Listen to Podcasts

Finding Faith and Fire in Public Service: A Conversation with Mark Walker

August 12, 2026

Discover the true cost of faith, politics, and resilience as special guest Congressman Mark Walker joins hosts Odell and Bill. From navigating the harsh realities of the political arena and fighting for international rel...

The Common Ground Show | Slave Tags, Business Battles & Why We Can't Go Home Again

July 1, 2026

Two friends confront retirement myths, entrepreneurial grit, and America's racial wounds—while examining real slave artifacts that spark raw honesty. Bill and Odell blend business wisdom, faith, and hard history to...

The Common Ground Show | Failed at Retirement: Ex-Mayor Nancy Vaughn on Lobbying, Politics & Greensboro

June 4, 2026

Former Mayor Nancy Vaughn thought she was retiring—until lobbying and politics pulled her back in. In this candid conversation, she shares insights on North Carolina politics, the realities of city leadership durin...

You Can’t Go Home Again: Life Reflections at 66 | Bougie Black, Business Truths & Going Home

May 8, 2026

At 66, can you truly go home again? Three friends reflect on life’s chapters, family legacies, aging parents, business wisdom, and navigating change in this heartfelt and humorous conversation filled with real talk...

Kelly Returns: Bill, Odell & Maverick on Tariffs, EVs & Iran | Porsche Rocket Ships, $125 Gas, and Serious War Talk

April 9, 2026

Four outspoken friends deliver another unfiltered ride: wild banter about EVs vs. gas guzzlers, brutal Trump tariffs that nearly bankrupted a business, the Iran war, college sports chaos, and the heavy cost of freed...

Common Ground is back! | AI, Elections, and Tesla Talk: The Conversation America’s Having

March 17, 2026

From self‑driving Teslas to geopolitics and rising property taxes, this episode dives into the issues shaping everyday American life. The Common Ground crew tackles AI addiction, drone warfare, midterm election uncerta...

Building a Better Community: The Last Episode

June 6, 2025

We are going out with a bang with the whole crew! In this final episode, Bill, Odell, Kelly Hahn, and Marty Kotis tackle political conflicts, the Diddy trial, and economic development in Greensboro, while stressing the n...

Best of Bill and Odell - Bridging Divides: A Hunting Trip and Hard Truths

May 30, 2025

How do you handle racial issues when they affect your closest relationships? This special “best of” episode of The Common Ground dives into just that. Hosts Bill and Odell share a powerful story from a huntin...

Breaking Down Education Myths

May 23, 2025

In this episode of The Common Ground Show, Bill and Odell bring their trademark candor and warmth to a wide-ranging conversation at the intersection of education, race, and community leadership. Drawing from their divers...

From Activism to Conservatism: Craig Scott's Journey

May 16, 2025

Join Bill and Odell as they sit down with Craig Scott, whose remarkable journey has taken him from black militant activism to becoming a leading voice in the conservative movement. In this candid conversation, Craig shar...

Economic Growth and Community Empowerment

May 9, 2025

Join hosts Odell and Dori Goebel on this episode of Finding Common Ground as they sit down with Greensboro developer Andy Zimmerman for a dynamic conversation on the future of community development in Greensboro. The dis...

Economic Policies and Personal Freedoms

May 2, 2025

Join Bill and Odell on Finding Common Ground as they bridge divides and spark understanding through candid conversation. This episode explores urgent issues shaping society today, from economic policy and personal freedo...

US-China Relations: A Complex Landscape

April 25, 2025

Bill, Odell, Kelly, and the Maverick (yes, all four!) are back for an exciting episode of the Common Ground Podcast. This week, they tackle the complex relationship between the United States and China, diving into the Am...

Navigating Local Politics with Robbie Perkins

April 18, 2025

Join Bill and Odell on “Common Ground” as they dive into a captivating conversation with Greensboro mayoral candidate Robbie Perkins. Perkins shares his rich local government experience, focusing on community...

Navigating Free Speech and Boundaries

April 11, 2025

Bill Goebel and Odell Cleveland are back with another engaging episode of the Common Ground Podcast, joined once again by Marty “The Maverick” Kotis. This time, the trio dives into a lively and thought-provok...

