Coach Will Byrne — Leading the Maiden Blue Devils Into the Playoffs

In this episode, I sit down with Head Coach Will Byrne of the Maiden Blue Devils, one of North Carolina’s most respected football programs. Coach Byrne has guided Maiden to an incredible regular season run and secured a spot in the NCHSAA 4A Playoffs — a testament to discipline, culture, and relentless preparation.

We dive into:

🏈 Building a championship-caliber mindset🔥 Leadership lessons learned on and off the field💙 The tradition and pride behind Maiden football⚔️ Preparing for tonight’s rivalry showdown vs. Newton-Conover in Week 10!
🎯 What it takes to compete at the highest level in NC high school football

From strategy to culture, faith to family — this conversation taps into the heart of what Friday nights mean in small-town North Carolina.

If you love high-school football, legacy, and authentic leadership stories, this one’s for you.

Filmed on location at Maiden High School.

Coach Greg Hardy is more than an assistant coach at Newton-Conover High School — he’s a mentor, a father, and a true servant leader. A father of four Red Devils, Greg has made it his mission to pour into the next generation, both on and off the field.

As a leader with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Greg connects with students on a deeper level — especially those who are searching for adults who genuinely care. His story is one of faith, family, and commitment to helping young men find purpose through football and beyond.

🎧 Tune in as we sit down with Coach Hardy to talk about what drives him, how he builds relationships with players, and what it means to lead with heart in a program built on legacy and love.

This interview is in accordance with the TRIPLE project. A documentary film dedicated to the state of football at the high school level in American culture.

#NewtonConover #RedDevilsFootball #FCA #FaithFamilyFootball #Leadership #CoachHardy #HighSchoolFootball #Mentorship

In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Shannon Wingate Jr., star running back and team captain of Maiden High School — a player many across North Carolina consider the best running back in the state.After transferring from North Lincoln last season, questions surrounded his future. But Shannon has silenced all doubt through discipline, consistency, and character — transforming speculation into motivation. His focus on mindset, training, and a healthy lifestyle has not only elevated his game, but also inspired those around him.🎥 This conversation goes beyond football — exploring what it takes to lead, grow, and stay grounded when expectations are sky-high.—Featuring: Shannon Wingate Jr.Produced by: JoshLloydMediaSeries: TRIPLE: Keepers of The FlameLocation: Maiden High School — Maiden, NC #HighSchoolFootball #MaidenBlueDevils #ShannonWingateJr #NorthCarolinaFootball #TRIPLEFilm #JoshLloydMedia #FridayNightLights #RunningBack #NCPrepFootball #HighSchoolAthletes #FootballMindset

🎙️ Behind the Hair: On Set with René Warnes

Join us for an exclusive deep dive into the world of cinematic hairstyling with René Warnes—beauty artisan, film-industry pro, salon owner, and trendsetter.

From her beginnings in Atlanta’s bustling beauty scene, René has brought more than 12 years of hairstyling expertise to major Hollywood productions. As a key hair stylist on blockbuster franchises like The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2, Allegiant, The Fate of the Furious, Loki, American Animals, and the upcoming The Electric State, René brings characters to life—one strand at a time .

Most notably, she stepped into her first department-head role on Showtime’s George & Tammy. She deftly navigated supply chain delays, executed multiple period hairstyles from the 1960s to the ‘90s, and led a diverse team to breathe authenticity into the lives of icons like George Jones and Tammy Wynette .

Now based in Hickory, NC, René fuses her Hollywood-honed artistry with a boutique-salon experience at René Warnes Studio. Known for its warm, spa-like ambiance, top-tier hair, nail, and waxing services, the studio brings film-level styling to everyday clients .

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🎧 What to Expect

Behind-the-scenes storytelling – hear how René tackles tight timelines, wig troubleshooting, and era-spanning styles.

Creative problem-solving in action – learn the “MacGyver hair” techniques she used on George & Tammy.

Career insights – follow her journey from key hair stylist to department head and salon founder.

Practical beauty tips – salon-worthy tricks you can try at home, inspired by her Hollywood background.

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Who it's for: hairstylists, film & TV creatives, style lovers, and anyone fascinated by the craft behind unforgettable on-screen looks.

Tune in for heartfelt stories, professional wisdom, and a fresh take on the high-stakes beauty of life on set—with René Warnes leading the conversation.

As we wrap up 2024, we’re taking a trip down memory lane with the best moments from this year’s episodes! From thought-provoking conversations to laugh-out-loud moments, this special recap highlights the unforgettable clips and standout guests that made 2024 so memorable. Whether you’ve been with us all year or are just tuning in, this episode is packed with the greatest hits you won’t want to miss.

Celebrate the journey with us—here’s to an incredible 2024 and an even brighter year ahead!

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Unlocking Transformation:

A Conversation with Life Coach Adam Knapp

In this episode, we sit down with transformational life coach Adam Knapp from Asheville, North Carolina. Adam shares his powerful insights on navigating life's challenges, breaking free from limiting beliefs, and embracing personal growth. With years of experience helping individuals discover their true potential, Adam delves into the importance of mindset, emotional resilience, and aligning with your purpose. Whether you're seeking clarity, motivation, or a fresh perspective, this conversation will inspire you to take the next step toward your own transformation.

Learn more about Adam at www.knappcreative.com.

All Rights Reserved. Copyright RIDGE JOURNAL, 2024.

In this episode, I sit down with Mark Ludwig, the defensive line coach and head of football operations at North Lincoln High School. Coach Ludwig shares insights into the team's preparation for the upcoming season, his leadership strategies, and how he's keeping the program on track through challenging times. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at the dedication and resilience that drive high school football success.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED; COPYRIGHT RIDGE JOURNAL, 2024.

Nick Bazzle is the head coach of the North Lincoln Knights Football team in Lincoln County, North Carolina. With decades of experience coaching high school football across the state, Coach Bazzle has made a name for himself as a master of the triple-option offense—a strategic approach that has defined his teams and brought success on the field. Known for his commitment to developing young athletes, he has led the Knights with a combination of discipline, dedication, and innovation. This season, his dedication is all the more evident as he temporarily stepped back to support his family, showing his commitment to both his team and personal values.

Join us as we dive into Coach Bazzle’s career, his insights on running the triple option, and his vision for the Knights this season.

All Rights Reserved; Copyright RIDGE JOURNAL, 2024.