The Nikki and Reuel Podcast Experience

Send us Fan MailSummaryIn this episode of the Nikki and Reuel Podcast, Nikki Bascome shares her deep connection with Surfers Healing, a nonprofit organization that provides free surf camps for children with autism. The conversation explores the emotional journey of families, the challenges faced by children with autism, and the transformative experiences at the beach. Nikki emphasizes the importance of community support, fundraising efforts, and creating a safe environment for families to enjoy a day of surfing without the pressures of daily life. The episode highlights the impact of Surfers Healing on both children and their parents, fostering hope and connection within the autism community.TakeawaysSurfers Healing is a free surf camp for children with autism.The camp aims to provide a day where autism doesn't exist.Parents often feel overwhelmed and need a break from caregiving.Every child who participates is celebrated, regardless of their surfing ability.The camp fosters a sense of community and support for families.Nikki emphasizes the importance of emotional connections with children.Surfers Healing relies heavily on community support and donations.The camp provides a safe environment for children to explore the ocean.Nikki shares personal stories that highlight the camp's impact.The organization is always looking for volunteers and donations to sustain its mission.Sound Bites"It's a 24 hour, 7 day a week job.""There’s not a dry eye on the beach.""Every child gets a trophy."Support the showSupport The Wilmington Conservative as we seek to be THE conservative publishing platform for Coastal Carolina.  Visit our store:  https://thewilmingtonconservative.com/store

Send us Fan MailSummaryIn this episode of the Nikki and Reuel Podcast Experience, we welcome Jennifer Balkcom, Republican State Representative from Henderson County, North Carolina. The conversation covers the resilience of communities in the face of disasters, the importance of legislative support for families, and specific bills aimed at enhancing parental rights regarding medical records and educational content. Jennifer shares her experiences with community recovery efforts after hurricanes and floods, discusses the challenges of navigating legislative processes, and highlights the significance of parental involvement in children's health and education.TakeawaysCommunity resilience is vital in the face of disasters.Support from outside communities can significantly aid recovery efforts.Legislative changes are necessary to improve parental rights regarding children's medical records.House Bill 519 aims to enhance parental access to medical information.House Bill 636 addresses age-appropriate content in schools.Parents should be involved in their children's education and health decisions.The current laws may not adequately protect parental rights.Community organizations play a crucial role in disaster recovery.Legislation should reflect the needs of local communities rather than distant authorities.Prayer and community support are essential in overcoming challenges. Sound Bites"I want to know what's going on with my son.""Parents are our child's biggest advocates.""We need to take the power from Washington." Support the showSupport The Wilmington Conservative as we seek to be THE conservative publishing platform for Coastal Carolina.  Visit our store:  https://thewilmingtonconservative.com/store

Send us Fan MailSummaryIn this episode of the Nikki and Reuel podcast, hosts Reuel Sample and Nikki Bascome welcome Zak Keisler from Military Missions in Action (MMIA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting veterans in North Carolina. Zak shares the impactful work MMIA does, including providing essential services to unhoused veterans, building ramps for accessibility, and the importance of community support and donations. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by veterans, the organization's growth, and upcoming fundraising events to sustain their mission.TakeawaysMilitary Missions in Action focuses solely on North Carolina veterans.The organization was founded to address unmet needs of veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.MMIA has significantly reduced the wait time for veterans needing assistance.They assist unhoused veterans through various programs, including care packages and furniture delivery.Community collaboration is essential for the success of MMIA's initiatives.The organization relies heavily on donations and volunteer support.Zak emphasizes the importance of addressing mental health and addiction issues among veterans.They have a strong relationship with local veteran service officers to assist veterans effectively.Upcoming fundraising events are crucial for sustaining their programs.Sound Bites"We only service North Carolina.""It's a multifaceted problem.""Every dollar makes a difference."   Support the showSupport The Wilmington Conservative as we seek to be THE conservative publishing platform for Coastal Carolina.  Visit our store:  https://thewilmingtonconservative.com/store