Resilience in Political Campaigns with Marikay Abuzuaiter

April 4, 2025

Join Bill and Odell on Finding Common Ground as they sit down with Marikay Abuzuaiter, who is now running for mayor of Greensboro. In this engaging conversation, they explore the vibrant tapestry of neighborhood identiti...

Elon Musk: The Controversial Innovator

March 28, 2025

On this episode, Bill and Odell are going all in on Elon Musk, exploring his influence on government contracts and the role of his DOGE team in addressing government waste. They also delve into race relations, personal a...

Navigating Political Accountability

March 21, 2025

Bill and Odell are back! They kick off the episode by catching us up on what’s been happening during their break. Then, the conversation dives into critical global and domestic topics, including the proliferation o...

Best of Bill and Odell: The Go Giver - Bob Burg

February 28, 2025

Bob Burg, the bestselling author of The Go-Giver, shares how a subtle shift in focus is not only a more uplifting and fulfilling way of conducting business but the most financially profitable way, as well. One Rep...

Best of Bill and Odell: Sleep in Heavenly Peace

March 14, 2025

Luke Mickelson is the Executive Director of Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a non-profit that believes all children deserve a safe, comfortable place to lay their heads, joins the podcast. One Republican, one Democrat, on...

Best of Bill and Odell: Is there common ground between people of color and white supremacists

March 7, 2025

Today's guest, Kelvin Pierce, was raised by the founder and leader of the National Alliance, one of the most well-known White Supremacist organizations in the world. One Republican, one Democrat, one black, ...

Best of Bill and Odel: Bill's Unique Connection to Europe

February 21, 2025

Bill has an interesting connection to the current events in Europe, he adopted a child from Poland. Bill's daughter Jessa joins the podcast for a special episode. To learn more, please visit our website http://www....

Best of Bill and Odell: Odell's Family History in Slavery

February 14, 2025

Odell shares part of his family's history as slaves in the South. #BlackHistoryMonth One Republican, one Democrat, one black, one white, both devoted Christians that love the Lord and one another! Follow each week as Bil...

Best of Bill and Odell: Philmont Boy Scout Ranch

February 7, 2025

Bill and Odell discuss their trip to a ranch in New Mexico for a Boy Scouts Board retreat. They have an honest discussion about the current state of the Boys Scouts of America. One Republican, one Democrat, ...

Best of Bill and Odell: Finding Faith

January 31, 2025

Bill and Odell share their stories of salvation. One Republican, one Democrat, one black, one white, both devoted Christians that love the Lord and one another! Follow each week as Bill and Odell Find Common...

Best of Bill and Odell: Family History

January 24, 2025

Bill and Odell share their personal histories and learn lessons from the struggles their family went through. One Republican, one Democrat, one black, one white, both devoted Christians that love the Lord an...

Best of Bill and Odell: Race, Inequity, Leadership and Boy Scouts

January 17, 2025

Bill and Odell are joined by Patrick Sterrett, the EVP, Assistant Chief Scout Executive – High Adventure Bases, and General Manager of Summit Bechtel Reserve for the Boys Scouts of America to discuss the changes th...

Best of Bill and Odell with Rabbi Joshua Ben-Gideon

January 10, 2025

Rabbi Joshua Ben-Gideon joins Bill and Odell for an honest discussion about Christianity and the Jewish faith. One Republican, one Democrat, one black, one white, both devoted Christians that love the Lord a...

Best of Bill and Odell: Civil Rights Journey

January 3, 2025

Bill and Odell went on a tour of Civil Rights landmarks and found themselves at Ebenezer Baptist Church with Bill, a white Republican, being recruited to march into the church with a group of Boy Scouts. One Republican, ...

Best of Bill and Odell: Bridging the Gap: A Conversation on Race and Friendship

December 27, 2024

We revisit Common Ground’s first episode as Bill and Odell, a black Democrat and a white Republican, share stories that define their unique friendship. Through personal experiences, they explore race, kindness, and...

