Best Charlotte & Brenda Podcasts (2025)

1
Replay-Made-for-TV Movies Based on N.C. Crimes 38:45

5d ago38:45

38:45

Renee discusses the cases of Jeffrey MacDonald, Timothy Hennis, Susie Newsom Lynch and Fritz Klenner, Chris Pritchard, Neal Henderson, and Bart Upchurch. These crimes all appeared in true crime novels by bestselling authors such as Jerry Bledsoe, Joe McGinnis, and then made their way to the networks at CBS and NBC as "movies of the week." Episode 6…

1
'Rich Hill' with Dr. Julie Williams and Kevin Stoller 41:33

6d ago41:33

41:33

What happens when the challenges students face outside the classroom overshadow everything happening within it? In this episode of our school-focused movie review series, we dive into Rich Hill—the 2014 Sundance Grand Jury Prize-winning documentary that offers an unfiltered look into the lives of three teenage boys growing up in rural Missouri. The…

1
Ep. 149-The Murders of Christina Parcell and Phonesia Machado-Fore in South Carolina 24:43

12d ago24:43

24:43

On October 13, 2021, 65-year-old Bradley Post discovered his fiancée, 41-year-old Christina Parcell, covered in blood and unresponsive at her sister’s home inGreer, South Carolina. Her body was surrounded by rose petals. As investigators began to unravel the mystery of the victim, her fiancee, and the father of her daughter, they were shocked to un…

1
'Annie' with Olivia Graf, Matt Rogers, and Carla Cummins 47:04

13d ago47:04

47:04

It’s easy to remember Annie for its catchy tunes and iconic optimism. But what if we told you this classic musical also offers a surprising amount of insight into our education system? In our latest episode of the Better Learning Podcast, we take a fresh look at the 1982 film adaptation of Annie through the eyes of school designers and changemakers…

1
Ep. 148-An Insider’s Look at Researching and Reporting on True Crime 26:39

19d ago26:39

26:39

Renee discusses ethics when creating true crime content, the elements of a compelling story, books that have aided in her research, and fiction inspired by real-life cases. Show Sponsors: Skincare by SkinxErin-Use code MISSINGCAROLINAS10 for 10 percent off your order. Want to try out Riverside FM for all your podcasting and videoconferencing needs?…

1
The Curse of June 17, 1981 11:52

20d ago11:52

11:52

June 17, 1981. A day soaked in violence and tragedy in Rochester, NY. In this chilling episode, we explore the haunting events that unfolded in a single 24-hour period: 🔴 A violent bank takeover on Thurston Road by William Griffin that ended in bloodshed and fear… 🔥 Firefighters ambushed in Webster, NY, responding to what they thought was a routine…

1
'Accepted' with Emily Wright, Laura Smyles, and Kevin Stoller 52:47

21d ago52:47

52:47

What if a group of students created their own college because no one else would accept them? That’s exactly what happens in the 2006 movie Accepted, where a handful of students—rejected by every school they applied to—decide to take matters into their own hands. They invent a fake university, build a website, rent a building, and unknowingly attrac…

1
Ep. 147-A Conversation with Hope Andersen, North Carolina-Based Author of MotherLove and Other Works 32:19

26d ago32:19

32:19

This week we have a fun bonus episode. Hope Andersen is the author of five books, and she has a very inspiring creative journey. Her latest release is the suspense thriller, MotherLove, by Warren Publishing. We talk all things writing, the different ways she published her books, and what she loves about living in North Carolina. The podcast will re…

1
'Hoosiers' with Dr. Deb Kerr and Kevin Stoller 35:25

28d ago35:25

35:25

If you’ve ever rooted for the underdog, Hoosiers probably lives rent-free in your head. The 1986 classic isn’t just about basketball—it’s about second chances, small-town pride, and what happens when people start believing in themselves and each other. Set in 1950s Indiana, the film follows a high school basketball team no one expects to win… until…

1
Ep. 146-The Unsolved Murder of Brenda Holland in the OBX, Part 2 30:00

1M ago30:00

30:00

While investigators zeroed in on the person they believed was the main suspect in Brenda Holland's 1967 murder, Outer Banks locals floated other theories, one that involved a prominent member of the community. Renee discusses these other suspects and what their motives might have been. Check out John Railey's book,⁠ "The Lost Colony Murder on the O…