Send us Fan MailSummaryHosts Nikki Bascome and Reuel Sample engage in a lively discussion with young conservative leaders Peyton Steele and Kelsey McCormick. They share their personal journeys into politics, and discuss the mission of Turning Point USA. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by conservative students on college campuses, the importance of family support in political beliefs, and the need for generational engagement in political activism. The episode highlights the evolving landscape of youth political engagement and the strategies to make conservatism appealing to Gen Z.TakeawaysPeyton Steele and Kelsey McCormick are young conservative leaders involved with Turning Point USA.Turning Point USA aims to empower students to advocate for pro-American values.College campuses can be challenging environments for conservative students.Many college students are disengaged from political issues and rely on social media for news.Family support plays a crucial role in shaping political beliefs and activism.Engaging Gen Z requires making politics fun and relatable.Social media platforms like TikTok are effective for reaching younger audiences.Conservative activism is gaining momentum among the younger generation.The importance of standing firm in one's beliefs despite opposition. Sound Bites"I feel so old.""It's a badge of honor.""We want a break."Support the showSupport The Wilmington Conservative as we seek to be THE conservative publishing platform for Coastal Carolina.  Visit our store:  https://thewilmingtonconservative.com/store

Send us Fan MailSummaryIn this episode of the Nikki and Reuel Podcast, hosts Reuel Sample and Nikki Bascome engage with Joy Pullmann, executive editor of The Federalist, discussing the profound influence of the American Bar Association (ABA) on the legal system and its implications for constitutional integrity. Joy articulates her concerns about the ABA's monopoly over legal education and its leftist agenda, which she argues undermines the rule of law. The conversation transitions to the concept of queer politics, linking it to the destruction of the family unit, which Joy posits as essential for societal stability. The discussion also touches on the importance of community and church in providing support, especially in addressing trauma among children. Joy emphasizes the need for alternatives to the ABA and advocates for a more entrepreneurial approach to legal reform, highlighting the interconnectedness of family, community, and governance.TakeawaysThe ABA has a significant influence on the legal profession and judicial appointments.Judicial rulings are increasingly disconnected from constitutional principles.Queer politics aims to dismantle the traditional family structure.The family unit is crucial for societal stability and individual well-being.Trauma in children is often overlooked in societal discussions.Community and church play vital roles in supporting families.Legal reform requires alternatives to the ABA's monopoly.Entrepreneurial policy-making is necessary for effective legal reform.The government often displaces family and community support systems.Addressing root causes of societal issues is essential for long-term solutions.Sound Bites"The ABA is really kind of a nutty organization.""The goal is to destroy the family.""We should encourage things that make people happy."Support the showSupport The Wilmington Conservative as we seek to be THE conservative publishing platform for Coastal Carolina.  Visit our store:  https://thewilmingtonconservative.com/store

Send us Fan MailSummary In this episode of the Nikki and Reuel Podcast Experience, hosts Reuel Sample and Nikki Baskin discuss various topics affecting their community in Wilmington, including significant issues surrounding the school board, particularly regarding Title IX and gender ideology. They emphasize the importance of civility in discussions, the impact of social media dynamics, and the ongoing changes in corporate DEI policies. The episode also introduces Milo, a crisis response dog for the Wilmington Fire Department. Takeaways ·         Community engagement is essential for addressing local issues. ·         Title IX discussions are crucial for protecting students' rights. ·         Civility in discussions is necessary for productive dialogue. ·         Social media platforms are vulnerable to cyber attacks. ·         Companies are reframing DEI policies to comply with new regulations. ·         Crisis response dogs can provide emotional support to first responders. ·         Community involvement can lead to positive changes. ·         Open conversations about sensitive topics are vital for understanding.·          Trust in local media is important for informed citizenship. Sound Bites ·         "We're all Irish on St. Patrick's Day." ·         "We need help to keep our content online." ·         "Get involved in your community."Support the showSupport The Wilmington Conservative as we seek to be THE conservative publishing platform for Coastal Carolina.  Visit our store:  https://thewilmingtonconservative.com/store