Understanding School Safety in Today's World

December 20, 2024

Bill and Odell discuss the alarming rise in school shootings, and the complexities of racial dynamics in society. They delve into the challenges of political representation and the impact of bullying within political cir...

Andy Zimmer: Leadership in Community Challenges

December 13, 2024

The Common Ground Show In this engaging episode, Bill and Odell are joined by guest Andy Zimmer to tackle pressing community issues like leadership, racial relations, and homelessness. They dive into the power of collabo...

Hunter Biden's Pardon: A Political Dilemma

December 6, 2024

Join Bill and Odell as they dive into the heart of today’s political landscape, tackling everything from Hunter Biden’s controversial pardon to the shifting dynamics of presidential power. This engaging dialogue expl...

The Pencil's Wisdom: Life Lessons Unveiled

November 29, 2024

It’s the 200th episode! Bill and Odell reflect on their journey, emphasizing gratitude and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. They discuss the significance of being thankful and the resilience needed in life....

Lessons from the Election: What Went Wrong?

November 22, 2024

This insightful dialogue explores the complex political dynamics of recent local and national elections. Bill and Odell engage with Kathy Kirkpatrick, chair of the Guilford County Democratic Party, discussing Greensboro�...

Marty Kotis: Bridging Political Divides

November 15, 2024

In a vibrant discussion, Bill and Odell join Marty “The Maverick” Kotis to explore a wide range of topics. The conversation highlights the ongoing debate between capitalism and socialism, examining their implications...

Election Insights: What We Learned

November 8, 2024

Bill, Odell, and Kelly Hahn discuss what happened with the election including topics like racial issues, the need for a strong third political party, Trump’s promises, and what happened in Bill's race. They share pers...

Innovative Approaches to Public Education

November 1, 2024

Bill and Odell discuss various themes surrounding community engagement, racial issues, the election landscape, innovative solutions for public education, collaboration in politics, and the role of AI in education. The di...

Mobilizing Voters for Change

October 25, 2024

Join Bill and Odell on this episode of The Common Ground, where they tackle pressing themes like community engagement, racial issues, and political controversies. Dive into an in-depth discussion on Goble's innovative ca...

Mobilizing Voters for Change

October 18, 2024

Unity in Diversity: Embracing American Values

October 11, 2024

Bill Goble and Odell discuss various themes including community engagement, racial issues, political dynamics in North Carolina, and insights from Bill's recent trip to Ukraine. The conversation emphasizes the importance...

Bridging Hearts: Bill's Journey in Ukraine

October 4, 2024

Bill and Odell speak about Bill's experiences in Ukraine, focusing on his efforts to support children in orphanages and hospitals amidst the ongoing conflict. They discuss the importance of finding common ground in racia...

Political Allegiances and Their Impact

September 27, 2024

Bill and Odell discuss the current political landscape in North Carolina, focusing on the implications of Mark Robinson's campaign and the importance of finding common ground on racial issues. They explore the challenges...

Despicable Me: Reflections on Leadership and Position

September 20, 2024

Bill and Odell discuss Bill's candidacy for the Guilford County school board, emphasizing the importance of community engagement, addressing racial issues, and finding common ground among differing perspectives. The dial...

Debate Analysis: Kamala Harris vs. Donald Trump

September 13, 2024

In this conversation, Bill and Odell discuss various themes surrounding community engagement, political dynamics, and the importance of education. They explore the significance of finding common ground on racial issues, ...

Upcoming Mayoral Election with Robbie Perkins

September 6, 2024

In this conversation, Bill Goebel and Robbie Perkins discuss his run for the upcoming mayoral election in Greensboro. Perkins outlines his platform, which includes focusing on public safety, affordable housing, and plann...

The Significance of the Black Vote

August 30, 2024

The conversation covers transparency in local government, racial issues, and legal battles affecting a small town. It explores power dynamics in politics, the black vote's significance, and shifts in North Carolina polit...

Anger in Politics

August 23, 2024

Join Odell and Bill as they delve into a rich tapestry of topics, from politics and racial issues to personal adventures. The discussion explores themes of power, racial reconciliation, and political momentum, highlighti...