1
'Matilda' with Charlotte Nienhaus, Carla Cummins, and Kevin Stoller 38:22

1M ago38:22

38:22

If you grew up in the '90s, there’s a good chance Matilda made you believe two things: libraries are magical, and adults DEFINITELY don’t always know best... The 1996 movie, adapted from Roald Dahl’s classic book, gave us a hero who wasn’t loud or flashy - but smart, kind, and quietly powerful. Oh, and she had telekinesis. So yeah, iconic. In this …

1
Ep. 145-The Unsolved Murder of Brenda Holland in the OBX, Part 1 26:47

1M ago26:47

26:47

In the summer of 1967, 19-year-old Brenda Holland took a job as a makeup supervisor with The Lost Colony outdoor drama in Manteo, N.C. Excited to continue training for a potential career in the theatre, she embraced the opportunity with joy and enthusiasm. But after only a month on the island, Brenda disappeared after a date with a Lost Colony cast…

1
'High School Musical 2' with Erin Jennings and Carla Cummins 40:54

1M ago40:54

40:54

When High School Musical 2 premiered on Disney Channel in August 2007, it shattered records with over 17 million viewers tuning in on its first night — making it the most-watched cable movie at the time. Trading school hallways for summer jobs at a posh country club, the film dives deeper into the personal growth of its characters, especially Troy …

1
Fatal Attraction - the Stephanie Lazarus case 34:13

2M ago34:13

34:13

💍 They looked like the perfect couple. 💔 Until she turned up dead—and the real killer was someone no one suspected. Sherri Rasmussen was newly married and full of promise… until her life was stolen in what looked like a botched burglary. But the truth hid in plain sight for over two decades. A jealous ex. A love triangle. And a detective hiding beh…

1
Ep. 144-Summertime Disappearances and a Cold Case in the Carolinas 31:34

2M ago31:34

31:34

Today we're pulling from our catalogue to discuss cases that took place during the summer months. Learn about Sherri Lee Truesdale, Eva Debruhl, Galvin and Garry Sidden, Jr., Jessica Gutierrez, Dianne Gabriel, Douglas Simmons, and Franklin "ReRe" Freeman. Episodes Featured: Ep. 14-South Carolina Cases Featured on "Unsolved Mysteries" Ep. 15: Missin…

1
'Wonder' with Brian Proctor, Carla Cummins, and Kevin Stoller 31:09

2M ago31:09

31:09

What if your first day of school wasn’t just nerve-wracking, but something you’d spent your entire life preparing for? That’s the reality for Auggie Pullman, the main character in Wonder (2017), a film that tells the story of a young boy with facial differences entering a mainstream school for the first time. In this episode, host Kevin Stoller, co…

1
Ep. 143-The Bellamy Brothers Bank Robberies in North and South Carolina 21:27

2M ago21:27

21:27

For seven years, the same thieves targeted banks in the Myrtle Beach area, eventually stealing $700,000 in total. While there were many witnesses and clues leading to the identities of the robbers, the community was still stunned when three men were arrested. There was a reason these thieves seemed to know the inner workings of banks and crime scen…

1
'Lean on Me' with Brian O'Keeffe and Kevin Stoller 55:08

2M ago55:08

55:08

In this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, we dive into the iconic 1989 film Lean on Me, starring Morgan Freeman as the unforgettable Principal Joe Clark—a tough, uncompromising, and deeply committed educator who is called in to rescue a failing inner-city school on the brink of state takeover. Set in Eastside High School in Paterson, New Jers…

1
Ep. 142-The Loomis Fargo Robbery in Charlotte, A.K.A. “The Hillbilly Heist” 23:18

2M ago23:18

23:18

In October of 1997, a guard named David Ghantt at Loomis Fargo, Inc. in Charlotte decided to see if he could get away with robbing the company of $17 million dollars. Unfortunately, he involved several other people in his plan, and while he absconded to Mexico with a small amount of cash, this unusual cast of characters began spending the remaining…

1
'Back to School' with Thea Wayburn, Carla Cummins, and Kevin Stoller 47:58

2M ago47:58

47:58

In this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, we’re breaking down the 1986 comedy Back to School, where Rodney Dangerfield plays a loud, lovable millionaire who enrolls in college to reconnect with his son and shakes up the entire campus in the process. Joined by guest Thea Wayburn from BRIC Architecture, host Kevin Stoller and co-host Carla Cumm…

