Charlotte Talks

Former Nebraska Republican Senator Chuck Hagel is the President’s choice to be the next Secretary of Defense. This bi-partisan appointment is not being well-received on the GOP Side of the aisle. An outspoken critic of some Republican ideas, he didn’t support John McCain in 2008. We spoke to Senator Hagel just days before the 08 election and talked about many of the things that concern Senate Republicans today. We'll hear part of that conversation, then political analyst Michael Bitzer joins us to discuss why the President's nomination of Hagel has turned out to be so controversial and the process that the Senator will have to endure before ultimately being confirmed or rejected as Defense Secretary.GuestsSenator Chuck Hagel - Former Nebraska Republican Senator and President Obama's choice for Secretary of DefenseDr. J. Michael Bitzer - Associate Professor of Politics and History at Catawba College and blogger for WFAE’s The Party Line

Part One: Opera Carolina's The Magic Flute. Opera Carolina continues its efforts to enhance the opera experience by featuring stage and costume design by famed visual artist Jun Kuneko in its new production of Mozart's The Magic Flute. But even with the vibrant visual aspects of the show, the music - and the opera singers - take center stage. We'll meet the stars of this new production of The Magic Flute to talk about how they make Mozart's beloved opera new for audiences in Charlotte, when Charlotte Talks.GuestsYunah Lee - Soprano, "Pamina" in The Magic Flute. She joined us almost exactly one year ago when she was the lead in Opera Carolina's Madama ButterflyShawn Mathey - Tenor, "Tamino" in The Magic FluteJames Meena - Opera Carolina’s General Director & Principal ConductorPart Two: Fight Lab. Mixed Martial Arts, known as MMA, is a sport on the rise. The caged matches featuring two fighters who use punching, kicking and grappling techniques, have been national events rivaling and even surpassing the era of big time boxing matches. MMA fighters are a rare breed of athlete but they can be found everywhere, including Charlotte. Kenny Letts knows this and he founded a MMA organization called Fight Lab to promote area fighters. We'll step into the ring to learn more about local MMA bouts, the life of a promoter and the violent path a fighter must take to become a champion in the world of Mixed Martial Arts.GuestsKenny Letts - CEO / Pit Boss of Fight Lab Promotions. MMA Cage Fighting promotions co.Michael "Cornbread" Allen - Fight Lab Matchmaker & Director of Fighter RelationsJoseph "Eldingoloco" Carroll - Professional MMA fighter and Culinary Arts Student at Johnson and Wales

Part One: Opera Carolina's The Magic Flute. Opera Carolina continues its efforts to enhance the opera experience by featuring stage and costume design by famed visual artist Jun Kuneko in its new production of Mozart's The Magic Flute. But even with the vibrant visual aspects of the show, the music - and the opera singers - take center stage. We'll meet the stars of this new production of The Magic Flute to talk about how they make Mozart's beloved opera new for audiences in Charlotte, when Charlotte Talks.GuestsYunah Lee - Soprano, "Pamina" in The Magic Flute. She joined us almost exactly one year ago when she was the lead in Opera Carolina's Madama ButterflyShawn Mathey - Tenor, "Tamino" in The Magic FluteJames Meena - Opera Carolina’s General Director & Principal ConductorPart Two: Fight Lab. Mixed Martial Arts, known as MMA, is a sport on the rise. The caged matches featuring two fighters who use punching, kicking and grappling techniques, have been national events rivaling and even surpassing the era of big time boxing matches. MMA fighters are a rare breed of athlete but they can be found everywhere, including Charlotte. Kenny Letts knows this and he founded a MMA organization called Fight Lab to promote area fighters. We'll step into the ring to learn more about local MMA bouts, the life of a promoter and the violent path a fighter must take to become a champion in the world of Mixed Martial Arts.GuestsKenny Letts - CEO / Pit Boss of Fight Lab Promotions. MMA Cage Fighting promotions co.Michael "Cornbread" Allen - Fight Lab Matchmaker & Director of Fighter RelationsJoseph "Eldingoloco" Carroll - Professional MMA fighter and Culinary Arts Student at Johnson and Wales