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Nikki and Reuel podcast, the hosts discuss the recent changes in leadership within the New Hanover County GOP, focusing on the newly elected chairperson John Hinnant. The conversation covers Hinnant's plans for unifying the party, improving volunteer engagement, and addressing key issues such as women's sports legislation and DEI in education. The hosts also touch on the upcoming mayoral race and the dissatisfaction among voters regarding local school districts, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and professional discourse within the party.TakeawaysThe Wilmington Conservative relies on community support for growth.John Hinnant emphasizes the importance of volunteer time and engagement.The GOP must work towards unifying its members despite internal disagreements.Improving primary turnout is crucial for the success of Republican candidates.Legislation protecting women's sports is a significant issue for voters.DEI policies in education could have financial repercussions for schools.The upcoming mayoral race presents an opportunity for Republican candidates.Community service and engagement should be a year-round effort for the GOP.Healthy debates within the party are necessary for growth and improvement.Professionalism in political discourse is essential for party unity.Sound Bites"We really do need you.""We are a big tent party.""We need to put somebody in there."Support the showSupport The Wilmington Conservative as we seek to be THE conservative publishing platform for Coastal Carolina.  Visit our store:  https://thewilmingtonconservative.com/store

Send us Fan MailSummaryIn this podcast episode, John Hinnant discusses his candidacy for the New Hanover County GOP chair, emphasizing the importance of leadership, communication, and community engagement. He shares his journey to running for chair, the relationships he has built with local and state leaders, and his strategies for keeping Republicans competitive in a politically diverse county. Hinnant evaluates the current county leadership's performance, outlines his plans for structuring committees, and stresses the need for improved communication and election integrity. He also addresses the challenges of unifying the party and preparing for future elections, concluding with a compelling elevator pitch for his candidacy.TakeawaysJohn Hinnant was encouraged to run for chair by many supporters.Building relationships with local and state leaders is crucial for success.Republicans must provide year-round value to remain competitive.Fundraising efforts by current leadership have set a new standard.Effective communication is key to engaging voters and volunteers.Committees need to be filled with motivated individuals to succeed.Election integrity is a priority for the GOP in New Hanover County.Unifying the party requires accountability and clear communication.Focus on down ballot races is essential for overall success.Hinnant's campaign emphasizes leadership, communication, and community engagement.Sound Bites"I want to provide some real leadership.""We need to get our voice heard statewide.""Fundraising was phenomenal."Support the showSupport The Wilmington Conservative as we seek to be THE conservative publishing platform for Coastal Carolina.  Visit our store:  https://thewilmingtonconservative.com/store

Send us Fan MailSummaryIn this episode of the Wilmington Conservative podcast, hosts Reuel Sample and Nikki Bascome engage with Bob Lewis, a candidate for the New Hanover County GOP chair. The conversation covers Bob's journey into politics, his relationships with local leaders, strategies for keeping Republicans competitive in elections, and the importance of community support and volunteer recognition. Bob emphasizes the need for unity within the party and outlines his vision for effective leadership and engagement with constituents.TakeawaysBob Lewis has a strong background in conservative values and community service.Building relationships with local leaders is crucial for political success.Increasing volunteer numbers is essential for election competitiveness.Recognizing and valuing volunteers can enhance party engagement.Bob Lewis emphasizes teamwork over individualism in his campaign.Effective communication and outreach are key to connecting with voters.The GOP needs to address internal factions for better unity.Fundraising events can significantly boost party resources.Community involvement is vital for political candidates. Sound Bites"I'm a big Trump supporter.""We need to get more volunteers.""We're a team, not just a slate."Support the showSupport The Wilmington Conservative as we seek to be THE conservative publishing platform for Coastal Carolina.  Visit our store:  https://thewilmingtonconservative.com/store

