Twice a year 103.3 Asheville FM changes its on-air schedule to make room for new shows and give current DJs a chance to move time slots or drop from the schedule, based on their needs. (Programming at Asheville FM is done entirely by volunteer DJs and show hosts.)

This article is part of a series introducing you to the new shows hitting our schedule.

Table for Two is a brand new community-driven dating talk show! Co-hosts DJ Hot Probs and DJ HMU, along with the show’s resident supervisor, are excited to talk weekly on Tuesdays at 7pm. The show is narrative based and will incorporate stories and personal experiences, allowing for dialogue and community participation.

In the pilot episode, DJ Hot Probs expressed that Table for Two will allow for some psychoeducation as all three hosts have experience helping others articulate feelings they may not otherwise know how to express. Both hosts then went on to describe love and to explore the inner workings of love and romance. DJ Hot Probs, DJ HMU, and the resident supervisor look forward to talking in the next episode and expressed their thanks.

Table for Two airs on Tuesdays at 7pm.

You can listen to the latest archive of Table for Two here: https://ashevillefm.org/show/table-for-two/

More Posts for Show: Table for Two

Written by Malachi Mena

The Asheville City Council met Tuesday, July 23rd, to discuss a few different matters, primarily focusing on housing developments in Haw Creek. The meeting went on for over four hours and addressed other matters, including the Woolworth building, general obligation bonds, and community development. 

On AFM News Hour, host KP Whaley spoke to David Forbes, journalist for The Asheville Blade, who was in attendance at the Council meeting. Forbes explained that the majority of the meeting was focused on the 27 acres of land in Haw Creek that was proposed for housing development. According to Forbes a majority of the land is mature forest, and they expressed the rarity of such a thing in the city of Asheville. Controversy has been sparked regarding this housing plan since last year and Forbes made clear that the controversy is still very much present. 

Forbes explained that supposedly 2 of the 84 housing units will be considered affordable. They said the other 82 will be on the market for $500,000 or more. While the city is claiming this development will provide housing, members of the community have expressed that said housing will not be affordable. Forbes pointed out that people in Asheville with a modest salary simply cannot jump into a half-million-dollar home. They went on to explain that these new homes would likely go to wealthy people who can afford multiple houses or be turned into Airbnbs. Forbes goes on to state, “This isn’t trickle-down economics. We need affordable housing. We need housing people can actually live in and have some stability and autonomy.” 

Most of the neighborhood that spoke up about the situation said they did not approve and that the deal was decided in secret, according to Forbes. Ultimately though, the developers’ request was granted, five to one. Forbes went on to speak about the Asheville City Government and transit, parks, and sidewalks. They explained that unfortunately much of the funding towards these things will either be invested someplace else or go towards the wealthier parts of Asheville.

For more on the conversation and a deeper look at the City Council meeting, listen to this week’s episode of AFM News Hour. 

More Posts for Show: Asheville FM News Hour

By Malachi Mena

Mission nurses are talking of a potential strike due to staffing issues. Activists in the area are attempting to help these nurses by raising money in case of a strike.

On Open Air’s series, People’s Radio Hour, Rosemary Lord joined Jennifer Hampton to discuss the strike and how they’re working to support the Mission nurses union. Lord explained that as a longtime socialist, supporting workers is one of her key values. After Lord moved to Asheville, they heard about how Mission Hospital had changed after being purchased by the Hospital Corporation of America, which they described as a major issue for the community. It was really important to Lord to be a part of the effort that would help the nurses organize for a new contract.

Hampton went on to describe Lord as a “powerhouse of an organizer,” mentioning all their work with Asheville Food & Beverage United, the Asheville chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America, and the canvassing efforts for the tourism taxes for affordable housing. Lord responded, claiming that the affordable housing issue and the Mission nurses issue seemed connected. They said, “It’s all about the fact that Asheville could easily be a place that works for working people. There’s enough money coming in here. There’s enough resources for everybody, but the problem is it’s not distributed in an equitable way.”

The two then went on to discuss why the nurses need a strike fund and Mission’s policies and regulations. For more on the topic, listen to the second half of this week’s episode of Open Air.

Check the Asheville for Nurses Linktree for information about how to donate to the strike fund, volunteer to canvass, and more.

Family-friendly fundraiser for the Mission Nurses Strike Fund at One World Brewing West.
Sunday, July 28, noon–4 p.m.
Featuring performances by Monster Wave and the Rich Nelson Band, speeches by nurses, and a raffle.

Community Picket at Mission Hospital.
Tuesday, August 6, gathering at 5:30, starting at 6
All community members (and their pets!) are welcome to join and show support for Mission nurses. Signs provided or make your own!

AFBU General Membership meeting
July 30, 7 p.m.
12 Baskets
Open to members, and new membership can be established at the meeting.

Private Housing Caucus Group Meeting
July 30 at 6 p.m.
Email Jen to find out more.

WNC Workers Assembly Organizing 101
August 1, 5:30 p.m.
West Asheville Park, 198 Vermont Ave.
Email Jen to register and learn more.

Contact Jen: [email protected]

More Posts for Show: Open Air