Five Prime Podcast

 Scott Mullis, Director of Customer Relations with GUC, joins the show to discuss his retirement and look back on 30 years of dedicated service with the company, sharing reflections on his career and experiences along the way. 

 This episode features Chris Padgett, Assistant General Manager and Chief Operating Officer for Greenville Utilities. He discusses ongoing projects and programs designed to support the utility’s services and meet the needs of its customers.

 Dr. Lathan Turner sits down with ECU student leader Giselle Glover, a junior majoring in Exercise Physiology and Psychology. She shares her experiences being involved in multiple university clubs and organizations, offering insight into student leadership and campus life. 

Brock Letchworth, Public Information Officer for the City of Greenville, is joined by Margot Clark, Special Events Coordinator, and Annah Edwards, Special Events Assistant, to preview the activities and events planned for the April 25 PirateFest. The conversation highlights what attendees can expect from one of the city’s signature celebrations.

 Isaiah Thompson, an ECU Communications major and Five Prime Media Group intern, returns for a conversation with host Mark Woodson. They discuss a variety of topics, including collaborations with other media outlets and coverage of ECU athletics. 

Brock Letchworth, Public Information Officer for the City of Greenville, returns with guest Vanessa Boateng, Program Specialist in Community Development Services, to highlight activities and public events recognizing National Community Development Week. The conversation showcases how these initiatives support and strengthen the local community. 

 Dr. Anita Joyner, Founder and Executive Director of Where the Healing Begins, Inc. and a member of Pitt Partners for Health, is the featured guest for this episode. In recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, she shares valuable insights, resources, and support available for children and families in the community. 

 In recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month, Ms. Noemi Rivera, Director of the TEDI BEAR Clinic at ECU Health, and Dr. Matthew Ledoux, Pediatrician-in-Chief at ECU Health, join the show to discuss the clinic’s vital services. As one of the largest child advocacy centers in North Carolina, the TEDI BEAR Clinic plays a critical role in supporting and protecting children and their families. 

 In recognition of National Nutrition Month, Brenda Leigh, Director of Lifestyle Medicine at ECU Health, returns to the show to share practical advice on healthy living and making smarter food choices. She also discusses the services and programs offered through the clinic to support long-term wellness. 

Dr. Ben Degner, Assistant Professor in the Division of Cardiac Surgery, and Dr. Samuel Sears, Professor of Psychology and the Department of Cardiovascular Sciences at the Brody School of Medicine and ECU Health, join host Mark Woodson to discuss heart health. The conversation explores testing, screening, evaluation, and treatment options for cardiovascular disease, while also highlighting the emotional and personal impact heart conditions have on patients and their families. 

The show features Dr. Jennifer Stalls, Director of STEM for Pitt County Schools, as she talks about the mission, purpose, and criteria of STEM programs for different school communities.

Steve Hawley, Public Information Officer for Greenville Utilities, is back to share tips on conserving energy and key steps to follow during the winter. He also gives updates on GUC projects, recent awards and recognitions, and offers helpful safety advice.

Greenville Mayor P.J. Connolly is back to talk about projects and initiatives that affect local residents. Topics include the work of the new city council, economic growth and development, infrastructure improvements, and budget matters.

In this segment, Chris Dyba, Vice Chancellor for University Advancement at ECU, talks about his main responsibilities, ongoing fundraising efforts, the financial challenges facing both the university and its students, as well as endowments and various giving campaigns.

Brock Letchworth, the Public Information Officer for the City of Greenville, is joined by Jonathan Bryant, a Community Engagement Specialist. Together, they talk about the 50-in-10 affordable housing project and the upcoming community listening sessions taking place across the city.

This special edition highlights ECU Chancellor Dr. Philip Rogers as he talks about this semester’s graduating class, the university’s mission, student enrollment, funding sources, the current state of Brody Medical School, and the challenges facing higher education.

Dr. Steve Lassiter, Superintendent of Pitt County Schools, is back to talk about key issues affecting students in the district. He highlights accomplishments from the 2024-25 school year and shares goals for 2025-26, touching on student performance, the role of AI technology, and a range of district initiatives and programs.

John Worrell, Director of Electric Systems, and Anthony Miller, Director of Gas Systems, both part of Greenville Utilities’ senior leadership team, sit down with Mark Woodson to talk about their upcoming retirements this year. They each share their journey to management, the challenges they’ve navigated over the years, and offer personal reflections on their time at GUC.

Dr. Peter Jones, a Vitreoretinal Surgeon at ECU Health and Associate Professor at the Brody School of Medicine, talks about diabetes and its impact on vision. He explains his role as a retina specialist in managing and treating diabetic retinopathy.

Dr. Ashley Quinn, a Surgical Oncologist at ECU Health and Associate Professor of Surgical Oncology at Brody Medical School, shares insights on breast cancer awareness. She covers risk factors, symptoms, screening methods, and treatment options for the disease.

Pam Strickland, founder of the nonprofit NC Stop Human Trafficking, talks about her organization’s work to build a community free from human trafficking. She also highlights the “Behind the Demand” webinar series on trafficking prevention, set for Wednesdays, November 5, 12, and 19, 2025, at 7 p.m. For more details: www[.]ncdemandreduction[.]com/events/

Jonathan Sergeant, an Energy Services Specialist with Greenville Utilities, is back to share tips on saving energy during cold weather. He covers topics like ideal temperature settings, heating unit efficiency, and related advice.

Mark and Don return to discuss the legacy of “barbershop wisdom” withing the African American community. They talk about life experiences, cultural traditions, stereotypes, and responsibilities of being a black male.