The Importance of Unity and Respectful Campaigning

August 16, 2024

Join Bill Goble, candidate for the Guilford County school board, as he shares his experience, goals, and the importance of supporting teachers and staff. Goble discusses his endorsements from the Guilford County Associat...

The Role of the Media in Politics

August 9, 2024

Join Bill and Odell as they explore America’s complex past and present. From racial tensions and political divides to the media's role and the impact of slavery, they cover essential topics that shape our society. Disc...

Polarization and the Potential for Civil Unrest with Kelly Hahn

August 2, 2024

The conversation revolves around the upcoming election and the potential candidacy of Kamala Harris. The hosts discuss racial issues, the power dynamics between Trump and Biden, and the need for a strong platform from Ha...

Marty Kotis: Maverick Speaks his Mind

July 26, 2024

Marty Kotis joins us to cover a diverse range of topics including politics, racial issues, policy, and the recent assassination attempt on former President Trump. We discuss the upcoming election, candidates' policies, a...

Decoding 'Make America Great Again'

July 19, 2024

The conversation launches with a powerful prayer for America's resilience and unity, setting the stage for a dynamic exploration of personal experiences, political insights, and the upcoming school board election. Join B...

Dr. Lexi Lain: Balance Your Life Final

July 12, 2024

On this episode of Finding Common Ground, Bill and Odell welcome special guest Neuropathic Dr. Lexi Lain. Their faith-based conversation is all about those A-type, highly successful people who need to practice self-c...

Wow What A Debate

July 5, 2024

On this episode of Common Ground, Bill and Odell share their thoughts and opinions about the latest presidential debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump. Some of the opinions from both sides of the political platform...

Summerfield and Democrats For Goebel

June 28, 2024

On this episode of Finding Common Ground, discover how Summerfield and all political parties are united in supporting Bill Goebel for the School Board. Find out more here. Additionally, Bill and Odell delve into national...

Marikay Abuzuaiter

June 21, 2024

On this episode of Common Ground, Bill and Odell welcome back Marikay Abuzuaiter, Greensboro City Councilwoman At Large. They discuss the significance of the Toyota Plant in Greensboro, North Carolina, its impact on the ...

First Woman Eagle Scout to Speak at The National BSA Meeting

June 13, 2024

In this episode of Common Ground, Bill and Odell have a special conversation with Selby Chipman, the first woman to speak at the National Boy Scouts of America Meeting. Selby, a 20-year-old college student and Eagle Scou...

End of Life Option Act HB 780

June 6, 2024

On this episode of Common Ground, Bill and Odell welcome Dr. Steve Kline, a cardiologist, to discuss the sensitive topic of euthanasia and physician assisted suicide. Bill shares the poignant story of his brother's final...

Maverick Goes Rambo

May 31, 2024

In this episode of Common Ground, Bill and Odell engage in a detailed conversation with Marty Kotis, CEO of Kick Ass Concepts and a member of the Board of Trustees at UNC Chapel Hill. They discuss the recent campus prote...

Waking Up At Night

May 24, 2024

On this episode of Common Ground, Bill and Odell delve into the issues that keep them up at night. They discuss the student protests around North Carolina and Marty Kotis's involvement, the drama in Summerfield, NC, and ...

Trump Trail - Money, Power, and Sex

May 17, 2024

On this episode of Common Ground, Bill and Odell explore the profound impact of money, power, and sex on those who possess all three, with a particular focus on Donald Trump. They also compare the differences between Bid...

Everything Is Local

May 9, 2024

On this episode of Common Ground, Bill and Odell tackle the Trump trial and explore alternative presidential candidates to Trump and Biden. Get ready for a lightning round of current events! Later, they delve into Bill's...

Pray For First Responders

May 2, 2024

On this episode of Common Ground, Bill and Odell explore a diverse range of subjects, from the ongoing protests on college campuses concerning the Israel/Palestinian conflict, to the unfolding developments in the preside...

If You Were President

April 25, 2024

In this episode of Common Ground, Bill and Odell dive into some interesting territory, asking each other, "So, what would you do if you were president?" It's a fascinating discussion, and they don't stop there. They also...