Send us Fan MailSummaryIn this episode of the Nikki and Reuel podcast we welcome Nick Craig, conservative political commentator and podcaster and host of the Nick Craig Show. The conversation covers a range of topics including Nick's political ideology, the problem of nonpartisan groups who really are partisan, the impact of political identity, and the evolution of media from traditional radio to new platforms. They discuss the importance of engaging younger voters, the upcoming local elections, and strategies for the Republican Party to mobilize support. The episode concludes with Nick's optimistic outlook on the future of the country and the importance of active participation in politics.Takeaways·         Nick Craig emphasizes his clear conservative stance in media.·         The left has effectively controlled the narrative on women's rights.·         Engagement of younger voters is crucial for Republican success.·         Republicans need to mobilize and support their candidates more actively.·         The evolution of media is shifting towards podcasts and online platforms.·         Mental health impacts are significant in political discourse.·         Local elections are becoming increasingly important for party dynamics.·         Republicans must address economic issues to resonate with younger voters.·         The importance of free speech in political discussions is highlighted.·         Nick Craig's journey into radio was unexpected but fulfilling.Sound Bites·         "I'm not going to hide away from that."·         "It's hard to ask for money."·         "I think we're in a golden age for our country."  Support the showSupport The Wilmington Conservative as we seek to be THE conservative publishing platform for Coastal Carolina.  Visit our store:  https://thewilmingtonconservative.com/store

Send us Fan MailSummaryIn this episode, Reuel Sample interviews Katrina Knight, the executive director of Good Shepherd Center, a regional organization in North Carolina dedicated to addressing hunger and homelessness. Katrina shares insights into the various services provided by the center, including a soup kitchen, day shelter, medical services, and night shelter for families and individuals. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by the organization, the impact of COVID-19 on homelessness trends, and the importance of affordable housing. Katrina emphasizes the need for community support and advocacy to address the growing housing crisis in the region.TakeawaysGood Shepherd Center serves over 138,000 meals a year.The organization reclaims 500 tons of food annually.They aim to expedite families' moves out of shelter.COVID-19 has reversed progress in reducing homelessness.Affordable housing is crucial for community well-being.Permanent supportive housing combines affordable apartments with support services.Community advocacy is essential for addressing housing issues.The center provides medical services to those in need.Volunteers are vital for the center's operations.The organization is focused on continuous improvement and learning.Sound Bites"We serve over 138,000 meals a year.""COVID has really reversed some of our progress.""We need to be thinking about affordable housing."Support the showSupport The Wilmington Conservative as we seek to be THE conservative publishing platform for Coastal Carolina.  Visit our store:  https://thewilmingtonconservative.com/store

Send us Fan MailSummaryIn this episode of the Nikki and Reuel Podcast Experience, hosts Reuel Sample and Nikki Bascome discuss a variety of topics with guest Harry Knight, including  insights into the political landscape of New Hanover County, the impact of polarizing figures on elections, and the implications of the 14th Amendment on immigration. They also explore government accountability, particularly in relation to Elon Musk's recent actions, and the challenges facing local government budgeting. They also discuss various political dynamics in Wilmington, including the implications of local elections, the impact of DEI funding, and the importance of measurable outcomes in government programs. They also touch on foreign policy and immigration reform, Republican strategies for upcoming elections, and the significance of the upcoming Republican convention. The discussion emphasizes the need for honesty and effective leadership in navigating these complex issues.TakeawaysHarry Knight discusses the political dynamics in New Hanover County.The county's election results show a complex voter landscape.Polarizing figures like Trump and Mark Robinson influence local elections.The 14th Amendment's interpretation is a contentious issue.Elon Musk's actions highlight the need for government accountability.Local government faces challenges with budgeting and DEI programs.The importance of reliable Republican votes in local politics.Voter behavior often follows party lines rather than individual candidates.The upcoming municipal elections in Wilmington are shaping up to be competitive. A true left-wing liberal could be in the mayor's office.The mayor of Wilmington has limited powers compared to other cities.DEI funding raises questions about its effectiveness and outcomes.There is a need for measurable outcomes in government programs.Endowment funds should be directed towards education.Foreign policy changes are impacting immigration reform.Republicans must adapt their strategies for upcoming elections.Voter demographics in New Hanover County are shifting significantly.Understanding data is crucial for effective political campaigning.Honesty in leadership is essential for building trust. Sound Bites"New Hanover County is a purple county.""Mark Robinson is a polarizing figure.""It's a target rich environment.""Dane Scalise takes on the DEI programs.""I need a job!""Would you rather have Bill Saffo?""A costly distraction, which is the DEI.""Let's start bringing it back to our schools.""Border crossings are down almost 60%.""Unaffiliated is now closer to 50%.""It's a data war, isn't it?"Support the showSupport The Wilmington Conservative as we seek to be THE conservative publishing platform for Coastal Carolina.  Visit our store:  https://thewilmingtonconservative.com/store