Part One: Opera Carolina's The Magic Flute. Opera Carolina continues its efforts to enhance the opera experience by featuring stage and costume design by famed visual artist Jun Kuneko in its new production of Mozart's The Magic Flute. But even with the vibrant visual aspects of the show, the music - and the opera singers - take center stage. We'll meet the stars of this new production of The Magic Flute to talk about how they make Mozart's beloved opera new for audiences in Charlotte, when Charlotte Talks.GuestsYunah Lee - Soprano, "Pamina" in The Magic Flute. She joined us almost exactly one year ago when she was the lead in Opera Carolina's Madama ButterflyShawn Mathey - Tenor, "Tamino" in The Magic FluteJames Meena - Opera Carolina’s General Director & Principal ConductorPart Two: Fight Lab. Mixed Martial Arts, known as MMA, is a sport on the rise. The caged matches featuring two fighters who use punching, kicking and grappling techniques, have been national events rivaling and even surpassing the era of big time boxing matches. MMA fighters are a rare breed of athlete but they can be found everywhere, including Charlotte. Kenny Letts knows this and he founded a MMA organization called Fight Lab to promote area fighters. We'll step into the ring to learn more about local MMA bouts, the life of a promoter and the violent path a fighter must take to become a champion in the world of Mixed Martial Arts.GuestsKenny Letts - CEO / Pit Boss of Fight Lab Promotions. MMA Cage Fighting promotions co.Michael "Cornbread" Allen - Fight Lab Matchmaker & Director of Fighter RelationsJoseph "Eldingoloco" Carroll - Professional MMA fighter and Culinary Arts Student at Johnson and Wales

Part One: Opera Carolina's The Magic Flute. Opera Carolina continues its efforts to enhance the opera experience by featuring stage and costume design by famed visual artist Jun Kuneko in its new production of Mozart's The Magic Flute. But even with the vibrant visual aspects of the show, the music - and the opera singers - take center stage. We'll meet the stars of this new production of The Magic Flute to talk about how they make Mozart's beloved opera new for audiences in Charlotte, when Charlotte Talks.GuestsYunah Lee - Soprano, "Pamina" in The Magic Flute. She joined us almost exactly one year ago when she was the lead in Opera Carolina's Madama ButterflyShawn Mathey - Tenor, "Tamino" in The Magic FluteJames Meena - Opera Carolina’s General Director & Principal ConductorPart Two: Fight Lab. Mixed Martial Arts, known as MMA, is a sport on the rise. The caged matches featuring two fighters who use punching, kicking and grappling techniques, have been national events rivaling and even surpassing the era of big time boxing matches. MMA fighters are a rare breed of athlete but they can be found everywhere, including Charlotte. Kenny Letts knows this and he founded a MMA organization called Fight Lab to promote area fighters. We'll step into the ring to learn more about local MMA bouts, the life of a promoter and the violent path a fighter must take to become a champion in the world of Mixed Martial Arts.GuestsKenny Letts - CEO / Pit Boss of Fight Lab Promotions. MMA Cage Fighting promotions co.Michael "Cornbread" Allen - Fight Lab Matchmaker & Director of Fighter RelationsJoseph "Eldingoloco" Carroll - Professional MMA fighter and Culinary Arts Student at Johnson and Wales

Part One: Opera Carolina's The Magic Flute. Opera Carolina continues its efforts to enhance the opera experience by featuring stage and costume design by famed visual artist Jun Kuneko in its new production of Mozart's The Magic Flute. But even with the vibrant visual aspects of the show, the music - and the opera singers - take center stage. We'll meet the stars of this new production of The Magic Flute to talk about how they make Mozart's beloved opera new for audiences in Charlotte, when Charlotte Talks.GuestsYunah Lee - Soprano, "Pamina" in The Magic Flute. She joined us almost exactly one year ago when she was the lead in Opera Carolina's Madama ButterflyShawn Mathey - Tenor, "Tamino" in The Magic FluteJames Meena - Opera Carolina’s General Director & Principal ConductorPart Two: Fight Lab. Mixed Martial Arts, known as MMA, is a sport on the rise. The caged matches featuring two fighters who use punching, kicking and grappling techniques, have been national events rivaling and even surpassing the era of big time boxing matches. MMA fighters are a rare breed of athlete but they can be found everywhere, including Charlotte. Kenny Letts knows this and he founded a MMA organization called Fight Lab to promote area fighters. We'll step into the ring to learn more about local MMA bouts, the life of a promoter and the violent path a fighter must take to become a champion in the world of Mixed Martial Arts.GuestsKenny Letts - CEO / Pit Boss of Fight Lab Promotions. MMA Cage Fighting promotions co.Michael "Cornbread" Allen - Fight Lab Matchmaker & Director of Fighter RelationsJoseph "Eldingoloco" Carroll - Professional MMA fighter and Culinary Arts Student at Johnson and Wales

