Welcome to The Best Better Podcast, where Lenoir County youth come together to explore, engage, and elevate their voices! This dynamic platform provides a safe and vibrant forum for young people to dive into a variety of exciting topics, including community, citizenship, leadership, pop culture, and more.
As part of the NC 4-H family, we’re committed to empowering youth through hands-on learning and meaningful experiences. Each episode showcases the incredible potential of our young leaders while highlighting the values of teamwork, resilience, and civic engagement that 4-H instills.
Join us for inspiring discussions that encourage creativity, personal growth, and connection among our youth. Whether you’re interested in developing leadership skills or just want to stay in the loop about what’s happening in our community, the Best Better Podcast has something for everyone.
Tune in and be part of the movement to make our best better—together!
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Best Better Podcast, we sit down with our new agriculture agent, Rachel Tarkington, to get to know the person behind the role. Rachel shares her background, what led her to join Cooperative Extension, and her excitement about serving the community in Lenoir County. We talk about her goals, the opportunities she sees for local agriculture, and what she hopes to bring to farmers, families, and youth programs in the area. Whether you’re involved in agricul...
19 Feb 2026
Pouring Into Our Future: Inside Kinston Teens
Send a text In this episode of The Best Better Podcast, we sit down with leaders from Kinston Teens Jose Cartagena-Lanza, Jr. & Bridget Rouse for an inspiring conversation about community, collaboration, and creating opportunities for local youth. We dive into what Kinston Teens is all about, the powerful outreach initiatives they lead, and the many ways young people can get involved. From leadership development to service projects and community engagement, this episode highlights h...
18 Feb 2026
In the Kitchen with Extension: Healthy Eating Made Simple
Send a text In this episode of The Best Better Podcast, we go In the Kitchen with Extension as Family & Consumer Sciences Agent Kelly Tyndall joins us to share a fun, easy pizza recipe and practical tips for building healthier eating habits. We talk about how small changes in the kitchen can lead to big improvements in overall wellness, especially for teens and families. Plus, we highlight the impactful programs offered through North Carolina Cooperative Extension in Kinston and how they’...
31 Dec 2025
What Community Means: Serving with Heart & Hands
Send us a text In this special episode of The Best Better Podcast, we sit down with students from Junior Leadership Lenoir (JLL) to talk about service, leadership, and community. After spending the day baking cookies for veterans and assisted living homes, the students reflect on why community involvement is so important and how small acts of kindness can have a big impact. Tune in to hear youth voices share what it means to give back and serve others. NC State and N.C. A&T State universi...
24 Oct 2025
Something’s Growing in the Dark: You Won’t Believe What’s Sprouting
Send us a text Things are getting a little spooky in this special Halloween edition of The Best Better Podcast! Join hosts Joel and Abbigail as they sit down with Paige Petticrew, Lenoir County Horticulture Agent, and Kaelyn Lane, Lenoir County Agriculture Agent, for a frightfully fun conversation about what’s growing in the dark — both in our fields and in our careers. From creepy-crawly critters to mysterious plants, the group digs into the eerie side of agriculture while sharing how each o...
23 Sept 2025
Leading the PACK! : Dialogue with Dean Fox & Director Monks
Send us a text In this episode of The Best Better Podcast, hosts Joel and Abigail sit down with NC State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Dean, Dr. Garey Fox, and NC State Extension Director of 4-H, Dr. David Monks. Together, they dive into the future of agriculture, youth leadership, and the vital role 4-H plays in shaping tomorrow’s leaders. From supporting young people in their communities to preparing the next generation for careers in agriculture and beyond, this con...
18 Aug 2025
A Convo with the Congressman: From Eastern NC to Washington DC
Send us a text In this inspiring episode of The Best Better Podcast, Lenoir County 4-H’ers Lamonie Taylor and Sanaa Thompson sit down with NC Congressman Don Davis for a powerful conversation about leadership, service, and the role young people play in shaping the future. From Congressman Davis’s personal journey into public service to Lamonie and Sanaa’s own 4-H experiences, this discussion explores how courage, action, and community involvement can make a lasting impact. Listeners will hea...
