Dr. Dave (Chuck Irvin) on Z100, WRKB & Kannapolis Radio Glory Days | EP 02

Dr. Dave (Chuck Irvin), the voice of Z100, returns to the old WRKB studios in downtown Kannapolis for the first-ever guest episode of K-Town Connection.

Chuck sits down with Chris Hughes and Ryan Dayvault to talk about the early days of local radio — WRKB, WGTL (“World’s Greatest Textile Land”), the move to FM 100, the birth of Z100/WJZR, radio names, community remote broadcasts, and what it was like growing up and working in Kannapolis when the mills were still running strong. He even breaks out the classic Z100 air-check style for us.

00:00 – Cold Open: 1976 Magazine & Historic WRKB Studio
00:48 – Intro Music & Hosts Welcome
01:50 – Local Updates: Main Street, Cannon Ballers & Swanee Theater
06:15 – Introducing First Guest Chuck Irvin
07:20 – Dr. Dave Arrives in the Old Studio
09:00 – Early Days & Getting into Radio
11:00 – From WRKB to Z100 / WJZR
13:50 – Call Letters, Paul Winston & the Studio Split
19:00 – Z100 Stickers & Community Buzz
21:00 – How Chuck Became “Dr. Dave”
24:00 – Classic Z100 Voice Demo
26:00 – Dr. Dave Does a Live Remote Promo
27:30 – Kannapolis Then & Now: Downtown Renaissance
35:00 – Why Local Radio Still Matters
44:00 – Kentucky Colonel Honor for Chris Hughes
46:00 – Closing & Three for Dale

Recorded in the historic WRKB studios in downtown Kannapolis.

Hosts: Chris Hughes & Ryan Dayvault
Guest: Dr. Dave (Chuck Irvin)

If you grew up with Z100 stickers on your car, listened to local radio, or just love hearing the real stories of Kannapolis, this one’s for you. Share it with someone who still remembers those days.

Subscribe for more local history, community voices, and the people who built K-Town.

Check Also

Hardee’s Biscuits Got Him Inside the Mills: Chad Mitchell’s Untold Story | Ep 75

In Episode 75 of the K-Town Connection, lifelong Kannapolis photographer and artist Chad Mitchell opens his archive of more than 25,000 photographs that document the demolition of Cannon Mills — the place that built this town. As the massive mill complex disappeared, Chad decided someone had to record what was being lost. What began as a personal mission became one of the most important visual records of Kannapolis history ever created. He takes us inside the abandoned buildings, shares how he gained access (Hardee’s biscuits helped), and reveals the stories behind some of his most powerful images — including the fall of the iconic water tower, a once-in-a-lifetime balloon ride over the complex, and the unforgettable photograph of his late father standing in the partially demolished mill, looking out at the rubble of the place where he had worked for decades. Chad also looks back at an incredible creative career that includes photographing Appalachian State football during its national championship years, serving as team photographer for Kannapolis professional baseball, working with NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity program, and creating artwork connected to Dale Earnhardt. His guiding philosophy has always been simple: Tell as much of the story as possible in one shutter click. Today, as a new generation grows up in a Kannapolis that looks nothing like the mill town their parents and grandparents knew, these photographs have become even more valuable. They don’t just preserve buildings — they preserve the people, the work, the memories, and the identity of a community that was forever changed. This episode is exactly what the K-Town Connection is about: preserving Kannapolis history by telling the stories of the people who lived it. 📸 Browse and purchase Chad’s photography and artwork: ChadMitchell.com 📍 Filmed at Historic Dayvault’s Dyno Tune-Up & Brake Service Garage in Kannapolis, North Carolina 🎙️ Hosted by the #RoughTalkCousins Chris Hughes & Ryan Dayvault, along with Chuck “Dr. Dave” Irvin and David Steele Chapters 0:00 – Intro & Local Updates 5:32 – Welcome to Episode 75 5:52 – Introducing Chad Mitchell 7:02 – Growing Up in Kannapolis 12:00 – How Chad Began Documenting the Mills 14:00 – Getting Access with Hardee’s Biscuits 17:18 – Inside the Abandoned Mill Buildings 19:24 – Over 25,000 Photographs 25:10 – The Darkest Place in the Mill 27:20 – “Lifeline” – The Railroad Light Painting 37:15 – Where to See & Buy the Photos 38:21 – Kiln-Dried Maple Floors & the Sign 39:49 – Baseball Photography Years 43:45 – The Dale Earnhardt Artwork 46:06 – The “Quality Work Means Job Security” Sign 53:45 – The Balloon Ride Over Cannon Mills 56:15 – The Photograph of Chad’s Father 59:48 – Closing Thoughts & Thank You

Copyright © 2026 - Rough Talk Holdings, LLC All Rights Reserved