Send us Fan MailSummaryIn this episode of the Nikki and Reuel podcast, the hosts engage with Josie Barnhart, a member of the New Hanover County Board of Education. They discuss various educational initiatives, including the Career Leadership Development Academy for seventh graders, an essay contest in partnership with Bikes for Kids, and advanced teacher roles aimed at improving educational outcomes. The conversation also touches on collaboration with county commissioners for funding, innovative programs like Spark NC, and the introduction of savings accounts for students to promote financial literacy. Josie emphasizes the importance of building relationships and creating opportunities for both students and staff in the education system.TakeawaysThe Career Leadership Development Academy provides hands-on career exploration for seventh graders.Engaging students early in career discussions can help them make informed high school choices.The Bikes for Kids initiative empowers low-income students through essay contests and bike giveaways.Advanced teacher roles focus on improving teaching quality in low-performing schools.Collaboration with county commissioners has led to increased funding for school capital projects.Spark NC offers innovative, self-paced learning opportunities for high school students.Savings accounts for students aim to promote financial literacy and provide future financial support.Building relationships with community partners is crucial for educational success.Creating opportunities for students can change their life trajectories.Transparency and communication from school leadership foster trust within the community.Sound Bites"It's all about education tonight.""I want to create this opportunity.""We are prone to hurricanes."Support the showSupport The Wilmington Conservative as we seek to be THE conservative publishing platform for Coastal Carolina.  Visit our store:  https://thewilmingtonconservative.com/store

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Nikki and Reuel podcast, hosts Nikki Bascome and Reuel Sample discuss a variety of topics ranging from the current political landscape under Trump's presidency to the vibrant music scene in Wilmington, featuring guest Perry Hewlett, a talented bluegrass musician. The conversation also delves into local history, the evolution of New Hanover County, and reflections on community and social media's impact on personal interactions.TakeawaysThe political climate is shifting with Trump's presidency.Wilmington has a rich and vibrant music scene.Perry Hewlett shares his journey as a bluegrass musician.Local history is often overlooked but rich in stories.Community culture is essential to preserving local identity.Social media can distort perceptions of individuals.The importance of critical thinking in today's society.Wilmington's music scene has evolved significantly over the years.The impact of development on local landscapes and communities.Engaging with local history can foster a deeper connection to the community.Sound Bites"It's the golden era.""It's a listening room.""It's like a tree museum."Support the showSupport The Wilmington Conservative as we seek to be THE conservative publishing platform for Coastal Carolina.  Visit our store:  https://thewilmingtonconservative.com/store