1
Ep. 141-Cold Cases and Crimes from Iredell County:An Interview with Shellie Taylor 48:19

2M ago48:19

48:19

Renee shares a conversation with Shellie Taylor, the Local History Program Specialist at the Iredell County Public Library. They discuss the mysterious case of Virginia Sneed, a young woman who died in police custody in Asheville in 1939. Because she refused to give her name, no one knew her true identity until months after her death. Shellie also …

1
'Finding Nemo' with Brenda Swirczynski, Carla Cummins, and Kevin Stoller 54:28

2M ago54:28

54:28

In this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, we dive deep (pun intended) into Finding Nemo - the animated adventure that’s equal parts heartwarming, hilarious, and insightful. As part of our series on school-related films, we explore what this Pixar classic can tell us about the student experience, the importance of trust and independence, and h…

1
Blood & Belief: The Lafferty Brothers 25:39

2M ago25:39

25:39

When a young mother and her baby are found brutally murdered in their Utah home, the horror sends shockwaves through the community. But the real terror lies in the motive—rooted not in greed or jealousy, but in a warped vision of divine command. In this episode of Cold Blooded Serial, we unravel the disturbing story of Ron and Dan Lafferty, two bro…

1
Ep. 140-The Kidnapping and Murder of Mary Kathryn Ennis and the Death of William McMichael in North Carolina 25:29

2M ago25:29

25:29

In November of 1986, 28-year-old Mary Kathryn Ennis disappeared from the home she shared with her young son in Hillsborough, N.C. While everyone who knew the single mom insisted she never would have willingly left her son, the search yielded few clues besides her vehicle located a short distance away. Two years later, prison inmates would be the ke…

1
'Superbad' with Nick Duffy, Ken Hagen, Carla Cummins, and Kevin Stoller 55:06

3M ago55:06

55:06

In this episode, we’re diving into the wildly popular teen comedy Superbad — one of the most iconic (and ridiculous) high school movies out there. As part of our series on school-related films, we’re looking at what Superbad got right about the student experience, what it totally blew out of proportion, and why it still hits home for so many people…

1
Ep. 139-An Interview with Helen Zuman and Her Experience with the Neo-Hippie Cult Zendik Farm in North Carolina 56:10

3M ago56:10

56:10

In 1999, fresh out of Harvard University, Helen Zuman began seeking out a place where she could practice communal living and learn more about organic farming and homesteading. The place turned out to be Zendik Farm in Western North Carolina. When she left five years later, she slowly realized the leader had been operating the farm as a cult. Learn …

1
'Napoleon Dynamite' with Brian Parker, Carla Cummins, and Kevin Stoller 45:13

3M ago45:13

45:13

In this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, host Kevin Stoller is joined by co-host Carla Cummins and guest speaker Brian Parker, AIA, ALEP—Vice President of K-12 at MHTN Architects—for a quirky and insightful conversation centered around the 2004 classic Napoleon Dynamite. As one of only two Accredited Learning Environment Planners in Utah, Br…

1
Ep. 138-Murdered by Poison: The Deaths of Sandy Coulthard, Eric Miller, and Stacy Hunsucker 34:53

3M ago34:53

34:53

There have been many cases of murder by poison in North Carolina. Renee shares the stories of Sandy Coulthard, whose husband used arsenic to slowly poison her in High Point, Eric Miller, whose wife utilized her position as a research scientist to access arsenic that she then used to kill him in Raleigh, and Stacy Hunsucker, whose husband allegedly …

1
'School of Rock' with Mason Pashia, Matt Rogers, and Kevin Stoller 59:28

3M ago59:28

59:28

In this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, host Kevin Stoller is joined by co-host Matt Rogers and guest speaker Mason Pashia, Partner (Storytelling) at Getting Smart Collective, for an energetic and thought-provoking conversation centered around the 2003 cult classic School of Rock. Known for his work amplifying the voices of educators and ch…

