In this episode, Brooke and Layla discuss Superbowl LIX and what their personal Superbowls are.
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Our Superbowls
Category: Podcasts
Lindsay Moran joins Abdullah Najjar to discuss her work in the Clandestine Service at the CIA. Her work involved the recruitment of Human intelligence, otherwise known as spies. After Leaving the agency in 2003, Lindsay started writing and published her memoir, Blowing My Cover (attached below), which details her time in the agency. She currently works as a freelance writer, whose articles have appeared at the New York Times, The Washington Post, and USA Today.
Toby Harnden is an Author and War Correspondent. He spent almost 25 years working for British newspapers, mainly as a foreign correspondent. He has reported from different places around the world, including London, Belfast, Washington, Jerusalem, and Baghdad. In 2012, he was awarded the Orwell Prize for books. He has written three non-fiction books, which are linked below. Our conversation primarily focused on foreign correspondence, though viewer discretion is advised. I hope you would enjoy this episode, and please be sure to purchase Toby’s books.
First Casualty: The Untold Story of the CIA Mission to Avenge 9/11.
Dead Men Risen: The Welsh Guards and the Defining Story of Britain’s War in Afghanistan
Bandit Country: the IRA and South Armagh.
Ever wondered what happens when graphic design meets fashion? In this episode, I sit down with Alyx Hacks, a designer who’s blending the digital world with the tactile magic of wearable art. We dive into her journey from creating eye-catching graphics to transforming thrifted pieces into wearable masterpieces that speak to personal growth and loss.
But it’s not just about fabric and design—it’s about the power of creativity as therapy, the unexpected lessons learned through experimenting with new skills, and how our designs can become powerful forms of self-expression. Alyx and I explore the evolving nature of art, the challenges of balancing traditional techniques with digital tools, and the emotional connections that art can help us navigate.
Think art therapy, fashion meets function, and a dash of experimentation—and you’ve got an episode full of inspiration and raw conversation about design, personal growth, and the magic of creating from the heart.
Ready to step into the world where creativity knows no boundaries? Tune in and get inspired to start your own artistic journey.
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The Wilder Flower – WKNC Interviews
WKNC interviews Madeline from Carolina Bluegrass group “The Wilder Flower.” We discuss songwriting, performing, and the overall journey of the band so far.
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Machine Girl – WKNC Interviews
DMC Woodstock interviews Matt Stephenson of Machine Girl and various concert-goers at Lincoln Theater (11/08/24). Topics of conversation include electronic music, annoying cars, ugliness, the U.S. presidential election, catharsis, Xavier Renegade Angel, and more!
Credit to Michael Pilmer for concert audio. His Youtube channel can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelPilmer
Credit to Chalcopyrite for image.
It’s hard to believe we’re already stepping into 2025! In this episode, I sit down with Abdullah Najjar to reflect on our past year—2024—and all the things that made it unforgettable. From the ups to the downs, we talk about the moments that shaped us, both personally and professionally.
We dive into what we’ve learned, the surprises life threw our way, and how gratitude and reflection became such a big part of our lives. And of course, we share a few laughs along the way—including a karaoke moment that neither of us will forget anytime soon!
Looking back on 2024, I feel so thankful for the growth, lessons, and surprises it brought. As we step into 2025, I’m wishing for more growth, more love, and even more moments that challenge and inspire us. May this year be filled with more laughter, deeper connections, and more opportunities to embrace the unexpected.
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Don’t Call It a Comeback
In the technical episode 0, I will be reviewing Peyton Hezekiah UT_ANIMADVERTIT and ANHKLEJohns God’s Grace. I will also be reviewing this year’s Grammys for hip hop and a brief history of sampling in hip hop production.
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Breaking the Ice
In this episode, Brooke and Layla introduce themselves and provide an overview of what Touching Concrete is all about.
Welcome to the first episode of the semester! I hope you all had a great start to 2025 and are ready for another season of conversations on identity, culture, and life abroad.
To kick things off, I’m joined by Loridana Foksha, who is giving us a recap of her semester in Spain—living away from her home in the U.S. and NC State. From the excitement of immersing herself in a new culture to the challenges of adjusting to life abroad, Loridana shares the highs, lows, and unexpected moments of her time in Spain.
She takes us through the thrill of discovering Spain’s vibrant art scene, the charm of spontaneous travelling experiences, and the inspiration she found in the country’s rich history and architecture. But beyond the postcard-perfect moments, she also opens up about the struggles—language barriers, unexpected college life, and the challenge of truly feeling at home in a new culture.
Along the way, Loridana reflects on the simple yet profound joy of watching people go about their lives, soaking in the energy of a new place, and truly living her dreams. From moments of deep connection to the quiet beauty of everyday life, she shares what it means to embrace change and find inspiration in the world around you.
Whether you’re dreaming of moving abroad, reminiscing about your own travel adventures, or just curious about the realities of expat life, this episode offers a raw and insightful look at the highs and lows of starting over in a new country.
Tune in for stories of self-discovery, cultural surprises, and the lessons learned from embracing the unknown.