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Nikki and Reuel podcast, hosts Nikki Bascome and Reuel Sample welcome Dawn-Michelle Blalock from the Boys and Girls Club of Southeastern North Carolina. They discuss the mission and vision of the club, the merging of two organizations to better serve the community, and the importance of mentorship and staff dynamics. Dawn shares insights on engaging teens, the challenges faced by today's youth, and the club's commitment to affordable programs. The conversation also touches on mental health issues post-COVID and the joy found in working with children. In this engaging conversation, Dawn-Michele Blalock, CEO of the Boys and Girls Club, shares her journey from a nursing background to leading a youth development organization. She discusses the joys and challenges of working with children, the importance of community involvement, and the upcoming Blue Door Gala, a key fundraising event. Dawn emphasizes the need for volunteers and the impact of mentorship on youth, highlighting the organization's commitment to providing a supportive environment for children. The conversation concludes with a call to action for community members to get involved and support youth development initiatives.Check out their website at: https://bgcsenc.org/Interested in the 2025 Blue Door Gala?  Buy your ticket here: https://bgcsenc.org/event/gala25/TakeawaysThe Boys and Girls Club provides a safe environment for youth.Dawn Michelle Blalock has been with the club for 19 months.The club serves about 2,200 kids across five counties.50% of the kids come from single-parent families.98% of kids in the program graduate on time with a plan.The club has implemented a social worker program for mental health support.Engaging teens post-COVID has been a challenge.The club offers affordable programs to ensure all kids can participate.Dawn emphasizes the importance of supporting parents as well.The unpredictability of kids brings joy to Dawn's work. Teachable moments with kids can be both funny and poignant.Working with children brings joy and challenges.Dawn-Michele transitioned from nursing to youth development unexpectedly.The Blue Door Gala is a key fundraising event for the organization.Safety and background checks are paramount for volunteers.Volunteers bring diverse experiences that benefit the kids.The organization aims to provide a holistic approach to youth development.Community involvement is crucial for the success of youth programs.Every contribution, whether time or money, makes a difference.Building relationships with kids is essential for their growth.Sound Bites"98% graduate on time with a plan.""You don't ever ask a woman her age.""They're funny, they're cute.""I will keep it forever.""This is really our premier event.""Safety is super important."Support the showSupport The Wilmington Conservative as we seek to be THE conservative publishing platform for Coastal Carolina.  Visit our store:  https://thewilmingtonconservative.com/store

Send us Fan MailIn this last (or first) episode of the year, hosts Nikki Bascome and Reuel Sample welcome guest John Hinnant to discuss a range of political and cultural topics, including the impact of social media on community engagement, the intricacies of political fundraising through platforms like ActBlue, and predictions for the upcoming political landscape in 2025. They discuss various themes surrounding local politics, cultural predictions, health trends, and the resurgence of faith in the community. They explore the dynamics of local leadership, the future of comedy, and the impact of health and fitness on political figures. The discussion also touches on significant predictions for 2025, including potential changes in pharmaceutical advertising and the cultural landscape.TakeawaysSocial media can create a disconnect between people.ActBlue is a significant fundraising platform for Democrats.Political predictions can shape future strategies.Community engagement is crucial for local elections.Cultural predictions reflect societal trends.Election reform is a pressing issue at the state level.Understanding fundraising platforms is essential for political campaigns.Local elections can significantly impact community policies.Conspiracy theories can sometimes lead to important discussions.The political landscape is constantly evolving, requiring adaptability. Weekly challenges in local politics are common.Local leadership dynamics are shifting towards new candidates.A resurgence of comedy and creativity is anticipated in 2025.Health and fitness trends are influencing political figures.There is a predicted resurgence of faith in communities.Predictions for 2025 include significant changes in media and advertising.The importance of community values is emphasized.Engagement with the audience is crucial for future endeavors.Cultural predictions reflect a desire for change and creativity.The hosts encourage open dialogue and participation from listeners.Sound Bites"I think I'm a stalker.""You cannot rely on Facebook.""ActBlue has admitted to some malfeasance.""Rock on with your conspiracy theories.""I think JD Vance is going to be the one.""I think we're ready.""It's been a really miserable four years.""I think that's going to be fantastic.""2025 is gonna be amazing.""Come on, let's do it."Support the showSupport The Wilmington Conservative as we seek to be THE conservative publishing platform for Coastal Carolina.  Visit our store:  https://thewilmingtonconservative.com/store

Send us Fan MailNorth Carolina State Representative Ted Davis joins our podcast to talk about the veto override of SB 382.  We talk about the increased hurricane relief funds that are part of this bill.   We also talk about the necessity of moving the oversight of the Board of Elections (BOE) out of the Governor's office to the Auditor's office.Support the showSupport The Wilmington Conservative as we seek to be THE conservative publishing platform for Coastal Carolina.  Visit our store:  https://thewilmingtonconservative.com/store

Send us Fan MailNew Hanover County Commissioner Dane Scalise joins our very first podcast as we delve in to election irregularities, late vote counting and green spaces in New Hanover.Support the showSupport The Wilmington Conservative as we seek to be THE conservative publishing platform for Coastal Carolina.  Visit our store:  https://thewilmingtonconservative.com/store