Episodes

Sept. 5, 2026

Fayetteville Mayor’s Racially Charged Comment and Local Issues Unpacked on Carolina Cabinet

Welcome back to another edition of the Carolina Cabinet, Cumberland County's smartest hour of talk radio. I'm your host, Peter Pappas, joined in studio by the always insightful Laura Mussler. In this live segment, we're diving into the biggest headlines and controversies shaping our region—from the long-overdue connection of clean water to local schools in Gray's Creek, to Spring Lake's split votes and ongoing struggles with local governance. We'll also break down the kerfuffle surrounding Mayo...
Sept. 5, 2026

From Grant Writing to the Ballot: Janine Ackles Tackles Cumberland County Issues

Welcome to another lively episode of the Carolina Cabinet, Cumberland County’s smartest hour of talk radio! This week, Peter Pappas and Laura Mussler welcome back Janene Ackles, candidate for House District 43, for her second appearance on the show. The conversation kicks off with lighthearted banter about home-cooked meals and local favorites, then pivots to tackle pressing issues facing the region. Janene Ackles draws on her experience as a grant writer and community advocate to offer insights...
Sept. 3, 2026

Tom Hatch Discusses School Board Goals, Choice Programs, and Community Challenges

Welcome back to the Carolina Cabinet, Cumberland County’s smartest hour of talk radio! In this episode, Peter Pappas and co-host Laura Mussler sit down with Tom Hatch, a veteran educator with 32 years of experience in Cumberland County Schools—and now a candidate for an at-large seat on the school board. Together, they dig into the pressing challenges facing local education: declining public school enrollment, the unique struggles of middle schoolers, and the evolving landscape of choice program...
Sept. 1, 2026

Debating Data Centers: Fayetteville Residents Demand Protections and Accountability

Welcome to another lively edition of the Carolina Cabinet, Cumberland County's smartest hour of talk radio, where we dive headfirst into the pressing issues shaping our region. This week, hosts Peter Pappas and Laura Mussler are joined by guest Broxy Pone for a spirited discussion about local politics, community activism, and the controversies swirling around Fayetteville's proposed data centers. You'll hear first-hand accounts from city council meetings marked by tension, passionate public com...
Sept. 1, 2026

Broxie Pone on Student Achievement, Transparency, and Putting Kids First in Cumberland County

Welcome back to another edition of The Carolina Cabinet, Cumberland County’s smartest hour of talk radio. In this episode, Peter Pappas and Laura Mussler sit down with Broxie Pone, a longtime educator, pastor, and real estate professional who’s now running for the Cumberland County Board of Education at-large seat. With over 30 years in the classroom and a commitment to putting students first, Broxie Pone shares her journey from teacher to school board candidate, her philosophy on respect and st...
Aug. 20, 2026

Local Politics Unfiltered: Jonathan Strange for District Court Judge

Welcome back to another lively edition of the Carolina Cabinet, Cumberland County’s smartest hour of talk radio! Hosted by Peter Pappas with co-host Laura Mussler, this episode dives headfirst into the major issues shaping Fayetteville and beyond. From the heated debate over new data centers and zoning laws, to the challenges of local economic development, and the evolving face of election laws in North Carolina, Peter Pappas and Laura Mussler unpack it all with wit and candor. Later, they’re jo...
Aug. 17, 2026

Michael Dublin Green Party Candidate for US Senate Discusses Third-Party Politics and Policy

🎙️ Ready to Break the Political Mold? 🎙️ Dive into challenging conversations and fresh perspectives on the latest Carolina Cabinet episode featuring U.S. Senate candidate Michael Dublin of the Green Party! 🌱 Join Peter Pappas and Laura Mussler as they ask the tough questions about third parties, living wages, education, and the future of North Carolina politics. Hear why Michael Dublin believes real change starts with principled service and what makes him show up—even when the stage is stacked...
Aug. 15, 2026

Primetime Politics: Trump’s Address, Election Integrity, and the Battle Over the SAVE Act

🚨 The 2026 midterm elections are heating up, and Carolina Cabinet is at the center of the action! Are you ready to get the inside scoop on the hottest issues shaping North Carolina—and the nation? From rare presidential addresses and election security debates to local Board of Elections realities, our newest episode dives deep into: What’s really in the Save America Act? Should proof of citizenship be required to vote? Why are some networks refusing to broadcast critical national addresses? ...
Aug. 13, 2026

Compromise and Community: 911 Solutions, Roadwork, Data Center Issues, and School Board Races

