Jonny Cannon of CARDIACS Sports & Memorabilia is helping bring a piece of Kannapolis racing history back to Charlotte Motor Speedway. In this special trackside episode of K-Town Connection, Sam Mayer’s No. 41 Haas Factory Team Chevrolet wears pink in tribute to K-2, the car Dale Earnhardt drove early in his NASCAR career, with the Dayvault Tune-Up & Brake Service name on its side. RoughTalkCousins Chris Hughes and Ryan Dayvault walk through the garage, watch the car head toward inspection, and share why this tribute means so much to the Cannon and Dayvault families. It’s a proud connection between Kannapolis, the Earnhardt legacy, and a new generation of racing. David Steele and Chuck Irvin will rejoin the team when K-Town Connection returns to the studio for its fall season premiere. Recorded at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Hosts: Chris Hughes and Ryan Dayvault Do you remember the original pink K-2 car or Dale Earnhardt’s Kannapolis roots? Share your story in the comments, and subscribe for more K-Town connections.
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What’s Cooking at Provisions on Main? Kenny Blake & Anna-Claire Blake | EP 79
We’re on scene in Kannapolis’ Midway neighborhood for EP 79! Ryan and David sit down with Kenny and Anna-Claire Blake at Provisions on Main Market & Deli to talk about sandwiches, local makers, and their hope to create a place where neighbors gather. Chris is behind the camera—and John the Food Critic makes a surprise appearance when the food comes out. There’s a little Midway history in the conversation, too. Watch EP 79 here on K-Town Connection. What’s your go-to deli sandwich?
Read More »K-Town Connection Ep. 78: Pizza For Good
In Episode 78, the K-Town Connection Crew paid a visit to Corner Crust Pizza to learn how they’re using pizza to make a difference in the fight against pediatric cancer. This short but powerful episode highlights a great local business supporting an even greater cause. Watch the show, then make a trip to Corner Crust Pizza this month, enjoy a slice, and help support the cause. Local pizza. Local people. A meaningful impact.
Read More »Hollywood Comes to Kannapolis: Benjamin McGuire & Joanne Hock on the Charles Cannon Doc | EP 76
Benjamin McGuire — the man who helped get K-Town Connection off the ground from Episode 1 — finally steps in front of the camera, bringing acclaimed Charlotte director Joanne Hock with him. Joanne Hock — directed the Charles Cannon documentary that played at the historic Gem Theater, and the conversation dives deep into Kannapolis mill history, local preservation, antique radios, and the stories that still shape this town. Cannon Documentary: https://vimeo.com/288776924 Wednesdays at the Gem Theatre Tease: https://vimeo.com/1062072136 DISCONNECTED tease: https://vimeo.com/1217477241 📍 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 Special Guests: Benjamin McGuire & Joanne Hock 0:00 – Cold Open: Mayberry Vibes, Episode 76 Confirmation & Local Updates 4:50 – Heart of the K-Town Connection 6:28 – Welcome to Episode 76 at Dayvault’s Garage 7:18 – Benjamin McGuire: The Man Who Made This Show Possible 7:46 – Introducing Director Joanne Hock 9:25 – Joanne's Journey & the Early Days of K-Town Connection 12:59 – Joanne Directed the Charles Cannon Documentary at the Gem Theater 17:17 – Joanne’s Family Roots in Film Exhibition & Super 8 25:08 – Deeper into the Cannon Documentary & Local Stories 29:50 – The Miracle That the Gem Theater Survived 31:41 – Radio Station History Next to the Gem Theater 47:10 – Joanne’s Current Project: Screens, Kids & Addiction 54:52 – Ron’s Restored Whataburger Menu Board from Concord 1:01:07 – Ryan's Antique Radios & Harold Holbrook of Kannapolis 1:03:40 – Closing Thoughts + Benjamin gives a shout-out to Doctor Dave 1:05:01 – Carolina Pickleball Club If you love Kannapolis history, the mills, the Gem Theater, or just the people who quietly keep this town’s stories alive, this one’s for you. Share it with someone who still remembers when the whistle blew. Watch more local legends: https://www.youtube.com/@KTownConnection Website: https://ktownconnection.com/
Read More »Episode 45: Coach Justin Hardin on the Historic Bell Game Rivalry
Episode 45 of the K-Town Connection podcast takes us inside the legendary Bell Game, North Carolina’s longest continuous high school football rivalry, as Chris Hughes of the #RoughTalkCousins sits down with A.L. Brown head coach Justin Hardin. Filmed at the historic Dayvault’s Dyno Garage, this special episode dives into the tradition, pride, and intensity surrounding the annual matchup between the …
Read More »Episode 44: Drew Maher of DM Properties
In Episode 44 of the K-Town Connection podcast, the #RoughTalkCousins—Ryan Dayvault and Chris Hughes—along with Chuck “Dr. Dave” Irvin, sit down with lifelong Kannapolis resident and local businessman, Drew Maher. As the owner of DM Properties, Drew has built a strong reputation in the local real estate market, keeping his finger on the pulse of a community that continues to …
Read More »Episode 43: A Bite of History with Mike Bost from What-A-Burger
In Episode 43 of the K-Town Connection podcast, the #RoughTalkCousins—Chris Hughes and Ryan Dayvault—along with Chuck “Dr. Dave” Irvin, welcome special guest Mike Bost from What-A-Burger for a mouthwatering trip through local history. Bost shares the detailed story of the beloved restaurant chain that started in Concord, N.C., and grew to serve surrounding communities. With two iconic locations—#1 and #10—still …
Read More »Mill People Series Ep. 1: Leslie Dayvault – Five Decades Inside Cannon Mills
In this deeply personal series, hosts Ryan Dayvault and Chris Hughes sit down with former Cannon Mills employees and longtime Kannapolis residents to capture the voices and memories that shaped this historic mill town. Our opening episode features Leslie Dayvault, who devoted five decades of her life to Cannon Mills. She reflects on her experiences, the friendships she built, and …
Read More »Episode 42: Bobby Eagle – Kicking Off the “Mill People Series”
We’re honored to kick off our brand-new “Mill People Series” with a very special guest — 90-year-old lifelong Kannapolis resident Bobby Eagle. In this debut episode, Bobby takes us back to the heart of the textile era, sharing vivid memories and personal reflections from his life in Kannapolis. This series is dedicated to preserving the stories, traditions, and spirit of …
Read More »Episode 41: Leadership Spotlight: Kannapolis City Schools
In this episode, recorded at the iconic Dayvault’s Dyno Garage in Kannapolis, the Rough Talk Cousins—Chris Hughes and Ryan Dayvault—team up with Chuck “Dr. Dave” Irvin for an engaging discussion with the leadership of Kannapolis City Schools. Superintendent Sara Newell, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Erin Anderson, and Chief of Schools Dr. Jennifer Brinson offer a behind-the-scenes look at the district’s vision, …
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