Part One: Opera Carolina's The Magic Flute. Opera Carolina continues its efforts to enhance the opera experience by featuring stage and costume design by famed visual artist Jun Kuneko in its new production of Mozart's The Magic Flute. But even with the vibrant visual aspects of the show, the music - and the opera singers - take center stage. We'll meet the stars of this new production of The Magic Flute to talk about how they make Mozart's beloved opera new for audiences in Charlotte, when Charlotte Talks.GuestsYunah Lee - Soprano, "Pamina" in The Magic Flute. She joined us almost exactly one year ago when she was the lead in Opera Carolina's Madama ButterflyShawn Mathey - Tenor, "Tamino" in The Magic FluteJames Meena - Opera Carolina’s General Director & Principal ConductorPart Two: Fight Lab. Mixed Martial Arts, known as MMA, is a sport on the rise. The caged matches featuring two fighters who use punching, kicking and grappling techniques, have been national events rivaling and even surpassing the era of big time boxing matches. MMA fighters are a rare breed of athlete but they can be found everywhere, including Charlotte. Kenny Letts knows this and he founded a MMA organization called Fight Lab to promote area fighters. We'll step into the ring to learn more about local MMA bouts, the life of a promoter and the violent path a fighter must take to become a champion in the world of Mixed Martial Arts.GuestsKenny Letts - CEO / Pit Boss of Fight Lab Promotions. MMA Cage Fighting promotions co.Michael "Cornbread" Allen - Fight Lab Matchmaker & Director of Fighter RelationsJoseph "Eldingoloco" Carroll - Professional MMA fighter and Culinary Arts Student at Johnson and Wales

Part One: Opera Carolina's The Magic Flute. Opera Carolina continues its efforts to enhance the opera experience by featuring stage and costume design by famed visual artist Jun Kuneko in its new production of Mozart's The Magic Flute. But even with the vibrant visual aspects of the show, the music - and the opera singers - take center stage. We'll meet the stars of this new production of The Magic Flute to talk about how they make Mozart's beloved opera new for audiences in Charlotte, when Charlotte Talks.GuestsYunah Lee - Soprano, "Pamina" in The Magic Flute. She joined us almost exactly one year ago when she was the lead in Opera Carolina's Madama ButterflyShawn Mathey - Tenor, "Tamino" in The Magic FluteJames Meena - Opera Carolina’s General Director & Principal ConductorPart Two: Fight Lab. Mixed Martial Arts, known as MMA, is a sport on the rise. The caged matches featuring two fighters who use punching, kicking and grappling techniques, have been national events rivaling and even surpassing the era of big time boxing matches. MMA fighters are a rare breed of athlete but they can be found everywhere, including Charlotte. Kenny Letts knows this and he founded a MMA organization called Fight Lab to promote area fighters. We'll step into the ring to learn more about local MMA bouts, the life of a promoter and the violent path a fighter must take to become a champion in the world of Mixed Martial Arts.GuestsKenny Letts - CEO / Pit Boss of Fight Lab Promotions. MMA Cage Fighting promotions co.Michael "Cornbread" Allen - Fight Lab Matchmaker & Director of Fighter RelationsJoseph "Eldingoloco" Carroll - Professional MMA fighter and Culinary Arts Student at Johnson and Wales

Part One: Opera Carolina's The Magic Flute. Opera Carolina continues its efforts to enhance the opera experience by featuring stage and costume design by famed visual artist Jun Kuneko in its new production of Mozart's The Magic Flute. But even with the vibrant visual aspects of the show, the music - and the opera singers - take center stage. We'll meet the stars of this new production of The Magic Flute to talk about how they make Mozart's beloved opera new for audiences in Charlotte, when Charlotte Talks.GuestsYunah Lee - Soprano, "Pamina" in The Magic Flute. She joined us almost exactly one year ago when she was the lead in Opera Carolina's Madama ButterflyShawn Mathey - Tenor, "Tamino" in The Magic FluteJames Meena - Opera Carolina’s General Director & Principal ConductorPart Two: Fight Lab. Mixed Martial Arts, known as MMA, is a sport on the rise. The caged matches featuring two fighters who use punching, kicking and grappling techniques, have been national events rivaling and even surpassing the era of big time boxing matches. MMA fighters are a rare breed of athlete but they can be found everywhere, including Charlotte. Kenny Letts knows this and he founded a MMA organization called Fight Lab to promote area fighters. We'll step into the ring to learn more about local MMA bouts, the life of a promoter and the violent path a fighter must take to become a champion in the world of Mixed Martial Arts.GuestsKenny Letts - CEO / Pit Boss of Fight Lab Promotions. MMA Cage Fighting promotions co.Michael "Cornbread" Allen - Fight Lab Matchmaker & Director of Fighter RelationsJoseph "Eldingoloco" Carroll - Professional MMA fighter and Culinary Arts Student at Johnson and Wales