🎙️ The Carolina Cabinet: Cumberland County's Smartest Hour of Talk Radio! 🎙️ Are you fed up with confusing local politics, never-ending road closures, and feeling out of the loop on decisions that affect YOUR community? Join Peter Pappas and Laura Mussler every week as they break down the hottest issues in Fayetteville and Cumberland County—no-nonsense, no spin, just real talk! Whether it’s the 911 deal that took 19 years to resolve, the chaos on Raeford Road, the future of data centers, or wh...
Aug. 11, 2026

July 4th Reflections, Local Politics, and the Battle for North Carolina’s Future

Welcome back to the Carolina Cabinet, Cumberland County’s smartest hour of talk radio! In this lively episode, Peter Pappas and Laura Mussler return to the mic to catch up on life, share travel stories, and dive headfirst into the pressing issues facing Fayetteville, North Carolina, and beyond. From Laura Mussler’s Alaskan family wedding adventure and July 4th in D.C., to Peter Pappas’s local holiday reflections, the co-hosts set the mood with personal anecdotes and patriotic gratitude. The con...
July 31, 2026

From Local Loss to Lasting Legacy: Caroline Cares, Community, and Political Conversations

Welcome back to another edition of The Carolina Cabinet, Cumberland County's smartest hour of talk radio! Join your host Peter Pappas, co-host Laura Mussler, and special guest Anna Poulos, founder of Caroline Cares, for a lively discussion about North Carolina politics, party conventions, and the importance of patriotism in America. In this episode, the trio dives into topics like the real impact of party organization changes, how to connect with local voters, and the meaning behind patriotic d...
July 11, 2026

Grassroots Power: Don Brown and Andy Nielsen Energize the GOP Base

🔥 Fire Up the Base! — The Carolina Cabinet Unites Conservatives Across NC 🔥 Are you ready for one of the most pivotal elections in North Carolina history? Join Peter Pappas, Laura Mussler, Mr. Don Brown, and Mr. Andy Nilsson on the latest episode of the Carolina Cabinet as they reveal what it takes to energize voters, unite the conservative movement, and protect the future of our state and nation. Hear firsthand stories from the campaign trail, candid discussions on building coalitions, and th...
June 22, 2026

Mayor Robert Burns Unfiltered: Nonpartisan Elections, Data Centers, and Political Pushback

Welcome to another edition of the Carolina Cabinet, Cumberland County's smartest hour of talk radio. This afternoon, Peter Pappas and Laura Mussler are joined by a particularly outspoken and dynamic guest: Mayor Robert Burns of Monroe, North Carolina. Known for winning one of the state's closest mayoral elections by a coin toss and for his unapologetically conservative leadership style, Robert Burns has become one of the most talked-about local elected officials in North Carolina. In this episo...
June 5, 2026

Cumberland County Growth, Teacher Raises, and Data Centers Explained

Are you ready to catch up on North Carolina’s hottest stories with a local perspective you can trust? The Carolina Cabinet is BACK with powerful conversations about the issues shaping our state and Cumberland County. Hosts Peter Pappas and Laura Musler dig into hot topics like: The real impact of immigration policy and spending North Carolina’s big education budget changes—what it means for teachers and parents Local insights on property taxes, housing, and community growth Behind-the-scenes...
June 3, 2026

Isabel Garcia Schmidt: Army Spouse of the Year on Community, Resilience, and Opportunity

Meet Isabel Garcia Schmidt! 🌟 Ever wondered how military families thrive through constant moves and career transitions? On this week’s episode of Carolina Cabinet, we spotlight resilience, entrepreneurship, and real solutions for today’s military community! Join Peter Pappas, Laura Mussler, and special guest Isabel Garcia Schmidt, the 2026 Armed Forces Insurance Army Spouse of the Year, as she shares: How she built a thriving business supporting military relocations Her journey from Army offi...
May 17, 2026

Tom Hatch on School Equity, and Fixing Cumberland County Education

🎙️ New Episode: Dive Into the Realities of Education in Cumberland County! Join us on the latest episode of the Carolina Cabinet as Tom Hatch, a veteran educator and "fixer" of local schools, breaks down the real issues facing our schools today. From the true meaning behind "a sound basic education" to the politics and personalities influencing our school board, this episode pulls back the curtain on public education like never before. You’ll learn: Why decades-old lawsuits like Leandro still ...
May 15, 2026