Faith Amidst Fire: Rev. Sergei Kukushkin-Ukrainian Pastor

April 19, 2024

Join us as we sit down with Rev. Sergei Kukushkin, a Ukrainian pastor whose life took an unexpected turn when Russia invaded his homeland while he was vacationing in Germany. Together, we delve into the harrowing realiti...

Goebel Getting His Signatures

April 11, 2024

Join us on this episode of Common Ground, where Bill Goebel and Odell Cleveland delve into the intricacies of Bill's journey to secure the required signatures for his candidacy on the district 3 school board ballot, amid...

Deconstructing the "N" Word

April 5, 2024

In this episode of Finding Common Ground, Bill and Odell delve into the complex and sensitive issue surrounding the use of the "N" word. Joining them are esteemed guests: movie producer and radio host, Timothy McCain, an...

Common Ground: Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina

March 29, 2024

In this installment of Common Ground, Bill and Odell are joined by Sharon Hirsch and Kris Demers from the Positive Childhood Alliance North Carolina. Together, they delve into the critical topic of child abuse prevention...

Bill's Unique Connection to Europe

March 8, 2024

Common Ground: Down The Mountain Road

March 21, 2024

On this episode Bill and Odell correlate a harrowing trip on a dangerous road trip in the mountains to what's happening in politics in North Carolina with Lt. Governor Mark Robinson and Republican Chairman Michael Whatle...

Common Ground: I Am A Human Being

March 14, 2024

Join Bill Goebel and Odell Cleveland as they dive back into the political fray on the latest episode of Common Ground. From Bill's insightful anecdotes about navigating school board politics to Odell's candid discussion ...

Best Of - Hope Academy

March 1, 2024

On this episode, Bill and Odell chat in length with Josh Mullins the Head Of School for Hope Academy in North Carolina that schools young kids who are from the poorer parts of the county and how he helps them thrive and ...

Men's Health

February 29, 2024

Get set for another episode of Common Ground with hosts Bill Goebel and Odell Cleveland, where they're joined by the insightful Dr. Megin Gregory from Novant Health in Charlotte, North Carolina. They're delving into cruc...

Common Ground - Palestinian Perspective

February 15, 2024

In this gripping episode, Bill Goebel and Odell Cleveland chat with Marikay Abuzuaiter, who's married to a Palestinian with close ties to the Israeli conflict. Marikay shares touching stories about how her family and fri...

Kelly and Odell Gone Wild

February 8, 2024

In this episode, Bill and Odell are joined by the dynamic entrepreneur Kelly Hahn to delve into a range of pressing topics impacting both North Carolina and the nation. From reflections on Donald Trump to discussions sur...

Kelly Gone Wild

January 25, 2024

In this episode, Bill and Odell are joined by the charismatic Kelly Hahn, who doesn't hold back! The lively conversation covers a range of pressing political topics, including birth control, Bill's school board depositio...

Hope Academy

February 1, 2024

Entrepreneurial Peanut Butter and Chocolate with Kelly Hahn

January 19, 2024

In this episode, Bill and Odell delve into a dialogue with entrepreneur Kelly Hahn, unraveling the tapestry of his extensive business career. The narrative includes the intriguing story of how he reached his first millio...

14th Amendment Article 3

January 12, 2024

On this episode, Bill and Odell talk about various topics, including what exactly the 14th Amendment Article 3 is and how that affects former President Donald Trump. They also tap into how a local "Proud Boys" member i...

Trauma Informed With Dr. Keeney

January 5, 2024

In this episode, Bill and Odell engage in a profound discussion with Dr. Ronald Keeney, the visionary behind Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina, established 45 years ago. They delve into the delicate yet crucial topic of...

Gas Part 2

December 29, 2023

In this episode, Bill and Odell delve deeper into crucial national matters, including border concerns, conflicts in Ukraine and Israel, and the prevailing financial landscape.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy infor...

Gas

December 22, 2023

In this episode, Bill and Odell delve into various topics, from Bill's school board campaign to the obstacles he faces, to a distressing antisemitic incident that unfolded in South Carolina. If you'd like to support Bill...