Part One: Opera Carolina's The Magic Flute. Opera Carolina continues its efforts to enhance the opera experience by featuring stage and costume design by famed visual artist Jun Kuneko in its new production of Mozart's The Magic Flute. But even with the vibrant visual aspects of the show, the music - and the opera singers - take center stage. We'll meet the stars of this new production of The Magic Flute to talk about how they make Mozart's beloved opera new for audiences in Charlotte, when Charlotte Talks.GuestsYunah Lee - Soprano, "Pamina" in The Magic Flute. She joined us almost exactly one year ago when she was the lead in Opera Carolina's Madama ButterflyShawn Mathey - Tenor, "Tamino" in The Magic FluteJames Meena - Opera Carolina’s General Director & Principal ConductorPart Two: Fight Lab. Mixed Martial Arts, known as MMA, is a sport on the rise. The caged matches featuring two fighters who use punching, kicking and grappling techniques, have been national events rivaling and even surpassing the era of big time boxing matches. MMA fighters are a rare breed of athlete but they can be found everywhere, including Charlotte. Kenny Letts knows this and he founded a MMA organization called Fight Lab to promote area fighters. We'll step into the ring to learn more about local MMA bouts, the life of a promoter and the violent path a fighter must take to become a champion in the world of Mixed Martial Arts.GuestsKenny Letts - CEO / Pit Boss of Fight Lab Promotions. MMA Cage Fighting promotions co.Michael "Cornbread" Allen - Fight Lab Matchmaker & Director of Fighter RelationsJoseph "Eldingoloco" Carroll - Professional MMA fighter and Culinary Arts Student at Johnson and Wales

Part One: Opera Carolina's The Magic Flute. Opera Carolina continues its efforts to enhance the opera experience by featuring stage and costume design by famed visual artist Jun Kuneko in its new production of Mozart's The Magic Flute. But even with the vibrant visual aspects of the show, the music - and the opera singers - take center stage. We'll meet the stars of this new production of The Magic Flute to talk about how they make Mozart's beloved opera new for audiences in Charlotte, when Charlotte Talks.GuestsYunah Lee - Soprano, "Pamina" in The Magic Flute. She joined us almost exactly one year ago when she was the lead in Opera Carolina's Madama ButterflyShawn Mathey - Tenor, "Tamino" in The Magic FluteJames Meena - Opera Carolina’s General Director & Principal ConductorPart Two: Fight Lab. Mixed Martial Arts, known as MMA, is a sport on the rise. The caged matches featuring two fighters who use punching, kicking and grappling techniques, have been national events rivaling and even surpassing the era of big time boxing matches. MMA fighters are a rare breed of athlete but they can be found everywhere, including Charlotte. Kenny Letts knows this and he founded a MMA organization called Fight Lab to promote area fighters. We'll step into the ring to learn more about local MMA bouts, the life of a promoter and the violent path a fighter must take to become a champion in the world of Mixed Martial Arts.GuestsKenny Letts - CEO / Pit Boss of Fight Lab Promotions. MMA Cage Fighting promotions co.Michael "Cornbread" Allen - Fight Lab Matchmaker & Director of Fighter RelationsJoseph "Eldingoloco" Carroll - Professional MMA fighter and Culinary Arts Student at Johnson and Wales

Part One: Opera Carolina's The Magic Flute. Opera Carolina continues its efforts to enhance the opera experience by featuring stage and costume design by famed visual artist Jun Kuneko in its new production of Mozart's The Magic Flute. But even with the vibrant visual aspects of the show, the music - and the opera singers - take center stage. We'll meet the stars of this new production of The Magic Flute to talk about how they make Mozart's beloved opera new for audiences in Charlotte, when Charlotte Talks.GuestsYunah Lee - Soprano, "Pamina" in The Magic Flute. She joined us almost exactly one year ago when she was the lead in Opera Carolina's Madama ButterflyShawn Mathey - Tenor, "Tamino" in The Magic FluteJames Meena - Opera Carolina’s General Director & Principal ConductorPart Two: Fight Lab. Mixed Martial Arts, known as MMA, is a sport on the rise. The caged matches featuring two fighters who use punching, kicking and grappling techniques, have been national events rivaling and even surpassing the era of big time boxing matches. MMA fighters are a rare breed of athlete but they can be found everywhere, including Charlotte. Kenny Letts knows this and he founded a MMA organization called Fight Lab to promote area fighters. We'll step into the ring to learn more about local MMA bouts, the life of a promoter and the violent path a fighter must take to become a champion in the world of Mixed Martial Arts.GuestsKenny Letts - CEO / Pit Boss of Fight Lab Promotions. MMA Cage Fighting promotions co.Michael "Cornbread" Allen - Fight Lab Matchmaker & Director of Fighter RelationsJoseph "Eldingoloco" Carroll - Professional MMA fighter and Culinary Arts Student at Johnson and Wales

