Combat travel boredom with these 4 local podcasts.
Twisted
True-crime fanatics are gonna wanna get twisted on this John Taylor-hosted podcast delving into the likes of the sick and demented “Toy Box Killer,” NFL superstar Aaron Hernandez’s arrest for murder, crime lord Al Capone and even—wait for it—the rather twisted behavior of the King of Pop himself (*dangles baby over balcony*). Thriller, indeed. twistedpodcast.com
Carolina Calling
“In my mind, I’m going to Carolina…” Stay tuned to this “bluegrass situation” as host, writer and longtime NC’er David Menconi explores the history of music in NC and the scores of talent—from Blind Boy Fuller to the Steep Canyon Rangers to Sweet Baby James himself. @comehearnc
Courage on the Pitch
The season is in full swing and soccer fans’ll get a kick outta this pod devoted to the “best soccer players in the world,” aka NC Courage, natch—from Olympians and World Cuppers to ACC phenoms. We promise it’s a keeper. nccourage.com
ACC NOW podcast
Can State hold that Tiger? Will Mack Brown bring the Heels back to glory? Will ACC divisions dissolve? Tune in as the N&O’s squad of seasoned sports reporters covers the field from transfer portals and football forecasts to NIL impact and more. Game on. @accnownando
Want some more suggestions on podcasts while you travel? Click here.
5 things you probably didn’t know about the NC Courage.
NC’s professional women’s soccer team proved that courage truly pays off after winning the NWSL Challenge Cup—the club’s first Challenge Cup title in franchise history (um, #squadgoals). Now, the Courage are putting on a brave face for the 2022 regular season—now underfoot, er, underway—and we’re confident these ballers are gonna play for keeps and kick up another trophy. Until then, we dish five fun facts about our #girlpower goal-getters.
1
In May, the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF), the U.S. Women’s National Team Players Association (USWNTPA) and the U.S. National Soccer Team Players Association (USNSTPA) came to a historic agreement on equal pay for women (!).
2
Star midfielder Debinha was named the National Women’s Soccer League Challenge Cup MVP.
3
The Courage have players repping six different countries for international play (including the U.S., New Zealand, Brazil, Jamaica, Ireland and Mexico) with five players boasting World Cup experience.
4
French forward Valérie Gauvin signed a one-year deal with the NC Courage in late March. The 25-year-old represented France in the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, scoring the opening tally for the French against Brazil. A great addition to the team, for sure!
5
Confidence meets courage in the NC Courage’s timely partnership with leading medical aesthetics business Merz Aesthetics, which aims to promote confidence, character and sportsmanship among Courage fans and beyond.
