Locked In with Algenon Cash

Downtown Greensboro has become the center of growing debate around public safety, economic development, and leadership. In this episode of Locked In, Algenon Cash hosts a candid panel discussion on the future of downtown Greensboro. The conversation brings together Richard Beard, representing the local business community, Mayor Pro Tem Denise Roth, offering perspective from city leadership, and community advocate Kim Grimsley Ritchy, sharing the concerns and expectations of residents. Together they discuss the real challenges facing Greensboro's urban core, the opportunities ahead, and what it will take to restore momentum and confidence in downtown. Topics include public safety, business investment, civic leadership, transparency, and the long-term vision for Greensboro's economic and cultural center. This episode offers a thoughtful and balanced conversation for anyone interested in the future of Greensboro, North Carolina, and the leadership decisions shaping the city's next chapter. The post The Future of Downtown Greensboro: Business, City Hall & Community in Conversation | Locked In appeared first on Algenon Cash.

In this episode, I lock in with Chef John Bobby for a thoughtful conversation about restaurant leadership, community, and what it really takes to build a lasting culinary brand. Chef John Bobby shares how surrounding himself with a strong network of culinary professionals has shaped his growth — not just as a chef, but as a leader. We discuss the realities of operating in today's hospitality environment, the discipline required to sustain a restaurant, and why long-term success depends on community alignment more than individual ego. This conversation goes beyond the kitchen. It explores leadership maturity, neighborhood investment, and how chefs can influence economic growth and culture in cities like Winston-Salem. If you're interested in restaurant leadership, entrepreneurship, urban revitalization, or building a local culinary brand, this episode offers insight from someone doing the work in real time. The post Chef John Bobby on Scaling Restaurants and Building Community Through Food | Locked In appeared first on Algenon Cash.

Downtown Greensboro is facing growing scrutiny—from business owners, former city leaders, and the public. In this episode, Greensboro Mayor Marikay Abuzuaiter joins me for a candid governing conversation about the real issues shaping downtown today: public safety, parking, homelessness, the role of Downtown Greensboro Inc., financing redevelopment, and the balance between perception and lived experience. This will provide listeners with an honest look at leadership, responsibility, and what it will take for downtown Greensboro to move forward in a challenging economic moment. Strong downtowns are a cornerstone to every community. The post Downtown Greensboro at a Crossroads: A Conversation with Mayor Abuzuaiter | Locked In appeared first on Algenon Cash.

Downtown Greensboro is facing a wave of restaurant and small business closures, rising public frustration, and questions about leadership, safety, and revitalization. Following a blunt conversation with former Mayor Robbie Perkins, Algenon Cash sits down with Zack Matheny, President of Downtown Greensboro Inc, to respond directly. A grounded, necessary conversation about focus, leadership, and what it will take to stabilize and revitalize downtown Greensboro. The post Downtown Greensboro Restaurant Closures: A Conversation with Zack Matheny | Locked In appeared first on Algenon Cash.

Greensboro is facing a different kind of economic moment. In this long-form conversation, Algenon Cash sits down with former Mayor Robbie Perkins to discuss the recent wave of restaurant and small business closures across Greensboro—and why this season feels fundamentally different. They explore the decline of downtown Greensboro, including public safety concerns, homelessness, cleanliness, and why many residents are choosing to stay away from the center city. The conversation also addresses the loss of legacy restaurants, the limits of local leadership, the role of downtown organizations, and why revitalization now requires real capital investment. This is not a political debate. It's an honest discussion about economic reality, community strain, and what it will take to move forward. The post Greensboro's Breaking Point: Restaurant Closures and the Reality Facing Local Cities | Locked In appeared first on Algenon Cash.

In this episode, Algenon Cash is joined by J.R. Gorham, retired Brigadier General of the North Carolina National Guard and Kernersville Town Council member, for a timely conversation on unrest in America, civil-military boundaries, and the meaning of leadership in a democracy. Recorded around MLK Day, the discussion examines North Carolina disaster response, the role of the National Guard in American cities, politicization of the military, fears surrounding coups and national curfews, immigration enforcement, and the responsible use of civil-rights history — including pointed pushback on recent rhetoric from Donald Trump. This is not a partisan debate. It is a grounded discussion about constitutional limits, institutional trust, and what restraint looks like in moments of national tension. The post Unrest in America: Military Power and Democratic Guardrails | General J.R. Gorham | Locked In appeared first on Algenon Cash.

