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The Connector

The Connector

Written by: Institute for Emerging Issues
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The Connector podcast from The Institute for Emerging Issues at NC State University explores connections being made across sectors, regions and perspectives, resulting in a more vibrant and prosperous North Carolina. IEI is a nonpartisan public policy organization focused on the state’s vibrancy and economic competitiveness, working with leaders in business, education and public policy to discuss issues with profound implications for North Carolina’s future prosperity.

© 2025 The Connector
Episodes
  • Special Release: First in Future with former Governor James B. Hunt Jr. Part Two (Original release date: Jan. 2, 2018)
    Dec 19 2025

    In memory of former Governor James B. Hunt Jr., IEI is rereleasing previous episodes of the First in Future podcast featuring Governor Hunt. This episode was released on Jan. 2, 2018.

    Episode Summary: As we move into the new year, we sat down with former Governor Jim Hunt to try to extract some of what he has learned during his lifetime – about how to get change done, what North Carolina should aspire to be, and where he thinks we might still go as a state. This week’s conversation with Governor James B. Hunt is all about leadership, what he has learned about getting stuff done, focusing priorities, the role of religion in public life, and how he learns new ideas.

    Original release date: Jan. 2, 2018

    Host: Former IEI Director Leslie Boney

    The Connector podcast explores connections being made across sectors, regions and perspectives resulting in a more vibrant and prosperous North Carolina. To learn more about the Institute for Emerging Issues, visit emergingissues.org.

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    41 mins
  • Special Release: First in Future with former Governor James B. Hunt Jr. Part One (Original release date: Dec. 26, 2017)
    Dec 19 2025

    In memory of former Governor James B. Hunt Jr., IEI is rereleasing previous episodes of the First in Future podcast featuring Governor Hunt. This episode was released on Dec. 26, 2017.

    Episode summary: Throughout his long service to the state, even former North Carolina Governor Jim Hunt’s opponents admit that he was a man perfectly suited to be Governor, and in his sixteen years as governor of North Carolina, he changed the state. This week, we sat down with Governor James B. Hunt and talked about one big idea he had – starting the Emerging Issues Forum. Why he did it. What we can learn from how he thought about it. And how we can apply that to the way we learn.

    Original Release Date: Dec. 26, 2017

    Host: Former IEI Director Leslie Boney

    The Connector podcast explores connections being made across sectors, regions and perspectives resulting in a more vibrant and prosperous North Carolina. To learn more about the Institute for Emerging Issues, visit emergingissues.org.

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    30 mins
  • Watt's Next?
    Dec 2 2025

    Earlier this year, IEI’s Energy Infrastructure Advisory Council (EIAC) released Strategies for Strengthening Our Energy Infrastructure – recommendations designed to help North Carolinians address the energy challenges in their communities and take advantage of opportunities in workforce development, affordability and infrastructure investments.

    In the season two finale of “The Connector,” IEI Policy and Program Manager Tarik Woods sits down with three EIAC members: NC Department of Commerce Assistant Secretary of Workforce Solutions Andrea DeSantis, NC Chamber Senior Director of Infrastructure Competitiveness Dana Magliola and NC Justice Center Senior Energy Policy Advocate Claire Williamson.

    Together, they reflect on the impact of the recommendations so far, exploring what sets them apart from typical infrastructure plans and how they can be used to meet the demands of the state’s growing population and future energy landscape. The four also highlight real-world examples that showcase the applicability of the recommendations and how this program of work connects to the Future Forward Infrastructure series, which will also address water and housing challenges across the state.

    The Connector podcast explores connections being made across sectors, regions and perspectives resulting in a more vibrant and prosperous North Carolina. To learn more about the Institute for Emerging Issues, visit emergingissues.org.

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    29 mins
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