

In Carolina Focus, we discuss the...

On this episode of The Current with K.J., we begin with severe weather across the Midwest, breaking down a major tornado outbreak and what it signals as storm season ramps up across the country.

We also look at extreme heat conditions in Southern California and explore the ongoing conversation around the future of the penny and what changes could mean for everyday transactions. In a moment of reflection, we honor the life and legacy of civil rights leader Jesse Jackson and his lasting impact on American society.

In Carolina Focus, we break down North...

On this episode of The Current with K.J., we break down a major legal ruling involving Meta and YouTube and what it could mean for the future of social media safety and platform responsibility.

We also take a look at the latest entertainment headlines as ABC pulls an upcoming season of The Bachelorette, along with growing concerns in air travel as TSA officials warn of potential airport disruptions amid ongoing funding challenges.

In global sports, we examine a lawsuit filed against FIFA ahead of the upcoming World Cup, raising questions about ticket pricing and...

🏆 2025 NCHSAA STATE CHAMPIONS CROWNED! | Wilson Prep’s Historic First Title, Tarboro’s Dominance & Full Scoreboard
The 2025 season has reached its peak! After months of grit and grind, eight teams have fought their way to the top of the mountain to hoist the gold trophy. Shawn and Deryl Lucas wrap up the championship action with final scores, exclusive interviews, and a look at the history made on the field.

✨ Wilson Prep Academy: The Tigers are State Champs!
We recap the thrilling 9-8 victory over Robbinsville, featuring a clutch 27-yard field goal by Ethan Nelson with just 20 seconds l...

🏈 THE EIGHT CHAMPIONS: NCHSAA STATE FINALS PREVIEW! | Hunt, Tarboro, Clayton, Millbrook & All 8 Title Games!
It's State Championship Week! After months of battle, the final 16 teams are set to compete for the ultimate prize: the Gold Trophy. Join Shawn and Deryl Lucas as they break down every single title game on the schedule!

👑 THE ROAD TO GLORY: Championship Matchups
Eight divisions, eight incredible battles for the North Carolina state crown.

1A Championship: Wilson Prep (WPA) vs. Robbinsville Black Knights

2A Championship: Tarboro Vikings vs. Murphy Bulldogs

3A Championship: Reidsville Rams vs. Br...

🏈 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW WEEK! | Clayton's Historic Win, Millbrook vs. Hoggard THRILLER & Who Will Win the Tarboro vs. Warren County battle?
It's the final week of the season before the championships! Shawn and Deryl Lucas break down the biggest wins from the weekend and look ahead to the final battles.

⏪ GRIT & GRIND REWIND:

Clayton's Triumph: Shawn breaks down Clayton's commanding 35-21 victory over SE Raleigh, featuring the Player of the Game and the Coach of the Game interview! The Comets are headed to battle Cardinal Gibbons!

The Undefeated War: Deryl relives the incredible defen...

👑 NCHSAA PLAYOFFS ROUND 4: THE REGIONAL FINALS ARE HERE! | NORTHERN NASH WINS & MILLBROOK vs. HOGGARD UNDEFEATED BATTLE!
It's WEEK 15 (November 26th), and the NCHSAA Playoffs have reached the REGIONAL FINALS (Round 4)! This is the ultimate "Elite Eight" battle to earn a trip to the State Championship game! Shawn has the full breakdown of who survived and who's one game away from glory!

⏪ GRIT & GRIND REWIND: Regional Semifinal Shocks!
Last week delivered the regional title deciders:

Northern Nash's Triumph: The incredible Northern Nash 19-14 victory over Seventy-First! We've got the game footage, hear from the Playe...

🤯 NCHSAA PLAYOFFS ROUND 3: 71ST VS NORTHERN NASH SHOWDOWN & Southern Nash-Hunt
It's NOVEMBER 19TH, and the NCHSAA Playoffs are in the Regional Semifinals (Round 3)! Only the toughest teams are left standing. Shawn and Deryl Lucas break down the final push to the Regional Finals, featuring two of the biggest games in the state!

⏪ GRIT & GRIND REWIND: Playoff Carnage!
Last week saw some unexpected results that changed the bracket:

The Stunner: Deryl breaks down Farmville Central's massive 58-27 win over Louisburg! We have the game footage and hear from Coach Cook and the Players of the G...

🏆 LOUISBURG VS. FARMVILLE CENTRAL: ROUND 2  CLASH! | NCHSAA Playoffs, Road Win Upset Recap & Quick Picks!

It's NOVEMBER 13TH, and the NCHSAA Playoffs have reached Round 2! The season-long goal is still alive, but for half the remaining teams, it's about to end. Shawn and Deryl Lucas have the full breakdown on the survivors and the biggest showdown of the week!

🔥 PRIMETIME GAME OF THE WEEK: The Louisburg Showdown!

Our featured game is a huge Round 2 battle: Louisburg (8-2) hosts the Farmvil...