1on1 with Jon Evans

His name is Brandon Hickman. But fans know him best as ‘Bigg B’, the man behind the voice they hear on the “Bigg Ride Home” every weekday on Coast 97.3. Bigg B’s impact on Wilmington goes far beyond his DJ work. He is a mentor, a volunteer, a leader and an entrepreneur, always encouraging others to know “Better is Possible”.

Alex Highsmith is an imposing figure in his shoulder pads and Pittsburgh Steelers uniform. If you look closely, you will also see a little chip on his shoulder. It’s the fuel that has powered Highsmith’s internal engine, helping the Wilmington native reach the National Football League, where he is now paid to play the game he used to play for fun. Highsmith has already noticed the difference.

Early in his career, Sam Gore sold insurance as a second job while he worked as the “Voice of the UNCW Seahawks”. His goal was to become a network play-by-play sports announcer. Never wavering in his belief that God opens doors along the way, Sam took advantage of every opportunity and now has a “dream job” at ESPN.

Kathy Reichs’ new book, The Bone Code, is the 20th in her bestselling Bones series that features forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan. It’s a murder-mystery ‘ripped from the headlines’ that takes Tempe back to an unsolved case from her past. Reichs has also co-authored the young adult Virals books, and produced episodes of the long-running Bones television series, entertaining millions of fans since her debut in 1997.

Known for his signature hit The Devil Went Down to Georgia, Charlie Daniels has entertained fans around the world for more than 50 years. His award-winning career includes playing with legends like Bob Dylan and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Charlie joined the Grand Ole Opry and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. His new memoir, Never Look at the Empty Seats, recalls growing up in Wilmington, spending summers in Bladen County, and cutting his musical chops playing in beer joints in Jacksonville.