Rabbi Ben-Gideon Visits Israel

December 15, 2023

On this episode, Bill and Odell host their friend Rabbi Ben-Gideon, who recounts his recent visit to Israel. During his insightful discussion, the rabbi delves into his firsthand observations and learnings from the event...

Rabbi Guttman And the Israel-Palestinian Conflict Part 2

December 8, 2023

In the latter segment of Bill and Odell's poignant dialogue with Rabbi Guttman, the focus shifts towards a discussion about the pervasive issue of global antisemitism and its impact, along with other significant challeng...

Rabbi Guttman and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Part 1

December 1, 2023

In this gripping interview, Bill and Odell invite their friend, Rabbi Guttman, to take the spotlight and delve into the significant events that unfolded in Israel on the fateful day of October 7th, exploring their impact...

Youth Resilience Summit III

November 10, 2023

On this episode, Jim Allegretto once again steps with Bill to talk about a very important event that is close to the hearts of Bill and Jim. The Youth Resilience Summit in Raleigh, North Carolina on November 16th. Th...

Youth Resilience Summit II

November 2, 2023

On this episode, without Odell, Bill and special guest host, Jim Allegretto, the Director of The Youth of North Carolina, discuss childhood abuse with Sharon Hirsch from Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina and the Youth R...

Youth Resilience Summit

October 26, 2023

On this very special episode, Bill and Odell talk with Emma Rush of the Youth Resilience Summit to talk and educate everyone on the dangers of predators of our youth and how to recognize the dangers. The Youth Resili...

Yellow Dog Democrat

October 20, 2023

On this episode, Odell is flying solo and this one is intense! Switching parties. Why do this? This all stemmed from North Carolina Representative Tricia Cotham switching from the Democratic Party to the Republican P...

Rabbi Andy and the War in Israel

October 13, 2023

On this emotional episode, Bill and Odell sit down with Rabbi Andy and he explains in depth about the horrific terrorist attacks in Israel last week and what we should know about Israel and their people. See omnystudi...

You Name It

October 6, 2023

On this episode, Bill and Odell discuss (in the most entertaining way that they do) the ousted Speaker of the House, Kevin McCarthy, and what happened. What's politics without former president, Donald Trump, and h...

Policical Razzle Dazzle

September 29, 2023

On this episode, the theme is "Uppity." What does that mean for both Bill and Odell? Find out here. Also, with the looming government shutdown, how is that going to affect people, well, those in government like Kev...

Taking The High Road

September 22, 2023

On this episode, the common theme is, "Pick Your Own Switch." Bill and Odell will explain. They'll cover topics that relate to the theme, like Attorney General Merrick Garlin, Jim Jordan and Kevin McCarthy and their ...

My Leftist Buddy Odell Cleveland Keeping Receipts

September 15, 2023

This episode is themed, "Keeping Receipts." Bill and Odell will explain this interesting phrase and how it links into the topics of conversation, which starts with the now super-college football coach Deion Sanders and...

The Young And The Restless

September 8, 2023

On this episode, Bill and Odell talk on a wide variety of subjects, from former NFL player and now coach Deion Sanders and his words, "Sticks and Stones," to the latest drama in the Guilford County School Board to the Ja...

Hunter Biden Going To Jail

September 1, 2023

On this show, Bill and Odell voice their opinions on weather Hunter Biden will go to jail. What do you think? Hmmm. Also, what's the latest with the school board and Bill's drama. Plus lots more of what's going on ...

Republican Debate

August 25, 2023

With the first Republican debate concluded, how do Bill and Odell feel? What are they thinking and what are their takeaways? You'll get both the Democratic side and the Republican side of this debate. Also, what's ha...

Trump Indictment II

August 18, 2023

It's the cool kids episode. Bill and Odell will explain. The major topic of this podcast is the looming indictments against former president Donald Trump. Bill and Odell have a colorful view of what they think will h...

Riverfront Brawl and Jefferson Davis

August 11, 2023

On this episode Bill and Odell discuss the Riverfront Brawl in Mobile, Alabama and the racial aspect of it all. They also have an in depth talk about the autobiography of Jefferson Davis, the commander of the Confedera...