1
The Alphabet Serial Killer 13:29

3M ago13:29

13:29

Three little girls. Three matching initials. And one city haunted by a killer who was never caught. In this episode of Cold Blooded Serial, we’re heading to Rochester, New York, to talk about the Alphabet Murders or Double Initial Murders. These cases aren’t just cold—they’re chilling. The victims were three young girls, all from the same area, all…

1
Ep. 137-Mental Health Awareness Month and Missing Persons Cases 38:35

3M ago38:35

38:35

Over the past five years, Missing in the Carolinas has shared stories of missing people and perpetrators of crimes who were struggling with their mental health. Today's episode revisits stories of people missing while on spiritual journeys, battling relationship issues, adolescents seeking help at a residential treatment center, a family feud that …

1
What Are Green Schools and Why They Matter 34:29

3M ago34:29

34:29

What is a Green School? When people hear “Green School,” they often picture solar panels, school gardens, or maybe a greenhouse out back. While those are pieces of the puzzle, the full picture is much more powerful. A Green School integrates sustainability into every aspect of the learning experience: from the design of its physical space to its cu…

1
Trapped in Brothers Home 27:46

3M ago27:46

27:46

What if the place that was supposed to protect you… became your prison? In this episode of Cold Blooded Serial, we're diving into the chilling true story of Brothers Home — a so-called welfare center in South Korea that operated more like a forced labor camp. Thousands of children, homeless people, and so-called “undesirables” were taken off the st…

1
Ep. 136-Down the True Crime Rabbit Hole 25:00

3M ago25:00

25:00

Renee discusses the allure of the true crime rabbit hole and how and why she's covered specific cases on Missing in the Carolinas throughout the years. Episodes mentioned here: Ep. 28-Unresolved in North Carolina Ep. 35-A Murder in Salisbury and a N.C. Expat Becomes a Killer in Panama Ep. 43-The Story Behind "The Staircase" Ep. 44-Thoughts on "The …

1
'Stand and Deliver' with Don Baus, Victoria Morlan, and Carla Cummins 35:26

3M ago35:26

35:26

In this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, host Carla Cummins is joined by co-host Victoria Morlan as well as architect and education advocate Don Baus for a powerful conversation around the 1988 film Stand and Deliver. With decades of combined experience in designing and supporting student-centered environments, the two explore how the true s…

1
Manic Monday: the Brenda Spencer story 12:43

4M ago12:43

12:43

It started like any other Monday—until a teenage girl pointed a rifle out her window and opened fire on an elementary school across the street. In this episode of Cold Blooded Serial, I’m telling the story of Brenda Spencer, the 16-year-old behind the first modern school shooting. From her troubled home life to the moment she pulled the trigger, th…

1
Replay-Missing and Murdered in Wilmington, N.C. 28:48

4M ago28:48

28:48

Inspired by the television show "City Confidential," Renee looks at the murders of three women in Wilmington, N.C., Peggy Carr, Theresa Fetter, and Lisa Maves, along with two men who disappeared, Charles Kuebler and Gaston Callum. Show Notes: Check out the podcast "Strictly Stalking" with Jaimie Beebe and Jake Deptula. Skincare by SkinxErin Use cod…

1
'High School Musical' with Candace Seda, Stephanie Seda, and Carla Cummins 51:26

4M ago51:26

51:26

In this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, Carla Cummins is joined by her daughter Jennifer Cummins and special guests Candace Seda and Stephanie Seda for a fun and thought-provoking dive into Disney’s 2006 cultural phenomenon High School Musical. With a multigenerational panel of educators, designers, and education advocates, the group explor…

1
Ep. 135-The Crimes of Lee Roy Martin, The Gaffney Strangler 22:35

4M ago22:35

22:35

In 1968, a killer terrorized the small town of Gaffney, S.C. before calling the local newspaper editor and anonymously confessing to his crimes. Thanks to concerned citizens who went out looking for a teenager who'd been abducted, police were able to apprehend the killer, who became known as The Gaffney Strangler, before he could hurt anyone else. …

1
'Teachers' (1984) with Steve Miletto and Kevin Stoller 1:00:42

4M ago1:00:42

1:00:42

Kevin Stoller is joined by longtime educator and podcast host Steve Miletto to unpack the 1984 film Teachers, a gritty dramedy that offers an unflinching critique of the American public school system. Directed by Arthur Hiller and starring Nick Nolte, Teachers dives headfirst into the dysfunction, bureaucracy, and burnout often hidden behind school…

