Gaston's Great
Welcome to "Gaston's Great," the podcast that delves into the dynamic world of non-profits and leadership in Gaston County, North Carolina! I'm your host Steven Long, and I'm excited to guide you through the inspiring stories, impactful initiatives, and visionary leaders who are making a difference in our community.
In each episode, "Gaston's Great" shines a spotlight on the dedicated individuals and organizations that contribute to the social fabric of Gaston County through their work in the non-profit sector. Join us as we explore the innovative solutions, community-driven projects, and the passion that fuels these organizations' missions.
Discover the leadership philosophies that drive positive change, as we sit down with influential figures from Gaston County's non-profit landscape. Hear firsthand accounts of challenges overcome, victories celebrated, and the collaborative spirit that defines the non-profit sector in our community.
But "Gaston's Great" isn't just about stories – it's about inspiring action and fostering a sense of community engagement. Each episode offers insights into effective leadership strategies, highlights the resources available for those looking to make a difference, and showcases how individuals can get involved in supporting local non-profits.
So, whether you're an aspiring leader, a passionate advocate, or simply someone curious about the incredible work happening in Gaston County, this podcast is your go-to source for all things non-profit and leadership-related. "Gaston's Great" is your front-row seat to the heartwarming stories of those who lead with purpose and drive positive change in our beloved community.
Join us on this journey of empowerment, motivation, and community building. "Gaston's Great," because leadership and non-profits are the cornerstones of a community that truly thrives. Let's explore the transformative power of leadership together!
Episodes
217 episodes
🎙️Episode 190 | Ready, Set, Grow: Helping Local Students Start the School Year Strong 📚🎒
As a new school year approaches, one local event is making sure students and families have the support they need to start with confidence.This week on Gaston's Great, we're joined by Pastor Joe Bell, Sarah Miller, and Bree Thur...
Leadership Starts Here | Gaston County Jaycees: Building the Next Generation of Community Leaders
On this week's episode of Gaston's Great, we're joined by Dominick and Nate from the Gaston County Jaycees, a local organization dedicated to developing young leaders while making a lasting impact throughout our comm...
Episode 188: A Reading of the Declaration of Independence | Fourth of July Special
In this special Fourth of July episode of Gaston's Great, Steven Long reads the Declaration of Independence, the historic document adopted on July 4, 1776, that forever changed the course of our nation's history.As w...
Re-Release:💜 Spreading Love & Comfort in the Community | From Hearts 2 Home Carolinas
This week on Gaston's Great, we're revisiting an inspiring conversation with Jeannine Beert, founder of Hearts 2 Home, an organization dedicated to bringing hope, comfort, and support to families throughout our community. 💜🏡Jeannine shar...
Re-Release - Beyond the Badge: Leadership, Legacy, and Lessons with Joseph Ramey
This week on Gaston's Great, we take a look back at our conversation with former Gaston County Police Chief Joseph Ramey, exploring the leadership lessons, community connections, and commitment to service that defined his remarkable caree...
🎙 Re-Release: Leading by Design: A Conversation with Jennie Stultz
On this re-release of Gaston's Great, we're revisiting our conversation with Jennie Stultz — a trailblazing leader who made history as Gastonia's first female mayor and has spent decades serving our community through education, public service, ...
Episode 150 Re-Release: More Than Man's Best Friend 💙🐾
In this special re-release from Season 6, we're joined by Walter J. Hart, founder of Canine Companions Ltd, to discuss the incredible impact service dogs have on the lives of those they serve. 🐕🦺Walter shares how these remarkable...
Episode 125 Re-Release: Camp Sunshine | Creating Summer Memories That Last a Lifetime
In this heartwarming re-release of Gaston’s Great, we revisit our conversation with Beth Patton and the incredible mission behind Camp Sunshine ☀️Beth shares how Camp Sunshine creates unforgettable summer experiences for children who may...
✨ Episode 154 Re-Release: Finding Peace in the Pressure ✨
This week on Gaston's Great, we’re revisiting an uplifting conversation with Carenda Deonne: Christian motivational speaker, author, and founder of Stress Easy LLC. 💜In this inspiring episode, Carenda shares her journey of faith, perseve...
Connecting Generosity with Community Needs: Gaston Community Foundation
🎙️ This week on Gaston's Great, we sit down with Elizabeth and Richard from the Gaston Community Foundation to talk about the incredible ways they are helping strengthen and support our community. 💙Elizabeth first joined us back...