This show features a conversation with Dr. Ann Ostrovsky, Chief of Ophthalmology at ECU Health, focusing on eye health in relation to contact lenses. She covers topics like proper contact lens wear, cleaning and disinfecting methods, and their long-term effects and usage.

This show honors Mr. Leroy James, the former Director of Agriculture Extension for Pitt County, celebrating his remarkable legacy of community service. He passed away on September 28, 2025.

This show features Clay Roberson, Substance Abuse Counselor and Levi Young, Peer Support Specialist from Walter B. Jones Treatment Center in Greenville. They discuss addiction, treatment, recovery, and connection to mental health during Addiction Awareness Month.

This special edition features Uconda Dunn, Vice President of Business and Workforce Solutions – Pitt Community College, and David Horn, Director of Strategic Partnerships – ENC Greenville Alliance. They describe the career fair to take place on October 2, 2025 from 2pm to 5pm at the Greenville Convention Center.

This segment highlights Dr. Chris Buddo, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at East Carolina University. He shares insights about his role, the challenges the university faces, and his vision for the future of higher education.

This episode highlights Ms. Gretchen Wilson, the Director of School Nutrition Services for Pitt County Schools. She talks about school programs and services, the effects of COVID on food services, and adhering to USDA nutrition guidelines.

On Saturday morning breaks, Mark and Don chat about the rise of AI (artificial intelligence), their early college days, and the value of family.

Tony Cannon, General Manager and Chief Executive Officer for Greenville Utilities returns for his regular program. He discusses the recent rate change, capital improvements across utility systems, what to do if a “scammer” contact you, and various topics of interest.

This show features Charmaine Reeder and Almon-Re Alston, Community Engagement Coordinators with the Pitt Partners for Health Access to Care Team. They discuss the ECU Health sponsored “Men’s Health Fair and Classic Car Show” to be held on Saturday, September 13 from 10am to Noon at the Golden Ticket Greenville Grande parking lot. The event is free and open to the public.

Brenda Leigh, MS RD, Director of Lifestyle Medicine for ECU Health, discusses how Lifestyle Medicine differs from traditional medicine. She discusses the six pillars of Lifestyle Medicine, the role food plays in healing and prevention, and Culinary Medicine and programs.

This show features Dr. Naseen Vohra, Professor and Chief-Surgical Oncology at Brody School of Medicine and ECU Health. She discusses types of skin cancer, signs and symptoms, risks, and prevention.

This program features Dr. Bim Akintade, ECU Dean of Nursing. He discusses his journey to the position, healthcare challenges facing nursing, and issues related to education in this post-COVID environment.

Mark Woodson and Dr. Lathan Turner are back. Dr. Turner shares his experience hosting the “Pirate Happening Radio Show,” talks about his time with the ECU student affairs organization, and offers advice for students heading back to college campuses.

This show in collaboration with Pitt Partners for Health features Jennifer Lanier-Coward, Director of Pitt County Cultural Arts & Recreation. She discusses the role and responsibilities of the department, programs, events, activities, and facilities.

This show features Coach Paul Cornwell, Director of Athletics, K-12 Healthful Living Director, and Driver’s Education Coordinator for Pitt County Schools. As the new school year approaches, he talks about different programs and policies affecting middle and high school athletics. He also shares updates with listeners on rules and changes from the NC High School Athletic Association.

The guests for this show are Community Paramedics, Michelle Ethridge and Merredith Lovely. They discuss the mission and purpose of the community paramedic program, the patient population, interactions with other agencies, and challenges they face while providing patient care.

This is a special program with Tonya Foreman, Greenville City Council Member District #2. She discusses the various issues and topics that impact the local community and eastern NC.

Public Information Officer for the City of Greenville, Brock Letchworth, returns for his monthly program to update listeners. He discusses work at Town Commons, upgrades to Wildwood Park, status of the city budget, and upcoming events and projects.

Energy Services Specialist, Jonathan Sergeant, returns to provide listeners with valuable warm weather tips. He discusses thermostat settings, use of fans for cooling, changing filters, and other energy saving tips.

This program features Tiffanie Herring, Community Liaison Coordinator, Trillium Health Resources, who is a member of the Mental Health Action Team for Pitt Partners for Health. She discusses the steps to self-care and initiatives supporting mental health wellness in eastern NC.

This special program features Ms. Rachel Candaso, teacher at Wellcome Middle School in Pitt County and 2025 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Teacher of the Year. She discusses the process for receiving the award and her work as an AVID teacher and site coordinator in the district. 

This program features a special guest, Isaiah Crumpler, an alumnus of D.H. Conley High School and football player at Rutgers University. He shares his experiences in public education and his transition to competing at the NCAA Division One level in the Big Ten Athletic Conference.

Mark and Don discuss high school and college graduations during this season, reflecting on lessons learned and offering advice for future success to those pursuing further education.

This show features David Springer, Director of Water Resources for Greenville Utilities. He discusses how his organization is structured to handle water and wastewater management for GUC. Also discussed are improvements in plant and facilities to handle capacity, growth, and expansion across the customers’ service area.

Dr. Lathan Turner interviews Adrian Atkinson, Partner at K.L. Scott & Associates, for his community information program. Mr. Atkinson shares insights on his upbringing in Greenville, his professional journey, and current topics of significance.

Steve Hawley, the Public Information Officer for Greenville Utilities, provides updates on utility rate increases, major projects, and the process for enrolling in the community solar farm project. Additional topics include “Operation Spring Clean” and strategies for addressing scammers impersonating the company.

This episode highlights Dr. Tara Patterson, Assistant Superintendent of Resources at Pitt County Schools, as she explores the efforts in delivering HR programs and services for students, faculty, and staff. Additionally, the discussion covers HR’s responsibilities in teacher recruitment, training, and support.