The Robert Burns Podcast

Leadership and Growth: The Journey of Being Mayor for One Year

Hey friends! Welcome back to the Robert Burns Podcast! I'm Robert Burns, your dedicated host, and I'm thrilled to catch up with all of you. It's been some time since our last chat, but trust me, it's been a whirlwind of activity here in Monroe, North Carolina.
Today, I'm diving into my journey as the mayor of this incredible city—a role that's been one of the profound honors of my life. Over the past year, Monroe has grown and adapted, tackling challenges head-on with a spirit of resilience and unity. We've implemented changes to ensure our city's bright future while maintaining transparency and connection with all of you.
I'm all about fostering a sense of community and putting faith into action. My Christian values guide my leadership, and I believe in the power of biblical principles to lead any organization toward excellence. We've worked hard to streamline processes, revitalize our downtown, and encourage businesses to invest in Monroe.
Join me as I share the ups and downs, victories, and ongoing challenges. Together, we're building a community where everyone feels welcome and valued—where people help people, and where every voice matters. You're a vital part of this journey, and I'm grateful to have you along for the ride!

Unmasking the Political Landscape: A Fiery Dissection of Election Dynamics

Hey there! Welcome back to the Robert Burns Podcast. I'm Robert Burns, Mayor here in Monroe, North Carolina, and let me just say, it's been a whirlwind of a week. I’m so grateful you’re tuning in because today, we’re diving headfirst into some spicy election talk. Buckle up, my friend, because I’m about to get fired up!
We’ve seen some jaw-dropping shifts in the political arena recently. Can you believe the shake-up with Trump and J.D. Vance? It's like a political plot twist! And while the national scene seems to be buzzing with energy, things in North Carolina have been a whole different story. We're peeling back the layers on why the red wave didn’t crash into our state as expected.
We’re talking strategy, missed opportunities, and the importance of standing firm on policies over personalities. It’s a conversation about learning from past elections, preparing for the future, and the crucial role of unity and integrity in politics. Plus, you know I’ve got some thoughts on how we can rally together and make a difference in the coming years.
So, grab your favorite snack, get comfy, and join me as we navigate the twists and turns of the political landscape. And remember, amid all the political hustle, there's a bigger picture, a reminder of grace and perseverance. Thanks for being here, and as always, Jesus loves you. Catch you on the flip side!

Unmasking the Truth: A Conversation with Megan Basham

Hey there, podcast fam! 🎙️ Welcome to an exciting episode of the Robert Burns Podcast. Today is extra special because we’re not only recording audio, but also capturing our very first video podcast! 📹 Double the fun, right?
We’re thrilled to have a super special guest joining us—none other than New York Times bestselling author, Megan Basham. 🙌 Megan is not just an amazing writer; she’s a fellow dance mom and shares some hilarious and heartfelt stories about the Nutcracker season chaos. 🩰
In this episode, we dive deep into Megan’s journey to becoming a bestselling author and her eye-opening book, Shepherds for Sale. She sheds light on the surprising ways influential groups are trying to sway Christian communities and how her book is revealing the truth behind the scenes. 📚
Megan shares her insights on the current state of the church, the importance of standing firm in our faith, and how we can make a difference in the upcoming election season. 🗳️ Her passion for keeping the church grounded in biblical truth is truly inspiring.
This conversation is packed with wisdom, laughter, and some serious truth bombs. 💥 So grab your favorite drink, get comfy, and join us for a chat that’s as engaging as it is enlightening.
Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to check out Megan’s book! Until next time, keep shining bright! ✨

A Community United: Resilience and Hope After Hurricane Helene

 
Welcome to the Robert Burns Podcast! In this episode, we’re taking a closer look at the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina. The storm brought devastation, but also sparked an incredible wave of community spirit as towns rallied to rebuild and support one another. 🌪️
Join me, Rob, as I share my firsthand experience of the damage and the inspiring stories of courage and resilience I’ve witnessed. From local heroes stepping up to the logistical challenges of recovery, we’re diving deep into the heart of it all. 🛠️
We’ll explore how these communities have come together, putting aside differences and working tirelessly to provide aid where it’s needed most. This episode is a powerful reminder of the strength and unity that emerges in the face of adversity. 🤝
Thanks for listening, and remember—spreading hope and kindness makes all the difference. Stay safe, and God bless! 🙏