Part One: Opera Carolina's The Magic Flute. Opera Carolina continues its efforts to enhance the opera experience by featuring stage and costume design by famed visual artist Jun Kuneko in its new production of Mozart's The Magic Flute. But even with the vibrant visual aspects of the show, the music - and the opera singers - take center stage. We'll meet the stars of this new production of The Magic Flute to talk about how they make Mozart's beloved opera new for audiences in Charlotte, when Charlotte Talks.GuestsYunah Lee - Soprano, "Pamina" in The Magic Flute. She joined us almost exactly one year ago when she was the lead in Opera Carolina's Madama ButterflyShawn Mathey - Tenor, "Tamino" in The Magic FluteJames Meena - Opera Carolina’s General Director & Principal ConductorPart Two: Fight Lab. Mixed Martial Arts, known as MMA, is a sport on the rise. The caged matches featuring two fighters who use punching, kicking and grappling techniques, have been national events rivaling and even surpassing the era of big time boxing matches. MMA fighters are a rare breed of athlete but they can be found everywhere, including Charlotte. Kenny Letts knows this and he founded a MMA organization called Fight Lab to promote area fighters. We'll step into the ring to learn more about local MMA bouts, the life of a promoter and the violent path a fighter must take to become a champion in the world of Mixed Martial Arts.GuestsKenny Letts - CEO / Pit Boss of Fight Lab Promotions. MMA Cage Fighting promotions co.Michael "Cornbread" Allen - Fight Lab Matchmaker & Director of Fighter RelationsJoseph "Eldingoloco" Carroll - Professional MMA fighter and Culinary Arts Student at Johnson and Wales

Part One: Opera Carolina's The Magic Flute. Opera Carolina continues its efforts to enhance the opera experience by featuring stage and costume design by famed visual artist Jun Kuneko in its new production of Mozart's The Magic Flute. But even with the vibrant visual aspects of the show, the music - and the opera singers - take center stage. We'll meet the stars of this new production of The Magic Flute to talk about how they make Mozart's beloved opera new for audiences in Charlotte, when Charlotte Talks.GuestsYunah Lee - Soprano, "Pamina" in The Magic Flute. She joined us almost exactly one year ago when she was the lead in Opera Carolina's Madama ButterflyShawn Mathey - Tenor, "Tamino" in The Magic FluteJames Meena - Opera Carolina’s General Director & Principal ConductorPart Two: Fight Lab. Mixed Martial Arts, known as MMA, is a sport on the rise. The caged matches featuring two fighters who use punching, kicking and grappling techniques, have been national events rivaling and even surpassing the era of big time boxing matches. MMA fighters are a rare breed of athlete but they can be found everywhere, including Charlotte. Kenny Letts knows this and he founded a MMA organization called Fight Lab to promote area fighters. We'll step into the ring to learn more about local MMA bouts, the life of a promoter and the violent path a fighter must take to become a champion in the world of Mixed Martial Arts.GuestsKenny Letts - CEO / Pit Boss of Fight Lab Promotions. MMA Cage Fighting promotions co.Michael "Cornbread" Allen - Fight Lab Matchmaker & Director of Fighter RelationsJoseph "Eldingoloco" Carroll - Professional MMA fighter and Culinary Arts Student at Johnson and Wales

It happens at the beginning of EVERY New Year… people around the world are intent on creating - and hopefully keeping - new habits. But how do habits affect our lives? Corporations? Society as a whole? We'll talk with New York Times reporter Charles Duhigg, who has done a decade-long study of habits, which he's outlined in his book, The Power of Habit. We'll talk about the science of habits, changing behavior, and how it works, when Charlotte Talks.GuestCharles Duhigg - Reporter for The New York Times and author of The Power of Habit