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 .

---

🎧 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.

---

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!

All Rights Reserved; Copyright RIDGE JOURNAL.

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.

Our latest guest..

Mayor Mike Sobol of Black Mountain, North Carolina

In this episode, we sit down with Mayor Mike Sobol of Black Mountain, North Carolina. A dedicated community leader, Mayor Sobol has been at the forefront of recovery and relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Helene, which recently impacted Western North Carolina. Known for his proactive leadership and commitment to his community, Mayor Sobol shares invaluable insights into the challenges of organizing relief, coordinating resources, and supporting residents through the aftermath.

Join us as he discusses the resilience of the WNC community, the power of coming together in times of crisis, and the vision for Black Mountain’s future.

All Rights Reserved. Copyright RIDGE JOURNAL 2024.

Kathleen B. Shannon entered the healing arts of psychotherapy to provide high-quality mental health care. As a licensed mental health counselor, she is dedicated to helping her clients live their most authentic lives, enhancing their relationships with others and their communities.

Kathleen's approach to therapy involves guiding her clients to connect with both their conscious and unconscious minds, enabling them to gain a comprehensive understanding—head, heart, and gut—of the changes they have long needed to make. These changes, once made, have a lasting impact, empowering her clients to effect positive transformations in their own lives and contribute to a better world for everyone.

Kathleen offers customized support for a wide range of mental health needs. She specializes in psychotherapy for anxiety, depression, and insomnia, drawing on her own experiences of having been highly depressed and anxious, with sleep issues stemming from these struggles. Kathleen believes that everyone deserves real help for real problems, provided by someone who takes the time to truly see, hear, and understand them.

Learn more about Kathleen and her work at www.realtherapy.me.

Connect with Kathleen by phone at - 828-481-8843.

All Rights Reserved. Copyright RIDGE JOURNAL, 2024.