1
The Nun of Death 17:55

4M ago17:55

17:55

She was a nun devoted to silence, prayer... and murder. Behind the walls of a remote Greek monastery, Mariam Soulakiotis ran a cult-like order that demanded obedience—and punished those who disobeyed with torture and death. With over 20 victims and decades of deception, In this episode, we’re diving into the chilling story of Mariam Soulakiotis—bet…

1
Ep. 134-Missing and Murdered While on Vacation 31:57

4M ago31:57

31:57

Renee discusses four people who went missing while on vacation. Learn about the decades-long mystery of Jane and Jock Doe from South Carolina, New York resident Brittanee Drexel, who went missing after a spring break trip to Myrtle Beach, S.C., Judith Smith, who went missing from Pennsylvania and was discovered months later in North Carolina, and t…

1
'Mean Girls' with Steven Shapiro, Nancy Shapiro Rapport, and Kevin Stoller 55:04

4M ago55:04

55:04

Mean Girls, directed by Mark Waters and written by Tina Fey, is a cult classic teen comedy based on Rosalind Wiseman’s book Queen Bees and Wannabes. The film humorously yet accurately portrays the harsh realities of high school social dynamics, focusing on cliques, peer pressure, and the impact of popularity on self-identity. The story follows Cady…

1
Ep. 133-The Murders of Kristin Lodge-Miller and Eve Carson 32:43

4M ago32:43

32:43

In July of 1993, 26-year-old Kristin Lodge-Miller went out for an early-morning run in Chapel Hill and was murdered before she made it home. Years later, when 22-year-old Eve Carson was abducted and murdered from her home while studying at UNC in March 2008, the community couldn't help but compare the two crimes, committed by young men whose previo…

1
'Top Gun' with Stacey Waxtan and Kevin Stoller 59:48

4M ago59:48

59:48

Few movies capture the essence of leadership, teamwork, and adaptability quite like Top Gun. While it’s a high-octane film about elite fighter pilots pushing their limits, the lessons it offers extend far beyond the cockpit—straight into the world of education. Just like Maverick and his fellow aviators must embrace continuous learning, mentorship,…

1
Cold Blooded Charmer - the Shawn Grate story 20:52

5M ago20:52

20:52

When a woman’s desperate 911 call led police to an abandoned house in Ohio, they uncovered a nightmarish scene—and a serial killer hiding in plain sight. Shawn Grate had been preying on vulnerable women for years, leaving a trail of terror across multiple counties. But how did he go undetected for so long? And what shocking details did his only sur…

1
Ep. 132-The Murders of Curtis Bane and Thaddeus Hayes in North Carolina 25:47

5M ago25:47

25:47

On July 10, 1985, 55-year-old Curtis Bane and 24-year-old Thaddeus Hayes were supposed to spend the afternoon putting up a fence on a piece of property Curtis has purchased near Durham. When they never returned home that night, Curtis's wife found his truck and tractor still at the work site, keys still inside, but there was no sign of the two men.…

1
Revisiting the Origins of Our Movie Review Format and Future Films 36:36

5M ago36:36

36:36

In this special episode, we take a nostalgic look back at the early recordings that sparked our popular movie review format. This episode is a fun compilation of guests sharing their favorite school-related movies and TV shows, along with their thoughts on what’s realistic — and what’s not — about those stories. Our guests represent voices from acr…

1
Ep. 131-An Interview with Terry Harmon, Author of "Convoluted" 1:05:11

5M ago1:05:11

1:05:11

In Ep. 130, Renee shared the details of the 1972 triple homicide of the Durham family in Boone, North Carolina. This week features an interview with Terry Harmon, author of the book "Convoluted," which details the details of the crime and the investigation that spanned more than 50 years. Show Notes: Check out Terry Harmon's book. Want to try out R…

1
'The Incredibles' with Mercedes Johnson, Katie Riley, and Kevin Stoller 55:47

5M ago55:47

55:47

What Do The Incredibles and Educators Have in Common? In our latest Better Learning Podcast episode, we dive into The Incredibles (2004) and uncover powerful insights for educators. Just like Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl face lawsuits that restrict their powers, teachers often feel held back by red tape and policies that limit their ability to inn…

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Charlotte & Brenda Podcasts

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