In today's episode, John Hood locks in for a wide-ranging conversation on power, leadership, and historical perspective. We examine the current administration's approach in Washington, the U.S. intervention in Venezuela and its broader economic and geopolitical repercussions, and what history suggests as the 2026 midterm elections approach. The conversation concludes with a reflection on the life and legacy of Jim Hunt, and what enduring leadership looks like in uncertain times. The post What History Tells Us About Today's Washington — A Conversation with John Hood | Locked In appeared first on Algenon Cash.

Today on the show, I'm joined by Dr. Matthew Martin, Regional Executive at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, to break down the forces shaping our economy as we head into a new year. We explore the Federal Reserve's mission, how the Fed is performing, and the latest signals from the labor market and consumer spending. We also dig into price stability, inflation trends, credit card debt, tariffs, and the broader global environment. And because this is a North Carolina show, we dive deep on the state's economic outlook — small businesses, housing affordability, and what families should expect in the months ahead. Whether you're a business owner, investor, policymaker, or simply trying to understand this economy, this conversation is designed to give you clarity, not confusion. The post Uncertainty in the Economy: A Conversation with Dr. Martin of the Federal Reserve Bank | Locked In appeared first on Algenon Cash.

Join us for an insightful discussion with Jake Cashion, Vice President of Governmental Affairs at the North Carolina Chamber, for a deep dive into the policies shaping North Carolina's business environment. The post State of North Carolina Economy: A Candid Conversation with Jake Cashion | Locked In appeared first on Algenon Cash.

In this powerful conversation, we sit down with Chantal McKinney, Barbara Symons, and John Bost—three former religious leaders who've traded institutional religion for a more liberated, personal spirituality. The post Beyond the Pulpit: Embracing Spirituality Over Religion | Locked In appeared first on Algenon Cash.

Today, we're joined by Dr. Jeff Sarbaum, Senior Economist at UNC Greensboro, to dissect the latest economic indicators. With a Q1 GDP contraction, plummeting consumer confidence, and looming retail concerns, we explore what these trends mean for the U.S. economy and everyday Americans. The post Economic Uncertainty: Navigating GDP Decline and Consumer Confidence appeared first on Algenon Cash.

Tariffs aren't just headlines — they're real pressure on family farms and small businesses that we depend on. In this conversation, I'm joined by Zeb Williams of Old Nick Williams Distillery and Bob and Marlowe Ivy, a father-daughter hog farming team from Eastern North Carolina. The post Tariff Tensions: How Trade Wars Hurt Families in North Carolina | Locked In appeared first on Algenon Cash.

In this episode, we sit down with Theodore Hicks, Chief Investment Officer at Hicks & Associates Wealth Management, for an insightful conversation on what's really moving the markets right now. The post Money Moves & Market Shifts: A Conversation with Theodore Hicks | Locked In appeared first on Algenon Cash.

In this episode, I lock in with John Hood — conservative historian, author, and president of the John William Pope Foundation — for a timely conversation on the policies shaping Trump's new term. The post Conservative Perspectives: John Hood on Trump's New Term | Locked In appeared first on Algenon Cash.

In this episode, I sit down with Cecile Jordan, a small business owner and content creator, to discuss the unique challenges women face when starting a business and balancing family life. The post Women in Business: Cecile Jordan shares how to balance family, community, and business | Locked In appeared first on Algenon Cash.

Join me for an insightful conversation with Donna King, editor-in-chief of Carolina Journal and a leading voice in political journalism. The post Women in Journalism: A conversation with Carolina Journal Editor-in-Chief Donna King | Locked In appeared first on Algenon Cash.

In this special highlight episode, we bring together the best insights from thought leaders David Larson, Donald Bryson, and Mayor Jason Hayes as they discuss leadership, vision, and the challenges shaping the future of the state. The post Leading North Carolina: Insights from Top Thought Leaders | Locked In appeared first on Algenon Cash.

This special episode compiles the most insightful moments from our past conversations with five influential voices in North Carolina real estate: Rebekah McGee, Robbie Perkins, Ramsey Hamadi, Jeff Zenger, and Tony Harrington. The post Building North Carolina: Real Estate Trends & Economic Impact | Locked In appeared first on Algenon Cash.