27 Mar 2025
The Exchange of Leadership : When Lenoir Meets Michigan
Send us a text In this episode, Lenoir County students share their first impressions of hosting exchange students from Michigan! From Southern hospitality to Midwest traditions, we dive into the excitement, challenges, and unexpected surprises of bringing two communities together. Hear firsthand stories about culture shocks, funny misunderstandings, and the friendships forming along the way. What’s it like introducing Michigan students to Eastern NC life? How are they adapting to new foods, a...
21 Mar 2025
Volunteers We Grow: Extension Master Gardener Volunteers Share Their Impact
Send us a text Gardening is more than just plants—it’s about people, too! Join us as we shine a spotlight on the dedicated NC Extension Master Gardener Volunteers of Lenoir County who share their time, knowledge, and passion to grow stronger communities. Let's dig into the impact of volunteer work, from teaching sustainable gardening practices to supporting local food initiatives and restoring native habitats. Hear inspiring stories from volunteers, learn how you can get involved, and discove...
31 Jan 2025
Rose, Bud, Thorn: New Year, New Goals
Send us a text In this episode, we look back at the past year—celebrating our wins, lessons learned, and everything in between. We also chat about setting meaningful goals for the new year, sharing practical tips to help you stay on track. Plus, we dive into some exciting upcoming events you won’t want to miss! Whether you're aiming for personal growth or just need some fresh inspiration for 2025, we've got you covered. Tune in for reflection, motivation, and a sneak peek at what’s ahead this...
20 Dec 2024
My Mind Matters: Breaking the barriers on youth mental health
Hosts Dr. Mike McCreary and Dr. Susan Macaulay explore how youth can break free from mental barriers and cultivate resilience in the face of conflict, stress, and bullying, empowering young minds to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
19 Nov 2024
Catching the Breath: Tackling Vaping Prevention in Lenoir County Schools
Send us a textIn this episode of Catching the Breath, we delve into the pressing issue of vaping among youth in Lenoir County schools. Join us for an insightful conversation with Sherita Simmons, a dedicated public health educator with the Lenoir County Health Department, as she shares her expertise and experience in addressing the growing concern of vaping in the community.Sherita discusses the alarming trends in adolescent vaping, the health risks associated with e-cigarettes, and the proac...
15 Nov 2024
About to Adult: Surviving the College Transition Before It Happens
Send us a textIt’s almost go-time! In this episode, we’re gearing up for the biggest transition of your life—college. You’ve got your acceptance letter, you’ve survived high school, and now it’s time to tackle the realities of living alone, making new friends (without the awkward high school cafeteria vibe), and managing money like a real adult (spoiler: it’s not just ramen and late-night pizza). We’re also talking about the stressful, exciting, and occasionally panic-inducing process of choo...
23 Oct 2024
The Juggling Act: Mastering the balance between school, family, extracurriculars and social life
Send us a textIn this episode of The Best Better Podcast, we sit down with the inspiring youth of Junior Leadership Lenoir to explore the art of balance. Join us as they share their secrets for juggling school, family commitments, extracurricular activities, and social life. Discover their tips for time management, stress relief, and maintaining connections with friends and family while navigating their busy schedules. Whether you're a student or just curious about youth leadership, this conv...
23 Sept 2024
Where it all Begins: The importance of local partnerships
Send us a textOn this episode we sit down with Dr. Tammy Kelly ( Lenoir County Extension Director) and Ashley Chadwick (Director for Junior Leadership of Lenoir) as we discuss North Carolina 4-H, Cooperative Extension, and Junior Leadership Lenoir. Get a close look into the lives of some youth development professionals who strive to make the best better in their communities. NC State and N.C. A&T State universities are collectively committed to positive action to secure equal opportu...
11 Sept 2024
Welcome to The Best Better Podcast
Send us a textJoin us as we make our best even better by engaging youth in meaningful dialogue. Look forward to hearing from our Lenoir County youth each month as the discuss topics on community, leadership and youth culture.NC State and N.C. A&T State universities are collectively committed to positive action to secure equal opportunity and prohibit discrimination and harassment regardless of age, color, disability, family and marital status, gender identity, genetic information, n...
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