From the Womb to the Tomb: Embracing Life's Journey

Hey there! Today, we're diving into a heartfelt conversation about life's most precious journey. Although our buddy Will couldn't join us, I'm thrilled to chat with two amazing women, Tara Quinn from the Help Pregnancy Center in Monroe and Amelia Ball, a passionate pro-life advocate.
We're exploring what it truly means to be pro-life, from the womb to the tomb, and the incredible work these ladies are doing to support families and bring hope to those in need. Tara shares her journey of redemption and how a mobile ultrasound unit is making a difference at one of the busiest abortion clinics in the Southeast. It's a God-driven mission that's changing lives one heartbeat at a time!
Amelia opens up about her early calling to the pro-life ministry and how a powerful dream led her to make a tangible impact. Her story is one of compassion, action, and a deep belief in the sanctity of life.
Join us as we discuss the importance of church involvement in the pro-life movement and how we can all play a part in supporting life at every stage. It's a conversation filled with hope, love, and a whole lot of heart. You won't want to miss it!

An Unmissable Conversation: Michelle Morrow's Inspiring Journey & Bold Vision for Education

Hey friends! Welcome back to the Robert Burns Podcast. Today, we've got an incredibly exciting and important interview lined up for you. Trust me, you won't want to miss this one. We're chatting with none other than Michelle Morrow, a dynamic individual who's been making waves and might just be our next Superintendent of Public Instruction in North Carolina!
Michelle's journey is nothing short of inspiring. A devoted Christian, wife, mother of five, nurse, teacher, and former missionary, she's been passionately fighting for the freedoms of every citizen in North Carolina and advocating for education reform. In this episode, Michelle shares her vision for a safer, more disciplined, and academically focused public school system that truly puts students first.
We also dive into Michelle's personal experiences, including her involvement in the January 6th events and her unwavering commitment to making a difference for our children and future generations. Her bold and practical approach to addressing the challenges in our education system is refreshing and much needed.
So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and join us for this enlightening conversation with Michelle Morrow. Let's get inspired to make a change together!

Energizing the Union: A Chat with Allison Powers

Hey friends! 🌟 Join us for an exciting episode of the Robert Burns Podcast where Rob and Will sit down with Allison Powers, the dynamic head of the Union County GOP. Ever wondered what’s stirring up the political scene in Union County? Well, Allison is here to spill the tea! 🫖 From sharing her journey from the nuclear industry to leading a political charge, to discussing the palpable excitement of this election season, Allison gives us a front-row seat to the GOP’s efforts. Plus, hear about her personal experiences, including being the top door knocker in the country and meeting Donald Trump! 🇺🇸 Whether you’re a seasoned political enthusiast or just curious about the buzz, this episode is packed with insights and practical tips on how you can get involved. Don't miss out on the latest updates and upcoming events in Union County. 🎉 Tune in, get inspired, and find out how you can make a difference. Let's get involved and make every vote count! 🗳️

Dad Talks: Navigating Fatherhood in the 21st Century

Hey everyone! Rob and Will here, and we're thrilled to have you listening to the Robert Burns podcast. Today, we're switching things up to chat about one of the most rewarding yet challenging roles—being a dad in the 21st century. With Rob's six kids and Will's three (sometimes feeling like sixteen!), we've got plenty of stories and insights to share. From the joys of fatherhood to the lessons learned from our own fathers, we're diving deep into what it means to raise children today. Whether you're a dad, a future dad, or a father figure, this episode is for you. Let's talk about the importance of being a spiritual leader, the power of humility, and the lasting impact we can have on our children's lives. Join us as we laugh, reflect, and maybe even shed a tear or two. Don't miss out—tune in now!