In this highlight episode, we bring you the best insights from Jeremy Haynes and Sabrina Wingo, two passionate restaurant owners who share their experiences navigating the challenges and triumphs of the food business. The post Inside the Kitchen: The Realities of Running a Restaurant | Locked In appeared first on Algenon Cash.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Robbie Perkins, a seasoned expert in commercial real estate and a key figure in North Carolina's business landscape. In this episode, we delve into the latest trends shaping the commercial real estate market. The post Unlocking Growth: Real estate trends in North Carolina | Locked In appeared first on Algenon Cash.

In this episode, Clay Grubb, President and CEO of Grubb Properties, discusses the current state of housing in North Carolina and what the future holds. Clay offers deep insights into how communities can navigate these challenges while ensuring sustainable growth. The post The State of Housing in North Carolina with Clay Grubb | Locked In appeared first on Algenon Cash.

In this episode, Marlowe Ivey, a multigenerational farmer, discusses the rising cost of eggs and the disconnect between consumers and food sources. He shares challenges like fluctuating feed costs and supply chain issues, emphasizing the need for supporting local agriculture and making informed consumer choices regarding food sustainability. The post Why Are Eggs So Expensive? | Locked In appeared first on Algenon Cash.

Virginia Summey, historian, writer, and expert on North Carolina's political landscape, joins us to discuss her research on Judge Elreta Melton Alexander, as well as her own advocacy. The post Women Who Lead: Virginia Summey on history, justice, and speaking truth to power appeared first on Algenon Cash.

In this episode, I sit down with Justin Webster, owner of Heff's Burger Club, to discuss the challenges small restaurants face in attracting new customers and staying competitive in a changing food landscape. The post Independent Restaurants Are Grappling for New Customers | Locked In appeared first on Algenon Cash.

Lock in with political and business leaders for a comprehensive update on the current state of North Carolina economy. Guests will also provide some future predictions of what to expect in the fast growing state. Panelists: North Carolina Treasurer, Dale FolwellNorth Carolina House Representative, Jeff ZengerNAI-Piedmont Triad, Robbie Perkins The post Roundtable: State of North Carolina Economy | Locked In appeared first on Algenon Cash.

Micah Eustache is back to update us on her first year in college and preview what's in store as she returns to school for a second year. Lock in NOW! The post Students across North Carolina are back to school | Locked In appeared first on Algenon Cash.

Derwin Montgomery is a former elected official, entrepreneur, government relations professional, and community leader – he is locking in to share his thoughts on the impact of national politics on North Carolina. The post Will Trump's grip on GOP voters impact NC politics? | Locked In appeared first on Algenon Cash.

Lock in with Represenative Amber Baker for behind the scenes insight from the North Carolina General Assembly's “short session”. The post NC Politics: Highlights from the House legislative session | Locked In appeared first on Algenon Cash.

Lock in with Senator Joyce Krawiec, Representative Jon Hardister, and political commentator Mitch Kokai for a rundown of key legislation passed in the NCGA “short” session. The post Political Roundtable: NC General Assembly wraps up legislative session | Locked In appeared first on Algenon Cash.

Lock in with Ed Hanes, former state legislator, but now the main lobbyist behind the push to legalize in cannabis in North Carolina. The post North Carolina is on a path to legalize marijuana | Locked In   appeared first on Algenon Cash.

Lock in with New Bern City Councilmember Jeffrey Odham and learn more about his quest to lead the coastal community. The post Jeffrey Odham seeks to become Mayor of New Bern | Locked In  appeared first on Algenon Cash.

Lock in with Dereck Hood, a corporate chaplain, who spends his days helping “Corporate America” embrace God to overcome daily life struggles. The post Substance abuse in America is destroying lives, but one conquered his demons | Locked In appeared first on Algenon Cash.

Lock in with Jon Lowder, President of Triad Real Estate and Building Industry Coalition, as he shares insights on how local regulatory reform can boost affordable housing. The post Are local government regulations preventing affordable housing? | Locked In appeared first on Algenon Cash.

Lock in with Claudia Shivers, owner of Queen Coffee Bean and a formerly incarcerated woman, listen to her story of redemption and overcoming challenges to become an entrepreneur. The post Entrepreneurship can provide second chances | Locked In appeared first on Algenon Cash.