Lenny Friedman Explains Forward Party Solutions for NC

Are You Frustrated With Politics as Usual in North Carolina? Step inside the Carolina Cabinet—Cumberland County’s smartest hour of talk radio! Join Peter Pappas, Laura Mussler, and special guest Lennie Friedman of the NC Forward Party as they tackle hot-button political issues: Independent movements shaking up the status quo What’s really going on with gerrymandering and legislative gridlock New revelations about crime and recidivism in NC Real talk about building political bridges and makin...
May 11, 2026

Peter and Laura Dissect NC Teacher Protests and Taxes

🎙️ Don’t Miss the Latest Carolina Cabinet Episode! 🎙️ This week on Carolina Cabinet, Peter Pappas and Laura Mussler dive into Fayetteville’s hottest issues—from heated debates on property taxes and educating the next generation to what really happened at North Carolina’s teacher rallies. Hear unfiltered conservative takes, behind-the-scenes stories from city halls, and debates that aren’t afraid to cross party lines—plus info on must-attend community events like the Running for the Roses Kentuc...
April 21, 2026

Partisan Divide: Examining County Politics, Board Actions, and Community Voices

🎙️ Ready for the smartest hour in Carolina talk radio? Dive into this week's energetic episode of Carolina Cabinet with Peter Pappas and Laura Mussler! From behind-the-scenes local politics and juicy Board of Elections stories to no-filter debates on fiscal responsibility, election integrity, and the real issues shaping Fayetteville and Cumberland County, our hosts pull no punches—while keeping it witty and real. 🔥 Want the inside scoop on: What REALLY goes on in Raleigh’s legislative sessions...
April 20, 2026

Tax Day Survival, Local News, and the Data Center Dilemma

🎙️ Carolina Cabinet: Tune in to Cumberland County’s Smartest Hour of Talk! It’s Tax Day, it’s hot topics, and it’s a no-holds-barred hour with Peter Pappas and Laura Mussler—just the two of them, unscripted, unfiltered, and ready to tackle everything you’re talking about in Fayetteville and beyond. From navigating tax tips (without landing in orange!) to exposing local government secrets, and even candid takes on hot-button politics—this episode delivers both laughs and inside scoops. 🔥 Why li...
April 18, 2026

Olivia Cook on Fostering Unity and Local Partnerships

🌟 New Episode Alert: "The Carolina Cabinet" — Building Stronger Communities, One Conversation at a Time! 🌟 Are you ready for straight talk, strong opinions, and real discussions about the issues shaping our communities, our state, and our country? Dive into the latest episode of The Carolina Cabinet, where Peter Pappas, Laura Mussler, and special guest Olivia Cook offer compelling insights you won’t hear anywhere else! 🎙️ In this episode: The truth behind local economics: Is your grocery bill...
April 18, 2026

Spotlight on Dogwood Festival: Director Kaylynn Suarez Discusses Growth and Community

🌸 Get Ready for Spring at the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival! 🌸 Join thousands of families, friends, and fun-seekers at Cumberland County’s biggest spring event – the legendary Dogwood Festival, happening April 24th–26th in downtown Fayetteville! Experience a weekend of free concerts, delicious food trucks, a vibrant kids zone, local vendors, and so much more. Hear the inside scoop from Caitlyn Suarez, Dogwood Festival Director, as she joins Peter Pappas and Laura Mussler on the latest episode ...
April 18, 2026

Easter, Iran, and Election Drama: Unpacking Current Events with the Carolina Cabinet

🎙️ New Episode of Carolina Cabinet! 🎙️ Dive into the hottest issues shaping North Carolina & beyond with Peter Pappas and Laura Mussler! From breaking down global headlines to unpacking heated local controversies, this week’s episode brings you unfiltered opinions, sharp debates, and a dash of fun. 🚨 This episode covers: The drama behind local board elections—find out what’s really happening behind closed doors (Laura Mussler and Peter Pappas dig deep at 06:17) How America and Iran’s standof...
April 17, 2026

Inside Cumberland County: Schools, Infrastructure, and Nonprofit Oversight

🎙️ Ready to Get Smart About Local Issues? Tune in to Carolina Cabinet! Looking for unapologetically real, sharp, and entertaining coverage of Fayetteville and Cumberland County’s hottest topics? Each week, Peter Pappas and Laura Mussler break down what matters most—public safety, education, local politics, infrastructure, and those behind-the-scenes stories you won’t hear anywhere else. 👉 Whether you want the inside scoop on school funding, want to know why your strawberries cost more, or need...