The Best Better Podcast
Welcome to The Best Better Podcast, where Lenoir County youth come together to explore, engage, and elevate their voices! This dynamic platform provides a safe and vibrant forum for young people to dive into a variety of exciting topics, including community, citizenship, leadership, pop culture, and more.
As part of the NC 4-H family, we’re committed to empowering youth through hands-on learning and meaningful experiences. Each episode showcases the incredible potential of our young leaders while highlighting the values of teamwork, resilience, and civic engagement that 4-H instills.
Join us for inspiring discussions that encourage creativity, personal growth, and connection among our youth. Whether you’re interested in developing leadership skills or just want to stay in the loop about what’s happening in our community, the Best Better Podcast has something for everyone.
Tune in and be part of the movement to make our best better—together!
Episodes
16 episodes
New Faces and New Places: Welcome Rachel
In this episode of the Best Better Podcast, we sit down with our new agriculture agent, Rachel Tarkington, to get to know the person behind the role. Rachel shares her background, what led her to join Cooperative Extension, and her exc...
Pouring Into Our Future: Inside Kinston Teens
In this episode of The Best Better Podcast, we sit down with leaders from Kinston Teens Jose Cartagena-Lanza, Jr. & Bridget Rouse for an inspiring conversation about community, collaboration, and creating opportun...
In the Kitchen with Extension: Healthy Eating Made Simple
In this episode of The Best Better Podcast, we go In the Kitchen with Extension as Family & Consumer Sciences Agent Kelly Tyndall joins us to share a fun, easy pizza recipe and practical tips for building healthier eating ...
What Community Means: Serving with Heart & Hands
In this special episode of The Best Better Podcast, we sit down with students from Junior Leadership Lenoir (JLL) to talk about service, leadership, and community. After spending the day baking cookies for veterans and assisted living ...
Something’s Growing in the Dark: You Won’t Believe What’s Sprouting
Things are getting a little spooky in this special Halloween edition of The Best Better Podcast! Join hosts Joel and Abbigail as they sit down with Paige Petticrew, Lenoir County Horticulture Agent, and Kaelyn Lane, Lenoi...
Leading the PACK! : Dialogue with Dean Fox & Director Monks
In this episode of The Best Better Podcast, hosts Joel and Abigail sit down with NC State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Dean, Dr. Garey Fox, and NC State Extension Director of 4-H, Dr. David Monks. Together, the...
A Convo with the Congressman: From Eastern NC to Washington DC
In this inspiring episode of The Best Better Podcast, Lenoir County 4-H’ers Lamonie Taylor and Sanaa Thompson sit down with NC Congressman Don Davis for a powerful conversation about leadership, service, and the role young people play in shapin...
The Exchange of Leadership : When Lenoir Meets Michigan
In this episode, Lenoir County students share their first impressions of hosting exchange students from Michigan! From Southern hospitality to Midwest traditions, we dive into the excitement, challenges, and unexpected surprises of bringing two...
Volunteers We Grow: Extension Master Gardener Volunteers Share Their Impact
Gardening is more than just plants—it’s about people, too! Join us as we shine a spotlight on the dedicated NC Extension Master Gardener Volunteers of Lenoir County who share their time, knowledge, and passion to grow stronger communitie...
Rose, Bud, Thorn: New Year, New Goals
In this episode, we look back at the past year—celebrating our wins, lessons learned, and everything in between. We also chat about setting meaningful goals for the new year, sharing practical tips to help you stay on track. Plus, we dive into ...
My Mind Matters: Breaking the barriers on youth mental health
In this episode of The Best Better Podcast, we dive deep into some of the toughest challenges young people face today: conflict, stress, anxiety, and bullying. How do you manage stress when everything feels overwhelming? What are effective ways...
Catching the Breath: Tackling Vaping Prevention in Lenoir County Schools
In this episode of Catching the Breath, we delve into the pressing issue of vaping among youth in Lenoir County schools. Join us for an insightful conversation with Sherita Simmons, a dedicated public health educator with the Lenoir Co...
About to Adult: Surviving the College Transition Before It Happens
It’s almost go-time! In this episode, we’re gearing up for the biggest transition of your life—college. You’ve got your acceptance letter, you’ve survived high school, and now it’s time to tackle the realities of living alone, making n...
The Juggling Act: Mastering the balance between school, family, extracurriculars and social life
In this episode of The Best Better Podcast, we sit down with the inspiring youth of Junior Leadership Lenoir to explore the art of balance. Join us as they share their secrets for juggling school, family commitments, extracurricular ac...
Where it all Begins: The importance of local partnerships
On this episode we sit down with Dr. Tammy Kelly ( Lenoir County Extension Director) and Ashley Chadwick (Director for Junior Leadership of Lenoir) as we discuss North Carolina 4-H, Cooperative Extension, and Junior Leadership Lenoir. Get a clo...