Saving Lives in Gaston County 🐾 | Low-Cost Spay & Neuter with Terry Kenny
🐾🎙️ New Episode of Gaston’s Great!This week, we’re sitting down with Terry Kenny to talk about the incredible work being done through the Animal League of Gaston County, including their Low Cost Spay/Neuter Progra...
Breaking Barriers Through Faith & Dialogue in Gastonia: Interfaith Trialogue
🎙️ What happens when three different faiths come together with one shared goal? 💙In this episode of Gaston's Great, we sit down with Joan, Ray, and Mark from Interfaith Trialogue of Gastonia to talk about the power...
Investing in the Next Generation: Leadership & Legacy in Gaston County
🎧 This week on Gaston’s Great…We’re joined by Preston, Chair of the Ashbrook High School Foundation Board, and Kendall, Chairman, for a conversation all about impact, leadership, and investing in the next generation....
🏀 Re-Release: Coach Troy Phillips – The Leader Behind Hunter Huss Basketball
Episode Re-ReleaseWith the Hunter Huss Huskies heading to the State Championships this weekend, we’re bringing back one of our most popular episodes of Gaston’s Great!In this episode, Steven sits down with Coach Troy Phillip...
Big Smiles & Big Impact: Ft. Will Current of Current Dentistry of Gastonia
🎙️ This week on Gaston’s Great… we’re talking SMILES, community, and the passion behind local business! 😁 Steven sits down with Will Current, owner of Current Dentistry of Gastonia, to hear the story behind his j...
Bit of Hope Ranch | A Story of Hope & Healing ft. Meg Vanderbilt
This week, we’re shining a light on the incredible impact of Bit of Hope Ranch right here in Gastonia, NC. A place where healing, hope, and connection come together through equine-assisted programs. 💙In this episode, we talk about...
From Generations to Gowns✨ | The Poffie Girls Story with Pam Nixon & Syble Latta
👗✨ On this episode of Gaston's Great, we’re thrilled to sit down with Pam Nixon, CEO of Poffie Girls, and Syble Latta, founder of this beloved bridal and formalwear boutique that has been creating unforgettable momen...
🎙️Faith at the Heart of Gastonia | ft. Dan Commerford
🎙️ This week on Gaston’s Great, we sit down with Dan Commerford, Lead Pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Gastonia.Dan shares his heart for serving Gastonia, the role faith plays in strengthening a community, and how leadership rooted...
’Twas a Gaston’s Great Christmas 🎄✨
Settle in and enjoy a cozy Christmas episode of Gaston’s Great! ✨Steven invites listeners to slow down and soak in the magic of the season with a heartwarming holiday lineup perfect for all ages. He begins by reading the beloved Christmas c...
Lifting Up Our Local Firefighters: A Conversation With the Gastonia Firefighters Foundation 🚨🙌
Episode 177 is on fire — in the best way! 🔥🚒 This week on Gaston’s Great, Steven sits down with the incredible team from the Gastonia Firefighters Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting the brave men and ...
Thanksgiving with the Long Sisters | Hannah & Rachel on Gaston’s Great 🍂🎙️
A special Thanksgiving message from Gaston’s Great! 🦃💛In this holiday special, Steven sits down with his daughters, Hannah & Rachel, for a sweet family moment on the mic. They share what they’re thankful for this year, their favorite Th...
🌶️ Building Community Through Baseball: A Conversation with Chris Ballard from the Gastonia Ghost Peppers
In this episode of Gaston’s Great, we’re joined by Chris Ballard from the Gastonia Ghost Peppers, Gastonia’s newest and spiciest addition to the local sports scene! ⚾🔥Chris shares how the Ghost Peppers came to life...
Build Strength, Confidence & Consistency | HiTone Fitness & Transforming the Community
🔥 You don’t go from couch to 5K overnight… but every BIG change starts with one SMALL step👟In today’s episode, we talk about how to build confidence, why baby steps beat crash plans, how to break through plateaus, nutrit...
🎙Shaping Art & Trust: A Conversation with Brent Messer
This week on Gaston’s Great, we’re joined by Brent Messer, owner of Facet Foundry Jewelry Studio in Gastonia, NC.Since 1992, Brent and his team have been crafting stunning, custom jewelry pieces that blend creativity...
🎙Leading by Design: A Conversation with Jennie Stultz
On this episode of Gaston's Great, we’re honored to sit down with Jennie Stultz — the first female mayor of Gastonia (serving from 1999–2011) who went on to lead community and education initiatives across the region! Jenni...