Surviving Hurricane Helene: Rebuilding and Defending Small-Town America (Feat. Mayor Zeb Smathers)

One year after Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina, Canton Mayor Zeb Smathers joins The Hometown Holler for a powerful conversation about crisis, community, and the fight to keep small towns alive. Zeb relives Helene — from the death and destruction, to the misinformation and political spin, to the everyday acts of heroism that show why small towns still matter. He also recounts the paper mill shutdown known as “Black Monday” and shares what these experiences taught him about resilience, humanity, and the meaning of home. Along the way, he reveals what Washington gets wrong about rural America — and even weighs in on pro wrestling.For more Tar Heel deep dives and quick hits, subscribe to The Hometown Holler and follow us on social media:Follow us:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehometownhollerTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hometownhollerBlue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/thehometownholler.bsky.socialTwitter/X: https://x.com/hometown_hollerFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehometownhollerPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheHometownHoller