In this heartfelt and deeply personal episode of People, Politics and Pork, hosts Newell Clark and Greg Webb welcome Mayor Zeb Smathers of Canton, North Carolina — a hometown leader who has seen his share of challenges and still manages to keep faith and hope alive.

From devastating floods to the sudden closure of a historic paper mill, Mayor Smathers paints a vivid picture of how a small town has battled heartbreak after heartbreak — and yet found the will to rise each time. With stories of neighbors coming together, kids cheering in a stadium rebuilt after tragedy, and the power of community prayers, this conversation is about far more than politics; it’s about resilience.

Mayor Smathers shares lessons learned through repeated disasters, the struggles of dealing with federal disaster relief, and the importance of bipartisan support to truly rebuild. He also issues a passionate call to take care of your “own backyard” — encouraging listeners to strengthen their homes, neighborhoods, and communities as the first line of defense against division and hardship.

Greg and Newell round out the conversation with their own reflections on local leadership, public service, and the essential role of civic-minded communities.

If you believe in grit, grace, and the power of neighbors coming together, this is an episode you can’t miss.

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In this witty and thought-provoking episode of People, Politics and Pork, Greg Webb and Newell Clark kick things off with a laugh, swapping stories about the wonders — and perils — of beef tallow. From DIY skin balms to accidental Amazon subscriptions, they explore the quirks of modern consumer culture in true Triple P fashion.

But as the conversation shifts, the hosts dive into deeper waters: the erosion of constitutional checks and balances and the dangers of presidential overreach. They raise sharp questions about Supreme Court decisions that may weaken protections against executive power, unpacking how these shifts could disrupt everything from immigration enforcement to corporate planning.

Newell and Greg highlight the very real consequences of chaotic, unrestrained policy swings — from rural hospital closures to threatened public services — while also warning about the temptation to trade long-term community stability for short-term economic bargains.

Greg caps the conversation with a powerful personal story about Walmart, his father’s wisdom, and the hard choices communities face between values and convenience. The message is clear: in a world of “good steaks, cheap,” we need to stay mindful of what we might be giving up.

If you enjoy candid, unscripted conversation that blends humor, civic insight, and Southern storytelling, this episode is for you.

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In this powerful solo episode of People, Politics and Pork, hosts Newell Clark and Greg Webb tackle some of the most pressing issues facing the nation today — from immigration and constitutional guardrails to the role of journalism in a democracy. Broadcasting from separate locations but united in purpose, the duo returns to their signature format of meaningful, unscripted conversation that feels both timely and timeless.

Greg shares firsthand reflections from the “No Kings” protest in Nashville, offering a critical lens on the growing tensions around executive overreach, erosion of due process, and the politicization of the military. Newell challenges common misconceptions around immigration, pointing to both personal ancestry and the broader truth of America’s immigrant foundation.

As the episode progresses, the conversation peels back layers of misinformation, political theater, and the rise of infotainment in news. They address the human cost of performative politics — especially in immigration — with stories like that of Mr. Garcia, whose case embodies the conflict between law, justice, and public opinion.

The show closes with a stirring reminder from both hosts: the importance of truth, thoughtful journalism, and the shared responsibility to govern for all people — not just one’s base. As always, Greg and Newell don't tell you what to think — they just ask you to think.

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